Microsoft Surface Pro 11 review
The Microsoft Microsoft Surface Pro 11 ranks as the #378 laptops globally, achieving a LibraScore of 74. Across all metrics, this product stands out most for its #591-ranked features among 638 laptops. Consider the Lenovo ThinkBook Plus Gen 3 or Lenovo ThinkPad P1 Gen 3, which offer higher scores while staying in the same price range.
Is it Worth it?
The Microsoft Surface Pro 11 is a powerful device that pushes the boundaries of what a tablet-laptop hybrid can do. Its performance rivals that of traditional laptops, and its AI features show promise for the future. However, the high price tag makes it a significant investment. With a premium build quality and stunning OLED display, it's hard to deny the allure of this device. But compatibility issues with some software and the removal of certain features like Recall reduce excitement. Ultimately, it's worth it for those who prioritize portability and performance, but others may find better value elsewhere. A pricey yet impressive option that justifies its cost for the right user.
Build
The Surface Pro 11's build quality is impressive, with a sleek design and premium materials. Weighing just 1.97 pounds, it's surprisingly lightweight, rivaling some iPad Pro models. However, extended use can cause discomfort due to its portability-focused design. The new flex cover keyboard offers improved typing experience and wireless charging capabilities. The device's scale and build quality make it feel substantial, yet the cake stand that allows for versatile positioning may not be ideal for lap-based usage. Overall, the Surface Pro 11's build is solid, but may not cater to those seeking a more traditional laptop design. You might prefer Microsoft Surface Pro X, designed with an upgraded build for a better experience.
Display
The Microsoft Surface Pro 11 boasts a stunning 13-inch OLED display as an option, delivering vibrant colors and deep blacks that bring documents and videos to life. However, the brightness falls short, particularly in outdoor use. The color options are a welcome change from the usual black and silver laptops, with a unique dune brownish hue and eye-catching sapphire blue finish. The display's versatility is also notable, allowing for seamless transitions between tablet and laptop modes. While impressive, the Surface Pro 11's display may not be the most outstanding aspect of this device. For a superior display, Microsoft Surface Pro X could be the right choice.
Performance
The Microsoft Surface Pro 11 boasts impressive performance, thanks to its Snapdragon X elite chip. It scored an impressive 13,097 on the Geekbench 6 multi-core benchmark test, outperforming the MacBook Air M3. However, it falls slightly behind in single-core tasks, scoring 2,813 compared to the MacBook's 3,082. In real-world testing, the Surface Pro handled heavy workloads with ease, transcoding a 4K clip to 1080p in just under a minute. While battery life was inconsistent, averaging around five hours in demanding scenarios, the device's performance is undeniable. Overall, the Surface Pro 11 delivers strong performance that rivals traditional laptops, making it a solid choice for those seeking portability and power. A better alternative might be Lenovo V17 Gen 2, featuring a next-level performance.
Battery and Charging
The Surface Pro 11's battery life is an area where expectations meet reality. Microsoft claims all-day productivity, but in real-world use, the battery lasts around 5 hours under demanding conditions, a significant drop from its claimed 12-hour performance. Wireless charging capabilities through the new flex keyboard cover are a convenient feature, allowing seamless power-ups on-the-go. However, this convenience comes at an added cost, with the keyboard cover priced at $350.
Connectivity
The Surface Pro 11 boasts impressive connectivity features, including wireless charging capabilities with its flex keyboard. This feature allows seamless device pairing, making it easy to juice up the laptop without cluttering your workspace. The USB ports and headphone jack provide additional connectivity options. However, some users may find the battery life inconsistent, dropping to around five hours under demanding conditions, despite Microsoft's claims of all-day productivity. If you’re after a better connectivity, Microsoft Surface Laptop could be the ideal option.
Features
The Microsoft Surface Pro 11 boasts a sleek design, premium build quality, and impressive portability at just 1.97 pounds. It features a stunning 13-inch OLED display, wireless charging capabilities, and a flexible keyboard with improved key travel. The device also supports multitasking with smooth performance across the board. Microsoft Surface Laptop might be a smarter choice, offering an upgraded features.
Support and Maintenance
The Surface Pro 11's AI features are impressive but still in their early stages. Windows Co-Pilot helps with tasks, but its practical applications can be hit or miss. Live captions and co-creator feature are notable, but results vary. Recall, a groundbreaking document-finding feature, was removed due to privacy concerns. Overall, the Surface Pro's AI integration feels like a work in progress, not yet essential to the computing experience.
Pros
1. The Surface Pro 11's hardware is impressive, with a sleek design and premium build quality that feels substantial yet surprisingly lightweight at just 1.97 pounds.
2. The new flex cover provides a more satisfying typing experience with improved key travel and the optional $350 keyboard cover is well worth it for those who want to upgrade their typing experience.
3. The Surface Pro 11's AI features, such as Windows co-pilot, live captions, and co-creator in Microsoft Paint, show promise for the future and can be useful for certain tasks.
4. The stunning OLED display is a definite highlight of the device, providing vivid and detailed visuals.
5. The Surface Pro 11's performance rivals that of traditional laptops, making it a great choice for those who prioritize portability and performance.
6. For those who are primarily focused on office tasks or need specific software that isn't optimized for arm processors, the Surface Pro is still an excellent choice.
Cons
1. The high price tag makes the device a significant investment, especially when factoring in essential accessories like the $350 keyboard cover.
2. Compatibility issues with some software may be a problem for users who need specific applications to run on their devices.
3. The removal of certain promised features, such as Recall, due to privacy concerns is disappointing and reduces excitement about the device.
4. The AI features on the Surface Pro feel like they're at an early stage and not yet essential to the computing experience.
5. Battery life may be a concern for users who need to use their devices for extended periods of time, with actual battery life dropping to around five hours in some cases.
6. Certain features, such as Recall, are available on other Windows 11 devices, making the Surface Pro's AI capabilities not exclusive to this device.
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