Microsoft's latest Surface Pro is more compact, lighter, and enhanced for stylus use.

      Microsoft has recently launched a new Surface Pro tablet, claimed to be the thinnest and lightest Copilot+ PC available. This tablet measures just 7.8 mm in thickness, in contrast to the 9.3 mm thickness of its larger counterpart. It is also significantly lighter, weighing only 1.5 pounds, which is approximately 27% lighter than the 13-inch version.

      The new model features a 12-inch display, reduced from the 13-inch screen of the current generation Surface Pro already on the market. The new Windows 2-in-1 tablet starts at $799 and will be available for purchase beginning May 20.

      What’s changed?

      The 12-inch Surface Pro is offered in vibrant colors such as Platinum, Ocean, and Violet. The core design language of the Surface lineup remains intact, showcasing a metallic kickstand and two USB-C ports.

      Microsoft has, however, revamped the stylus attachment system. Previously, the Surface-branded stylus charged within a dedicated slot in the detachable keyboard. In the new model, there is a specific area on the back for magnetically attaching the Surface Slim Pen stylus.

      While maintaining the metallic shell, the stylus also draws power from the device, a tactic already employed by Apple and Samsung tablets. Additionally, the rear camera has been relocated from a centered position at the top edge to the corner.

      On closer inspection, you'll notice the absence of fan vents, giving the tablet a sleek, monolithic metal appearance. It remains to be seen how this will affect heat management; a review kit will provide further insights.

      Another significant update is the keyboard's design. The keyboard now lays flat against the surface for quieter typing, folds back completely onto the rear shell, and includes a smooth matte palm rest.

      Microsoft states that the keyboard features a customizable precision touchpad with an adaptive touch mode. It will be available in colors that match the tablet, and, as usual, will be sold separately.

      What are the specifications?

      Beyond the smaller screen, Microsoft has introduced a change that may surprise some. The 12-inch Pixel Sense panel is an LCD type, while the 13-inch model features a higher-quality OLED display, provided you choose the premium version.

      The refresh rate has been reduced from 120Hz to 90Hz; although this isn’t bad, it's worth noting. It retains the familiar 3:2 Surface tablet aspect ratio with a 10-point multi-touch input and a resolution of 2196 x 1464 pixels.

      Inside, the device is powered by Qualcomm’s mid-tier Snapdragon X Plus processor in its 8-core form. Fortunately, the base RAM configuration is 16GB, while storage options consist of 256GB and 512GB.

      Microsoft promises a battery life of up to 16 hours on the 12-inch Surface Pro. In terms of cameras, it features a full-HD front-facing camera and a 10-megapixel rear camera.