What to know
- The Surface Laptop Go 2 offers up to 13 hours of battery life on a single charge, while the Pavilion x360 lasts up to 10 hours.
- The Microsoft Surface Laptop Go 2 emerges as the superior choice for users seeking a premium and versatile convertible laptop with exceptional performance and display quality.
- Both laptops are suitable for online classes, but the Surface Laptop Go 2’s longer battery life and superior display quality make it a more compelling choice for extended use.
In the realm of convertible laptops, two prominent contenders emerge: the Microsoft Surface Laptop Go 2 and the HP Pavilion x360. Both devices offer a blend of portability, versatility, and performance, making them ideal for students, professionals, and anyone seeking a flexible computing experience. However, discerning the subtle differences between these two exceptional laptops is crucial to making an informed purchase decision.
Design and Build Quality
The Surface Laptop Go 2 boasts a sleek and minimalist design, with a lightweight aluminum chassis that exudes premium craftsmanship. Its compact size makes it highly portable, while the sturdy construction ensures durability.
The Pavilion x360, on the other hand, offers a more traditional convertible design with a 360-degree hinge. Its plastic chassis feels less premium than the Surface Laptop Go 2, but it provides ample flexibility for various usage scenarios.
Display
Both laptops feature 12.4-inch touchscreen displays with a 3:2 aspect ratio, providing ample vertical space for productivity tasks. However, the Surface Laptop Go 2’s PixelSense display offers superior color accuracy and brightness, making it ideal for content creation and media consumption.
The Pavilion x360’s display, while not as vibrant, still delivers acceptable image quality for everyday use. Its touch sensitivity and pen support are on par with the Surface Laptop Go 2, ensuring a seamless user experience.
Performance
The Surface Laptop Go 2 is powered by Intel’s 11th-generation Core i5 processor, while the Pavilion x360 offers a choice between Intel’s 11th-generation Core i3 and i5 CPUs. Both laptops provide adequate performance for basic tasks like web browsing, document editing, and video streaming.
However, the Surface Laptop Go 2’s faster processor and integrated Intel Iris Xe graphics offer an edge in more demanding applications, such as image editing and light gaming.
Battery Life
Battery life is a crucial consideration for convertible laptops. The Surface Laptop Go 2 offers up to 13 hours of battery life on a single charge, while the Pavilion x360 lasts up to 10 hours. Both laptops support fast charging, allowing you to replenish the battery quickly when needed.
Features
The Surface Laptop Go 2 comes equipped with Windows 11, Surface Pen support, and a built-in fingerprint reader for added security. The Pavilion x360 also runs Windows 11 and supports pen input, but lacks a fingerprint reader.
Additionally, the Surface Laptop Go 2 features a dedicated charging port, while the Pavilion x360 uses USB-C for both charging and data transfer.
Connectivity
Both laptops offer a similar range of connectivity options, including Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.1, and USB-C ports. However, the Surface Laptop Go 2 features a dedicated headphone jack, while the Pavilion x360 does not.
Which Laptop is Right for You?
The Microsoft Surface Laptop Go 2 and HP Pavilion x360 are both excellent convertible laptops with unique strengths and weaknesses.
Choose the Surface Laptop Go 2 if you value:
- Premium design and build quality
- Superior display quality
- Faster performance
- Longer battery life
- Windows 11 and Surface Pen support
- Dedicated charging port
Choose the HP Pavilion x360 if you prefer:
- More affordable price
- Greater flexibility with 360-degree hinge
- Acceptable display quality and touch sensitivity
- Sufficient performance for everyday tasks
- Windows 11 and pen support
The Verdict
The Microsoft Surface Laptop Go 2 emerges as the superior choice for users seeking a premium and versatile convertible laptop with exceptional performance and display quality. However, the HP Pavilion x360 offers a more budget-friendly option with ample flexibility and satisfactory performance for basic needs. Ultimately, the best decision depends on your individual preferences and budget.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Which laptop has a more comfortable keyboard?
A: Both laptops offer comfortable keyboards, but the Surface Laptop Go 2’s keyboard has slightly more key travel and a more responsive feel.
Q: Can I use both laptops as tablets?
A: Yes, both the Surface Laptop Go 2 and HP Pavilion x360 can be folded into tablet mode for a more immersive touch experience.
Q: Which laptop is better for online classes?
A: Both laptops are suitable for online classes, but the Surface Laptop Go 2’s longer battery life and superior display quality make it a more compelling choice for extended use.