The Microsoft Surface Pro 11 stands out as the best iteration of the company’s 2-in-1 laptops, thanks to its speedy and efficient Snapdragon X Elite chip, new OLED screen option, and impressive battery life. Despite some half-baked AI features and expensive peripherals, the Surface Pro 11 is the most exciting version in years.
Detachable laptops running Windows are rare, which is understandable given the operating system’s demands on low-powered, thin, and light devices, and their often impractical keyboards for lap use. Nevertheless, Microsoft’s Surface Pro models continue to have a loyal following, despite historically lackluster performance, especially with Arm-based chips from Qualcomm, compared to Intel and AMD’s x86 options.
However, the Surface Pro 11 with its Qualcomm Snapdragon X Elite breaks this pattern, offering surprisingly strong performance and fewer compatibility issues for mainstream tasks and graphic design, along with extended battery life and well-designed hardware. The introduction of an OLED screen with true HDR capability, surpassing the IPS screens previously used, makes it an even more appealing package. While the keyboard and stylus are still sold separately, this model is worth considering for those looking to upgrade.
Two notes of caution: First, Microsoft announced its Core Ultra models in March, but they have yet to be released; the company may be waiting for the upcoming Lunar Lake chips, which feature vastly improved NPUs and optimizations. Second, I haven’t tested the lower-power Snapdragon X Plus, so I can’t compare the entry-level models to this and other systems.
Microsoft Surface Pro 11 Key Features and Specifications
- Screen: 13-inch LCD or OLED display with a resolution of 2880×1920 (267 PPI) and a 120Hz refresh rate
- Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon X Plus or X Elite
- RAM: Options of 16GB or 32GB
- Storage: Available in 256GB, 512GB, or 1TB
- Graphics: Qualcomm Adreno
- Operating System: Windows 11 Home
- Camera: 10.5MP rear camera, 12.2MP front-facing camera, supports Windows Hello
- Connectivity: WiFi 7, Bluetooth 5.4, 2x USB-4 ports, Surface Connect
- Dimensions: 287 x 209 x 9.3 mm
- Weight: 2.0 lbs (895g) (without keyboard)
- Price as Reviewed: $1,950 (or $1,500 without accessories)
- CPU: 3.4GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon X Elite X1E-80-100
- Ports: 2 x USB 4, 1 x Microsoft Surface connecto
- Operating System: Windows 11 Home (version 23H2)
| PROS | CONS |
| Excellent OLED display | Mixed graphics performanceOptional |
| Very good battery life | Pen and keyboard can get expensive |
| Class-leading NPU performance | Can get hot while plugged in or during intense usage |
| Finally, mainstream-Intel-comparable performance | 16GB is not enough |
| Nice kickstand |
Surface Pro 11 Laptop Design
The Microsoft Surface Pro 11 boasts a sleek and sophisticated design that truly sets it apart from previous models. The laptop features a 13-inch screen with an optional OLED display, providing vibrant colors and deep blacks that make everything from streaming videos to graphic design work look stunning. The build quality is exceptional, with a premium feel that comes from its slim, lightweight chassis made from high-quality materials.
The device’s thin profile and lightweight construction, weighing in at just 895 grams (without the keyboard), make it incredibly portable and easy to carry around, perfect for on-the-go professionals. The new Sapphire color option adds a touch of elegance and uniqueness to the device, making it stand out in the crowd.
One of the standout design features is the adjustable kickstand, which allows for a wide range of viewing angles, enhancing usability and comfort whether you’re typing, drawing, or presenting. The detachable keyboard, while sold separately, attaches seamlessly and is comfortable to type on, with well-spaced keys and a responsive touchpad.
Connectivity is also well-thought-out, with two USB-4 ports and a Surface Connect port, offering plenty of options for peripherals and accessories. The inclusion of advanced connectivity options like WiFi 7 and Bluetooth 5.4 ensures that you’re always connected, no matter where you are.
Overall, the design of the Surface Pro 11 combines practicality with elegance, making it not only a powerful tool but also a stylish accessory that complements any professional or creative workspace.
