When it comes to premium laptops, Microsoft’s Surface series is often at the top of the list. The Surface Laptop 3 and Surface Laptop 4 are two of the most popular models in the series, each offering a unique set of features and improvements. But which one is better? In this article, we’ll delve into the details of both laptops, comparing their design, performance, display, and more to help you make an informed decision.
Design and Build Quality
Both the Surface Laptop 3 and Surface Laptop 4 boast a sleek and sturdy design, with a focus on portability and durability. The laptops feature a machined aluminum construction, with a smooth, matte finish that resists fingerprints and scratches.
Surface Laptop 3 Design
The Surface Laptop 3 measures 12.1 x 8.8 x 0.57 inches and weighs 2.79 pounds, making it a great option for those who need a laptop that can keep up with their on-the-go lifestyle. The laptop features a 13.5-inch PixelSense touchscreen display, with a resolution of 2256 x 1504 pixels. The display is surrounded by a thin bezel, giving the laptop a modern and sleek look.
Surface Laptop 4 Design
The Surface Laptop 4 measures 12.1 x 8.8 x 0.58 inches and weighs 2.79 pounds, making it virtually identical to the Surface Laptop 3 in terms of size and weight. The laptop also features a 13.5-inch PixelSense touchscreen display, with a resolution of 2256 x 1504 pixels. However, the Surface Laptop 4 has a slightly different design, with a more rounded edge and a new Ice Blue color option.
Performance
When it comes to performance, both the Surface Laptop 3 and Surface Laptop 4 are equipped with powerful processors and ample storage. However, there are some key differences between the two laptops.
Surface Laptop 3 Performance
The Surface Laptop 3 is powered by a 10th Gen Intel Core i5 or i7 processor, with up to 16GB of RAM and up to 1TB of storage. The laptop also features Intel Iris Xe graphics, which provide smooth and seamless performance for everyday tasks like browsing, streaming, and productivity.
Surface Laptop 4 Performance
The Surface Laptop 4 is powered by an 11th Gen Intel Core i5 or i7 processor, with up to 32GB of RAM and up to 1TB of storage. The laptop also features Intel Iris Xe graphics, as well as an optional NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650 Ti GPU for more demanding tasks like gaming and video editing.
Display
Both the Surface Laptop 3 and Surface Laptop 4 feature stunning PixelSense touchscreen displays, with a resolution of 2256 x 1504 pixels. However, there are some key differences between the two displays.
Surface Laptop 3 Display
The Surface Laptop 3 display features a 3:2 aspect ratio, which provides more vertical space for productivity and multitasking. The display also features a peak brightness of 400 nits, making it easy to use in a variety of lighting conditions.
Surface Laptop 4 Display
The Surface Laptop 4 display also features a 3:2 aspect ratio, as well as a peak brightness of 400 nits. However, the display has a slightly higher contrast ratio, making it better suited for tasks like photo editing and video production.
Ports and Connectivity
Both the Surface Laptop 3 and Surface Laptop 4 feature a limited selection of ports, with a focus on USB-C and Surface Connect. However, there are some key differences between the two laptops.
Surface Laptop 3 Ports
The Surface Laptop 3 features a single USB-C port, as well as a Surface Connect port for charging and docking. The laptop also features a headphone jack and a microSD card reader.
Surface Laptop 4 Ports
The Surface Laptop 4 features two USB-C ports, as well as a Surface Connect port for charging and docking. The laptop also features a headphone jack and a microSD card reader.
Conclusion
So, which is better: the Surface Laptop 3 or the Surface Laptop 4? Ultimately, the decision comes down to your specific needs and preferences. If you’re looking for a more affordable option with a powerful processor and ample storage, the Surface Laptop 3 may be the better choice. However, if you’re looking for a laptop with the latest and greatest features, including an 11th Gen Intel Core processor and an optional NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650 Ti GPU, the Surface Laptop 4 may be the better choice.
| Feature | Surface Laptop 3 | Surface Laptop 4 |
|---|---|---|
| Processor | 10th Gen Intel Core i5 or i7 | 11th Gen Intel Core i5 or i7 |
| RAM | Up to 16GB | Up to 32GB |
| Storage | Up to 1TB | Up to 1TB |
| Graphics | Intel Iris Xe | Intel Iris Xe, optional NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650 Ti |
| Display | 13.5-inch PixelSense, 2256 x 1504 pixels | 13.5-inch PixelSense, 2256 x 1504 pixels |
| Ports | Single USB-C, Surface Connect, headphone jack, microSD card reader | Dual USB-C, Surface Connect, headphone jack, microSD card reader |
In conclusion, both the Surface Laptop 3 and Surface Laptop 4 are powerful and feature-rich laptops that are well-suited for a variety of tasks. However, the Surface Laptop 4 offers several key advantages, including a more powerful processor, more RAM, and an optional NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650 Ti GPU. Ultimately, the decision between the two laptops will depend on your specific needs and preferences.
