The Surface Pro 11 is a revolutionary device, representing a significant leap forward for the Surface Pro line and the Windows 2-in-1 category as a whole. Powered by the new Snapdragon X chip, it offers unparalleled performance and battery life, exceeding even the new iPad Pro in some aspects. The OLED display is simply stunning, delivering exceptional color accuracy and brightness. A refined design, improved keyboard, and a high-quality webcam further elevate the user experience.
The Surface Pro 11 comes in two primary configurations: a base model starting at $999 with an IPS panel and 256GB SSD, and an OLED model starting at $1,499 with the Snapdragon X Elite and 512GB storage. Neither configuration includes the Type Cover or Surface Slim Pen.
The design remains largely unchanged from previous generations, but this isn’t necessarily a bad thing. The sturdy kickstand and sleek color options continue to impress, and the overall design feels refined and modern. While the device could be thinner considering its Arm-based chip, it’s still a significant improvement over the iPad Pro when it comes to sturdiness.
The Type Cover has been further enhanced, featuring a smooth haptic feedback trackpad and a comfortable keyboard that rivals even the Magic Keyboard. It’s also sturdy enough for lap use, though the kickstand can be a bit uncomfortable. The ability to use the keyboard even when detached from the tablet is a welcome improvement, offering greater flexibility and comfort.
The Surface Pro 11 lacks a headphone jack, which is disappointing considering its potential as a laptop replacement. However, it does offer two USB-C ports and a Surface Connect dock. The inclusion of a removable SSD is a significant advantage, allowing for easy storage upgrades.
The OLED display is a game-changer for the Surface Pro, delivering exceptional visual quality. The HDR mode offers high peak brightness, while the Vivid mode provides superior color accuracy and saturation. The 120Hz refresh rate ensures smooth and responsive performance.
The webcam is another highlight, featuring a 12-megapixel wide-angle lens that delivers stunning video quality. It’s one of the best webcams available on a Windows device, making the Surface Pro 11 ideal for video conferencing. The speakers, while not as impressive as the webcam, still provide decent audio quality, offering a fuller sound profile than even the 15-inch Surface Laptop 7.
Performance is exceptional, thanks to the powerful Snapdragon X1E80100 chip. While it may not be as fast as other laptops with the same chip, the Surface Pro 11 still delivers performance on par with modern Intel Core Ultra laptops. It also features a Performance mode that boosts multi-core performance by 38% and single-core performance by 15%.
Battery life is another area where the Surface Pro 11 shines. It surpasses previous generations, exceeding 14 and a half hours in light web browsing tests. This makes it the longest-lasting Copilot+ PC to date, though it still falls short of MacBook standards.
The Surface Pro 11 is a remarkable achievement, finally realizing the potential of the Surface Pro line. It’s the best Surface Pro ever made and a compelling choice for anyone looking for a high-quality 2-in-1 device. However, the price remains a barrier, with the base model starting at $999 and requiring an additional $140 for the keyboard. While Microsoft offers separate sales of the keyboard and Surface Slim Pen, this can add up to a significant investment.
