The new Surface Pro is a great iPad alternative for Windows fans

Microsoft has unveiled the new 12-inch Surface Pro — an Arm-powered tablet that takes inspiration from the compact Surface Go but arrives with fewer compromises and smarter design choices.

At first glance, the Surface Pro 12-inch stands out with its fan-less design and a striking 12-inch LCD display. It opts for a 3:2 aspect ratio and a 90Hz refresh rate, slightly less fluid than the 13-inch Surface Pro 11, but still impressive for everyday use. A key standout is its smooth, rounded chassis — free from the cooling vents found on its larger sibling — which lends it a sleek, refined appearance.

Under the hood, the tablet is powered by Qualcomm's Snapdragon X Plus chip, paired with 16GB RAM and 256GB storage, starting at $799. There is also a 512GB option available at $899. The device promises up to 12 hours of battery life, a solid figure for mobile professionals and students alike.

Notably, Microsoft has redesigned the keyboard to suit the smaller form. It now lies flat instead of angled and no longer features an alcantara palm rest — swapping in a matte finish. Users have to purchase it separately for $149.99, along with the Surface Pen, which now magnetically attaches to the rear of the device.

According to The Verge, the device also marks a shift in ports, eliminating the Surface Connect in favour of two USB-C 3.2 ports. These handle charging, data, and display output.

With a 1080p front camera, a repositioned 10MP rear camera, and a suite of AI features powered by Copilot Plus, the Surface Pro 12-inch proves itself more than just a smaller tablet — it is Microsoft's most refined compact Surface yet.