Microsoft's next-generation Surface Laptop

Brief description

Microsoft has unveiled the next generation of its signature Surface Laptop. The model received ARM-processor Qualcomm Snapdragon X Plus with optimized AI-functions, updated design and a number of compromises in hardware.

Surface

Key Features

  • Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon X Plus (ARM)
  • RAM: 16GB LPDDR4X
  • Storage (SSD): 256GB / 512GB
  • Screen:

* 13″ diagonal (Full HD, 1920×1080)

* 60Hz refresh rate

* No HDR support

  • Autonomy: Up to 16 hours of web surfing.
  • Ports and connectivity:

* 2× USB-C (power, data and DisplayPort Alt Mode)

* 3.5mm audio

No Surface Connect (magnetic charging port)

  • Biometrics: Fingerprint scanner in the power button (Windows Hello)
  • Camera: Front HD camera (no Windows Hello facial recognition)
  • Body & Design: Aluminum alloy, proprietary display stand, thin bezels

Design & Ergonomics

  1. Compactness and lightness.

By reducing the display diagonal to 13″, Microsoft has also reduced the overall size of the device, making it more portable.

  1. Materials and build.

The case is made of a durable aluminum alloy, and the case is available in several signature colors.

  1. Keyboard and touchpad.

Full-size keyboard with extended key travel (1.5mm) and Precision glass touchpad.

Screen

  • Resolution and color reproduction. Full HD is suitable for office tasks and web surfing, but the lack of HDR and limited 60Hz frequency may not satisfy demanding multimedia users.
  • Image quality. The screen offers up to 400 nits of brightness and good contrast, but viewing angles and color gamut remain average.

Performance and AI capabilities

  • ARM architecture. The Snapdragon X Plus processor is optimized for power efficiency and AI tasks such as accelerated speech recognition and local AI assistant.

* Limitations. For heavy tasks such as video rendering or 3D modeling, ARM chips are still inferior to classic x86 processors.

Battery life and charging

  • Battery life: up to 16 hours of web surfing - one of the best for ultraportable laptops.
  • Charging: via USB-C (up to 65W PD). The lack of Surface Connect simplifies cable unification, but removes the proprietary fast magnet.

Biometrics and security

  • Fingerprint scanner embedded in the power button - a reliable and fast alternative to facial recognition.
  • No Face ID. No Windows Hello Face reduces unlock speed but simplifies design.

Price and availability

  • Base version (16GB + 256GB): $899
  • Top version (16GB + 512GB): $999.
  • Start Date: May 20, 2025

Expert Opinion

Igor Smirnov, independent notebook analyst:

"Surface Laptop on ARM chip is a step into the future of mobile AI devices. But for now, x86 performance remains beyond competition in heavy tasks. The Surface Laptop with ARM chip is a step towards the future of mobile AI devices.

Ekaterina Volkova, TechReview reviewer:

"The reduced 13-inch display and the rejection of Surface Connect raise questions among fans of the lineup. But the build quality and long battery life remain strong advantages."

Conclusion

The next-generation Surface Laptop combines the innovations of the ARM processor and Microsoft's signature design to offer a high level of autonomy and basic AI capabilities. However, the compromises of not having an HDR screen, Surface Connect, and facial recognition make it a model primarily for office and casual tasks.