Microsoft Surface Laptop 5 (RFB-00026) Review: A Premium Laptop for Productivity
Microsoft Surface Laptop 5 (RFB-00026) Review: A Premium Laptop for Productivity
Table of Contents
Introduction
The Microsoft Surface Laptop 5 (RFB-00026) is a premium laptop designed for productivity and everyday use. It boasts a sleek and stylish design, a vibrant 15-inch QHD display, and powerful performance thanks to its Intel Core i7-1255U processor and 8GB of RAM. After spending several weeks with the Surface Laptop 5, here’s our comprehensive review, diving deep into its features, performance, and overall user experience.
Features
The Surface Laptop 5 comes packed with features that cater to a variety of users. Let’s delve into some of its key highlights:
Display
The 15-inch QHD PixelSense touchscreen is a real standout. Its vibrant colors, sharp resolution, and responsive touch input make it a joy to use for everything from web browsing and document editing to watching movies and playing games. The 3:2 aspect ratio is also a welcome addition, offering more vertical screen real estate for productivity tasks.
Keyboard and Trackpad
Microsoft has always been known for its excellent keyboards, and the Surface Laptop 5 doesn’t disappoint. The keyboard is comfortable to type on, with a satisfying keystroke feel and a comfortable layout. The trackpad is equally impressive, offering smooth tracking, precise gestures, and excellent responsiveness.
Ports and Connectivity
The Surface Laptop 5 features a good selection of ports, including a USB-A port, a USB-C port (Thunderbolt 4), and a headphone jack. The Thunderbolt 4 port allows for fast data transfer speeds, external monitor connectivity, and charging capabilities. The laptop also supports Wi-Fi 6 for fast and reliable internet access.
Security
Security is paramount, and the Surface Laptop 5 offers robust protection with its dedicated hardware TPM security chip and facial recognition. The facial recognition system is quick and accurate, allowing for seamless login without the need for passwords.
Performance
The Surface Laptop 5 is powered by the Intel Core i7-1255U processor, which provides ample performance for everyday tasks, including web browsing, productivity applications, and casual gaming. The 8GB of RAM ensures smooth multitasking, while the 512GB SSD offers fast boot times and quick loading speeds. While not a gaming powerhouse, the integrated Intel Iris Xe graphics are capable of handling light games and multimedia content.
Pros & Cons
Like any product, the Surface Laptop 5 has its strengths and areas for improvement. Here’s a summary of the pros and cons:
Pros:
- Excellent 15-inch QHD touchscreen display
- Comfortable keyboard and responsive trackpad
- Strong performance for everyday tasks
- Good selection of ports, including Thunderbolt 4
- Robust security with TPM chip and facial recognition
- Sleek and stylish design
Cons:
- Limited RAM options (8GB or 16GB)
- Integrated graphics are not ideal for demanding games
- Price point is higher than some competitors
Final Verdict
The Microsoft Surface Laptop 5 (RFB-00026) is a solid choice for users who prioritize a premium design, a vibrant display, and excellent performance for everyday tasks. While it may not be the best option for gamers or power users, it’s a great laptop for students, professionals, and anyone looking for a reliable and stylish device. The combination of features, performance, and design makes it a compelling option in the premium laptop market. However, its price point might be a deterrent for some, and the limited RAM options could be a drawback for multitasking power users.
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 | 15″ QHD PixelSense Touch Display |
| Total Installed Capacity | 512 GB |
| USB-A 3.0/3.1/3.2 Gen 1 | 1 |
| USB-C (Thunderbolt 4) | 1 (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 |
| CPU | Intel Core i7-1255U (12th Gen) |
| Cores | 10-Core |
| CPU Speed | Up to 4.7 GHz Performance (2 Cores), Up to 3.4 GHz Efficiency (8 Cores) |
| L3 Cache | 12 MB |
| Graphics Type | Integrated |
| Memory Type | LPDDR5x |
| Memory Configuration | 8 GB (Onboard) |
| Panel Type | LCD |
| Aspect Ratio | 3:2 |
| Refresh Rate | 60 Hz |
| Contrast Ratio | 1300:1 |
| Total Installed Capacity | 512 GB |
| Storage Drive Type | 1 x 512 GB / M.2 NVMe SSD |
| Storage Expansion | 1 x M.2 Slot (PCIe) [In Use] |
| Headphone Output | 1 x 1/8″ / 3.5 mm |
| Built-In Speakers | Yes |
| Built-In Microphones | 2 x Far-Field |
| Media/Memory Card Slot | No |
| Network I/O | No |
| Webcam | User-Facing: 720p |
| Keyboard | Built-In Chiclet-Style Keyboard with Backlight |
| Pointing Device | TouchPad |
| Security | Dedicated Hardware TPM Security Chip, Facial Recognition |
| Dimensions | 13.4 x 9.6 x 0.6″ / 340 x 244 x 14.7 mm |
| Weight | 3.44 lb / 1.56 kg |
