Microsoft Surface Laptop 13-Inch Review: Affordable and Compact Windows 11 Device

Microsoft’s newest Surface laptops are compact and affordable, allowing users to enjoy many of the great features of their larger counterparts in a more portable format, while still delivering impressive performance.

The Surface Laptop 13-inch model features the latest 7th generation laptops, available in 13.8″ and 15″ sizes released last summer. It sits at the lower end of the price spectrum, starting at £899 (1,099 Euro/$900/$1,699), making it an attractive option.

The design of the new 13-inch model blends elements from both the Laptop Go and its larger siblings. It features a glossy LCD touchscreen that, while not the brightest or clearest, looks great for its size. The smooth aluminum surface includes a full-size keyboard that provides a premium typing experience, outclassing many competitors.

The generously-sized trackpad is smooth and precise, though it features an older hinge design that some might find less tactile compared to newer models from bigger competitors. Nevertheless, it gets the job done, although clicking can be a bit awkward.

The speakers are impressive for the device’s size, and the 1080p webcam performs well even if you don’t utilize Microsoft’s Windows Hello facial recognition for logging in.

Specifications

• Screen: 13in LCD 1920 x 1280 (178 ppi)

• Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon X Plus (8 cores)

• RAM: 16 GB

• Storage: 256 or 512GB

• Operating System: Windows 11 Home

• Camera: 1080p front

• Connectivity: Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.4, USB-A, 2X USB-C (3.2), Headphones

• Size: 285.7 x 214.1 x 15.6mm

• Weight: 1.2kg

Snapdragon X Plus

The 13-inch model is powered by a mid-range Qualcomm Snapdragon X Plus processor with 8 cores (compared to 10 in larger models). While it may not lead in raw performance, it holds up well against Intel’s offerings and is sufficiently fast for a laptop of this size. Under typical workloads, it remains quiet and efficient, delivering approximately 14 hours of usage with multiple browser tabs and apps open. This is nearly double the battery life of its Intel-based predecessor and rivals Apple’s MacBook Air.

For resource-intensive tasks like large photo editing or other creative software, expect battery life to decrease by nearly half.

The Surface Laptop includes two USB-C (3.2) ports and a USB-A port, suitable for devices of this size. Notably, it lacks USB4/Thunderbolt support and instead uses USB-C for charging.

Windows 11 on Arm

The Surface runs Windows 11 effectively, avoiding the clutter of unnecessary features and software that often plague competitors. However, there are some compatibility issues with apps designed for ARM processors, like the Snapdragon model, that don’t affect those running on Intel or AMD’s x86 architecture.

Applications that aren’t specifically designed for ARM must run in emulation mode, which can slow them down significantly. Lightweight x86 applications like Evernote perform adequately but lag behind their ARM-native counterparts.

Many popular applications have ARM versions that perform seamlessly, including Google Drive. Until recently, Google Drive was not compatible with Windows on ARM. It’s essential to check for app-specific issues, especially in the creative field, as many major games, including Fortnite, face incompatibility with ARM chips.

The laptop boasts a Copilot+PC feature that includes an array of Microsoft AI tools. This encompasses a recall function that captures snapshots of your activities, allowing you to revisit what was displayed at specific moments. Users can search recalls using natural language and interact with text, images, or data—like reopening websites browsed in the past.

This feature is opt-in and safely stores screenshots locally on a device protected by fingerprint security, which helps prevent the capture of sensitive information. However, some individuals may view this as a privacy risk.

Other AI tools echo those available on previous Surface models, including a sketch recognition system that can transform hand-drawn sketches into refined artwork. The standout tool is Copilot, integrated into various Microsoft applications such as Word and others in the Office Suite, provided you have a subscription. It functions as a cross between a search tool and an AI assistant, capable of performing tasks like converting data into tables or enhancing written content while working exclusively within Microsoft’s Edge browser.

Microsoft’s new “Click to do it” feature allows users to press the Windows button and click on an item on the screen to initiate an action. For example, you can use Paint to remove the background from an image or rewrite text with AI. More features are expected to roll out later this year, providing a quicker and more intuitive way to perform AI tasks on your PC.

Sustainability

The laptop is generally repairable and features a replaceable SSD, along with self-healing capabilities and a service guide. The device incorporates recycled cobalt and rare earth materials. Microsoft also supports trade-in and recycling programs, and there are affordable repair costs along with a product environmental impact report.

Price

The Microsoft Surface Laptop 13-inch starts at £899 (€1,099/$899.99/$1,699). Orders will ship starting June 10th.

In comparison, the Surface Laptop 13.8-inch costs around £944, the Surface Pro 12-inch is priced at £799, and the Surface Pro 13-inch retails for £1,029. The 13-inch MacBook Air M4 is available for £999.

Verdict

The Surface Laptop 13-inch offers a scaled-down version of Microsoft’s impressive Windows 11 experience.

The overall feel of the device closely resembles its larger sibling, boasting premium materials, a high-quality keyboard, and a clean Windows 11 interface. The 13-inch touchscreen is good but not as exceptional as those on larger models, and the older design of the trackpads still proves functional. Microsoft’s AI tools are evolving, but may not be a decisive factor in purchasing this device.

While the absence of USB4/Thunderbolt and facial recognition might be seen as drawbacks, the relatively lower price compensates for this, just like the less powerful chip. It’s sufficient for everyday productivity tasks and offers impressive battery life, allowing for two full working days between charges. Arm chips come with potential app compatibility concerns that should be examined prior to purchase.

Overall, the Surface Laptop is a delightful device. However, at £900 or its equivalent, it isn’t the cheapest option, and it’s worth considering whether larger, more capable models can be had for a similar price.

Pros: Clean Windows 11 interface, exceptional keyboard, decent trackpad, impressive speakers, USB-A and USB-C connectivity, solid screen, fingerprint reader, long battery life, and good performance enhanced by AI features.

Cons: Compatibility issues with ARM-based apps and games, potential for higher performance from larger siblings, absence of facial recognition, lack of USB4 support, older trackpad design, and slightly expensive for what it offers.