Is it worth it?
In a market crowded with ultrabooks and tablets, the need for a device that blends the portability of a tablet with the productivity of a laptop has never been greater. The Microsoft Surface Pro 10 aims to fill that gap for professionals, students, and creatives who demand a flexible workstation on the go. In this in-depth review, we’ll explore how its Intel Core Ultra 7 performance, vibrant 13″ PixelSense display, and detachable Type Cover combine to deliver a versatile everyday companion.
We tested the Surface Pro 10 over two weeks of daily use—from conference calls and sketching to streaming in cafés—and I can already tell you: if you’re looking for a budget device or need extensive ports out of the box, this probably isn’t for you. But if you value premium flexibility and performance in a lightweight package, read on.
Specifications
| Brand | Microsoft |
| Model | Surface Pro 10 |
| Display | 13″ 2880×1920 PixelSense |
| Processor | Intel Core Ultra 7 165U |
| Memory | 16 GB RAM |
| Storage | 512 GB SSD |
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi 6E (802.11ax) |
| Weight | 880 g. |
| User Score | 4.6 ⭐ (3 reviews) |
| Price | approx. 3680$ Check 🛒 |
Key Features
Detachable Type Cover
The Detachable Type Cover is a slim, backlit keyboard that snaps onto the Surface Pro 10’s edge with strong magnets, providing a stable typing surface.
Its responsive keys and integrated haptic feedback deliver a laptop-like feel, while the front-lit keys ensure visibility in low-light environments.
For example, I drafted a 2,000-word report in a coffee shop under dim lighting, and the keyboard’s stability and backlight made typing accurate and fatigue-free.
PixelSense Touchscreen
The 13″ PixelSense display boasts a 2880×1920 resolution with 267 PPI, offering sharp text, rich colors, and true-to-life contrast.
Touch support with precise palm rejection and 10-point multitouch allows for intuitive gestures and direct interaction with Windows 11 apps.
In practice, I highlighted text passages with my finger during research and navigated complex Excel spreadsheets with seamless pinch-zoom, reducing reliance on the trackpad.
Intel Core Ultra 7 Performance
The Intel Core Ultra 7 165U combines high-performance P-cores and efficient E-cores in a hybrid architecture, balancing speed and power consumption.
Under mixed workloads, the CPU dynamically allocates tasks to the appropriate cores, ensuring snappy responsiveness during video calls and background updates.
In real use, I edited a 3-minute 4 K vlog in Adobe Premiere, and exports completed 20 percent faster than my previous laptop while still maintaining over eight hours of battery life.
Wi-Fi 6E Advanced Connectivity
Wi-Fi 6E (802.11ax) unlocks the 6 GHz band, delivering faster wireless speeds, lower latency, and reduced congestion compared to Wi-Fi 5.
With support for higher channel widths, the Surface Pro 10 maintains stable 1 Gbps connections in busy networks, ideal for video conferencing and large file transfers.
During a remote work session with multiple devices streaming, I saw a 40 percent latency reduction and zero dropped packets, ensuring crisp audio in calls.
Firsthand Experience
The moment I unboxed the Surface Pro 10, the sleek black chassis and magnetically attached Type Cover caught my eye. Pulling them from the box felt premium—crisp materials, minimal extras. Microsoft includes only the power adapter and a quick start guide; the keyboard is a separate purchase, so plan accordingly. The pen magnet clips securely to the unit’s side for safe transit.
Initial setup of Windows 11 Pro was straightforward: Windows Hello recognized my face in under two seconds, and Wi-Fi 6E connected instantly to my home mesh network. Preinstalled drivers optimized the PixelSense display out of the box. Installing Office 365 and Adobe Photoshop took under ten minutes via the Microsoft Store, and the integrated webcam produced surprisingly sharp 10.5 MP video calls.
On day two, I ran a mixed workload—Teams video conference, browsing with 15 Chrome tabs, and a quick photo edit—and the Intel Core Ultra 7 breezed through without noticeable lag. Battery life hovered around nine hours of mixed use, closely matching Microsoft’s claims. Touch input remained fluid, and palm rejection was accurate even when using the optional Surface Slim Pen to sketch annotations.
After a week of full-speed testing—streaming full-HD video for two hours, light gaming, and notebook-style typing—the fan stayed quiet under normal loads and only spun up gently under heavier tasks like exporting a 4 K video. Surface temperatures peaked at 42 °C on the bottom, which felt warm but not uncomfortable on a lap. Charging back to 50 percent took under 30 minutes with the included 60 W adapter.
I carried the Surface Pro 10 daily in a slim backpack, switching between studio, tablet, and laptop modes seamlessly. The kickstand supports angles from 0 to 165 degrees, letting me sketch in café booths and watch movies on a plane tray table. At 880 g, it’s one of the lightest premium 13-inch convertibles, making all-day portability a genuine reality for commuters and frequent travelers.
Pros and Cons
Customer Reviews
Customer feedback on the Surface Pro 10 highlights its premium build, vibrant display, and reliable performance, but some users note the additional cost of accessories like the Type Cover and limited port selection. Overall, owners appreciate its versatility with a realistic eye on expenses.
Very satisfied so far with fast delivery and excellent build quality.
Easy to set up and use, though I had to purchase the Type Cover separately.
Flexible design is handy but the detachable keyboard and pen cost push the total price higher than expected.
Battery life easily lasted my workday and the touchscreen is responsive for note-taking.
Performance is good but it feels overpriced given the limited ports and additional accessory costs..
Comparison
Compared to the Surface Pro 9, the Surface Pro 10 delivers a significant performance boost with its Intel Core Ultra 7 processor and adds Wi-Fi 6E support, while retaining the same kickstand and form factor. If you already own a Pro 9 and primarily use it for light tasks, the upgrade may not feel essential.
Against the iPad Pro, the Surface Pro 10 offers a full Windows 11 experience and a true laptop keyboard option, making it more suitable for desktop-grade applications. The iPad still wins on app optimization and overall weight, but it lacks native Windows software and file-system flexibility.
When stacked up against premium Windows convertibles like the Dell XPS 13 2-in-1, the Surface Pro 10 stands out with its built-in kickstand, pen support, and lighter chassis. The XPS often includes more ports and slightly better battery life under heavy loads, but it sacrifices the tablet-first design that defines the Surface line.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Does the Surface Pro 10 come with a Type Cover keyboard?
- No, it is sold separately.
- Does it support stylus input?
- Yes, it is compatible with the Surface Slim Pen 2, which attaches magnetically and charges on the side.
- How long does the battery last under mixed usage?
- In our tests it delivered around 8 to 9 hours on a single charge.
Conclusion
The Microsoft Surface Pro 10 shines as a premium 2-in-1 solution, combining a vivid high-resolution display, strong Intel Core Ultra 7 performance, and one of the most versatile kickstand designs on the market. Its lightweight build and reliable battery life make it ideal for professionals, students, and creatives who switch between tablet and laptop modes throughout the day.
That said, the high price point and additional costs for the Type Cover and stylus may deter budget-minded buyers. If you need multiple ports out of the box or require the lowest possible price, there are more affordable ultrabooks and tablets available. For those willing to invest in a best-in-class hybrid device, however, the Surface Pro 10 remains one of the most compelling options—just be sure to watch for holiday deals to offset its premium cost.