Surface Laptop 2 vs 3: Which Microsoft Laptop Wins?
Choosing a new laptop can be a daunting task, especially with so many excellent options available. If you’re considering a sleek and stylish device, the Microsoft Surface Laptop series is definitely on your radar. But with multiple generations to choose from, how do you decide which one is right for you?
In this comparison, we’ll dive deep into the Surface Laptop 2 and the Surface Laptop 3, two popular models from Microsoft. We’ll explore their key differences, from performance and display quality to design and battery life, to help you make an informed decision. Whether you’re a student, professional, or simply looking for a reliable everyday laptop, this guide will provide valuable insights.
Get ready to discover which Surface Laptop reigns supreme! We’ll examine the pros and cons of each model, highlighting their strengths and weaknesses to help you determine which laptop best suits your needs and budget. Let’s get started and find out which Surface Laptop deserves a spot in your tech arsenal.
Specs at a Glance:
| Feature | Surface Laptop 2 | Surface Laptop 3 |
|---|---|---|
| Display | 13.5″ PixelSense | 13.5″ or 15″ PixelSense |
| Resolution | 2256 x 1504 | 2256 x 1504 (13.5″) / 2496 x 1664 (15″) |
| Processor | Intel Core i5 or i7 (8th Gen) | Intel Core i5 or i7 (10th Gen) / AMD Ryzen 5 or 7 |
| RAM | 8GB or 16GB | 8GB, 16GB, or 32GB |
| Storage | 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, or 1TB SSD | 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, or 1TB SSD |
| Graphics | Intel UHD Graphics 620 | Intel Iris Plus Graphics / AMD Radeon Vega 9 |
| Ports | USB 3.0, Mini DisplayPort, Surface Connect, Headphone Jack | USB-C, USB 3.0, Surface Connect, Headphone Jack |
| Wi-Fi | 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac | 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/ax |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 4.1 | Bluetooth 5.0 |
| Weight | 2.76 lbs | 2.79 lbs (13.5″) / 3.40 lbs (15″) |
| Operating System | Windows 10 Home | Windows 10 Home |
| Battery Life (Typical Usage) | Up to 14.5 hours | Up to 11.5 hours (13.5″) / Up to 11.5 hours (15″) |
Feature-by-Feature Breakdown
Design & Build Quality
- Surface Laptop 2: Features a sleek, minimalist design with a premium Alcantara fabric keyboard deck. It offers a solid build quality, but the thick bezels around the screen look dated. The limited port selection is a drawback.
- 3: Maintains the premium design with a choice of metal or Alcantara finishes. Slimmer bezels and a modern aesthetic enhance the look. The build quality is excellent, and it feels more contemporary.
- Winner: 3
Processor & Performance
- Surface Laptop 2: Powered by 8th Gen Intel Core processors, offering decent performance for everyday tasks. However, it can struggle with more demanding applications and multitasking compared to newer generations.
- 3: Available with 10th or 11th Gen Intel Core processors (depending on the specific model), significantly boosting performance. It handles demanding tasks and multitasking with ease.
- Winner: 3
Display
- Surface Laptop 2: Features a 13.5-inch PixelSense display with a 3:2 aspect ratio, offering good color accuracy and sharpness. The bezels are comparatively thick.
- 3: Maintains the 13.5-inch PixelSense display with a 3:2 aspect ratio. It offers improved brightness and a more modern look thanks to the reduced bezels.
- Winner: 3
RAM and Storage
- Surface Laptop 2: Offers configurations with up to 8GB of RAM and up to 1TB of SSD storage. The RAM may be limiting for some users.
- 3: Available with up to 32GB of RAM and up to 1TB of SSD storage, providing more headroom for demanding tasks and heavy multitasking.
- Winner: 3
Battery Life
- Surface Laptop 2: Provides decent battery life, typically lasting around 8-9 hours with moderate use. The efficiency isn’t as good as later models.
- 3: Offers improved battery life, often exceeding 11 hours with similar usage. It provides a noticeable improvement in endurance.
- Winner: 3
Ports & Connectivity
- Surface Laptop 2: Features a limited selection of ports, including a USB-A port, Mini DisplayPort, and Surface Connect. Lacks Thunderbolt 3.
