Quick notes
- The Surface Laptop Studio boasts a unique “3-in-1” form factor that allows you to use it as a traditional laptop, a tablet, or a drawing canvas.
- The Surface Laptop Studio is a more versatile device thanks to its 3-in-1 form factor and 120Hz display, but it has a shorter battery life and a higher starting price.
- The MacBook Air M2 is a more traditional laptop with a longer battery life and a more powerful processor, but it has a less versatile design and fewer ports.
The world of premium laptops is heating up, with Microsoft’s Surface Laptop Studio and Apple’s MacBook Air M2 emerging as two of the most sought-after options. Both devices offer a compelling blend of power, portability, and style, but which one is the better choice for you? In this comprehensive comparison, we delve into the key differences between the Surface Laptop Studio and MacBook Air M2 to help you make an informed decision.
Design
The Surface Laptop Studio and MacBook Air M2 both feature sleek and sophisticated designs. The Surface Laptop Studio boasts a unique “3-in-1” form factor that allows you to use it as a traditional laptop, a tablet, or a drawing canvas. Its 14.4-inch PixelSense Flow display has a 120Hz refresh rate, providing a smooth and responsive experience. On the other hand, the MacBook Air M2 has a more conventional clamshell design with a 13.6-inch Liquid Retina display. The Air’s display offers a slightly higher resolution than the Surface Laptop Studio, but its 60Hz refresh rate is not as smooth.
Performance
Under the hood, the Surface Laptop Studio and MacBook Air M2 are powered by different processors. The Surface Laptop Studio comes with either an 11th-generation Intel Core i5 or i7 processor, while the MacBook Air M2 features Apple’s new M2 chip. The M2 chip is designed to deliver faster performance and improved battery life than its predecessor, the M1. In real-world tests, the MacBook Air M2 generally outperforms the Surface Laptop Studio in terms of both CPU and GPU performance. However, the Surface Laptop Studio offers more RAM and storage options than the MacBook Air M2.
Battery Life
Battery life is a crucial factor to consider when choosing a laptop. The MacBook Air M2 has consistently impressed reviewers with its exceptional battery life. In Apple’s own tests, the MacBook Air M2 lasted up to 18 hours on a single charge. The Surface Laptop Studio, on the other hand, has a more modest battery life, lasting up to 11 hours on a single charge. However, the Surface Laptop Studio’s battery life can be extended by using it in tablet mode or by disabling the 120Hz refresh rate.
Ports
When it comes to ports, the Surface Laptop Studio has a slight edge over the MacBook Air M2. The Surface Laptop Studio features two Thunderbolt 4 ports, a USB-C port, a Surface Connect port, and a headphone jack. The MacBook Air M2 has two Thunderbolt 4 ports, a MagSafe 3 port, and a headphone jack.
Operating System
The Surface Laptop Studio runs Windows 11, while the MacBook Air M2 runs macOS Ventura. Windows 11 offers a wide range of features and customization options, while macOS Ventura is known for its stability and ease of use. The choice between Windows 11 and macOS Ventura is largely a matter of personal preference.
Price
The Surface Laptop Studio and MacBook Air M2 come in a variety of configurations with different prices. The starting price for the Surface Laptop Studio is $1,499, while the starting price for the MacBook Air M2 is $1,199. The price of each device will vary depending on the processor, RAM, storage, and other features you choose.
Which One is Right for You?
The Microsoft Surface Laptop Studio and MacBook Air M2 are both excellent laptops that offer a compelling blend of power, portability, and style. The Surface Laptop Studio is a more versatile device thanks to its 3-in-1 form factor and 120Hz display, but it has a shorter battery life and a higher starting price. The MacBook Air M2 is a more traditional laptop with a longer battery life and a more powerful processor, but it has a less versatile design and fewer ports.
Ultimately, the best choice for you will depend on your individual needs and preferences. If you value versatility and a high refresh rate display, the Surface Laptop Studio is a great option. If you prioritize battery life and performance, the MacBook Air M2 is a better choice.
Basics You Wanted To Know
1. Which laptop has a better display?
The Surface Laptop Studio has a 14.4-inch PixelSense Flow display with a 120Hz refresh rate, while the MacBook Air M2 has a 13.6-inch Liquid Retina display with a 60Hz refresh rate. The Surface Laptop Studio’s display is larger and has a higher refresh rate, but the MacBook Air M2’s display has a slightly higher resolution.
2. Which laptop has a longer battery life?
The MacBook Air M2 has a longer battery life than the Surface Laptop Studio. In Apple’s own tests, the MacBook Air M2 lasted up to 18 hours on a single charge, while the Surface Laptop Studio lasted up to 11 hours on a single charge.
3. Which laptop is better for gaming?
Neither the Surface Laptop Studio nor the MacBook Air M2 is ideal for gaming. However, the Surface Laptop Studio has a more powerful GPU than the MacBook Air M2, so it will be able to handle less demanding games better.