The debut of the Microsoft Surface Pro 12 (2025) marks both an evolution and a recalibration of the company’s flagship two-in-one device, introducing a new approach that straddles value, performance, and Microsoft’s ever-growing commitment to artificial intelligence. Yet for all the anticipation, a week of daily use reveals a device that, while competent and forward-thinking in some regards, struggles to decisively outshine its established tablet rivals—most notably Apple’s iPad Pro.
Once spearheaded by Panos Panay, Microsoft’s Surface line exuded experimental confidence, regularly introducing new form factors and showcasing the bleeding edge of Windows innovation. The departure of Panay to Amazon signaled an unmistakable pivot: the Surface family is now streamlined, catering more directly to mainstream and commercial markets over niche experimenters.
The Surface Pro 12 (2025) is emblematic of this shift. It replaces the outgoing Surface Go line as Microsoft’s entry-level Surface, with pricing starting at $799.99/£799/AU$1,499—a notable reduction from last year’s Surface Pro 11, which began at $999.99/£1,049.99/AU$1,899.99. The move seems to target customers put off by the stratospheric price of Apple’s iPad Pro 13-inch ($1,299/£1,299/AU$2,199), positioning the Surface Pro 12 as a cost-effective alternative without sacrificing the complete Windows 11 desktop experience.
However, beneath this apparent value proposition are calculated trade-offs. The Pro 12 is less an outright replacement for the Pro 11, and more a parallel, stripped-down alternative. Microsoft unambiguously continues to sell the Surface Pro 11 alongside the Pro 12, potentially muddying the waters for buyers who equate bigger model numbers with more power.
Curiously, the move to a smaller and thicker-bezel screen runs somewhat counter to the broader industry trends, including Apple, which have emphasized immersive, edge-to-edge displays. The Surface Pro 12’s bezels, particularly in Platinum color, come off as more utilitarian than cutting edge—a subjective but notable aesthetic setback.
For connectivity, Microsoft has ditched the proprietary Surface Connect port, adopting industry-standard USB-C for power and data but limiting ports to two USB-C 3.2, not USB4/Thunderbolt 4 as on the Pro 11. There’s support for Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 5.4 but no 5G cellular option—a sacrifice to reach the lower price point.
A notable omission is the easily accessible NVMe port for DIY storage upgrades, present on the Pro 11 but absent from the Pro 12—a step back, particularly for more technical users.
Moreover, the fanless design, facilitated by the Snapdragon chip’s power thriftiness, results in a silent device—ideal for classrooms, offices, and other quiet environments where fan noise is unwelcome.
But ARM’s legacy complications still linger. Compatibility with legacy x86 Windows programs, while greatly improved thanks to Microsoft’s Prism translation layer and a growing body of native ARM apps, isn’t perfect. For most mainstream productivity software, performance and compatibility are now sufficient, but professionals relying on niche or legacy tools should proceed with caution; not every app has made the leap.
In practice, the AI experience is underwhelming and sometimes unfinished. The "Click To Do" tool, for instance, promises context-aware quick actions—like opening an image with a background removed—but, in its current preview state, often misinterprets user intent or operates merely on screenshots instead of live files. Likewise, the “Recall” feature, which logs and helps search your visual workflow, is now opt-in and locally stored for privacy, but currently feels sluggish and prone to error—a far cry from the “game-changing” billing Microsoft has implied.
Even with security improvements (notably requiring Windows Hello biometrics and explicit user activation for Recall), the feature remains a privacy trade-off, and most daily users will struggle to see the practical utility versus its resource footprint. The proliferation of AI in Windows 11 currently stands as a promise yet to be meaningfully realized for most.
Camera hardware itself is a mixed bag. The front 1080p sensor is serviceable but not on par with Apple’s latest, and the Ultra HD rear camera, while fine in daylight, struggled with noise and lag in lower light, sometimes even failing to save images.
Crucially, due to the redesigned 12-inch form factor, older Surface keyboards and covers are incompatible, which will frustrate long-time Surface users hoping to re-use past investments.
On the bright side, the Pro 12 supports standard USB-C charging (any 27W+ charger should suffice), and Microsoft no longer includes a wall charger by default—arguably a plus for those awash in USB-C bricks, though new buyers may feel shortchanged.
Apple’s iPad Pro M4 runs circles around the Surface’s ARM chip in terms of raw performance and display technology, while its Magic Keyboard offers a more adjustable angle and svelte design. On the other hand, it’s locked to mobile-optimized apps—some of which, despite their limitations, are slicker than their Windows equivalents for touch and casual creativity.
