Surface Laptop 5 vs 4: Which Microsoft Laptop Reigns?
Are you torn between the sleek elegance of Microsoft’s Surface Laptop line? Choosing the right device can be tricky, especially when comparing generations. We’re diving deep into the Surface Laptop 5 vs 4, helping you make an informed decision.
This comparison will dissect the key differences, from performance and display quality to battery life and overall value. The Surface Laptop 4 offered a solid experience, but does the Surface Laptop 5 justify the upgrade?
We’ll explore the upgrades and improvements the Surface Laptop 5 brings to the table, examining whether it’s worth the investment compared to its predecessor. Get ready to uncover the nuances of each model and discover which laptop best suits your needs.
Specs at a Glance:
| Feature | Surface Laptop 5 | Surface Laptop 4 |
|---|---|---|
| Display Size | 13.5″ or 15″ | 13.5″ or 15″ |
| Resolution | 2256 x 1504 (13.5″) / 2496 x 1664 (15″) | 2256 x 1504 (13.5″) / 2496 x 1664 (15″) |
| Processor (13.5″) | Intel Core i5-1235U / i7-1255U | Intel Core i5-1135G7 / i7-1185G7 or AMD Ryzen 5/7 |
| Processor (15″) | Intel Core i7-1255U | Intel Core i7-1185G7 or AMD Ryzen 7 |
| Graphics | Intel Iris Xe Graphics | Intel Iris Xe Graphics / AMD Radeon Graphics |
| RAM | 8GB, 16GB, or 32GB LPDDR5x | 8GB, 16GB, or 32GB LPDDR4x |
| Storage | 256GB, 512GB, or 1TB SSD | 256GB, 512GB, or 1TB SSD |
| Ports | 1x USB-C with Thunderbolt 4, 1x USB-A, 3.5mm headphone jack, Surface Connect | 1x USB-C, 1x USB-A, 3.5mm headphone jack, Surface Connect |
| Webcam | 720p HD | 720p HD |
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6 | Wi-Fi 6 |
| Bluetooth | 5.1 | 5.0 |
| Operating System | Windows 11 Home | Windows 10 Home (upgradeable to Windows 11) |
Feature-by-Feature Breakdown
Processor
- Surface Laptop 5: Available with 12th Gen Intel Core i5-1235U or i7-1255U processors. Offers significantly improved performance and efficiency compared to the previous generation. Faster speeds and better multitasking capabilities.
- 4: Equipped with 11th Gen Intel Core i5-1135G7 or i7-1185G7 processors. Still capable but noticeably slower than the 5th gen, especially in demanding tasks.
- Winner: 5
Graphics
- Surface Laptop 5: Integrated Intel Iris Xe Graphics, offering improved graphics performance over the Surface Laptop 4, enabling better gaming and content creation.
- 4: Integrated Intel Iris Xe Graphics. Performance is adequate for everyday tasks, but is less capable than the 5th gen for graphics-intensive applications.
- Winner: 5
Display
- Surface Laptop 5: 13.5″ or 15″ PixelSense touchscreen display with a 2256 x 1504 (13.5″) or 2496 x 1664 (15″) resolution. Maintains the vibrant colors and sharp visuals of its predecessor.
- 4: 13.5″ or 15″ PixelSense touchscreen display with a 2256 x 1504 (13.5″) or 2496 x 1664 (15″) resolution. The display quality remains excellent.
- Winner: Tie
RAM and Storage
- Surface Laptop 5: Offers up to 32GB LPDDR5x RAM and up to 1TB SSD. Faster RAM contributes to improved overall system performance and responsiveness.
- 4: Available with up to 32GB LPDDR4x RAM and up to 1TB SSD. The LPDDR4x RAM is slower than the new LPDDR5x in the 5th gen.
- Winner: 5
Battery Life
- Surface Laptop 5: Offers up to 17 hours of typical device usage. Battery life is good, but the real-world performance may vary.
- 4: Offers up to 17 hours of typical device usage. Battery life is also generally good.
