Microsoft Surface Laptop 13.8 (8th Edition) vs Microsoft Surface Laptop 13.8 (7th Edition)
Both laptops are very similar and suit the same kind of buyer: both have equally quick processors, 16 GB of memory and 13-inch screens, and both run Windows. The main difference: the Microsoft Surface Laptop 13.8 (8th Edition) is the newer model (2026 against 2024).
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Key differences
- Age Microsoft Surface Laptop 13.8 (8th Edition) wins
The Microsoft Surface Laptop 13.8 (8th Edition) is the newer model (2026 against 2024).
- AI engine Microsoft Surface Laptop 13.8 (8th Edition) wins
The Microsoft Surface Laptop 13.8 (8th Edition) has a stronger AI engine (NPU): 80 TOPS against 45.
Which one should you choose?
Choose the Microsoft Surface Laptop 13.8 (8th Edition) if…
- You want a more recent design: it came out in 2026.
- You want to use AI features on the laptop itself: its AI engine is rated at 80 TOPS.
- You do demanding work: its Snapdragon X2 Plus has the power for photo and video editing.
Choose the Microsoft Surface Laptop 13.8 (7th Edition) if…
- You do demanding work: its Snapdragon X Plus has the power for photo and video editing.
- You keep lots of tabs and apps open: it has 16 GB of memory.
- You'll carry it around: it weighs just 1.34 kg.
Full spec comparison
Add more laptopsOn the specs both makers publish, these two are closely matched. Highlighted values mark the better spec in each row, and you can hide the rows where they match.
Performance
The Microsoft Surface Laptop 13.8 (8th Edition) is ahead on performance.
It has a stronger AI engine, and the Microsoft Surface Laptop 13.8 (7th Edition) doesn't beat it on anything here.
| Spec | Microsoft Surface Laptop 13.8 (8th Edition) | Microsoft Surface Laptop 13.8 (7th Edition) |
|---|---|---|
| Processor | Snapdragon X2 Plus (10 Core) | Qualcomm Snapdragon X Plus X1P-64-100 |
| Graphics | Qualcomm Adreno GPU | Qualcomm Adreno GPU |
| AI engine (NPU) | 80 TOPS | 45 TOPS |
| Memory (RAM) | 16 GB | 16 GB |
| Memory type | LPDDR5x | LPDDR5x |
| Maximum memory | 16 GB | 16 GB |
| Memory upgrades | Soldered (not upgradeable) | Soldered (not upgradeable) |
| Storage | 512 GB | 512 GB |
| Storage type | SSD | SSD |
| Storage interface | Removable Gen 4 SSD | Gen 4 SSD (removable) |
Screen
Both screens are closely matched.
Size, sharpness and smoothness are near enough the same, so neither has a real edge to look at.
| Spec | Microsoft Surface Laptop 13.8 (8th Edition) | Microsoft Surface Laptop 13.8 (7th Edition) |
|---|---|---|
| Screen size | 13.8" | 13.8" |
| Resolution | 2K (2304 x 1536) | 2K (2304 x 1536) |
| Aspect ratio | 3:2 | 3:2 |
| Panel | LCD | LCD |
| Refresh rate | 120 Hz | 120 Hz |
| Brightness | 600 nits | 600 nits |
| Colour range | — | sRGB and Vivid colour profiles |
| HDR | HDR, 600 nits peak; Dolby Vision IQ support | Dolby Vision IQ, HDR 600 nits peak |
| Finish | — | Glossy |
| Touchscreen | Yes | Yes |
Battery and size
Both are much the same on battery and weight.
Neither will be noticeably easier to carry or last noticeably longer away from a plug.
| Spec | Microsoft Surface Laptop 13.8 (8th Edition) | Microsoft Surface Laptop 13.8 (7th Edition) |
|---|---|---|
| Battery life (maker claim) | Up to 20 hours | Up to 20 hours |
| Battery capacity | 54 Wh | 54 Wh |
| Charger | — | 39 W |
| Charges via | USB-C (USB4) and Surface Connect | USB-C, Surface Connect |
| 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 | 1.34 kg |
| Dimensions | 301 x 220 x 17.5 mm | 301 x 220 x 17.5 mm |
| Materials | Recycled aluminium alloy enclosure (A cover and C bucket) | Anodized aluminum casing |
| Colour | Black | Sapphire |
| Colours available | Black, Platinum | Platinum, Black, Sapphire, Dune |
Ports and wireless
Both have much the same ports and wireless.
You can plug in the same things on either.
| Spec | Microsoft Surface Laptop 13.8 (8th Edition) | Microsoft Surface Laptop 13.8 (7th Edition) |
|---|---|---|
| Ports | 2x USB-C / USB4 (charging, data, DisplayPort 2.1), 1x USB-A 3.2, 1x 3.5 mm audio, 1x Surface Connect (charging) | 2x USB-C / USB 4 (charging, data, DisplayPort 1.4a), 1x USB-A 3.1, 1x 3.5 mm audio, 1x Surface Connect (charging) |
| Thunderbolt / USB4 | USB4 | USB4 |
| External displays (max) | 3 | — |
| Card reader | None | None |
| Ethernet | None | None |
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 7 | Wi-Fi 7 |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.4 | Bluetooth 5.4 |
| Mobile data | None | None |
Features
Both have much the same extras.
From the keyboard to the webcam and login, there is little between them.
| Spec | Microsoft Surface Laptop 13.8 (8th Edition) | Microsoft Surface Laptop 13.8 (7th Edition) |
|---|---|---|
| Webcam | 1080p | 1080p |
| Backlit keyboard | Yes | Yes |
| Keyboard | Automatic backlight, Copilot key | Backlit, mechanical keys, QWERTY with F1-F12 row, Copilot key, media and brightness buttons |
| Login | Face | Face |
| Number pad | No | No |
| Touchpad | Precision haptic touchpad with advanced haptics and adaptive touch mode | Precision Haptic touchpad |
| Speakers | Omnisonic speakers with Dolby Atmos | Omnisonic Speakers with Dolby Atmos |
| Microphones | Dual Studio Mics with voice focus | Dual Studio Mics with voice focus |
| Pen | No | No |
| Security | TPM 2.0, Microsoft Pluton security processor | TPM 2.0, BitLocker support, Windows 11 Secured-core PC, Microsoft Pluton, Windows Hello face authentication |
Software and model
The Microsoft Surface Laptop 13.8 (8th Edition) is ahead on software and updates.
It is newer, and the Microsoft Surface Laptop 13.8 (7th Edition) doesn't beat it on anything here.
| Spec | Microsoft Surface Laptop 13.8 (8th Edition) | Microsoft Surface Laptop 13.8 (7th Edition) |
|---|---|---|
| Operating system | Windows 11 Home | Windows 11 Home |
| Model number | EP2-60925 | ZGM-00064 |
| Released | 2026 | 2024 |