The pricing of a gadget in relation to its size has become increasingly significant in today’s market. More technology companies, including Microsoft, are recognizing the demand for high-performance laptops that are accessible to a broader audience in terms of affordability. Recently, Microsoft unveiled details about its latest offerings: the new 12-inch Surface Pro and the sleeker 13-inch Surface Laptop, which appear to meet consumer needs effectively, at least in theory. With starting prices under $1,000 (excluding the Surface Pro’s Flex Keyboard), Microsoft’s latest devices could strike the ideal balance between stunning design, competitive pricing, and reliable performance.

The 2025 Surface family introduces two well-known devices that have garnered attention. The $900 Surface Laptop, featuring a 13-inch touchscreen with a resolution of 1,920 x 1,280, maintains a conventional clamshell design. In contrast, the $800 Surface Pro 12 continues to be Microsoft’s flagship Windows tablet that transforms into a laptop-like experience with a detachable keyboard. Notably, this new model is priced at $200 less than last year’s $1,000 11th-gen Surface Pro, although, predictably, the keyboard must be purchased separately. The latest model has a smaller 12-inch screen (2,196 x 1,464) compared to its predecessor’s 13-inch display, yet it offers a lightweight advantage, weighing just 1.5 pounds versus the Pro 11’s two pounds.

Both the newly released Surface Pro and Surface Laptop 13 are powered by the Snapdragon X Plus chip, which is Qualcomm’s advanced eight-core, ARM-based CPU variant that launched in mid-2024. In contrast, last year’s Surface Pro models, along with the 2024 Surface Laptop, featured the more powerful Snapdragon X Elite chip, still recognized as Qualcomm’s leading ARM processor. Both the new Surface Pro and Surface Laptop come equipped with 16GB of RAM and 256GB of storage as standard, making them well-suited for everyday tasks and multitasking.

Microsoft asserts that this CPU provides a more attractive entry-level price while also paving the way for upgrades for users of older devices, such as the 2022 Surface Laptop. According to Microsoft, the Snapdragon X Plus chip in the new Surface Laptop outperforms the Intel Core i5-1235U found in the 2022 model by an impressive 30%. The company even claims that this CPU can surpass the performance of the M3 MacBook Air in various benchmarks, although they refrained from making similar comparisons regarding the $1,000 MacBook Air M4. This trend reflects how major tech companies are beginning to compete on pricing that appeals to a wider audience.

Interestingly, the new Surface Pro and Surface Laptop do not feature any x86-based Intel chips at launch, although it remains possible that such options may be introduced later, similar to last year’s Surface Pro, which received an Intel Lunar Lake version earlier this year. Regardless, Microsoft is committed to utilizing Qualcomm’s ARM chips, which typically provide enhanced battery life. However, users may encounter limitations with software compatibility, particularly concerning games or older drivers as the technology evolves.

The design of the 12-inch Surface Pro will feel quite familiar to anyone who has previously used earlier versions of this hybrid tablet-laptop format. It retains the signature built-in kickstand that allows it to sit almost flat on any surface. Apart from the reduced size, a significant modification this time is that the Slim Pen no longer has a dedicated slot in the keyboard (which is sold separately). Instead, the Surface Pro tablet features a convenient indent on the back specifically for the stylus, providing practicality for creators who prefer to utilize the Surface primarily as a Windows tablet rather than a compact PC.

However, users may need to find a place to dispose of their accumulated Surface Connect power cables>, as one of the significant changes is the removal of the traditional <b>Surface Connect port. The new Surface Pro now exclusively relies on USB-C for connectivity, which includes support for 45W fast charging. Microsoft’s testing suggests that the Surface Pro battery can last approximately 12 hours during active web browsing, while the Surface Laptop is projected to achieve around 16 hours of use before needing a recharge.

In terms of aesthetics, the new Surface Pro models present a visually appealing design. The vibrant blue sapphire color from the 2024 Surface Pro has transitioned to a striking violet hue, which aligns perfectly with the spring season. Additionally, both the new Surface Pro and Surface Laptop are available in platinum and an “ocean” color option, the latter being a silverish blue that bears a striking resemblance to Apple’s “Sky Blue” found on the MacBook Air M4.

While the modifications to the Surface lineup may seem minimal, they reflect thoughtful changes that enhance usability. For users who are apprehensive about losing the Surface Connect option, Microsoft has confirmed that they will continue to sell last year’s models for the foreseeable future. The pressing question now remains whether these competitive prices will remain stable amidst the looming threat of potential Trump tariffs. Microsoft representatives have indicated that “tariffs are a moving target for us” and have refrained from providing further details about possible price increases for the Surface line in the near future.