Microsoft has unveiled the Surface Laptop 4, a refined addition to its premium laptop lineup, boasting significant improvements in battery life and performance while maintaining the sleek, elegant design that the Surface series is known for. Aimed at professionals, students, and creators, this latest iteration promises to deliver a seamless experience for hybrid work and on-the-go productivity.
Enhanced Battery Life for All-Day Performance
One of the standout upgrades in the Surface Laptop 4 is its extended battery life. Microsoft claims the 13.5-inch model with an AMD Ryzen 5 processor can last up to 19 hours, while the Intel Core i5 version offers up to 17 hours. For the larger 15-inch model, the AMD Ryzen 7 variant achieves up to 17.5 hours, and the Intel Core i7 model provides up to 16.5 hours. These figures, based on Microsoft’s testing with a mix of active use and standby, mark a notable improvement over the Surface Laptop 3, which averaged around 11-12 hours in real-world tests.
In practical use, the Surface Laptop 4 delivers reliable battery performance for a full workday. Reviews indicate it can handle tasks like web browsing, document editing, and video streaming for 11-13 hours, depending on settings and workload. While it may not reach the lofty 19-hour claim in demanding scenarios, the improvement is substantial, making it a strong contender for users who need a laptop that can keep up without constant recharging.
Performance Boost with New Processor Options
Under the hood, the Surface Laptop 4 offers a choice between 11th Gen Intel Core processors and AMD Ryzen 4000 Surface Edition chips. The AMD Ryzen 7 4980U, with its eight cores and Radeon integrated graphics, delivers impressive multi-threaded performance, outpacing Intel’s quad-core offerings in tasks like video editing and multitasking. The Intel variants, however, shine in single-threaded workloads, making them ideal for productivity-focused users.
Benchmarks from early reviews show the Ryzen-powered 15-inch model achieving significant gains over its predecessor, with a Cinebench R23 score of 4,998 points and a Geekbench 5 multi-core score of 4,918. These numbers reflect a laptop capable of handling everyday workloads with ease, from office applications to light creative tasks like photo editing. While not designed for gaming, the integrated graphics can manage casual titles and indie games, scoring 5,151 points in 3DMark Fire Strike.
Familiar Design with Modern Touches
The Surface Laptop 4 retains the iconic slim, lightweight chassis of its predecessors, available in 13.5-inch and 15-inch sizes. Its PixelSense touchscreen display, with a 3:2 aspect ratio and resolutions of 2256×1504 (13.5-inch) or 2496×1664 (15-inch), remains vibrant and sharp, though some reviews note the 60Hz refresh rate feels dated compared to competitors offering 120Hz. The keyboard, praised for its comfortable typing experience, and the spacious trackpad continue to elevate the user experience.
Port selection includes one USB-C, one USB-A, a headphone jack, and Microsoft’s proprietary Surface Connect port. While the inclusion of USB-C is welcome, the lack of Thunderbolt 4 support and a single USB-C port may disappoint users seeking more modern connectivity options. The design, while premium with its Alcantara or aluminum finish, hasn’t evolved significantly, which some critics argue makes it feel slightly stale against rivals like the Dell XPS 13 or Apple MacBook Air.
Windows 10 Done Right
Running Windows 10 (with a free upgrade to Windows 11), the Surface Laptop 4 comes free of bloatware, offering a clean and efficient software experience. Features like Windows Hello face recognition (on select models) and a fingerprint reader enhance security and convenience. The laptop’s speakers deliver impressive audio quality, making it a solid choice for media consumption, though the webcam could use an upgrade for sharper video calls.
Pricing and Availability
The Surface Laptop 4 starts at $999 for the 13.5-inch model with a Ryzen 5, 8GB RAM, and 256GB SSD, while the 15-inch version begins at $1,299. Higher-end configurations, like the 15-inch model with 16GB RAM and 512GB storage, retail for $1,699. Available in colors like Platinum, Ice Blue, Sandstone, and Matte Black, the laptop is sold through Microsoft’s website and major retailers.
Should You Buy It?
The Surface Laptop 4 is a compelling choice for those seeking a premium Windows laptop with strong performance and improved battery life. It excels in productivity tasks, offers a gorgeous display, and delivers a refined user experience. However, its lack of cutting-edge features like Thunderbolt 4 or a high-refresh-rate screen may steer power users toward alternatives like the MacBook Air M1, which offers even longer battery life and faster performance for a similar price.
For loyal Surface fans or those prioritizing portability and battery life in a Windows ecosystem, the Surface Laptop 4 is a worthy upgrade. As Microsoft continues to refine its hardware, this release solidifies the Surface line’s place as a strong competitor in the premium laptop market.
Sources: The Verge, TechRadar, PCWorld, The Independent, Tom’s Guide
