ARM-powered
Microsoft announces 2nd-Gen Surface Pro X
Microsoft has announced the 2nd-Generation Surface Pro X today, with a new Microsoft custom ARM chip, new color, new accessories and x64 emulation coming, Surface Pro X is ready for primetime. We will dive into the photos, video, specs and all the updates below.
Surface Pro X (2nd Gen)
Early this morning, Microsoft announced the aforementioned 2nd-Generation Surface Pro X with the new Microsoft SQ2 ARM chip starting at $1499, which only comes in Platinum, along with a cheaper configuration with the Microsoft SQ1 ARM chip available in Black and Platinum.
Specs
| Display | 13” PixelSense, Display Resolution: 2880×1920 (267 PPI) Aspect ratio: 3:2, Touch: 10 point multi-touch |
|---|---|
| Memory | 8GB or 16GB LPDDR4x RAM |
| Processor | Microsoft SQ1 Microsoft SQ2 |
| Battery Life1 | Up to 15 hours of typical device usage1 |
| Graphics | Microsoft SQ1 Adreno 685 GPU Microsoft SQ2 Adreno 690 GPU |
| Storage5 | Removable solid-state drive (SSD) options: 128, 256, or 512GB |
| Connections | 2 x USB-C, 1 x Surface Connect port, Surface Keyboard port1 x nano SIM, Compatible with Surface Dial off-screen interaction |
| Security | Firmware TPM chip for enterprise security and BitLocker supportEnterprise-grade protection with Windows Hello face sign-in |
| Cameras, video and audio | Windows Hello face authentication camera (front-facing)5.0MP front-facing camera with 1080p full HD video 10.0MP rear-facing autofocus camera with 1080p HD and 4k video, Dual far-field Studio Mics2W stereo speakers with Dolby Audio sound |
| Software | Windows 10 Home on ARM4Microsoft 365 Family 30-day trial |
| Wireless | Wi-Fi 5: 802.11ac compatible, Bluetooth Wireless 5.0 technology, Qualcomm Snapdragon X24 LTE modem, Up to Gigabit LTE Advanced Pro with nanoSIM and eSIM support. LTE Bands supported: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 14, 19, 20, 25, 26, 28, 29, 30, 38, 39, 40, 41, 46, 66Assisted GPS and GLONASS support |
| Sensors | Accelerometer, Gyroscope, Magnetometer, Ambient light sensor |
| Exterior | Casing: Signature anodized aluminum with carbon composite fanless thermal cooling, Colors: Matte Black, Platinum6Physical buttons: Volume, Power |
| What’s in the box | Surface Pro X, Power Supply, SIM Card access tool, Quick Start Guide, Safety and warranty documents |
| Warranty8 | 1-year limited hardware warranty |
| Weight2 (not including Keyboard*) | 1.7 lbs (774g) |
| Dimensions | 11.3 in x 8.2 in x 0.28 in (287 mm x 208 mm x 7.3 mm) |
New Colors
The new boss, same as the old boss
Perhaps what is most interesting is the apparent change in strategy with this product. The peculiar thing about the naming strategy is that it is still called Surface Pro X and not Pro X 2. Yes, we realize that name is awkward, but that should have been thought of when they were naming it in the first place.
What this naming strategy does allow Microsoft to do however is utilize two Microsoft ARM SQ SOC’s in different configurations. Is the Surface Pro X configuration with the SQ1 still just a 1st-generation Surface Pro X? It sure seems that way. Microsoft didn’t even update the wallpaper. Which begs the question, did Microsoft have a bunch of old stock they needed to sell or is this part of a new strategy that utilizes old parts to sell a less expensive configuration like Apple with their iPad line.
Perhaps the best way to think about Surface Pro X, is that it is now available in a configuration with an upgraded SOC.
Along with the (2nd-Gen) Surface Pro X, Microsoft also announced the Surface Laptop Go and a slew of new accessories. Check back on Platform De.Central soon more news on the accessories.
Will you be pre-ordering a new Surface Laptop Go? Let us know in the comments below.
