Microsoft Refreshes Budget Surface Lineup With Snapdragon X2 Plus, Introduces Haptic Mouse
The company is bringing Qualcomm's latest processor to its entry-level Surface Laptop and Surface Pro models, alongside a new accessory featuring haptic feedback.
Microsoft is moving to refresh its most affordable Surface offerings with significant processor upgrades. The 13-inch Surface Laptop and 12-inch Surface Pro will both transition to Qualcomm's Snapdragon X2 Plus chip, stepping up from the original-generation Snapdragon X Plus. The new processor includes an 80 TOPS NPU. Microsoft unveiled these updates through a blog post timed with Qualcomm's Snapdragon Summit.
Both devices arrive on October 13. The refreshed Laptop carries a starting price of $1,199, while the Surface Pro begins at $1,149. These represent substantial jumps from their predecessors, which launched at $899 and $799 respectively.
Performance and Display Enhancements
Microsoft touts performance gains across multiple workload categories when compared to the prior Snapdragon X Plus generation. The company claims 17% faster performance in Microsoft Office tasks, up to 18% improved battery efficiency, graphics that are more than 60% faster, and AI inferencing speeds on the NPU that reach up to 95% faster.
Both models feature redesigned displays that are 25% brighter than earlier versions. The 13-inch Laptop offers 1920 x 1280 resolution at 3:2 aspect ratio with a 60 Hz refresh rate and 500 nits maximum brightness. The 12-inch Pro provides 2196 x 1464 resolution in 3:2 format, with up to 90 Hz refresh capability (defaulting to 60 Hz), 500 nits brightness, and touch support.
New black color options appear on both systems. The Surface Pro additionally gains optional 5G connectivity, though this feature is limited to enterprise editions.
New Software and Accessories
The Surface Pro introduces Ink Canvas, a fresh sketching and annotation application for Windows 11. The app comes preloaded on the new tablet and will roll out to other Surface devices and compatible Windows 11 machines via the Microsoft Store.
Accompanying the new tablets is a fresh Surface Mouse priced at $79.99. The accessory incorporates haptic feedback technology, a feature previously limited to certain Surface notebooks. Windows 11 includes built-in support for haptic responses tied to interface interactions such as hovering near the close button or dragging window edges. Logitech's recently launched MX Master 4 mouse also provides haptic capabilities.
Microsoft designed the mouse for ambidextrous operation, distinguishing it from the MX Master 4. It connects via Bluetooth 6.0, runs on two AAA batteries, and comes in black and platinum finishes. The mouse launches alongside the tablets on October 13.