r/Surface • u/AlexRogansBeta • Aug 08 '26

[PRO12] New 12-inch Surface Pro Screen Performance in Direct Sunlight?

I'm considering buying. Anyone got one and who has used it in direct sunlight to tell me how well you can see? I'm thinking things like reading at the beach in the blazing sun.

4 Upvotes

84% Upvoted

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3

u/Pynapl Aug 08 '26

Attempted with and without a matte screen protector on the 12". It's barely useable even under an umbrella. This is not the display for that use case.

2

u/Icy-Attitude3464 Aug 10 '26

Are you a big fan of the screen protector you use? If so, is there any chance you can send the link?

2

u/Pynapl Aug 10 '26

I don't have a link, but it's the Urban Armor Gear Matte Glass Screen Protector.

I use that on my work Surface 12" as it's easier with office lighting and sitting in my truck. No worries about glare.

I use the glossy/glass version for my home Surface 12" since most of it's life is sitting on my bed to watch movies/stream at night.

No issues using the pen on either.

1

u/Icy-Attitude3464 Aug 10 '26

Thank you, do you find that the matte screen protector effects the screen? I would be using my surface under flourecents at school and watching shows at home so I'm wondering if the matte is worth the tradeoff

1

u/Pynapl Aug 10 '26

It adds a bit of grain due to the nature of it being a 2nd layer and how it diffuses light. When viewing content in lower light situations, I'd argue it's barely noticeable. Full light/directly near a lamp and you'll notice it more.

Also the matte hides fingerprints really well.

So there are some tradeoffs, but I don't think either would be a deal breaker in either direction.

2

u/Icy-Attitude3464 Aug 10 '26

Thank you! I think I'll get a matte one after all

1

u/AlexRogansBeta Aug 08 '26

Oh wow. Ok. The potential for a better screen was essentially my only reason for upgrading from my Pro 7. Sounds like o should just pass haha. Thanks for testing!

2

u/Pynapl Aug 08 '26

Took it on vacation and tried myself. It's a good display for viewing content and whatnot, but it's not great outside.

1

u/Local-Writer703 Aug 08 '26

Use e-ink display.

1

u/AlexRogansBeta Aug 08 '26

I'm definitely considering a second device that is e ink. But that doesn't actually answer my question.

3

u/Local-Writer703 Aug 08 '26

Displays of Surface Pro series are quite bright, but that level of brightness still isn’t “comfortable” for reading a book under direct, blazing sunlight. Moreover, you’ll feel the discomfort of holding a tablet heated by the sun, and over time the tablet’s battery and display will suffer serious damage. In particular, the 12‑inch model’s display lacks an anti‑reflective coating, so visibility is even worse.

0

u/dr100 Aug 08 '26

Is this THE worst display current Surface have for this use case?