Microsoft Surface Laptop 5 Review: Premium Windows Ultrabook
Microsoft's latest Surface Laptop combines elegant design with solid performance, offering a premium Windows experience for professionals and students.
The Microsoft Surface Laptop 5 continues the series' tradition of premium design and build quality while updating the internals with 12th-generation Intel processors. This ultrabook targets professionals and students who value aesthetics and Windows integration.
Design and Build Quality
The Surface Laptop 5 maintains the distinctive design with its aluminum chassis and Alcantara fabric keyboard deck. Available in multiple colors, it feels premium and solid with excellent fit and finish. The 2.86-pound weight makes it highly portable for daily carry.
Display Performance
The 13.5-inch PixelSense touchscreen offers excellent color accuracy and brightness at 400 nits. The 3:2 aspect ratio provides more vertical space for productivity tasks, while touch support adds versatility for Windows 11's touch-optimized features.
Performance Analysis
The 12th-gen Intel Core i5 and i7 options provide solid performance for productivity tasks, web browsing, and light creative work. While not gaming-focused, the integrated Iris Xe graphics handle casual gaming and video streaming without issues.
Keyboard and Trackpad
The keyboard offers good key travel and spacing, with the Alcantara fabric providing a unique texture that some users love. The precision trackpad is responsive and supports Windows gestures effectively, though it's smaller than some competitors.
Battery Life
Battery performance is respectable at 8-10 hours for typical productivity tasks. The efficient Intel processors help extend runtime, though intensive tasks will reduce battery life significantly. Fast charging reaches 80% in about an hour.
Connectivity Options
Port selection includes one USB-A, one USB-C, a headphone jack, and the proprietary Surface Connect port for charging. The limited port selection may require dongles for users with multiple peripherals or external displays.
Windows Integration
As a Microsoft product, the Surface Laptop 5 offers seamless Windows 11 integration with features like Windows Hello facial recognition, Cortana support, and optimized driver support for consistent performance and reliability.
Value Proposition
Starting at $999, the Surface Laptop 5 competes with premium ultrabooks from Apple and Dell. The unique design, solid build quality, and Windows integration justify the premium pricing for users who value these specific attributes.
