The Microsoft Surface Laptop 5 represents a decidedly average offering in the laptop market, falling squarely in the middle in terms of overall performance and features. While it fulfills basic functional requirements adequately and avoids being outright poor, the machine fails to distinguish itself significantly, especially considering its pricing amidst a highly competitive landscape.
One of the primary issues plaguing the Surface Laptop 5 is its performance. The device suffers from an abundance of background processes that persistently run during operation. These processes not only impair system responsiveness when performing tasks such as web browsing or spreadsheet management but also contribute to occasional program crashes, particularly when memory-intensive applications are in use. During benchmark testing, such as with PC Mark 10, these performance limitations became evident, highlighting the laptop’s struggles to maintain stability and efficiency under load.
Contrary to Microsoft’s promotional claims, the battery life of the Surface Laptop 5 falls short of expectations set during its launch event. While advertised as capable of up to 18 hours on a single charge, real-world tests reveal a much more modest performance. For general productivity tasks, the laptop manages approximately 10 hours of use, with movie streaming reducing battery life further to approximately 7.5 hours. Despite these shortcomings, the device does benefit from relatively fast charging capabilities, although the inclusion of Thunderbolt 4 in lieu of the aging Surface Connect port would have been a welcome improvement in connectivity options.
On a positive note, users will find the keyboard and trackpad of the Surface Laptop 5 to be quite enjoyable to use, offering comfort and responsiveness. The device also boasts a sensitive and accurate touchscreen, which enhances its usability, particularly when interacting with Windows 11’s newly implemented accessibility features. These enhancements represent a notable effort by Microsoft to improve user accessibility across various applications, although their impact is somewhat overshadowed by the laptop’s underlying performance issues.
Turning to the technical specifications of the Surface Laptop 5, the configuration reviewed by TechRadar includes an Intel Core i7-1255U processor, Intel Iris Xe Graphics, 16GB of RAM and a 512GB LPDDR5x storage. The display features a 13.5-inch PixelSense screen with a resolution of 2256 x 1504 pixels, providing a crisp and clear viewing experience. Despite these specifications, the overall design of the Surface Laptop 5 has drawn criticism for its outdated appearance and relatively uninspired aesthetic. Available in colors like Sandstone, Platinum (with Alcantara fabric), Matte Black and Sage, the laptop offers limited variety, with the Sage variant received for review being noted for its subdued, albeit somewhat underwhelming, visual appeal.
However, the Surface Laptop 5 continues to falter in certain key areas, such as its port selection, which remains notably lacking. The inclusion of just one USB Type-C port, one USB Type-A port, an audio jack and the aforementioned Surface Connect port appears sparse compared to contemporary competitors in a similar price range. The bezels surrounding the display are also considered thicker than expected, while the 720p webcam delivers mixed results, providing clear images in optimal lighting conditions but appearing pixelated under less favorable settings.
In terms of multimedia capabilities, the Surface Laptop 5 fares relatively well in sound quality, offering a top-tier audio experience that exceeds typical expectations for non-gaming laptops. Music playback is notably clear and vibrant, delivering distinct audio detail that enhances the overall entertainment and productivity experience. Similarly, the laptop’s touchscreen functionality proves impressive, particularly when paired with an optional stylus for precision input tasks, although the stylus itself is sold separately rather than being included as standard.
Despite these positive aspects, the Surface Laptop 5 remains hindered by its inconsistent performance profile. While benchmark tests position it within the market average, real-world usage scenarios reveal significant operational challenges. The presence of numerous background processes—visible in screenshots displaying as many as 43 concurrent tasks—severely impacts the laptop’s overall responsiveness and stability. Attempts to rectify these issues through software adjustments and system resets often prove futile, with instances reported where even basic applications like Geekbench and PC Mark 10 fail to operate reliably.
Regarding battery life, while not inadequate, the Surface Laptop 5 fails to live up to its marketing claims. Microsoft’s assertion of up to 18 hours of battery longevity proves optimistic, with practical testing yielding more conservative results. Under typical usage conditions, such as web browsing, the laptop achieves close to 10 hours of sustained operation, while prolonged activities such as movie streaming reduce this duration to approximately 7 hours and 38 minutes. The laptop’s ability to recharge quickly offers some compensation for these limitations, although the absence of advanced power-saving technologies like OLED displays or HDR further dampens its overall efficiency.
In summary, while the Microsoft Surface Laptop 5 incorporates several commendable features such as responsive input devices, enhanced accessibility options and superior sound quality, these positives are overshadowed by its performance inconsistencies, underwhelming battery performance and outdated design elements. Potential buyers should carefully weigh these strengths and weaknesses against their specific needs and preferences, particularly when considering alternatives that may offer better value and performance within the same competitive price bracket.
FAQs
What is the Microsoft Surface Laptop 5?
The Microsoft Surface Laptop 5 is a thin and light notebook designed by Microsoft, positioned in the mid-range segment of the laptop market.
What are the key features of the Surface Laptop 5?
It features an Intel Core i7 processor, Intel Iris Xe Graphics, 16GB of RAM, a 13.5-inch PixelSense display and various connectivity options including Thunderbolt 4.
How is the performance of the Surface Laptop 5?
Performance is mixed, with adequate benchmarks but issues such as background processes impacting real-world usability.
What are the battery life expectations for the Surface Laptop 5?
Microsoft claims up to 18 hours, but practical usage yields around 10 hours for productivity tasks and approximately 7.5 hours for movie streaming.
What are the standout features of the Surface Laptop 5?
It excels in sound quality, touchscreen responsiveness and offers enhanced accessibility features and productivity tools with Windows 11.
What are the drawbacks of the Surface Laptop 5?
Poor port selection, an outdated design aesthetic and occasional performance issues detract from its overall appeal.
Is the Surface Laptop 5 suitable for multimedia use?
Yes, it offers excellent sound quality and a responsive touchscreen, making it suitable for media consumption and creative tasks.
Does the Surface Laptop 5 include a stylus?
No, the stylus is sold separately as an optional accessory.
What color options are available for the Surface Laptop 5?
Colors include Sandstone, Platinum (with Alcantara fabric), Matte Black and Sage.
Is the Surface Laptop 5 worth buying?
It depends on your priorities. While it offers some strong features, its performance issues and high price may steer buyers towards alternatives with better value.