Microsoft Surface Pro (2025) Review: A Fresh Take on the Compact PC?

For a long time, Microsoft promoted the tablet format as the way we would all use Windows in the future. However, neither other PC manufacturers nor users were on board. Since then, Microsoft has stepped back and given people what they want – a traditional mouse-based interface – and they have even started releasing their own conventional laptops.

Despite this, they stubbornly continue to create new Surface models, like the one that came out last summer featuring the new Snapdragon X processor and Microsoft’s AI initiative, Copilot Plus. I didn’t have the opportunity to test that one, but when it was time for a new model this May, it was easier to obtain a unit. Officially named just Microsoft Surface Pro, it is often referred to as Surface Pro 12” or Surface Pro 2025 to distinguish it from older models. This is a compact tablet powered by a Snapdragon X Plus system on chip, primarily designed for handy browsing and office work.

Performance isn’t top-notch, but it offers a solid baseline that a Windows tablet hasn’t managed without a fan before. Except for last year’s 13-inch model, which is also Snapdragon X-based. There’s really snappy AI integrated with Qualcomm’s Hexagon NPU.

Silent and Mostly Cool

It features completely silent cooling, and I don’t even think it gets unpleasantly warm to hold. A bit annoyingly warm, but nothing uncomfortable. It throttles graphics performance when I run 3D graphics for extended periods, but honestly, who buys a Surface to play games?

The price is $1,246 for a base model with 256 GB SSD, or you can invest a bit more, $1,403, for one with 512 GB. $240 is a bit steep for just 256 GB more storage, but I’ve seen worse deals. You get 16 GB RAM, adequate for all typical office work, media streaming, lighter photo editing, and communication.

Most of the multitasking I attempt goes smoothly. I’m on a Teams video call with the editorial team, Googling information in a browser (no Binging in this house, sorry Microsoft), have ongoing articles open in Word, and syncing a large video file for online sharing. All at once, without one task interfering with another.

Connectivity with both Wi-Fi 7 and Wi-Fi 6 is also stable and fast, which certainly helps. There is no 5G or LTE version of this tablet. You’d need to move up in size and price for that.

Sharp Screen but Cramped

The main drawback for productive multitasking is the small screen area – 12 inches is really not much. Even though it has a high resolution, it quickly becomes cluttered with many active windows and tabs. You need to adopt a more traditional tablet mindset and have one or two visible on the screen at the same time, keeping the others hidden but active behind.

The screen has an IPS panel with moderate brightness, 2,196 x 1,464 pixels resolution, and supports 60 or 90 Hz refresh rate. You need to set it up manually; dynamic refresh rate is not supported. It isn’t full pro-quality on the screen, as its gamut only goes a bit above the sRGB level, but pre-calibration from Microsoft ensures high color accuracy within the sRGB scale.

That, along with relatively high black level and contrast, and broad viewing angles, enhances the quality experience. It makes watching movies entertaining, even though there is no HDR support. A solid set of speakers with detailed and rich sound for both music, speech, and film also adds to the experience. At least, as long as I don’t crank up the volume to the max, as it becomes quite screechy.

The webcam above the screen provides adequate 1080p image quality without noise and with even, neutral colors. Faded contrast and somewhat blurry detail reproduction lower the impression. You don’t need to be embarrassed in a video meeting, especially not thanks to good microphones and AI-supported noise filtering, but the image could use a bit more punch.

On the back is a simple 10-megapixel camera that takes decent photos in daylight, but don’t expect miracles. Its jittery autofocus can be problematic for both video recording and applications like AR.

Compact Design with Few Drawbacks

With a 12-inch screen and a 3:2 aspect ratio, the tablet feels notably compact and short in width. The pleasantly rounded corners and edges make the Surface Pro grip-friendly with its matte aluminum back, said to be made from 100% recycled aluminum. The foldable stand at the back is sturdy.

Setting up the Surface Pro as a small digital photo frame or film screen is very practical. But at its core, it is a Windows computer. Therefore, you will need a keyboard and mouse control. If you want to utilize the touchscreen fully, you will need a stylus.

Microsoft sells a well-built attachable keyboard that includes backlighting and a trackpad for $220. You can also purchase the matching Slim Pen separately or in a bundle with the keyboard for a total of $370. It’s almost as if it’s designed for the Surface Pro, or rather, the Surface Pro is designed for it, with a groove on the back where the pen can snap magnetically and charge.

Everything connects and works immediately. I don’t have to go through manual pairing or calibration. The precision is excellent from the start. The quality of the keyboard is also commendable. It doesn’t even feel like the keys are cramped, despite its short width.

Dual USB and Nothing Else

If you prefer to connect your own mouse and keyboard, or perhaps a larger screen, everything works perfectly with a suitable USB-C dock. The tablet’s two ports support everything you need to plug in a USB-C dock and charge the battery through it. A charger is not included. Is the charger chaos now going to spread to the PC world too? Well, one that fits just right with 45 watts is easy to select for $73. It might be worth it.

Microsoft doesn’t disclose the size of the battery, but battery life is good, ranging from 3 to 10 hours of active use with full screen brightness, and up to 21 hours with really low usage. When I work with generative AI, either Microsoft’s own features in the Copilot Plus suite or third-party applications, or challenge the GPU with intense 3D rendering, I find myself at the lower end of that scale.

If I’m just browsing, emailing, and doing simpler Excel calculations, it performs significantly better. And isn’t that what most people do with their computer anyway? For those tasks, the Surface Pro is as good as any lightweight ultra laptop. It’s not quite as fast as them, but definitely fast enough.

With the right accessories, the total cost comes to $1,691. Not cheap, but not outrageous either. You then have a competent mini-format laptop and touchscreen, stylus control, and the ability to stream films while relaxing on the sofa in tablet mode. Is that enough to give the Windows tablet concept a fresh start? Perhaps, perhaps not, but for those who already enjoy it, this is a good device.

Specifications

Product Name: Surface Pro 2025, 12 inches
Tested: May 2025
Manufacturer: Microsoft
Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon X Plus, 8 Oryon 3.4 GHz
NPU: Hexagon, 45 TOPS
Graphics: Intel Arc 130V
Memory: 16 GB LPDDR5X
Storage: 256 GB / 512 GB SSD
Display: 12 inches glossy IPS, 2196 x 1464 pixels, 90 Hz, approx. 400 cd/m²
Webcam: 10-megapixel rear, 1080p webcam with IR front
Connections: 2 USB-C 3 Gen 2 with DisplayPort, keyboard docking
Wireless: Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.4
Operating System: Windows 11 Home
Other: Keyboard and stylus, as well as charger optional
Noise Level: Fanless
Battery: 1 hour 45 minutes (high load, full brightness, 90 Hz) up to 19 hours (low load, low brightness, 60 Hz)
Size: 27.4 x 19 x 0.78 cm
Weight: 686 grams