If you’ve been waiting for a more compact yet capable Surface tablet, Microsoft’s latest release might be what you’re after. The tech giant has introduced a new 12-inch Surface Pro, offering a lighter and smaller alternative to the larger 13-inch Surface Pro 11. This new model is designed to be portable and powerful, bringing several major changes in hardware and design.
A fan-less design with strong performance
The new Surface Pro 12-inch model runs on Qualcomm’s Snapdragon X Plus chip, offering eight cores for smoother performance. It comes with 16GB of RAM and 256GB of storage, priced at US$799. If you need more space, a 512GB version is also available for US$899. This new chip is designed to lower the overall cost while still delivering good performance. You can expect around 12 hours of battery life during typical web use, which should easily get you through the day.
Unlike previous models, this Surface Pro doesn’t have a fan. Microsoft has completely redesigned the body, removing the vents you’d normally see on the larger 13-inch version. This change allows for a more rounded and sleek design, making it easier to hold and nicer to look at. It feels like a big step forward compared to the older Surface Go models.
A new screen, keyboard, and pen design
The Surface Pro 12-inch features a 12-inch LCD with a resolution of 2196 x 1464 (220 pixels per inch). It keeps the usual 3:2 aspect ratio, which is great for reading and working. However, the refresh rate is 90Hz, slightly lower than 120Hz in the 13-inch Surface Pro 11. There’s no OLED option, but the display still looks sharp and bright.
Because the device is smaller, Microsoft had to build a brand-new keyboard. The old Type Covers are too big for this version. The new keyboard still attaches magnetically but lies flat instead of offering the angled position some users might be used to. The flat design felt stable during testing, but it might not be as comfortable for long periods on your lap. It still avoids the wobble and flex found in older Surface keyboards.
The Surface Pen has also been updated. It no longer slots into the keyboard but instead attaches magnetically to the back of the device, where it charges. Microsoft says the connection is strong enough to keep the pen in place even when the tablet is slid into a bag, and early tests seem to back this up.
Another change to note is the keyboard material. Microsoft has removed the soft alcantara fabric from the palm rests, replacing it with a matte finish. The fabric is still on the back of the keyboard, and you can choose from slate, violet, or ocean green colour options.
USB-C replaces Surface Connect
Microsoft has removed the Surface Connect charging port during a major shift. Instead, the Surface Pro 12-inch only includes two USB-C 3.2 ports. These ports handle charging and data transfer and can connect to up to two 4K monitors at 60Hz via DisplayPort 1.4a. It’s a clear move toward standardisation and likely to be mirrored in future Surface models.
The cameras have also seen a slight update. The front-facing camera is now 1080p, a step down from the 1440p sensor on the 13-inch version, but still clear enough for video calls. The 10-megapixel rear camera has been repositioned to make it easier to take portrait-style photos and videos, a thoughtful touch if you use your tablet for casual photography or video.
The new Surface Pro 12-inch is also one of Microsoft’s Copilot Plus PCs, which includes AI-enhanced features thanks to the Snapdragon X Plus chip. It’s designed to be smart, efficient, and ready for work and entertainment.
If you’re looking for a device that combines portability, performance, and a clean design, the Surface Pro 12-inch could be an excellent choice.
