Latest news with #SurfacePro12
Geeky Gadgets
23-05-2025
- Geeky Gadgets
Meet the 2025 Surface Pro 12: Unboxing & Initial Setup
The 2025 Surface Pro 12 redefines the standard for portability and versatility in the competitive 2-in-1 device market. Designed to cater to light productivity and creative tasks, it combines a sleek, lightweight design with robust processing power and a vibrant display. Starting at $799, it targets users seeking a compact yet capable solution for everyday computing. However, potential buyers should consider trade-offs, such as limited gaming performance and additional costs for essential accessories, before making a purchase. The video below from Zollotech gives us more details. Watch this video on YouTube. Design and Build Weighing just 1.5 pounds (686 grams), the Surface Pro 12 is one of the lightest devices in its category, making it highly portable for users on the go. Its aluminum body not only ensures durability but also aids in heat dissipation, eliminating the need for internal fans. Sustainability is a key focus, with battery cells made from 100% recycled cobalt, reflecting Microsoft's commitment to eco-friendly practices. The device is available in three elegant colors—Violet, Ocean, and Platinum—and features a sturdy kickstand that supports multiple angles, enhancing usability in various scenarios. However, the absence of a headphone jack and expandable storage may disappoint users who rely on wired audio or require additional storage flexibility. These omissions could limit its appeal to certain segments of the market. Display The 12-inch PixelSense LCD display is a standout feature, offering a resolution of 2196×1464 and a pixel density of 220 PPI. It supports 10-point multi-touch and delivers sRGB color accuracy, making it ideal for creative professionals and productivity tasks. The default 60 Hz refresh rate can be increased to 90 Hz, providing smoother visuals for scrolling and animations, which enhances the overall user experience. However, the reflective screen and 400 nits of brightness may pose challenges in brightly lit environments, such as outdoor settings or areas with high glare. This could impact usability for those who frequently work in such conditions. Performance At the core of the Surface Pro 12 is the Snapdragon X Plus processor, which delivers a 50% performance boost compared to its predecessor. Its 8-core architecture, clocked at 3.3 GHz, is paired with 16 GB of RAM and up to 512 GB of storage, making sure smooth multitasking and efficient handling of productivity apps like Microsoft Office and Figma. The fanless aluminum body effectively dissipates heat, maintaining consistent performance during extended use. Benchmark tests reveal impressive results, with single-core scores of 2,210 and multi-core scores of 9,560, making it a reliable option for everyday tasks. However, the device is not designed for resource-intensive tasks or high-end gaming, which may deter power users seeking a more robust performance profile. Ports and Connectivity The Surface Pro 12 is equipped with two USB-C 3.2 ports, offering fast data transfer and charging capabilities. However, the absence of USB-A and the traditional Surface Connect port may require users to invest in adapters for older peripherals. With Wi-Fi 7 support, the device ensures faster and more stable internet connectivity, making it suitable for remote work and online collaboration. Additionally, it can connect to up to two external 4K displays at 60 Hz, making it a practical choice for multitasking, presentations, or extended work setups. Accessories To fully use the Surface Pro 12, users will need to invest in optional accessories. The Surface Pro 12 Keyboard, priced at $150, features a backlit design but lacks the Alcantara palm rest found in earlier models. The Surface Pen, available for $129.99, offers haptic feedback for a more tactile writing experience and attaches magnetically to the device's back for convenience. Notably, the device does not include a power adapter, requiring users to purchase a minimum 27W USB-C charger separately. These additional costs can significantly increase the overall investment, which may be a consideration for budget-conscious buyers. Cameras and Audio The Surface Pro 12 features a 10 MP Ultra HD rear camera and a 1080p front-facing camera, both of which deliver sharp and clear visuals. The front camera supports Windows Hello facial recognition, providing a secure and convenient login experience. Audio performance is enhanced by dual studio microphones and improved speakers, which deliver clear sound with volume levels reaching up to 85 dB. This makes the device well-suited for video calls, online meetings, and media consumption, making sure a seamless experience for both work and entertainment. Battery Life Battery performance is a strong point for the Surface Pro 12. It offers up to 12 hours of active web use and 16 hours of video playback, making sure all-day productivity for most users. The device also supports 45W fast charging, allowing for quick recharges and minimizing downtime. In keeping with its eco-friendly design, the battery cells incorporate recycled cobalt, further emphasizing Microsoft's commitment to sustainability and environmentally conscious manufacturing. Software and Features Running on Windows 11, the Surface Pro 12 integrates Microsoft's Copilot feature, which uses AI to enhance productivity and streamline workflows. The device is optimized