Typically, when Microsoft introduces a fresh Surface device, there’s a lot of excitement and fanfare. However, today is an exception. Although the new versions of the Surface Pro 11 and Surface Laptop 7 begin shipping today, you won’t find many popular YouTubers posting unboxing videos or a flood of reviews appearing simultaneously. This is because the latest Surface devices are primarily intended for business clients. They boast Intel Core Ultra 5 or Ultra 7 series processors, arrive in understated packaging, and have been designed with businesses as their primary focus.
As a researcher examining these devices, I’ve noticed that the fresh designs of the Surface Pro 11 and Surface Laptop 7 bear a striking resemblance to their Snapdragon counterparts. However, upon closer inspection, there are subtle distinctions. For instance, the Intel-powered versions come equipped with anti-reflective screens, which can be beneficial in various lighting conditions. Moreover, the Surface Pro with an Intel processor includes NFC functionality, a feature that proves particularly useful for business users.
It seems that one key distinction between the Surface Laptop 7 with an Intel processor and its counterpart lies in the inclusion of a 5G version for the former. However, it’s important to note that the 5G model is not expected to be available until later in the year.
The fundamental factors influencing the purchase decision between the latest Intel Surface devices and their Snapdragon counterparts primarily revolve around the processors they house. These processors serve as the heart of the reasons why someone might opt for an Intel-powered Surface or a device with a Snapdragon chipset.
Honorary mention: Color options
Before we delve into the main factors to help you choose between a Surface Pro or Surface Laptop, it’s important to note that the color options vary between the business and consumer versions of these devices. Specifically, the Intel models of the Surface Pro 11 and Surface Laptop 7 come in platinum or black only. For the “business” labeled Surface Pro models, color choices are limited to platinum and black as well. However, you can use a blue Surface Pro Flex Keyboard with a Surface Pro 11 that has an Intel processor.
As a researcher exploring the latest offerings from Microsoft, I can share that when opting for either the Surface Laptop 7 or Surface Pro 11 equipped with the Snapdragon processor, you’ll discover a variety of appealing color choices: sapphire, dune, platinum, and black.
The Snapdragon-powered Surface Pro 11 and Surface Laptop 7 get another win in this category.
Intel vs Snapdragon: Price
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The primary variation among the latest Surface devices lies in their prices. For instance, both the Surface Pro 11 and Surface Laptop 7 with Intel start at a price point of $1,499.99. However, if you were to fully maximize the specifications for the Surface Pro 11, it would set you back a rather steep $2,499.99. This configuration includes an Intel Core Ultra 7 (Series 2), 32GB of memory, and 1TB of storage, but keep in mind that this is still a fairly expensive option. The most costly Surface Laptop 7 for Business retails at $2,599.99.
Instead, Contrarily, the base prices for the Surface Pro 11 and Surface Laptop 7 equipped with Snapdragon begin at $999.99. Interestingly, these consumer editions of the Surface Pro 11 and Surface Laptop 7 have been marked down multiple times before. At present, many retailers are offering a $200 discount on these Snapdragon-operated Surface devices.
If your tasks align with devices running on Snapdragon, as I’ll explain later, the significant cost advantage tips the scale decisively towards choosing the Surface Pro 11 and Surface Laptop 7 that incorporate Snapdragon.
Intel vs Snapdragon: Battery life
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As of now, we haven’t established performance benchmarks for the Intel-equipped Surface Pro 11 and Surface Laptop 7, but we do understand what’s under the hood. For instance, the Snapdragon X Elite Gaming chipset, which is incorporated in both devices, exhibits greater efficiency compared to a similarly-powered Intel processor of the upcoming Lunar Lake series.
It seems likely that both the Surface Pro 11 and Surface Laptop 7 variants are expected to offer decent battery life. However, devices sporting a Snapdragon processor are likely to claim the title of highest efficiency.
Intel vs Snapdragon: Performance
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In simpler terms, the performance of the new Surface devices powered by Intel can be compared to battery life – we don’t have specific test results yet, but they are expected to perform well. However, Snapdragon X processors usually outperform Intel counterparts in multi-core tasks, particularly when the device is not connected to a power source. This superior performance applies specifically to native apps. Emulated apps may experience a decrease in performance, which I’ll elaborate on further below.
Just as you wouldn’t expect a device with short battery life to perform poorly, I believe neither the Surface Pro 11 nor the Surface Laptop 7 will exhibit subpar performance. However, devices powered by Snapdragon are likely to earn better ratings in that specific category.
Intel vs Snapdragon: App compatibility
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Devices with Snapdragon processors need to run specific apps using emulation, as there are also apps that don’t function at all. The primary explanation behind Microsoft offering Intel-equipped versions of its latest Surface products is to ensure compatibility for business users and their enterprise, as well as legacy applications.
The collection of top Windows Arm native apps expands frequently and features well-known brands. Many apps that don’t run natively on Snapdragon-powered computers can often operate through emulation, thanks to Microsoft’s Prism technology. Emulated apps might not perform as optimally as native ones, but they are generally functional. However, there are certain apps that don’t work well with Snapdragon-powered PCs. If you depend on any of those specific applications, it is advisable to choose a Surface Pro 11 or Surface Laptop 7 equipped with an Intel processor instead.
Surface Pro 11 and Surface Laptop 7: Intel vs Snapdragon
It’s always great to have options when purchasing electronic devices, and I’m pleased that Microsoft offers both Intel and Snapdragon variations for their Surface Pro 11 and Surface Laptop 7. For numerous consumers, the Snapdragon versions of these gadgets are preferable because they offer a more affordable price point, improved efficiency, and strong performance.
If you’re in need of apps that don’t perform optimally or can’t operate on Snapdragon processors, opt for the Surface Pro 11 and Surface Laptop 7 equipped with Intel chips instead, as they would be more suitable for your needs.
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2025-02-18 22:12