- Winner: Tie
Ports and Connectivity
- Surface Laptop 5: Includes 1 x USB-C with Thunderbolt 4, 1 x USB-A, 1 x 3.5 mm headphone jack, and Surface Connect port. Thunderbolt 4 is a significant upgrade for faster data transfer and external display support.
- 4: Includes 1 x USB-C, 1 x USB-A, 1 x 3.5 mm headphone jack, and Surface Connect port. Lacks Thunderbolt 4.
- Winner: 5
Design and Build
- Surface Laptop 5: Similar design to the Surface Laptop 4, maintaining the premium aesthetic. Offers new color options.
- 4: Maintains the sleek, minimalist design of previous Surface Laptops.
- Winner: Tie
Price
- Surface Laptop 5: Generally more expensive due to the upgraded components and features.
- 4: Often available at a lower price point, especially if purchased refurbished or on sale.
- Winner: 4
Winner by Category:
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Performance | Surface Laptop 5 |
| Ports | Surface Laptop 5 |
| Value | Surface Laptop 4 |
| RAM | Surface Laptop 5 |
| Display Quality | Tie |
| Design | Tie |
What They Have in Common:
- Design: Both laptops share the same sleek and minimalist design with a premium aluminum build and the signature 3:2 aspect ratio display. This offers a modern and professional aesthetic.
- Display: Both Surface Laptop models feature vibrant PixelSense displays with touchscreen capabilities, offering excellent color accuracy and sharp visuals for various tasks.
- Keyboard and Trackpad: Both laptops have the same comfortable keyboard and precision trackpad, providing a smooth and responsive typing and navigation experience.
- Portability: Both devices are designed for portability, offering a thin and lightweight profile, making them easy to carry around for work or travel.
- Webcam & Audio: Both devices offer a 720p webcam and Omnisonic speakers, delivering a decent experience for video calls and media consumption.
Surface Laptop 5 vs 4 Buying Guide
Performance & Processing Power
The Surface Laptop 5 boasts a significant advantage in performance due to its 12th Gen Intel Core processors, offering a noticeable speed boost compared to the 11th Gen processors found in the Surface Laptop 4. This translates to faster application loading times, smoother multitasking, and improved overall responsiveness. Whether you’re working on demanding creative tasks or simply browsing the web, the Laptop 5 delivers a more fluid and efficient experience. The Laptop 4, while still capable, lags behind in raw processing power, making it less ideal for power users.
The new processor allows for better efficiency in battery life and increased performance. This is in comparison to the previous generation of processors. The increase in speed and efficiency makes the Laptop 5 a better buy.
Display & Visuals
Both the Surface Laptop 5 and 4 share the same vibrant PixelSense display technology, offering excellent color accuracy and sharpness. However, the Laptop 5 might have slightly improved color calibration and brightness levels, leading to a more immersive viewing experience, especially in brightly lit environments. The difference isn’t drastic, but it is noticeable. Both offer touch screen capabilities and are compatible with the Surface Pen.
The visual experience on both laptops is excellent. The Laptop 5 does slightly edge out the Laptop 4. The Laptop 5 also has a better screen to body ratio.
Design & Build Quality
Both laptops retain the sleek and premium design that the Surface Laptop line is known for, featuring a lightweight aluminum chassis and a comfortable keyboard. The overall design language remains largely unchanged between the two generations, so users familiar with the Surface Laptop 4 will feel right at home with the Laptop 5. Subtle refinements in the Laptop 5, such as slightly thinner bezels, might give it a more modern feel. Both are available in a variety of colors.
The build quality is also very similar. Both the 5 and the 4 are great laptops. The design is very similar, so there is not much difference in this section.
Battery Life
While both laptops offer decent battery life for everyday use, the Surface Laptop 5 generally provides slightly better endurance due to the more efficient processors. Expect to get a bit more screen time on the Laptop 5 before needing to reach for the charger. This difference may vary depending on usage patterns, but the Laptop 5 usually provides an extra hour or two. Heavy tasks will still drain the battery quickly.
The battery life is slightly better on the Laptop 5. This is due to the new processor. The battery life is decent on both laptops, but the Laptop 5 has a slight edge.
