Surface Pro OLED Review

Introduction

• Surface Pro OLED: Exciting new update with Snapdragon X Elite processor.
• Concerns with previous models: Past models faced issues with hot processors and limited cooling capacity.

Processor Variants

• Snapdragon X+ chip: Used in the LCD version of the Surface Pro.
• Snapdragon X Elite: Used in the OLED version for higher performance.

Performance

• Snapdragon X Elite 80 variant: Dual core boost active, significant improvement in single-core clock speeds.
• Comparison:
  • Close to MacBook Air with M3.
  • Outperforms Intel Core Ultra & AMD Ryzen.
• Charger Limitation: Comes with 39 W charger, limiting full potential.
  • Still performs well at low wattage.
• Multi-core performance: Beats the 78 variant of the HP laptop, doesn't match VivoBook with 90 W adapter.

Software & Compatibility

• Creative Performance: Excellent in Photoshop and Da Vinci Resolve tests.
• Gaming: Limited capabilities, issues with games requiring anti-cheat systems.
• Software Compatibility: Some x86 apps like Google Drive don’t work, but expected to improve.
• Use Case: Ideal for drawing, browsing, and Microsoft Office tasks.

Battery Life

• Performance: About 13 hours and 33 minutes, close to the advertised 14 hours.
• Efficiency: Excellent battery management.

Hardware Features

• Flex Keyboard Cover: Enhanced experience, clicky keys, wider and haptic touchpad.
• Slim Pen 2: Preferable over the Apple Pencil for a natural feel and haptic feedback.
• Display: 120 Hz OLED with dynamic switching, 900 nits brightness.
  • Screen Door Effect: Noticeable graininess, especially in white text.

Design and Build

• Build Quality: Rounded edges, two Type-C ports, no headphone jack.
• Webcam: 1440p with good performance.
• Fan Noise: Quiet operation, up to 42 dB under full load.
• Portability: Very light and portable, ~1.97 lbs without, 2.75 lbs with the keyboard.

Upgradability

• SSD: Accessible but smaller form factor, decent read/write speeds.

Pricing and Recommendations

• Price: Over $2,000 for the tablet and keyboard combo.
• Alternative: Surface Pro LCD recommended for similar performance without screen door effect.