Surface Pro vs. Surface Laptop: Which One Is Right for You?
It’s no secret that Microsoft’s Surface line is known for being innovative and flexible in the fast-paced world of technology. On the other hand, the Surface Pro and Surface Laptop are both ideal devices, so it can be hard to choose between them. It’s like picking your favourite star from a bright constellation. You can be creative and desire the flexibility of a tablet, or you can be good at multiple tasks at once and want the dependability of a traditional laptop. Come with us on a journey through the stars to learn more about the Surface Pro and Surface Laptop and decide which will be your best digital companion.
Surface Pro vs. Surface Laptop: Key Differences
Here are some major differences between Surface Pro and Surface Laptop:
Form factor
The Surface Pro is a 2-in-1 device that can operate as a tablet or laptop. The keyboard and base can be removed so that you can use them differently.
The Surface Laptop is a regular laptop in a shell that has a keyboard built in.
Display
PixelSense touchscreens are in the Surface Pro and the Surface Laptop, but the Surface Pro’s screen is slightly bigger. The Surface Laptop 5 has a 13.5-inch or 15-inch screen, while the Surface Pro 9 has a 13-inch screen.
Performance
The Intel Core i5 and i7 processors in the Surface Pro and Surface Laptop give you a choice of different speed levels. Due to its larger chassis and better cooling, the Surface Laptop usually works faster than the Surface Pro.
Ports
Surface Pro doesn’t have as many ports as Surface Laptop. Compared to the Surface Laptop, the Surface Pro has one Thunderbolt 4 port, one USB-C port, and a headphone jack.
Battery life
The Surface Pro and Surface Laptop have batteries lasting up to 19 hours of video playback. However, the Surface Laptop may have a longer battery life because its engine is more efficient.
Price
Starting at about $999, the Surface Pro and the Surface Laptop are the same price. Most of the time, though, the Surface Laptop is a better deal because it has more ports and faster speed.
| Feature | Surface Pro | Surface Laptop |
| Display | 13-inch PixelSense touchscreen | 13.5-inch or 15-inch PixelSense touchscreen |
| Form factor | 2-in-1 | Clamshell laptop |
| Battery life | Up to 19 hours of video playback | Up to 19 hours of video playback |
| Performance | Intel Core i5 or i7 processor | Intel Core i5 or i7 processor |
| Ports | 2 Thunderbolt 4 ports | 1 Thunderbolt 4 port, 1 USB-C port, and a headphone jack |
| Price | Starting at $999 | Starting at $999 |
Comparison of the Surface Pro and Surface Laptop
Form Factor and Design
Surface Pro: The Surface Pro is a 2-in-1 device which can be used as a tablet or a laptop by replacing the keyboard cover. It’s portable and can be used in many different ways, making it perfect for workers and artists who are always on the go.
Surface Laptop: The Surface Laptop is a regular laptop with a hinged design. It looks like a more typical laptop, with a keyboard that stays in place and a touchscreen. The Surface Laptop is designed to be as sleek and stylish as possible, focusing on making work easy.
How well it works
Surface Pro: Most versions of the Surface Pro come with Intel Core processors, which speed up everyday tasks and even some light gaming. The power of specialized laptops or PCs might not be as good.
Surface Laptop: Most Surface Laptops have faster processors and graphics choices that are just for them. Because of this, they work better for jobs that need more power, like editing videos and playing games.
Portability
Surface Pro: The Surface Pro is light and easy to carry around. It’s great for people who are always on the go and need a device that is small enough to carry around.
Surface Laptop: The Surface Laptop is not as small as the Surface Pro but still very portable. People who want a more standard laptop experience without giving up too much flexibility should get this one.
How Long the Battery Lasts
Surface Pro: The Surface Pro’s battery life can change based on the model and how it’s used, but it usually lasts between 6 and 10 hours, which is good for a 2-in-1 device.
Surface Laptop: Compared to the Surface Pro, the Surface Laptop’s battery life usually lasts longer than 10 hours on a single charge with most models. So you can work all day without carrying around a charger, which makes them better.
Accessories and Expandability
Surface Pro: The Type Cover keyboard, the Surface Pen for digital drawing and different docking options are just a few of the devices that work well with the Surface Pro. It works well in a lot of different situations.
Surface Laptop: You can add separate devices to the Surface Laptop, but it’s not as flexible as the Surface Pro. It’s more efficient and made for how laptops are usually used.
Price
Surface Pro: In general, the base model of the Surface Pro costs less than the base model of the Surface Laptop. On the other hand, things like the Type Cover and Surface Pen can make the price gap smaller.
Surface Laptop: Surface Laptops are more expensive, especially if you want a more high-end model with stronger tech.
Which device is right for you?
The final decision between the Surface Pro and the Surface Laptop comes from your needs and preferences. The Surface Pro is better if you want a flexible, movable device that can easily switch between tablet and laptop modes. People who like the freedom of digital inking, students, and workers who are always on the go can all use it.
On the other hand, the Surface Laptop is the best choice if you want strong speed, a standard laptop shape, and a bigger screen that doesn’t let you touch it. This is the best choice for people who value work and fun over versatility because it’s designed for jobs requiring much computing power. Your needs, whether for work or entertainment, and your budget should help you choose.
Factors to Consider When Choosing Between Surface Pro and Surface Laptop
There are a few crucial elements to think about when choosing between a Surface Pro and a Surface Laptop:
- Type: Figure out whether you want a 2-in-1 device (Surface Pro) with a keyboard that can be detached and tablet features (Surface Laptop) or a regular folding laptop (Surface Pro).
- Portability: If you’re frequently on the go, the Surface Pro might be a better choice because it’s small and easy to carry around. The Surface Laptop is still portable if you don’t mind a slightly heavy device and a bigger screen.
- Performance Needs: Think about what you need from your computer. The higher-end versions of the Surface Laptop might be better if you need a powerful machine for jobs like video editing, playing games, or modelling in 3D. The Surface Pro can be enough for normal chores and light creative work.
- Display Preferences: Think about what kind of touch control and screen size you want. The tablet on the Surface Pro is smaller, which is great for digital drawing and touching. Surface Laptops have bigger screens that don’t let you touch them, so they feel more like regular laptops.
- Keyboard and Typing Experience: Evaluate how easily you are working. The Type Cover for the Surface Pro makes typing a unique experience. The keyboard for the Surface Laptop is more like a normal laptop keyboard. Your working style can have a big effect on your choice.
- Price range: Look at the prices of the Surface Pro and Surface Laptop types, with any extras like the Type Cover for the Surface Pro considered. Determine what you can afford without giving up on your most important needs.
- Specific Use Cases: Think about the exact things you want to do. Do you need a force for tough tasks? Are you a student, a worker who needs to move around, an artist, or someone else? Think about how you will use your choice most often.
- Operating System: Both run Windows 10 or later, but the Surface Pro may be better if you frequently use apps and connections that depend on touch.
- Longevity and Future-Proofing: Consider how your requirements may evolve. You can make your device last longer if you buy a more powerful one like the Surface Laptop.
- Your personal preferences: Finally, think about what you want and what feels right. Find a place to try out both gadgets in person to see which one you like better and which is easier to use.
Ultimately, your choice should be based on your particular requirements, budget, and personal preferences. What makes one device better than the other? It depends on your needs. The Surface Pro is a good choice if you want portability and flexibility. If you wish to high speed and a standard laptop experience, the Surface Laptop is a better choice.
