What To Know
- The Surface Laptop Go 2 features a minimalist aesthetic with a brushed aluminum lid and a soft-touch keyboard deck, giving it a premium feel.
- The display is a crucial aspect of any laptop, and both the Surface Laptop Go 2 and the ZenBook 14 deliver impressive visuals.
- Battery life is a crucial factor for ultraportable laptops, and both the Surface Laptop Go 2 and the ZenBook 14 excel in this area.
Choosing the perfect laptop can be a daunting task, especially when you’re looking for a device that balances portability, performance, and affordability. Two popular contenders in the ultraportable arena are the Microsoft Surface Laptop Go 2 and the Asus ZenBook 14. Both laptops offer sleek designs, powerful processors, and impressive battery life, making it difficult to choose between them. This comprehensive comparison will delve into the key features, pros, and cons of each device to help you make an informed decision.
Design and Build Quality
Both the Surface Laptop Go 2 and the ZenBook 14 boast premium designs that exude elegance and sophistication. The Surface Laptop Go 2 features a minimalist aesthetic with a brushed aluminum lid and a soft-touch keyboard deck, giving it a premium feel. The ZenBook 14, on the other hand, flaunts a more distinctive design with its iconic spun-metal lid and a diamond-cut edge.
In terms of build quality, both laptops are built to last. The Surface Laptop Go 2 utilizes a durable magnesium alloy chassis, while the ZenBook 14 sports a robust aluminum construction. Both devices are lightweight and compact, making them ideal for travel.
Display
The display is a crucial aspect of any laptop, and both the Surface Laptop Go 2 and the ZenBook 14 deliver impressive visuals. The Surface Laptop Go 2 features a 12.4-inch PixelSense display with a resolution of 1536 x 1024 pixels. The display offers vibrant colors, sharp text, and wide viewing angles.
The ZenBook 14 comes equipped with a 14-inch Full HD (1920 x 1080) display with a NanoEdge design, maximizing screen real estate. The display boasts a high screen-to-body ratio, providing an immersive viewing experience.
Performance
Both the Surface Laptop Go 2 and the ZenBook 14 are powered by Intel’s 11th generation processors, ensuring smooth performance for everyday tasks and productivity. The Surface Laptop Go 2 offers a range of processor options, including the Intel Core i5-1135G7 and the Intel Core i7-1165G7. The ZenBook 14 also comes with various processor choices, including the Intel Core i5-1135G7 and the Intel Core i7-1165G7.
In terms of RAM and storage, both laptops offer ample options. The Surface Laptop Go 2 comes with up to 16GB of RAM and up to 512GB of SSD storage. The ZenBook 14 also offers up to 16GB of RAM and up to 1TB of SSD storage.
Battery Life
Battery life is a crucial factor for ultraportable laptops, and both the Surface Laptop Go 2 and the ZenBook 14 excel in this area. The Surface Laptop Go 2 boasts an impressive battery life of up to 13 hours, allowing you to work or play for extended periods without worrying about power. The ZenBook 14 also boasts a long battery life, with an estimated runtime of up to 12 hours.
Keyboard and Touchpad
Both laptops feature comfortable keyboards that are responsive and provide a satisfying typing experience. The Surface Laptop Go 2’s keyboard is known for its spacious layout and comfortable key travel. The ZenBook 14’s keyboard is also highly regarded, featuring a backlit design and a comfortable typing experience.
The touchpads on both laptops are smooth and responsive, providing accurate cursor control and support for multi-touch gestures.
Connectivity
Both laptops offer a decent selection of connectivity options. The Surface Laptop Go 2 features two USB-C ports, a USB-A port, a headphone jack, and a Surface Connect port. The ZenBook 14, on the other hand, includes two USB-C ports, one USB-A port, an HDMI port, a microSD card reader, and a headphone jack.
Price
The Surface Laptop Go 2 and the ZenBook 14 are priced competitively, offering value for money. The Surface Laptop Go 2 starts at around $599, while the ZenBook 14 starts at around $799.
Which Laptop is Right for You?
Choosing between the Surface Laptop Go 2 and the ZenBook 14 ultimately depends on your individual needs and preferences.
Consider the Surface Laptop Go 2 if:
- You prioritize a sleek and minimalist design.
- You need a laptop with a long battery life.
- You prefer a comfortable keyboard with a spacious layout.
- You’re on a tighter budget.
Consider the ZenBook 14 if:
- You want a laptop with a distinctive and stylish design.
- You need a laptop with a larger display and a high screen-to-body ratio.
- You prioritize performance and require more storage space.
- You need a laptop with a wider range of connectivity options.
Final Verdict: Beyond the Surface
Both the Microsoft Surface Laptop Go 2 and the Asus ZenBook 14 are excellent ultraportable laptops that offer a compelling combination of portability, performance, and affordability. The Surface Laptop Go 2 excels in its sleek design, long battery life, and comfortable keyboard, while the ZenBook 14 stands out with its distinctive aesthetics, larger display, and powerful performance. Ultimately, the best choice for you will depend on your individual needs and preferences.
What You Need to Know
Q. Which laptop is better for students?
A. Both the Surface Laptop Go 2 and the ZenBook 14 are suitable for students. The Surface Laptop Go 2 is a great option for students who prioritize affordability and battery life. The ZenBook 14 is a good choice for students who need a laptop with a larger display and more powerful performance.
Q. Which laptop is better for professionals?
A. Both laptops are capable of handling professional workloads. The ZenBook 14 might be a better choice for professionals who require more processing power and storage space.
Q. Which laptop is better for everyday use?
A. Both laptops are excellent for everyday use. The Surface Laptop Go 2 is a great option for everyday tasks like web browsing, email, and document editing. The ZenBook 14 is a good choice if you need a laptop for more demanding tasks, such as video editing or gaming.
Q. Which laptop has better build quality?
A. Both laptops are built with durable materials and offer excellent build quality. The Surface Laptop Go 2 utilizes magnesium alloy, while the ZenBook 14 features aluminum construction.
Q. Which laptop has a better display?
A. The ZenBook 14 has a larger display and a higher screen-to-body ratio, providing a more immersive viewing experience. The Surface Laptop Go 2 offers vibrant colors and sharp text but has a smaller display.
