What To Know
- While both laptops offer premium designs, the Surface Laptop 4 has a slimmer profile and a wider range of color options.
- The Surface Laptop 4 is the newer and more expensive option, but it offers better performance and features.
- The decision between the Surface Laptop 4 and Surface Laptop 3 depends on your individual needs and budget.
The Microsoft Surface Laptop series has consistently impressed with its sleek designs, powerful performance, and versatile functionality. With the release of the Surface Laptop 4, the question arises: how does it stack up against its predecessor, the Surface Laptop 3? This comprehensive comparison will delve into the key differences and similarities between the two devices, helping you make an informed decision about which one is right for you.
Design and Display
Surface Laptop 4:
- Retains the iconic aluminum unibody design with a platinum finish
- Slightly thinner (0.57 inches) and lighter (2.79 pounds) than the Laptop 3
- 13.5-inch or 15-inch PixelSense display with a 3:2 aspect ratio
Surface Laptop 3:
- Also features an aluminum unibody design, available in various colors
- Thicker (0.59 inches) and slightly heavier (2.89 pounds)
- 13.5-inch or 15-inch PixelSense display with a 3:2 aspect ratio
Verdict: While both laptops offer premium designs, the Surface Laptop 4 has a slimmer profile and a wider range of color options.
Performance and Hardware
Surface Laptop 4:
- Powered by Intel 11th-generation Core i5 or i7 processors
- Integrated Intel Iris Xe graphics
- Up to 32GB of RAM and 1TB of SSD storage
- Thunderbolt 4 ports for fast data transfer
Surface Laptop 3:
- Equipped with Intel 10th-generation Core i5 or i7 processors
- Integrated Intel Iris Plus graphics
- Up to 16GB of RAM and 1TB of SSD storage
- USB-C ports with Thunderbolt 3 support
Verdict: The Surface Laptop 4 offers a significant performance boost thanks to its newer processor and improved graphics capabilities. It also provides more RAM and storage options.
Battery Life and Connectivity
Surface Laptop 4:
- Up to 19 hours of battery life on the 13.5-inch model and 17 hours on the 15-inch model
- Supports Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.1
- Optional LTE connectivity
Surface Laptop 3:
- Up to 11.5 hours of battery life on the 13.5-inch model and 10.5 hours on the 15-inch model
- Supports Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.0
- No built-in LTE connectivity
Verdict: The Surface Laptop 4 has a clear advantage in terms of battery life. It also offers faster wireless connectivity and the option for LTE.
Keyboard and Touchpad
Surface Laptop 4:
- Features the same comfortable backlit keyboard as the Laptop 3
- Improved Precision Touchpad with a larger surface area and smoother gliding
Surface Laptop 3:
- Also has a backlit keyboard with a comfortable typing experience
- Precision Touchpad with a smaller surface area and good responsiveness
Verdict: Both laptops provide excellent typing and touchpad experiences, but the Surface Laptop 4 has a slightly larger touchpad.
Operating System and Software
Surface Laptop 4:
- Pre-installed with Windows 10 Home or Pro
- Supports Windows 11 upgrade
- Includes the latest Microsoft Surface drivers and software
Surface Laptop 3:
- Pre-installed with Windows 10 Home or Pro
- Supports Windows 11 upgrade
- Also includes Microsoft Surface drivers and software
Verdict: Both laptops offer the same software experience and support the latest Windows updates.
Price and Availability
Surface Laptop 4:
- Starts at $999.99 for the 13.5-inch model and $1,299.99 for the 15-inch model
- Available in various configurations and colors
Surface Laptop 3:
- Discontinued, but still available through third-party retailers
- Priced around $899.99 for the 13.5-inch model and $1,199.99 for the 15-inch model
Verdict: The Surface Laptop 4 is the newer and more expensive option, but it offers better performance and features.
Which One Should You Choose?
The decision between the Surface Laptop 4 and Surface Laptop 3 depends on your individual needs and budget.
Choose the Surface Laptop 4 if:
- You want the latest and greatest performance
- You need a long battery life
- You prefer a slimmer design and more color options
Choose the Surface Laptop 3 if:
- You’re on a budget
- You don’t need the latest hardware
- You prefer a more traditional design
Common Questions and Answers
Q: Is the Surface Laptop 4 worth the upgrade from the Surface Laptop 3?
A: Yes, if you value performance, battery life, and design improvements.
Q: Which laptop has a better display?
A: Both laptops have excellent PixelSense displays, but the Surface Laptop 4 has a slightly higher resolution and contrast ratio.
Q: Can I use the Surface Pen with both laptops?
A: Yes, both laptops support the Surface Pen for note-taking and drawing.
Q: Which laptop is better for gaming?
A: Neither laptop is specifically designed for gaming, but the Surface Laptop 4 with its improved graphics capabilities will perform slightly better in some games.
Q: Does the Surface Laptop 4 come with a fingerprint scanner?
A: No, neither the Surface Laptop 4 nor the Surface Laptop 3 has a built-in fingerprint scanner.
