Microsoft Surface Laptop 13.8-inch (8th Edition) vs Apple MacBook Neo

Updated Nov 2026 · Scored by the Let’s Compare Data Engine · How we score

For most buyers the Microsoft Surface Laptop 13.8-inch (8th Edition) is the better pick — it scores 67/100 to the Apple MacBook Neo's 58, leading on Processor and Memory. Choose the Apple MacBook Neo instead if integrated graphics and battery matter most to you, where it comes out ahead.

Performance is scored from the laptop's CPU and GPU; few laptops have a published whole-system benchmark.

Verdict

Our overall take, at a glance

Microsoft Surface Laptop 13.8-inch (8th Edition) leads overall

Microsoft Surface Laptop 13.8-inch (8th Edition)

Apple MacBook Neo

Why it stands out

Memory capacity: 16 GB (100% more)
Storage capacity: 512 GB (100% more)
Processor model: Snapdragon X2 Elite

Watch-outs

Compromises to know before you buy

Microsoft Surface Laptop 13.8-inch (8th Edition)

RAM is soldered — you can't upgrade it later, so buy enough now.
No HDMI — you'll need a dongle for projectors/TVs.
No SD card reader.

Apple MacBook Neo

RAM is soldered — you can't upgrade it later, so buy enough now.
Storage isn't user-upgradeable.
No HDMI — you'll need a dongle for projectors/TVs.
No SD card reader.

Winner by category for Microsoft Surface Laptop 13.8-inch (8th Edition) vs Apple MacBook Neo
Category	Microsoft Surface Laptop 13.8-inch (8th Edition)	Apple MacBook Neo	Winner
Processor	48	40	Microsoft Surface Laptop 13.8-inch (8th Edition)
Integrated Graphics	36	45	Apple MacBook Neo
Discrete Graphics	0	0	Tie
Memory	63	37	Microsoft Surface Laptop 13.8-inch (8th Edition)
Storage	83	24	Microsoft Surface Laptop 13.8-inch (8th Edition)
Display	65	53	Microsoft Surface Laptop 13.8-inch (8th Edition)
Sound	75	75	Tie
Webcam	50	50	Tie
Battery	0	100	Apple MacBook Neo
Connectivity	87	74	Microsoft Surface Laptop 13.8-inch (8th Edition)
Input	100	0	Microsoft Surface Laptop 13.8-inch (8th Edition)
Ports	50	28	Microsoft Surface Laptop 13.8-inch (8th Edition)
Design & Weight	42	58	Apple MacBook Neo
Security	96	4	Microsoft Surface Laptop 13.8-inch (8th Edition)
Performance	100	100	Tie

In-depth analysisAI

AI-generated from the cited sources — may be incomplete or inaccurate; verify important details before deciding · generated Nov 2026.

Microsoft Surface Laptop 13.8-inch (8th Edition)

The Microsoft Surface Laptop 13.8-inch (8th Edition) is a Windows 11 Pro commercial notebook built on ARM architecture. Powered by Snapdragon® X2 Plus or Elite processors with a Qualcomm® Hexagon™ NPU delivering up to 80 TOPS, it features a 13.8-inch PixelSense Flow touchscreen display with a 120Hz refresh rate and up to 16 hours of active web usage.

Best for all-day mobile productivity and web workflowsBest for secure enterprise deployments utilizing Windows Pluton and facial recognition

Pros

High-resolution 13.8-inch PixelSense Flow touchscreen with a 120Hz dynamic refresh rate
Extensive memory and storage configurations ranging up to 64GB LPDDR5x RAM and 2TB Gen 4 SSD
Comprehensive connectivity including Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.4, and USB4 ports
Strong modular serviceability with easily replaceable core internal and external components

Cons

Display is optimized strictly for touch interaction and does not support pen input accessories
ARM-based architecture may require emulation for certain legacy x86 applications

Apple MacBook Neo

The Apple MacBook Neo is a compact, ultraportable laptop powered by the Apple A18 Pro processor with integrated graphics. Designed for entry-level daily tasks, it features a 13.0-inch IPS display with a 2408 x 1506 resolution and 500 nits of brightness. Weighing 1.23 kg with a 1.27 cm thin chassis, it offers a simplified port selection and efficient mobile-derived silicon for basic computing needs.

Best for Everyday productivity and web browsing on a lightweight portable laptopBest for Frequent remote video meetings requiring a clear 1080p webcam

Pros

Bright 500-nit 13-inch display with crisp 2408 x 1506 resolution
Lightweight and slim design weighing just 1.23 kg
Full HD 1080p webcam for clear video calls
Modern wireless connectivity with Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 6.0 support

Cons

Non-upgradeable base memory (8 GB) and soldered storage (256 GB)
Slow maximum charging rate limited to 20 W
Restricted port selection without Thunderbolt, HDMI, or USB-A ports

Value for Money

Which is the better deal for the price

Pre-filled with launch prices where known — enter today's price for an up-to-date check. Use the same currency for both.

