Microsoft Surface Laptop 13.8 (8th Edition) vs Apple MacBook Neo (A18 Pro)
The real choice here is the system: the Microsoft Surface Laptop 13.8 runs Windows and the Apple MacBook Neo runs macOS. On the specs, the Microsoft Surface Laptop 13.8 has the edge: it is faster and has more memory.
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Key differences
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Performance
Microsoft Surface Laptop 13.8 wins
The Microsoft Surface Laptop 13.8's Snapdragon X2 Plus is quicker: it has the power for photo and video editing, while the Apple MacBook Neo's Apple A18 Pro stays smooth with lots of apps open.
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Gaming
Apple MacBook Neo wins
The Apple MacBook Neo's built-in graphics manages light and older games, while the Microsoft Surface Laptop 13.8's built-in graphics isn't made for games.
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Display
Microsoft Surface Laptop 13.8 wins
The Microsoft Surface Laptop 13.8 has the better screen: 13.8" 2K 600 nits 120 Hz against 13" 2K 500 nits.
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Battery life
Microsoft Surface Laptop 13.8 wins
The Microsoft Surface Laptop 13.8 should last longer: up to 20 hours against up to 16 hours.
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Connectivity
Microsoft Surface Laptop 13.8 wins
The Microsoft Surface Laptop 13.8 is better connected. Only it has Thunderbolt/USB4 and USB-A.
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Portability
Apple MacBook Neo wins
The Apple MacBook Neo is easier to carry at 1.23 kg, against 1.36 kg.
Other differences
- Operating system Depends on you
They run different systems: the Microsoft Surface Laptop 13.8 runs Windows and the Apple MacBook Neo runs macOS. Pick the one that runs the apps you rely on.
- Memory Microsoft Surface Laptop 13.8 wins
The Microsoft Surface Laptop 13.8 has 16 GB of memory against 8 GB. That's the difference between coping and staying quick with lots of tabs and apps open.
Which one should you choose?
Choose the Microsoft Surface Laptop 13.8 if…
- You need Windows programs or want to play PC games: it runs Windows 11, which runs almost anything.
- You edit photos or video, or keep a lot open at once: its Snapdragon X2 Plus is the more powerful processor.
- You keep lots of tabs and apps open: 16 GB of memory gives it more room than 8 GB.
- You work away from a plug: it should last longer on a charge (its maker claims up to 20 hours).
- You plug things in: it has Thunderbolt or USB4 (for fast docks and drives) and USB-A (for older USB accessories).
Choose the Apple MacBook Neo if…
- You own an iPhone or prefer a Mac: it runs macOS and works smoothly with Apple devices.
- You carry your laptop a lot: it's the lighter of the two at 1.23 kg.
- You want a slim laptop that slips into a bag: it's 12.7 mm thick.
Full spec comparison
Add more laptopsThe Microsoft Surface Laptop 13.8 leads on performance, battery and weight, ports and wireless, extras and the screen; elsewhere the two are closely matched.
Green cells with a ✓ mark the better spec in that row. Tick "Show differences only" to hide the rows where they match.
Performance
The Microsoft Surface Laptop 13.8 is ahead on performance.
It is faster and has more memory, and the Apple MacBook Neo doesn't beat it on anything here.
| Spec | Microsoft Surface Laptop 13.8 (8th Edition) | Apple MacBook Neo (A18 Pro) |
|---|---|---|
| Processor | Snapdragon X2 Plus (10 Core) | Apple A18 Pro |
| Graphics | Qualcomm Adreno GPU | Apple A18 Pro 5-core GPU |
| AI engine (NPU) | 80 TOPS | — |
| Memory (RAM) | 16 GB | 8 GB |
| Memory type | LPDDR5x | — |
| Maximum memory | 16 GB | — |
| Memory upgrades | Soldered (not upgradeable) | — |
| Storage | 512 GB | 512 GB |
| Storage type | SSD | SSD |
| Storage interface | Removable Gen 4 SSD | — |
Screen
The Microsoft Surface Laptop 13.8 is ahead on the screen.
