Essential Information
- The Surface Laptop 5 boasts a premium aluminum chassis with a sleek and minimalist aesthetic.
- The Surface Laptop 5 claims to offer up to 18 hours of battery life on the 13.
- The Surface Laptop 5 runs on Windows 11, providing access to a wide range of software and applications.
When it comes to premium laptops, two heavyweights stand out: the Microsoft Surface Laptop 5 and the Apple MacBook Pro. Both devices offer exceptional performance, sleek designs, and advanced features. But which one is the better choice for you? In this comprehensive comparison, we’ll dive deep into the key differences between the Surface Laptop 5 and MacBook Pro, helping you make an informed decision.
Design and Build Quality
- Surface Laptop 5: The Surface Laptop 5 boasts a premium aluminum chassis with a sleek and minimalist aesthetic. Its signature Alcantara fabric keyboard deck adds a touch of luxury and comfort.
- MacBook Pro: The MacBook Pro features a unibody aluminum construction, known for its durability and sophisticated design. Its iconic Touch Bar provides quick access to frequently used functions.
Display
- Surface Laptop 5: The Surface Laptop 5 offers a 13.5-inch or 15-inch PixelSense touchscreen display with a 3:2 aspect ratio. It supports Dolby Vision HDR for vibrant colors and deep blacks.
- MacBook Pro: The MacBook Pro comes with a 13.3-inch or 16-inch Liquid Retina XDR display with a 16:10 aspect ratio. It offers stunning resolution, wide color gamut, and ProMotion technology for smooth scrolling.
Performance
- Surface Laptop 5: The Surface Laptop 5 is powered by Intel’s 12th-generation Core i5 or i7 processors, providing ample power for multitasking and demanding applications.
- MacBook Pro: The MacBook Pro is equipped with Apple’s M2 or M2 Pro/Max chips, which offer exceptional performance and energy efficiency. Its dedicated graphics options deliver impressive gaming and video editing capabilities.
Battery Life
- Surface Laptop 5: The Surface Laptop 5 claims to offer up to 18 hours of battery life on the 13.5-inch model and 17 hours on the 15-inch model.
- MacBook Pro: The MacBook Pro 13.3-inch boasts up to 20 hours of battery life, while the 16-inch model offers up to 21 hours.
Operating System
- Surface Laptop 5: The Surface Laptop 5 runs on Windows 11, providing access to a wide range of software and applications.
- MacBook Pro: The MacBook Pro runs on macOS Ventura, Apple’s proprietary operating system known for its user-friendliness and intuitive interface.
Connectivity
- Surface Laptop 5: The Surface Laptop 5 features a Thunderbolt 4 port, USB-C port, Surface Connect port, and headphone jack.
- MacBook Pro: The MacBook Pro 13.3-inch has two Thunderbolt 4 ports and a headphone jack, while the 16-inch model offers three Thunderbolt 4 ports, an HDMI port, and an SDXC card slot.
Price
- Surface Laptop 5: The Surface Laptop 5 starts at $999.99 for the 13.5-inch model and $1,299.99 for the 15-inch model.
- MacBook Pro: The MacBook Pro 13.3-inch starts at $1,299.00, while the 16-inch model starts at $2,499.00.
Which is Right for You?
The choice between the Microsoft Surface Laptop 5 and MacBook Pro depends on your individual needs and preferences. If you value versatility, touch screen functionality, and Windows compatibility, the Surface Laptop 5 is a great option. On the other hand, if you prioritize performance, battery life, and macOS ecosystem integration, the MacBook Pro might be the better choice.
The Ultimate Choice
Ultimately, both the Microsoft Surface Laptop 5 and MacBook Pro are exceptional premium laptops. The Surface Laptop 5 excels in versatility, while the MacBook Pro offers unparalleled performance and battery life. By carefully considering the key differences outlined in this comparison, you can make an informed decision that meets your specific requirements.
Information You Need to Know
1. Which laptop has a better keyboard?
Both the Surface Laptop 5 and MacBook Pro have comfortable and well-designed keyboards. However, the Surface Laptop 5’s Alcantara fabric keyboard deck provides a unique and luxurious typing experience.
2. Which laptop is more portable?
The Surface Laptop 5 13.5-inch model is slightly more portable than the MacBook Pro 13.3-inch, weighing 2.88 lbs compared to 3.0 lbs.
3. Which laptop has better speakers?
The MacBook Pro features a superior sound system with a wider soundstage and deeper bass.
4. Which laptop is better for students?
Both laptops are suitable for students, but the Surface Laptop 5’s touch screen and Windows compatibility may give it an edge for note-taking and running Windows-based applications.
5. Which laptop is better for gaming?
The MacBook Pro with dedicated graphics options offers superior gaming performance compared to the Surface Laptop 5.