Surface Laptop Go 2 vs Surface Pro 12
Head-to-head specifications
| Metric | Surface Laptop Go 2 | Surface Pro 12 | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Geekbench 6 multi-core | 4,500 | 15,000 | -70.0% |
| Processor | Intel Core i5-1135G7 | Qualcomm Snapdragon X Plus Gen 3 | — |
| Graphics | Intel Iris Xe Graphics | Qualcomm Adreno | — |
| Display | 12.4" 1536x1024 | 13.0" 2880x1920 | — |
| Battery life (h) | 11.5 | 19 | -39.5% |
| Weight (kg) | 1.12 | 0.88 | +27.3% |
| RAM / storage (base) | 8GB / 128GB | 16GB / 256GB | — |
| Max configuration | 8GB / 256GB | 32GB / 1024GB | — |
| Operating system | Windows 11 Home | Windows 11 Home | — |
| Price (USD) | $599–$699 | $1,099–$1,899 | -45.5% |
- Surface Pro 12 is about 70% faster in Geekbench 6 multi-core. Surface Pro 12 lasts longer on battery (19h vs 11.5h).
- Surface Pro 12 is the more portable at 0.88 kg.
Verdict: Surface Laptop Go 2 or Surface Pro 12?
Surface Laptop Go 2 advantages
- Affordability (+45%)
Surface Pro 12 advantages
- Multi-core performance (+70%)
- Battery life (+39%)
- Portability (+21%)
- Base memory (+50%)
- Screen size (+5%)
Which should you choose?
- Choose the Surface Laptop Go 2 if you want the best value.
- Choose the Surface Pro 12 if you need maximum performance for demanding work or gaming.
Value for money
Surface Pro 12 delivers more performance per dollar, making it the better value of the two at their listed prices.
Surface Laptop Go 2 vs Surface Pro 12: which should you choose?
Surface Laptop Go 2 — Microsoft ultrabook/creator laptop (2022) with the Intel Core i5-1135G7 and Intel Iris Xe Graphics, 8GB RAM, a 12.4-inch 1536x1024 display, 1.12 kg and about 11.5 h battery; from $599.
Surface Pro 12 — Microsoft ultrabook/creator laptop (2026) with the Qualcomm Snapdragon X Plus Gen 3 and Qualcomm Adreno, 16GB RAM, a 13-inch 2880x1920 display, 0.88 kg and about 19 h battery; from $1,099.
Surface Laptop Go 2 vs Surface Pro 12: Surface Pro 12 is the faster laptop. Surface Pro 12 is about 70% faster in Geekbench 6 multi-core. Surface Pro 12 lasts longer on battery (19h vs 11.5h). Surface Pro 12 is the more portable at 0.88 kg.
Performance
The Surface Pro 12 is the faster machine in Geekbench 6 multi-core (15,000 vs 4,500), pairing the Qualcomm Snapdragon X Plus Gen 3 with Qualcomm Adreno. That gap matters most for video editing, compiling, 3D and gaming; for browsing and office work both feel quick.
Portability and battery
The Surface Pro 12 is easier to carry at 0.88 kg (vs 1.12 kg), and the Surface Pro 12 lasts longer unplugged (about 19 h vs 11.5 h). For commuters and travellers these often matter more day-to-day than peak performance.
Configuration and value
Base configurations are 8 GB / 128 GB and 16 GB / 256 GB, with higher-spec variants available. RAM, storage and display upgrades change both price and experience — compare like-for-like configurations and check current street pricing before buying.
The verdict
Both are credible choices in the laptop comparison space; the specification table above lays out every metric so you can weigh the trade-offs that matter to you. Pick the one whose strengths line up with how you will actually use it.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Surface Laptop Go 2 better than the Surface Pro 12?
Surface Pro 12 takes the overall edge, though Surface Laptop Go 2 wins in specific areas worth weighing. Surface Pro 12 is about 70% faster in Geekbench 6 multi-core. Surface Pro 12 lasts longer on battery (19h vs 11.5h).
What is the main difference between the Surface Laptop Go 2 and the Surface Pro 12?
Surface Pro 12 is about 70% faster in Geekbench 6 multi-core. Surface Pro 12 lasts longer on battery (19h vs 11.5h). Surface Pro 12 is the more portable at 0.88 kg.
Which is better value?
Surface Pro 12 delivers more performance per dollar, making it the better value of the two at their listed prices.
Which should I choose?
Choose the Surface Laptop Go 2 if you want the best value. Choose the Surface Pro 12 if you need maximum performance for demanding work or gaming.
Methodology
Laptops are compared on Geekbench 6 multi-core scores, processor and graphics hardware, display size and resolution, rated battery life, weight, RAM and storage across launch configurations, and list pricing (USD). Where a model spans several generations, the newest generation is shown. Battery figures are manufacturer or reviewer ratings under mixed use — sustained performance also depends on cooling, which benchmarks only partly capture.