The Surface Pro 12, by contrast, is bulkier and feels "cheaper" at first touch, yet the truth is more nuanced: it’s heavier because it encompasses true desktop potential. The iPad Pro may win on design and immediate polish, but loses ground for heavy productivity outside Apple’s software garden.
Yet, as Apple continues to innovate on hardware polish and tablet fluidity, Microsoft’s strategy for Surface seems to be about broad accessibility rather than disruptive innovation. The Pro 12 is not the most exciting Surface, nor—bizarrely—the most “Pro” Surface available. But it remains the best choice for many who simply need Windows flexibility in an ultra-portable, fanless device.
Whether these improvements and price reductions are enough to lure die-hard iPad users remains to be seen. As it stands, for those who value the unique strength of a desktop OS in tablet form, and who are willing to accept a few rough edges and preview-grade AI, the Surface Pro 12 (2025) stands alone in its niche. For everyone else, it’s a capable device with a few too many caveats to be a must-buy, but a compelling step in the ongoing evolution of the Windows tablet.
Source: TechRadar I've used the Surface Pro 12 (2025) for the past week - but it won't make me ditch the iPad Pro any time soon
Microsoft’s Shifting Surface Philosophy
Once spearheaded by Panos Panay, Microsoft’s Surface line exuded experimental confidence, regularly introducing new form factors and showcasing the bleeding edge of Windows innovation. The departure of Panay to Amazon signaled an unmistakable pivot: the Surface family is now streamlined, catering more directly to mainstream and commercial markets over niche experimenters.The Surface Pro 12 (2025) is emblematic of this shift. It replaces the outgoing Surface Go line as Microsoft’s entry-level Surface, with pricing starting at $799.99/£799/AU$1,499—a notable reduction from last year’s Surface Pro 11, which began at $999.99/£1,049.99/AU$1,899.99. The move seems to target customers put off by the stratospheric price of Apple’s iPad Pro 13-inch ($1,299/£1,299/AU$2,199), positioning the Surface Pro 12 as a cost-effective alternative without sacrificing the complete Windows 11 desktop experience.
However, beneath this apparent value proposition are calculated trade-offs. The Pro 12 is less an outright replacement for the Pro 11, and more a parallel, stripped-down alternative. Microsoft unambiguously continues to sell the Surface Pro 11 alongside the Pro 12, potentially muddying the waters for buyers who equate bigger model numbers with more power.
Unpacking the Hardware: A Measured Step Forward
Display and Form Factor
Oddly for the Surface line, the new "12" in Surface Pro 12 refers not to its generation, but to its screen size—a sharp departure from the numbering convention. The device delivers a 12-inch LCD with a 2196 x 1464 resolution (220 PPI) and a 90Hz refresh rate. While this makes for a compact, easily handled device—especially compared to the 13-inch Pro 11—the actual screen is smaller, lower resolution, and capped at a lower refresh rate (the Pro 11 offers 120Hz and 2880 x 1920 pixels at 267 PPI).Curiously, the move to a smaller and thicker-bezel screen runs somewhat counter to the broader industry trends, including Apple, which have emphasized immersive, edge-to-edge displays. The Surface Pro 12’s bezels, particularly in Platinum color, come off as more utilitarian than cutting edge—a subjective but notable aesthetic setback.
Internals and Performance
A single CPU configuration defines this generation: the 8-core ARM-based Qualcomm Snapdragon X Plus, paired with 16GB RAM and 256GB storage (configurable to 512GB for $100 more). The processor marks another doubling down on ARM after years of Microsoft trying to close the “Windows on ARM” app compatibility gap. The variant used here is a step down from the 10-core Snapdragon X Plus or the even more powerful X Elite available in the Pro 11.For connectivity, Microsoft has ditched the proprietary Surface Connect port, adopting industry-standard USB-C for power and data but limiting ports to two USB-C 3.2, not USB4/Thunderbolt 4 as on the Pro 11. There’s support for Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 5.4 but no 5G cellular option—a sacrifice to reach the lower price point.
A notable omission is the easily accessible NVMe port for DIY storage upgrades, present on the Pro 11 but absent from the Pro 12—a step back, particularly for more technical users.
