Microsoft Surface Pro 12-inch review

Surface Pro is for people whose work depends on Windows software. Microsoft's US page lists the 12-inch model with a Snapdragon X2 Plus 6-core processor, a 12-inch PixelSense LCD touchscreen at 2196 by 1464 and 90Hz, up to 15.5 hours of video playback and two USB-C (USB 3.2) ports. A built-in kickstand and the optional Surface Pro keyboard turn it into a compact laptop, and the optional Surface Slim Pen offers 4,096 pressure points and charges on the back of the tablet. Windows Hello face recognition handles sign-in, and Copilot+ PC features include descriptive file search. The 13-inch model costs $1,199.99 and adds a 120Hz OLED or LCD option and USB4. The drawbacks: at 686 g it is the heaviest tablet here, the keyboard and pen add to the $1,149.99 price, and Windows offers fewer touch-first streaming and drawing apps than iPadOS or Android.

Who it is for

workers who need full Windows desktop apps on a tablet

Price

From $1,149.99 (13-inch from $1,199.99); keyboard and pen sold separately.

Surface Pro 12-inch $1,149.99 Buy
Quoted from the vendor pricing page on November 13, 2026.

Key features

• Runs full Windows with Copilot+ PC features
• Snapdragon X2 Plus (6-core) processor
• 12-inch PixelSense LCD touchscreen, 2196 by 1464 at 90Hz
• Up to 15.5 hours of video playback
• Built-in kickstand, two USB-C (USB 3.2) ports and Windows Hello face sign-in

Strengths and weaknesses

• Strength: Only tablet on this list that runs desktop Windows apps
• Strength: Slim Pen stores and charges magnetically on the back
• Strength: 13-inch model adds OLED or LCD at 120Hz and USB4 for $1,199.99
• Weakness: Keyboard and Surface Slim Pen are sold separately
• Weakness: Heaviest tablet here at 686 g
• Weakness: Windows has fewer touch-first media apps than iPadOS or Android

Key facts

• Starting price: $1,149.99 (12-inch)
• Processor: Snapdragon X2 Plus (6-core)
• Screen: 12-inch LCD, 2196 x 1464, 90Hz
• Battery: Up to 15.5 hours video playback
• Weight: 686 g

Where it ranks

Microsoft Surface Pro 12-inch is No. 8 in our Best Tablets verdict.