Microsoft Surface Pro 11 Review: Specs
- Screen: 13-inch LCD or OLED, 2880×1920 resolution (267 PPI), 120Hz refresh rate
- Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon X Plus or X Elite
- RAM: 16GB or 32GB LPDDR5
- Storage: 256GB, 512GB, or 1TB SSD options
- Graphics: Qualcomm Adreno GPU
- Operating System: Windows 11 Home
- Camera: 10.5MP rear, 12.2MP front-facing with Windows Hello
- Connectivity: WiFi 7, Bluetooth 5.4, 2x USB-4, Surface Connect
- Dimensions: 287 x 209 x 9.3 mm
- Weight: 895g (without keyboard)
Microsoft Surface Pro 11 Laptop Performance
Windows-on-Arm has made significant strides in the past four years since Microsoft began adapting its x86-based OS for a new architecture. Here are a few key points to consider before buying a Microsoft Surface Pro 11:
- Transition Challenges: Switching from the x86 instruction set to Arm is like learning a new language. Just as learning Chinese would be challenging for someone who has only ever spoken English or Spanish, adapting Windows to Arm has been a significant hurdle for Microsoft.
- Historical Struggles: Historically, Windows-on-Arm has struggled with compatibility issues. The OS might work, but many apps would not install or run properly.
- Current Improvements: Thanks to advancements like Prism emulation, which translates x86 instructions into Arm instructions, Windows 11 on the Surface Pro 11 is much more compatible with apps than it was in 2020. However, this translation process can still impact app performance.
In summary, while the Surface Pro 11 still experiences occasional app incompatibility, it is significantly improved from previous versions, making it a more viable option for users.
Microsoft Surface Laptop: Battery Life
The standout feature of the Microsoft Surface Pro 11 is its impressive battery life, which rivals the best MacBooks. In our web surfing test, it achieved 12 hours and 10 minutes of battery life. Even more impressive was the 14 hours and 33 minutes of local video playback, with the display at full brightness, energy saving off, and volume at 50%.
Considering this is an OLED laptop, such extended battery life is remarkable. For comparison, the iPad Pro with M4 achieved 14 hours and 50 minutes, and the MacBook Air 13-inch with M3 managed 15 hours and 13 minutes in web surfing tests. With some tweaks, the Surface Pro 11 could potentially reach 18-20 hours of use. The 47WHr battery charges quickly with the included charger, and even faster with a 65W or higher power cable via the Surface charging port or USB.
Battery Life Rating: 5/5
Microsoft Surface Pro 11 Benchmark Scores
The Microsoft Surface Pro 11 surprised me with its app performance, even in emulation. While not as fast as native apps, they were efficient enough that 95% of users wouldn’t notice a difference. However, benchmark tests reveal some differences.
On the plus side, the Snapdragon X Elite’s multicore performance in Geekbench 6.3 matched the Apple M4 in the iPad Pro, showing significant potential for Windows-on-Arm to grow beyond its previous limitations. However, in CrossMark Productivity, the Surface Pro 11 scored 1,327, trailing behind the iPad Pro’s 1,771. In creative tasks, the Surface Pro 11 scored 5,600 in the PugetBench for Creators Photoshop benchmark, compared to the Apple MacBook Air 13-inch with M3’s 8,583.
These benchmarks highlight where the Surface Pro 11, relying on Prism Emulation, falls short compared to native performance on Intel, AMD, or Apple silicon-powered laptops. If you need high performance for demanding tasks, an Intel, AMD, or Apple silicon laptop might be a better choice.
However, performance isn’t solely about numbers. It’s about the overall user experience. For most non-gaming, non-intensive creative work, the Surface Pro 11’s real-world performance competes well with many ultrabooks I’ve tested over the past two years.
- Performance Rating: 3.5/5
Microsoft Surface Pro 11 Price & Availability
- Cost: Starting at $999.99 / £1,049.99 / AU$1,899.99
- Availability: Available now in the US, UK, and Australia
- Purchase Locations: US, UK, and Australia
The Microsoft Surface Pro 11 is now available starting at $999.99 / £1,049.99 / AU$1,899.99. This base price includes a 10-core Qualcomm Snapdragon X Plus chip, a 2.8K LCD display, 16GB RAM, and 256GB SSD. For $1,499.99 / £1,549 / AU$2,699, you can upgrade to an OLED display with a 12-core Snapdragon X Elite chip, 16GB RAM, and 512GB SSD. The LCD model only offers increased storage options, with all configurations featuring 16GB RAM.
