The Microsoft Surface Laptop 7 marks a significant evolution in the realm of personal computing, debuting alongside the Surface Pro 11 as the first Copilot+ PC. This model is powered by Qualcomm’s Snapdragon X Elite chipset, boasting impressive battery life and performance that has garnered attention in the tech community. However, the initial reception was not without its critiques; the display’s color vibrancy fell short of expectations, and the keyboard’s shallow design left some users wanting more in terms of typing comfort.
In response to feedback, Microsoft has introduced a new iteration of the Surface Laptop 7, now featuring Intel’s Core Ultra Series 2 (Lunar Lake) chipset. Set to launch on February 18, 2025, this model aims to cater to users reliant on specific Windows applications that are natively compatible with x86 architecture. For those contemplating a purchase, a side-by-side comparison of the Intel and Qualcomm variants will illuminate key differences in performance, battery life, and overall usability.
Surface Laptop 7 Intel vs. Qualcomm: Specs compared
When examining the specifications of both models, the differences become apparent:
<table class="tablewrapper tablewrapper–inbodyContent tablewrapper–sticky tablewrapper–divider”>
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<th class="tableheadheading tableheadheading–left” colspan=”1″>Header Cell – Column 0
<th class="tableheadheading tableheadheading–left” colspan=”1″>Microsoft Surface Laptop 7, Intel
<th class="tableheadheading tableheadheading–left” colspan=”1″>Microsoft Surface Laptop 7, Qualcomm
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<td class="tablebody_data” colspan=”1″>Price
<td class="tablebody_data” colspan=”1″>,499 starting
<td class="tablebody_data” colspan=”1″>9 starting
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<td class="tablebody_data” colspan=”1″>Processor
<td class="tablebody_data” colspan=”1″>Intel Core Ultra 5 236V, Intel Core Ultra 5 238V, Intel Core Ultra 7 266V, Intel Core Ultra 7268V
<td class="tablebody_data” colspan=”1″>Qualcomm 12-core Snapdragon X Elite, Qualcomm 10-core Snapdragon X Plus
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<td class="tablebody_data” colspan=”1″>RAM
<td class="tablebody_data” colspan=”1″>Up to 32GB
<td class="tablebody_data” colspan=”1″>Up to 32GB
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<td class="tablebody_data” colspan=”1″>Storage
<td class="tablebody_data” colspan=”1″>Up to 1TB
<td class="tablebody_data” colspan=”1″>Up to 1TB
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<td class="tablebody_data” colspan=”1″>Display
<td class="tablebody_data” colspan=”1″>13.8-inch (2304 x 1536) 120Hz touch display; 15-inch (2496 x 1664) 120Hz touch display
<td class="tablebody_data” colspan=”1″>13.8-inch (2304 x 1536) 120Hz touch display; 15-inch (2496 x 1664) 120Hz touch display
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<td class="tablebody_data” colspan=”1″>Ports
<td class="tablebody_data” colspan=”1″>Surface Connect port, 2x USB-C (4) ports, audio jack, USB-A 3.2
<td class="tablebody_data” colspan=”1″>Surface Connect port, 2x USB-C (4) ports, audio jack, USB-A 3.1
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<td class="tablebody_data” colspan=”1″>Battery life
<td class="tablebody_data” colspan=”1″>Up to 20/22 hours video playback; up to 12/14 hours active web usage
<td class="tablebody_data” colspan=”1″>Up to 20/22 hours video playback; up to 13/15 hours active web usage
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<td class="tablebody_data” colspan=”1″>Dimensions
<td class="tablebody_data” colspan=”1″>11.85 x 8.67 x 0.69 inches (13.8-inch); 12.96 x 9.41 x 0.72 inches (15-inch)
<td class="tablebody_data” colspan=”1″>11.85 x 8.67 x 0.69 inches (13.8-inch); 12.96 x 9.41 x 0.72 inches (15-inch)
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<td class="tablebody_data” colspan=”1″>Weight
<td class="tablebody_data” colspan=”1″>2.97 lbs (13.8-inch); 3.66 lbs (15-inch); 3.64 lbs (15-inch, w/ smart card reader)
<td class="tablebody_data” colspan=”1″>2.96 lbs (13.8-inch); 3.67 lbs (15-inch)
Surface Laptop 7 Intel vs. Qualcomm: Price and availability
The pricing structure reveals a notable disparity between the Intel and Qualcomm variants. The Qualcomm-powered 13.8-inch model begins at 9, while the 15-inch version starts at ,299. In contrast, the Intel variant commands a starting price of ,499 for the 13.8-inch model, which is 0 higher than its Qualcomm counterpart. The anticipated price for the larger 15-inch Intel model is projected to start at around ,799.
