The Microsoft Surface Pro X remains one of the most polarizing and significant devices in the Surface lineup. Launched as a bold experiment to transition Windows into the ARM-based future, it prioritized ultra-thin design, persistent cellular connectivity, and fanless cooling over the raw, brute-force performance of Intel-based predecessors. As the tech landscape shifts toward even more powerful AI-centric ARM chips, the Surface Pro X sits at a crossroads of legacy and utility.

For users seeking a quick verdict: the Surface Pro X is an exceptional secondary device for web-heavy workflows, document editing, and frequent travel, particularly due to its built-in LTE capabilities. However, its specialized Microsoft SQ1 and SQ2 processors face inherent limitations with specialized professional software. Furthermore, the official firmware and driver support for these models is scheduled to conclude on August 10, 2025, marking a critical milestone for current and prospective owners.

The Strategic Shift to ARM Architecture

The heart of the Microsoft Surface Pro X is its departure from the traditional x86 architecture used by Intel and AMD. By collaborating with Qualcomm to develop the SQ1 and SQ2 chips, Microsoft aimed to mimic the efficiency of a smartphone within a full-fledged laptop environment.

In our long-term testing, the most immediate benefit of this architecture is the "instant-on" capability. Unlike many Intel laptops of its era that required a few seconds to wake from sleep, the Surface Pro X responds almost instantly to the power button or the opening of the Type Cover. This makes it feel like a mobile companion rather than a traditional computer.

However, the ARM architecture requires Windows to handle software differently. While native ARM applications run beautifully, older 32-bit (x86) and 64-bit (x64) applications must run through an emulation layer. In the early days, this was a major bottleneck, but the transition to Windows 11 significantly improved the experience by enabling x64 emulation, allowing a much wider range of software to function on the device.

Hardware Design and the Pursuit of Portability

Visually, the Microsoft Surface Pro X set the template for the modern Surface Pro aesthetic. It introduced thinner bezels and rounded corners long before the Surface Pro 8 adopted them.

The Chassis and Ergonomics

The device measures only 7.3mm in thickness, making it feel remarkably thin in a backpack or under the arm. Weighing approximately 1.7 lbs (774g) without the keyboard, it is the ideal weight for a tablet that occasionally needs to act as a laptop. The signature anodized aluminum finish in Matte Black or Platinum feels premium, though the black version is notoriously prone to fingerprints.

The iconic kickstand remains a masterpiece of engineering. It feels stiff enough to hold the screen at a shallow 15-degree angle for drawing with the Surface Slim Pen, yet smooth enough to adjust with one hand. In our daily use, the lack of a fan is the most underrated design feature. Even under a heavy load of 20+ browser tabs and a video call, the device remains completely silent, which is a game-changer for quiet office environments or late-night work sessions.

The PixelSense Display

The 13-inch PixelSense touchscreen display is another highlight. With a resolution of 2880 x 1920 (267 PPI) and a 3:2 aspect ratio, it provides more vertical screen real estate than typical 16:9 laptops. This ratio is specifically beneficial for reading long PDF documents or working on spreadsheets. The colors are punchy and accurate enough for casual photo editing, and the 450 nits of brightness make it usable in bright coffee shops, though direct sunlight still poses a challenge due to the glossy glass.

Living with the Microsoft SQ1 and SQ2 Processors

Performance on the Surface Pro X is a tale of two worlds. The SQ1 and SQ2 processors are 8-core chips designed for efficiency. In a "clean" workflow—using Microsoft Edge for browsing, Outlook for email, and Word for writing—the device feels snappy.

Real-World Performance Observations

In our testing, the SQ2 model shows a slight but noticeable lead in multitasking over the original SQ1. When we pushed the device with a heavy Slack workspace, multiple Microsoft Teams threads, and several Excel sheets, the 16GB RAM configuration became essential. The 8GB model can struggle once the browser tab count exceeds a certain threshold, leading to more frequent tab refreshing.

One specific area where the Surface Pro X excels is video conferencing. The 5.0MP front-facing camera is surprisingly high-quality compared to many modern laptops, and the built-in AI-powered "Eye Contact" feature—which uses the onboard neural engine to adjust your gaze so you appear to be looking directly at the camera—works seamlessly without taxing the CPU.

Emulation and the Compatibility Gap

The "Experience" of using an ARM PC involves knowing your tools. If your workflow involves the Adobe Creative Cloud, you will find that while Photoshop and Lightroom have native ARM versions that run well, other apps like Premiere Pro or After Effects are virtually unusable due to the heavy overhead of emulation. Similarly, the device is not a gaming machine. While it can handle light titles from the Microsoft Store or cloud gaming via Xbox Game Pass, it will not run modern AAA games designed for x64 architecture with any degree of stability.

Software Compatibility and the Windows 11 Transformation

The release of Windows 11 was the single most important update for the Surface Pro X. It resolved the "64-bit problem" that plagued the device at launch.

What Works Natively

  • Microsoft 365 Suite: Word, Excel, and PowerPoint are fully optimized for ARM and feel identical to their Intel counterparts.
  • Web Browsers: Microsoft Edge and Google Chrome both have native ARM versions. Using these is critical; running an x64 version of a browser via emulation will significantly drain the battery and slow down the system.
  • Communication Tools: Zoom and Microsoft Teams have made great strides in ARM optimization, offering stable performance for remote work.

