Highlights
- The Surface Laptop has a limited selection of ports, including a single USB-A port, a USB-C port, and a Surface Connect port.
- If you prefer a more traditional laptop design with a wider range of colors, the HP Envy is a good option.
- The Surface Laptop has a slightly longer battery life than the HP Envy, making it a better choice for extended use away from a power outlet.
The world of premium laptops is a competitive one, with Microsoft and HP consistently vying for the top spot. The Microsoft Surface Laptop and the HP Envy are two such devices that have garnered significant attention. In this comprehensive comparison, we will delve into the key differences between these two powerhouses, helping you make an informed decision about which one suits your needs best.
Design and Build
Microsoft Surface Laptop: The Surface Laptop boasts an elegant and minimalist design with its signature Alcantara fabric keyboard deck. It is available in a range of colors, including Cobalt Blue, Burgundy, and Platinum. The 13.5-inch PixelSense display is vibrant and sharp, with a 3:2 aspect ratio.
HP Envy: The HP Envy also exudes a premium look with its sleek aluminum chassis. It comes in a variety of colors, including Natural Silver, Ceramic White, and Nightfall Black. The 13.3-inch touchscreen display offers a high resolution and wide viewing angles.
Performance
Microsoft Surface Laptop: The Surface Laptop is powered by Intel Core i5 or i7 processors, providing ample performance for everyday tasks and light productivity. It also features a dedicated NVIDIA GeForce GPU, enabling you to enjoy some light gaming and video editing.
HP Envy: The HP Envy offers a wider range of processor options, including Intel Core i5, i7, and i9 processors. It also features an NVIDIA GeForce MX250 GPU, which provides a significant boost in graphics performance compared to the Surface Laptop.
Battery Life
Microsoft Surface Laptop: The Surface Laptop has a battery life of up to 14.5 hours, which is quite impressive for a device of its size. This allows you to work or play for extended periods without worrying about running out of power.
HP Envy: The HP Envy offers a slightly shorter battery life of up to 11 hours. However, it supports fast charging, allowing you to quickly power up your device when needed.
Display
Microsoft Surface Laptop: The Surface Laptop’s 13.5-inch PixelSense display offers exceptional clarity and color accuracy. It has a 3:2 aspect ratio, which is ideal for productivity tasks such as reading and writing.
HP Envy: The HP Envy’s 13.3-inch touchscreen display is also very impressive. It offers a high resolution and wide viewing angles, making it suitable for both work and entertainment.
Connectivity and Ports
Microsoft Surface Laptop: The Surface Laptop has a limited selection of ports, including a single USB-A port, a USB-C port, and a Surface Connect port.
HP Envy: The HP Envy offers a more comprehensive selection of ports, including two USB-A ports, a USB-C port, an HDMI port, and a microSD card slot.
Price
Microsoft Surface Laptop: The Surface Laptop starts at $999 for the Core i5 model with 8GB of RAM and 256GB of storage.
HP Envy: The HP Envy starts at $949 for the Core i5 model with 8GB of RAM and 256GB of storage.
Which One is Right for You?
The Surface Laptop and the HP Envy are both excellent choices for those seeking a premium laptop experience. However, there are some key differences that may influence your decision.
- Design and Build: If you prioritize aesthetics and a compact design, the Surface Laptop is a better choice. If you prefer a more traditional laptop design with a wider range of colors, the HP Envy is a good option.
- Performance: For basic productivity tasks and light gaming, both devices offer sufficient performance. However, if you need a device for more demanding tasks, the HP Envy’s higher-end processor and GPU options give it an edge.
- Battery Life: The Surface Laptop has a slightly longer battery life than the HP Envy, making it a better choice for extended use away from a power outlet.
- Display: Both devices offer excellent displays, but the Surface Laptop’s 3:2 aspect ratio may be more suitable for productivity tasks.
- Connectivity and Ports: The HP Envy offers a more comprehensive selection of ports, making it more versatile for connecting external devices.
Decisive Factors
Ultimately, the best choice between the Surface Laptop and the HP Envy depends on your individual needs and preferences. Consider the following factors to make a well-informed decision:
- Budget: Both devices are priced similarly, but the Surface Laptop starts at a slightly higher price point.
- Performance: If you need a device for demanding tasks, the HP Envy’s higher-end processor and GPU options may be worth the extra cost.
- Battery Life: If you frequently use your laptop away from a power outlet, the Surface Laptop’s longer battery life may be a significant advantage.
- Design: If you prefer a compact and stylish design, the Surface Laptop is a good choice. If you prefer a more traditional laptop design with a wider range of colors, the HP Envy is a better option.
Beyond the Surface: Alternatives to Consider
If you are still undecided or looking for other options, here are a few alternatives to the Surface Laptop and the HP Envy:
- Apple MacBook Air: The MacBook Air is a lightweight and powerful laptop with a premium design and an excellent battery life.
- Dell XPS 13: The Dell XPS 13 is a compact and stylish laptop with a stunning display and a long battery life.
- Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon: The ThinkPad X1 Carbon is a business-oriented laptop with a durable design, a great keyboard, and a long battery life.
Frequently Discussed Topics
Q: Which device has a better display for productivity?
A: The Surface Laptop‘s 3:2 aspect ratio display is ideal for productivity tasks such as reading and writing.
Q: Which device offers longer battery life?
A: The Surface Laptop has a slightly longer battery life of up to 14.5 hours compared to the HP Envy‘s 11 hours.
Q: Which device has more ports for connectivity?
A: The HP Envy offers a more comprehensive selection of ports, including two USB-A ports, a USB-C port, an HDMI port, and a microSD card slot.
Q: Which device is more suitable for gaming?
A: The HP Envy‘s NVIDIA GeForce MX250 GPU provides better graphics performance than the Surface Laptop’s integrated GPU, making it more suitable for light gaming.
Q: Which device is more affordable?
A: The HP Envy starts at a slightly lower price point than the Surface Laptop, making it a more affordable option.