The top-tier configuration, featuring a Snapdragon X Elite, OLED display, 32GB RAM, and 1TB SSD, is priced at $2,099.99 / £2,149.99 / AU$3,599. Note that this pricing excludes the cost of compatible keyboards. Currently, only Wi-Fi models are available, with 5G-enabled models expected later this year.
Compared to the iPad Pro 13-inch, the Surface Pro 11 generally offers more value, despite the iPad Pro having a better display. However, the Surface Pro 11 comes with more memory and a fully functional Windows 11 OS, unlike the iPad’s enhanced mobile OS.
Value Rating: 4/5
Microsoft Surface Pro 11 Review
The Microsoft Surface Pro 11 represents a significant evolution in the Surface lineup, offering power, portability, and versatility that appeals to professionals and everyday users. With its sleek design and premium build quality, the Surface Pro 11 features a 13-inch screen available in LCD and OLED options, delivering vibrant colors and sharp details.
Powered by Qualcomm’s Snapdragon X Plus or X Elite processors, paired with up to 32GB of RAM and 1TB of SSD storage, the Surface Pro 11 handles multitasking and demanding applications with ease. Whether you’re editing photos, streaming videos, or running productivity software, the device maintains a smooth performance thanks to its efficient chipset and Windows 11 Home operating system.
Battery life is a standout feature, with the Surface Pro 11 lasting up to 14 hours and 33 minutes in local video playback tests, making it one of the longest-lasting Windows laptops in its class. The inclusion of WiFi 7 and Bluetooth 5.4 ensures robust connectivity options, while the Surface Connect port and USB-4 ports offer versatility for connecting peripherals and external displays.
In terms of design, the Surface Pro 11 is thin and lightweight, weighing just 895 grams without the keyboard attachment. The built-in kickstand allows for adjustable viewing angles, enhancing comfort during extended use. The detachable keyboard, although an additional purchase, provides a tactile typing experience and complements the device’s productivity-oriented design.
Overall, the Microsoft Surface Pro 11 excels as a portable powerhouse, offering impressive performance, exceptional battery life, and a stylish design that makes it suitable for both work and entertainment. Whether you’re a professional needing a reliable tool for creative tasks or a student looking for a versatile device for everyday use, the Surface Pro 11 stands out as a top contender in the 2-in-1 laptop market.
Who Should Buy the Microsoft Surface Pro 11
- If You Want a True iPad Pro Alternative: This 2-in-1 can seriously challenge the iPad Pro’s claim to the title of best tablet computer.
- If You Want All-Day Battery Life: Windows laptops can last more than 8 hours, thanks to the super efficient Qualcomm Snapdragon X Plus and Elite chips inside.
- If You Want a Fully-Featured OS: While the iPad Pro is great, nothing beats having a complete OS at your fingertips when you need to get serious work done.
Who Should Not Buy the Microsoft Surface Pro 11
- If You Want Best-in-Class Performance: The Surface Pro 11 is a great performer, but it’s not the best.
- If You Don’t Want to Worry About Compatibility: Prism emulation is very good, but there will still be the occasional Windows x86 app that won’t work on this device.
Final Take
The Microsoft Surface Pro 11 offers impressive value, especially considering its excellent starting price, despite the annoyance of having to pay extra for a keyboard. Design-wise, it’s a stunning laptop, further enhanced by the OLED display upgrade. For a truly striking look, the Sapphire color option is highly recommended. Performance-wise, while it doesn’t quite match up to some of its competitors, it is still generally very good. The battery life is particularly outstanding, with the Surface Pro 11 nearly doubling the battery life of most other OLED laptops running Windows 11. In summary, despite a few drawbacks, the Microsoft Surface Pro 11 stands out as the best Surface Pro device to date and is a strong contender for the best laptop of 2024, with an overall score of 4.38 out of 5.