Introduction
The newest laptops from Microsoft and Apple offer impressive performance and features in sleek, portable designs. As leaders in the laptop market, the Surface Laptop 5 and MacBook Pro 14 provide excellent choices for professionals, creatives, and students looking for a powerful ultrabook.
In this in-depth comparison, I will analyze the key differences between these two laptops across several categories to help you decide which is the best option for your needs. The topics covered include:
Specs and Hardware
Processors
The Surface Laptop 5 is configurable with either 11th Gen Intel Core i5/i7 processors or Microsoft SQ 2 processors, while the MacBook Pro 14 uses the newer M2 Pro or M2 Max Apple silicon chips. The M2 chips deliver better performance compared to the Intel/SQ 2 chips in benchmarks. The M2 Max, in particular, outperforms the Surface processors significantly in both single and multi-core tests.
Graphics
For graphics, the Surface Laptop 5 relies on Intel integrated graphics or the integrated GPU in the SQ 2 chip. The MacBook Pro 14 has dedicated GPUs ranging from 16 to 38 cores depending on the M2 configuration chosen. The higher core GPUs in the M2 Pro and M2 Max deliver far better graphics performance compared to the Surface Laptop 5 for creative work, gaming, and other graphics-intensive tasks.
Memory and Storage
The Surface Laptop 5 is configurable up to 32GB of RAM and 1TB SSD storage. The MacBook Pro 14 offers more memory capability with configurable RAM up to 96GB using high-performance unified memory architecture. For storage, it can be configured up to 8TB SSD. The extra memory and storage capacity give the MacBook Pro 14 an advantage for intensive creative workloads.
Displays
The Surface Laptop 5 has a 13.5 or 15 inch PixelSense touch display with a resolution up to 2496 x 1664. The MacBook Pro 14 features a 14.2 inch mini-LED backlit display with 3024 x 1964 resolution. Both displays are excellent, but the MacBook Pro offers higher maximum brightness up to 1600 nits, ProMotion dynamic refresh rates up to 120Hz, and better contrast thanks to the mini-LED backlighting.
Overall, the MacBook Pro 14 has more powerful specs and hardware configuration options compared to the Surface Laptop 5. The more advanced Apple M2 chips and GPUs, higher memory/storage capacity, and slightly better display give it an edge.
Design and Portability
Size and Weight
The Surface Laptop 5 weighs 2.79 lbs (13.5 inch) or 3.4 lbs (15 inch) and is 0.57 inches thick. The MacBook Pro 14 weighs 3.5 lbs and is 0.61 inches thick. The Surface Laptop is lighter, especially the 13.5 inch model. However, the MacBook Pro still maintains an impressively compact design for a 14 inch performance laptop.
Build Quality
Both laptops feature a high-quality aluminum unibody construction that feels premium. The Surface Laptop 5 uses anodized aluminum while the MacBook Pro uses a single block of machined aluminum for a seamless design. Despite the minimalist look, both laptops feel very sturdy and durable.
Portability
Thanks to the lightweight chassis and slim profile, the Surface Laptop 5 is slightly more portable to carry around daily compared to the MacBook Pro 14. However, the MacBook Pro still offers good portability for a 14 inch laptop. Overall, both provide excellent portability for frequent travelers.
Styling
The Surface Laptop 5 has a sleek, minimalist aesthetic available in rich color options like Platinum, Matte Black, and Sandstone. The MacBook Pro opts for a more industrial look in standard Silver and Space Gray. Styling preference will come down to personal taste between the two laptops.
For portable design, the Surface Laptop 5 takes the edge with its lighter and slimmer chassis. But the MacBook Pro 14 still excels in build quality and offers reasonable portability for its screen size.
Inputs and Connectivity
Keyboards and Trackpads
The Surface Laptop 5 keyboard uses spring-loaded keys for comfortable typing. The MacBook Pro 14 features Apple’s Magic Keyboard with soft-touch keys. Both keyboards are excellent, but some users may prefer the slightly more clicky and tactile feel of the MacBook Pro keyboard.
