What you need to know
- Microsoft introduced a version of the Surface Pro X without LTE support.
- The Wi-Fi version of the Surface Pro X starts at $900, which is $100 less than the LTE version.
- The Surface Pro X will benefit from Microsoft's work to improve Windows on ARM.
- You can preorder the Surface Pro X without LTE starting today.
Microsoft's Surface Pro X didn't receive a design refresh or an updated processor like many of its Surface siblings. It did, however, gain an option without LTE connectivity. The non-LTE Surface Pro X has a lower starting price of $900, which is $100 less than its Always Connected counterpart. The Surface Pro X will also get a boost with the launch of Windows 11 on October 5, 2021.
While not exclusive to the Surface Pro X, Microsoft's improvements to Windows on ARM should result in a better experience on the 2-in-1. Windows 11 supports both x86 and x64 emulation, allowing ARM devices to run a larger library of apps. Notably, Microsoft designed a 64-bit version of Office specifically for Windows on ARM. Microsoft's ARM64EC technology allows Office to use x64 plugins even though most of the app is compiled to run natively on Windows 11 on ARM.
Microsoft has also worked with developers to get more apps optimized for Windows 11 on ARM. Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Lightroom, Shapr 3D, Zoom, Microsoft Office, and Microsoft Teams have all been optimized for Windows on ARM devices like the Surface Pro X.
These improvements to Windows on ARM will also benefit devices like the Samsung Galaxy Book Go.
The specs of the Surface Pro X haven't changed. You can still choose between SQ1 and SQ2 models depending on how much processing power you need. Note that the Surface Pro X with LTE will be able to upgrade to Windows 11. The Wi-Fi Surface Pro X will ship with Windows 11.
| Category | Surface Pro X |
|---|---|
| Operating System | (Without LTE) Windows 11 Home on ARM(With LTE) Windows 10 Home on ARM (upgradeable to Windows 11) |
| Display | 13-inch PixelSense3:2 aspect ratio2880x1920 (267 PPI) |
| Processor | Microsoft SQ1Microsoft SQ2 |
| GPU | Adreno 685Adreno 690 |
| Memory | 8GB or 16GB LPDDR4x |
| Storage | 128GB, 256GB, or 512GB SSD (removable) |
| Rear Camera | 10MP autofocus (1080p and 4K video) |
| Front Camera | 5MP (1080p) |
| Security | Windows Hello face authentication camera |
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi 5 802.11acQualcomm Snapdragon X24 LTEBluetooth 5.0 |
| Ports | 2x USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C, 1x nano SIM (LTE version only), 1x Surface Connect, Surface Keyboard connector |
| Battery | Up to 15 hours typical use |
| Dimensions | 11.3 x 8.2 x 0.28 inches(287mm x 208mm x 7.3mm) |
| Weight | 1.7 lbs (774g) w/o keyboard2.36lbs (1,074g) with keyboard |
| Colors | Matte black (only available on some configurations)Platinum |
| Availability | Oct 13th and beyond |
| Pricing | Starts at $900 ($1,300 for SQ2) |
Some people hoped for the Surface Pro X to bump up to Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.1, but it still comes with Wi-Fi 5 and Bluetooth 5.
Here are all the SKUs avaialble for the Surface Pro X:
Surface Pro X
| Specs | Price |
|---|---|
| SQ1, 8GB RAM, 128GB WiFi | $899.99 USD (Platinum) |
| SQ1, 8GB RAM, 128GB LTE | $999.99 USD (Black) |
| SQ1, 8GB RAM, 256GB WiFi | $1099.99 USD (Platinum) |
| SQ1, 8GB RAM, 256GB LTE | $1249.99 USD (Black) |
| SQ2, 16GB RAM, 256GB WiFi | $1299.99 USD (Platinum) |
| SQ2, 16GB RAM, 256GB LTE | $1449.99 USD (Platinum, Black) |
| SQ2, 16GB RAM, 512GB WiFi | $1499.99 USD (Platinum) |
| SQ2, 16GB RAM, 512GB LTE | $1649.99 USD (Platinum, Black) |
With an option for a model with only Wi-Fi connectivity, the Surface Pro X becomes a bit more affordable. Some people want the thin form factor and better battery life that comes with a Windows on ARM device but don't require LTE connectivity. We've seen the LTE version of the Surface Pro X go on sale for as low as $800. With a lower starting price, its discounted price could potentially drop even further.
The Surface Pro X is an incredibly thin 2-in-1 device that gets up to 15 hours of battery life. It now has a version without LTE connectivity for a lower starting price.
