Microsoft Debuts Compact Surface Pro 12 and Surface Laptop 13 with AI-Powered Windows and Snapdragon Chips
Microsoft is kicking off a new wave of Copilot Plus PCs with the introduction of two slimmed-down Surface devices: the Surface Pro 12-inch and the Surface Laptop 13-inch. Officially unveiled at Microsoft’s headquarters, these new machines prioritize portability, longer battery life, and AI integration via Qualcomm’s Snapdragon X Plus chipset.
While they may not break new ground in radical hardware innovation, they signal a strategic shift for Surface design—simplifying hardware, ditching legacy ports, and leaning into Windows on ARM.
Surface Pro 12-Inch: A Smaller, Fanless Surface for $799
Think of the new Surface Pro 12-inch as a spiritual successor to the Surface Go, but with serious computing power. Shrinking down from the Surface Pro 11, the new 12-inch model sports uniform bezels, rounded corners, and a redesigned keyboard—now simply called the “Surface Keyboard” instead of the Type Cover. It ditches the Alcantara palm rest in favor of a simpler, flatter typing experience, and it now sells separately for $149.
Under the hood, Microsoft has equipped the device with Qualcomm’s Snapdragon X Plus chip, 16GB of RAM, and 256GB of storage. The fanless design keeps things quieter, and battery life is expected to hover around 12 hours for web usage. It also introduces vibrant new colorways: violet, ocean green, and the classic platinum silver.
Physically, it retains the iconic kickstand, though the removable SSD slot is gone. The rear camera has moved to a corner position—ideal for portrait orientation—and the Surface Pen now magnetically attaches and charges on the back of the tablet. Most notably, Microsoft has eliminated the proprietary Surface Connect charging port in favor of dual USB-C ports.
- Shop On Amazon Using Our Links To Support Us:
- Buy Garmin Venu 3 – Amazon under $25 – Buy Honor 90
- Amazon best sellers – Amazon most gifted – Corocs Pace 2
Surface Laptop 13-Inch: The Copilot Plus Successor to the Laptop Go
Alongside the new tablet is the Surface Laptop 13-inch, a compact notebook that serves as the natural evolution of the Surface Laptop Go. Like the Pro 12-inch, it’s powered by the Snapdragon X Plus, with a base spec of 16GB RAM and 256GB storage.
The design closely mirrors the Surface Laptop 7 but drops the Windows Hello camera in favor of a fingerprint reader integrated into the power button. It maintains useful legacy ports like USB-A, two USB-C ports, and a headphone jack. Again, the Surface Connect charging port has been retired in favor of USB-C charging only.
Battery life looks promising, with Microsoft estimating up to 17 hours in typical use cases like web browsing. That puts it in strong competition with other thin-and-light notebooks.
Copilot Plus and AI Integration: Snapdragon’s NPU Powers Windows AI
Both devices are part of Microsoft’s Copilot Plus PC initiative—a move that underscores the company’s bet on AI as a key computing feature. These systems feature built-in NPUs (neural processing units), enabling a suite of AI-powered tools in Windows 11.
Among the highlights is “Recall,” an AI timeline that captures snapshots of your activity and lets you search back in time for content. There’s also improved Windows Search functionality, smarter Paint features, and more—all enhanced by on-device AI rather than relying purely on the cloud.
A Post-Panos Surface Strategy: Evolution Over Revolution
These new Surface devices are the first major consumer hardware announcements since Panos Panay’s departure in 2023, marking a shift in Microsoft’s hardware philosophy. Gone—for now—are the bold experiments like the Surface Book’s detachable display or the Surface Studio’s floating hinge. Instead, Microsoft is opting for a safer evolution of its winning designs: smaller sizes, longer battery life, and an all-in bet on AI and ARM.
That’s not to say the Surface lineup has lost its edge entirely. These devices reflect refinement, streamlining, and real-world usability—while still packing in next-gen features under the hood.
Pricing and Availability
-
Surface Pro 12-inch: Starts at $799
(Keyboard sold separately for $149; older Type Covers are incompatible) -
Surface Laptop 13-inch: Starts at $899
-
Consumer availability: May 20, 2025
-
Business availability: July 2025
Both models will be sold through Microsoft’s website and major retailers globally.
- Amazon pre-order links:
- Surface Pro 12-inch
- Surface Laptop 13-inch
FAQs:
What is the price of the Surface Pro 12-inch?
- The Surface Pro 12-inch starts at $799. The new keyboard must be purchased separately for $149.
Does the Surface Laptop 13-inch support USB-C charging?
- Yes, Microsoft has removed the Surface Connect port, so both new devices charge via USB-C.
Is the Surface Pro 12-inch fanless?
- Yes, the Surface Pro 12-inch has a fanless design for silent operation and a sleeker profile.
What are Copilot Plus PCs?
- Copilot Plus PCs are Windows 11 devices optimized with Snapdragon chips and AI features like Recall, smarter Search, and more.
When will the new Surface devices be available?
- Both devices will be available to consumers starting May 20, with business availability in July.
- Amazon pre-order links:
- Surface Pro 12-inch
- Surface Laptop 13-inch
