Review · Tech & gadgets
Microsoft Surface Pro 12-inch review
Microsoft's Windows 11 2-in-1 tablet with a Snapdragon X2 Plus processor, a kickstand and optional keyboard and pen.
By the HearSmart research desk · Updated November 8, 2026
- Performance (40%)
- 8.8
- Ease of use (25%)
- 7.6
- Value (35%)
- 6.6
The Surface Pro is on this list for one group of students: those whose program requires Windows software but who want to write on a screen. Microsoft's store listed the Surface Pro 12-inch at $1,149.99, with a 6-core Snapdragon X2 Plus processor, a 12-inch PixelSense LCD touchscreen at 2196 by 1464 and 90Hz, and up to 15.5 hours of local video playback or 13 hours of web browsing. It weighs 1.5 pounds without a keyboard and has two USB-C ports, Windows Hello face sign-in and the built-in kickstand. The Surface Slim Pen stores and charges magnetically on the back, and the Ink Canvas app comes preinstalled. Microsoft says the pen and keyboard are sold separately, which pushes a complete setup well past the price of most laptops on our student laptop list. A 13-inch model starts at $1,199.99. Check that any required course software runs on Windows on Snapdragon before buying.
Who it is for
Students whose courses need full Windows desktop software but who still want a tablet for notes.
Price
From $1,149.99 at the Microsoft Store when checked.
Surface Pro 12-inch $1,149.99 Buy
Quoted from the vendor pricing page on November 8, 2026.
Key features
- Runs full Windows 11 as a Copilot+ PC
- 6-core Snapdragon X2 Plus processor
- 12-inch PixelSense LCD touchscreen at 2196 by 1464 and 90Hz
- Up to 15.5 hours of local video playback and up to 13 hours of web browsing
- Two USB-C ports, Windows Hello face sign-in and a built-in kickstand
Strengths and weaknesses
- Strength: The only tablet here that runs full Windows desktop apps
- Strength: Magnetic pen storage and wireless charging on the back
- Strength: Kickstand and two USB-C ports suit desk work
- Weakness: The most expensive tablet here, and the keyboard and Slim Pen are sold separately
- Weakness: 1.5 pounds without a keyboard, the heaviest on this list
- Weakness: A 90Hz LCD, while the 13-inch model offers OLED or LCD at 120Hz
Key facts
- Price: From $1,149.99 (13-inch from $1,199.99)
- Processor: Snapdragon X2 Plus, 6-core
- Display: 12-inch LCD, 2196 by 1464, 90Hz
- Battery: Up to 15.5 hours video playback
- Weight: 1.5 pounds without keyboard
- Pen: Surface Slim Pen, sold separately
Where it ranks
Microsoft Surface Pro 12-inch is No. 8 in our Best Tablets for Students verdict.
Alternatives we scored
Visit microsoft.com · Questions or corrections: editorial@hearsmart.org