All-Day Power on the Go? Unveiling the Surface Pro 10 Battery Life (2024)

By ANAS KHAN 17 Min Read

The Surface Pro 10 offers an exceptional level of independence, combining limitless productivity with long-lasting power. The cutting-edge smartphone showcases its exceptional battery life, therefore revolutionizing the concept of all-day mobility. Immerse oneself in uninterrupted processes from sunrise until nightfall. The Surface Pro 10 is designed to provide continuous connectivity, enabling users to effectively handle duties in professional settings and efficiently produce high-quality work in real time. The innovative battery technology of this product enables you to surpass restrictions and embrace a lifestyle of constant innovation.

Say goodbye to the apprehension associated with diminishing authority and welcome the limitless possibilities of unrestricted movement. Experience a transformative journey with the Surface Pro 10, where each moment is invigorated by unwavering vitality, driving you towards extraordinary accomplishments. Enhance your everyday pursuits and redefine the concept of true mobility—with the Surface Pro 10, the world becomes your boundless recreation area.

Software, apps, and battery life

Software, apps, and battery life

Although the hardware remains mostly the same, the software has undeniably seen enhancements this year. The significant impact of a year of OS upgrades and app compatibility is evident. The initial performance of the Surface Pro X exhibited certain inconsistencies, characterized by app sluggishness and occasional delays in system recovery from standby. No such concerns have been seen with the most recent iteration of this model.

The new Surface Pro X seamlessly transitions from the Windows Hello facial recognition screen to the Windows desktop. Microsoft has not implemented any particular modifications to Windows Hello; nevertheless, I have seen a significant improvement in the overall user experience.

Last year, Spotify significantly impacted the performance of the Surface Pro X. However, I have observed that it now launches without causing any detrimental effects on the whole system. The rendering of album art still requires more time than anticipated, but it has been much enhanced compared to my previous experience with the first Surface Pro X. Discord has improved somewhat this time, and I have seen a reduction in performance concerns during calls. I possess the ability to effortlessly and flawlessly install applications such as Clatter, ShareX, or Tweeten.

However, it should be noted that not all of the app compatibility concerns have been completely resolved. If one is used to the integration of Dropbox inside File Explorer, one will need to accept a rudimentary Windows Store application as an alternative. Windows shell-integrated applications are currently not supported.

Adobe committed one year ago to migrate all of its Creative Cloud applications to the Surface Pro X. However, we are now awaiting a specific timetable for the release. The availability of mobile- and cloud-optimized applications on the Surface Pro X is expected to be delayed for an extended time.

During the ongoing Adobe delay, it is reasonable to anticipate that the company’s Creative Suite desktop applications will be compatible with the current Surface Pro X. Regrettably, they are not. Last year, I successfully operated Photoshop on the Surface Pro X. However, it is now not possible to install any Creative Suite applications. The installer currently generates an error message indicating that it is not compatible with the specified device. Consequently, I am unable to use the 2018 iteration of Photoshop that I could employ in the previous year. No, no version of Lightroom can function. This is very disheartening for a gadget that has the potential to be perfect for rapid picture or video editing while on the go.

My experience with the Surface Pro X has significantly changed thanks to the Microsoft-developed Chromium Edge browser. This application has had the most significant influence on the new Surface Pro X, since it is the primary application I use on a laptop. The performance of Chrome on the first Surface Pro X was significantly hindered due to its use of emulation mode as a 32-bit application.

The native iteration of Edge exhibits a level of performance comparable to that of a conventional Intel laptop. It is challenging to see the disparity in my daily job. The majority of my time is dedicated to utilizing a web browser for professional purposes, as well as engaging with YouTube videos, using Twitch, and perusing internet information.

The primary advantage of ARM laptops lies in their extended battery life. Several individuals have asserted a battery life of 23 hours, whereas Microsoft itself states that the new Surface Pro X should operate for 15 hours. The reality remains distant while several applications continue to operate in an emulated manner, resulting in battery depletion.

The Edge effectively showcases the capabilities of the Surface Pro X. The optimal performance of this tablet and laptop combination is achieved when applications like Edge are specifically designed for it, and these sorts of applications also contribute to enhancing battery longevity. I have consistently achieved a minimum of 8 hours of battery life on this upgraded model, using a combination of desktop applications and extensive use of the Edge browser. If you often use mimicked applications, it is understandable that this would have a greater impact on battery life, as we saw with Chrome running on the Pro X last year.

Surface Pro X Performance

Surface Pro X Performance

Apple’s statement that the iPad is intended for professionals implies a focus on business. However, this is not the situation with the Surface Pro X. The Microsoft SQ1 System-on-Chip, which is now about two years old, is built around the Qualcomm Snapdragon platform. The Surface Pro X’s age is evident while using it as a laptop.

The Surface Pro X, with the latest Windows 11 update, resolves the majority of compatibility concerns that reviewers encountered in 2019. The essential applications required for my workflow, namely Google Chrome and WhatsApp for Windows, were successfully implemented, but with a notable limitation. The Surface Pro X demonstrates satisfactory performance while engaged in fundamental activities like online surfing, attending meetings, reading and producing papers, and watching films. It consumes all that effortlessly and functions as anticipated.

The SQ1 chip encounters difficulties when I apply it to my office process. Engaging in the concurrent execution of 9–10 Chrome tabs, while

Two of them are using my CMS system; the Surface Pro X exhibits sluggish performance similar to that of outdated Windows 8 tablets. Loading times exhibit an upward trend, whereas all other factors

The background app experiences a decrease in performance. The Pixlr online picture editor was used to enhance many 4K photographs, while the tablet exhibited signs of distress. Furthermore, it lacks the same level of proficiency as an iPad Pro in playing tablet games.

