The Microsoft Surface Pro 10 is here, continuing the legacy of versatility and power that the Surface lineup is known for. This device is more than just a tablet or laptop; it’s a hybrid powerhouse designed for professionals, creatives, and anyone in between. In this review, we’ll dive deep into the latest features, performance upgrades, and why it might be the right fit for your work and lifestyle.

Microsoft Surface Pro 10 : Design and Build Quality

    Microsoft sticks to the familiar sleek and minimalist design with the Surface Pro 10. The device is remarkably thin and lightweight, maintaining its portability while still feeling sturdy. The magnesium alloy chassis feels premium, and the kickstand offers excellent flexibility, allowing you to tilt the screen at virtually any angle. The Surface Pro 10 is available in a variety of colors, adding a touch of personality for those looking for more than just the standard platinum finish.

    The Surface Pro X’s design leaves us a bit puzzled. While it certainly feels sleeker, lighter, and more refined compared to previous Surface Pro models, the decision to remove the headphone jack in favor of achieving a slimmer profile is a tough compromise.

Microsoft Surface Pro 10 : Display

    The Surface Pro 10’s display is a standout feature. The 13-inch PixelSense Flow touchscreen now comes with a higher refresh rate of 120Hz, offering smoother scrolling and more responsive touch interactions. The resolution remains sharp at 2880 x 1920, delivering vibrant colors, deep blacks, and excellent contrast. Whether you’re editing photos, watching videos, or sketching with the Surface Pen, the display quality is top-notch.

    The Surface Pro’s display remains vibrant and sharp, regardless of what you’re viewing. Although it does have some reflectivity, typical of most tablet screens, visibility in direct sunlight is still quite decent. This also highligwhts why Microsoft continues to favor the 3:2 aspect ratio, even as most other devices stick with the wider 16:9 format. The extra vertical screen real estate proves incredibly useful for web browsing and productivity tasks.

Microsoft Surface Pro 10 : Performance and Specs

    Under the hood, the Surface Pro 10 is powered by Intel’s 14th-generation Core processors, offering multiple configurations from Core i5 to Core i7. Coupled with up to 32GB of RAM and up to 1TB of SSD storage, the device is capable of handling demanding workloads such as video editing, software development, and multitasking with ease. The improved thermals ensure that the device runs quietly, even under heavy use.

    Although the Surface Pro is slightly heavier than a standard tablet, it’s still easy to hold while reading comics or ebooks. Plus, it slips into your bag more seamlessly than most ultraportables. Microsoft has always aimed for versatility with the Surface line, and this model represents their most polished effort to date.

    Microsoft also offers a variant with the latest Qualcomm Snapdragon 8cx Gen 4 processor for those who prioritize battery life and always-on LTE connectivity. This ARM-based model is optimized for extended use, making it an excellent choice for frequent travelers.

Microsoft Surface Pro 10 : Battery Life

    Battery life remains a strong point, with up to 15 hours of use on a single charge depending on the model. The inclusion of fast charging allows you to quickly top up the battery, ensuring you spend more time working and less time tethered to a power outlet.

    The most significant upgrade this time is in battery life. Where the Pro 4 only managed 7 hours and 15 minutes in our battery test, placing it among the weaker ultraportables, the new Surface Pro impressively stretched to 13 hours and 40 minutes. In real-world usage, it typically still had around 20% battery remaining after a full workday. Now, it joins the ranks of notebooks like the MacBook Air and Surface Laptop, where you can confidently leave the charger behind when you’re on the go.

Microsoft Surface Pro 10 : Connectivity and Ports

    In terms of connectivity, the Surface Pro 10 offers a balanced mix. You’ll find two Thunderbolt 4 ports, a USB-A port, and a Surface Connect port for charging. The microSD card reader has been removed, which might be a downside for some users. For wireless connectivity, the device supports Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3, ensuring faster and more stable connections.

    In terms of ports, little has evolved. You still get a single USB 3.0 port, a Mini DisplayPort, a microSD card slot hidden beneath the kickstand, a headphone jack, and the power connector. Similar to the Surface Laptop, it’s frustrating that Microsoft continues to omit USB-C, which would have enhanced versatility and simplified charging across devices.

Microsoft Surface Pro 10 : Accessories and Typing Experience

    The Surface Pro Signature Keyboard and Surface Pen remain crucial accessories for fully unlocking the device’s potential. The keyboard is comfortable for extended typing sessions, with responsive keys and a large trackpad. The Surface Pen, now with reduced latency and better precision, is a joy for artists and note-takers alike. Both accessories are sold separately, which could push the overall cost higher.

    Most notably, the redesigned Pen offers a much-improved writing experience. It feels closer to writing on actual paper, with just the right amount of resistance. While I’m not an artist and can’t fully judge its drawing capabilities, I found the Pen excellent for quickly jotting down notes, thanks to its smooth performance. However, at $100, you’ll want to ensure it serves more purposes than just occasional note-taking.

Microsoft Surface Pro 10 : Software and Features

    The Surface Pro 10 runs on Windows 11 Pro, leveraging all the latest productivity tools and AI-driven features Microsoft has integrated into the OS. The new AI Copilot feature, accessible within the OS, enhances productivity by assisting with tasks such as summarizing documents, managing calendars, and offering contextual suggestions based on your work habits.

    On the plus side, this Surface model offers optional LTE connectivity via a nanoSIM slot, allowing for an always-connected experience. However, this convenience comes with extra monthly costs. Whether it’s worth the investment is up to you, though we’ll likely stick to tethering our laptops using our iPhones.

Is Microsoft Surface Pro 10 Worth Buying in 2024?

    The Microsoft Surface Pro 10 builds on the strengths of its predecessors, offering a refined design, improved performance, and versatile usage modes. Whether you’re a professional needing a powerful yet portable device or a creative looking for a versatile canvas, the Surface Pro 10 is an excellent choice. The device’s higher price might be a consideration, especially with the added cost of essential accessories, but the value it delivers in terms of flexibility and performance makes it a worthy investment.

    Pricing for the Surface Pro 10 starts at around $1,099 for the base model with an Intel Core i5, 8GB of RAM, and 256GB SSD. The fully-loaded model with the Intel Core i7, 32GB of RAM, and 1TB SSD can reach up to $2,299. The ARM-based version starts slightly lower but offers similar configurations.