Quick notes
- The Surface Laptop 5 is rated for up to 18 hours of battery life on a single charge, while the Yoga 9i offers a slightly shorter battery life of up to 14 hours.
- However, if you need a more portable device with a larger and brighter OLED display, a dedicated GPU, and a convertible design, the Lenovo Yoga 9i is the better option.
- The Surface Laptop 5 is compatible with the Surface Pen and Surface Dock, while the Yoga 9i supports the Lenovo Precision Pen 2 and the Lenovo Yoga Dock.
The world of 2-in-1 laptops is a competitive one, with Microsoft and Lenovo leading the charge with their flagship devices. In this comprehensive comparison, we pit the Microsoft Surface Laptop 5 against the Lenovo Yoga 9i to determine which one reigns supreme in the battle for performance, portability, and versatility.
Design and Build
Both the Surface Laptop 5 and Yoga 9i exude premium craftsmanship and sleek aesthetics. The Surface Laptop 5 features a signature aluminum unibody construction with a luxurious Alcantara keyboard deck, while the Yoga 9i opts for a lightweight and durable magnesium alloy chassis.
In terms of dimensions, the Yoga 9i is slightly more compact and weighs less, making it more portable. However, the Surface Laptop 5 offers a wider range of color options and a more traditional clamshell design, which some users may prefer.
Display
The display is a crucial aspect of any 2-in-1 laptop. The Surface Laptop 5 boasts a 13.5-inch PixelSense Flow display with a 3:2 aspect ratio and a resolution of 2256 x 1504 pixels. It supports Dolby Vision HDR and offers excellent brightness and color accuracy.
The Yoga 9i, on the other hand, features a 14-inch OLED display with a 16:10 aspect ratio and a resolution of 2880 x 1800 pixels. It also supports Dolby Vision HDR and boasts even higher brightness and wider color coverage.
Performance
Under the hood, the Surface Laptop 5 and Yoga 9i are powered by Intel’s 12th-generation Core processors. The Surface Laptop 5 is available with Core i5 and Core i7 options, while the Yoga 9i offers a wider range of choices, including Core i7 and Core i9 processors.
In terms of graphics, the Surface Laptop 5 relies on integrated Intel Iris Xe graphics, while the Yoga 9i can be configured with an optional NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050 discrete GPU. This gives the Yoga 9i a significant advantage in graphics-intensive tasks such as gaming and video editing.
Battery Life
Battery life is essential for any portable device. The Surface Laptop 5 is rated for up to 18 hours of battery life on a single charge, while the Yoga 9i offers a slightly shorter battery life of up to 14 hours.
However, it’s important to note that battery life may vary depending on usage patterns and screen brightness settings.
Connectivity
Both the Surface Laptop 5 and Yoga 9i offer a comprehensive range of connectivity options. They feature Thunderbolt 4 ports, USB-C ports, and Wi-Fi 6E support.
Additionally, the Yoga 9i has an HDMI port, which may be useful for connecting to external monitors or projectors.
Features
The Surface Laptop 5 and Yoga 9i come with a variety of features that enhance their versatility and user experience.
The Surface Laptop 5 includes a built-in fingerprint reader and Windows Hello facial recognition for secure login. It also has a Surface Pen slot for convenient storage and charging.
The Yoga 9i, on the other hand, features a convertible design that allows it to be used in various modes, including laptop, tablet, and tent. It also has a built-in pen holder and supports Lenovo‘s Precision Pen 2 for note-taking and sketching.
Verdict: Which One is Right for You?
Choosing between the Microsoft Surface Laptop 5 and Lenovo Yoga 9i ultimately depends on your specific needs and preferences.
If you prioritize a premium design, long battery life, and a traditional clamshell form factor, the Surface Laptop 5 is an excellent choice.
However, if you need a more portable device with a larger and brighter OLED display, a dedicated GPU, and a convertible design, the Lenovo Yoga 9i is the better option.
Beyond the Comparison: Additional Considerations
In addition to the key differences highlighted above, here are some other factors to consider when making your decision:
- Software: The Surface Laptop 5 comes with Windows 11 Home or Pro, while the Yoga 9i offers Windows 11 Pro or Windows 10 Pro.
- Accessories: The Surface Laptop 5 is compatible with the Surface Pen and Surface Dock, while the Yoga 9i supports the Lenovo Precision Pen 2 and the Lenovo Yoga Dock.
- Price: The Surface Laptop 5 starts at a lower price than the Lenovo Yoga 9i, but the Yoga 9i offers more premium features and configuration options.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Which laptop has a better display?
A: The Lenovo Yoga 9i has a larger and brighter OLED display with a higher resolution, while the Surface Laptop 5 has a PixelSense Flow display with excellent color accuracy.
Q: Which laptop has a longer battery life?
A: The Surface Laptop 5 offers a slightly longer battery life of up to 18 hours, while the Yoga 9i has a battery life of up to 14 hours.
Q: Which laptop is more portable?
A: The Lenovo Yoga 9i is slightly more compact and weighs less than the Surface Laptop 5, making it more portable.
Q: Which laptop is better for gaming?
A: The Lenovo Yoga 9i offers an optional NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050 discrete GPU, which provides better graphics performance than the integrated graphics in the Surface Laptop 5.
Q: Which laptop is more versatile?
A: The Lenovo Yoga 9i has a convertible design that allows it to be used in various modes, while the Surface Laptop 5 has a traditional clamshell design.