Highlights
- The Surface Laptop 5 takes a significant leap in performance with 12th-generation Intel Core processors, up to 32GB of RAM, and up to 1TB of SSD storage.
- The Microsoft Surface Laptop 4 is available in a wide range of configurations, with prices starting at $999 for the base model.
- The Surface Laptop 5 offers slightly better battery life than the Surface Laptop 4, with up to 18 hours on the 13.
The Microsoft Surface Laptop series has been a fan favorite among professionals and students alike. With its sleek design, powerful performance, and versatility, it seamlessly blends style and functionality. In this comprehensive review, we pit the Microsoft Surface Laptop 4 against its successor, the Surface Laptop 5, to determine which device reigns supreme.
Design
Microsoft Surface Laptop 4:
The Surface Laptop 4 boasts a lightweight and elegant aluminum chassis, available in a range of colors. Its signature 3:2 aspect ratio display provides ample screen real estate for multitasking and content creation.
Microsoft Surface Laptop 5:
The Surface Laptop 5 retains the classic design aesthetic of its predecessor but introduces a few subtle enhancements. It features a slightly thinner profile and a larger haptic trackpad for improved navigation.
Display
Microsoft Surface Laptop 4:
The Surface Laptop 4 offers a 13.5-inch or 15-inch PixelSense display with a resolution of 2256 x 1504 or 2496 x 1664, respectively. It supports multi-touch gestures and has a bright and vibrant display for an immersive viewing experience.
Microsoft Surface Laptop 5:
The Surface Laptop 5 maintains the same display sizes and resolutions as its predecessor but upgrades to a 120Hz refresh rate. This results in smoother scrolling, animations, and gaming performance.
Performance
Microsoft Surface Laptop 4:
The Surface Laptop 4 comes equipped with 11th-generation Intel Core processors, up to 32GB of RAM, and up to 1TB of SSD storage. This configuration delivers solid performance for everyday tasks, productivity software, and light gaming.
Microsoft Surface Laptop 5:
The Surface Laptop 5 takes a significant leap in performance with 12th-generation Intel Core processors, up to 32GB of RAM, and up to 1TB of SSD storage. These upgrades result in faster boot times, smoother multitasking, and enhanced productivity.
Battery Life
Microsoft Surface Laptop 4:
The Surface Laptop 4 offers an impressive battery life of up to 17 hours on the 13.5-inch model and 16 hours on the 15-inch model, making it an ideal companion for extended work or study sessions.
Microsoft Surface Laptop 5:
The Surface Laptop 5 boasts a slightly improved battery life of up to 18 hours on the 13.5-inch model and 17 hours on the 15-inch model, providing all-day power without the need for constant charging.
Ports and Connectivity
Microsoft Surface Laptop 4:
The Surface Laptop 4 offers a selection of ports, including USB-A, USB-C, Surface Connect, and a headphone jack. It supports Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.0 for wireless connectivity.
Microsoft Surface Laptop 5:
The Surface Laptop 5 expands the port selection with the addition of a Thunderbolt 4 port, providing faster data transfer speeds and compatibility with external devices. It also supports Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.1 for enhanced wireless performance.
Price and Availability
Microsoft Surface Laptop 4:
The Microsoft Surface Laptop 4 is available in a wide range of configurations, with prices starting at $999 for the base model. It is available in several colors and can be customized with different hardware options.
Microsoft Surface Laptop 5:
The Microsoft Surface Laptop 5 is priced slightly higher than its predecessor, with prices starting at $1,299 for the base model. It is available in fewer color options and has a more limited selection of hardware configurations.
Verdict: The Ultimate Choice
The Microsoft Surface Laptop 4 and Surface Laptop 5 are both exceptional devices that offer a premium experience. However, the Surface Laptop 5 emerges as the clear winner due to its superior performance, upgraded display, and expanded connectivity options. For those who value the latest technology and a smoother user experience, the Surface Laptop 5 is the ideal choice.
What You Need to Know
Q1: Which device has a better battery life?
A: The Surface Laptop 5 offers slightly better battery life than the Surface Laptop 4, with up to 18 hours on the 13.5-inch model.
Q2: Does the Surface Laptop 5 have a touchscreen display?
A: Yes, both the Surface Laptop 4 and Surface Laptop 5 feature multi-touch touchscreen displays.
Q3: Which device is better for gaming?
A: The Surface Laptop 5, with its 12th-generation Intel Core processors and upgraded graphics, provides better gaming performance than the Surface Laptop 4.
Q4: Does the Surface Laptop 4 have a Thunderbolt port?
A: No, the Surface Laptop 4 does not have a Thunderbolt port.
Q5: Which device is more affordable?
A: The Surface Laptop 4 is more affordable than the Surface Laptop 5, with prices starting at $999 compared to $1,299.