Microsoft Surface Laptop 5 (2022) Review: i7-1255U, 8GB RAM, 256GB SSD

Microsoft Surface Laptop 5 (2022) Review: i7-1255U, 8GB RAM, 256GB SSD

The Microsoft Surface Laptop 5 is the latest iteration of Microsoft’s popular ultra-portable laptop line. With its sleek design, powerful processor, and vibrant display, the Surface Laptop 5 aims to cater to both productivity and entertainment needs. This comprehensive review will delve into its features, performance, and real-world usage experiences, helping you determine if it’s the right fit for you.

Table of Contents

Introduction

The Surface Laptop 5 is available in both 13.5″ and 15″ screen sizes, with a range of processor and memory options. Our review focuses on the 15″ model with an Intel Core i7-1255U processor, 8GB RAM, and 256GB SSD. This configuration positions it as a solid choice for everyday tasks, light content creation, and casual gaming.

Features

The Surface Laptop 5 boasts a sleek and modern design with a premium aluminum chassis. Its 15″ PixelSense touchscreen display offers vibrant colors and sharp visuals, making it ideal for media consumption and content creation. The keyboard is comfortable to type on, and the large trackpad is responsive and accurate. Other notable features include:

  • 15″ 60Hz PixelSense Touch Display
  • Intel Core i7-1255U Processor
  • 8GB RAM
  • 256GB SSD
  • Intel Iris Xe Graphics
  • Windows 11 Home (64-bit)
  • Backlit Keyboard
  • 720p Webcam

Performance

The Surface Laptop 5, powered by the Intel Core i7-1255U processor, handles everyday tasks with ease. It seamlessly manages multitasking, web browsing, and productivity applications. While not a gaming powerhouse, the Intel Iris Xe graphics can handle light gaming at lower settings. However, its performance is primarily geared towards everyday use and productivity.

The 8GB RAM is sufficient for multitasking and light content creation, but you might experience some lag when running more demanding applications or multiple programs simultaneously. The 256GB SSD provides ample storage for your files and applications, with fast boot times and quick loading speeds.

Pros & Cons

Here’s a breakdown of the Surface Laptop 5’s strengths and areas for improvement:

Pros

  • Sleek and premium design
  • Vibrant and responsive touchscreen display
  • Comfortable keyboard and large trackpad
  • Good performance for everyday tasks
  • Long battery life

Cons

  • Limited RAM for demanding tasks
  • Average graphics performance for gaming
  • No Thunderbolt 4 port on the base model (only available on higher configurations)
  • Relatively expensive compared to other laptops with similar specs

Final Verdict

The Microsoft Surface Laptop 5 is an excellent choice for users looking for a stylish and capable ultra-portable laptop. Its sleek design, vibrant display, and reliable performance make it perfect for everyday tasks, productivity, and media consumption. However, its limited RAM and average graphics performance might not be ideal for demanding workloads or serious gaming. Ultimately, if you prioritize style, portability, and everyday performance, the Surface Laptop 5 is worth considering.

Surface Laptop 5 Specifications
Feature Specification
Operating System Windows 11 Home (64-Bit)
Processor Intel Core i7-1255U (12th Gen)
GPU Intel Iris Xe
Total Installed Memory 8 GB
Display Size 15″
Resolution 2496 x 1664
Touchscreen Yes
Total Installed Capacity 256 GB
Inputs/Outputs 1 x USB-A 3.0 / 3.1/3.2 Gen 1
1 x USB-C (Thunderbolt 4) / Supports Video Alt Mode and Power Delivery
Wi-Fi Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) with MU-MIMO Support
Bluetooth 5.1
Weight 3.44 lb / 1.56 kg