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Updated January 12, 2024·
The ASUS R410MA is a more budget-friendly choice and is significantly less expensive than the Microsoft Surface Laptop 5 13". If price is your main concern and you only need basic performance for tasks such as web browsing and document editing, then the ASUS R410MA may be suitable for you. However, if you require enhanced performance for more intensive tasks like 3D applications, machine learning, or gaming, the Microsoft Surface Laptop 5 13", with its better processor and graphics, is the preferable option despite the higher cost. Additionally, the Surface Laptop offers a higher resolution display, which could be important if screen clarity is a priority. The Surface Laptop also tends to have a better battery life and build quality, which are important if you need a laptop that lasts longer on a single charge and feels more premium. On the other hand, the ASUS is lighter, making it slightly more portable if you need to carry your laptop frequently. Give Feedback
this description is based on the product variant with some specs and product variant with some specs. At the time of writing, the variant with some specs cost some dollars and the variant with some specs cost some dollars.
Advantages of the ASUS R410MA
- The ASUS R410MA has no clear advantages over the Microsoft Surface Laptop 5 13".
Advantages of the Microsoft Surface Laptop 5 13"
- Good for general use
- Good for engineering and design
- Good for software development
- Good for content creation
- Good overall display quality
- Good overall build quality
- Excellent portability
- Very good speakers
- Good keyboard
Key differences
General Use
5.5
7.4
1366 x 768
RESOLUTION
2256 x 1504
TN
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
200.0 nits
DISPLAY BRIGHTNESS
400.0 nits
8.5 Hours
BATTERY LIFE
7.5 Hours
5.3/10
KEYBOARD QUALITY SCORE
7.0/10
8.5/10
PORTABILITY SCORE
9.0/10
The Microsoft Surface Laptop 5 13" is good for general use, while the ASUS R410MA is poor.
The ASUS R410MA has a less powerful CPU, less RAM, and lower screen quality, which can make multitasking and viewing content less satisfying, and its battery life may not support extended use away from a power source. On the other hand, the Microsoft Surface Laptop 5 13" offers a superior processor and more memory for smooth general use, a high-quality screen that enhances the viewing experience, and greater portability with longer battery life, despite being more expensive and having less storage out of the box.
Gaming and AI
5.4
6.1
3.5/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
3.7/10
1366 x 768
RESOLUTION
2256 x 1504
60Hz
REFRESH RATE
60Hz
No
SUPPORTS DLSS
No
No
MUX SWITCH / ADVANCED OPTIMUS
No
7.0/10
FAN NOISE SCORE
7.5/10
The Microsoft Surface Laptop 5 13" is only fair for gaming and AI, while the ASUS R410MA is poor.
The ASUS R410MA has a lower-end GPU and a lower-resolution TN panel, which limits graphics performance and screen quality, making it poorly suited for gaming and 3D applications. In contrast, the Microsoft Surface Laptop 5 13" boasts a more powerful GPU and a higher resolution IPS panel that supports touch, offering fair performance and better screen quality for gaming and 3D tasks.
Engineering and Design
5.3
7.1
3.3/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
6.9/10
3.5/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
3.7/10
4.0 GB
RAM
16.0 GB
The Microsoft Surface Laptop 5 13" is good for engineering and design, while the ASUS R410MA is poor.
The ASUS R410MA has less powerful CPU and GPU, lower RAM, and a lower-quality TN screen which make it unsuitable for demanding engineering and design tasks, whereas the Microsoft Surface Laptop 5 13" boasts a more capable CPU and GPU, more RAM, and a higher resolution IPS display, enhancing its suitability for such advanced work. Furthermore, while both laptops are similarly portable, the superior screen quality, keyboard, and speaker quality of the Surface Laptop contribute to a better overall experience for intensive use cases.
Content Creation
5.7
7.4
3.3/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
6.9/10
1366 x 768
RESOLUTION
2256 x 1504
4.0 GB
RAM
16.0 GB
TN
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
The Microsoft Surface Laptop 5 13" is good for content creation, while the ASUS R410MA is poor.
PerfectRec’s Content Creation Score takes into account the many different features of the laptop that make it more or less suitable for photo editing, video editing and other content creation tasks.
Software Development
5.6
7.2
3.3/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
6.9/10
4.0 GB
RAM
16.0 GB
1366 x 768
RESOLUTION
2256 x 1504
5.3/10
KEYBOARD QUALITY SCORE
7.0/10
The Microsoft Surface Laptop 5 13" is good for software development, while the ASUS R410MA is poor.
PerfectRec’s Software Development Score takes into account the many different features of the laptop that make it more or less suitable for software developers.
Screen Quality
5.1
7.2
14.0in
SIZE
13.5in
1366 x 768
RESOLUTION
2256 x 1504
TN
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
60Hz
REFRESH RATE
60Hz
200.0 nits
BRIGHTNESS
400.0 nits
The Microsoft Surface Laptop 5 13" has a better screen than the ASUS R410MA for general use, gaming and AI, engineering and design, content creation, and software development.
The ASUS R410MA's inferior screen quality is notable due to a basic panel type, lower resolution, and subpar brightness, diminishing the viewing experience in everyday tasks, creative engineering work, and gaming. On the other hand, the Microsoft Surface Laptop 5's higher resolution and brighter display enhance general and engineering tasks with crisp visuals and vivid colors, thanks to better coverage of professional color gamuts. However, since both laptops lack high refresh rates, neither is ideal for gaming or 3D applications which demand smoother motion and quicker screen updates for the best experience.
Build Quality
5.1
7.8
The Microsoft Surface Laptop 5 13" has good build quality, while the ASUS R410MA has poor build quality.
