What To Know
- The Surface Laptop 5 comes equipped with either a Core i5-1235U or a Core i7-1255U processor, along with up to 16GB of RAM and 1TB of SSD storage.
- The XPS 13 Plus also offers a range of processor options, including the Core i5-1240P and Core i7-1260P, with up to 32GB of RAM and 2TB of SSD storage.
- The Surface Laptop 5 boasts up to 17 hours of battery life on a single charge, while the XPS 13 Plus claims up to 12 hours.
Choosing the right laptop can be a daunting task, especially when you’re looking at the top tier of premium devices. Two contenders that consistently rise to the top are the Microsoft Surface Laptop 5 and the **Dell XPS 13 Plus**. Both offer sleek designs, powerful performance, and impressive displays. But which one comes out on top? Let’s delve into a detailed comparison to help you make the best decision for your needs.
Design and Build Quality
Both the Surface Laptop 5 and the XPS 13 Plus prioritize sleek aesthetics and premium build quality. The Surface Laptop 5 boasts a classic, minimalist design with a metal unibody construction and a soft-touch finish. It’s available in a range of elegant colors, including Platinum, Sage, and Sandstone.
The XPS 13 Plus takes a more futuristic approach. It features an edge-to-edge display with minimal bezels, a haptic touchpad, and a unique, minimalist keyboard with integrated function keys. The XPS 13 Plus comes in two color options: Platinum and Graphite.
Verdict: The Surface Laptop 5 offers a more traditional and versatile design, while the XPS 13 Plus opts for a bolder, more modern aesthetic. Both are exceptionally well-built and feel premium in hand.
Display
Both laptops offer stunning displays that are perfect for work, entertainment, and creative tasks. The Surface Laptop 5 features a 13.5-inch PixelSense display with a resolution of 2256 x 1504 pixels and a 3:2 aspect ratio. This display offers vibrant colors, sharp details, and excellent viewing angles.
The XPS 13 Plus comes with a 13.4-inch OLED display with a resolution of 3840 x 2400 pixels. This display boasts deeper blacks, higher contrast, and wider color gamuts than the Surface Laptop 5.
Verdict: The XPS 13 Plus takes the lead in terms of display quality, offering a more immersive and vibrant visual experience. However, the Surface Laptop 5’s display still delivers excellent performance for most users.
Performance
Both laptops offer powerful performance thanks to their 12th Gen Intel Core processors. The Surface Laptop 5 comes equipped with either a Core i5-1235U or a Core i7-1255U processor, along with up to 16GB of RAM and 1TB of SSD storage.
The XPS 13 Plus also offers a range of processor options, including the Core i5-1240P and Core i7-1260P, with up to 32GB of RAM and 2TB of SSD storage. This gives the XPS 13 Plus a slight edge in terms of raw processing power.
Verdict: The XPS 13 Plus offers slightly better performance, especially with the higher-end processor options. However, the Surface Laptop 5 still provides ample power for everyday tasks and productivity.
Keyboard and Touchpad
The Surface Laptop 5 features a comfortable, spacious keyboard with a familiar layout and a satisfying keystroke. The touchpad is smooth and responsive, offering accurate multi-touch gestures.
The XPS 13 Plus takes a more radical approach with its keyboard. It features a minimalist design with integrated function keys and a haptic touchpad. The keyboard requires some adjustment, as the keys are smaller and the feedback is more tactile. The haptic touchpad offers a unique experience, but it may not be to everyone’s liking.
Verdict: The Surface Laptop 5 offers a more traditional and comfortable keyboard and touchpad experience. The XPS 13 Plus’s innovative approach may appeal to some, but it may require a period of adjustment.
Battery Life
Both laptops offer impressive battery life, making them suitable for all-day use. The Surface Laptop 5 boasts up to 17 hours of battery life on a single charge, while the XPS 13 Plus claims up to 12 hours.
Verdict: The Surface Laptop 5 has a slight edge in terms of battery life, offering a longer runtime than the XPS 13 Plus.
Ports and Connectivity
The Surface Laptop 5 offers a decent selection of ports, including two USB-C ports with Thunderbolt 4 support, a USB-A port, and a headphone jack.
The XPS 13 Plus takes a minimalist approach to ports, offering only two Thunderbolt 4 ports and a microSD card slot. It lacks a dedicated headphone jack, requiring the use of a USB-C adapter.
Verdict: The Surface Laptop 5 offers a more practical selection of ports for everyday use. The XPS 13 Plus’s minimalist approach may be inconvenient for some users.
Price and Value
The Surface Laptop 5 starts at $1,000, while the XPS 13 Plus starts at $1,200. Both laptops offer different configurations and features, so the price can vary depending on your specific needs.
Verdict: The Surface Laptop 5 offers a more affordable starting price compared to the XPS 13 Plus. However, the XPS 13 Plus offers more powerful configurations and a premium display.
The Final Verdict: Which Laptop is Right for You?
Both the Microsoft Surface Laptop 5 and the Dell XPS 13 Plus are excellent premium laptops with their own strengths and weaknesses.
The Surface Laptop 5 is an excellent choice for users who prioritize a classic design, comfortable keyboard, and long battery life. It’s a versatile laptop that’s suitable for everyday tasks, productivity, and casual entertainment.
The XPS 13 Plus is a better choice for users who value a futuristic design, a vibrant OLED display, and powerful performance. It’s a more premium and feature-rich laptop that’s ideal for demanding tasks, creative work, and multimedia consumption.
Ultimately, the best laptop for you depends on your individual needs and preferences. Consider your budget, your preferred design aesthetics, and the specific features that are most important to you.
Beyond the Comparison: A Look at the Future
Both the Surface Laptop 5 and the XPS 13 Plus are constantly evolving. Microsoft and Dell are known for their commitment to innovation, and we can expect future iterations to bring even more impressive features and enhancements. Keep an eye out for updates to these laptops, including potential upgrades to processors, displays, and other key components.
Basics You Wanted To Know
Q: Which laptop is better for students?
A: Both laptops are suitable for students, but the Surface Laptop 5 might be a better choice for its more affordable starting price and longer battery life.
Q: Which laptop is better for creative professionals?
A: The XPS 13 Plus offers a better display for creative work, with its vibrant colors and high resolution. However, the Surface Laptop 5 also delivers excellent performance for most creative tasks.
Q: Which laptop is better for everyday use?
A: The Surface Laptop 5 is a more versatile and user-friendly option for everyday use, thanks to its comfortable keyboard, long battery life, and practical selection of ports.
Q: Are there any other alternatives to consider?
A: Yes, there are other excellent premium laptops available, such as the MacBook Air, the HP Spectre x360, and the Lenovo Yoga 9i.
Q: When will the next generation of these laptops be released?
A: Microsoft and Dell typically release new generations of their laptops every year or two. Keep an eye out for announcements and updates from both companies.
