Microsoft Surface Laptop 5 review
The Microsoft Microsoft Surface Laptop 5 ranks as the #422 laptops globally, achieving a LibraScore of 73. Across all metrics, this product stands out most for its #592-ranked features among 642 laptops. Consider the LG gram 14 or Lenovo IdeaPad Gaming 3i, which offer higher scores while staying in the same price range.
Is it Worth it?
The Microsoft Surface Laptop 5 is a premium laptop that delivers on-the-go productivity with its small size and lightweight design. While it excels in this area, the limited port options may be a drawback for some users. The screen, however, is fantastic with no detectable pixels, but its non-standard aspect ratio may not be ideal for all users. The laptop's performance is solid, thanks to the 12th generation Intel Core i5 or i7 EVO processor and integrated Intel Iris Xe graphics. Overall, this laptop is worth considering for office workers and students who prioritize productivity on-the-go, but may not be the best fit for gamers or creators with demanding needs.
Build
The Microsoft Surface Laptop 5 boasts an all-aluminum case, reminiscent of the MacBook. Its small size (under 3 pounds) is perfect for on-the-go productivity, fitting easily in a standard backpack. However, this compact design can lead to strain from prolonged use. The laptop's ports are limited, with only USB-A and Thunderbolt options available. The Surface Connect port is proprietary, which might be a drawback. The aluminum case provides a premium feel, but the lack of customization options for the build may be a letdown for some users. Overall, the build quality is solid, if not spectacular. If you’re after a better build, Microsoft Surface Laptop 4 could be the ideal option.
Display
The Microsoft Surface Laptop 5 boasts a stunning 13.5-inch display that's perfect for productivity. The screen resolution is crisp and clear, with minimal pixelation noticeable to the naked eye. However, it does feature a non-standard aspect ratio of 3:2, which may result in black bars when watching videos or browsing websites not optimized for this format. On the plus side, the display offers additional vertical space ideal for tasks like composing documents or working on spreadsheets. The touch screen is also a great feature, allowing for intuitive navigation and interaction. Overall, the display is a highlight of the Surface Laptop 5. Microsoft Surface Laptop 6 might be a smarter choice, offering an upgraded display.
Performance
The Surface Laptop 5 is powered by a 12th generation Intel Core i5 or i7 EVO processor, which balances battery life with performance. This makes it ideal for on-the-go productivity tasks such as Microsoft Office, web browsing, and email writing. It can also handle light gaming and video editing, but may struggle with demanding applications like AAA titles and heavy video editing. The Intel Iris Xe graphics integrated into the CPU are sufficient for everyday tasks, but not suited for intense gaming or graphics work. Overall, the performance of the Surface Laptop 5 is solid, making it a great choice for office workers and students who need to stay productive on the go. For an improved performance, Lenovo ThinkBook Plus Gen 3 is worth considering.
Battery and Charging
The Surface Laptop 5 offers impressive battery life and charging capabilities. The laptop is equipped with a 12th generation Intel Core i5 or i7 EVO processor, which balances battery life with performance. A full charge can last up to several hours of productivity, making it perfect for on-the-go work sessions. With rapid charging, you can get back to work quickly, even when time is of the essence.
Connectivity
The Microsoft Surface Laptop 5 boasts an all-aluminum case with a premium feel. Ports are somewhat limited, but the USB-C/Thunderbolt port allows for charging, data transfer, and external monitor connection. A 3.5mm headphone jack is also present. The proprietary Surface Connect port can charge the laptop or connect to the docking station, but would benefit from a move to USB-C for added versatility. Take a look at Microsoft Surface Pro 8 - its improved connectivity sets a new standard.
Features
The Microsoft Surface Laptop 5 boasts an all-aluminum case, weighing just under three pounds. It has a 13.5-inch touchscreen with a non-standard aspect ratio, offering extra vertical space for productivity. Ports include USB-A, USB-C/Thunderbolt, and a headphone jack. The laptop features a 12th gen Intel Core i5 or i7 EVO processor, up to 32GB RAM, and storage options up to 1TB. If you're after top-notch features, consider Microsoft Surface Pro 11.
Support and Maintenance
The Surface Laptop 5 offers good support with Microsoft's willingness to send a free loaner unit for testing purposes. The laptop also comes with a comprehensive warranty and safety information, ensuring users receive necessary assistance. However, no mention is made of dedicated maintenance or repair options beyond the standard manufacturer guarantee.
Pros
1. It has an all-aluminum case, which reminds me a little bit of the MacBook.
2. The laptop itself is very small and lightweight, coming in right under three pounds.
3. This is really perfect for on-the-go productivity, so say you're an office worker going off to a meeting or maybe you're a student going to work on a class project.
4. The screen looks fantastic. You can't detect any of the pixels.
5. The laptop has a touch screen, and I frequently find myself reaching to the screen to move around.
6. You have two microphones, so you would expect them to be pretty good.
7. It includes integrated speakers, and at least when I played some videos it sounded like it had some good volume and the quality was decent for speakers in a laptop.
8. Windows 11 is a pretty decent and solid operating system.
Cons
1. The processor can probably not take care of playing triple A titles with high frame rates or doing heavy video editing or maybe even fluid simulations.
2. It uses an Intel Iris Xe graphics card, which handles things like productivity software, web browsing, or watching videos well, but may not be the best for heavy gaming or video editing.
3. The memory and storage space options may be limited for those who want more.
4. You can't get a better resolution webcam on this laptop, especially with working from home in mind.
5. The keyboard felt good to type on, but there's no mention of any specific features it has over other keyboards.
6. It depends on what type of user you are - office worker or student may find it suitable, but gamers and creators may not.
7. The price ranges between $900 up to $2,160 depending on how you customize the machine, which might be a bit steep for some users.
8. There's no mention of any specific features that make this laptop stand out from others in its class.
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