Microsoft’s pursuit of the perfect all-in-one device continues with the Surface Pro 12, a machine that embodies bold design choices and a continued commitment to the hybrid laptop-tablet formula. With Apple’s iPad Pro M3 and MacBook Air M4 setting new standards for productivity hardware, the Surface Pro 12 arrives in a landscape where expectations for versatility, battery life, and real productivity converge and collide. After extensive testing and real-world use, a clear picture emerges: the Surface Pro 12 isn’t merely another Windows 11 convertible—it’s a deliberate, sometimes quirky answer to what a modern mobile computer should be, but not without compromises.
The Surface Pro 12 immediately distinguishes itself with crisp, minimalist lines, a slim 7.8mm profile, and a featherweight build at just 686g. Its 12-inch LCD touchscreen sits at the heart of the device, with a 3:2 aspect ratio and a resolution of 2196 x 1464, resulting in vivid detail ideal for readers and creators alike. The finish and feel indicate Microsoft’s continued emphasis on premium quality: this is a Surface product through and through.
Yet, engineering choices still reflect a device built for ultimate portability rather than expansion. With only two USB 3.2 Type-C ports—down from Thunderbolt/USB 4 found on last year’s Pro 11—the device regresses in connectivity, a move that weighs heavily for professionals who juggle peripherals, docks, and external monitors. The ports pull triple duty for data, charging, and video, so a high-quality USB-C hub remains a must for desktop flexibility.
Microsoft’s decision to omit a bundled keyboard and stylus is, by now, expected. The Surface Type Cover and Surface Slim Pen are available at an extra cost (£249 for the keyboard and pen bundle, £49 for the charger in the UK), but with growing competition from Apple, whose tablets also require accessory investments, this is a standard industry tactic—albeit one that inflates the “real” starting price for serious usage.
The Surface Pro 12 also debuts a minor but notable naming pivot: it’s named for its screen size rather than generational lineage. While this may cause some confusion—last year’s Surface Pro 11 had a 13-inch display—the hope is that the new convention brings clarity in the long run. An integrated kickstand remains a hallmark, providing flexible angles for anything from digital sketching to streaming movies.
In practical use, the 3:2 ratio stands out. It offers significantly more vertical real estate than the 16:9 and 16:10 displays commonplace in both Windows and Mac devices, making it ideal for reading, multitasking, and digital note-taking. Artists and designers will appreciate how finger and stylus input are combined, while the expanded vertical canvas boosts productivity in office apps and the browser.
In use, the Snapdragon X Plus feels fluid and modern for general productivity. Navigating Windows, browsing the web, running Office or Microsoft Teams—these are handled with ease, thanks to the processor’s performance and the efficiency of the ARM platform. Battery life is notably strong, with the Surface Pro 12 going well over 14 hours in looping video benchmarks, reinforcing its reputation as an “all-day device.”
However, the limitations of Windows on ARM are still tangible. While flagship apps like Photoshop and Illustrator now run natively and smoothly, some critical creative tools—such as InDesign and Premiere Pro—remain in beta or still utilize conversion layers, making them less stable or efficient. For most users, Windows Prism’s x86 emulation is solid enough that traditional applications run “just fine,” but professionals relying on legacy software or niche plugins may encounter snags. In benchmarks such as Cinebench 2024, the Snapdragon X Plus edges out Intel’s Core Ultra 258V in multi-core rendering, a feat worthy of recognition, but Apple’s latest M4 silicon in the MacBook Air consistently outpaces both.
The integrated Qualcomm Adreno X1-45 GPU, while serviceable for embedded graphics and light workloads, is less compelling for gaming or heavy creative processing. The Surface Pro 12 simply isn’t a creative powerhouse and will struggle with tasks like video upscaling or real-time rendering. Notably, the device could not complete the Topaz Video AI benchmark, likely due to missing AVX instruction set support—an ARM platform limitation that may frustrate advanced users.
On the connectivity front, Wi-Fi 7 futureproofs the device against next-generation wireless standards, but the absence of cellular options on some models is an odd omission given the device’s mobile form factor.
Touch targets in classic Windows apps can be too small, while the lack of an explicit tablet mode in recent Windows 11 builds removes one approachability layer for casual users. Gestures work (with the taskbar hidden by upward swipes, on-screen keyboard present), but opening desktop icons remains awkward. Compare this to the iPad Pro, where iPadOS 26’s efficiency in casual and creative workflows still leads by a sizable margin.
On the plus side, stylus input is deeply integrated. OneNote, the Pen menu, and handwriting recognition make note-taking and sketching a genuine pleasure. The Surface Slim Pen’s pressure sensitivity and customizable 3D-printed grips open the door for amateur artists and businesses alike. Advanced features, like Studio Effects using the NPU for video call enhancements (background blur, portrait filter, gaze correction), add flourishes, though most of these are borrowed from the smartphone world and won’t revolutionize professional meetings.
