Microsoft has introduced a new 12-inch Surface Pro, emphasizing portability and a redesigned stylus experience. Thinner and lighter than its 13-inch predecessor, the new tablet measures a mere 7.8mm thick and weighs just 1.5 pounds, a 27% weight reduction. Starting at $799, the Windows 2-in-1 will be available for purchase beginning May 20.
Key Design and Feature Updates
The 12-inch Surface Pro retains the signature Surface design with its metallic kickstand and two USB-C ports, and comes in Platinum, Ocean, and Violet color options. However, Microsoft has revamped the stylus integration. Instead of charging within the detachable keyboard, the Surface Slim Pen now magnetically attaches and charges on the tablet’s rear shell, similar to Apple and Samsung tablet styluses. The rear camera has also been repositioned to the corner, and the fan vents have been removed, creating a sleek, monolithic appearance. The keyboard has been redesigned for a quieter typing experience, lying flat and folding back against the rear shell with a smooth-matte palm rest. It also boasts a customizable precision touchpad with adaptive touch mode and will be available in matching colors, though sold separately.
Microsoft Surface Pro 12-inch depicted from top and bottom. Nadeem Sarwar / MaagX
Internal Specifications and Performance
While the 13-inch Surface Pro offers an OLED display in its higher-end configuration, the 12-inch model features a 12-inch LCD Pixel Sense panel with a 90Hz refresh rate, a step down from the 120Hz of its larger counterpart. It maintains the familiar 3:2 aspect ratio, 10-point multi-touch input, and a 2196 x 1464 pixel resolution. Powering the device is Qualcomm’s mid-tier Snapdragon X Plus octa-core processor, paired with a base RAM of 16GB and storage options of 256GB or 512GB. Microsoft claims a 16-hour battery life. For imaging, the tablet includes a full-HD front-facing camera and a 10-megapixel rear camera.
Microsoft Surface Pro 12-inch depicted in purple. Nadeem Sarwar / MaagX
Conclusion
Microsoft’s new 12-inch Surface Pro prioritizes portability and a refined stylus experience. While some specifications, such as the display and refresh rate, see a slight downgrade compared to the 13-inch model, the updated design, performance, and features make it a compelling option for users seeking a lightweight and versatile Windows 2-in-1. The shift to magnetic stylus charging, redesigned keyboard, and sleek, fanless design represent notable improvements.
