Microsoft Launches New 13-Inch Surface Laptop with Key Downgrades

Key Takeaways

1. Microsoft has launched a more affordable 13-inch Surface Laptop variant, but it features significant reductions in specifications.
2. The laptop boasts a long battery life of 23 hours for video playback, but lacks advanced display features like HDR and has a lower refresh rate of 60 Hz.
3. It is equipped with an 8-core Snapdragon X Plus X1P-42-100 processor, which is less powerful compared to other Surface Laptop models.
4. The device has limited memory options, with only 16 GB of RAM and 512 GB of storage, compared to higher specifications in other models.
5. Priced at $899, the new model is only $100 cheaper than the more advanced 13.8-inch variant, raising questions about its value.


Alongside the new 12-inch Surface Pro, Microsoft has introduced a more affordable variant of the Surface Laptop. This model has some significant reductions in features, and the price cut isn’t enough to make up for those losses. The only highlight is its impressive claim of 23 hours of video playback on battery, which is slightly better than what the other two Surface Laptop models offer.

Display and Performance

The latest Surface Laptop variant sports a 13-inch 16:10 FHD (1,920 x 1,080) display with a maximum brightness of 400 nits. In comparison to its 13.8 and 15-inch counterparts, it refreshes at 60 Hz instead of 120 Hz and completely misses out on HDR capabilities. This, paired with the underwhelming 8-core Snapdragon X Plus X1P-42-100 processor, makes the laptop seem considerably less appealing than its more advanced models.

Memory and Connectivity

To add to the disappointment, the 13-inch Surface Laptop is restricted to a mere 16 GB of LPDDR5x RAM and 512 GB of UFS storage, which is a stark contrast to the 64 GB and 1 TB options available in other models. In terms of connections, the Surface Connect port has been removed, replaced by two USB 3.2 Type-C ports and one USB Type-A port. It also supports Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 5.4 for additional connectivity.

Weighing in at 2.7 lbs, the 13-inch Surface Laptop comes in three different colors: Ocean, Violet, and Platinum. The starting price is $899, which is just $100 less than the 13.8-inch model that offers significantly better specifications. You can pre-order the laptop through retailers like Best Buy, Amazon, and Microsoft’s own website. It will be generally available starting May 20.

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