The endorsement of the Surface Pro 8 with Intel CPUs by Microsoft for professionals and casual gaming aficionados is not surprising, as seen on their official homepage. The Surface Pro X is better suited for jobs that need less computational power compared to a typical tablet. It is suggested that Microsoft consider implementing the SQ2 processor as a standard feature for customers at this time.

Nevertheless, this PC operates continuously, eliminating the need for me to wait for my Windows tablet to start up. Upon pressing the lock key, the device promptly awakens, fully installed with Windows 11. It provides a similar experience to using an iPad but with the added advantage of being able to access your Windows applications and data instead of the restricted iPad.

Regrettably, the iPadOS has highly optimized applications, a feature that is absent on the Surface Pro X. Android applications have not yet been added to the Microsoft Store, and the existing selection of apps is rather limited. However, the majority of widely used applications may be obtained by downloading them from the internet; Chrome serves as a prime example.

A taste of an ARM-based future

Utilizing this gadget for the last week has undeniably sparked a fresh sense of optimism for forthcoming ARM-powered laptops. The newest iteration of Microsoft’s Surface Pro X provides a more accurate representation of the long-awaited future of ARM laptops.

The perception of ARM-powered laptops as futuristic or unprepared has diminished. The Surface Pro X exhibits similarities to contemporary Windows laptops, potentially obviating the need for Adobe and other external assistance to achieve exceptional performance. A significant proportion of desktop applications have transitioned to 64-bit architecture, and Microsoft is on the verge of providing x64 app-emulation support for the Windows operating system on ARM. This should effectively address the remaining app compatibility concerns; nonetheless, it is essential to observe the development of completely native 64-bit ARM applications to maintain optimal battery performance.

As Apple prepares to launch its Macs equipped with ARM-powered CPUs, the competition for ARM laptops may be intensifying. Microsoft is at the forefront, demonstrating leadership in the realm of hardware, although it has a deficiency in software development. However, the ARM revolution has significant promise, and both Microsoft and Qualcomm are actively pursuing developers to persuade them to completely transition their applications to ARM.

The significance of the prospective aspect of the Surface Pro X cannot be overstated. Microsoft’s provision of a basic model including the outdated SQ1 CPU at $999.99 suggests that ARM-powered Windows laptops are approaching a point where they are becoming much more accessible and proficient.

One significant issue is the substantial cost of $1,499 for a Surface tablet equipped with ARM technology, which has considerable potential. Although the Surface Pro X may not be considered an experimental product by Microsoft or Qualcomm, the price of $1,499 represents a significant financial commitment for hardware that exhibits some software vulnerabilities.

Hardware:

The fundamental hardware of the newest iteration of the Surface Pro X remains unchanged. Microsoft continues to use the same 13-inch PixelSense touchscreen display, which has excellent viewing angles, a 3:2 aspect ratio, and reduced bezels. The device is equipped with two USB-C ports, a Surface Connector, and no further features. The device lacks a microSD card; nonetheless, it is possible to access the nanoSIM slot and removable SSD by opening a door located on the rear. The absence of a headphone jack remains evident.

This year, Microsoft is introducing a novel color alternative. The Surface devices often include the traditional “platinum” silver finish, and there are a variety of vibrant Type Covers to complement them. Similar to the previous year, the Signature Keyboard is available in two options: it is paired with the Slim Surface Pen for a price of $269.99, or you may buy it separately from the pen for $139.99.

Last year, I had reservations about this new keyboard due to its lack of stability compared to the typical Surface Pro keyboards. A decreased occurrence of taskbar segmentation indicates a marginal improvement in the most recent version of the Signature Keyboard.

The Surface Pro X has Microsoft’s SQ2 processor, which is a modified version of Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8cx Gen 2 5G, but without 5G capabilities. It is disheartening that 5G is not yet available, even though networks have not been completely developed to effectively use its enhanced speeds and coverage. It remains compatible with LTE networks.

Despite being a hardware designer from a year ago, I still have a strong affinity for it. The Surface design from Microsoft is the finest I have ever seen. Although it represents an improvement compared to the Surface Pro series, the rounded edges and reduced bezels of this device are visually appealing and provide a pleasant user experience. I anticipate that Microsoft will ultimately be able to accommodate an Intel CPU inside this chassis.

Conclusion

The Surface Pro 10 offers unparalleled freedom and power, allowing users to stay connected and productive from dawn until dusk. The device’s battery life is remarkable, enabling users to transcend limitations and embrace a lifestyle of continuous innovation. While the hardware remains mostly the same, software improvements have made a significant difference. The new Surface Pro X runs smoothly on Windows Hello, with improved performance on Spotify and Discord. However, some app compatibility issues persist, such as Dropbox integrating into File Explorer and Adobe’s Creative Cloud apps not being compatible.

Microsoft’s Chromium Edge browser has significantly improved the Surface Pro X, making it more suitable for tablet and laptop hybrids. However, the battery life is still far off, as many apps run emulated and impact battery life.

FAQS

What is the battery life of a Surface Pro 9?

The battery life of “up to” 16 hours, as stated, is determined by specified test circumstances and use patterns. The actual duration of battery life may vary depending on use, configurations, and other variables. The Surface Pro 9 is projected to have a battery life of 6 hours when used regularly.

Why is my Surface Pro dying so fast?

Please search for applications that use a significant amount of battery power. It is advisable to terminate any applications that are not currently in use. To initiate the automatic startup of the applications, go to the Task Manager and proceed to choose the Startup Apps tab. To disable any programs that you want to prevent from starting automatically, just right-click on the app and choose the Disable option.

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