for popular apps like Figma and Microsoft Office, making it a reliable tool for students, professionals, and creatives alike. While the device supports cloud gaming, its performance is insufficient for demanding titles, limiting its appeal to casual gamers. This positions the Surface Pro 12 as a better fit for productivity and light creative tasks rather than intensive gaming or video editing. Limitations Despite its many strengths, the Surface Pro 12 has some notable limitations. The absence of Gorilla Glass protection leaves the display more vulnerable to smudges and potential damage. Additionally, its performance is not suited for resource-heavy tasks, such as video rendering or 3D modeling, which may deter users with more demanding needs. The lack of included accessories, such as a power adapter, further increases the total cost of ownership. This could be a significant drawback for buyers looking for an all-in-one package without additional expenses. Pricing Starting at $799, the Surface Pro 12 is competitively priced within its category. However, the cost of essential accessories, such as the keyboard and pen, can significantly increase the overall investment. Configurations vary based on storage and processing power, allowing users to select a model that best fits their specific needs and budget. Final Thoughts The 2025 Surface Pro 12 is a versatile and portable 2-in-1 device that excels in light productivity, creative tasks, and everyday computing. Its lightweight design, vibrant display, and advanced connectivity options make it an attractive choice for students, professionals, and casual users. However, its limitations in gaming performance, the absence of included accessories, and the lack of certain features may not suit all users. For those seeking a compact, eco-friendly device and willing to invest in the necessary add-ons, the Surface Pro 12 offers a compelling and practical solution. Discover other guides from our vast content that could be of interest on Surface Pro 12. Source & Image Credit: zollotech Filed Under: Guides, Laptops Latest Geeky Gadgets Deals Disclosure: Some of our articles include affiliate links. 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The Verge
17-05-2025
- The Verge
Surface Pro 12 hands-on: Microsoft's smaller, redesigned tablet
Microsoft is launching two new Surface devices — the Surface Pro 12 and the Surface Laptop 13. The new Surface Pro tablet comes with lots of design changes over the larger 13-inch Surface Pro 11. It is an Arm-powered device that is a spiritual successor to the even smaller Surface Go. Both devices are powered by the Snapdragon X Plus 8-core chip and we had a chance to preview the devices recently.
WIRED
16-05-2025
- WIRED
The Surface Pro 12 Is Not Nearly as Great as It Could Have Been
One of my favorite features of the Surface Pro 11th Edition was the ability to use the keyboard when not physically connected to the device, which was handy in various situations. The Surface Pro 12 loses this feature. The keyboard no longer has a dedicated slot to store the Surface Slim Pen, though it can still magnetize (and wirelessly charge) to the back of the tablet. A few other downgrades to the Surface Pro 12: It has a 1080p front-facing webcam rather than a 1440p webcam, and slower ports. There are only two USB-C ports, and they're USB-C 3.2 instead of USB4. Perhaps the most disappointing feature, however, is the lack of repairability. The Surface Pro 11th Edition made strides in this area, letting you access the internals easily and upgrade the storage via the microSD card slot, even earning an 8/10 iFixit score. The Surface Pro 12 undoes this trend, instead opting for a sealed-up chassis and soldered components. This is likely because it's fanless, but having a microSD slot would have at least helped. Apples and Oranges Photograph: Luke Larsen Maybe it's not fair to only compare the Surface Pro 12 to the larger model. After all, it still compares favorably to the iPad Pro 11-inch, which is significantly more expensive. We should also keep in mind the comparison to the Surface Go 4, which came out in 2023. The cheaper 10.5-inch model seems to be defunct, meaning the Surface Pro 12 takes its place in many ways. While the Surface Go 4 had a much lower starting price, those configurations were quite underpowered, starting with just 8 GB of RAM and 64 GB of storage. When you line up the configurations, there's only a $30 difference between the Surface Go 4 and the Surface Pro 12 at launch. Because Microsoft needs to ensure that its Surface devices are Copilot+ PCs, those lower-tier configurations have been cut. There's a lot to like about the device on its own. You won't find a slicker 2-in-1, outside perhaps the iPad Pro 11-inch. The design is impeccable, and the keyboard and touchpad feel great to use. The palm rests are plastic and no longer Alcantara fabric, though they feel comfortable and rigid. Compared to the iPad, it's still quite affordable, even with the additional $70 power supply. But here's what it comes down to: As long as the Surface Pro 11th Edition is sold for $799 at Best Buy or another retailer, you should buy that instead. It has faster performance, a higher-refresh-rate screen, more ports, and a better webcam, and it is far more serviceable. And yes, that one comes with the power supply included. The 12-inch does have it beat in portability, but until we see the pricing situation change, the larger sibling is the one to buy.
