5 things the Surface Pro 12 needs to finally beat the Apple iPad Pro in 2025

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Last year, we labeled the Surface Pro 11 as nearly flawless in our review due to its outstanding 2-in-1 functionality.

Although the design of the Surface Pro has proven itself over time, there’s always potential for enhancement in specific aspects. It’s anticipated that Microsoft will unveil the next iteration, the Surface Pro 12, later this year, possibly equipped with Qualcomm’s upcoming Snapdragon X2 SoC. We’ve heard rumors suggesting that this new chipset could deliver performance comparable to Apple’s M4 chip.

As a researcher eagerly anticipating the upcoming holiday season, I am keen to see how Microsoft addresses some key issues with the Surface Pro 12, hoping that any potential tariff-related delays won’t hinder its release.

Uniform bezels

The iPad Pro stands out as the benchmark for tablet design, and when put side by side, the Surface Pro appears somewhat outdated in its present form. The sleek, unified bezels encircling the stunning mini LED screen on the iPad Pro surpass the display quality of the Surface Pro 11 significantly.

I’m eagerly anticipating that with the Surface Pro 12, Microsoft might bring a more consistent design for the display’s borders, as the Surface Pro 11 currently features thicker bezels at the top and bottom to accommodate the high-resolution camera, facial recognition sensors, and magnetic attachments for the optional keyboard.

Microsoft should allow space for essential components, yet it doesn’t prevent them from reducing the thickness of the top and bottom bezels slightly. Moreover, they could strive to make all four bezels even in size.

A Surface Pro 12 featuring curved screen edges and slimmer, symmetrical borders around the entire screen could give it a more contemporary, sleek look.

Thinner and lighter

Following the same thought process, I’m eager for a decrease in both weight and dimensions on the next Surface Pro model. The existing Surface Pro 11 is noticeably thicker and heavier than many competitors, even when compared to the earlier Surface Pro X. Ideally, I’d like a device that matches the sleekness of the iPad Pro, which boasts an impressive thickness of only 5.1mm.

I don’t anticipate the Surface Pro 12 becoming as thin as the latest craze, but I’d certainly appreciate it if it were slightly thinner than its current version. I recognize that the device may still require a fan for cooling purposes, which somewhat restricts its potential thickness. However, any reduction in size will be considered an improvement by me.

The weight issue is consistent across the board. For my personal preference, I find the Surface Pro 11 a bit too bulky when used as a tablet, and it’s significantly heavier compared to both the Surface Pro X and iPad Pro. To encourage me to utilize the Surface Pro as a versatile 2-in-1 device (meaning using it as a tablet occasionally), Microsoft should aim for a lighter design.

5G at launch

It consistently aggravates me when Microsoft introduces a new device but postpones the release of its 5G versions until much later after the initial launch, and this has been the case with most Surface devices, including the Surface Pro 11 which was released in June 2024 but didn’t have its 5G models available until September of the same year.

It seems there’s a three-month delay, and I’m puzzled as to why Microsoft can’t get ready earlier for the immediate sale of the 5G models at launch. It appears Apple manages to make the iPad Pro available instantly, so I wonder why Microsoft can’t do the same with the Surface Pro 12.

Intel and Snapdragon for everyone

It’s somewhat unlikely, but I’m hoping that Microsoft will give consumers the option to choose between Snapdragon and Intel versions of their devices. In the past year, Microsoft has shifted Intel models to a “business-only” segment of their Surface line. This makes them more costly and harder to find at common retailers such as Amazon and Best Buy.

(See our Intel vs Snapdragon: Which Surface is best for you? for a more direct comparison.)

Moreover, there seems to be a distinct difference in the display feature between the Intel and Snapdragon variants that I find unusual. Could someone explain why only the Intel versions have an anti-reflective coating on their displays while the Snapdragon models lack this feature? If I desire a device powered by Snapdragon with an anti-reflective coating, is there any available option?

An additional illustration involves the latest 5G technology (here are some suggestions for top 5G laptops). Notably, the Surface Pro 11 is equipped with 5G, however, it’s exclusively powered by Snapdragon and not Intel.

Moreover, the Intel Surface Pro 11 offers extra software features, including a 80% battery saver setting within the Surface app. This feature is not available on Snapdragon versions.

Essentially, I propose that every model of the Surface Pro 12 be accessible to everyone, offering identical features across the board. The choice of processor should not dictate differences in functionality or capabilities.

Make a red one

Lastly, but certainly not insignificantly, let’s reintroduce the vibrant hue of red! I have a soft spot for devices with a red finish, and it appears that tech companies have overlooked this color option in recent years. Among my favorites is the Surface Laptop 2 in its Burgundy variant, a truly stunning piece. I hope to see that same striking shade on the upcoming Surface Pro 12 as well.

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2025-04-21 18:09