I tested the Surface Pro’s new privacy filter, and it’s the best business feature from Microsoft yet

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Microsoft’s Surface Pro 12th Edition for Business Its reputation as a premium, ultra-portable device has been doubled with a sophisticated build and some net new features: a privacy screen built into the display to limit visibility from off-axis viewers, support for Windows’ new OS-level Advanced Haptics, and Intel’s latest Series 3 processors.

I recently used the 13.8-inch Surface Pro 5G for Business with an Intel Core Ultra 5 as its main driver over the course of two weeks and found it to be a responsive, flexible device that successfully replicates the laptop experience while also being a capable tablet in its own right.

Also: The most premium work laptop I’ve ever tested finally lets me get rid of Wi-Fi forever

The option of 5G connectivity makes it more than just an office device, and from an IT perspective, it has strong management capabilities with Microsoft Intune and the Surface Management Portal.

Business users will appreciate these features, but the smaller form factor (and smaller trackpad) requires a commitment. There’s also the fact that the keyboard and accessories are sold separately – a hard sell at a time when Windows alternatives are more affordable than ever.

Build and Hardware: What’s New

At its core, the Surface Pro for Business is a solid tablet with a premium build and a functional built-in kickstand. The 12th Edition model comes with an Intel Core Ultra 5 335 or 7 366H (Series 3) processor and integrated GPU. Onboard memory scales from 16GB to 32GB of LPDDR5x RAM and 256GB, 512GB, or 1TB removable SSDs for superior repairability across the board: virtually every part is replaceable.

The 13-inch OLED touchscreen display is bright and vivid at 267 ppi, up to 120Hz refresh, anti-reflective coating, and 3K resolution. It supports 10-point multi-touch, and scales up to 600 nits of brightness for standard content and 900 nits for HDR, making it a capable tablet in its own right, except for business use cases.

It’s a great display, but the hardware isn’t the only thing that sets it apart. The 12th-generation 13.8-inch Surface Pro features Microsoft’s Integrated Privacy Screen, a built-in filter that, when activated, limits visibility of the screen from off-axis viewing angles. It works at the hardware level by using in-cell TDM technology to reduce the brightness of individual pixels.

In practice, it seems like the screen is quite dim around the edges – but that depends on the brightness of the rest of the display. At maximum brightness, you can see the display around the edges, but it’s too blurry to notice details. At half brightness or less, it looks like the screen is off completely. In any case, it is effective.

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There is no shortage of third-party privacy screens on the market, but they often affect the visibility of the display as well. That’s not the case here – when it’s on, there’s no evidence of it turning on for the user. It can be activated with a single hotkey (F1) in Windows, and for business users it can be managed by IT.

Another net-new feature unique to 12th edition Surface devices is advanced haptics, which are not just in the touchpad, but built into the OS itself. Introduced in Windows 11 and (for now) unique to Surface devices is Advanced Haptics: a system-level interaction language that provides tactile feedback to user actions: snapping windows to grids, double-clicking icons, or important windows prompting the user for action.

Of course, not everyone will want this, so it’s completely optional. Haptic feedback also extends to the pen, with subtle prompts that confirm supported actions or respond to usability triggers such as expanding beyond canvas boundaries, scaling or rotating visual elements, or hovering over certain buttons.

Microsoft says this is part of broader improvements to Windows and usability designs that go beyond visual cues — a good thing because Windows is filled with information and prompts at every turn. As of now, only select apps support Windows’ Advanced Haptics, including Wondershare Filmora, but more apps will follow later this year.

Pro enough for business

Microsoft’s front-facing Surface Studio camera features Quad HD 1440p with an ultrawide field of view. The quality is good, but low-light settings are preferred, as it looks puffy in harsh or bright light. It’s hard to get the hang of all the AI-powered camera features here, and it’s evident in the over-processed look that’s the default in the videoconferencing apps I use (Google Meet, Zoom, Teams). In contrast, I got the clearest, most natural images when I opened the Camera app in Windows.

Such a good camera gets ruined by all the processing and feathering; The most natural look is generally the best – which Apple understands well with its center stage camera system. Still, once you make the necessary adjustments for your environment it is one of the better webcams you can get on a PC.

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For business users who make frequent video calls, the Surface Pro performs well. The videocall experience is overall great, with loud, clear audio (2W speakers are louder than some laptops), dual studio mics with Dolby Atmos, and physical volume buttons.

I should mention that the back of the tablet where the camera device is located does get a little warm during long calls, with the thermal system venting hot air around the edges of the top half of the device.

However, anyone who has been in the middle of a robotic call knows that hardware is only half the battle. Microsoft attempts to mitigate these problems with a range of features, including support for 5G, allowing Internet connections wherever there is cell data.

However, activating 5G plans on an individual device can be costly and technical, so they are still best managed by IT teams with cellular enterprise packages that can be professionally deployed to the device, allowing the end user to simply click the 5G icon in the Windows system tray.

Usability and battery life

The 13-inch Surface Pro for Business may feel cramped for any long-term use, despite the crisp, 120Hz display. The small trackpad certainly won’t be ergonomic for everyone, and the detachable keyboard, while responsive, doesn’t completely replace a laptop keyboard. Luckily, the device plays up to three external monitors at 4K/60Hz, making it an exceptional dock-to-dock option.

Both USB-C ports support fast charging with a 60W charger and both support DisplayPort 2.1 and Thunderbolt 4.

The detachable keyboard can be placed in two configurations: raising it up and folding the pen down, or lying flat with access to the pen. Its magnetic attachments attach easily and securely to the tablet, and the whole thing feels solid. However, it is still sold separately, with the mouse and even the charger coming with the device only in some markets. In most others, you will have to pay $70 for it.

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Battery life is also quite good. Microsoft quotes up to 17 hours in its video playback test and 11 hours for general web use. I took the Surface Pro to work for several days in a row and got more than 10 hours of normal use (working out of the browser, making a few video calls and being idle in between).

ZDNET’s shopping advice

Surface Pro 12th Edition for Business is successful as a premium tablet in its own right, with a rich range of business-focused features that come bundled into a premium package. It’s a well-engineered device with a good display, and 5G makes it a permanent connectivity solution that shouldn’t be overlooked, although it’s best suited for the enterprise user.

Of course, it comes with a price tag to match its premium build. $1,949 For the lowest-end configuration only the detachable keyboard and charger are sold separately. The small form factor and textured keyboard make for a statement-making package, but the cloth one is best suited for the office, away from dust, spills or dirt.

Also: How I disabled ‘Fast Startup’ on my Windows 11 laptop to prevent battery drain overnight

The portable form factor requires commitment. Although the keyboard and trackpad are well designed, they have their advantages compared to full-sized laptops. However, as a premium device with some serious security features, it succeeds as a functional package with a ton of options.