Microsoft Surface Pro X Review: Premium Tablet Design Meets ARM Limits

Editor note: This English review is an original adaptation based on a Notebook-Center.ru source review.

Overview

Microsoft positioned the Surface Pro X as a very light premium tablet that can also replace a compact laptop with the optional keyboard cover. The hardware is attractive: a 13-inch high-resolution display, slim aluminum body, built-in LTE, and very low weight for a device in this class. On paper, that makes it a strong travel companion for web work, office tasks, and media use.

The main issue is the ARM platform. The Microsoft SQ1 keeps daily work possible, but the source review makes it clear that software support is the deciding factor. Some common applications run well enough, while heavier creative tools and unsupported programs can become slow or unusable. That uncertainty weakens the value of an expensive device that also needs paid accessories to reach its full potential.

Technical Specifications

Design

The Surface Pro X is available in black anodized aluminum and looks every bit like a premium Microsoft device. The chassis is thin, light, and well assembled, and the built-in kickstand opens to a wide angle that makes desk use more flexible. The tablet stays easy to carry at 774 g, which is one of its strongest practical advantages.

The compromise is that the keyboard dock and stylus are not included. For many buyers those accessories are essential, so the real entry price is higher than the tablet alone suggests.

Display and Cameras

The 13-inch PixelSense panel has a 3:2 aspect ratio and a resolution of 2880x1920. According to the source review, brightness reaches 450 cd/m2, which is enough for comfortable indoor work and useful outdoor visibility. The screen is described as vivid and high quality, making it one of the best reasons to consider this model.

The webcam setup is also stronger than average for a tablet, with a 5 MP front IR camera and a 10 MP rear camera. For video calls and mobile work, that is a practical advantage.

Keyboard and Daily Use

With the optional keyboard attached, the Surface Pro X becomes more laptop-like and easier to use for writing and office tasks. Without it, the device remains a tablet first. That matters because Microsoft sells the key accessories separately, and the source review treats them as almost necessary rather than optional extras.

For buyers who want a ready-to-work package out of the box, this approach hurts value.

Performance and Software Compatibility

The Microsoft SQ1, developed with Qualcomm, gives the Surface Pro X an unusual position in the Windows market. Basic work is possible: the source review reports stable everyday behavior in a browser with many tabs, Microsoft Office, and other common 32-bit x86 applications. At the same time, wake-up, browser launches, and other routine actions can feel slower than on comparable Intel-based systems.

The larger concern is compatibility. Many heavier applications, including tools such as Photoshop and Lightroom, may technically run but can become too slow to use comfortably. Some 64-bit x64 programs do not run at all. That makes this device hard to recommend for buyers who depend on a broad Windows software library.

Ports and Battery

Connectivity is modern but limited. You get two USB Type-C ports, Surface Connect for charging, and a nano SIM slot under the kickstand, plus LTE, Wi-Fi 802.11ac, and Bluetooth 5.0. There is no audio jack, and the source review also notes the lack of Thunderbolt support. For such a premium device, the port selection feels narrow.

The 38.9 Wh battery is good rather than exceptional. The source review estimates around 12 hours of 1080p streaming or web browsing at roughly 50% brightness, but also says the result is not as strong as expected for a fanless ARM-based design.

Verdict

The Surface Pro X gets the hardware basics right: it is slim, well built, highly mobile, and fitted with an excellent display. Built-in LTE and the lightweight tablet form also make it attractive for travel and light office work.

Its problem is not design but predictability. Buyers pay premium money, then still need extra accessories and must accept real uncertainty around application support and performance. For users whose work stays inside the browser, Office, and other lighter software, the Surface Pro X can make sense. For anyone who needs broader Windows compatibility, it is a risky and expensive choice.