Microsoft Surface Pro X review
The Microsoft Microsoft Surface Pro X ranks as the #781 laptops globally, achieving a LibraScore of 62. Across all metrics, this product stands out most for its #82-ranked build among 637 laptops. Consider the Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 7i Pro or HP ProBook 455 G7, which offer higher scores while staying in the same price range.
Is it Worth it?
The Microsoft Surface Pro X is a beautifully engineered ultra-portable device that offers a glimpse into the future of tablets. However, its value proposition is uncertain. While it excels in battery life, with over 9 hours of video playback, its performance is hampered by software compatibility issues and emulation overhead. Adobe apps like Photoshop are slow and laggy, making it difficult to justify the purchase for heavy users. The iPad Pro offers a similar experience at a lower price point, while the Surface Pro 7 provides better value with its Intel chip and no software compatibility concerns. Unless you're invested in the Microsoft ecosystem, it's hard to recommend the Surface Pro X as a top choice.
Build
The Microsoft Surface Pro X boasts a sleek build that's both portable and durable. The magnesium alloy chassis is sturdy and resistant to scratches, making it perfect for frequent travelers. The device's 13-inch touchscreen display is crisp and vibrant, with minimal bezels giving it a modern look. The Surface Pro X also features a USB-C port, two USB-A ports, and a Surface connector, providing ample connectivity options. Weighing in at just 774g, this ultra-portable device is designed to be taken on the go, making it ideal for those who need a reliable and stylish companion for work or play. Consider discovering the power of Microsoft Surface Pro 9, featuring the latest advancements in build.
Display
The Microsoft Surface Pro X boasts a stunning display that's perfect for productivity and creativity. The screen size is ideal for getting work done, with vibrant colors and crisp text making it a joy to use. The display is also quite bright, making it easy to read in various lighting conditions. One of the standout features of the Pro X's display is its ability to produce deep blacks, which makes images and videos pop. Overall, the display on the Surface Pro X is top-notch, offering an immersive experience that will keep you engaged for hours on end. You might prefer Microsoft Surface Pro 10, designed with an upgraded display for a better experience.
Performance
The Microsoft Surface Pro X promises a seamless experience, but its performance falls short. While benchmarks show impressive results, real-world usage reveals slower app loading times and stuttering graphics in complex programs like Photoshop. Adobe's decision to stick with 32-bit support for now exacerbates the issue. Emulation struggles to keep pace, making tasks that should be smooth feel sluggish. This is particularly evident in creative apps, where performance is crucial. Microsoft assures us that 64-bit emulation will arrive soon, but until then, Surface Pro X users may find themselves waiting on tasks to complete, rather than enjoying a fluid experience. For a superior performance, Lenovo 14e Chromebook Gen 3 could be the right choice.
Battery and Charging
The Microsoft Surface Pro X boasts impressive battery life, with a claimed 13 hours in Microsoft's test. However, my real-world experience yielded just over 9 and a half hours of fullscreen video at 50% brightness. Still, this is significantly longer than the Surface Pro 7's 5 and a half hours in the same test. With mixed usage, I managed to squeeze around 8 and a half hours from the device. Charging is also efficient, taking about two hours to reach 100% capacity from an empty battery. Overall, the Surface Pro X's battery life is commendable, if not quite meeting its lofty claims.
Connectivity
The Microsoft Surface Pro X boasts impressive connectivity features, including onboard 4G and LTE for seamless work-on-the-go experiences. Two USB-C ports and the reversible Surface connector are also present, but unfortunately, no Intel chip means Thunderbolt 3 support is lacking. While this may be a drawback for some, the added convenience of cellular connectivity makes it an attractive option for those who need to stay connected while on the move. You may find Apple MacBook Pro 13 a better fit, thanks to its superior connectivity.
Features
The Microsoft Surface Pro X boasts a sleek design and impressive features. It comes with onboard 4G and LTE for seamless connectivity on-the-go. The device also offers two USB Type-C ports and a reversible Surface Connector. A high-resolution touchscreen display and excellent sound quality are notable highlights. Additionally, the Surface Pro X supports up to 16GB of RAM and can run multiple apps simultaneously. If you’re after a better features, Microsoft Surface Pro 9 could be the ideal option.
Support and Maintenance
The Microsoft Surface Pro X offers limited support for 64-bit emulation, with many programs experiencing performance issues or being unavailable altogether. Compatibility is also hampered by Adobe's refusal to update their apps to run natively on ARM.
Pros
1. The Surface Pro X has a beautifully engineered design that's a glimpse at the future of ultra-portables.
2. It excels at battery life, lasting significantly longer than the Surface Pro 7 with around 9.5 hours of fullscreen video at 50% brightness.
3. The battery life will comfortably get you through a full workday, especially with mixed usage time at around 8.5 hours.
4. The sound is surprisingly good, with plenty of punch and acceptable bass levels.
5. It's great for working on the go without needing to tether or hotspot from your phone thanks to onboard 4G and LTE connectivity.
6. Having two USB Type-C ports is a welcome feature, especially considering it's been requested by Microsoft fans for three years.
7. The Surface Pro X has a sleek design that makes it a pleasure to use as a primary device.
8. It's a great option for those who want a full-fat Intel chip with decent onboard Iris Plus graphics.
Cons
1. The Surface Pro X struggles with software compatibility, particularly when running complex programs like Photoshop through emulation.
2. Performance in Photoshop was downright bad, making it difficult to use the app for anything other than simple cutouts and text.
3. Adobe apps like Illustrator and Photoshop feel a lot slower than they should be given the benchmark results, even with 64-bit emulation support planned for this year.
4. The Surface Pro X has a battery life that's not quite as good as the Surface Pro 7, despite lasting significantly longer in some tests.
5. It lacks a traditional 3.5mm headphone jack, forcing users to opt for wireless Bluetooth headphones or use the USB-C port.
6. The Surface Pro X is more expensive than its Intel-based brother and offers limited software compatibility compared to the Surface Pro 7.
7. Choosing the Surface Pro X over an iPad Pro might not be the best value, given the latter's optimized apps and lower price point.
8. For now, while the Surface Pro X is a great device, it may not be worth buying when considering options like the iPad Pro or Surface Pro 7.
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