Surface enthusiasts will find the latest offerings from Microsoft intriguing, as you get the new Surface Pro 12 and Surface Laptop 13, both powered by Qualcomm’s Snapdragon X Plus chip. These devices run Windows 11 and feature advanced Wi-Fi 7 connectivity, with impressive battery life claims of up to 16 and 23 hours for the Pro and Laptop, respectively.
You can choose from multiple colors and configurations, but note the Surface Pro 12 omits the magnetic Surface Connect charging port. Both models are scheduled for delivery on May 20, making this a timely upgrade for your tech setup.
Overview of Surface Pro 12
For those seeking a versatile 2-in-1 device, the Microsoft Surface Pro 12 offers a sleek and powerful option. Powered by Qualcomm’s Snapdragon X Plus chip, it runs Windows 11 and comes with Microsoft’s Copilot+ PC suite. With a 12-inch touchscreen, detachable keyboard, and stylus support, this device is designed to adapt to your work and creativity needs.
You’ll find it lightweight and portable, with impressive battery life and modern connectivity options, making it a strong choice for anyone wanting mobility without sacrificing performance.
Design and Display
For your visual and productivity needs, the Surface Pro 12 features a 12-inch LCD touchscreen with a 2,196 x 1,464 resolution and a smooth 90Hz refresh rate. The classic 3:2 aspect ratio supports your workflow with more vertical space, and the included Surface Slim Pen lets you write or draw naturally.
Its slim, aluminum chassis weighs just 686 grams and is only 7.8 mm thick, making it highly portable. You’ll appreciate the adjustable kickstand and detachable keyboard, now offered in new vibrant colors.
Specifications and Performance
One of the key strengths of the Surface Pro 12 is its Qualcomm Snapdragon X Plus processor with eight cores, paired with 16GB of LPDDR5x RAM.
You can choose between 256GB and 512GB of fast storage, ensuring smooth multitasking and ample space for your files. The device operates silently thanks to its fanless design and supports Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 5.4 for fast, reliable wireless connections.
Also notable is the Surface Pro 12’s impressive battery endurance, with up to 12 hours of web browsing and 16 hours of local video playback. Despite removing the magnetic charging port, it offers dual USB-C ports supporting USB 3.2 and DisplayPort 1.4a, covering a wide range of your peripheral needs. However, there is no cellular connectivity option this time, so you’ll rely on Wi-Fi networks for internet access.
Features of Surface Pro 12
Some standout features of the Surface Pro 12 include a 12-inch LCD touchscreen with a sharp 2,196 x 1,464 resolution and a smooth 90Hz refresh rate, perfect for both work and creative tasks. You benefit from the classic 3:2 aspect ratio and stylus input via the bundled Surface Slim Pen, which magnetically attaches and charges on the device’s back.
Under the hood, the Arm-based Qualcomm Snapdragon X Plus chip pairs with 16GB LPDDR5x RAM to deliver efficient performance in a sleek 7.8 mm aluminum chassis weighing just 686 grams.
Connectivity and Ports
Between the two USB-C ports supporting USB 3.2 and DisplayPort 1.4a, you have flexible options for data transfer and external display connectivity. However, you’ll find no USB-A port or cellular connectivity option this time, and Microsoft has removed the magnetic Surface Connect charging port, so charging relies entirely on USB-C. Connectivity is enhanced with Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 5.4, ensuring you stay well-connected in modern wireless environments.
Battery Life and Usage
Alongside its thin design, the Surface Pro 12 promises impressive endurance with up to 12 hours of web browsing and 16 hours of local video playback. While the actual battery capacity isn’t disclosed, these estimates suggest the device is optimized for extended use, ideal if you need all-day productivity without frequent recharging interruptions.
Another point to consider is that the Surface Pro 12 operates silently thanks to the absence of internal cooling vents, which means your device stays quiet during demanding tasks.
This, paired with the efficient Snapdragon X Plus chip, helps enhance battery efficiency and manage heat, so you can maintain performance without overheating concerns during your daily work or entertainment.
Overview of Surface Laptop 13
There’s a new compact powerhouse in Microsoft’s Surface Laptop lineup with the Surface Laptop 13, designed to offer a balance of portability and performance. Equipped with Qualcomm’s Snapdragon X Plus chip and running Windows 11, this 13-inch device promises strong productivity and seamless connectivity.
Starting at $900, it comes in Ocean, Violet, and Platinum colors, giving you options to match your style. With deliveries set for May 20, it’s a fresh contender for those seeking a lightweight, stylish laptop with long-lasting battery life and modern features.
Design and Display
Between its aluminum chassis and weight of just 1.22 kg, the Surface Laptop 13 is designed for easy portability without compromising on build quality. You get a 13-inch LCD touchscreen with a crisp 1,920 x 1,280 resolution and a 3:2 aspect ratio, perfect for productivity tasks and multimedia consumption.