The inclusion of Recall, an AI-driven content search tool (still in preview, with privacy options to disable), hints at the future of context-aware computing. It can surface documents, images, and settings from across the device based on user history, though its accuracy and security are still under review by independent researchers—a prudent move before organizations roll it out en masse.
From a value perspective, this is a strong showing for hybrid users: students who need handwritten notes, professionals demanding long battery life, or frequent travelers wanting a lightweight, versatile PC. Compared to the iPad Air M3 (which now starts at the same price in many regions but has less base storage and no “proper” desktop OS), the Surface Pro 12’s Windows 11 environment is an undeniable asset.
However, once price parity is reached, Surface Pro leans on the breadth of Windows—legacy apps, external device support, and a fully-featured file system—to argue its case. For users whose workflows are web or Office-heavy, it’s an easy recommendation; for those needing workstation-class performance, a traditional laptop still reigns supreme.
Conversely, those looking for a traditional clamshell laptop, dedicated creative workstation, or a budget-friendly tablet may wish to look elsewhere. Gamers and professional video editors will find better value and performance in machines with discrete GPUs or in Apple’s silicon ecosystem.
In the end, whether Surface Pro 12 is right for you comes down to your priorities. If you want a device that’s equally comfortable as a thin, pen-ready tablet and a full Windows 11 PC, there’s little else like it. If you demand focused, uncompromised power or app compatibility, waiting one more generation—or considering Apple—might yield greater rewards.
As the boundaries blur between laptop and tablet, it’s clear the Surface Pro ethos remains relevant. While not perfect, the Surface Pro 12 embodies Microsoft’s vision of what a next-generation portable computer should be—for those willing to engage with both its quirks and its strengths, it’s a vision realized.
Source: Creative Bloq I've given the Surface Pro 12 the full shakedown, and it's proven itself as a top laptop-tablet hybrid
Design and Build: Aesthetics Meet Practicality
The Surface Pro 12 immediately distinguishes itself with crisp, minimalist lines, a slim 7.8mm profile, and a featherweight build at just 686g. Its 12-inch LCD touchscreen sits at the heart of the device, with a 3:2 aspect ratio and a resolution of 2196 x 1464, resulting in vivid detail ideal for readers and creators alike. The finish and feel indicate Microsoft’s continued emphasis on premium quality: this is a Surface product through and through.Yet, engineering choices still reflect a device built for ultimate portability rather than expansion. With only two USB 3.2 Type-C ports—down from Thunderbolt/USB 4 found on last year’s Pro 11—the device regresses in connectivity, a move that weighs heavily for professionals who juggle peripherals, docks, and external monitors. The ports pull triple duty for data, charging, and video, so a high-quality USB-C hub remains a must for desktop flexibility.
Microsoft’s decision to omit a bundled keyboard and stylus is, by now, expected. The Surface Type Cover and Surface Slim Pen are available at an extra cost (£249 for the keyboard and pen bundle, £49 for the charger in the UK), but with growing competition from Apple, whose tablets also require accessory investments, this is a standard industry tactic—albeit one that inflates the “real” starting price for serious usage.
The Surface Pro 12 also debuts a minor but notable naming pivot: it’s named for its screen size rather than generational lineage. While this may cause some confusion—last year’s Surface Pro 11 had a 13-inch display—the hope is that the new convention brings clarity in the long run. An integrated kickstand remains a hallmark, providing flexible angles for anything from digital sketching to streaming movies.
Display and Media: Visual Fidelity for the Road
Although the Pro 12 lacks the OLED visuals of some competitors, its LCD’s measured 442 nits brightness, 90Hz refresh rate, and respectable color coverage (96% sRGB, 72% AdobeRGB, 71% P3) mean that the screen fares well under a bright window or during late-night editing sessions. While it falls short of true creative-grade color precision, it clearly outshines budget competitors and holds its own for on-the-go content creation or consumption.In practical use, the 3:2 ratio stands out. It offers significantly more vertical real estate than the 16:9 and 16:10 displays commonplace in both Windows and Mac devices, making it ideal for reading, multitasking, and digital note-taking. Artists and designers will appreciate how finger and stylus input are combined, while the expanded vertical canvas boosts productivity in office apps and the browser.
Windows 11 on ARM: Progress and Growing Pains
Central to the Surface Pro 12’s story is its processor: the Qualcomm Snapdragon X Plus, an ARM-based, 8-core CPU that draws on the company’s Hexagon NPU for on-device AI (capable of a quoted 45 TOPS, or Trillions of Operations per Second). This shift to ARM architecture is both a bold leap forward and a potential stumbling block.In use, the Snapdragon X Plus feels fluid and modern for general productivity. Navigating Windows, browsing the web, running Office or Microsoft Teams—these are handled with ease, thanks to the processor’s performance and the efficiency of the ARM platform. Battery life is notably strong, with the Surface Pro 12 going well over 14 hours in looping video benchmarks, reinforcing its reputation as an “all-day device.”
