Notebooks
Microsoft Surface Laptop - 8. Edition
13.80", 512 GB, 16 GB, CH, Snapdragon X2 Elite X2E-78-100
Surface Laptop 8 (13.8 inch) review: better graphics and faster RAM
23.9.2026
Translation: Megan Cornish
Pictures: Jan Johannsen
The 13.8-inch version of the Surface Laptop 8 addresses two major criticisms of the notebook series’ 13-inch model with a new chipset and an SSD for storage.
Microsoft is giving the 13.8-inch Surface Laptop 8 a new chipset and a new SSD. This addresses two major criticisms of the year-old 13-inch model from the notebook series.
In autumn 2025, Martin Jud bemoaned the Surface Laptop 8’s weak graphics performance and criticised Microsoft for soldering in slow UFS storage instead of a replaceable SSD. Windows has since released a new version of the notebook – with an SSD, a more powerful chipset and a larger display.
New chipset = better graphics performance
A major criticism of the 13-inch Surface Laptop 8 is its graphics performance, but the Snapdragon X2 Elite X2E-78-100 in the new 13.8-inch variant is a significant improvement. Graphics performance has doubled across multiple benchmarks. However, it’s also true that it’s still only half as good as the business version of the notebook with an Intel chipset.
The CPU performance is a slight improvement on the Snapdragon X Plus and is still only slightly behind the Intel Core Ultra X7 368H of the business Surface.
My test device has 16 gigabytes of RAM. For more money, the Surface Laptop is also available with 24, 32 or even 64 gigabytes. A more inexpensive version’s also available, featuring the Snapdragon X2 Plus. This processor’s likely to perform worse than the X2 Elite in benchmarks, but still better than the X Plus in the 13-inch model.
If you plan to use a lot of AI on your computer, Microsoft states that the NPU in the X2 Elite achieves 80 TOPS. That’s almost twice as many as the X Plus with its 45 TOPS.
Microsoft has installed a Gen 4 SSD for data storage, available with either 256 or 512 gigabytes, or one or two terabytes of storage capacity. They’re supposed to be removable, but opening the case isn’t straightforward. At first glance, I see neither screws nor pry points. Martin didn’t do any measurements of the UFS storage he criticised in the 13-inch Surface laptop, so we can only rely on the general statements that UFS 4.0’s around 43 per cent slower at reading, 59 per cent slower at writing, and up to 90 per cent slower in parallel access than a PCIe Gen 4 SSD. This isn’t noticeable in a browser or e-mail app. However, the 13.8-inch laptop has the edge when it comes to intensive multitasking, VM workflows or copying large amounts of data.
A bright display, but it’s reflective
The 2026 eighth-generation Surface Laptop has a 13.8-inch display. The two models from 2025 have 13- and 15-inch screens. I like the 3:2 aspect ratio. You can see more than on narrow 16:9 displays. The resolution of 2304 × 1536 pixels provides a pixel density of 201 PPI and a generally detailed image.
The touchscreen’s accurate, responsive and easily accessible from the keyboard. I hardly ever stressed the 120 Hz refresh rate. The high brightness felt more useful when using the laptop outside. Microsoft specifies 600 nits, but my meter measured between 570 and 580 nits. That’s brighter than a lot of other notebooks, which typically only reach up to 400 nits.
One thing still bothers me about the monitor: it’s too reflective. Of course, this always depends on the content and your surroundings, but it’s not a matt display, which I find more comfortable for extended use. Microsoft doesn’t offer any other display options.
A stylish case and a spongy keyboard
The Surface Laptop weighs approximately 1.36 kilogrammes. Its aluminium case gives it a robust, stylish look. The lid protrudes almost invisibly when closed, but it’s enough to open it with just one finger. Amazing, and I don’t even have to hold the bottom part. The hinge glides smoothly. The maximum opening angle’s about 45 degrees.
The keyboard and trackpad are very quiet and don’t click. They’re too quiet for me. The individual keys feel spongy, but they do have noticeable pressure points.
The trackpad responds reliably to my touch and movements. When I press it, I receive haptic feedback without the trackpad itself moving. My palms rest comfortably next to it while I’m typing.
Long battery life
Microsoft equips the Surface Laptop with a 54-watt-hour battery. The PCMark battery test «Video» determines a battery life of 19 hours and 28 minutes. With typical office use, it’s a few hours less, but the corresponding battery test still doesn’t work with Snapdragon chipsets.
I think the 32-minute difference is covered by Microsoft’s claim of «up to» 20 hours. The battery lasts over an hour longer than the 13-inch Surface laptop. Martin measured 18 hours and 5 minutes on it a year ago. The business model – also with a 54 Wh battery – lasts 19 hours and 30 minutes.
Minimal ports and a usable webcam
The available ports cover the minimum. There are two USB-C ports (USB 4), one USB-A port (USB 3.2) and a 3.5 mm audio jack on the left side. On the right side, Microsoft’s also included a Surface Connect port. This allows for power and data transfer when used with a compatible power adapter or docking station.
Wirelessly, the Surface Laptop is up-to-date with Wi-Fi 7 and still performs well with Bluetooth 5.4.
The webcam with Full HD resolution can adjust the lighting and framing via software. Microsoft even advertises it by claiming that DxOMark ranks it first among laptop cameras. I don’t understand this claim. The image quality’s okay, but I don’t think it surpasses many other notebook webcams.
In a nutshell
Better performance, but the same weaknesses
The 13.8-inch version of the Surface Laptop 8 isn’t quite as compact as the 13-inch model, but it compensates with improved performance. The built-in SSD is faster, and the Snapdragon X2 Elite offers considerably more graphics power – although it doesn’t exactly transform the notebook into a gaming device.
The Surface Laptop 8 also impresses with its long battery life and stylish design. Overall, it proves itself as a good notebook that’s easy to work with. But it’s not perfect. For example, the reflective display and the soft keyboard bother me, and the ports only cover minimum requirements.
The fundamental limitations of ARM chips remain, but they only affect specific programs. The biggest criticism – which currently applies to almost all notebooks – is that the Surface Laptop 8 isn’t exactly inexpensive.
Pro
- Snapdragon X2 Elite with more graphics performance
- SSD instead of UFS
- Stylish aluminium case
Contra
- Reflections in the display
- Spongy keyboard
- General limitations of ARM chips
Header image: Jan Johannsen
Jan Johannsen
Senior Editor
Jan.Johannsen@galaxus.deAs a primary school pupil, I used to sit in a friend's living room with many of my classmates to play the Super NES. Now I get my hands on the latest technology and test it for you. In recent years at Curved, Computer Bild and Netzwelt, now at Digitec and Galaxus.
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