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Before You Drop $$$ on the Surface Pro 12, Know This Urgent Reveal!

What Microsoft won’t tell you: The hidden pros, cons, and crucial secrets every buyer needs to know before spending big.

Author

Ark
July 13, 2025

Surface Pro 11 vs. Surface Pro 12: A User’s Perspective on Choosing the Right Tablet

The Microsoft Surface Pro lineup has long been a favorite for those seeking a versatile 2-in-1 device that blends the portability of a tablet with the functionality of a laptop. With the release of the Surface Pro 12 in May 2025, Microsoft introduced a smaller, lighter option to its Copilot+ PC family, touting it as the thinnest and lightest Surface yet. However, as someone who has been using the Surface Pro 11 (released in June 2024) as a full laptop replacement, I found myself underwhelmed by the newer model after trying it out in-store. If you’re torn between the Surface Pro 11 and the Surface Pro 12, here’s my take on why I’m sticking with the Pro 11—and why the Pro 12 might still appeal to some users.

My Use Case: How I Use the Surface Pro 11

Before diving into the comparison, let’s set the stage. I rely on my Surface Pro 11 for content creation, studying, and browsing the internet. It’s my go-to device for everything from note-taking to managing multiple browser tabs and Microsoft Office apps. Looking ahead, I anticipate using it for video editing, which will demand more storage and processing power. As a grad student starting this fall, I need a device that’s powerful, flexible, and offers long-term value. With that in mind, here are three reasons I’m not sold on the Surface Pro 12, along with some insights into why it might still be the right choice for others.

Reason 1: Too Many Downgrades

The Surface Pro 12 is marketed as a portable alternative to the Pro 11, but it comes with several compromises that make it less appealing for power users. Let’s break down the key differences in specs:

  • Display: The Pro 12 features a 12-inch LCD display with a resolution of 2196×1464 and a 90Hz refresh rate. In contrast, the Pro 11 offers a 13-inch display with an optional OLED panel (2880×1920, 120 Hz), which delivers superior contrast and color accuracy—crucial for creative work like video editing or graphic design.

  • Processor: The Pro 12 is equipped with an 8-core Snapdragon X Plus processor, while the Pro 11 offers a 10-core Snapdragon X Plus or a 12-core Snapdragon X Elite. The Pro 11’s processors provide better performance for demanding tasks, such as video rendering.

  • Memory and Storage: The Pro 12 is capped at 16GB of LPDDR5x RAM and 512GB of UFS storage, with no upgrade options. The Pro 11, however, supports up to 32GB (or 64GB for OLED models) of RAM and 1TB of user-replaceable NVMe SSD storage. This is a significant limitation for the Pro 12, especially for users like me who need room for large video files or plan to keep their device for years.

  • Ports: The Pro 12 has two USB-C 3.2 ports, while the Pro 11 offers two USB4 ports and a Surface Connect port, providing faster data transfer and more connectivity options.

For someone like me who values performance and future-proofing, these downgrades are dealbreakers. The lack of an OLED option and limited memory/storage make the Pro 12 less suitable for creative or multitasking-heavy workloads.

Reason 2: Surprisingly Similar Price Points

At first glance, the Surface Pro 12 seems like a budget-friendly option, starting at $799 for the base model (16GB RAM, 256GB storage). However, when you factor in the cost of essential accessories, the price difference narrows significantly. Here’s a side-by-side comparison:

  • Surface Pro 12: Base model ($799) + Surface Pro 12-inch Keyboard with Slim Pen bundle ($249) = $1,048.

  • Surface Pro 11: Base model ($999, 16GB RAM, 256GB storage, 10-core Snapdragon X Plus, LCD) + Surface Pro Keyboard with Slim Pen ($279) = $1,278. The Flex Keyboard option adds $450, bringing the total to $1,449.

The Pro 12’s savings come at the cost of a less powerful processor, a lower-resolution display, and fewer ports. For just $200–$400 more, the Pro 11 offers significantly better specs and upgrade options, such as the OLED display or higher storage. For long-term value, especially for users planning to edit videos or run demanding apps, the Pro 11’s price feels justified.

Reason 3: Keyboard and Stylus Experience

The keyboard and stylus are critical to the Surface Pro’s 2-in-1 versatility, but the Pro 12 takes a step back in this area. The Surface Pro 11 introduced the Flex Keyboard, a Bluetooth-enabled accessory that can be used wirelessly or detached, offering unmatched flexibility. Its haptic touchpad and crisp typing experience made it a game-changer for me, prompting me to upgrade from the standard keyboard. The Pro 12, however, only supports a non-wireless keyboard that lacks haptic feedback, though it does fold flat for tablet mode—a small consolation.

Additionally, the stylus placement on the Pro 12 is less practical. On the Pro 11, the Surface Slim Pen slots securely into the keyboard for storage and charging, keeping it protected and ready to use. The Pro 12 moves the stylus to a magnetic strip on the back of the tablet, which charges it but leaves it exposed to bumps or detachment when tossed in a bag. This design choice feels risky for commuters or students like me who are constantly on the move.

Why the Surface Pro 12 Might Still Be Right for You

Despite my reservations, the Surface Pro 12 has undeniable strengths, particularly for users prioritizing portability. At 1.5 pounds (686 grams) without the keyboard, it’s noticeably lighter than the Pro 11’s 1.97 pounds (895 grams). The slimmer 7.8mm profile and rounded, fanless design make it more comfortable to hold, resembling the sleekness of an iPad. The vibrant color options, like the eye-catching violet, add a touch of style.

If your primary needs are casual browsing, note-taking, or light office work, the Pro 12’s performance is adequate, and its battery life is impressive—up to 16 hours of video playback compared to the Pro 11’s 14 hours. For students or professionals who value a compact, lightweight Windows tablet and don’t need top-tier performance, the Pro 12 is a compelling choice.

The Verdict: Surface Pro 11 for Power, Pro 12 for Portability

After comparing the two devices, I’m sticking with the Surface Pro 11 for its superior performance, flexibility, and long-term value. The OLED display option, more powerful processor, expandable storage, and versatile Flex Keyboard make it ideal for my needs as a student and content creator. While the Surface Pro 12’s portability and lower price point are tempting, its downgrades in display, processing power, and keyboard functionality outweigh the benefits for me.

That said, the Pro 12 is a great pick if you prioritize a lightweight, iPad-like form factor and don’t need the extra power or storage. Ultimately, your choice depends on your priorities—portability versus performance.