5 Key Hardware Upgrades to Elevate Microsoft Surface Pro Next Generation

Microsoft’s Surface tablet line stands as a testament to the company’s ongoing commitment to redefining what a Windows PC can be. Since the original Surface RT debuted in 2012, each new generation has brought notable refinements, enhanced performance, and sometimes, bold experimentation—think of the now-discontinued Surface Duo’s ambitious dual-screen design. Yet for all the Surface Pro’s recent advances, including the compact 12-inch model sporting Snapdragon X Plus silicon and Copilot+ AI integration, the desire for meaningful hardware evolution remains a consistent refrain among the brand’s most ardent fans. As the tablet market becomes ever more competitive, with Apple, Dell, Lenovo, and others rapidly innovating, Microsoft faces mounting pressure to address lingering shortcomings and anticipate the needs of a mobile-first era.
This article explores five hardware upgrades that would meaningfully elevate the next-generation Surface Pro, each drawn from both ongoing user feedback and broader industry trends. Beyond merely listing wishful features, we’ll critically analyze their practical impact, feasibility, and the competitive imperative for Microsoft to keep its flagship tablet line at the cutting edge.

The Anti-Reflective Display Dilemma​

One of the most common complaints about recent consumer Surface models is their reflective displays. For reasons that remain unclear, Microsoft has chosen to reserve anti-reflective (AR) coatings for its business-targeted Surface SKUs—a move that both puzzles and frustrates general consumers. This division seems especially arbitrary given that other manufacturers, including Apple, Dell, and HP, have started equipping their consumer devices with highly effective AR treatments or even offering matte display options.
An anti-reflective screen makes a major difference in real-world usability, especially for mobile professionals or students who frequently move between environments with changing light. Whether you’re on a sunny patio, in a bright classroom, or simply trying to watch Netflix in your living room on a summer afternoon, glare can render even the most advanced display next to useless. Modern AR coatings can now reduce reflected light by up to 60–70% in some implementations.
By continuing to keep this feature out of reach for mainstream Surface buyers—even when the “business” versions are technically available to anyone willing to hunt them down—Microsoft risks appearing disconnected from the needs of its broader user base. Moreover, since AR coatings have become nearly baseline for competing flagship tablets and laptops, especially at premium price points, there’s little justification for their omission in the next Surface Pro.

Potential Risks​

Introducing AR coatings across all Surface models isn’t without its challenges. The cost of applying high-quality coatings at scale can impact unit economics, and some tech companies have been slow to implement matte options due to concerns about color fidelity. However, modern AR technologies have largely closed the color gap, and consumer willingness to pay for improved usability likely outweighs the marginal cost increase—especially on a premium device. If Microsoft fails to act here, it risks further eroding user goodwill and losing ground to rivals who increasingly list anti-glare tech as a standard feature.

Built-In 5G: The Missing Connectivity Puzzle​

The ongoing rollout and expansion of 5G networks has instilled always-on connectivity as a default expectation for mobile devices. While virtually every recent smartphone offers 5G by default, the Surface Pro lineup generally lags behind—sometimes for entire product cycles. The newly launched Surface Laptop 7, for instance, introduced a 5G variant months after its initial reveal, underscoring Microsoft’s apparent ambivalence toward this key feature.
5G isn’t merely a “nice-to-have.” The ability to work seamlessly from anywhere—without relying on spotty Wi-Fi or the hassle of phone tethering—has become a hallmark of true productivity devices. Microsoft’s omission of 5G support in the latest 12-inch Surface Pro is particularly baffling, given its lightweight chassis, cellular-friendly Snapdragon X Plus processor, and pick-up-and-go ambitions. Competitors like Apple (with the iPad Pro’s cellular versions) and Samsung have all made 5G (or at least LTE) part of their flagship offerings for several generations.

Why Hasn’t Microsoft Prioritized 5G?​

Integrating 5G is not without its engineering complexities. Cellular antennas require significant internal real estate and sometimes force relocations of batteries or other critical components. There are also additional certifications, carrier partnerships, and recurring costs to consider. But these hurdles are rapidly becoming table stakes across the industry, and the assumption that professionals or remote workers should always default to Wi-Fi seems increasingly antiquated.

