Microsoft Introduces New Sleek Surface Devices, Phases Out Budget Models

Update (May 8, 2025, 2:25 p.m. EDT): In conjunction with the launch of its new Surface Copilot+ compact PCs, Microsoft has discreetly discontinued the $999.99 entry-level versions of its prominent Surface Laptop 7 and Surface Pro 11 from its online store. These models were equipped with 10-core Snapdragon X Plus processors, 16GB of RAM, and 256GB SSDs. Presently, Amazon and Best Buy continue to stock these variants—including discounts. Microsoft’s website now presents both devices beginning at $1,199.99 with 512GB of storage. We have contacted the company for clarity and will provide an update once we receive a response.

Meanwhile, we have updated our original article below to include the new pricing and added preorder links for the recently launched Surface devices.

Microsoft Validates Speculations, Debuts Smaller Surface Copilot+ PCs

On Tuesday, Microsoft officially validated ongoing speculation by launching two new compact Surface devices: a 13-inch Surface Laptop and a 12-inch Surface Pro. These are simplified versions of the company’s flagship models and mark Microsoft’s second release of Copilot+ PCs powered by Qualcomm’s Snapdragon technology.

Both units feature 8-core Snapdragon X Plus processors with NPUs capable of achieving 45 trillion AI operations per second (TOPS), enabling the latest Copilot+ functionalities. Each model boasts 16GB of RAM and options for either 256GB or 512GB of UFS storage. They are offered in Ocean, Violet, and Platinum finishes.

The 13-inch Surface Laptop has a starting price of $899.99, whereas the 12-inch Surface Pro starts at $799.99. Both devices are set for release on May 20 and can currently be preordered via the Microsoft Store, Amazon, and Best Buy.

Surface Laptop 13-Inch: A Slim MacBook Air Challenger

Measuring just 11.25 x 8.43 x 0.61 inches and weighing 2.7 pounds, the new 13-inch Surface Laptop is Microsoft’s slimmest and lightest model to date. It complements the Surface Laptop 7th Edition, which debuted in June 2024 in 13.8-inch and 15-inch options and continues to be one of Mashable’s highly rated Windows laptops.

In comparison to the Surface Laptop 7, this new iteration features a lower-resolution 60Hz touchscreen and slightly lesser performance. The Laptop 7 supports more robust configurations, such as a 12-core Snapdragon X Elite CPU and up to 64GB of RAM. Nevertheless, Microsoft asserts that the new model still surpasses the performance of Apple’s MacBook Air M3.

Battery longevity is a highlight, with the 13-inch Surface Laptop rated for up to 23 hours of video playback—three hours beyond the official rating for the Surface Laptop 7. However, in practical testing, the Laptop 7 also approached 23 hours, indicating the difference may be minimal.

At $899.99, the latest Surface Laptop is $300 less than the base model Surface Laptop 7 and $100 cheaper than Apple’s M4 MacBook Air.

Surface Pro 12-Inch: A More Portable 2-in-1 Solution

The new 12-inch Surface Pro is Microsoft’s most compact Copilot+ PC to date, measuring 10.8 x 7.47 x 0.3 inches and weighing merely 1.5 pounds. It is lighter than the Asus ZenBook A14, though it does not include a built-in keyboard.

This hybrid device comes with a built-in kickstand and serves as a more portable alternative to the 13-inch Surface Pro 11th Edition, which provided both LCD and OLED touchscreen choices with up to 64GB of RAM and more advanced Snapdragon X Elite processors.

The 12-inch Surface Pro presents a lower refresh rate, resolution, and contrast compared to its larger counterpart but offers enhanced battery life—up to 16 hours of video playback, in comparison to 14 hours for Wi-Fi-only versions and 9 hours for cellular variants of the Pro 11.

Accessories like the $149.99 12-inch Surface Pro Keyboard and the Surface Slim Pen (sold separately) can convert the device into a fully functional laptop or digital notepad. The pen attaches magnetically to the rear of the device for convenient storage. Note: the charger is also sold separately.

At $799.99, the new Surface Pro is $400 less than the entry-level Surface Pro 11.

Is Microsoft Phasing Out the Surface Laptop Go Line?

With the introduction of these new compact models, Microsoft may be winding down its budget-friendly Surface Laptop Go series, which last saw an update in late 2023. While the company has not officially confirmed the discontinuation, a spokesperson informed Mashable that the new 12-inch Surface Pro and 13-inch Surface Laptop “broaden the