Performance Benchmarks (as reported by TechRadar):
- 3DMark Solar Bay: 5,921
- 3DMark Wildlife Extreme: 3,179
- Geekbench 6.4 Single-core: 2,263
- Geekbench 6.4 Multi-core: 9,913
- Crossmark Overall: 1,103
- Crossmark Responsiveness: 1,003
- PugetBench Photoshop: 4,043
- Battery (TechRadar test): 17 hours, 49 minutes
Battery Life: The Underrated Highlight
Where the Snapdragon X Plus truly shines is battery efficiency. Nearly 18 hours of continuous video playback is a remarkable feat, rivaling and, in some cases, even exceeding Apple’s M-series-powered iPad Pros and MacBook Airs. For many Windows users, this aspect alone may outweigh the Pro 12’s modest step-downs in display and throughput.Moreover, the fanless design, facilitated by the Snapdragon chip’s power thriftiness, results in a silent device—ideal for classrooms, offices, and other quiet environments where fan noise is unwelcome.
Windows 11, ARM, and the (Limited) Allure of AI
A key Surface differentiator remains its ability to run the full suite of desktop Windows 11 programs—a capability the iPad Pro, for all its hardware muscle, can’t match due to the limitations of iPadOS. This means access to professional apps (Office, Photoshop, Visual Studio, etc.) and workflows that simply aren’t possible on mobile platforms.But ARM’s legacy complications still linger. Compatibility with legacy x86 Windows programs, while greatly improved thanks to Microsoft’s Prism translation layer and a growing body of native ARM apps, isn’t perfect. For most mainstream productivity software, performance and compatibility are now sufficient, but professionals relying on niche or legacy tools should proceed with caution; not every app has made the leap.
Copilot+ and the Reality of On-Device AI
Perhaps the loudest new feature is the Pro 12’s status as a Copilot+ PC, courtesy of a built-in 45 TOPS (trillion operations per second) Neural Processing Unit (NPU). This unlocks native, on-device AI features such as Click To Do, improved recall, and various photographic and video effects.In practice, the AI experience is underwhelming and sometimes unfinished. The "Click To Do" tool, for instance, promises context-aware quick actions—like opening an image with a background removed—but, in its current preview state, often misinterprets user intent or operates merely on screenshots instead of live files. Likewise, the “Recall” feature, which logs and helps search your visual workflow, is now opt-in and locally stored for privacy, but currently feels sluggish and prone to error—a far cry from the “game-changing” billing Microsoft has implied.
Even with security improvements (notably requiring Windows Hello biometrics and explicit user activation for Recall), the feature remains a privacy trade-off, and most daily users will struggle to see the practical utility versus its resource footprint. The proliferation of AI in Windows 11 currently stands as a promise yet to be meaningfully realized for most.
Video and Camera Features: Improving, but Not Industry-Leading
Front-facing video calls benefit from features like Eye Contact, which subtly manipulates your gaze to simulate direct eye contact. This works more believably now than in early iterations and will be a boon to professionals on conference calls, though some may find it a touch uncanny. Background blur and stylized camera effects are fun, but not best-in-class—Google Meet’s AI backgrounds remain more convincing.Camera hardware itself is a mixed bag. The front 1080p sensor is serviceable but not on par with Apple’s latest, and the Ultra HD rear camera, while fine in daylight, struggled with noise and lag in lower light, sometimes even failing to save images.
Accessories and Ecosystem Lock-In
A core element of the Surface Pro 12 is its flexibility as a 2-in-1. Yet to truly unlock this, users must purchase the Surface Pro 12-inch Keyboard separately at $149.99/£149.99/AU$274.95—a required add-on for any semi-serious productivity. With stylus support, a keyboard-slim pen bundle pushes the price up to $249.99/£249.99/AU$454.95. This echoes Apple’s own pricing for iPad keyboards and styluses but should give would-be buyers a moment of pause when tallying real-world costs.Crucially, due to the redesigned 12-inch form factor, older Surface keyboards and covers are incompatible, which will frustrate long-time Surface users hoping to re-use past investments.
