Microsoft's Windows-on-ARM approach for private users damages the reputation of Surface devices

After the Surface Laptop for Business, we were now able to review the convertible Surface Pro for Business, which is equipped with a Lunar Lake processor from Intel. While our verdict was pretty clear in favor of the Intel SKU for the Surface Laptop, the situation is a bit more complex for the Surface Pro, where both versions have their own set of advantages. The Intel SKU does not suffer from any compatibility issues thanks to the x86 architecture, offers more GPU performance and even has a quieter fan when it comes to everyday usage scenarios. The ARM model on the other hand offers longer battery runtimes in some scenarios, more multi-core CPU performance and can be equipped with an integrated 5G modem. 

The new Intel Lunar Lake models are targeted towards business customers, since it seems they simply do not want ARM devices. Private customers can purchase these models as well, but this is not really an option when you consider the price difference. Our review unit, for example, is around 800 Euros more expensive than the comparable ARM SKU at the time of the review, which is almost impossible to justify.

We think Microsoft will eventually damage the reputation of the Surface devices with this approach. We have already reported that Surface models with Snapdragon processors are returned more frequently. This is a result of the limited clarification from the manufacturer about possible limitations since familiar apps might not work properly anymore. Especially casual users have to be informed, or you could simply let the users decide by offering both versions. 

Microsoft simply holds back the Intel versions (which are better overall) to push Windows on ARM devices. There is no question that the Snapdragon models of the Surface Pro and the Surface Laptop are very good devices for certain users, but not for everyone. We also have to see how Microsoft wants to approach other models like the Surface Laptop Studio in the future (if there will be a successor), since there is simply no Snapdragon chip with GPU performance levels comparable to dedicated GPUs.