For the trackpads, the Surface Laptop 5 trackpad is generously sized and accurate. However, the MacBook Pro’s Force Touch trackpad is larger and supports more multi-touch gestures. The haptic feedback also helps mimic the feel of a traditional click.
Ports
The Surface Laptop 5 is equipped with 1 x USB-A, 1 x USB-C/Thunderbolt 4, and a headphone jack. The MacBook Pro 14 offers 3 x Thunderbolt 4/USB-C ports and an HDMI port, with no USB-A. The MacBook Pro provides more connectivity with additional Thunderbolt ports and HDMI, but the Surface Laptop 5 offers more legacy USB-A support.
Biometrics
For biometrics and security, both laptops support fingerprint login. The Surface Laptop 5 adds an IR camera for facial recognition login with Windows Hello. The MacBook Pro relies solely on Touch ID.
Overall, the MacBook Pro 14’s Magic Keyboard, Force Touch trackpad, and extra Thunderbolt ports make it the winner for inputs and connectivity. But the Surface Laptop 5 offers nice bonuses like facial recognition and USB-A.
Operating Systems
The Surface Laptop 5 runs Windows 11 Home or Pro, while the MacBook Pro 14 runs macOS Ventura. Both operating systems are polished and easy to use, with access to broad app ecosystems.
Windows 11 offers greater flexibility in app installation outside the Microsoft Store. MacOS has more consistent optimization between software and hardware since Apple controls both.
The choice between Windows vs macOS comes down to user preference and existing ecosystem investment. Both the Surface Laptop 5 and MacBook Pro 14 run their operating systems smoothly.
Battery Life
The Surface Laptop 5 is rated for up to 17 hours of typical device usage on the 13.5 inch model. For the MacBook Pro 14, Apple claims up to 11 hours of wireless web browsing.
In real-world testing, both laptops deliver excellent battery life thanks to efficient processors and display optimization. However, the Surface Laptop 5 is likely to last a bit longer on a full charge compared to the MacBook Pro 14 with moderate usage. Keep in mind the MacBook Pro’s outstanding performance and mini-LED display require more power.
If maximizing battery life is critical, the Surface Laptop 5 has an advantage. But the MacBook Pro 14 still provides perfectly adequate battery life for a full day of use.
Prices
The base 13.5″ Surface Laptop 5 with i5 CPU, 8GB RAM, and 256GB SSD starts at $999. The top 15″ configuration with i7, 32GB RAM, 1TB SSD is $2099.
The 14″ MacBook Pro pricing begins at $1999 for M2 Pro, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD. The high-end M2 Max, 96GB RAM, 8TB SSD config is $6,099.
Across the lineup, the MacBook Pro 14 costs considerably more than the Surface Laptop 5. You get more premium features like the mini-LED display and powerful Apple silicon chips, but you pay a premium.
The Surface Laptop 5 provides better value for budget-conscious buyers. But the MacBook Pro 14 costs more since it’s geared towards demanding creative pros.
Summary and Recommendations
Surface Laptop 5 Advantages:
- More affordable starting price
- Thinner and lighter design
- USB-A port included
- Facial recognition with Windows Hello
- Slightly longer real-world battery life
MacBook Pro 14 Advantages:
- Faster M2 Pro/Max processors and GPUs
- Brighter mini-LED display with ProMotion
- Up to 96GB memory and 8TB storage
- Three Thunderbolt ports + HDMI
- macOS Ventura operating system
For most budgets and needs, I recommend the Surface Laptop 5 as the best combination of performance, design, and value. But if you want sheer power and premium features for professional creative work and don’t mind paying more, the MacBook Pro 14 is worth the investment. It depends on your specific workload and budget.
Both Microsoft and Apple have created excellent premium ultrabooks here. The Surface Laptop 5 and MacBook Pro 14 are appealing choices that come down to your OS preference, performance needs, and budget flexibility. I hope this detailed comparison helps you pick your perfect laptop! Let me know if you have any other questions.