PerfectRec’s Build Quality Score incorporates case materials, display and keyboard flex, hinge quality, and overall reliability.
Cost
$111
$1,200
$0
$500
$1,000
$1,500
$2,000
The ASUS R410MA has a price of $111 and the Microsoft Surface Laptop 5 13" costs $1,200.
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Key similarities
Battery
8.5 Hours
7.5 Hours
The ASUS R410MA has 8.5 hours of battery life. The Microsoft Surface Laptop 5 13" has 7.5 hours of battery life.
Battery life estimate is based on a mix of common use patterns. More portable and higher performing laptops tend to have less battery life.
Portability
Very Good
Excellent
14.0in
SIZE
13.5in
2.8 lbs
WEIGHT
2.8 lbs
0.7in
THICKNESS
0.5in
Although they have very similar scores, PerfectRec considers Microsoft Surface Laptop 5 13" to have excellent portability, while the ASUS R410MA has very good portability.
The most portable laptops are small, thin, and light.
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We’re constantly working to improve.
How the ASUS R410MA and the Microsoft Surface Laptop 5 13" compare to other laptops
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| ASUS R410MA | Microsoft Surface Laptop 5 13" |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$111 | $1,200 | ||
Release Date | |||
Release Date | May 1, 2021 | October 1, 2022 | |
Overall Dimensions | |||
Overall Dimensions | 12.8'' x 8.5'' x 0.71'' | 12.1'' x 8.8'' x 0.57'' | |
Weight | |||
Weight | 2.87 lbs | 2.86 lbs | |
Width | |||
Width | 12.8" | 12.1" | |
Depth | |||
Depth | 8.54" | 8.8" | |
INTERNAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Processor | |||
Processor | Intel Celeron N4020 | Intel i7-1255U | |
RAM | |||
RAM | 4 GB | 16 GB | |
DDR Memory Version | |||
DDR Memory Version | 4 | 5 | |
RAM Slots | |||
RAM Slots | 0 | 0 | |
Storage | |||
Storage | 128 GB | 512 GB | |
BATTERY | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Battery Life | |||
Battery Life | 8.5 Hours | 7.5 Hours | |
Battery Capacity | |||
Battery Capacity | 42 Wh | 47.4 Wh | |
SCREEN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Diagonal Size | |||
Diagonal Size | 14" | 13.5" | |
Display Technology | |||
Display Technology | TN | IPS | |
Resolution | |||
Resolution | 1366 x 768 | 2256 x 1504 | |
Refresh Rate | |||
Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 60Hz | |
Display Brightness | |||
Display Brightness | 200 nits | 400 nits | |
RELIABILITY, APPEARANCE & ACOUSTICS | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality Score | |||
Build Quality Score | 5.1/10 | 7.8/10 | |
Portability Score | |||
Portability Score | 8.6/10 | 9/10 | |
Gaming Laptop Appearance | |||
Gaming Laptop Appearance | No | No | |
Premium Business Laptop | |||
Premium Business Laptop | No | No | |
Fan Noise Score | |||
Fan Noise Score | 7/10 | 7.5/10 | |
HARDWARE FEATURES | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Keyboard Quality Score | |||
Keyboard Quality Score | 5.3/10 | 7/10 | |
Speaker Quality Score | |||
Speaker Quality Score | 6/10 | 8.8/10 | |
Webcam | |||
Webcam | 480p | 720p | |
Fingerprint Reader | |||
Fingerprint Reader | No | No | |
Backlit Keyboard | |||
Backlit Keyboard | No | Yes | |
Number Pad | |||
Number Pad | No | No | |
CONNECTIVITY | |||
|---|---|---|---|
USB Type-A | |||
USB Type-A | 2 | 1 | |
USB-C ports | |||
USB-C ports | 1 | 1 | |
USB-C Charging | |||
USB-C Charging | No | Yes | |
Display Outputs | |||
Display Outputs | 1 | 1 | |
Thunderbolt Version | |||
Thunderbolt Version | N/A | 4 | |
Shopping
ASUS R410MA
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Dig into reviews and images
PCMag
Matthew Buzzi | August 2021
"The Asus Laptop L410 is a super-affordable PC, even among budget notebooks, compromising on the display and processing power to deliver a serviceable Windows machine with good battery life and useful ports. The build is reasonably solid, there’s a good mix of ports, battery life is long enough, and it can perform basic everyday tasks. On the flip side, the screen is poor, anything other than basic tasks is a tough ask, and it has little memory and even less storage."
Microsoft Surface Laptop 5 13"
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Dig into reviews and images
CNET
Lori Grunin | October 2022
"The Surface Laptop 5 remains afloat as a solid machine. It's just not one that stands out in any particular way. Just like the last one. The biggest upgrade were some new components, but they perform in the same range as other laptops with them, and frequently at the bottom of that range. I suspect Microsoft's settings are very conservative to help keep cooling and battery life within reason in the older chassis design."
Get a great deal on the ASUS R410MA or the Microsoft Surface Laptop 5 13"
About ASUS
ASUS, a Taiwanese electronics brand, is one of the largest personal computer vendor by market share. The majority of their laptops are targeted towards personal use or gaming. Their most popular product lines include the budget-friendly VivoBook, more premium ZenBook, and their TUF and ROG gaming laptops, the latter of which has a reputation for excellent gaming performance.
About Microsoft
Microsoft is an American technology corporation. Microsoft is best known for their Windows operating system and Surface laptop series. The Surface Laptop is their standard notebook offering, while their Surface Go, Surface Pro, and Surface Studio are their 2-in-1/tablet offerings in order of increasing capability. Although Microsoft charges a premium price tag for their laptops, buyers can expect a well integrated and packaged device since Microsoft develops the Windows operating system.
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