A recent leak suggests that Microsoft might be developing an Intel variant of the Surface Laptop 7th Edition. A listing for the upcoming device was seen on Reddit, indicating it could feature a Core Ultra 7 268V processor. Although this listing has since been taken down, it reportedly stated that the laptop wouldn’t launch until 2025.
Further support for a Lunar Lake version of the Surface Laptop has been confirmed by sources from Windows Central.
It’s important to highlight that Microsoft made headlines when it introduced its flagship laptop exclusively on Qualcomm’s Snapdragon X platform. Their robust backing of Qualcomm and the Windows on Arm initiative represented a significant shift for the PC industry, especially in light of the advancements seen with Apple Silicon.
Considering the impressive capabilities of Intel’s newly launched Lunar Lake (also known as Core Ultra Series 2), it isn’t surprising that Microsoft would seek to incorporate these cutting-edge chips. To effectively compete with Qualcomm, Intel needed to showcase a compelling response, particularly regarding battery life, which they have managed to achieve.
The possibility of a Lunar Lake version of the Surface Laptop 7th Edition is quite captivating. The Qualcomm model has quickly become my favorite laptop of 2024 and has ranked highly among the best laptops available. Since its release this summer, it has been my primary device, thanks to its sleek design and the exceptional efficiency of its Snapdragon X Elite chip.
However, a challenge has arisen. With the launch of Intel’s Lunar Lake chips, which offer superior battery life compared to the Snapdragon X Elite, this new version could enhance the overall user experience. Achieving such a significant improvement in a single generation is impressive, and the upcoming Surface Laptop would benefit greatly from this enhanced battery performance. Additionally, Intel’s new chips boast significantly better integrated graphics compared to their Snapdragon counterpart.
When comparing overall performance between the two chips, the results will vary based on individual use cases. Nonetheless, one could argue that Intel’s solution might be more suitable for this particular device.
Ultimately, the deciding factor will be the price. The Qualcomm version of the Surface Laptop 7th Edition debuted at $999, equipped with 16GB of RAM and 256GB of storage, reflecting a slight price reduction compared to earlier models. How the Intel variant is priced within this context remains to be seen, especially if it ends up being more expensive.