Microsoft Surface Pro (11th Edition) vs Microsoft Surface Laptop 13.8 (7th Edition)
The Microsoft Surface Laptop 13.8 has the edge: it has more storage, has USB-A and has a backlit keyboard. The Microsoft Surface Pro still doubles as a tablet and has a sharper screen, so it's worth a look if that matters more to you.
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Key differences
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Performance
Evenly matched
Both have the power for photo and video editing, with 16 GB of memory each.
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Gaming
Evenly matched
Neither is made for modern games.
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Display
Microsoft Surface Pro wins
The Microsoft Surface Pro has the better screen: 13" 3K 600 nits 120 Hz against 13.8" 2K 600 nits 120 Hz.
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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 14 hours.
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Connectivity
Microsoft Surface Laptop 13.8 wins
The Microsoft Surface Laptop 13.8 is better connected. Only it has USB-A.
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Portability
Microsoft Surface Pro wins
The Microsoft Surface Pro is easier to carry at 1.18 kg, against 1.34 kg.
Other differences
- Tablet mode Depends on you
The Microsoft Surface Pro is a 2-in-1 that turns into a tablet; the Microsoft Surface Laptop 13.8 is a regular laptop.
- Storage Microsoft Surface Laptop 13.8 wins
The Microsoft Surface Laptop 13.8 has twice the storage: 512 GB against 256 GB.
- Extras Microsoft Surface Laptop 13.8 wins
Only the Microsoft Surface Laptop 13.8 has a backlit keyboard.
Which one should you choose?
Choose the Microsoft Surface Pro if…
- You'd like to use it as a tablet, or write and draw on the screen: it's a 2-in-1.
- You read, write or edit photos a lot: its 3K screen makes text and images crisper.
- You carry your laptop a lot: it's the lighter of the two at 1.176 kg.
Choose the Microsoft Surface Laptop 13.8 if…
- You store lots of photos, videos or games: it has 512 GB of storage.
- You plug things in: it has USB-A (for older USB accessories).
- You want a backlit keyboard, handy for typing in dim rooms.
Full spec comparison
The Microsoft Surface Pro leads on the screen, while the Microsoft Surface Laptop 13.8 leads on performance.
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 has more storage, and the Microsoft Surface Pro doesn't beat it on anything here.
| Spec | Microsoft Surface Pro (11th Edition) | Microsoft Surface Laptop 13.8 (7th Edition) |
|---|---|---|
| Processor | Snapdragon X Plus (X1P64100) | Qualcomm Snapdragon X Plus X1P-64-100 |
| Graphics | Qualcomm Adreno GPU | Qualcomm Adreno GPU |
| AI engine (NPU) | 45 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 | 256 GB | 512 GB |
| Storage type | SSD | SSD |
| Storage interface | removable SSD | Gen 4 SSD (removable) |
| Storage slots | 1 | — |
Screen
The Microsoft Surface Pro is ahead on the screen.
The Microsoft Surface Pro is a 2-in-1 that turns into a tablet; the Microsoft Surface Laptop 13.8 is a regular laptop. The Microsoft Surface Pro doubles as a tablet and has a sharper screen, while the Microsoft Surface Laptop 13.8 has a slightly bigger screen.
| Spec | Microsoft Surface Pro (11th Edition) | Microsoft Surface Laptop 13.8 (7th Edition) |
|---|---|---|
| Screen size | 13" | 13.8" |
| Resolution | 3K (2880 x 1920) | 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 |
| Colour range | sRGB and Vivid colour profiles | sRGB and Vivid colour profiles |
| HDR | Dolby Vision IQ | Dolby Vision IQ, HDR 600 nits peak |
| Finish | Glossy | Glossy |
| Touchscreen | Yes | Yes |
| Pen standard | Microsoft Pen Protocol | — |
Battery and size
Each laptop has its strengths on battery and weight.
The Microsoft Surface Pro is a little lighter and is slimmer, while the Microsoft Surface Laptop 13.8 has a bigger battery.
| Spec | Microsoft Surface Pro (11th Edition) | Microsoft Surface Laptop 13.8 (7th Edition) |
|---|---|---|
| Battery life (maker claim) | Up to 14 hours | Up to 20 hours |
| Battery capacity | 47 Wh | 54 Wh |
| Charger | — | 39 W |
| Charges via | USB-C or Surface Connect | USB-C, Surface Connect |
| Fast charging | 5% to 80% with minimum 65 W Surface supply or 60 W USB-C PD charger | — |
| Weight | 1.176 kg | 1.34 kg |
| Dimensions | 287 x 209 x 9.3 mm | 301 x 220 x 17.5 mm |
| Materials | anodized aluminium | Anodized aluminum casing |
| Durability | MIL-STD-810H tested | — |
| Hinge | 165-degree full-friction kickstand | — |
| Colour | Platinum | Sapphire |
| Colours available | Platinum, Black, Sapphire, Dune | Platinum, Black, Sapphire, Dune |
Ports and wireless
The Microsoft Surface Laptop 13.8 is ahead on ports and wireless.
It has USB-A, and the Microsoft Surface Pro doesn't beat it on anything here.
| Spec | Microsoft Surface Pro (11th Edition) | Microsoft Surface Laptop 13.8 (7th Edition) |
|---|---|---|
| Ports | 2x USB-C / USB4 (charging, data, DisplayPort 1.4a), 1x Surface Connect (charging), 1x Surface Keyboard port | 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 / Thunderbolt 4 dock support | USB4 |
| 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
The Microsoft Surface Laptop 13.8 is ahead on extras.
It has a backlit keyboard, and the Microsoft Surface Pro doesn't beat it on anything here.
| Spec | Microsoft Surface Pro (11th Edition) | Microsoft Surface Laptop 13.8 (7th Edition) |
|---|---|---|
| Webcam | Quad HD + IR | 1080p |
| Backlit keyboard | No | Yes |
| Keyboard | — | 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 |
| Speakers | 2 W stereo speakers with Dolby Atmos | Omnisonic Speakers with Dolby Atmos |
| Microphones | dual Studio Mics with voice focus | Dual Studio Mics with voice focus |
| Pen | Supported (sold separately) | No |
| Security | Microsoft Pluton TPM 2.0, Windows 11 Secured-core PC, Windows Hello face authentication | TPM 2.0, BitLocker support, Windows 11 Secured-core PC, Microsoft Pluton, 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 Pro (11th Edition) | Microsoft Surface Laptop 13.8 (7th Edition) |
|---|---|---|
| Operating system | Windows 11 Home | Windows 11 Home |
| Model number | EP2-08340 | ZGM-00064 |
| Released | 2024 | 2024 |