Why the new Surface Pro 2024 feels like a true tablet revolution

The Surface Pro 2024 doesn’t come with a number in its name, but don’t let that fool you. Microsoft has essentially reset the game with this release, delivering a tablet that blends elite performance with modern design and usability. This isn’t just an iteration — it’s a step forward.

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hype around “AI PCs” might dominate the headlines, but the real breakthrough here is in the processor itself. Thanks to Qualcomm’s Snapdragon X Elite chip, the new Surface Pro boasts a leap in performance, especially when handling heavy multitasking or demanding applications.

Power and fluidity you’ll actually feel

I pushed the new Surface Pro 2024 pretty hard — juggling over 20 Chrome tabs, Outlook, Slack, and Discord all running at once — and honestly, it didn’t flinch. That Snapdragon X Elite chip means business. Even older x86 apps ran smoothly thanks to Microsoft’s Prism emulation, which I barely even noticed was working in the background.On paper, the benchmarks tell an interesting story. Multi-core performance is strong — great for multitasking and heavier workloads. That said, Apple’s MacBook Air M3 still wins in single-core tasks and graphics. But in daily use? The Surface Pro felt fast, snappy, and super responsive. It’s the kind of speed you stop noticing — because everything just works.

Battery that keeps up with your day

Battery life can make or break a tablet — and here, the Surface Pro 2024 delivers. In my test with a looping 4K video, it held on for 13 hours and 13 minutes. That’s a huge step up from the older Intel-based Surface Pro 8 and even outlasts some of Apple’s latest models.Sure, devices like the new Surface Laptop or Lenovo Yoga Slim 7x stretch closer to 18 hours, but unless you’re glued to your screen all day, this is more than enough. In daily use — browsing, emails, video calls — I never felt battery anxiety. It’s the kind of stamina that quietly does its job.

An OLED screen that stuns — with a tiny catch

Watching movies or streaming music videos on the Surface Pro 2024 is genuinely impressive. The OLED display brings everything to life — rich colors, true blacks, and sharp detail. Whether it’s Charli XCX’s vocals pulsing through the speakers or the cinematic landscapes of Dune: Part Two, the experience feels premium.

But it’s not flawless. When I switched over to a brighter Windows 11 theme, I started to notice a faint visual grain — especially around the Taskbar and white backgrounds. It’s subtle, and most people might not even catch it, but if you’ve got sharp eyes, it’s something to be aware of. Not a dealbreaker by any means, but worth noting.

The Flex Keyboard feels like a real upgrade — if you can afford it

Microsoft’s new Surface Pro Flex Keyboard finally delivers on something I’ve wanted for years — wireless use, rock-solid stability, and a larger, smoother haptic touchpad. For the longest time, typing on tablet keyboards felt like tapping on a trampoline. Not anymore. This one actually feels like typing on a real laptop.

That said, the $450 price tag (including the Slim Pen) might give you pause. It puts the Surface Pro right up there — or even above — Apple’s Magic Keyboard and Pencil Pro combo. It’s not cheap, but if you type a lot or use your tablet for serious work, it might just be worth the splurge.

Design and ports that get the job done

Microsoft hasn’t gone for a complete redesign, and honestly, I’m glad they didn’t. The classic kickstand is still as sturdy and flexible as ever. I found myself using it in all sorts of ways — from propping it up at my desk to balancing it on my knees while enjoying a sunny afternoon at the park. It’s the little things like this that make the device feel both premium and reassuringly familiar.

When it comes to connectivity, the dual USB-C ports are an absolute game-changer. For someone who’s constantly on the move, the addition of built-in 5G makes working from anywhere a breeze.

Still, there were moments when I found myself wishing for the good old headphone jack and a USB-A port for those times when I need to plug in something old-school. Sure, it’s a modern setup, but it’s clear there are a few compromises. All in all, it’s a solid experience for most, but not without its small hiccups.

One of the best webcams in a tablet

I didn’t expect to be wowed by the Surface Pro’s front-facing camera, but it quickly proved me wrong. With 8.3 megapixels and quad-HD clarity, it blows away most built-in laptop webcams. Honestly, I didn’t realize how much I’d been tolerating subpar video quality until I tried this one.

During a video call, the person on the other end immediately noticed the difference. They mentioned that my video looked noticeably sharper than usual — something they hadn’t experienced with most internal webcams. It was a small but significant upgrade in my day-to-day experience.

If you’re a remote worker, streamer, or someone who’s constantly jumping on video calls, this camera might just be the Surface Pro’s most underrated feature. It’s one of those details that you don’t realize you need until you see it in action.

Head-to-head comparison

	Microsoft Surface Pro (2024)	Microsoft 13.8-Inch Surface Laptop 7	Dell XPS 14 (2024)	Apple 13-Inch MacBook Air M3
Processor	Snapdragon X Plus / Snapdragon X Elite	Snapdragon X Plus / Snapdragon X Elite	Intel Core Ultra 7	Apple M3
Memory	16GB / 32GB (OLED model only)	16GB / 32GB / 64GB	16GB / 32GB / 64GB	8GB / 16GB / 24GB
Storage	256GB / 512GB (standard) 512GB/1TB (OLED model)	256GB / 512GB / 1TB	512GB / 1TB / 2TB / 4TB	256GB / 512GB / 1TB / 2TB
Display	13-In., 2880 x 1920 PixelSense Flow display, OLED optional	13.8-In., 2304 x 1536 PixelSense Flow touch display	14.5-In., 1920 x 1200 non-touch / 3200 x 2000 OLED touch display	13.6-In., 2560 x 1664 Liquid Retina display
Camera	Quad HD Surface Studio Camera	1080p Surface Studio Camera	1080p camera	1080p FaceTime HD camera
Ports	Thunderbolt 4 USB-C (2), Surface Pro Keyboard port, Surface Connect port	Thunderbolt 4 USB-C (2), USB-A, headphone jack, Surface Connect port	Thunderbolt 4 USB-C (3), headphone jack	Thunderbolt 4 USB-C (2), headphone jack, MagSafe charging port
Size and weight	11.3 x 8.2 x 0.37 In., 1.97 lbs.	11.85 x 8.67 x 0.69 In., 2.96 lbs.	12.6 x 8.5 x 0.7 In., from 3.7 lbs.	12 x 8.5 x 0.4 In., 2.7 lbs.
Colors	Sapphire, Dune, Black, Platinum	Sapphire, Dune, Black, Platinum	Platinum, Graphite	Silver, Starlight, Space Gray, Midnight
Price	From $995	From $1,000	From $1,200	From $850

Final thoughts

The Surface Pro 2024 might not carry a “10” in its name, but it deserves a top score for its balance of performance, battery life, and user experience. It’s not perfect — the keyboard price is steep, and it can’t quite beat Apple’s M3 Macs in every category. But for a Windows user wanting tablet flexibility with near-laptop power, this might just be the ideal device.

If you’re looking for a forward-thinking machine that blends mobility and productivity, the new Surface Pro 2024 makes a compelling case — especially if you’re ready to embrace the Arm-powered future.

Also, Microsoft just revealed the 12-inch Surface Pro and 13-inch Surface Laptop—now with lower prices, better AI, and slimmer, lighter designs. Here’s what you need to know: Let’s explore