Mint
07-05-2025
- Mint
Microsoft launches new Surface Pro 12-inch, powered by Snapdragon X Plus chip: Details here
Microsoft, on May 6, unveiled the all-new Surface Pro 12-inch model, featuring a versatile two-in-one design that functions as both a laptop and a tablet, thanks to its detachable keyboard and built-in kickstand. It was launched alongside the Surface Laptop 13-inch, which, like the Surface Pro, is a Copilot+ PC powered by a Snapdragon chipset, offering an AI-first experience. Surface Pro 12 is powered by a Snapdragon X Plus chipset, delivering 45 TOPS of NPU power and 16GB LPDDR5X RAM. Microsoft claims the device supports all-day battery life, too. Sustainability is also a major focus with the Surface Pro 12 as it features 82.9% recycled content in its enclosure, while the battery is crafted from 100% recycled cobalt. For the display and design, it gets a 12-inch touch-enabled panel, and it still continues to feature the two-in-one form factor, allowing it to be used as a tablet and then transformed into a full-fledged laptop by attaching the detachable keyboard. There is also a built-in kickstand to position the tablet at various angles. Microsoft has now made the Surface Slim Pen attach magnetically to the back of the tablet for charging and storage. As for the keyboard, it connects magnetically, lies flat, and provides a quiet typing experience, according to Microsoft. There is also a dedicated Copilot key that brings AI functionality. The keyboard itself is available in three colours: Slate, Ocean, and Violet. These include a feature called Recall, which is an opt-in function that changes how you search for content on your PC, allowing you to retrace your steps to get back to an app, website, image, or document. Also, there is a new feature called Click to Identify, which lets you recognise text and images on your screen. There are also other features, such as the ability to relight your photos with lighting effects and a new agent in Settings. The Surface Pro 12 starts at $799 (about ₹ 67,000) and will be available in select markets starting May 20.
India Today
07-05-2025
- India Today
New Microsoft Surface Laptop 13, Surface Pro 12 have arrived and here is how they are different
Microsoft says its new Surface Laptop 13 and Surface Pro 12 are designed to bring the signature Surface experience to more people at even lower prices. In other words, the company has basically made a more affordable version of the existing Surface Laptop and Surface Pro flagship models. Something like this doesn't happen very often and the few times that it has made such devices have been less than ideal for recommendation purposes. The prices were still too high, and the performance was not up to the mark. One can argue that Surface is a premium brand. Though there are a gazillion other competing devices in the market, Surface is coming straight from the creators of Windows. Sort of like how the Pixel series is for Google. You pay for the brand name and the conceived notion that it should be better. In an ideal world, Surface would represent the best of Windows. There are a couple of things that Microsoft pioneered with these devices, including the 2-in-1 form factor which even though there are others who do it now, no one does it better. Why the Surface commands a hefty premium is therefore a mix of a lot of different things – hardware, software, and, of course, aspirational. What sets the new affordable lot apart from the previous attempts is that it appears Microsoft hasn't made many compromises. Yes, the specs are watered-down to reflect their entry-level rooting, which is what you would expect anyway. Like, for instance, the Surface Pro 12 has an LCD display, not OLED. The Surface Laptop 13 is capped at 60Hz, and it doesn't have facial recognition biometrics, just fingerprint. But here's the thing: none of this is a deal-breaker. Their affordability is still subjective and certainly a matter of debate, but the package doesn't seem overpriced. Microsoft hasn't revealed their India prices yet, but in the US, the Surface Pro 12 will start at $799.99 which is $400 cheaper than today's flagship equivalent. This is roughly Rs 66,880 in INR. The Surface Laptop 13 has a starting price of $899.99, $300 cheaper than the 13.8-inch flagship variant. This translates to Rs 75,239. (We will update the copy once we have the India prices out). Affordable Surface products are generally smaller than their more powerful counterparts. The last few models had the suffix 'Go' attached, possibly to make them seem more attractive to the youth and accentuate the fact that they were thin and light and so, more portable and easier to lug around almost anywhere. That is also the case with the new Surface Laptop 13 and Surface Pro 12. Microsoft says they are amongst the thinnest and lightest devices that it has ever made. The battery life is another big USP (short for unique selling point). The Surface Pro 12 is rated for 16 hours of video playback (two hours more than the Surface Pro 13) while the Surface Laptop 13 can go for up to 23 hours (three hours more than the 13-8-inch Surface Laptop). The gains – at large – are probably due to the underlying Snapdragon X Plus, which is Qualcomm's second-most powerful ARM chip (for computers) at the time of writing. The flagship Surface models have the top-of-the-line Snapdragon X Elite with up to a 12-core CPU (the Snapdragon X Plus-powered Surface Laptop 13 and Surface Pro 12 have only 8 cores). We cannot tell you how well these devices can hold up in day-to-day use or how far they can be pushed, but if the Snapdragon X platform reviews are anything to go by, Microsoft might just have found the right fit to make its affordable Surface products make some noise if not make them scream their lungs out (both have a fanless design so we should keep our expectations in check). It was about time.
