Overview

The Microsoft Surface Pro X marked a major architectural shift for Microsoft's iconic 2-in-1 line. Featuring a custom ARM processor—the Microsoft SQ1 or SQ2, developed alongside Qualcomm—the Pro X stepped away from traditional Intel chips in favor of ultra-thin portability, instant-on responsiveness, and fanless operation. Outfitted with a 13-inch PixelSense display featuring noticeably slimmer bezels than contemporary x86 Surface devices, it served as the physical blueprint for subsequent Surface Pro generations.

Looking at the Surface Pro X today, it stands as an intriguing long-term ownership option. Its hardware design feels surprisingly modern, but software compatibility and hardware maintenance dictate its true usability. While native ARM applications run smooth and cold, legacy software translation and intense physical construction challenges define the device's secondary life.

Design and build

Hardware design is where the Surface Pro X shines brightest. Wrapped in an anodized aluminum casing, the device measures a remarkably thin 7.3mm. The friction hinge kickstand remains reliable over years of opening and closing, maintaining stiff tension at nearly any angle. Twin USB-C ports replace legacy USB-A connectors, providing modern connectivity and power delivery options alongside the proprietary Surface Connect port.

The optional Signature Keyboard introduces a dedicated magnetic garage that hides and charges the flat Surface Slim Pen. Tactile response across the keyboard fabric is comfortable, though like all alcantara and cloth covers, it requires periodic cleaning to avoid oil build-up. The overall chassis feels rigid and premium, but its extreme thinness leaves zero room for structural flexing without risking the glass bonded to the front.

Everyday performance

Performance on the Surface Pro X is heavily dictated by application architecture. Native ARM64 applications—including Microsoft Edge, Microsoft 365 apps, Photoshop, and Spotify—launch instantly and run effortlessly. Web browsing with dozens of open tabs feels smooth, and media playback barely warms the back of the tablet.

Where the Pro X stumbles is legacy 32-bit and 64-bit x86 software. While Windows emulation has improved significantly over time, running heavy non-native applications incurs performance overhead and elevated battery drain. Specialized peripheral drivers, kernel-level anti-cheat software, and legacy enterprise utilities often fail to install entirely. For everyday document editing, web workflows, and video streaming, performance remains completely fluid, but power users requiring specialized legacy utilities should check application compatibility carefully before jumping in.

Battery, durability, and longevity

With a fanless interior and an efficient ARM SoC, baseline power draw is minimal. When running native workflows, the Surface Pro X comfortably handles light multi-tasking throughout a standard workday. However, running non-native x86 apps forces the processor to work harder, generating heat and draining power faster.

From a hardware longevity perspective, battery aging is the primary clock ticking against the Pro X. Because the battery is chemically sealed deep within the chassis behind strong adhesives, replacement requires removing the display. Fortunately, Microsoft included an accessible trapdoor on the rear casing under the kickstand. This allows owners to upgrade or swap the M.2 2230 NVMe SSD with a simple SIM ejector tool and a single Torx screw—a huge bonus for data retrieval and storage expansion.

Common issues owners hit

Long-term owners of the Surface Pro X report a few recurring hardware and software pain points:

• Display Cracking During Service: The perimeter glue securing the 13-inch screen requires heavy, uniform heat to soften. Prying the display without dedicated tools frequently cracks the thin glass panel.
• Battery Swelling: As the lithium-polymer battery ages, cells can degrade and expand, putting upward pressure on the glass display panel and creating hot spots or bright spots on the screen.
• Driver & Peripheral Incompatibility: Older hardware devices like legacy printers, hardware dongles, or specialized USB tools lack ARM64 drivers, rendering them unusable.
• Kickstand Hinge Play: Over extended use, heavy palm pressure on the screen while drafting can loosen the kickstand tension slightly.

If you run into hardware or driver troubles, refer to our problems hub and step-by-step disassembly walkthroughs on our guides page.

Who it's for

The Surface Pro X is ideal for mobile professionals, students, and travelers who need a lightweight, highly portable machine for web-first tasks, writing, media consumption, and basic remote desktop sessions. Its sleek profile and fanless design make it a pleasure to carry. Conversely, power users, gamers, audio engineers, or software developers dependent on niche x86 utilities or external high-performance hardware should look toward standard x86 Surface devices or newer unified ARM hardware.

Bottom line

The Surface Pro X remains one of the sleekest 2-in-1 tablets Microsoft has ever produced. Its user-accessible SSD door is a massive win for storage longevity, but its glued display assembly and ARM software limitations demand careful consideration before purchasing or repairing. To learn more about this device's internal architecture, check out our full Surface Pro X device page.

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