The Surface Pro 12″ 2025 is a brand-new laptop/tablet that can be considered a replacement for Microsoft’s Surface Go. Please don’t confuse it with the current Surface Pro 11 line, as it’s a smaller version with a more tablet-like design and a less powerful configuration. Of course, it’s still the typical design of the Surface line for many years. In this Surface Pro 12 quick review, we take a closer look at how it strikes a balance between portability, performance, and everyday usability in a compact form.
Surface Pro 12 Quick Review
Design
The Surface Pro 12 2025 features the same design as previous Surface Pro models, including a flexible stand, a detachable keyboard, and pen support with touchscreen capabilities. However, because it runs on a Snapdragon X Plus chip on an Arm platform with reduced configuration, it does not require a cooling fan. Therefore, the device’s design does not feature air vents; instead, it opts for a more seamless monolithic design. This brings a much better experience of holding the tablet in hand. Not to mention, it will look thinner and cleaner. I like this design on Surface Pro 12 2025.
Still, Microsoft’s typical hinge and stand allow this type of hinge to set the device up at various angles, even nearly flat, compared to the table surface. This is a highly sturdy and stable hinge for long-term use. There will be some reductions here. First of all, there is no more slot to upgrade or replace the SSD; we buy it as is because this is a basic computer, more like a tablet.
The lack of a dedicated Microsoft charging port is offset by two Microsoft Surface Pro USB-C Gen 3.2 ports. These ports make it easy to charge, transfer data, or connect to an external display. In general, I support removing as many separate ports as possible because we can easily find a C cable to charge the device if we forget to bring the charger and cable.
Surface Pro Keyboard and Slim Pen
The device will have a slot to hold the pen on the back. Due to the flat pen design, it will not protrude too much, and the magnet is very tight. It might be hard to remove when taking it out of a bag or backpack. The keyboard design remains distinctly Microsoft, but there are some notable changes. Microsoft still uses high-quality Alcantara leather for the outside, which feels great to the touch but can easily get dirty.
The inside of the keyboard is no longer soft and smooth, but it is still smooth, albeit much harder, like a layer of plastic or rubber. It will be harder than previous Surface Pro keyboards. When attached to the Surface Pro 12 2025, this keyboard also lies flat with the table surface and does not have a raised position at an angle. This setup makes more sense because raising it significantly reduces stability, which makes typing uncomfortable. The pen slot sits at the back and remains firmly attached, catering to users who prioritize the Surface for drawing and digital note-taking.
The touchpad on this keyboard is also just a basic type without haptic (force sensing), meaning it still only has two physical buttons to press down. Sometimes, when I move on the edges of the touchpad, it is not accurate. Additionally, when I move the area above the space key, I am unable to press down on it.
Surface Pro 12 2025 Specs
This is a 12″ device with an LCD screen. There’s no OLED upgrade option, and the refresh rate is 90Hz. When used as a tablet, it features four slightly thick screen borders, and the speaker position is optimized for use in a horizontal position only. Not to mention that the Windows operating system it uses is only optimized for mouse and keyboard, which will not provide a good user experience when entering data by touch, unlike iPadOS or Android.
In terms of configuration, our Surface Pro 12 quick review unit features an 8-core Snapdragon X Plus processor, 16GB of RAM, and a 512GB solid-state drive (SSD). This chip handles basic tasks well. Even when connected to a 4K 27″ screen and running Lightroom, it performs fine. The tablet also does not get hot in all use cases. Overall, I am satisfied with its performance, including photo editing, web browsing, and basic apps. Most of the apps I use are compatible with Arm without needing an emulator to run. This is also a positive point that Microsoft and developers have made in the past with Arm and Windows.
The battery is also good; it will last a working day. Due to the Arm platform, the device also consumes very little battery when not in use or left overnight.
Final Line
The Surface Pro 12 (2025) stands out as a compact, no-nonsense alternative to the larger Surface Pro 11 series. Its thinner build, fanless design, and solid battery life make it a great choice for users who need something light and functional for everyday work or travel. The Snapdragon X Plus chip handles multitasking, photo editing, and basic creative tools without trouble. The reduced power draw helps the device stay cool and quiet throughout the day.
It’s not trying to be everything—the lack of an OLED screen, no SSD upgrades, and a basic touchpad remind you this is more tablet than laptop. Still, for tasks like browsing, writing, and casual creative work, it does the job well.
Surface Pro 12 Price and Availability
You can buy it now from Amazon or B&H Photo. Prices start at $769.99 for the 16GB RAM and 256GB SSD version.