Long-Term Risks and Opportunities​

By delaying or limiting 5G offerings, Microsoft risks ceding valuable mindshare among mobile-first users—precisely the demographics the Surface Pro was designed to serve. If the next Surface Pro does not ship with a 5G option on day one, the device may appear dated beside rival tablets and laptops, potentially dampening sales and user satisfaction.

Human Presence Detection: Security Meets Convenience​

As Windows 11 continues to mature, its native support for “Presence Sensing” hardware is now well established. These sensors, found in a growing number of modern laptops and premium desktops, use a mix of visual and infra-red technology to determine whether a user is present, allowing devices to automatically wake, sleep, or lock based on proximity.
Not only does this deliver tangible power savings, but it also offers significant security benefits. Imagine a Surface Pro that automatically locks when you step away at a coffee shop, or that dims its display if it notices someone else peering over your shoulder—a feature Microsoft is reportedly working to expand with an “Onlooker Detection” setting.
Presence-sensing tech is available in select enterprise-oriented Windows PCs and some consumer products, including Dell’s XPS line and Lenovo’s ThinkPad X1 series. Apple has yet to embrace this category (at least on the iPad), so Microsoft has a genuine opportunity to leapfrog its rivals and deliver a uniquely secure and intelligent user experience.

Implementation Challenges​

Presence-sensing sensors require both hardware (generally a combination of cameras and IR modules) and optimized software. They can marginally affect power usage, and there are ongoing debates about processing presence data locally versus via the cloud—a privacy consideration Microsoft must handle with care.

The Competitive Edge​

By integrating presence detection as standard across all Surface Pro models, Microsoft could position its next generation as not just the best Windows tablet but also a leader in proactive device security and contextual awareness. Such a move would dovetail nicely with Windows 11’s evolving focus on adaptive, AI-driven experiences. The only risk lies in adoption cost and potential privacy skepticism—a concern that can be mitigated with transparent, on-device data policies.

Three USB-C Ports: Returning Flexibility in a World of Fewer Ports​

The relentless drive for device thinness has led Microsoft, like many tech giants, down a path of reducing physical connectivity options. USB-A, Mini DisplayPort, microSD slots, headphone jacks, and even proprietary connectors like Surface Connect have all but vanished from recent Surface Pros. While the shift toward USB-C as a universal I/O solution is both logical and necessary, the loss of port diversity can hinder the very productivity the Surface brand champions.
The current 12-inch Surface Pro features two USB-C ports, which, while ahead of Apple’s single-port iPad Pro, often proves limiting in practice. Power users find themselves forced to juggle peripherals, choose between charging or external displays, or live with external dongles and hubs—a reality that undermines the Surface’s minimalist aesthetic and on-the-go appeal.

The Case for a Third USB-C Port​

Expanding to three USB-C ports would address many of these pain points. It would mean greater flexibility for connecting external monitors, charging devices, running peripherals, or expanding storage. The difference is substantial: a user could dock, charge, and transfer data simultaneously—no dongles required. Rivals like Lenovo’s Yoga tablets and Dell’s XPS laptops offer up to four Thunderbolt/USB-C ports on some models, making Microsoft’s two-port configuration appear increasingly modest.
A shrewd bonus: placing at least one USB-C port on the opposite side of the tablet would further reduce cable clutter and awkward desk setups.

Feasibility and Design Considerations​

The main challenges are internal: making space for another port in an ever-thinner chassis and maintaining compliance with USB 4/Thunderbolt 4 spec. That said, consumer feedback has been resoundingly in favor of more ports, and the modest thickness required for an additional USB-C socket is almost certainly a trade-off worth making—especially if Microsoft continues paring back other I/O options.

LED Flash Module: A Small but Useful Addition​

Tablet cameras have long struggled with the perception of being “good enough” for video calls and little else. For many, the rear camera on a 12-inch device seems superfluous or even awkward, especially given modern smartphone photographic prowess. It’s understandable that Microsoft—and many users—focus less on camera hardware and more on maintaining a slim, unobtrusive chassis.
Yet the omission of a simple LED flash module leaves a gap in the Surface user’s toolkit. It isn’t about flash photography per se, but about real-world utility. In scenarios ranging from power outages to finding a dropped SD card behind a sofa, a built-in flashlight is a feature most users have come to expect from their primary mobile devices—including phones and some smaller tablets.