The 60Hz refresh rate balances smooth visuals while preserving battery life, and the inclusion of a 1080p webcam with Windows Hello enhances your video conferencing experience.
Specifications and Performance
Behind the sleek design lies Qualcomm’s 8-core Snapdragon X Plus chip paired with 16GB LPDDR5x RAM, offering you capable performance for everyday tasks and multitasking. Storage options include 256GB or 512GB configurations, providing flexibility depending on your needs.
Connectivity is up-to-date with Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 5.4, while ports include 1x USB-A and 2x USB-C supporting USB4 and DisplayPort 1.4a, catering to a variety of peripheral setups.
Further emphasizing its endurance, the Surface Laptop 13 delivers an impressive 16 hours of web usage and up to 23 hours of local video playback, meaning you can comfortably go through your day without worrying about battery life.
The inclusion of USB4 ports ensures fast data transfers and display connectivity, while the lightweight build promotes easy mobility, making this an excellent option if you prioritize both performance and portability.
Features of Surface Laptop 13
Unlike its larger counterparts, the Surface Laptop 13 offers a more compact and portable design with a 13-inch LCD touchscreen boasting 1,920 x 1,280 px resolution and a smooth 60Hz refresh rate. You get an aluminum chassis weighing just 1.22 kg, powered by the Snapdragon X Plus chip with 16GB LPDDR5x RAM and options for 256 or 512GB storage.
The 3:2 aspect ratio and 1080p webcam with Windows Hello make it ideal for productivity and casual use alike, all wrapped in your choice of Ocean, Violet, or Platinum colors.
Connectivity and Ports
The Surface Laptop 13 offers a versatile port selection, including 1x USB-A 3.1, 2x USB-C ports supporting USB 4 and DisplayPort 1.4a, and a headphone jack. With Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 5.4 connectivity, you can expect fast, reliable wireless performance. Whether you connect external displays, storage devices, or accessories, the laptop’s ports ensure seamless compatibility with your workflow and peripherals.
Battery Life and Usage
Usage of the Surface Laptop 13 promises extended sessions thanks to its claimed battery life of up to 16 hours for web usage and an impressive 23 hours for local video playback, allowing you to stay unplugged longer during work or entertainment. Though the exact battery capacity isn’t disclosed, these figures indicate a strong focus on endurance to keep up with your day-to-day demands.
At its core, the Surface Laptop 13’s exceptional battery life is designed to support your mobile lifestyle, providing up to 16 hours of web browsing and a remarkable 23 hours of video playback. This means you can rely on your device throughout the workday and well into the evening without frequent charging.
However, note that Microsoft has not revealed the actual battery size, so real-world results may vary based on your usage habits and settings. Still, the combination of efficient ARM architecture and optimized software makes this laptop a solid choice for productivity and media consumption.
Pricing and Availability
After the announcements, you can pre-order the Surface Pro 12 starting at $800 (€979/£799) for the 256GB model, available in Platinum, Violet, and Ocean colors. The Surface Laptop 13 begins at $900 (€1,099/£899) for the same storage configuration and shares the same color options. Both devices are scheduled for delivery on May 20.
These prices reflect Microsoft’s push for premium Arm-powered devices with competitive specs, so you’ll want to act quickly if you’re interested in upgrading your setup with these latest Surface models.
Comparison with Previous Models
Notably, the Surface Pro 12 and Surface Laptop 13 bring meaningful upgrades while retaining familiar features. You gain improved performance with the 8-core Qualcomm Snapdragon X Plus chip and up-to-date connectivity, but some changes may impact your experience, such as the removal of the Surface Connect charging port on the Pro 12. Both devices adopt modern designs and color options, yet battery capacity remains undisclosed despite longer claimed usage times compared to previous generations.
| Feature | Surface Pro 12 & Laptop 13 vs Previous Models |
|---|---|
| Processor | Snapdragon X Plus (8 cores), upgraded over older Intel/previous Snapdragon CPUs |
| Display | Pro 12 keeps Surface’s signature 3:2 aspect ratio; Laptop 13 maintains similar resolution but opts for 60Hz (Pro 12 has 90Hz) |
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 5.4, plus USB-C updates; Pro 12 drops magnetic Surface Connect charging |
| Battery | No official capacity disclosed, though usage times have increased (e.g., up to 16h web use on Pro 12) |
| Design & Weight | Thinner, lighter chassis for Pro 12 (686g, 7.8mm); new colors but removal of Alcantara keyboard finish |
Final Words
Considering all points, the Microsoft Surface Pro 12 and Surface Laptop 13 offer you versatile choices with powerful Qualcomm Snapdragon X Plus processors, vibrant displays, and long battery life. Whether you prefer the portability and flexibility of the Pro 2-in-1 or the traditional laptop form factor, both devices deliver modern connectivity and stylish designs.
With Microsoft’s Copilot+ suite enhancing productivity, these new Surface models are well-suited to meet your needs for work and entertainment while staying lightweight and efficient.
