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Zenbook vs surface: battle of the best 13-inch laptops for work and play

Overview

  • The ZenBook 13 comes equipped with a variety of features, including a backlit keyboard, a fingerprint sensor, and a Thunderbolt 4 port for high-speed data transfer.
  • The Surface Laptop 4 offers a similar set of features, including a backlit keyboard, a fingerprint sensor, and a Thunderbolt 4 port.
  • The ASUS ZenBook 13 has a longer battery life of up to 14 hours compared to the Surface Laptop 4’s 17 hours.

In the realm of ultraportable laptops, two titans stand tall: the ASUS ZenBook 13 and the Microsoft Surface Laptop 4. Both devices boast sleek designs, powerful performance, and premium features, making them formidable contenders for professionals and students alike. But which one reigns supreme?

Design and Build Quality

ASUS ZenBook 13: With its ultra-thin profile and featherweight construction, the ZenBook 13 exudes sophistication. Its all-aluminum chassis is both durable and stylish, featuring a distinctive concentric-circle pattern on the lid. The ErgoLift hinge elevates the keyboard for a more ergonomic typing experience.

Microsoft Surface Laptop 4: Crafted from premium aluminum, the Surface Laptop 4 combines elegance and durability. Its signature 3:2 aspect ratio screen provides ample vertical space for productivity tasks. The Alcantara fabric keyboard deck offers a soft and comfortable typing experience.

Display

ASUS ZenBook 13: The ZenBook 13 boasts a 13.3-inch OLED display with a stunning resolution of 2880 x 1800 pixels. Its vibrant colors, deep blacks, and wide viewing angles make it ideal for multimedia consumption and creative work.

Microsoft Surface Laptop 4: The Surface Laptop 4 offers a 13.5-inch PixelSense touchscreen with a resolution of 2256 x 1504 pixels. Its high contrast ratio and accurate color reproduction deliver sharp and vivid visuals. The touchscreen adds versatility, allowing for intuitive navigation.

Performance

ASUS ZenBook 13: Powered by Intel’s 11th-generation Core i5 or i7 processors, the ZenBook 13 delivers solid performance for everyday tasks and demanding applications. Its 8GB or 16GB of RAM ensures smooth multitasking.

Microsoft Surface Laptop 4: Equipped with Intel’s 11th-generation Core i5 or i7 processors, the Surface Laptop 4 offers comparable performance to the ZenBook 13. Its 8GB or 16GB of RAM and optional discrete NVIDIA GeForce graphics card provide additional horsepower for graphics-intensive tasks.

Battery Life

ASUS ZenBook 13: With its 67Wh battery, the ZenBook 13 offers up to 14 hours of battery life on a single charge. Its fast-charging capabilities allow it to reach 60% capacity in just 49 minutes.

Microsoft Surface Laptop 4: The Surface Laptop 4 features a 57Wh battery, which provides up to 17 hours of battery life. Its fast-charging capabilities allow it to reach 80% capacity in just one hour.

Features

ASUS ZenBook 13: The ZenBook 13 comes equipped with a variety of features, including a backlit keyboard, a fingerprint sensor, and a Thunderbolt 4 port for high-speed data transfer. It also supports Wi-Fi 6 for fast and reliable wireless connectivity.

Microsoft Surface Laptop 4: The Surface Laptop 4 offers a similar set of features, including a backlit keyboard, a fingerprint sensor, and a Thunderbolt 4 port. It also supports Wi-Fi 6 and has a built-in microphone array for clear audio during video calls.

Price

ASUS ZenBook 13: The ASUS ZenBook 13 starts at $999 for the base model with an Intel Core i5 processor and 8GB of RAM.

Microsoft Surface Laptop 4: The Microsoft Surface Laptop 4 starts at $999 for the base model with an Intel Core i5 processor and 8GB of RAM.

The Verdict: Which Is Right for You?

Both the ASUS ZenBook 13 and the Microsoft Surface Laptop 4 are exceptional ultraportable laptops with their own unique strengths.

Choose the ASUS ZenBook 13 if:

  • You prioritize a stunning OLED display.
  • You prefer a lightweight and compact design.
  • You want a longer battery life.

Choose the Microsoft Surface Laptop 4 if:

  • You value a versatile touchscreen display.
  • You need additional graphics performance.
  • You prefer a slightly larger screen size.

Ultimately, the best choice between the ASUS ZenBook 13 and the Microsoft Surface Laptop 4 depends on your individual needs and preferences.

Questions We Hear a Lot

Q: Which laptop has a better processor?
A: Both the ASUS ZenBook 13 and the Microsoft Surface Laptop 4 offer comparable performance with their Intel 11th-generation Core i5 or i7 processors.

Q: Which laptop is more portable?
A: The ASUS ZenBook 13 is slightly more portable due to its lighter weight and thinner profile.

Q: Which laptop has a longer battery life?
A: The ASUS ZenBook 13 has a longer battery life of up to 14 hours compared to the Surface Laptop 4’s 17 hours.

Q: Which laptop has a better display?
A: The ASUS ZenBook 13 features a stunning OLED display with vibrant colors and deep blacks, while the Microsoft Surface Laptop 4 has a high-quality PixelSense touchscreen display.

Q: Which laptop is better for students?
A: Both laptops are suitable for students, but the Surface Laptop 4’s touchscreen display and longer battery life may be more advantageous for note-taking and extended study sessions.

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About the Author
My name is Michael, and I am passionate about all things laptops. With years of experience as a technology journalist and reviewer, I have an in-depth understanding of the latest and greatest laptops on the market.