The Emulation Penalty

When you do run an app that isn't native, you pay a "performance tax." The app takes longer to launch, and UI animations may stutter. For a person who relies on specialized legacy software—such as proprietary accounting tools or older CAD viewers—the Surface Pro X can be a source of frustration. Our recommendation has always been to audit your must-have apps before committing to this device.

The Battery Life and Connectivity Reality

Microsoft marketed the Surface Pro X with "all-day battery life," but real-world usage varies based on how you connect to the internet.

LTE and Always-On Connectivity

The standout feature of the Pro X is the optional Gigabit LTE. By using a nanoSIM or eSIM, the device is always connected. For a professional who moves between meetings or travels via train, the ability to open the lid and be immediately online without hunting for insecure public Wi-Fi is the device's greatest strength. In our tests, the LTE connection remained stable even in areas where smartphones struggled, likely due to the larger antenna arrays in the tablet chassis.

Battery Longevity

While the official specs claim up to 15 hours, our real-world testing (at 150 nits brightness with a mix of Wi-Fi and LTE) typically yielded between 7 and 9 hours of actual work. Running emulated apps or high-brightness settings will drop this significantly. However, the inclusion of Fast Charging via the Surface Connect port or the USB-C ports is a lifesaver, allowing you to get from 0% to 80% in about an hour.

Maintenance and the Critical 2025 Support Deadline

A unique feature of the Surface Pro X that we found highly valuable is the user-replaceable SSD. Behind the kickstand, there is a small door that can be opened with a SIM tool, allowing users to upgrade their storage or remove their data before servicing the device. This was a massive step forward for Surface repairability.

The End of Servicing

The most important information for any Surface Pro X user in 2025 is the end-of-servicing date. On August 10, 2025, Microsoft will stop providing new driver and firmware updates for both the SQ1 and SQ2 models.

What this means in practice:

  • Security: The device will still receive Windows OS security updates as long as the OS version itself is supported.
  • Stability: If a new Windows update causes a bug specifically with the ARM graphics driver or the LTE modem after this date, Microsoft is unlikely to issue a specific hardware fix.
  • Longevity: While the device won't stop working on August 11, it enters a "legacy" phase where compatibility with new hardware peripherals may become an issue.

Comparison: Surface Pro X SQ1 vs. SQ2

Feature Surface Pro X (SQ1) Surface Pro X (SQ2)
Processor Microsoft SQ1 (3.0 GHz) Microsoft SQ2 (3.15 GHz)
Graphics Adreno 685 Adreno 690
Colors Matte Black Platinum, Matte Black
Connectivity Gigabit LTE / Wi-Fi 5 Gigabit LTE / Wi-Fi 5
RAM Options 8GB / 16GB 8GB / 16GB
Launch Focus Pioneering ARM mobility Refined performance & battery

In our subjective use, the SQ2 feels slightly more robust when handling high-bitrate video playback or large PDF files, but the difference is not substantial enough to justify a high-cost upgrade from an SQ1 if you already own one.

Summary: Is the Surface Pro X Still Worth It?

The Microsoft Surface Pro X remains a beautifully designed piece of hardware that was slightly ahead of its time. Its thin bezels, silent operation, and LTE connectivity make it a joy for writers, students, and administrative professionals who value portability over raw power.

However, as we approach the end of official driver support in late 2025, potential buyers should be cautious. If you can find a refurbished unit at a significant discount, it remains a fantastic machine for basic productivity. If you require a device for the next five years of professional creative work or need guaranteed software compatibility, the newer Intel-based Surface Pro models or the latest Surface Pro 11 with Snapdragon X Elite processors are more sustainable choices.

Conclusion

The Microsoft Surface Pro X succeeded in proving that a Windows tablet could be thin, silent, and always connected. It paved the way for the current generation of ARM-based PCs that are finally rivaling the best in the industry. While its official support window is closing, its legacy as the device that modernized the Surface design language is secure. For the right user—one who understands the limitations of ARM emulation and prizes mobility—the Pro X still offers a unique and satisfying computing experience.

FAQ

Can the Surface Pro X run 64-bit apps?

Yes, provided you are running Windows 11. Windows 11 on ARM includes an emulation layer that allows x64 applications to run, though native ARM apps will always perform better and use less battery.

Does the Surface Pro X have a headphone jack?

No. The Surface Pro X relies on its two USB-C ports or Bluetooth 5.0 for audio connectivity. You will need a USB-C to 3.5mm adapter or wireless headphones.

Is the SSD in the Surface Pro X upgradeable?

Yes. The Surface Pro X features a removable M.2 2230 NVMe SSD. It is located under a magnetic cover behind the kickstand. However, Microsoft recommends that only skilled technicians perform the replacement to ensure device integrity.

What happens after August 10, 2025?

After this date, Microsoft will no longer release specific firmware or hardware driver updates for the Surface Pro X. The device will continue to function and receive standard Windows operating system updates, but hardware-specific bugs or performance optimizations for new OS versions will likely cease.

Does it support the Surface Slim Pen 2?

Yes, the Surface Pro X is fully compatible with the Surface Slim Pen 2. If you use the Signature Keyboard, the pen can be stored and wirelessly charged in the hidden cradle above the keys.