Microsoft unveiled the Surface Laptop 5 on October 12, 2022, as the latest iteration of its flagship ultrabook lineup. Designed for professionals, students, and creatives alike, this laptop builds upon the strengths of its predecessor while introducing faster performance, improved efficiency, and a refined user experience. But how well does it stand up to competition, and what improvements set it apart from the Surface Laptop 4? Let’s take a closer look.
Evolution from Surface Laptop 4: What’s New?
Compared to the Surface Laptop 4, the Surface Laptop 5 delivers a substantial performance boost thanks to its transition to Intel’s 12th Gen Alder Lake processors. Unlike its predecessor, which offered both Intel and AMD options, Microsoft exclusively partnered with Intel for this generation, equipping all configurations with Intel Evo-certified chips for better power efficiency and responsiveness.
Here are some key upgrades over the Surface Laptop 4:
- Performance Boost: 12th Gen Intel Core i5-1235U and Core i7-1255U deliver significantly better multi-core performance, improving multitasking and creative workflows.
- Faster Memory: Upgraded to LPDDR5x RAM, enhancing speed and efficiency.
- Thunderbolt 4 Support: This was a long-requested feature, now allowing faster data transfer and external display support.
- Improved Battery Life: While battery endurance remains similar on paper, real-world usage benefits from better power efficiency.
- Refined Design: The Surface Laptop 5 retains its premium aluminum chassis but introduces a new Sage Green color option.
Hardware and Features: A Premium Ultrabook Experience
Microsoft didn’t drastically alter the Surface Laptop formula but refined it in meaningful ways. The Surface Laptop 5 continues to offer a sleek, minimalist design available in 13.5-inch and 15-inch variants, both featuring a stunning PixelSense touchscreen with 3:2 aspect ratio for more vertical screen space.
Display & Build Quality
- 13.5” or 15” PixelSense touchscreen with vibrant colors and sharp contrast.
- Resolution: 2256 x 1504 (13.5-inch) | 2496 x 1664 (15-inch).
- Dolby Vision IQ support for enhanced HDR content.
- Premium chassis, available in Platinum, Matte Black, and Sage Green.
Performance & Battery Life
- Intel Core i5-1235U / Core i7-1255U (12th Gen Alder Lake).
- 8GB, 16GB, or 32GB LPDDR5x RAM.
- 256GB, 512GB, or 1TB SSD storage.
- Battery life up to 18 hours, though real-world usage averages 10-12 hours.
Connectivity & Ports
- 1 x USB-C with Thunderbolt 4 (major upgrade over Surface Laptop 4).
- 1 x USB-A for legacy devices.
- Surface Connect port for charging.
- 3.5mm headphone jack (still included, unlike many competitors).
Keyboard & Trackpad
- Comfortable, well-spaced keyboard with great key travel.
- Large precision trackpad with smooth glass surface.
What Users Loved About the Surface Laptop 5
Despite being an iterative upgrade, the Surface Laptop 5 received high praise from users and critics alike for its premium design, excellent display, and improved performance. Some standout features include:
- Smooth, premium typing experience – one of the best laptop keyboards in its class.
- Ultra-responsive touchscreen – perfect for productivity and creativity.
- Thunderbolt 4 support – enabling powerful external display and accessory connections.
- Solid battery life – great for all-day productivity.
How Useful is the Surface Laptop 5 Today?
Even in 2025, the Surface Laptop 5 remains a highly capable device. With 12th Gen Intel processors, fast LPDDR5x RAM, and Thunderbolt 4, it continues to handle productivity tasks, light gaming, and creative work effortlessly. While the Surface Laptop 6 has since arrived with Intel’s latest chips, the Surface Laptop 5 is still a viable option for those looking for a premium Windows experience at a lower price as it becomes more affordable on the used market.
Final Thoughts
The Microsoft Surface Laptop 5 was a solid refinement of an already excellent laptop, bringing meaningful improvements in performance, connectivity, and efficiency. While it lacked groundbreaking design changes, the premium build, fast performance, and long battery life ensured it remained one of the best Windows ultrabooks of its time. Even today, it stands as a reliable, high-quality laptop for students, professionals, and Surface enthusiasts alike.