Microsoft’s new 13-inch Surface Laptop represents a notable downgrade compared to last year’s 13.8-inch Surface Laptop. While it costs less, the reduction in size and specifications raises questions about its positioning within Microsoft’s lineup.
Priced at $899, the 13-inch Surface Laptop sits between the higher-end Surface Laptop 7 and the entry-level Surface Laptop Go. It features an 8-core Snapdragon X Plus processor, 16GB of LPDDR5x RAM, and options for 256GB or 512GB of UFS storage. The 13-inch, 1920×1280 IPS display runs at 60 Hz, which is a downgrade from the 13.8-inch model’s 120 Hz panel.
This model shares some elements with both the Surface Laptop 7 and the Surface Go 3, but it is closer to an updated, ARM-powered version of the Surface Laptop Go rather than a compact flagship. It includes the same neural processing unit found in larger Surface models to support Microsoft’s Copilot+ features, ensuring decent performance for everyday tasks.
However, Microsoft has removed entry-level configurations from prior Surface models, effectively increasing those prices, and placing this new laptop in a curious middle ground. It offers a balanced package but compromises heavily compared to last year’s model.
- Processor: 8-core Snapdragon X Plus
- RAM: 16GB LPDDR5x
- Storage: 256GB or 512GB UFS
- Display: 13-inch, 1920×1280 IPS, 60 Hz
- Price: Starting at $899
Overall, the 13-inch Surface Laptop can be a solid choice for those seeking a portable Windows device with decent specs, but it clearly represents a series of compromises compared to Microsoft’s previous flagship models.