However, the limitations of Windows on ARM are still tangible. While flagship apps like Photoshop and Illustrator now run natively and smoothly, some critical creative tools—such as InDesign and Premiere Pro—remain in beta or still utilize conversion layers, making them less stable or efficient. For most users, Windows Prism’s x86 emulation is solid enough that traditional applications run “just fine,” but professionals relying on legacy software or niche plugins may encounter snags. In benchmarks such as Cinebench 2024, the Snapdragon X Plus edges out Intel’s Core Ultra 258V in multi-core rendering, a feat worthy of recognition, but Apple’s latest M4 silicon in the MacBook Air consistently outpaces both.
The integrated Qualcomm Adreno X1-45 GPU, while serviceable for embedded graphics and light workloads, is less compelling for gaming or heavy creative processing. The Surface Pro 12 simply isn’t a creative powerhouse and will struggle with tasks like video upscaling or real-time rendering. Notably, the device could not complete the Topaz Video AI benchmark, likely due to missing AVX instruction set support—an ARM platform limitation that may frustrate advanced users.
On the connectivity front, Wi-Fi 7 futureproofs the device against next-generation wireless standards, but the absence of cellular options on some models is an odd omission given the device’s mobile form factor.
User Experience: Tablet Ambitions, Desktop Reality
Windows 11 is Microsoft’s most refined attempt to bridge the desktop-tablet divide, with mixed results. As a desktop OS, it excels at multitasking, window management, and supports every major productivity suite. For “pure” tablet usage, though, it still lags behind iPadOS’s intuitiveness and Android’s touch-first approach.Touch targets in classic Windows apps can be too small, while the lack of an explicit tablet mode in recent Windows 11 builds removes one approachability layer for casual users. Gestures work (with the taskbar hidden by upward swipes, on-screen keyboard present), but opening desktop icons remains awkward. Compare this to the iPad Pro, where iPadOS 26’s efficiency in casual and creative workflows still leads by a sizable margin.
On the plus side, stylus input is deeply integrated. OneNote, the Pen menu, and handwriting recognition make note-taking and sketching a genuine pleasure. The Surface Slim Pen’s pressure sensitivity and customizable 3D-printed grips open the door for amateur artists and businesses alike. Advanced features, like Studio Effects using the NPU for video call enhancements (background blur, portrait filter, gaze correction), add flourishes, though most of these are borrowed from the smartphone world and won’t revolutionize professional meetings.
The inclusion of Recall, an AI-driven content search tool (still in preview, with privacy options to disable), hints at the future of context-aware computing. It can surface documents, images, and settings from across the device based on user history, though its accuracy and security are still under review by independent researchers—a prudent move before organizations roll it out en masse.
Performance Benchmarks: The Numbers Behind the Experience
Performance on the Surface Pro 12 can be boiled down to three pillars: CPU, GPU, and battery.- CPU: The Snapdragon X Plus, with its eight performance cores, holds its own against Intel’s latest hybrid chips, outperforming rivals like the HP Elitebook X G1i’s Core Ultra 258V in synthetic tests. It lags behind Apple’s M4 for sustained multi-threaded tasks, but for real-world productivity—Word, Excel, web conferencing—it feels every bit as fast as mainstream competitors.
- GPU: The onboard Adreno X1-45 isn’t designed for serious 3D tasks or AAA games. It covers day-to-day video conferences, media playback, and light creative work but will bottleneck for anyone hoping to use DaVinci Resolve or perform AI-assisted video processing. For most, this won’t matter, but students or prosumers with media ambitions should look elsewhere.
- Battery: Surface Pro 12 delivers over 14 hours of video playback in lab conditions, competitive with MacBook Air and ahead of many Windows ultrabooks, though heavy multitasking or creative work will see that figure fall. The use of universal USB-C charging is a plus—any 45W charger works, while the official model is sold separately.
- Geekbench scores show a near tie with the M3 iPad Air, itself a testament to Qualcomm’s progress in ARM efficiency.
- ON1 Resize AI and Photoshop tasks run competently, but encoding, transcoding, or batch work will expose performance ceilings.
- The inability to complete Topaz Video AI further underscores that while the Surface Pro 12 is a credible office companion, it’s not built for advanced content manipulation.
Value and Competitive Positioning
With a starting price of £799/$799.99, the Surface Pro 12 seems a bargain next to the iPad Pro, MacBook Air, and rival Windows detachables—at least until upgraded storage, 5G, or accessories are factored in. Add the keyboard and pen, and the total rises above £1,100/$1,150, squarely in Apple territory.From a value perspective, this is a strong showing for hybrid users: students who need handwritten notes, professionals demanding long battery life, or frequent travelers wanting a lightweight, versatile PC. Compared to the iPad Air M3 (which now starts at the same price in many regions but has less base storage and no “proper” desktop OS), the Surface Pro 12’s Windows 11 environment is an undeniable asset.
