What to know
- Both the Lenovo Yoga 7i and Microsoft Surface 4 are exceptional convertible laptops that offer a blend of style, functionality, and performance.
- If you prioritize portability and a larger display with HDR support, the Lenovo Yoga 7i is a solid choice.
- If you prefer a slightly lighter device with more RAM and a more business-oriented operating system, the Microsoft Surface 4 is the way to go.
In the realm of convertible laptops, the Lenovo Yoga 7i and Microsoft Surface 4 stand as formidable contenders. Both devices boast sleek designs, versatile functionality, and powerful performance. But which one reigns supreme? Let’s dive into a comprehensive comparison to find out.
Design and Build Quality
Lenovo Yoga 7i:
- Crafted from aluminum and magnesium alloy, offering a premium and durable exterior.
- Weighs around 2.7 pounds, making it ultra-portable.
- Features a 360-degree hinge that allows for seamless transitions between laptop, tablet, and tent modes.
Microsoft Surface 4:
- Constructed with a magnesium frame and aluminum kickstand, ensuring both sturdiness and lightness.
- Tips the scales at around 2.4 pounds, making it slightly more portable than the Yoga 7i.
- Equipped with a 180-degree hinge that enables a range of viewing angles from laptop to studio mode.
Display
Lenovo Yoga 7i:
- Boasts a 14-inch IPS LCD display with a resolution of 2880 x 1800 pixels.
- Offers vibrant colors, wide viewing angles, and a peak brightness of 500 nits.
- Supports Dolby Vision HDR for enhanced contrast and color accuracy.
Microsoft Surface 4:
- Features a 13.5-inch PixelSense display with a resolution of 2256 x 1504 pixels.
- Delivers crisp images, accurate colors, and a peak brightness of 480 nits.
- Utilizes Surface Pen technology for precise and intuitive stylus input.
Performance
Lenovo Yoga 7i:
- Powered by up to an 11th-generation Intel Core i7 processor.
- Offers integrated Intel Iris Xe graphics for smooth multitasking and light gaming.
- Comes with up to 16GB of RAM and 1TB of SSD storage.
Microsoft Surface 4:
- Equipped with up to an 11th-generation Intel Core i7 processor with Intel Iris Xe graphics.
- Provides up to 32GB of RAM and 1TB of SSD storage.
- Delivers comparable performance to the Yoga 7i, handling demanding tasks efficiently.
Battery Life
Lenovo Yoga 7i:
- Houses a 60Wh battery that provides up to 10 hours of battery life on a single charge.
- Supports Rapid Charge Pro technology for quick charging.
Microsoft Surface 4:
- Features a 48Wh battery that lasts up to 9 hours of battery life.
- Offers Fast Charging capability for convenient and efficient charging.
Connectivity and Features
Lenovo Yoga 7i:
- Includes two Thunderbolt 4 ports, two USB-A ports, an HDMI port, and a headphone/microphone jack.
- Features a fingerprint reader for secure login.
- Supports Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.1 for fast wireless connectivity.
Microsoft Surface 4:
- Provides two USB-C ports with Thunderbolt 4, a Surface Connect port, and a headphone/microphone jack.
- Incorporates a Windows Hello face recognition camera for biometric authentication.
- Offers Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.0 for reliable wireless connections.
Operating System
Lenovo Yoga 7i:
- Runs on Windows 10 Home or Windows 11 Home.
- Provides a familiar and intuitive user interface.
Microsoft Surface 4:
- Pre-installed with Windows 10 Pro or Windows 11 Pro.
- Offers enhanced security features and business-oriented tools.
The Verdict
Both the Lenovo Yoga 7i and Microsoft Surface 4 are exceptional convertible laptops that offer a blend of style, functionality, and performance. However, there are subtle differences that may sway your decision:
- Design and Portability: The Microsoft Surface 4 is marginally more portable due to its lighter weight.
- Display: The Lenovo Yoga 7i boasts a slightly larger and higher-resolution display with Dolby Vision HDR support.
- Performance: Both devices deliver comparable performance, but the Microsoft Surface 4 offers a slightly higher RAM capacity.
- Battery Life: The Lenovo Yoga 7i has a slightly longer battery life, but the Microsoft Surface 4 supports Fast Charging.
- Operating System: The Microsoft Surface 4 comes with Windows 10 Pro or Windows 11 Pro, offering more advanced features for business users.
Ultimately, the best choice depends on your individual preferences and priorities. If you prioritize portability and a larger display with HDR support, the Lenovo Yoga 7i is a solid choice. If you prefer a slightly lighter device with more RAM and a more business-oriented operating system, the Microsoft Surface 4 is the way to go.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Which device has the better webcam?
Both the Lenovo Yoga 7i and Microsoft Surface 4 feature 720p webcams with built-in privacy shutters.
2. Can I use a stylus with both devices?
Yes, both the Lenovo Yoga 7i and Microsoft Surface 4 support stylus input. However, only the Microsoft Surface 4 comes with a Surface Pen included.
3. Which device is better for gaming?
Neither device is specifically designed for gaming. However, the Lenovo Yoga 7i with integrated Intel Iris Xe graphics may provide slightly better gaming performance than the Microsoft Surface 4.
4. Can I connect external monitors to both devices?
Yes, both the Lenovo Yoga 7i and Microsoft Surface 4 support external monitor connections via their USB-C ports with Thunderbolt 4.
5. Which device has better audio quality?
Both devices offer decent audio quality with built-in speakers. However, the Lenovo Yoga 7i features Dolby Atmos support for enhanced audio immersion.