When it comes to choosing a laptop, Microsoft’s Surface series is often a top contender. Two popular models in this series are the Surface Laptop 3 and the Surface Laptop 5. While both laptops share some similarities, there are significant differences between them. In this article, we’ll delve into the details of each laptop, exploring their design, performance, features, and pricing to help you decide which one is right for you.
Design and Display
The Surface Laptop 3 and Surface Laptop 5 have a similar design language, with a focus on sleekness and portability. However, there are some key differences.
Surface Laptop 3
The Surface Laptop 3 features a 13.5-inch PixelSense touchscreen display with a resolution of 2256 x 1504 pixels. The laptop’s body is made of aluminum, and it weighs in at 2.79 pounds. The Surface Laptop 3 is available in several colors, including Platinum, Black, and Cobalt Blue.
Surface Laptop 5
The Surface Laptop 5 also features a 13.5-inch PixelSense touchscreen display, but with a slightly higher resolution of 2256 x 1504 pixels. The laptop’s body is made of aluminum and glass, and it weighs in at 2.86 pounds. The Surface Laptop 5 is available in several colors, including Platinum, Black, and Sapphire.
Key Differences
- The Surface Laptop 5 has a slightly higher resolution display than the Surface Laptop 3.
- The Surface Laptop 5 has a glass trackpad, while the Surface Laptop 3 has an aluminum trackpad.
Performance
When it comes to performance, the Surface Laptop 3 and Surface Laptop 5 have some significant differences.
Surface Laptop 3
The Surface Laptop 3 is powered by a 10th Gen Intel Core i5 or i7 processor, up to 16GB of RAM, and up to 1TB of storage. The laptop also features Intel Iris Xe graphics.
Surface Laptop 5
The Surface Laptop 5 is powered by a 12th Gen Intel Core i5 or i7 processor, up to 32GB of RAM, and up to 1TB of storage. The laptop also features Intel Iris Xe graphics.
Key Differences
- The Surface Laptop 5 has a more powerful processor than the Surface Laptop 3.
- The Surface Laptop 5 has more RAM and storage options than the Surface Laptop 3.
Features
Both the Surface Laptop 3 and Surface Laptop 5 have a range of features that make them attractive to users.
Surface Laptop 3
- The Surface Laptop 3 features a USB-A port, a USB-C port, and a headphone jack.
- The laptop also features Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.0 connectivity.
- The Surface Laptop 3 has a battery life of up to 11.5 hours.
Surface Laptop 5
- The Surface Laptop 5 features two Thunderbolt 4 ports, a USB-A port, and a headphone jack.
- The laptop also features Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.1 connectivity.
- The Surface Laptop 5 has a battery life of up to 17 hours.
Key Differences
- The Surface Laptop 5 has more ports than the Surface Laptop 3.
- The Surface Laptop 5 has a longer battery life than the Surface Laptop 3.
Pricing
The pricing of the Surface Laptop 3 and Surface Laptop 5 varies depending on the configuration.
Surface Laptop 3
- The base model of the Surface Laptop 3 starts at $999.
- The top-of-the-line model starts at $1,599.
Surface Laptop 5
- The base model of the Surface Laptop 5 starts at $1,299.
- The top-of-the-line model starts at $2,399.
Key Differences
- The Surface Laptop 5 is more expensive than the Surface Laptop 3.
- The Surface Laptop 5 has more configuration options than the Surface Laptop 3.
In conclusion, the Surface Laptop 3 and Surface Laptop 5 are both powerful and feature-rich laptops. However, the Surface Laptop 5 has a more powerful processor, more RAM and storage options, and a longer battery life. The Surface Laptop 5 also has more ports and a higher resolution display. However, the Surface Laptop 3 is more affordable and still offers a great user experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two laptops depends on your specific needs and budget.
| Feature | Surface Laptop 3 | Surface Laptop 5 |
|---|---|---|
| Processor | 10th Gen Intel Core i5 or i7 | 12th Gen Intel Core i5 or i7 |
| RAM | Up to 16GB | Up to 32GB |
| Storage | Up to 1TB | Up to 1TB |
| Display | 13.5-inch PixelSense touchscreen | 13.5-inch PixelSense touchscreen |
| Battery Life | Up to 11.5 hours | Up to 17 hours |
| Ports | USB-A, USB-C, headphone jack | Two Thunderbolt 4, USB-A, headphone jack |
| Pricing | Starting at $999 | Starting at $1,299 |
By considering the features and pricing of both laptops, you can make an informed decision about which one is right for you.
What are the key differences between the Surface Laptop 3 and Surface Laptop 5?