However, once price parity is reached, Surface Pro leans on the breadth of Windows—legacy apps, external device support, and a fully-featured file system—to argue its case. For users whose workflows are web or Office-heavy, it’s an easy recommendation; for those needing workstation-class performance, a traditional laptop still reigns supreme.
Strengths: Where Surface Pro 12 Excels
- Mobility: At under 700g and barely thicker than a magazine, the Pro 12 delivers true grab-and-go versatility rarely seen in laptops or tablets.
- Display: The 3:2 LCD is sharp, color-rich, and bright enough for almost all working environments, with wide viewing angles and touch input that feels immediate and precise.
- Battery Life: Real-world usage easily spans a full working day, and standby loss is minimal.
- Windows Flexibility: For those tied into the Microsoft ecosystem, there’s no contest—full versions of Windows apps and file management clearly outpace iPadOS and Android.
- Solid Build Quality: The magnesium alloy chassis, integrated stand, and overall finish rival even Apple’s best.
Weaknesses: Where It Falls Short
- GPU Performance: No surprises here. If you need anything beyond basic graphics, the Surface Pro 12 isn’t for you.
- Accessory Upcharges: A “true” laptop experience requires a keyboard and, for many, a stylus—both extra. The lack of a bundled charger, though common today, is inconvenient for many buyers.
- Port Selection: Losing USB 4/Thunderbolt compared to last year’s Surface Pro 11 will irk power users and reduces future-proofing.
- Software Compatibility: ARM-native apps are still in transition. While most everyday programs work well via emulation, power users will hit walls with some legacy or specialist x86 apps.
- Tablet Mode: Windows 11 is competent but not delightful as pure touch-first software. iPadOS still rules for media, gaming, and casual browsing.
Security and Privacy Implications
The arrival of AI-powered features like Recall elevates concerns about user privacy, especially as tools that index, categorize, and surface lived experiences gain prominence. Microsoft allows Recall to be disabled during device setup—a necessary safeguard, but one to approach cautiously. As ever, users should audit their privacy settings and ensure compliance with work or personal data policies before activating such features. At the time of writing, security researchers and industry watchdogs are still analyzing Recall's implementation, and enterprise IT departments should require careful testing before enabling on organizational hardware.Who Should Buy (and Who Shouldn’t)
If your daily grind revolves around email, video meetings, Office, and occasional creative doodling, the Surface Pro 12 could be your only device. Hybrid workers, frequent note-takers, and students will find its mix of pen input, battery life, and Windows compatibility liberating. Pair it with a travel-friendly Bluetooth keyboard or splurge for the official accessories, and it can slot into nearly any workflow.Conversely, those looking for a traditional clamshell laptop, dedicated creative workstation, or a budget-friendly tablet may wish to look elsewhere. Gamers and professional video editors will find better value and performance in machines with discrete GPUs or in Apple’s silicon ecosystem.
The Competition: Comparing iPad Air M3 and MacBook Air M4
Major rivals include the iPad Air M3 and the MacBook Air M4. Both Apple devices offer market-leading performance, with the Air M4’s new 10-core CPU and vastly superior GPU outmuscling both the Snapdragon X and Intel’s Core Ultra in every bench test. The iPad Air M3, meanwhile, shares a price and focus on portability, though its lack of a desktop OS and Apple’s higher accessory markups are limitations. Overall, Apple remains the choice for those already embedded in that ecosystem, while the Surface Pro 12’s flexibility plays to Windows’ historic strengths.Final Analysis: A Tablet for the Windows Faithful
Microsoft’s Surface Pro 12 is an undeniably compelling evolution of the genre it helped to define. By marrying ARM processing power to solid battery life and robust build quality, it delivers on the all-day promise its competitors chase. Yet, compromises on GPU performance, port selection, and the accessory-driven pricing model reflect an industry still balancing mobility against productivity.In the end, whether Surface Pro 12 is right for you comes down to your priorities. If you want a device that’s equally comfortable as a thin, pen-ready tablet and a full Windows 11 PC, there’s little else like it. If you demand focused, uncompromised power or app compatibility, waiting one more generation—or considering Apple—might yield greater rewards.
As the boundaries blur between laptop and tablet, it’s clear the Surface Pro ethos remains relevant. While not perfect, the Surface Pro 12 embodies Microsoft’s vision of what a next-generation portable computer should be—for those willing to engage with both its quirks and its strengths, it’s a vision realized.
Source: Creative Bloq I've given the Surface Pro 12 the full shakedown, and it's proven itself as a top laptop-tablet hybrid