The Microsoft Surface Laptop 13.8 has a slightly bigger screen: 13.8" against 13". It has a brighter screen, has a touchscreen and has a slightly bigger screen, and the Apple MacBook Neo doesn't beat it on anything here.
| Spec | Microsoft Surface Laptop 13.8 (8th Edition) | Apple MacBook Neo (A18 Pro) |
|---|---|---|
| Screen size | 13.8" | 13" |
| Resolution | 2K (2304 x 1536) | 2K (2408 x 1506) |
| Aspect ratio | 3:2 | 16:10 |
| Panel | LCD | IPS |
| Refresh rate | 120 Hz | — |
| Brightness | 600 nits | 500 nits |
| Colour range | — | sRGB; 1 billion colours |
| HDR | HDR, 600 nits peak; Dolby Vision IQ support | None |
| Touchscreen | Yes | No |
Battery and size
Each laptop has its strengths on battery and weight.
The Microsoft Surface Laptop 13.8 lasts longer on a charge, while the Apple MacBook Neo is a little lighter and is slimmer.
| Spec | Microsoft Surface Laptop 13.8 (8th Edition) | Apple MacBook Neo (A18 Pro) |
|---|---|---|
| Battery life (maker claim) | Up to 20 hours | Up to 16 hours |
| Battery capacity | 54 Wh | 36.5 Wh |
| Charges via | USB-C (USB4) and Surface Connect | USB-C |
| Fast charging | Fast charging supported with min. 60W USB-C PD charger or 65W Surface Power Supply (sold separately); no percentage/time claim | — |
| Weight | 1.36 kg | 1.23 kg |
| Dimensions | 301 x 220 x 17.5 mm | 297.5 x 206.4 x 12.7 mm |
| Materials | Recycled aluminium alloy enclosure (A cover and C bucket) | aluminium |
| Colour | Black | Indigo |
| Colours available | Black, Platinum | Silver, Blush, Citrus, Indigo |
Ports and wireless
The Microsoft Surface Laptop 13.8 is ahead on ports and wireless.
It has Thunderbolt or USB4 and USB-A and has Wi-Fi 7, and the Apple MacBook Neo doesn't beat it on anything here.
| Spec | Microsoft Surface Laptop 13.8 (8th Edition) | Apple MacBook Neo (A18 Pro) |
|---|---|---|
| Ports | 2x USB-C / USB4 (charging, data, DisplayPort 2.1), 1x USB-A 3.2, 1x 3.5 mm audio, 1x Surface Connect (charging) | 1x USB-C USB 3 up to 10Gb/s (charging, DisplayPort 1.4), 1x USB-C USB 2 up to 480Mb/s (charging), 1x 3.5 mm headphone |
| Thunderbolt / USB4 | USB4 | None |
| External displays (max) | 3 | 1 |
| Card reader | None | None |
| Ethernet | None | None |
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 7 | Wi-Fi 6E |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.4 | Bluetooth 6 |
| Mobile data | None | None |
Features
The Microsoft Surface Laptop 13.8 is ahead on extras.
It has a backlit keyboard and Copilot+ AI features, and the Apple MacBook Neo doesn't beat it on anything here.
| Spec | Microsoft Surface Laptop 13.8 (8th Edition) | Apple MacBook Neo (A18 Pro) |
|---|---|---|
| Webcam | 1080p | 1080p FaceTime HD |
| Webcam privacy | — | None |
| Backlit keyboard | Yes | No |
| Keyboard | Automatic backlight, Copilot key | Magic Keyboard with Touch ID, 78 (ANSI) or 79 (ISO) keys, 12 full-height function keys |
| Login | Face | Fingerprint |
| Number pad | No | No |
| Touchpad | Precision haptic touchpad with advanced haptics and adaptive touch mode | Multi-Touch trackpad |
| Speakers | Omnisonic speakers with Dolby Atmos | Dual-speaker system, Spatial Audio with Dolby Atmos |
| Microphones | Dual Studio Mics with voice focus | Dual-mic array with directional beamforming |
| Pen | No | — |
| Security | TPM 2.0, Microsoft Pluton security processor | — |
Software and model
They run different systems, so this comes down to the apps you use.
| Spec | Microsoft Surface Laptop 13.8 (8th Edition) | Apple MacBook Neo (A18 Pro) |
|---|---|---|
| Operating system | Windows 11 Home | macOS |
| Model number | EP2-60925 | MHFG4B/A |
| Released | 2026 | 2026 |