What To Know
- The Latitude 5285, while still relatively lightweight, is slightly thicker and heavier, making it a more suitable option for those who prioritize a more robust and durable device.
- The Dell Latitude 5285 is available with a range of Intel Core i5 and i7 processors, paired with up to 16GB of RAM and 1TB of SSD storage.
- The Surface Pro 5’s performance is comparable to the Latitude 5285, making it a suitable option for professionals who require a powerful and responsive device for their daily workflows.
Choosing the perfect 2-in-1 laptop can be a daunting task, especially when faced with powerful contenders like the Dell Latitude 5285 and the Surface Pro 5. Both devices offer a blend of portability, performance, and versatility, making them ideal for professionals and students alike. But which one comes out on top? This in-depth comparison will dissect the key features, strengths, and weaknesses of each device to help you make an informed decision.
Design and Portability: A Battle of Aesthetics and Versatility
The Dell Latitude 5285 and Surface Pro 5 boast distinct design languages that cater to different preferences. The Latitude 5285 adopts a more traditional laptop-like design with a sturdy, angular chassis. Its black color scheme and subtle branding give it a professional and understated look. The Surface Pro 5, on the other hand, embraces a sleek and minimalist aesthetic with its silver-colored magnesium alloy body. Its thin and light design, combined with the detachable keyboard, makes it incredibly portable and stylish.
In terms of portability, the Surface Pro 5 edges out the Latitude 5285. Its smaller footprint and lighter weight make it easier to carry around, making it a better choice for frequent travelers or those who need a highly mobile device. The Latitude 5285, while still relatively lightweight, is slightly thicker and heavier, making it a more suitable option for those who prioritize a more robust and durable device.
Display: Vivid Colors and Sharp Details
Both the Dell Latitude 5285 and Surface Pro 5 offer impressive displays that deliver vibrant colors and sharp details. The Latitude 5285 features a 12.5-inch Full HD (1920 x 1080) display with a glossy finish. While not as high-resolution as the Surface Pro 5, the Latitude 5285’s display provides ample screen real estate for productivity tasks and multimedia consumption.
The Surface Pro 5 boasts a 12.3-inch PixelSense display with a resolution of 2736 x 1824, offering a significantly higher pixel density. This translates to sharper text, more vibrant colors, and a more immersive viewing experience. The Surface Pro 5’s display also supports pen input, making it ideal for creative professionals and artists.
Performance: Powering Through Demanding Tasks
Under the hood, both devices pack powerful processors capable of handling demanding tasks. The Dell Latitude 5285 is available with a range of Intel Core i5 and i7 processors, paired with up to 16GB of RAM and 1TB of SSD storage. This configuration ensures smooth performance for multitasking, demanding software, and even light gaming.
The Surface Pro 5 is also powered by Intel Core i5 and i7 processors, with up to 16GB of RAM and 1TB of SSD storage. The Surface Pro 5’s performance is comparable to the Latitude 5285, making it a suitable option for professionals who require a powerful and responsive device for their daily workflows.
Keyboard and Touchpad: Comfort and Precision
The keyboard experience is a crucial factor in determining the overall usability of a 2-in-1 device. Both the Dell Latitude 5285 and Surface Pro 5 offer comfortable and responsive keyboards. The Latitude 5285’s keyboard features a standard layout with a comfortable key travel and a responsive feel. It also includes a dedicated numeric keypad, which can be a valuable asset for users who frequently work with numbers.
The Surface Pro 5’s keyboard is a detachable accessory that connects magnetically to the tablet. While it offers a comfortable typing experience, the keys are slightly shallower than the Latitude 5285’s keyboard. The Surface Pro 5’s keyboard also lacks a dedicated numeric keypad, which may be a drawback for some users.
Both devices feature responsive touchpads that provide accurate cursor control and support multi-touch gestures. The Latitude 5285’s touchpad is slightly larger than the Surface Pro 5’s, offering a more comfortable and spacious input area.
Battery Life: Staying Productive on the Go
Battery life is a critical consideration for mobile devices. Both the Dell Latitude 5285 and Surface Pro 5 offer respectable battery life that can easily last through a full workday. The Latitude 5285 boasts an impressive battery life of up to 10 hours, making it a reliable companion for extended work sessions or travel.
The Surface Pro 5’s battery life is slightly shorter, lasting up to 9 hours on a single charge. However, this is still sufficient for most users’ daily needs. Both devices support fast charging, allowing you to quickly top up the battery when needed.
Connectivity: Staying Connected Wherever You Go
Both the Dell Latitude 5285 and Surface Pro 5 offer a comprehensive set of connectivity options to keep you connected wherever you go. The Latitude 5285 includes a variety of ports, including USB Type-C, HDMI, and a microSD card slot. It also supports Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.0 for seamless wireless connectivity.
The Surface Pro 5 also features a USB Type-C port, a Surface Connect port for charging and docking, and a microSD card slot. It supports Wi-Fi 5 and Bluetooth 4.2 for wireless connectivity.
Price: Finding the Best Value for Your Money
The Dell Latitude 5285 and Surface Pro 5 are both priced in the premium range, reflecting their high-quality components and features. However, the Latitude 5285 is generally more affordable than the Surface Pro 5, making it a more budget-friendly option for those who prioritize value for money.
Wrap-Up: Choosing the Right Device for Your Needs
The Dell Latitude 5285 and Surface Pro 5 are both exceptional 2-in-1 devices that offer a compelling blend of portability, performance, and versatility. The Latitude 5285 excels in its robust design, longer battery life, and more affordable price point. It’s a great option for professionals who prioritize durability, productivity, and value.
The Surface Pro 5, on the other hand, shines with its sleek design, stunning display, and pen input capabilities. It’s an ideal choice for creative professionals, artists, and anyone who values a premium and stylish device.
Ultimately, the best choice for you depends on your individual needs and priorities. If you prioritize portability, a stunning display, and pen input, the Surface Pro 5 is the way to go. If you value durability, longer battery life, and a more affordable price point, the Dell Latitude 5285 is a compelling option.
Answers to Your Questions
Q: Which device is better for creative professionals?
A: The Surface Pro 5 is a better choice for creative professionals due to its stunning PixelSense display and support for pen input.
Q: Which device is more durable?
A: The Dell Latitude 5285 is more durable due to its robust and angular chassis.
Q: Which device offers better battery life?
A: The Dell Latitude 5285 offers a longer battery life of up to 10 hours compared to the Surface Pro 5’s 9 hours.
Q: Which device is more affordable?
A: The Dell Latitude 5285 is generally more affordable than the Surface Pro 5.
Q: Which device is better for students?
A: Both devices are suitable for students, but the Surface Pro 5’s pen input capability makes it a more appealing choice for students who need to take notes or draw.