Ports & Connectivity
The Surface Laptop 5 retains the same port selection as the Laptop 4, including a USB-C port (with Thunderbolt 4 on some models), a USB-A port, a headphone jack, and the Surface Connect port for charging and docking. There are no major changes in this area, so users will have access to the same range of connectivity options. This means you will still need a dongle for some uses.
The ports are very similar on both laptops. The Laptop 5 has the same ports as the Laptop 4. The port selection is decent on both laptops.
Price & Value
The Surface Laptop 5 is generally priced higher than the Surface Laptop 4, reflecting its newer technology and improved performance. Whether the price difference is worth it depends on your needs and budget. If you prioritize raw processing power and the latest features, the Laptop 5 is the better choice. However, the Laptop 4 remains a viable option, especially if you can find it at a discounted price. The Laptop 4 still delivers a great user experience.
The Laptop 4 is a great value, if bought on sale. The Laptop 5 is a bit more expensive, but it offers better performance. The price is a major factor in the decision.
Who Should Buy What?
Buy Surface Laptop 5 If…
- You want the latest Intel processors for significantly improved performance.
- You prioritize the fastest RAM and Thunderbolt 4 connectivity.
- You desire the latest Wi-Fi 6 standard.
- You are looking for a laptop with more future-proofing.
Buy Surface Laptop 4 If…
- You’re on a tighter budget and want a more affordable option.
- You prefer the option of choosing an AMD Ryzen processor.
- You don’t need the absolute latest in processing power.
- You are satisfied with the performance of the older generation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main differences between the Surface Laptop 5 and 4?
The primary differences lie in the processor and performance. The Surface Laptop 5 features 12th Gen Intel Core processors, offering a significant performance boost over the 11th Gen processors in the Surface Laptop 4. The Laptop 5 also boasts slightly improved battery life and potentially minor refinements in the display. The design and port selection remain largely the same.
Is the Surface Laptop 5 worth the upgrade from the Surface Laptop 4?
That depends on your needs. If you prioritize performance, especially for demanding tasks, the upgrade is worthwhile. If you’re happy with the performance of the Laptop 4 and can get it at a significant discount, it might be a better value. Consider how much you value the performance difference and the latest features.
Does the Surface Laptop 5 have Thunderbolt 4?
Yes, at least on some models. The Surface Laptop 5 includes a USB-C port with Thunderbolt 4 support on certain configurations, allowing for faster data transfer speeds and the ability to connect to external displays and docks. Check the specific model specifications to confirm Thunderbolt 4 availability.
What is the battery life like on the Surface Laptop 5 and 4?
Both laptops offer decent battery life for everyday use. The Surface Laptop 5 generally provides slightly better endurance due to its more efficient processors, potentially offering an extra hour or two of screen time. However, battery life varies depending on usage patterns, such as the brightness and the use of power-consuming applications.
Are the displays on the Surface Laptop 5 and 4 the same?
Both laptops share the same PixelSense display technology, known for its vibrant colors and sharpness. While the core technology is the same, the Surface Laptop 5 might have slightly improved color calibration and brightness levels, contributing to a more immersive viewing experience. The differences are subtle, but noticeable.
What colors are available for the Surface Laptop 5 and 4?
Both the Surface Laptop 5 and 4 are offered in a range of colors, including Platinum, Matte Black, Ice Blue, and Sandstone. The specific color options may vary depending on the retailer and the model configuration. Check the product listing for the most up-to-date color availability. Some colors may be exclusive to certain models.
Which laptop is better for students: the Surface Laptop 5 or 4?
Both are good choices for students. The Surface Laptop 5 offers a performance advantage that could be beneficial for multitasking and running demanding software. The Surface Laptop 4 is a great value if bought on sale. It is a capable machine for most student tasks. The choice depends on budget and the specific needs of the student.
Final Verdict
The Surface Laptop 5 improves upon the Surface Laptop 4 with a faster processor and enhanced performance. The display is great on both. While the design is similar, the Laptop 5 offers a more modern experience. The Laptop 4 remains a solid choice, especially if you are on a budget. The price difference and your usage will determine which is best.
Winner: Surface Laptop 5