Microsoft Surface Pro 7 Microsoft Surface Pro 7+ Tablet PC 12.3'' Review
The Surface Pro 7+ offers a great screen and full Windows in a tablet, but its aging specs make it a niche pick. See who should buy this renewed 2-in-1.
The 30-Second Version
The Surface Pro 7+ is a competent but aging 2-in-1. Its fantastic screen and full Windows OS are highlights, but the older Intel chip and limited 8GB RAM hold it back. At $447 renewed, it's a niche buy for those who need Windows in tablet form.
Overview
The Surface Pro 7+ is a classic 2-in-1 that tries to be both a tablet and a laptop. It's got that sharp 12.3-inch screen and the familiar kickstand design, running full Windows 11 Pro right out of the box. That means you can run any desktop app you need, which is the main reason you'd pick this over an iPad.
Performance
Let's be real about the specs. The 11th-gen Intel i5 is fine for basic office work and web browsing, but our database shows its CPU performance lands in the 17th percentile. That's not great. The 8GB of RAM is also a bit tight for 2024, sitting in the 34th percentile. The bright spot is the display, which hits the 83rd percentile for its sharp 2736x1824 resolution. Just don't expect to do any serious video editing or gaming on the integrated GPU.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Strong feature (83th percentile) 83th
- Strong screen (79th percentile) 79th
Cons
- Below average storage (1th percentile) 1th
- Below average cpu (15th percentile) 15th
- Below average gpu (18th percentile) 18th
- Below average social proof (31th percentile) 31th
The Word on the Street
Specifications
Full Specifications
Processor
| CPU | Intel Core i5 1135G |
| Cores | 4 |
Memory & Storage
| Storage | 8 GB |
Display
| Size | 12.3" |
| Resolution | 2736 |
Connectivity
| Wi-Fi | WiFi 5 |
Features
| Stylus Support | Yes |
Physical
| Weight | 1.3 kg / 2.9 lbs |
| OS | Windows 11 Pro |
Value & Pricing
At around $447 for a renewed model, the value is a mixed bag. You're getting a capable Windows machine with a great screen for a relatively low price. But you're also buying tech that's a few generations old, with components that were mid-range even when new. If your needs are simple, it's a decent deal. If you need power, you're better off putting that money toward something newer.
vs Competition
Stacked up against an iPad Pro, you lose on raw speed and app polish but gain a full desktop OS. Compared to a modern Surface Pro with an OLED screen and an ARM chip, this feels dated. The Lenovo Idea Tab Pro often offers more RAM and a bigger screen for similar money, but it runs Android, not Windows. This Pro 7+ sits in a weird spot: it's a Windows tablet for people who specifically need Windows on a tablet, not the best tablet overall.
| Spec | Microsoft Surface Pro 7 Microsoft Surface Pro 7+ Tablet PC 12.3'' | Apple iPad Pro Apple 11" iPad Pro M5 Chip (Standard Glass, 512GB, | Samsung Galaxy Tab S10 Samsung 12.4" Galaxy Tab S10+ 256GB Multi-Touch | Microsoft Surface Pro Microsoft - Surface Pro - Copilot+ PC - 13” OLED | Lenovo Yoga Tab Series Lenovo Yoga Tab Plus | Xiaomi Xiaomi Redmi Pad 2 Only WiFi (No Calls or Text) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CPU | Intel Core i5 1135G | Apple M5 | MediaTek 9300 | Qualcomm Snapdragon X Elite X1E-84-100 | Qualcomm® Snapdragon® 8 Gen 3, QCM8650 | 2.2 GHz mediatek_helio |
| RAM (GB) | - | 12 | 12 | 32 | 16 | - |
| Storage (GB) | 8 | 512 | 256 | 1000 | 256 | 256 |
| Screen | 12.3" 2736x1824 | 11" 2420x1668 | 12.4" 2800x1752 | 13" 2880x1920 | 12.7" 2944x1840 | 11" 2560x1600 |
| OS | Windows 11 Pro | iPadOS | Android 14 | Windows 11 Home | Android 14 | Android 15 |
| Stylus | true | true | true | false | false | false |
| Cellular | false | false | false | false | false | false |
Common Questions
Q: Can this run desktop software like Photoshop or Visual Studio?
Yes, it runs full Windows 11 Pro, so it can run any x64 desktop application. Just be mindful that with only 8GB of RAM and an older Intel i5, performance in heavy apps won't be snappy.
Q: Is the keyboard included?
No, the keyboard (called the Signature Cover) is typically sold separately. The product description mentions it 'comes with a professional keyboard,' but for a renewed unit at this price, you should double-check the listing details.
Q: How is the battery life for all-day use?
Our percentile data puts battery life right in the middle at the 49th percentile. It should get you through a standard workday of light use, but you'll likely need to charge it if you're pushing it hard for 8+ hours.
Who Should Skip This
Skip this if you need performance for creative work, coding, or multitasking with many tabs. The 8GB RAM and older CPU will bottleneck you. Also, avoid it if you want a modern, seamless tablet experience—that's still Apple's and Samsung's turf. Look at a used M1 MacBook Air or a newer Surface Pro instead.
Verdict
Buy this if you're on a tight budget and your non-negotiable need is running specific Windows desktop software in a highly portable form factor. It's perfect for a student, a field worker, or someone who just needs a portable second screen for basic tasks. For everyone else, there are better options.