Microsoft Surface Laptop 5 13.5″ Review: A Versatile and Stylish Laptop (R1S-00001)
Microsoft Surface Laptop 5 13.5″ Review (R1S-00001): A Versatile and Stylish Laptop
The Microsoft Surface Laptop 5 is a sleek and powerful laptop designed for productivity and everyday tasks. This review delves into its features, performance, and overall user experience. I’ve had the opportunity to test the 13.5-inch model with Intel Core i5-1235U, 8GB RAM, and 512GB SSD, so let’s dive in.
Table of Contents
Introduction
The Microsoft Surface Laptop 5 is the latest iteration of Microsoft’s popular line of laptops. It boasts a refined design, powerful internals, and a user-friendly experience. I was eager to see how this model stacks up against its predecessors and competitors.
Features
The Surface Laptop 5 is packed with features designed to enhance productivity and entertainment:
- 13.5-inch PixelSense Touch Display: The vibrant touchscreen offers a high-resolution experience perfect for creative work and multimedia consumption.
- Intel Core i5-1235U Processor: The 12th-generation Intel Core i5 processor provides ample power for demanding tasks and smooth multitasking.
- 8GB RAM: This amount of RAM ensures smooth performance when running multiple applications simultaneously.
- 512GB SSD: The fast SSD provides ample storage space and quick boot times.
- Intel Iris Xe Graphics: The integrated graphics handle everyday tasks and light gaming with ease.
- Windows 11 Home: The latest version of Windows offers a familiar yet enhanced user experience.
- Backlit Keyboard: The comfortable keyboard is perfect for working in low-light conditions.
- Touchpad: The precise touchpad offers a smooth and responsive experience for navigation and gestures.
- Security: The Surface Laptop 5 is equipped with a dedicated hardware TPM security chip and facial recognition for added security.
Performance
The Surface Laptop 5’s performance is commendable. It smoothly handles everyday tasks, including web browsing, document editing, and video streaming. The Intel Core i5-1235U processor is efficient and powerful enough for multitasking and light productivity work. The 8GB of RAM ensures that applications load quickly and run smoothly, even when multiple programs are open.
The SSD provides rapid boot times and fast data transfer speeds. I didn’t experience any lag or sluggishness during my testing period. The display is crisp and vibrant, making multimedia consumption enjoyable. The keyboard is comfortable and responsive, and the touchpad is accurate and smooth.
While it can handle light gaming, don’t expect to play demanding AAA titles on the integrated graphics. For gaming, you might consider a model with dedicated graphics.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Stylish and premium design
- Powerful processor and ample RAM for multitasking
- Vibrant and responsive touchscreen display
- Comfortable keyboard and precise touchpad
- Fast SSD storage for quick boot times and data transfer
- Good battery life
- Strong security features
Cons
- No dedicated graphics for demanding gaming
- Limited port selection
- Can get slightly warm under heavy workloads
Final Verdict
The Microsoft Surface Laptop 5 is a solid choice for users looking for a stylish and versatile laptop that combines portability with productivity. Its powerful processor, ample RAM, and fast SSD storage make it ideal for everyday tasks, multitasking, and light productivity work. The vibrant display, comfortable keyboard, and precise touchpad enhance the overall user experience. However, it lacks dedicated graphics for demanding gaming and has a limited port selection. Overall, I recommend the Surface Laptop 5 to students, professionals, and anyone looking for a well-rounded and reliable laptop.
Specifications
| Operating System | Windows 11 Home (64-Bit) |
|---|---|
| Processor | Intel Core i5-1235U (12th Gen) |
| GPU | Intel Iris Xe |
| Total Installed Memory | 8 GB |
| Display Size | 13.5″ |
| Resolution | 2256 x 1504 |
| Touchscreen | Yes |
| Total Installed Capacity | 512 GB |
| Storage Drive Type | 1 x 512 GB / M.2 NVMe SSD |
| CPU | 10-Core: Up to 4.4 GHz Performance (2 Cores), Up to 3.3 GHz Efficiency (8 Cores) |
| L3 Cache | 12 MB |
| Memory Type | LPDDR5x |
| Memory Configuration | 8 GB (Onboard) |
| ECC Memory | No |
| vPro Support | No |
| Panel Type | LCD |
| Aspect Ratio | 3:2 |
| Refresh Rate | 60 Hz |
| Contrast Ratio | 1300:1 |
| 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, 1 x 1/8″ / 3.5 mm Headphone Output |
| Network I/O | No |
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) with MU-MIMO Support |
| Bluetooth | 5.1 |
| Cellular Support | No |
| GPS | No |
| Webcam | User-Facing: 720p |
| Keyboard & Mouse | |
| Keyboard | Built-In Chiclet-Style Keyboard with Backlight |
| Pointing Device | TouchPad |
| Security | Dedicated Hardware TPM Security Chip, Facial Recognition |
| Dimensions | 12.1 x 8.8 x 0.6″ / 308 x 223 x 14.5 mm |
| Weight | 2.86 lb / 1.3 kg |
| Package Weight | 5.57 lb |
| Box Dimensions (LxWxH) | 16.4 x 10.6 x 2.5″ |