What are the key differences between Surface Laptop 3 and Surface Laptop 4?
The key differences between Surface Laptop 3 and Surface Laptop 4 lie in their processors, graphics cards, and storage options. Surface Laptop 3 features 10th Gen Intel Core processors, while Surface Laptop 4 boasts 11th Gen Intel Core processors, offering improved performance and efficiency. Additionally, Surface Laptop 4 has more storage options, including a 1TB SSD, whereas Surface Laptop 3 tops out at 512GB.
Another significant difference is the graphics card. Surface Laptop 3 comes with Intel Iris Xe Graphics, while Surface Laptop 4 offers Intel Iris Xe Graphics and NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650 Ti, providing better graphics performance for gaming and graphics-intensive tasks. These upgrades make Surface Laptop 4 a more powerful and capable device.
Which laptop has a better display?
Both Surface Laptop 3 and Surface Laptop 4 have excellent displays, but they share similar specifications. They both feature a 13.5-inch PixelSense touchscreen with a resolution of 2256 x 1504 pixels and an aspect ratio of 3:2. The displays are also both protected by Corning Gorilla Glass 3. However, some users may notice a slight difference in color accuracy and brightness, with Surface Laptop 4 having a slightly higher peak brightness.
In terms of display quality, both laptops are excellent choices. However, if you’re looking for a laptop with a more vibrant and color-accurate display, you may want to consider Surface Laptop 4. On the other hand, if you’re looking for a more affordable option with a still-excellent display, Surface Laptop 3 may be the better choice.
How do the batteries of Surface Laptop 3 and Surface Laptop 4 compare?
The battery life of Surface Laptop 3 and Surface Laptop 4 is similar, with both laptops offering up to 11 hours of typical device usage. However, Surface Laptop 4 has a slightly more efficient processor, which may result in slightly longer battery life in some cases. Additionally, Surface Laptop 4 supports faster charging, with the ability to charge up to 80% in just one hour.
In terms of battery life, both laptops are excellent choices for users who need a device that can last all day. However, if you’re looking for a laptop with slightly longer battery life and faster charging, Surface Laptop 4 may be the better choice. On the other hand, if you’re looking for a more affordable option with still-excellent battery life, Surface Laptop 3 may be the better choice.
Which laptop has better port options?
Both Surface Laptop 3 and Surface Laptop 4 have limited port options, with only one USB-A port, one USB-C port, and a headphone jack. However, Surface Laptop 4 also includes a Surface Connect port, which allows for faster charging and data transfer. Additionally, Surface Laptop 4 supports Wi-Fi 6, while Surface Laptop 3 only supports Wi-Fi 5.
In terms of port options, Surface Laptop 4 is the better choice. The addition of a Surface Connect port and Wi-Fi 6 support make it a more convenient and future-proof option. However, if you’re looking for a more affordable option with still-excellent port options, Surface Laptop 3 may be the better choice.
How do the prices of Surface Laptop 3 and Surface Laptop 4 compare?
The prices of Surface Laptop 3 and Surface Laptop 4 vary depending on the configuration and storage options. However, in general, Surface Laptop 3 is the more affordable option, with a starting price of around $1,000. Surface Laptop 4, on the other hand, starts at around $1,300.
In terms of price, Surface Laptop 3 is the better choice for users on a budget. However, if you’re looking for a laptop with more advanced features and better performance, Surface Laptop 4 may be worth the extra cost.
Which laptop is better for gaming?
Surface Laptop 4 is the better choice for gaming due to its more powerful processor and graphics card. The NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650 Ti graphics card provides better performance for gaming and graphics-intensive tasks. Additionally, Surface Laptop 4 has more storage options, including a 1TB SSD, which can store more games and programs.
In terms of gaming performance, Surface Laptop 4 is the better choice. However, it’s worth noting that neither laptop is designed specifically for gaming, and users may want to consider a dedicated gaming laptop for more intense gaming sessions.