Microsoft just unveiled the 12th‑generation Surface Pro, and the formula is familiar: faster chip, better battery, optional OLED, and a price that stings.
The chip – both IPS and OLED models now run on Qualcomm's Snapdragon X2, available in 10‑core X2 Plus or 12‑core X2 Elite configurations. Graphics performance is up to 53% faster than the 11th Edition. The Hexagon NPU delivers 80 TOPS of AI processing power – enough for on‑device Copilot+ features without breaking a sweat.
Battery life gets a solid bump. Microsoft claims 15.5 hours of local video playback – a 10% improvement over the Pro 11. For active web usage, expect around 11.5 hours, which is 15% better than the previous generation.
The display – this is where the Pro 12 shines. Both IPS and OLED options are available, each with a 13‑inch 2880×1920 PixelSense panel at 120Hz. The OLED variant hits 900 nits peak HDR brightness – noticeably punchier than the IPS model's 600 nits.
What's new besides the chip? A 1440p Quad HD ultrawide front camera, Wi‑Fi 7 support, and haptic feedback for the Slim Pen. The chassis measures just 9.3mm thick and weighs 895g. Colour options include Platinum, Black, and Dune, with matching Flex Keyboards.
Pricing – starts at $1,499 for the base model: X2 Plus, 16GB RAM, 256GB SSD, and an IPS display. That's $500 more than the Pro 11's $999 launch price. If you want the OLED panel, add $300 – bringing it to $1,799. RAM options now include 16GB, 24GB, 32GB, or 64GB. Storage goes up to 1TB.
Availability – consumer models are on sale now (launched June 16). Business versions arrive July 14. Through June 30, US buyers get a free Surface Pro Flex Keyboard (worth ~$170) and up to $900 trade‑in credit.
Bottom line – the Surface Pro 12 is genuinely the most powerful 2‑in‑1 Microsoft has ever made. The Snapdragon X2 delivers real performance gains, the OLED screen is back and brighter than ever, and 16GB RAM is finally standard. But that $500 price hike is impossible to ignore – and remember, the keyboard is still sold separately. If you're coming from an older Intel Surface Pro, the upgrade is compelling. If you're budget‑conscious, the Pro 11 still holds up well for daily tasks.