Microsoft Surface Laptop 15 (8th Edition) vs Microsoft Surface Laptop 13.8 (8th Edition)
Both are good choices with different strengths. The Microsoft Surface Laptop 15 has a bigger screen, has a sharper screen and has an SD card reader, while the Microsoft Surface Laptop 13.8 is lighter and is more compact.
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Key differences
- Weight Microsoft Surface Laptop 13.8 wins
The Microsoft Surface Laptop 13.8 is 0.3 kg lighter: 1.36 kg against 1.66 kg.
- Screen size Depends on you
The Microsoft Surface Laptop 15 has the bigger screen (15" against 13.8"), while the Microsoft Surface Laptop 13.8 is more compact.
- Sharpness Microsoft Surface Laptop 15 wins
The Microsoft Surface Laptop 15's screen is sharper: 3K against 2K.
- Ports Microsoft Surface Laptop 15 wins
Only the Microsoft Surface Laptop 15 has an SD card reader.
Which one should you choose?
Choose the Microsoft Surface Laptop 15 if…
- You want more room to work: its 15-inch screen fits two windows side by side.
- You read, write or edit photos a lot: its 3K screen makes text and images crisper.
- You plug things in: it has an SD card reader (for camera cards).
Choose the Microsoft Surface Laptop 13.8 if…
- You'll carry it every day: at 1.36 kg it's easy to take everywhere.
- You want something compact for small bags and train tables: it has a 13.8-inch screen.
- You do demanding work: its Snapdragon X2 Elite is built for heavy creative work.
Full spec comparison
Add more laptopsThe Microsoft Surface Laptop 15 leads on the screen, while the Microsoft Surface Laptop 13.8 leads on battery and weight. Highlighted values mark the better spec in each row, and you can hide the rows where they match.
Performance
Both laptops are very close on performance.
Their processors are in the same class: both are built for heavy creative work, and both have 16 GB of memory.
| Spec | Microsoft Surface Laptop 15 (8th Edition) | Microsoft Surface Laptop 13.8 (8th Edition) |
|---|---|---|
| Processor | Snapdragon X2 Elite (12 Core) | Snapdragon X2 Elite |
| Graphics | Qualcomm Adreno GPU | Qualcomm Adreno GPU |
| AI engine (NPU) | 80 TOPS | 80 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 | 1 TB | 1 TB |
| Storage type | SSD | SSD |
| Storage interface | PCIe Gen 4 removable SSD | Removable Gen 4 SSD |
| Storage slots | 1 | — |
Screen
The Microsoft Surface Laptop 15 is ahead on the screen.
The Microsoft Surface Laptop 15 has the bigger screen (15" against 13.8"), while the Microsoft Surface Laptop 13.8 is more compact. The Microsoft Surface Laptop 15 has a bigger screen and has a sharper screen, while the Microsoft Surface Laptop 13.8 is more compact.
| Spec | Microsoft Surface Laptop 15 (8th Edition) | Microsoft Surface Laptop 13.8 (8th Edition) |
|---|---|---|
| Screen size | 15" | 13.8" |
| Resolution | 3K (3270 x 2180) | 2K (2304 x 1536) |
| Aspect ratio | 3:2 | 3:2 |
| Panel | LCD | LCD |
| Refresh rate | 120 Hz | 120 Hz |
| Variable refresh (VRR) | Yes | — |
| Brightness | 600 nits | 600 nits |
| HDR | HDR display | HDR (600 nits peak) |
| Touchscreen | Yes | Yes |
| Pen standard | Surface Pen compatible | — |
Battery and size
The Microsoft Surface Laptop 13.8 is ahead on battery and weight.
It is lighter, and the Microsoft Surface Laptop 15 doesn't beat it on anything here.
| Spec | Microsoft Surface Laptop 15 (8th Edition) | Microsoft Surface Laptop 13.8 (8th Edition) |
|---|---|---|
| Battery life (maker claim) | Up to 19 hours | Up to 20 hours |
| Battery capacity | — | 54 Wh |
| Charges via | USB-C or Surface Connect | USB-C and Surface Connect |
| Weight | 1.66 kg | 1.36 kg |
| Dimensions | 329 x 239 x 18 mm | 301 x 220 x 17.5 mm |
| Materials | — | Aluminium |
| Colour | Black | Black |
| Colours available | Black, Platinum | Black, Dune, Jade, Platinum |
Ports and wireless
The Microsoft Surface Laptop 15 is ahead on ports and wireless.
It has an SD card reader, and the Microsoft Surface Laptop 13.8 doesn't beat it on anything here.
| Spec | Microsoft Surface Laptop 15 (8th Edition) | Microsoft Surface Laptop 13.8 (8th Edition) |
|---|---|---|
| Ports | 2x USB-C / USB4, 1x USB-A 3.2, 1x 3.5 mm audio, 1x Surface Connect, 1x microSDXC Express | 2x USB-C / USB4 (charging, data, DisplayPort 2.1), 1x USB-A 3.2, 1x 3.5 mm audio, 1x Surface Connect (charging) |
| Thunderbolt / USB4 | 2x USB4 | USB4 |
| External displays (max) | — | 3 |
| Card reader | microSDXC Express | 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 15 (8th Edition) | Microsoft Surface Laptop 13.8 (8th Edition) |
|---|---|---|
| Webcam | 1080p Full HD + IR | 1080p |
| Backlit keyboard | — | Yes |
| Keyboard | — | Full-size, backlit (automatic), Copilot key |
| Login | Face | Face |
| Number pad | No | No |
| Touchpad | haptic touchpad | Surface precision haptic touchpad with advanced haptics |
| Speakers | — | Omnisonic speakers with Dolby Atmos |
| Microphones | — | Dual Studio Mics with voice focus |
| Pen | Supported (sold separately) | No |
| Security | Windows Hello face authentication | Microsoft Pluton security processor, TPM 2.0, Windows Hello face authentication |
Software and model
Both run Windows.
So the same apps work on both, and they get the same kind of updates.
| Spec | Microsoft Surface Laptop 15 (8th Edition) | Microsoft Surface Laptop 13.8 (8th Edition) |
|---|---|---|
| Operating system | Windows 11 Home | Windows 11 Home |
| Model number | EP2-61223 | EP2-61140 |
| Released | 2026 | 2026 |