Currently, the Qualcomm Surface Laptop 7 is available for purchase through Microsoft and various retailers. However, those interested in the Intel version will need to wait until February 18 for availability.
Surface Laptop 7 Intel vs. Qualcomm: Display and design
Visually, distinguishing between the Intel and Qualcomm models may prove challenging. Both iterations share a sleek, MacBook-inspired aesthetic, complete with a centered Microsoft logo and a lightweight chassis. They are equipped with identical port configurations, though the Intel model upgrades to a USB-A 3.2 port, replacing the Qualcomm’s USB-A 3.1 port. While no updates have been announced regarding the keyboard, it is expected that the typing experience will remain consistent across both models.
Display options are also uniform, offering a choice between a 13.8-inch (2304 x 1536) 120Hz touchscreen and a 15-inch (2496 x 1664) 120Hz touchscreen, regardless of the processor choice.
Surface Laptop 7 Intel vs. Qualcomm: Performance
Performance is a critical differentiator between the two models. The Qualcomm variant is powered by the Snapdragon X Elite or X Plus chip, while the Intel model utilizes the Core Ultra Series 2 (Lunar Lake) chip. Initial testing of the Snapdragon X Elite processor yielded a commendable multi-core score of 14,426 in the Geekbench 6 performance test.
While the Intel models have yet to be tested, previous benchmarks from similar processors indicate scores ranging from 11,033 to 11,125. Although these figures suggest that Qualcomm may currently hold an edge in raw performance, further testing will provide a clearer picture.
Surface Laptop 7 Intel vs. Qualcomm: Battery life
Battery life estimates from Microsoft indicate that the Snapdragon X Elite-powered Surface Laptop 7 can achieve up to 22 hours of video playback, with the smaller model lasting up to 20 hours. The Intel models are projected to offer similar performance, with estimates suggesting up to 12 hours for the 13.8-inch model and 14 hours for the 15-inch variant.
In practical tests, the Qualcomm model demonstrated a battery life of 15 hours and 44 minutes under continuous web browsing conditions. Comparatively, a Dell XPS 13 equipped with an Intel Core Ultra 7 processor lasted 17 hours and 29 minutes in a similar test, hinting at competitive battery performance across both platforms.
Surface Laptop 7 Intel vs. Qualcomm: App compatibility
As the landscape of app compatibility evolves, users are increasingly finding that many popular applications now support Windows on Arm. Research indicates that 90% of usage on Copilot+ PCs occurs within native applications, including widely used software such as Chrome, Zoom, and Photoshop. However, the absence of a native Steam app for Windows on Arm remains a notable gap, complicating the gaming experience on these devices.
For prospective buyers, it is advisable to compile a list of frequently used applications and verify their compatibility with Windows on Arm before making a purchase decision.
Surface Laptop 7 Intel vs. Qualcomm: Outlook
The competition between the Intel and Qualcomm-powered Surface Laptop 7 is poised to be a close one. Both models promise enhanced battery life and performance, aligning with Microsoft’s vision for Copilot+ PCs. While the Snapdragon X Elite variants appear to have a slight advantage in performance and battery life, the Intel models excel in native app compatibility. As the ecosystem for Windows on Arm continues to grow, the balance may shift, making it essential for consumers to consider their specific needs when choosing between these two powerful options.