- 3: Includes a USB-C port (with Thunderbolt 3 on some configurations), a USB-A port, Surface Connect, and a headphone jack, offering more versatile connectivity options.
- Winner: 3
Keyboard & Trackpad
- Surface Laptop 2: The keyboard offers a comfortable typing experience. The trackpad is accurate and responsive.
- 3: Retains the excellent keyboard and trackpad from the previous generation, providing a comfortable and precise user experience.
- Winner: Tie
Price & Value
- Surface Laptop 2: Typically available at a lower price point now, making it a more budget-friendly option. However, the older specs may not provide the best value.
- 3: Generally more expensive, reflecting the upgrades in performance, features, and design. Offers better value considering the performance and features.
- Winner: 3
Winner by Category:
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Performance | Surface Laptop 3 |
| Ports | Surface Laptop 3 |
| Display Options | Surface Laptop 3 |
| Value | Surface Laptop 2 (if significantly discounted) |
| Graphics | Surface Laptop 3 |
What They Have in Common:
- Premium Design: Both the Surface Laptop 2 and 3 share a sleek and premium design with a metal unibody construction and a comfortable Alcantara keyboard deck (on some models). They both prioritize aesthetics and portability.
- Pixelsense Display: Both laptops feature Microsoft’s PixelSense displays, known for their vibrant colors, sharp details, and excellent touch responsiveness. This ensures a great viewing experience.
- Surface Connect Port: Both devices utilize the Surface Connect port for charging and connecting to Surface Docks, providing versatile connectivity options for users.
- Headphone Jack: Both laptops include a 3.5mm headphone jack, catering to users who prefer wired audio connections. This ensures compatibility with a wide array of headphones.
- Windows Hello Support: Both models support Windows Hello for secure and convenient facial recognition login, enhancing user experience and security.
Surface Laptop 2 Vs 3 Buying Guide
Performance and Processing Power
The Surface Laptop 3 saw a significant upgrade in performance compared to the Surface Laptop 2. The Surface Laptop 2 typically features Intel’s 8th generation processors, which, while capable, can feel dated when handling demanding tasks. The Surface Laptop 3 offered a choice of either Intel’s 10th or 11th generation processors, or AMD Ryzen processors, delivering a noticeable boost in processing speed and overall responsiveness. This leads to faster application loading, smoother multitasking, and improved performance in graphically intensive applications. Consider your workload when choosing between the two, with the Laptop 3 generally providing a better experience for most users.
Design and Build Quality
Both laptops maintain the premium design aesthetic of the Surface lineup, featuring sleek aluminum bodies and a focus on portability. However, there are subtle differences. The Surface Laptop 3 removed the Alcantara fabric from the keyboard deck on some models, offering a more durable and easier-to-clean alternative. The Surface Laptop 3 also introduced a slightly thinner profile and weight reduction in some configurations. Both devices offer a premium feel, but the Laptop 3 provides a slightly more refined and updated design. The selection of colors and finishes is also slightly different between the two generations.
Display and Visuals
Both the Surface Laptop 2 and 3 feature the PixelSense display technology, known for its vibrant colors, sharp resolution, and good viewing angles. The differences are relatively minor. The Surface Laptop 3, in some configurations, offered a slightly brighter display compared to the Surface Laptop 2, enhancing visibility in brighter environments. The bezels around the screen remain relatively consistent in size. The overall visual experience is excellent on both devices, ideal for multimedia consumption, and creative tasks, but the Laptop 3 might offer a slightly better experience in direct sunlight.
Portability and Battery Life
Both laptops are designed with portability in mind, being lightweight and compact. The Surface Laptop 3, due to its thinner design, is arguably slightly more portable. Battery life is a critical factor. The Surface Laptop 3 tends to offer improved battery life, primarily due to the more efficient processors. While both laptops can easily last a full workday with moderate use, the Surface Laptop 3 generally provides a noticeable advantage, allowing for longer usage sessions before needing to recharge. Consider your on-the-go usage patterns when making your decision.
Keyboard and Trackpad
Both the Surface Laptop 2 and 3 offer a comfortable typing experience with their responsive keyboards and smooth trackpads. The key travel and layout are similar. Some users might find the keyboard on the Surface Laptop 3 slightly improved, with potentially a bit more key travel. The trackpad on both devices is precise and supports multi-finger gestures. The overall experience is excellent on both devices, but the subtle improvements on the Surface Laptop 3 might make it marginally better for extended typing sessions. Both are excellent choices for users who value a good typing experience.