Microsoft Surface Laptop 13.8-inch (8th Edition)

Check Price on Amazon

Apple MacBook Neo

Check Price on Amazon

Physical Comparison

Weigh them up, then compare real dimensions in 3D

Microsoft Surface Laptop 13.8-inch (8th Edition)Apple MacBook Neo

Microsoft Surface Laptop 13.8-inch (8th Edition) is 0.13 kg (11%) heavier than Apple MacBook Neo.

Review Videos

Hand-picked expert reviews for each product

Detailed Specifications

The full spec sheet, side by side

Processor

Feature	Microsoft Surface Laptop 13.8-inch (8th Edition)	Apple MacBook Neo
Processor model

Integrated Graphics

Feature	Microsoft Surface Laptop 13.8-inch (8th Edition)	Apple MacBook Neo
Integrated graphics model

Memory

Feature	Microsoft Surface Laptop 13.8-inch (8th Edition)	Apple MacBook Neo
Memory capacity	16 GB100% more	8 GB
Technology
Memory upgradeable	No	No

Storage

Feature	Microsoft Surface Laptop 13.8-inch (8th Edition)	Apple MacBook Neo
Storage capacity	512 GB100% more	256 GB
Socket type	N/A
PCIe version	4	N/A
Storage upgradeable	Yes	No

Display

Feature	Microsoft Surface Laptop 13.8-inch (8th Edition)	Apple MacBook Neo
Size	13.8 in6% more	13 in
Display resolution	2304 × 1536 px	2408 × 1506 px
Aspect ratio	3:2	16:10
Refresh rate	120 Hz	N/A
Response time	N/A	N/A
Display type
Brightness	600 nits20% more	500 nits
Has pen support	No	No
Has touch support	Yes	No
Screen-to-body ratio	86%	80%

Sound

Feature	Microsoft Surface Laptop 13.8-inch (8th Edition)	Apple MacBook Neo
Number of speakers	N/A	2
Power	N/A	N/A
Has Dolby Atmos	Yes	N/A
Number of microphones	2	2

Webcam

Feature	Microsoft Surface Laptop 13.8-inch (8th Edition)	Apple MacBook Neo
Webcam resolution	1920 × 1080 px	1920 × 1080 px

Battery

Feature	Microsoft Surface Laptop 13.8-inch (8th Edition)	Apple MacBook Neo
Battery capacity	N/A	36.5 Wh
Maximum charge power	N/A	20 W

Connectivity

Feature	Microsoft Surface Laptop 13.8-inch (8th Edition)	Apple MacBook Neo
Wi-Fi technology
Bluetooth technology

Input

Feature	Microsoft Surface Laptop 13.8-inch (8th Edition)	Apple MacBook Neo
Has a backlit keyboard	Yes	N/A
Has a numpad	N/A	No

Ports

Feature	Microsoft Surface Laptop 13.8-inch (8th Edition)	Apple MacBook Neo
USB Type A	1	0
USB Type C	2	2
Thunderbolt technology
Has an HDMI port	No	No
Has a card reader	No	No
Has a headphone jack	Yes	Yes

Design & Weight

Feature	Microsoft Surface Laptop 13.8-inch (8th Edition)	Apple MacBook Neo
Color
Dimensions	30.1 × 22 × 1.75 cm	29.75 × 20.64 × 1.27 cm
Weight	1.36 kg	1.23 kg10% less

Security

Feature	Microsoft Surface Laptop 13.8-inch (8th Edition)	Apple MacBook Neo
Has a fingerprint scanner	N/A	N/A
Has infrared face recognition support	Yes	No

Performance

Feature	Microsoft Surface Laptop 13.8-inch (8th Edition)	Apple MacBook Neo
PassMark CPU Mark	N/A	12,806
Active cooling	Yes	N/A
Release Date	June 16, 2026	March 11, 2026

Specification Note

Specifications are compiled from official manufacturer data and other reliable internet sources. Some features may vary by region or model configuration.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Microsoft Surface Laptop 13.8-inch (8th Edition) vs Apple MacBook Neo comparison

Based on our overall comparison score, Microsoft Surface Laptop 13.8-inch (8th Edition) rates higher at 65/100 versus 28/100 for Apple MacBook Neo — a 37-point lead. Microsoft Surface Laptop 13.8-inch (8th Edition) is the stronger overall pick, though the right choice still depends on which specs matter most to you; the full spec table above breaks down every difference.

Microsoft Surface Laptop 13.8-inch (8th Edition) and Apple MacBook Neo are compared side by side above across every spec in the laptops category — including performance, features and design — each scored 0–100 so you can see exactly where one leads the other. Our overall scores are 65/100 for Microsoft Surface Laptop 13.8-inch (8th Edition) and 28/100 for Apple MacBook Neo.

At launch, Apple MacBook Neo was the more affordable option ($599) versus Microsoft Surface Laptop 13.8-inch (8th Edition) ($1599). Weigh that against the overall scores (65/100 vs 28/100) and the value-for-money meter above to judge whether the higher-rated model justifies its price for your needs. Current retail prices vary — check the retailer.

If you want the higher-rated laptops option overall, Microsoft Surface Laptop 13.8-inch (8th Edition) (65/100) edges out Apple MacBook Neo (28/100). But if Apple MacBook Neo is cheaper or stronger on the specific specs you care about, it can still be the better buy — use the spec table and strengths profile above to decide.