Microsoft Surface Pro (2025, 12-Inch)
The Microsoft Surface Pro is a compact, ultraportable 2‑in‑1 tablet PC that emphasizes portability, Copilot Plus AI integration, and long battery life, though it makes trade‑offs in display size, ports, and performance compared to larger Surface models.
Jumoka Cobbs 
Microsoft Surface Pro (2025, 12-Inch) Review Score
Mixed reviews - 9 reviewers had varied opinions
9
Reviews
90.0
Highest
60.0
Lowest
Screen
12"
Processor
Qualcomm Snapdragon X Plus
RAM
16GB
Storage
256GB,512GB)
Battery
38Wh
Resolution
2196x1464
Display
LCD
Review Sources:
| Publication | Score (100) | Review Date | |
|---|---|---|---|
| PCMag | Nov 16, 2025 | Read Review → | |
"The Microsoft Surface Pro (2025) offers a more accessible price point but comes at a cost in terms of performance compared to its predecessors. While the device features a sleek design and a decent processor, it faces stiff competition from other hig" | |||
| Wired | — | Read Review → | |
"The Surface Pro 12 offers a compact design with a high-quality IPS screen and a fanless, quiet performance. However, it lacks repairability, has limited ports, and is more expensive than its predecessor. It outperforms the Surface Pro 11th Edition in" | |||
| Trusted Reviews | Jul 18, 2025 | Read Review → | |
"With a nice screen, some smart design choices and a battery that lasts and lasts, the Surface Pro 12 is a welcome entry-level entrant in the long-running series. It’s just a shame that this hybrid device has many of the same issues that have dogged M" | |||
| Engadget | May 9, 2025 | Read Review → | |
"The Surface Pro is light, thin and can handle basic work just fine. It's also as cute as a button, so you probably won't mind that it has sub-par performance and a lesser screen than the 13-inch model." | |||
| TechRadar | Jun 4, 2025 | Read Review → | |
"Microsoft’s new Surface Pro 12 (2025) is a decent Windows 11 tablet which offers good value for money. It looks good and is easy to carry around, and the ability to run full desktop Windows 11 apps means it is more flexible compared to iPads and Andr" | |||
| The Verge | Jun 4, 2025 | Read Review → | |
"I’d still like to see Microsoft improve the tablet experience in Windows 11 with a mode that’s more like what existed in Windows 8. But even without those improvements, the 12-inch Surface Pro is as close as Microsoft has ever gotten to fulfilling my" | |||
| Pcworld | May 29, 2025 | Read Review → | |
"The new little Surface Pro straddles the line between a portable tablet and a compact Windows laptop (with an optional keyboard). Like the old, underpowered Surface Go—but actually good! I wish it had an OLED screen with HDR, but otherwise it exceeds" | |||
| Windows Central | Jun 7, 2025 | Read Review → | |
"Slightly smaller and more affordable, the Surface Pro 12-inch retains Microsoft's premium design, albeit with a few corners cut. While the battery life ranges from decent to just good enough, it's compensated for by the excellent performance of Qualc" | |||
| Notebookcheck | Jun 20, 2025 | Read Review → | |
"The new Surface Pro 12 is a solid everyday companion with sufficient performance for common applications, a high-quality chassis, a reasonably sized display, and decent battery life. Furthermore, the Snapdragon X Plus' passive cooling is well-impleme" | |||
| * Price represents starting price. Price can increase based on product options and selection. | |||
🤓 Nerd Verdict
Updated: December 15, 2025
The Microsoft Surface Pro 12-inch is a solid everyday 2-in-1 device with excellent performance, making it a pleasure to use for light office work and note-taking. However, the price of $799, along with its few drawbacks, might make some potential buyers hesitate.
✅ Strengths
- The consensus across multiple reviews is that the Surface Pro 12-inch offers impressive performance thanks to Qualcomm's Snapdragon X Plus chip, making it faster than older models like the Surface Go. The premium design and build quality are also praised by several publications, including Notebookcheck and Windows Central. Additionally, its 90Hz display with accurate colors enhances user experience, as noted in reviews from TechRadar.
- The keyboard and speakers on this device are particularly well-received, providing a great typing experience and clear sound output. The 2-in-1 form factor is versatile and convenient, allowing for both tablet and laptop use.
⚠️ Weaknesses
- While the battery life is decent to good enough, it isn't considered outstanding by many reviewers. For instance, TechRadar mentions that the battery life ranges from just good enough, which might be a drawback for those who rely heavily on their devices throughout the day.
- The display quality could be improved with punchier colors, as noted in Notebookcheck's review. Additionally, the limited number of ports (only 2x USB-C 3.2 Gen.2) and the lack of maintenance options such as RAM and SSD upgrades are significant downsides that affect overall value for money.
💡 Bottom Line
While the Surface Pro 12-inch is an excellent choice for those who prioritize performance and a premium design, its steep price tag of $799 might make it less appealing compared to other similarly priced laptops or tablets. For users needing a high-performance, versatile device with a good balance of features, this model could be worth the investment. However, if you're looking for more bang for your buck, it might be wise to wait for potential discounts or consider alternative options like the Surface Pro 13-inch at $899.
