Microsoft Surface Pro 2024 Microsoft Surface Pro - Copilot+ Tablet (11th Review

This renewed Surface Pro packs a 99th percentile CPU into a 2-pound tablet, making it shockingly fast. You get full Windows 11, 16GB of RAM, and a gorgeous OLED screen, but battery life is just average. At $930, it's for power users who prioritize portability above all else.

The renewed 2024 Surface Pro with the Snapdragon X Elite chip is a numbers game, and it's winning most of them. Its CPU and GPU performance land in the 99th and 98th percentiles, respectively, which is a staggering jump for a Windows tablet. That's paired with a healthy 16GB of RAM and a 512GB SSD, both sitting comfortably above the 90th percentile. This isn't just a tablet; it's a full Windows PC crammed into 894 grams, and it's got the scores to prove it.

But the story isn't all top-tier. The battery life percentile is a middling 49th, which puts a slight damper on the 'all-day' claim. And while the 13-inch OLED screen is gorgeous (86th percentile), its feature set, which includes things like ports and expandability, is more average at the 76th percentile. You're getting elite silicon in a very portable, but not perfectly balanced, package.

Let's talk about that Snapdragon X Elite. A 99th percentile CPU score means this thing is faster than virtually every other tablet in our database, and it's not even close. In real-world terms, that translates to snappy app launches, smooth multitasking with dozens of browser tabs, and the ability to handle light photo editing without breaking a sweat. The GPU, at the 98th percentile, is no slouch either, making it capable of some light gaming and smooth 4K video playback.

The 16GB of LPDDR5X RAM (93rd percentile) is the sweet spot for serious work, and the 512GB SSD (92nd percentile) offers plenty of room for projects and media. The performance story here is overwhelmingly positive, centered on that Qualcomm chip delivering desktop-class power in a tablet form factor. It's the core reason this device exists.

At $930 for a renewed model, the value proposition is interesting. You're paying a premium for that top-shelf Snapdragon X Elite performance and the OLED screen in a super-portable form. Compared to a new model, you're saving money, but you're accepting a shorter warranty and the 'renewed' condition. The raw performance per dollar is high, but you have to want the specific combo of tablet form factor and full Windows power to justify it. If you just need a fast computer, traditional laptops at this price might offer more features or better battery life.

This puts the Surface Pro in a weird spot versus its top competitors. Against the Apple iPad Pro, you're trading a more polished tablet OS and ecosystem for full Windows 11 and much better file management. The iPad might have a slight edge in pure app optimization, but the Surface smokes it in multitasking flexibility. Compared to a Samsung Galaxy Tab, the Surface's Windows advantage is even clearer. The real competition might be from other Windows tablets or ultraportable laptops. The Lenovo Idea Tab Pro, for instance, might offer a similar screen at a lower price, but it won't touch the 99th percentile CPU performance of this Snapdragon chip. You're buying this for the silicon first, the form factor second.

Skip this if battery life is your top priority. Its 49th percentile score means it's just average, and you'll likely need to charge it during a long workday. Also, if you're on a tight budget and don't specifically need elite tablet performance, a standard laptop at this price will give you more features and likely better battery. Finally, if you live in a specific desktop Windows x86 application that hasn't been ported to ARM, the compatibility layer might introduce hiccups.

If you need a no-compromise Windows machine in the absolute most portable form factor, this renewed Surface Pro is a compelling, performance-driven choice. The Snapdragon X Elite is the real deal, making this feel like a proper laptop. However, the average battery life and the 'renewed' status are genuine trade-offs. We'd recommend it wholeheartedly to digital artists, on-the-go professionals, and anyone who's wanted a tablet that doesn't feel like a secondary device. For everyone else, the price and compromises might steer you toward a traditional clamshell laptop.