On the bright side, the Pro 12 supports standard USB-C charging (any 27W+ charger should suffice), and Microsoft no longer includes a wall charger by default—arguably a plus for those awash in USB-C bricks, though new buyers may feel shortchanged.
iPad Pro Comparison: Power, Apps, and Everyday Experience
The obvious point of comparison, both in marketing and real usage, is the Apple iPad Pro. At a glance, the Surface Pro 12’s full Windows desktop experience positions it as the tool for professionals and creators who need legacy or complex software. The trade-off is in the smoothness of the experience: Windows 11, while better than ever for touch, still can’t match the fluidity and polish of iPadOS for finger-first tablet computing.Apple’s iPad Pro M4 runs circles around the Surface’s ARM chip in terms of raw performance and display technology, while its Magic Keyboard offers a more adjustable angle and svelte design. On the other hand, it’s locked to mobile-optimized apps—some of which, despite their limitations, are slicker than their Windows equivalents for touch and casual creativity.
The Surface Pro 12, by contrast, is bulkier and feels "cheaper" at first touch, yet the truth is more nuanced: it’s heavier because it encompasses true desktop potential. The iPad Pro may win on design and immediate polish, but loses ground for heavy productivity outside Apple’s software garden.
Critical Strengths and Weaknesses
Notable Strengths
- Affordable point of entry for the full Windows experience compared to both previous Surfaces and Apple’s iPad Pro.
- Exceptional battery life—pushes the boundaries for Windows devices, now fully competitive with ARM/M1/M2 MacBooks and iPads.
- True desktop operating system—enables meaningful productivity and compatibility with major professional apps unavailable on iPadOS or Android.
- Fanless, silent operation—suits focus-driven environments and mobile productivity.
- Improving ARM Windows compatibility—majority of mainstream apps now run well, thanks to Prism translation and native ARM builds.
- Modern connectivity (Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.4, USB-C charging).
Potential Drawbacks and Risks
- Display compromises: Thick bezels, lower brightness/resolution, and lack of OLED option at launch make for a less immersive viewing experience.
- Accessory "gotchas": Keyboard essential for serious use, but always an add-on; older keyboards are incompatible.
- AI features undercooked: Copilot+ extras are, at best, novelties or previews, providing little compelling reason to upgrade for “AI.”
- No 5G option and slower USB-C ports vs. Pro 11 (no USB4/Thunderbolt).
- Performance ceiling: 8-core Snapdragon X Plus is decent for basics and moderate multitasking, but not for heavy workloads; competitors offer beefier CPU options.
- Camera performance is uninspiring, with front and rear sensors that lag behind both Apple and even some Android offerings.
- No easy SSD upgrade: Loss of NVMe access panel is a step back for some power users.
Who Should Buy the Surface Pro 12?
- Students and mobile professionals who prioritize battery life, value, and silent mobile operation.
- Windows enthusiasts needing tablet portability but unwilling to sacrifice their workflow to iPadOS limitations.
- Entry-level buyers and businesses seeking a flexible, affordable Surface without requiring legacy ports or 5G.
Who Should Skip It?
- Power users who want maximum performance, best-in-class display, and premium build—consider the Surface Pro 11 or high-end laptops/tablets.
- Those seduced by “AI PC” hype—Copilot+ is simply not ready to transform workflows, and most features can be replicated across platforms, sometimes more intuitively.
- Buyers with heavy investment in older Surface accessories—prepare for new outlays, as covers and keyboards are now device-specific.
- Users married to Apple’s design and app philosophy—the iPad Pro remains unmatched for sheer slickness of tablet experience.
The Outlook for Surface Pro and Windows Tablets
The Surface Pro 12 (2025) is a thoughtful, if slightly cautious, entry in Microsoft’s signature lineup. Its pricing, battery life, and the fact that Windows 11 continues to become more user-friendly for touch, keep it highly relevant in an iPad-dominated market. Windows on ARM, no longer a punchline, is now robust enough for mainstream users—though niche technical or creative tasks may still require diligence regarding app support.Yet, as Apple continues to innovate on hardware polish and tablet fluidity, Microsoft’s strategy for Surface seems to be about broad accessibility rather than disruptive innovation. The Pro 12 is not the most exciting Surface, nor—bizarrely—the most “Pro” Surface available. But it remains the best choice for many who simply need Windows flexibility in an ultra-portable, fanless device.
Whether these improvements and price reductions are enough to lure die-hard iPad users remains to be seen. As it stands, for those who value the unique strength of a desktop OS in tablet form, and who are willing to accept a few rough edges and preview-grade AI, the Surface Pro 12 (2025) stands alone in its niche. For everyone else, it’s a capable device with a few too many caveats to be a must-buy, but a compelling step in the ongoing evolution of the Windows tablet.
Source: TechRadar I've used the Surface Pro 12 (2025) for the past week - but it won't make me ditch the iPad Pro any time soon
