Surface Laptop 5 vs. Surface Pro 8 Comparison

Surface Laptop 5 vs. Surface Pro 8: Choosing the Best Surface Device

Microsoft's Surface line has become synonymous with sleek, powerful, and versatile Windows devices. Two of their latest offerings, the Surface Laptop 5 and Surface Pro 8, continue this tradition, providing users with cutting-edge technology and productivity-focused design. In this post, we'll compare these two devices to help you determine which one best suits your needs.

 

Specs Comparison of the Surface 8 vs. Surface Laptop 5

Design and Portability

The Microsoft Surface Laptop 5 features a traditional clamshell laptop design with a premium aluminium chassis available in elegant colours like Platinum and Matte Black. Weighing around 2.8 pounds (1.3 kg) and measuring just 0.57 inches (14.5 mm) thin, it's easy to carry around for work or school.

On the other hand, the Microsoft Surface Pro 8 offers the versatility of a tablet and laptop in one device. Its sleek, magnesium body weighs only 891 grams and is 0.37 inches (9.3 mm) thin, making it even more portable. The built-in kickstand and optional Type Cover allow you to use it as a laptop when needed.

 

Display

Both devices feature stunning PixelSense displays with high resolution and colour accuracy:

  • Surface Laptop 5: 13.5-inch or 15-inch touchscreen, 2256 x 1504 (201 PPI) or 2496 x 1664 (201 PPI) resolution
  • Surface Pro 8: 13-inch touchscreen, 2880 x 1920 (267 PPI) resolution

The Surface Pro 8's display is slightly smaller but offers a higher pixel density for even sharper visuals—both support pen input for drawing, note-taking, and precise navigation.

 

Performance

The Surface Laptop 5 and Surface Pro 8 are equipped with 11th Gen Intel Core processors, offering excellent performance for productivity tasks, creative work, and even light gaming:

  • Surface Laptop 5: Up to Intel Core i7-1185G7, Intel Iris Xe graphics
  • Surface Pro 8: Up to Intel Core i7-1185G7, Intel Iris Xe graphics

Both devices can be configured with up to 32GB of RAM and 1TB of SSD storage, ensuring smooth multitasking and ample space for your files and projects.

 

Battery Life

Microsoft claims impressive battery life for both devices:

  • Surface Laptop 5: Up to 17.5 hours of typical device usage
  • Surface Pro 8: Up to 16 hours of typical device usage

While actual battery life may vary depending on usage, the Surface Laptop 5 and Surface Pro 8 should easily last through an entire workday on a single charge.

 

Connectivity and Ports

The Surface Laptop 5 offers a solid selection of ports, including:

  • 1 x USB-C
  • 1 x USB-A
  • 1 x Surface Connect port
  • 1 x 3.5mm headphone jack

The Surface Pro 8 has a more limited port selection due to its compact size:

  • 2 x USB-C (Thunderbolt 4)
  • 1 x Surface Connect port
  • 1 x 3.5mm headphone jack

Both devices support Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.1 for fast and reliable wireless connectivity.

 

Accessories

The Surface Pro 8 has an advantage when it comes to accessories. Its optional Type Cover provides a comfortable typing experience and doubles as a protective cover. The Surface Slim Pen 2 can be stored and charged magnetically on the side of the device, ensuring it's always ready when needed.

The Surface Laptop 5 is a traditional laptop, so it doesn't have as many accessory options. However, it does support the Surface Pen for drawing and note-taking on its touchscreen display.

Final Notes

Choosing between the Surface Laptop 5 and Surface Pro 8 ultimately depends on your specific needs and preferences. If you prioritise a traditional laptop experience with a larger screen and more ports, the Surface Laptop 5 is an excellent choice. Its premium design, powerful performance, and long battery life make it ideal for productivity.

If you value versatility and portability above all else, the Surface Pro 8 is hard to beat. Its tablet form factor, combined with the optional Type Cover and Surface Slim Pen 2, allows you to switch between laptop and tablet modes seamlessly. Its high-resolution display and powerful internals ensure you won't sacrifice performance for portability.Whichever device you choose, you can be confident that you're getting a top-quality Windows device designed for productivity, creativity, and mobility. To explore these devices further and find the perfect configuration, visit our Microsoft Surface page.