When considering the ASUS Vivobook Go 12 and the Microsoft Surface Laptop 5 13", you should think about the key aspects of your needs. The ASUS is generally more affordable, making it suitable for everyday tasks like web browsing, word processing, and streaming videos, but it may underperform in more demanding applications. The Surface Laptop, on the other hand, offers better performance, which is excellent for more intensive tasks like photo editing, engineering software, and light gaming. It also typically has a sleeker design, a higher quality display, and longer battery life. However, it's less budget-friendly. If portability is a priority, the ASUS's smaller size and lighter weight make it easier to carry around. The Surface Laptop, with a larger screen, provides a better experience for prolonged work sessions and multimedia consumption but is less portable. Consider the Surface if you have a flexible budget and need a more robust laptop for a wider range of tasks, or the ASUS for basic use and easier handling. 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 Vivobook Go 12
Very good battery life
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
Very good speakers
Good keyboard
Key differences
General Use
5.6/10
7.4/10
1366 x 768
RESOLUTION
2256 x 1504
TN
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
200.0 nits
DISPLAY BRIGHTNESS
400.0 nits
10.0 Hours
BATTERY LIFE
7.5 Hours
5.3/10
KEYBOARD QUALITY SCORE
7.0/10
9.3/10
PORTABILITY SCORE
9.0/10
The Microsoft Surface Laptop 5 13" is good for general use, while the ASUS Vivobook Go 12 is poor.
The ASUS Vivobook Go 12 has limited processing power with its Intel Celeron CPU, less RAM, and a lower-resolution TN screen, which together can lead to slow performance and less vibrant displays, hindering its effectiveness for general use. In contrast, the Microsoft Surface Laptop 5 13" offers a powerful Intel i7 CPU, more RAM, and a higher resolution IPS touchscreen, providing smooth operation and sharper, more accurate colors, making it more suited for a wide range of tasks.
Gaming and AI
5.4/10
6.1/10
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 Vivobook Go 12 is poor.
The ASUS Vivobook Go 12 has an entry-level processor and a basic integrated GPU, suitable for simple tasks but not for the demands of gaming and 3D applications, while the Microsoft Surface Laptop 5 13" boasts a more powerful processor and a superior integrated GPU designed to handle more demanding applications, including moderate gaming and 3D work. Additionally, the Surface Laptop has a higher quality IPS display with better resolution, contributing to a more enjoyable visual experience for gaming and 3D graphics than the lower resolution TN panel on the Vivobook Go 12.
Engineering and Design
5.3/10
7.1/10
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 Vivobook Go 12 is poor.
The ASUS Vivobook Go 12 has a lower-end Intel Celeron CPU, lower RAM, and a basic GPU, which are insufficient for demanding engineering and design programs, whereas the Microsoft Surface Laptop 5 13" boasts a more powerful Intel i7 CPU, higher RAM, and better integrated graphics suitable for such tasks. Additionally, the Surface Laptop offers higher screen quality with superior resolution and color coverage essential for design work, whereas the ASUS's screen is less advanced.
Content Creation
5.7/10
7.4/10
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 Vivobook Go 12 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
5.7/10
7.2/10
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 Vivobook Go 12 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
5.1/10
7.2/10
11.6in
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 Vivobook Go 12 for general use, gaming and AI, engineering and design, content creation, and software development.
The ASUS Vivobook Go 12 likely has a lower resolution and dimmer display, making it less suitable for tasks where clarity and visibility are key, such as browsing the web or document editing, which are common in general use. For engineering and design, a screen needs to accurately represent colors, and the Vivobook's display possibly falls short in reproducing the broad color gamuts required for precision work. Meanwhile, the Microsoft Surface Laptop 5 13" may not have a high refresh rate suitable for 3D applications or gaming, but its better resolution, brightness, and color representation make it a good choice for both general use and professional design tasks.
Battery
10.0 Hours
7.5 Hours
The ASUS Vivobook Go 12 has 10 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.
Build Quality
5.1/10
7.8/10
The Microsoft Surface Laptop 5 13" has good build quality, while the ASUS Vivobook Go 12 has poor build quality.
PerfectRec’s Build Quality Score incorporates case materials, display and keyboard flex, hinge quality, and overall reliability.
Cost
$267
$1,200
$0
$500
$1,000
$1,500
$2,000
The ASUS Vivobook Go 12 has a price of $267 and the Microsoft Surface Laptop 5 13" costs $1,200.
"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 Vivobook Go 12 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.
This information was produced and vetted by the PerfectRec laptops team. We are a product research and recommendation organization that meticulously reviews and evaluates the latest laptop information and makes it digestible for you.
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