Key Takeaways
1. Qualcomm’s Snapdragon X Elite processors are integrated into Microsoft’s Surface Pro and Surface Laptop, using a specialized ARM version of Windows.
2. ARM laptops have potential compatibility challenges with older software and games, which can lead to unexpected issues for uninformed consumers.
3. Microsoft has released Surface configurations with Intel’s Lunar Lake processors, offering better compatibility and superior battery life compared to ARM models.
4. The Intel model excels in single-core performance and graphics capabilities, making it better for everyday tasks and occasional gaming, despite being noisier under heavy use.
5. There is a significant price gap between the ARM and Intel Surface Laptop models, with the Intel versions being less accessible to average consumers, potentially leading to dissatisfaction and reduced sales.
Since Qualcomm introduced its Snapdragon X Elite processors, Microsoft has been utilizing these chipsets in both the Surface Pro and Surface Laptop, integrating them with ARM architecture. This effort includes a specialized ARM version of Windows along with apps that are optimized for this platform. In our evaluations of ARM laptops, we have consistently highlighted possible compatibility challenges with older software and games.
Informing Customers
We often encourage manufacturers to make customers aware of these potential limitations. Generally, ARM laptops perform admirably, and as long as users are aware of or can tolerate the mentioned drawbacks, there’s nothing fundamentally wrong with them. However, if consumers are not informed, they may encounter unexpected issues. For instance, we recently noted that the Surface Laptop has been marked as a product that gets returned frequently on Amazon. It seems that business clients were not very pleased either.
New Intel Options
In mid-February, Microsoft released Surface configurations labeled “for Business,” featuring Intel’s Lunar Lake processors. We have just completed an in-depth review of the larger Surface Laptop 7 15 with the Core Ultra 7 268V, making a direct comparison to the Snapdragon version. Besides the absence of compatibility problems, the Intel model even boasts superior battery life.
While the multi-core performance of the processor is lower, the Lunar Lake chip matches the single-core performance, which tends to be more crucial for day-to-day tasks. The built-in Arc Graphics 140V GPU is also markedly more powerful. When it comes to occasional gaming, the Intel version excels significantly. The main downside is that the fan on the Intel model is noisier, but it’s important to mention that the peak noise level only occurs after several minutes of intense use. Under normal conditions, the Intel version operates quietly, especially when not in performance mode.
Pricing Discrepancies
Although the Surface Laptop for Business can be purchased by regular consumers through various outlets, the high retail price and absence of discounts create a noticeable price gap. For instance, our Intel test unit has a suggested retail price of €2760, making it €700 pricier than the comparable Snapdragon model, which is heavily discounted at €2,499 MSRP. Therefore, the Intel configurations are not a viable option for average users, even though these versions of the Surface Laptop 7 would likely be a better fit for many consumers. It’s unfortunate that Microsoft is pushing its less favorable ARM models onto individual customers, limiting their options. In the long term, this approach could result in unhappy customers and a decline in sales.
