Only a week after showing off the new Surface Pro 12 and Surface Laptop 8 powered by Snapdragon X2, Microsoft added cheaper versions with an older processor and just 8GB of RAM. Since Copilot+ PCs need at least 16GB of memory, these budget-friendly models don’t meet the requirement.
The 8GB version of the Surface Pro starts at $849, while the Surface Laptop variant starts at $949. Both feature the original Snapdragon X Plus processor and 256GB of storage, with no physical changes compared to the first-generation 12-inch Surface Pro and 13-inch Surface Laptop. They are available now through Microsoft’s online store.
Microsoft had already hinted at these models during last week’s Surface event. In an interview with PC World, Surface VP Brett Ostrum explained that the cheaper versions use an older Snapdragon chip and 8GB of RAM. He said that for many people, 8GB is still enough for everyday activities like browsing the web, staying in touch, watching content, and getting work done. He also made it clear that these are simply lower-cost alternatives, not replacements for the 16GB versions already on sale.
The introduction of lower-cost models comes as AI-related demand continues to increase hardware costs. Microsoft’s 12th-generation Surface Pro starts at $1,499, while the 7th-generation Surface Laptop starts at $1,599. In comparison, the Surface Pro 11 and Surface Laptop 7 launched at $999 in 2024, when memory prices were considerably lower.
While Windows 11 officially requires only 4GB of RAM, many users report that 8GB is no longer enough to ensure consistently smooth performance. Microsoft is attempting to lower the operating system’s memory demands through its Windows K2 project, but systems with less than 16GB of RAM remain difficult to recommend for demanding workloads. The new Surface configurations are instead geared toward users whose needs are limited to tasks such as web browsing, email, and media streaming. Microsoft appears confident that customers seeking performance for gaming, AI workloads, 3D design, or 4K video production will continue to opt for higher-spec models despite their higher prices.
Maybe you’d like some other interesting articles?