Microsoft has introduced a new 2-in-1 tablet, the Surface Pro (12-inch, 2nd Edition), and a new slim laptop, the Surface Laptop (13-inch, 2nd Edition). Both models adopt Qualcomm's new Snapdragon X2 Plus processor, boosting processing and graphics performance. However, entry-level pricing has risen sharply compared to the previous generation, putting the balance between performance gains and cost in the spotlight.

A New Snapdragon Boosts Performance

Both devices are powered by the six-core Snapdragon X2 Plus, succeeding the previous-generation Snapdragon X Plus. According to overseas media reports, everyday tasks such as Microsoft Office workloads are up to 17 percent faster, while AI inference speed has improved by as much as 95 percent. The built-in NPU (a dedicated AI processing chip) now delivers 80 TOPS of performance, graphics performance has improved by more than 60 percent, and battery efficiency has improved by 18 percent.

Surface Pro 12-inch Specifications

The Surface Pro 12-inch is a 2-in-1 device that switches between tablet and laptop modes. Its PixelSense touchscreen display offers a resolution of 2196 x 1464 and 500 nits of brightness, 25 percent brighter than the previous generation. It weighs 686 grams and is available with 16 or 24 GB of memory (the previous generation's 8 GB option has been dropped) and 256 or 512 GB of storage. The kickstand opens up to 165 degrees, and the keyboard and pen are sold separately. Colors include Platinum, Violet, and a new Black option.

In the US, pricing starts at 1,149.99 USD (about 182,000 yen), while the suggested retail price for Japan starts at 195,580 yen.※As of September 24, 2026, 1 USD is about 158 JPY. An optional 5G model will be offered for enterprise customers.

Surface Laptop 13-inch and the New Surface Mouse

The Surface Laptop 13-inch follows a slim, lightweight standard laptop design with a full-size backlit keyboard and a precision touchpad. Its display measures 1920 x 1280 at 500 nits of brightness, and it weighs 1.23 kg. Battery life is rated up to 22.5 hours of video playback, longer than the Surface Pro. US pricing starts at 1,199 USD (about 189,000 yen), while the suggested Japan retail price starts at 157,050 yen.

Also announced was a new accessory, the second-generation Surface Mouse, which adds haptic feedback that vibrates when a click registers, when a window snaps into place, or when an object aligns precisely. It runs for up to six months on two AAA alkaline batteries and connects via Bluetooth 6.0. It is priced at 79.99 USD (about 12,600 yen).

Sharp Price Hikes and Apple in the Crosshairs

One of the most notable aspects of this refresh is the sharp rise in entry-level pricing. According to overseas media reports, the previous Surface Laptop started at 899 USD and the previous Surface Pro started at 799 USD, while the new models start at 1,199 USD and 1,149.99 USD respectively, representing increases of roughly 30 to 40 percent.

The adoption of the new processor is also being reported as a move to compete with Apple's MacBook Air. However, some overseas outlets have raised skepticism about the Snapdragon X2 Plus's CPU performance potentially falling short of Apple's latest M5 chip (10 cores), and have noted that the Surface Laptop's resolution is lower than the MacBook Air's 2560 x 1664.

Both models and the Surface Mouse are scheduled to go on sale in select markets starting October 13, 2026. As of this writing, a Japan release date has not been announced.

Summary

Microsoft has announced a new Surface Pro (12-inch), Surface Laptop (13-inch), and a new Surface Mouse. All adopt Qualcomm's new Snapdragon X2 Plus processor, improving processing speed, AI inference performance, and graphics performance, while entry-level pricing has risen significantly compared to previous models. The refresh appears aimed at Apple's MacBook Air, though comparisons around resolution and CPU performance point to some challenges. Real-world reviews will be closely watched once sales begin on October 13.

Sources
https://www.windowscentral.com/hardware/surface/microsoft-unveils-new-surface-pro-12-inch-and-surface-laptop-13-inch-with-snapdragon-x2-plus-brighter-screens-and-5g-options-heres-a-first-look
https://9to5google.com/2026/09/23/microsoft-surface-pro-12-inch-5g-laptop-13-snapdragon-x2/