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Microsoft Surface Pro X gets a more powerful processor and a new colour option (Updated)

By Vijay Anand - on 17 Oct 2020, 8:00am

Microsoft Surface Pro X gets a more powerful processor and a new colour option

Note: This article was first published on 1st October2020, and is re-published as the new Surface Pro X models are now available in retail.

Exactly a year back, I described the Surface Pro X as Microsoft's sassiest Surface device ever and that statement still stands today. A forward looking design, near edge-to-edge display, an excellent microphone array, a must-buy optional keyboard cover because it's so smartly designed, it's probably the very reason you'll want a detachable notebook like the Surface Pro X. Part of the reason is also due to the cleverly designed Surface Pro X Slim Pen that's work swell and is easily stowed away with the Surface Pro X keyboard.

The updated Surface Pro X announced today sports everything we loved from last year's model, but now updated with a more powerful Microsoft SQ2 processor. Like the Microsoft SQ1 powering the previous model that's based off the Qualcomm 8cx compute platform, the SQ2 is now based on the updated Qualcomm 8cx Gen 2. Very little is different between both processors, except that the newer Gen 2 version has a more powerful Adreno 690 GPU (vs. Adreno 685 on the SQ1), and a more powerful AI Engine with the Hexagon 690 DSP (vs. Hexagon 685 on the previous version). More than ever, graphics and AI processing power are two most tapped upon aspects to deliver new experiences and the Microsoft SQ1 based on the Qualcomm 8cx Gen 2 does just that.

Despite the newer processor, Microsoft claims the Surface Pro X with SQ2 processor boast up to 15 hours of battery life in everyday usage and improved performance through using apps optimized for Windows on ARM (yes, it's ARM-based processor, not an x86 processor) such as new Microsoft 365 applications like Edge and Teams.

Everything else is in terms of design, features and experience is identical to the Surface Pro X that debuted a year back, so do check out my detailed hands-on article here for more inputs. What you do get different, visually speaking, is a new platinum finish in addition to the previous matte black finish. The Surface Pro X keyboards are also now available in new colours like Ice Blue, Poppy Red and Platinum.

Since the updated Surface Pro X is very similar, Microsoft will continue to sell the Microsoft SQ1 powered editions (check here for the local prices) alongside the SQ2 powered editions. The good news is that the new SQ2 powered version is available in Singapore right after the launch and here are the suggested retail prices:-

  • Microsoft Pro X (SQ2), 16GB RAM, 256GB SSD - S$2,248
  • Microsoft Pro X (SQ2), 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD - S$2,688

That's just a S$100 premium for the SQ2 powered versions compared to the SQ1.

The new Surface Pro X Signature keyboard colour options are however only available with the Slim Pen as a bundle (which isn't a bad idea), but they are more expensive at S$429 (which isn't so cool) instead of the S$399 bundle price for the original black finish.
 

Where can you purchase one?

The new Surface Pro X with SQ2 is available for purchase now at the Microsoft online store.

You can also get them at these authorized retailers:-

Surface for Business

Surface for Business devices are tailored for commercial customers including enterprise-grade security, and leading modern management with Autopilot, Surface Enterprise Management Mode (SEMM) and Microsoft Intune. Windows 10 Pro comes standard on Surface for Business devices, offering additional built-in security and management features. In addition to the standard hardware warranty, Surface for Business customers get free Advanced Exchange – a warranty service with expedited device replacement, at no additional cost. To learn more about Surface Pro X for business, commercial customers can connect with their local commercial reseller.

Here are the prices for the Surface Pro X with SQ2 processors but under the Surface for Business programme:-

  • Microsoft Pro X (SQ2), 16GB RAM, 256GB SSD - S$2,398
  • Microsoft Pro X (SQ2), 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD - S$2,838
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