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We’ve now reached the 11th version of the Microsoft Surface Pro: the tablet-laptop hybrid first appeared in 2013 and we’ve seen numerous tweaks and changes to the device since then. This latest 2024 version brings some notable internal improvements as well as a familiar design.
The Surface Pro 11 is the first device to feature a Qualcomm Snapdragon X Elite processor, whose ARM architecture isn’t quite as widespread as Intel’s x86 platform. Thanks to this chip, it is also the first Surface Pro with an integrated Neural Processing Unit (NPU), which means much better integrated AI processing.
I’ve been using the new Surface Pro 11 for a few weeks now to see if the potential benefits of Qualcomm and ARM – better power efficiency, less heat, longer battery life – actually show up in real-world testing. Here’s what I found and how you can determine whether or not the Surface Pro 11 is right for you.
Hardware and design
In tablet mode with stand.
Photo credit: Lifehacker
While the move to Qualcomm chipsets is significant, there isn’t much new on the surface with the Surface Pro 11: My test model has a 13-inch touchscreen OLED display with a resolution of 2880 x 1920 pixels (an LCD). version is also available). As with previous Surface Pros, it’s a fantastic screen, bright and sharp – and I’m personally a fan of the 3:2 aspect ratio as it’s good for reading documents and websites.
If you’ve never used a Surface Pro before, these aren’t particularly thin and light tablets. This model is 9.3 mm (0.37 in) thick and weighs 895 g (1.97 lbs) – compare that to the 5.1 mm (0.2 in) and 582 g (1.28 lbs) one 13-inch iPad Pro released in 2024. In contrast, however, the iPad Pro has a built-in stand, so you can easily prop it up to make video calls and watch movies.
And it’s thin and light, of course, if you think of it as a laptop rather than a tablet, and assuming you’re willing to pay at least another $140 for a Surface snap-on keyboard ($449 if you want the latest Flex). keyboard and also the pen). With the keyboard connected it works fine as a laptop, but you’ll need a desk. Due to the stand design, it is not easy to use it on your lap, which can be annoying if you use it on the couch or while sitting at an airport or train station.
This model unit is finished in sapphire blue.
Photo credit: Lifehacker
Various configurations are available, and my test model came with a 12-core Snapdragon X processor, 16GB of RAM, and 512GB of SSD storage. There is no separate graphics processor, but the Snapdragon chip has an integrated GPU and the aforementioned NPU and is overall very powerful. Since there’s no cellular option yet, it’s just Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 5.4.
Connectivity is covered by two USB-C ports with support for USB 4 and DisplayPort 1.4a, and the standard Surface charging port is also present (although you can also charge via USB-C). There are two 2W stereo speakers that produce just-okay sound, two microphones that work in sync, a 10-megapixel camera on the back, and what Microsoft calls a “Quad HD” selfie camera for video calls and Windows Hello facial recognition.
This new Surface Pro follows its predecessors in terms of workmanship, workmanship made from high-quality materials and decent weight. Typing on a device this size inevitably feels a little cramped, but I had no problems using it for long periods of time (including typing some parts of this review).
Software and performance
It’s not the lightest or thinnest tablet around.
Photo credit: Lifehacker
Windows 11 is Windows 11 and needs little introduction – except that it is because it is Windows 11 for ARM and therefore applications need to be coded for the different architecture. Native software support is still a work in progress, although the computer emulates the x86 processor architecture well for apps that require it. Programs like Google Chrome and Adobe Photoshop are now available in ARM versions, but it may be worth checking that your most important apps (including VPNs and messaging tools) are working.
Overall, I like what Microsoft has done with Windows 11 over the last few years. It feels like a modern operating system, with configuration settings that are much easier to work around than they used to be, and plenty of help with program management, personalization, and notification settings.
The Surface Pro 11’s performance is impressive for everyday computing tasks, but with the Snapdragon chip and thin and light form factor, there’s not enough power here for serious graphics work or for high-end gaming – that is, if that’s a priority for you , you won’t be buying devices like the Surface Pro 11 anyway.
As with previous models, the OLED screen is outstanding.
Photo credit: Lifehacker
You can game on the Surface Pro 11, but not at an advanced level – but you wouldn’t expect this thin tablet to be able to compete with a chunky Nvidia graphics card in terms of performance, especially when running x86 emulation. You can play older premium games on lower settings and simpler, less demanding games (such as puzzle games), but performance is an issue with demanding titles like Cyberpunk 2077.
There was little lag or slowdown when switching between apps or managing multiple tabs in a web browser. For me, having access to a desktop operating system and especially a desktop browser – which you don’t have on an iPad – makes a big difference in what I can get done on the go. From Slack to Google Docs to Photoshop, I would much rather use the full desktop experience than the equivalent iPadOS apps.
As far as battery life goes, I’ve found that I regularly get around 12 to 13 hours between charges, although of course there are a lot of variables in terms of how bright the screen is and how much demand you put on the processor. That’s not great battery life for a tablet or laptop, but it will comfortably get you through a workday (and maybe a little longer) without having to worry about charging.
AI features
Copilot is included with Windows 11.
Photo credit: Lifehacker
This is a Copilot+ PC, which means you get built-in help from Microsoft’s AI assistant, as well as access to tools like Studio Effects and Cocreator. (There are also Windows recallalthough this is still in testing for now.) If you invest in one of Microsoft’s new keyboard accessories, you’ll find that it also has a dedicated Copilot key.
As for these AI features, your mileage will vary, but I don’t find them particularly useful. Studio Effects adds a few neat tricks to your video calls (like background blur), and Cocreator in Microsoft Paint lets you create AI-generated images – and they work well; These just aren’t features I need.
Copilot is the same AI assistant you’ll find online, and while it has some clever features – like making up alternate endings for movies or thinking up ideas for a birthday party – I can’t say I use it often . That’s no secret AI hallucinates and makes mistakes, and I prefer to trust other sources for my information. But if you are an AI enthusiast, you should give it a try.
Verdict
The Surface Pro 11 isn’t for everyone – but for some it’s perfect.
Photo credit: Lifehacker
The 11th edition of the Surface Pro doesn’t really change who this device will appeal to. It’s still for those who need the flexibility of tablet and laptop form factors, with access to a powerful desktop computing environment and enough power to perform most tasks well. If you just need a tablet or lightweight laptop, there are better options.
However, if you’re in the Surface Pro’s target demographic, this is the best combination of tablet-plus-laptop benefits Microsoft has managed to date. Performance is noticeably better; the battery life is noticeably better; and the solid build quality and excellent screen remain (as do minor annoyances like the fact that you can’t use it comfortably on your lap).
Prices start at $1,000 for the base model Surface Pro 11 and can rise quickly for higher-spec versions – and even more if you also buy a keyboard and pen. It’s definitely not cheap, which unfortunately makes it too expensive for many users. Maybe Microsoft can change that with the Surface Pro 12.