Price and Value
The Surface Laptop 2 is often available at a lower price point than the Surface Laptop 3, especially in the used or refurbished market. This makes it an attractive option for budget-conscious buyers. However, the improved performance and features of the Surface Laptop 3 might justify the higher price for some users. Consider your budget and the importance of performance when evaluating the value proposition. While the Surface Laptop 2 offers good value, the Surface Laptop 3, particularly if purchased on sale, can provide a better overall experience for the price, considering its features and performance upgrades.
Who Should Buy What?
Buy Surface Laptop 2 If…
- You want a more affordable Surface Laptop experience.
- You primarily need a laptop for basic tasks like web browsing, email, and document editing.
- You prioritize a balance between portability and performance for everyday use.
- You can find it at a significantly reduced price compared to the Surface Laptop 3.
Buy Surface Laptop 3 If…
- You need a more powerful processor for demanding tasks like video editing or gaming.
- You want the latest Intel or AMD processor options and improved graphics performance.
- You value the addition of a USB-C port for modern connectivity.
- You want the option of a larger 15-inch display.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main differences in performance?
The Surface Laptop 3 generally offers significantly improved performance due to its newer processors (Intel 10th/11th gen or AMD Ryzen), compared to the Surface Laptop 2’s 8th generation Intel processors. This results in faster application loading, smoother multitasking, and better handling of demanding tasks. The performance difference is particularly noticeable in tasks that are CPU-intensive, such as video editing or gaming. The Laptop 3 is the clear winner for performance.
Which laptop has better battery life?
The Surface Laptop 3 typically provides better battery life. This is primarily due to the more efficient processors used in the newer model. While both laptops can last a full workday with moderate use, the Surface Laptop 3 generally offers a longer usage time before requiring a recharge. This is a significant advantage for users who prioritize extended use on the go. The difference is more pronounced during demanding tasks.
Does the design differ significantly?
Both laptops share the premium Surface design, with aluminum bodies. The Surface Laptop 3 saw some refinements, including the removal of the Alcantara fabric on some models, offering a more durable option. The Laptop 3 is also slightly thinner and lighter in some configurations. Both devices look great, but the Laptop 3 offers a slightly more modern design, with a few subtle changes that improve its look and feel.
What about the display quality?
Both the Surface Laptop 2 and 3 feature excellent PixelSense displays with vibrant colors and sharp resolution. The main difference is the Surface Laptop 3 sometimes offers a slightly brighter display, enhancing visibility in brighter environments. Both offer excellent visual experiences. However, the brightness increase in the Laptop 3 provides a better experience in direct sunlight. Both offer excellent display quality.
Are there any differences in ports?
Both the Surface Laptop 2 and 3 have a similar port selection, which includes a USB-A port, a USB-C port (on the Laptop 3), a headphone jack, and the Surface Connect port for charging and docking. The Surface Laptop 3 includes a USB-C port, providing more modern connectivity. The Laptop 2 lacks the USB-C port. This difference might be important depending on your needs for connecting to external devices.
Which is better for everyday use?
The Surface Laptop 3 is generally better for everyday use due to its improved performance and battery life. It handles multitasking and demanding applications more efficiently. While the Surface Laptop 2 is still a capable device, the upgrades in the Surface Laptop 3 make it a more seamless and enjoyable experience for daily tasks, such as browsing the web, and using office applications. The Laptop 3 is the better choice.
Is the price difference significant?
The Surface Laptop 2 is typically available at a lower price point, especially in the used or refurbished market. The Surface Laptop 3 usually costs more due to its newer features and improved performance. The price difference can vary depending on the configuration and the retailer. However, the performance improvements of the Surface Laptop 3 might justify the price difference for many users, offering a better long-term investment.
Final Verdict
The Surface Laptop 3 emerges as the superior choice due to its enhanced performance, longer battery life, and refined design. While the Surface Laptop 2 remains a capable device, the upgrades in the Laptop 3 provide a more modern and efficient user experience. The improved processing power and slightly refined design make the Laptop 3 a better overall option.
Winner: Surface Laptop 3