Microsoft refreshes the Surface Pro X with the Microsoft SQ2 processor based on Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8cx Gen 2

Early last month we learned that Microsoft was working on a refresh for last year’s Surface Pro X. At the time, sources familiar with the matter had revealed that the Surface Pro X refresh would feature the same design, but it will be offered in a new ‘Platinum’ color variant with new Type Cover color options. We’d also learned that the device would feature Microsoft’s new SQ2 processor. Now, the company has finally lifted the covers off the new Surface Pro X and it’s exactly what we expected.

Microsoft has essentially upgraded the top-end SKUs of last year’s Surface Pro X with its new SQ2 processor and introduced a new Platinum color option for the device. The base variants of the Surface Pro X will still feature the older SQ1 processor and they’ll be sold alongside the new Surface Pro X. As expected, Microsoft’s new SQ2 processor was designed in collaboration with Qualcomm and it’s based on the company’s Snapdragon 8cx Gen 2 platform.

Microsoft claims that its new SQ2 chip is the fastest processor in its class, which is capable of offering better performance while using less battery. To further improve the Surface Pro X’s performance, Microsoft has also made some enhancements to Windows on ARM. These include updates and optimizations to the Visual Studio Code for Windows on ARM, which is expected to boost overall performance and increase battery life (up to 15 hours) across all Surface Pro X configurations (including the ones powered by Microsoft’s SQ1 chip).

Along with the new Surface Pro X and the Surface Laptop Go, Microsoft unveiled three new colors for the Signature Keyboard — Platinum, Ice Blue, and Poppy Red — at the event.

The company also unveiled the new Designer Compact Keyboard, a wireless Number Pad, a 4K Wireless Display Adapter, a Bluetooth Ergonomic Mouse, and a new Sandstone color variant for the Microsoft Modern Mobile Mouse.

Pricing & Availability

The updated Microsoft Surface Pro X with the company’s new SQ2 processor is already up for pre-order on the Microsoft Store in select regions. The device is priced starting at $1,499.99, and it will be available across other retailers starting from October 13th.

The new Microsoft Designer Compact Keyboard is priced at $69.99, the new wireless Number Pad is priced at $24.99, the 4K Wireless Display Adapter is priced at $69.99, and the new Bluetooth Ergonomic Mouse is priced at $49.99. As of now, the company hasn’t released the availability information for these accessories.

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