Surface Pro 11 Review: Snapdragon X Plus Takes Windows Tablets to the Next Level

Hello there! ETA Prime is back, and now we’re going to talk about the brand-new Microsoft Surface Pro 11. After handling it, I can see why this gadget has created quite the hype. The Surface Pro 11 is a Windows tablet that runs on the Qualcomm Snapdragon X+ (non-X Elite version), which demonstrates why Qualcomm developed the Snapdragon X series and the X Elite ARM CPUs.

Overview and First Impressions

The Surface Pro 11 is a stylish, multipurpose gadget that combines tablet portability with laptop capabilities. I got my hands on this machine thanks to Micro Center, and I have to tell that I’m really impressed. The Snapdragon X+ processor, which has 10 CPU cores clocked at up to 3.4 GHz, is included in the device I evaluated. This isn’t the X Elite version, but it still has fast performance that makes it perfect for a variety of uses.

This device’s innovative Co-Pilot AI functions, which are integrated into Windows, are among its most noteworthy features. Co-Pilot has a number of productivity-boosting features, including the ability to summarize documents, come up with ideas for new content, and even make amusing graphics. It’s a fantastic tool for both leisure and business use. 

Display and Build Quality

For the Surface Pro 11, Microsoft provides two display options: an LCD and an OLED. I was given the 13-inch PixelSense LCD, which has a 3:2 aspect ratio and a resolution of 2880 x 1920. Because of the sharpness and vivid colors, I initially thought the LCD was an OLED, which says a lot about the display’s quality. The display is a visual feast whether you’re editing papers, viewing videos, or surfing the internet. 

The build quality is solid and premium, just as you would expect from a Surface Pro. With its wide range of motion, the kickstand is among the best in the business, enabling you to comfortably set the device for any job. It’s crucial to remember that the keyboard is offered separately, which may come as a disappointment to those who were hoping it would be included.

Hardware and Performance

The Surface Pro 11 has some powerful hardware under the hood. A 512 GB user-replaceable M.2 SSD and 16 GB of LPDDR5X RAM operating at 8448 MHz are included. With a maximum clock speed of 1200 MHz, the Adreno X1 GPU effectively manages graphics workloads, guaranteeing seamless performance in common situations.

With Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 5.4 included, you can be sure that your connectivity is secure for the future. A full day of work is easily supported by the 48 Wh battery, though actual usage will determine this. 

The Surface Pro 11’s I/O is adequate but a little understated. Along with two USB 4 connections, you also get a 39-watt charger and a Microsoft-exclusive charging port. To provide even more ease, the tablet can also be charged via USB Type-C. Additional connectors include the standard volume rocker and power button on top, as well as the Surface keyboard port at the bottom.

Software and Co-Pilot

The software, specifically Windows 11 running on an ARM processor, is what distinguishes the Surface Pro 11 from its predecessors. This feels like a full-fledged Windows PC, in contrast to earlier ARM-based Windows devices that were a little underpowered or constrained. Almost all x86 apps operate nicely on this ARM-powered tablet because of Microsoft’s new translation layer, Prism, which makes it a viable alternative for people wishing to replace their conventional laptop.

Co-Pilot, which incorporates AI right into the Windows experience, is one of the best features. Co-Pilot can help with anything from planning events in the downtown area to condensing lengthy paperwork or providing homework assistance in math. It’s a useful tool that enhances the Surface Pro 11 considerably, particularly for customers who need fast, AI-powered help with everyday activities or who multitask.

Real-World Use Cases: Speed and Efficiency

Since the Surface Pro 11 has Wi-Fi 7, it can perform common operations like web browsing and streaming videos quite quickly. I tested by visiting a number of websites with plenty of images, and everything loaded without any issues at all. The Snapdragon X+ chip meets the performance expectations of the majority of customers for a high-end tablet, precisely at this level. 

The Surface Pro 11 performs admirably when it comes to streaming videos. I tested it by streaming 4K footage from YouTube, and even though the gadget didn’t have a 4K display, it handled 4K 60 frames per second HDR video without any hiccups. Even though it isn’t the most powerful chip in the Snapdragon lineup, the Snapdragon X+ can easily handle viewing videos, whether they are saved locally or are streamed from websites like YouTube. 

Benchmarking: How Does It Stack Up?

I conducted several benchmarks to gain a better idea of the Surface Pro 11’s performance standings. The gadget received a single-core performance score of 2,435 and a multi-core performance score of nearly 13,000 on Geekbench 6. To put this into perspective, the Snapdragon X+ beats the Intel i5-13500H in both single- and multi-core workloads, but the 14-inch MacBook Pro with an Apple M3 processor does better in single-core tasks.

In terms of visuals, the Adreno X1 GPU received scores of 5,773 in Fire Strike and 2,339 in 3DMark Night Raid. Although not particularly impressive, these figures are respectable for a gadget that isn’t intended as a gaming machine.

Gaming Performance: Can the Surface Pro 11 Game?

I was interested to test how the Surface Pro 11 handled a few well-known titles, even though Microsoft doesn’t promote it as a gaming tablet. It’s what I discovered:

• Cyberpunk 2077: With FSR set to Ultra Performance and running at 1080p, the game averaged about 38 frames per second. Considering that it is using Microsoft’s Prism emulation layer, which converts x86 instructions to ARM, this is quite astounding.
• Hades 2: The game performed well at over 60 frames per second at 1080p and high settings. Even at 1080p, the experience was pleasurable; lowering the resolution to 900p might bring the frame rate closer to the display’s 120Hz refresh rate.
• Fallout 4: Sadly, the game has trouble keeping a steady 60 frames per second at 720p and low settings. I’m thinking of testing an earlier version of the game to see if it runs better because this might be the result of a recent update that looks to have affected performance.
• Grand Theft Auto 5: With default settings, the game performed smoothly at 1080p, albeit with sporadic stutters. Overall, the game was playable, albeit this could have been caused by shader loading or the absence of a shader cache.

The Surface Pro 11 can run select contemporary games at reduced settings, but it won’t replace a dedicated gaming laptop. This tablet is ideal for people who desire a device that can be used for both productivity duties and light games.

Battery Life: A Solid Performer

The Surface Pro 11’s long battery life is one of its best features. Using performance mode and 50% screen brightness during my testing, I was able to play YouTube videos continuously for 12 hours and 8 minutes. That’s remarkable for a Windows tablet, particularly one with an ARM processor. Naturally, gaming will deplete the battery considerably more quickly, but the Surface Pro 11 performs admirably when it comes to productivity tasks and playing videos.

Final Thoughts

I’m quite happy with the Microsoft Surface Pro 11 overall. For individuals who require more functionality than what an Android tablet can provide, the combination of Windows 11 with the ARM-based Snapdragon X+ makes it a strong and adaptable gadget. The Surface Pro 11 offers an amazing experience whether you’re playing games, streaming videos, or even just surfing the web.

We appreciate Micro Center sending us this device to review. Check out the links to their website below if you’d want to find out more or get one. As always, please let me know in the comments if there is anything else you would like to see available on the Surface Pro 11!

I appreciate you reading, and I’ll see you in the future article!

Video review of Microsoft Surface Pro 11