The Surface Laptop 3 and Surface Laptop 5 have several key differences. The Surface Laptop 5 features a more powerful processor, with options for up to 12th Gen Intel Core i7 processors, while the Surface Laptop 3 is limited to up to 10th Gen Intel Core i7 processors. Additionally, the Surface Laptop 5 has improved graphics capabilities, with options for Intel Iris Xe graphics or NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050 graphics, while the Surface Laptop 3 has Intel Iris Plus graphics.
Another significant difference is the display. The Surface Laptop 5 features a higher-resolution PixelSense touchscreen display, with options for up to 3,240 x 2,160 pixels, while the Surface Laptop 3 has a lower-resolution PixelSense touchscreen display, with options for up to 2,256 x 1,504 pixels. The Surface Laptop 5 also has a more modern design, with a thinner and lighter chassis, while the Surface Laptop 3 has a slightly thicker and heavier design.
Which laptop has better performance?
The Surface Laptop 5 has better performance than the Surface Laptop 3, thanks to its more powerful processor and improved graphics capabilities. The Surface Laptop 5’s 12th Gen Intel Core i7 processor provides a significant boost in processing power, making it better suited for demanding tasks such as video editing, 3D modeling, and gaming. Additionally, the Surface Laptop 5’s NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050 graphics provide improved graphics performance, making it better suited for graphics-intensive tasks.
In contrast, the Surface Laptop 3’s 10th Gen Intel Core i7 processor and Intel Iris Plus graphics are less powerful, making it less suitable for demanding tasks. However, the Surface Laptop 3 is still a capable laptop that can handle everyday tasks such as web browsing, email, and office work with ease.
What are the differences in display quality?
The Surface Laptop 5 has a higher-resolution display than the Surface Laptop 3, with options for up to 3,240 x 2,160 pixels, while the Surface Laptop 3 has a lower-resolution display, with options for up to 2,256 x 1,504 pixels. The Surface Laptop 5’s higher-resolution display provides a sharper and more detailed image, making it better suited for tasks such as photo editing, video watching, and gaming.
Additionally, the Surface Laptop 5’s display has a higher contrast ratio and wider color gamut, providing more vivid and accurate colors. The Surface Laptop 3’s display is still good, but it can’t match the Surface Laptop 5’s display in terms of resolution and color accuracy.
Which laptop has better battery life?
The Surface Laptop 5 has better battery life than the Surface Laptop 3, with up to 19 hours of battery life, while the Surface Laptop 3 has up to 11.5 hours of battery life. The Surface Laptop 5’s improved battery life is due to its more power-efficient processor and improved power management.
However, it’s worth noting that battery life can vary depending on usage patterns and settings. If you’re a heavy user, you may not get the full 19 hours of battery life from the Surface Laptop 5. Additionally, the Surface Laptop 3’s battery life is still respectable, and it should be able to last a full day with moderate use.
What are the differences in ports and connectivity?
The Surface Laptop 5 has more modern ports and connectivity options than the Surface Laptop 3. The Surface Laptop 5 features two Thunderbolt 4 ports, a USB-A port, and a headphone jack, while the Surface Laptop 3 has a USB-A port, a USB-C port, and a headphone jack. The Surface Laptop 5’s Thunderbolt 4 ports provide faster data transfer speeds and the ability to connect to multiple 4K displays.
Additionally, the Surface Laptop 5 has Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.1, providing faster and more reliable wireless connectivity. The Surface Laptop 3 has Wi-Fi 5 and Bluetooth 5.0, which are still good but not as fast or reliable as the Surface Laptop 5’s wireless connectivity options.
Which laptop is more portable?
The Surface Laptop 5 is more portable than the Surface Laptop 3, thanks to its thinner and lighter design. The Surface Laptop 5 weighs just 2.79 pounds and measures 0.33 inches thick, making it easy to carry around in a backpack or bag. The Surface Laptop 3 is slightly thicker and heavier, weighing 2.89 pounds and measuring 0.39 inches thick.
However, both laptops are still relatively portable and can be easily carried around. The Surface Laptop 5’s more compact design makes it a better option for those who need a laptop that can fit in a small bag or backpack.
Which laptop is better value for money?
The Surface Laptop 3 is generally better value for money than the Surface Laptop 5, thanks to its lower starting price. The Surface Laptop 3 starts at around $1,000, while the Surface Laptop 5 starts at around $1,300. However, the Surface Laptop 5’s improved performance, display, and features may make it worth the extra cost for some users.
Ultimately, the value for money will depend on your specific needs and budget. If you’re looking for a budget-friendly option with good performance and features, the Surface Laptop 3 may be the better choice. If you’re willing to pay more for the latest and greatest technology, the Surface Laptop 5 may be the better choice.