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MICROSOFT CUTS SURFACE PRICES WITH 8GB RAM OPTION

INDUSTRY DESK1 MIN READ
WED, JUN 24, 2026

■ AI-SUMMARIZED FROM 1 SOURCE ▸ TIMELINE

Microsoft has introduced cheaper variants of its Surface Pro and Surface Laptop, each with half the standard memory. The 12-inch Surface Pro starts at $849 and the 13-inch Surface Laptop at $949, both equipped with 8GB RAM instead of 16GB.

The new budget configurations mark a shift in Microsoft's pricing strategy for its flagship devices. The standard models launched in 2025 with 16GB RAM and 256GB storage at $799 and $899 respectively. By April 2026, Microsoft raised base prices to $1,000+, prompting the introduction of these stripped-down alternatives. The 8GB RAM tier provides an entry point for price-conscious buyers, though it may limit performance for multitasking and resource-intensive applications. Both devices retain the same display sizes and core design as their higher-spec counterparts. This approach allows Microsoft to maintain higher-margin standard configurations while capturing budget-segment customers. The pricing gap between the new 8GB models and previous 16GB starting prices suggests the memory reduction accounts for approximately $150-$200 in cost reduction.

■ SOURCES

The Verge

■ SUMMARY WRITTEN BY AI FROM THE LINKS ABOVE

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