A gadget’s price relative to its size is becoming increasingly important. Many companies, including Microsoft, recognize the demand for more capable yet affordable laptops. Microsoft recently announced details about its new 12-inch Surface Pro and the thinner 13-inch Surface Laptop, which appear to address this demand based on their specifications. With starting prices under $1,000 (excluding the Surface Pro’s Flex Keyboard), Microsoft’s devices aim to balance aesthetics, cost, and performance effectively.
The 2025 Surface lineup includes two well-known products. The $900 Surface Laptop features a 13-inch touchscreen with a resolution of 1,920 x 1,280 and a traditional clamshell design. The $800 Surface Pro 12 is a prominent Windows tablet that can transform into a laptop-like device with a detachable keyboard. The new Surface Pro is $200 less expensive than the previous year’s $1,000 11th-generation model. However, the keyboard remains a separate purchase, and the screen is reduced to 12 inches (2,196 x 1,464) compared to the 13-inch display on the previous version. Despite the smaller size, the tablet is lighter, weighing 1.5 pounds compared to the 2-pound Pro 11.
Both the new Surface Pro and Surface Laptop 13 are powered by the Snapdragon X Plus chip, Qualcomm’s ARM-based CPU variant, launched in mid-2024. Previous models, including the 2024 Surface Laptop, used up to the Snapdragon X Elite chip, Qualcomm’s most powerful ARM processor. The latest devices include 16GB of RAM and 256GB of storage as standard.
Microsoft states that this CPU provides a more cost-effective starting point and upgrade path for users with earlier devices like the 2022 Surface Laptop. The company claims that the Snapdragon X Plus in the new Surface Laptop is 30% faster than the Intel Core i5-1235U found in the 2022 model. Microsoft also asserts this CPU outperforms the M3 MacBook Air in certain benchmarks, though it did not extend that claim to the $1,000 MacBook Air M4. These developments suggest a shift towards competitive pricing among major tech firms.
The new Surface Pro and Surface Laptop initially lack x86-based Intel chips, although these may be introduced later, similar to last year’s model that received an Intel Lunar Lake version. Microsoft continues to favor Qualcomm’s ARM chips, which generally offer better battery life, though there are limitations with software compatibility, notably with games or outdated drivers.
The 12-inch Surface Pro retains features familiar to users of previous hybrid tablet-laptop designs, including a built-in kickstand. A significant change is the relocation of the Slim Pen storage from the keyboard to an indent in the back of the tablet, catering to users who prefer using it as a tablet.
Another notable update is the removal of the Surface Connect port, replaced by USB-C with support for 45W fast charging. Microsoft indicates the Surface Pro’s battery lasts around 12 hours with active web browsing, while the Surface Laptop offers up to 16 hours.
Aesthetic changes include the introduction of a violet color for the 2024 Surface Pro, replacing the previous sapphire blue. Both new Surface models are also available in platinum and “ocean” colors, the latter resembling Apple’s “Sky Blue.”
While changes to the Surface lineup are minimal, some are practical. Microsoft will continue to sell last year’s models for those who prefer retaining the Surface Connect port. There is uncertainty regarding future pricing due to tariffs, with a Microsoft representative noting that tariffs are a variable factor potentially affecting costs.
