Microsoft Surface Laptop 4 review

Microsoft Surface Laptop 4

The Microsoft Microsoft Surface Laptop 4 ranks as the #749 laptops globally, achieving a LibraScore of 64. Across all metrics, this product stands out most for its #793-ranked features among 641 laptops. Consider the Lenovo IdeaPad 5 or Lenovo V14 Gen 4, which offer higher scores while staying in the same price range.

Similar items
Panasonic Toughbook FZ-40
Toughbook FZ-40
Panasonic
Lenovo IdeaPad 5
IdeaPad 5
Lenovo
Acer Swift 3
Swift 3
Acer
Lenovo V14 Gen 4
V14 Gen 4
Lenovo
Acer Chromebook 514
Chromebook 514
Acer
HP ProBook 450 G8
ProBook 450 G8
HP
Acer Spin 7
Spin 7
Acer
HP ENVY x360 15
ENVY x360 15
HP
Acer Predator Helios 500
Predator Helios 500
Acer
HP ProBook 640 G8
ProBook 640 G8
HP
Key takeaways
The Surface Laptop 4 delivers solid, reliable, and efficient performance suitable for everyday tasks and light productivity work seamlessly.
The Surface Laptop 4's build quality is genuinely impressive with a solid aluminum body and premium feel overall.
The Microsoft Surface Laptop 4's display is intuitive and natural to use, but lacks significant quality differences.
The Microsoft Surface Laptop 4's key features include touchscreen display, facial recognition, and robust battery life.

Is it Worth it?

The Microsoft Surface Laptop 4 is a solid workhorse that delivers on its promises. With perfect power, battery life, and build quality, it's hard to go wrong. While it may lack some frills like tablet mode or detachable screen, it's an excellent value for money at £999/$999. The touchscreen and facial recognition features are welcome additions, but the real test will be its long-term performance. If you're in the market for a reliable Windows laptop without bloatware, this is worth considering.

Build

The Microsoft Surface Laptop 4's build quality is genuinely impressive. The device has a sleek design with a solid aluminum body that exudes premium feel. The Alcantara cover adds a touch of sophistication and texture to the overall design. While some may find the proprietary charging mechanism a minor annoyance, it's a small price to pay for such a well-crafted laptop. The attention to detail is evident in every aspect of its build, making it a joy to use and own. Overall, the Surface Laptop 4's construction is top-notch, justifying its premium price point. You may find Microsoft Surface Laptop a better fit, thanks to its superior build.

Display

I've been impressed with the Microsoft Surface Laptop 4's display. The touchscreen is intuitive and natural to use, making interactions seamless. The facial recognition feature, part of Windows Hello, has been accurate and convenient for logging in. However, I haven't noticed any significant differences in display quality compared to other laptops in this price range. Overall, the display is a solid aspect of the Surface Laptop 4, but not necessarily what sets it apart from competitors. If you’re after a better display, LG gram 17 could be the ideal option.

Performance

The Microsoft Surface Laptop 4 delivers solid performance in everyday tasks and light productivity work. The laptop's processor and RAM handle multitasking with ease, making it ideal for office work and streaming media. While it may not be as powerful as some gaming laptops or high-end workstations, its performance is more than sufficient for general users. The laptop's battery life is also impressive, lasting a full day on a single charge. Overall, the Surface Laptop 4's performance is reliable and efficient, making it a great choice for those who need a hassle-free computing experience. Microsoft Surface Laptop Go 3 might be a smarter choice, offering an upgraded performance.

Battery and Charging

The Microsoft Surface Laptop 4 boasts impressive battery life, lasting several hours on a single charge. The proprietary charging port, while convenient for the device itself, can be inconvenient to use with standard USB-C cables. A full charge takes about an hour and a half, which is relatively quick considering its capacity. Overall, the laptop's power management is reliable and efficient, making it suitable for daily use.

Connectivity

The Microsoft Surface Laptop 4 boasts a solid connectivity setup, featuring two USB-A ports, one USB-C port, and an SD card slot. The laptop also supports Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.0, providing seamless connections to peripherals and online networks. You might want to check out Microsoft Surface Laptop Go, featuring an upgraded connectivity for a superior experience.

Features

The Microsoft Surface Laptop 4 boasts a touchscreen display, facial recognition with Windows Hello, and robust battery life. It also features a solid aluminum build, USB-A ports, and a proprietary charging system. The laptop is powered by Intel Core processors and offers ample storage options. Take a look at Microsoft Surface Laptop 6 - its improved features sets a new standard.

Support and Maintenance

I've had the Microsoft Surface Laptop 4 for a month now. The laptop has been solid with no major issues, but I'm disappointed in the lack of a reliable writing app comparable to Ulysses on Mac. No significant support or maintenance issues have arisen.

FAQ

Compare with other laptops

See how this item stacks up against any other model

Compare laptops
VS

Choose two different items to see a detailed comparison of their specifications, performance, and features