Pro and Cons of Inclusion​

Adding an LED flash module is a low-cost, low-complexity upgrade that could genuinely improve the Surface experience in niche but important situations. While professional photographers aren’t likely to rely on their Surface Pro for critical shots, students, on-the-go professionals, and remote workers can all recall times when a quick flashlight would save the day. If Microsoft is reluctant due to concerns about added thickness or aesthetics, a flush-mounted LED—common in the smartphone world—would solve most objections while providing additional, practical value.

The Competitive Landscape: Why These Features Matter​

Each of these five hardware upgrades—anti-reflective displays, day-one 5G, human presence detection, a third USB-C port, and a rear LED flash—addresses both a real customer pain point and a specific competitive threat. For years, Microsoft has positioned the Surface Pro as the “real computer” in a tablet form factor, capable of replacing both a laptop and a traditional tablet. To keep this messaging credible, Microsoft must ensure that hardware innovation does not stagnate.
Competitors are evolving quickly. Apple’s iPad Pro now supports multi-display connectivity, fast charging over USB-C, and optional nano-texture glass. Dell and HP are pushing anti-glare technology down to mid-range models. Lenovo and Samsung are steadily improving the build quality and productivity focus of their tablets and convertibles. Even smaller brands are rolling out affordable devices with features once considered premium. In this climate, the omission of features like 5G or AR coating is no longer excusable—they represent gaps that can actively drive users to rival platforms.

Risks in Pursuing Aggressive Hardware Upgrades​

Of course, no wishlist is free from trade-offs. Introducing multiple upgrades at once—in ports, sensors, displays, and radios—can affect production costs, internal space, thermal profiles, and supply chain complexity. The more features a device adds, the more difficult it becomes to maintain the minimalist, lightweight elegance that anchors the Surface identity.
There are also risks of “feature creep,” where chasing every hardware advantage sacrifices focus or leads to reliability issues. Apple, for instance, is notoriously deliberate in introducing new technologies, often waiting years before adding features proven elsewhere—then refining them for mass adoption. Microsoft must strike a balance between first-mover advantage and thoughtful, reliable execution.

A Vision for the Next Surface Pro​

Ultimately, the next-generation Surface Pro needs more than incremental upgrades to remain a leader in the premium tablet segment. Flagship features like AR displays, 5G connectivity, privacy- and security-enhancing sensors, greater port flexibility, and quality-of-life additions like an LED flash don’t just add to a spec sheet; they reaffirm the Surface philosophy of uncompromising productivity and adaptability.
To realize this vision, Microsoft must demonstrate proactive listening—attending not only to its business and enterprise partners but to a growing base of creative professionals, remote workers, and mobile enthusiasts. These users value design and performance, but increasingly prioritize features that reflect real-world workflows: working outdoors, collaborating on the move, and seamlessly transitioning between tablet and laptop paradigms.
A Surface Pro that launches with anti-reflective displays on all SKUs, ships with 5G as a standard or at least immediate option, integrates leading-edge presence detection, offers three USB-C ports with thoughtful placement, and quietly adds a practical flashlight module would represent more than just an iterative update. It would be a statement that Microsoft understands the spirit of innovation—and that it intends to remain at the forefront of mobile computing, not merely follow where others lead.

Conclusion: The Road Ahead for Surface​

Despite some areas of stagnation, Microsoft’s Surface Pro remains a benchmark for what a Windows tablet-hybrid can achieve. Yet the pace of competition and consumer expectation has never been more relentless. The most loyal members of the Surface community continue to champion the category, but their patience—tested by avoidable omissions and cumbersome workarounds—may not prove infinite.
If Microsoft embraces bold, user-driven hardware upgrades in its next Surface tablet, it will do more than silence critics. It will win back those lapsed early adopters who have watched the Surface story unfold, sometimes with excitement, sometimes with frustration, always with hope for “just one more thing.” The path forward is clear: Listen. Innovate. Lead. And deliver a Surface Pro that is not just good enough for today, but fully equipped for the challenges of tomorrow’s mobile, connected world.

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Source: Pocket-lint 5 hardware upgrades I want to see in Microsoft's next Surface tablet