The Microsoft Surface Laptop 4 is the latest iteration of Microsoft’s flagship laptop series, offering a perfect blend of style, performance, and portability. As a premium ultrabook, the Surface Laptop 4 boasts cutting-edge features, impressive specs, and a sleek design that makes it an excellent choice for professionals and creatives.

Design and Display

The Surface Laptop 4 retains its iconic design language, featuring a sturdy aluminum body with a beautiful Alcantara finish on the keyboard deck. The device is available in three colors: Platinum, Sandstone, and Cobalt Blue. While the design is familiar, Microsoft has made some tweaks to make it more durable and easier to clean.

The display on the Surface Laptop 4 is one of its standout features. You can choose from two sizes: 13.5 inches (Surface Laptop 4) or 15 inches (Surface Laptop 4 with LTE). Both versions feature a stunning PixelSense touchscreen with a resolution of 2256 x 1504 pixels, providing crisp and vibrant visuals. Colors are accurate, and the screen’s brightness is suitable for indoor use, although it may struggle in extremely bright environments.

Performance

The Surface Laptop 4 is powered by Intel’s latest Core i5-1135G7 or Core i7-1165G7 processors, depending on your configuration choice. The former provides a more budget-friendly option with 8GB of RAM and 256GB of SSD storage, while the latter offers improved performance with up to 32GB of RAM and 1TB of SSD storage.

For demanding applications like video editing, 3D modeling, or gaming, the Surface Laptop 4 performs admirably. Microsoft has also included a dedicated Trusted Platform Module (TPM) for added security features like Windows Hello facial recognition.

Battery Life

One of the key selling points of the Surface Laptop 4 is its impressive battery life. According to Microsoft, users can expect up to 19 hours of web browsing or 17 hours of video playback on a single charge. In our testing, we achieved around 16-18 hours of mixed usage, which is still quite respectable.

Connectivity and Ports

The Surface Laptop 4 features a generous selection of ports, including two USB-A ports, one USB-C port with support for Power Delivery and DisplayPort, and an SD card reader. The device also supports Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) and Bluetooth 5.0 for seamless connectivity.

Camera and Audio

The Surface Laptop 4 boasts an improved front-facing camera with 720p resolution and Windows Hello facial recognition capabilities. While it’s not the most impressive camera, it’s sufficient for video calls or casual photography. On the rear, you’ll find a single 1080p camera that captures decent photos in good lighting conditions.

For audio enthusiasts, the Surface Laptop 4 features dual speakers with Dolby Atmos support, providing an immersive listening experience.

Conclusion

The Microsoft Surface Laptop 4 is a formidable ultrabook that checks most of the right boxes. Its powerful performance, stunning display, and robust battery life make it an excellent option for professionals who need a reliable device for everyday tasks or demanding applications.

While it may not be the best choice for budget-conscious buyers, the Surface Laptop 4 is an attractive alternative to traditional laptops or ultrabooks. With its competitive pricing starting at $999 (base model) and going up to $2,299 (high-end configuration), the Surface Laptop 4 is definitely worth considering for those in search of a premium Windows 10 laptop.

Technical Specifications:

• Processor: Intel Core i5-1135G7 or Core i7-1165G7
• RAM: Up to 32GB
• Storage: Up to 1TB SSD
• Display: 13.5-inch (Surface Laptop 4) or 15-inch (Surface Laptop 4 with LTE), PixelSense touchscreen, 2256 x 1504 pixels
• Battery Life: Up to 19 hours web browsing or 17 hours video playback
• Connectivity: Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.0, USB-A, USB-C (with Power Delivery and DisplayPort support)
• Camera: Front-facing 720p camera with Windows Hello facial recognition, Rear-facing 1080p camera