What To Know
- The Surface Laptop 4 features a magnesium and aluminum chassis, available in various vibrant colors, while the MacBook Air is crafted from a unibody aluminum design, renowned for its durability and sleek aesthetics.
- The Surface Laptop 4 runs on Windows 10 or 11, offering a familiar user interface and access to a wide range of software.
- If you prioritize versatility, a vibrant display, and a comprehensive set of ports, the Surface Laptop 4 is an excellent option.
In the realm of premium laptops, the Microsoft Surface Laptop 4 and Apple MacBook Air stand as formidable contenders. Both devices offer sleek designs, powerful performance, and a plethora of features. However, each has its unique strengths and weaknesses that may sway the decision of discerning consumers. In this comprehensive comparison, we delve into the key differences between the Microsoft Surface Laptop 4 and MacBook Air, helping you make an informed choice.
Design and Build Quality
The Surface Laptop 4 and MacBook Air both exude elegance with their thin and lightweight profiles. The Surface Laptop 4 features a magnesium and aluminum chassis, available in various vibrant colors, while the MacBook Air is crafted from a unibody aluminum design, renowned for its durability and sleek aesthetics.
Display
The Surface Laptop 4 boasts a 13.5-inch PixelSense display with a 3:2 aspect ratio, offering ample vertical space for productivity. It supports a resolution of 2256 x 1504 pixels and provides excellent color accuracy and brightness. The MacBook Air features a 13.3-inch Liquid Retina display with a 16:10 aspect ratio, providing a wider viewing angle. It has a resolution of 2560 x 1600 pixels and delivers stunning visuals with vibrant colors and deep blacks.
Performance
Both the Surface Laptop 4 and MacBook Air offer capable performance for everyday tasks and demanding workloads. The Surface Laptop 4 is powered by Intel’s 11th-generation Core i5 or i7 processors, while the MacBook Air utilizes Apple’s M1 chip, renowned for its efficiency and power. In real-world benchmarks, the MacBook Air generally outperforms the Surface Laptop 4, particularly in graphics-intensive applications.
Battery Life
Battery life is a crucial consideration for laptop users. The Surface Laptop 4 offers up to 17 hours of battery life, while the MacBook Air boasts an impressive 18 hours of runtime. Both devices support fast charging, allowing you to quickly replenish their batteries when needed.
Connectivity
The Surface Laptop 4 provides a comprehensive set of ports, including USB-C, USB-A, Surface Connect, and a headphone jack. The MacBook Air offers a more limited selection of ports, featuring two Thunderbolt/USB 4 ports and a headphone jack.
Operating System
The Surface Laptop 4 runs on Windows 10 or 11, offering a familiar user interface and access to a wide range of software. The MacBook Air comes pre-installed with macOS, which provides a seamless and intuitive user experience and boasts a growing app ecosystem.
Price
The Surface Laptop 4 starts at $999, while the MacBook Air starts at $999 as well. The price varies depending on the configuration and storage capacity.
Verdict: Which Laptop is Right for You?
The choice between the Microsoft Surface Laptop 4 and MacBook Air ultimately depends on your individual needs and preferences. If you prioritize versatility, a vibrant display, and a comprehensive set of ports, the Surface Laptop 4 is an excellent option. However, if you seek superior performance, exceptional battery life, and a premium design, the MacBook Air is the ideal choice.
What You Need to Know
1. Which laptop has a better keyboard?
Both the Surface Laptop 4 and MacBook Air offer excellent keyboards with comfortable key travel and responsive feedback. However, some users may prefer the Surface Laptop 4’s Alcantara-covered keyboard, which provides a soft and tactile typing experience.
2. Which laptop has a better trackpad?
The MacBook Air’s Force Touch trackpad is widely regarded as one of the best in the industry, offering precise tracking and a wide range of gesture support. The Surface Laptop 4’s trackpad is also highly responsive, but it may lack the same level of finesse as the MacBook Air’s trackpad.
3. Which laptop is better for gaming?
Neither the Surface Laptop 4 nor the MacBook Air is ideal for gaming due to their integrated graphics. However, the MacBook Air with the M1 chip offers slightly better graphics performance than the Surface Laptop 4, making it a more suitable option for casual gaming.
