If you prioritize performance and multitasking for tasks like engineering or design work, the Asus Zenbook Duo 14, with its dual-screen setup, could be a better option. Its additional screen space allows for extra productivity, although it's slightly heavier and thicker, which impacts portability. In contrast, the Microsoft Surface Laptop 5 13" offers a more traditional, lightweight design, making it more portable. It also has a higher resolution screen which could be better for general use and media consumption but less screen real estate could hinder multitasking. The Zenbook's battery is also larger, likely providing longer use between charges compared to the Surface Laptop. If budget is a consideration, the Asus is generally less expensive than the Microsoft Surface Laptop. However, if you value a more compact and portable machine and don't need the extra screen for multitasking, the Microsoft Surface Laptop may suit you better. 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 Zenbook Duo 14
The ASUS Zenbook Duo 14 has no clear advantages over the Microsoft Surface Laptop 5 13".
Advantages of the Microsoft Surface Laptop 5 13"
Good for engineering and design
Good overall display quality
Excellent portability
Very good speakers
Good keyboard
Key differences
Screen Quality
6.8/10
7.2/10
14.0in
SIZE
13.5in
1920 x 1080
RESOLUTION
2256 x 1504
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
60Hz
REFRESH RATE
60Hz
314.0 nits
BRIGHTNESS
400.0 nits
The Microsoft Surface Laptop 5 13" has a better screen than the ASUS Zenbook Duo 14 for general use, gaming and AI, and engineering and design.
For general use, both the ASUS Zenbook Duo 14 and Microsoft Surface Laptop 5 13" offer sharp displays with high resolution and bright panels, making text and images crisp and easy to view under various lighting conditions. Their wide color gamut coverage aids in precision and detail for engineering and design tasks, ensuring accurate color representation vital for professional work. However, for gaming and 3D applications, their lower refresh rates can lead to less fluid motion and responsiveness, which is not ideal when compared to laptops designed specifically for these purposes with faster screens.
Portability
Very Good
Excellent
14.0in
SIZE
13.5in
3.6 lbs
WEIGHT
2.8 lbs
0.6in
THICKNESS
0.5in
The Microsoft Surface Laptop 5 13" has excellent portability, while the ASUS Zenbook Duo 14 has very good portability.
The most portable laptops are small, thin, and light.
Cost
$999
$1,200
$400
$600
$800
$1,000
$1,200
$1,400
$1,600
$1,800
The ASUS Zenbook Duo 14 has a price of $999 and the Microsoft Surface Laptop 5 13" costs $1,200.
The Microsoft Surface Laptop 5 13" and ASUS Zenbook Duo 14 are both good for general use.
The ASUS Zenbook Duo 14 offers a fair experience for general use largely due to its lower RAM, which may limit multitasking performance, and thicker build affecting portability, despite its larger battery and dual-screen design which are beneficial for productivity. In contrast, the Microsoft Surface Laptop 5 13" is deemed good for general use, since it provides more RAM for smoother operations, a higher resolution and more portable design, but this comes at the cost of shorter battery life and potentially worse heat management.
Gaming and AI
6.1/10
6.1/10
3.7/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
3.7/10
1920 x 1080
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" and ASUS Zenbook Duo 14 are both only fair for gaming and AI.
The ASUS Zenbook Duo 14 and the Microsoft Surface Laptop 5 13" are both labeled as fair for gaming and 3D tasks primarily because they are equipped with integrated Intel Iris Xe graphics, which can handle light gaming and some 3D applications but may struggle with demanding titles. Additionally, they share the same screen refresh rate of 60Hz, which is adequate for everyday use but not ideal for the fast-paced visuals demanded by high-end gaming or professional 3D work; although the ASUS has a slight edge in screen quality metrics, this advantage won't offset the limitations imposed by the GPU and refresh rate for gaming purposes.
Engineering and Design
6.6/10
7.1/10
5.5/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
6.9/10
3.7/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
3.7/10
8.0 GB
RAM
16.0 GB
Although they have very similar scores, PerfectRec considers Microsoft Surface Laptop 5 13" to be good for engineering and design, while the ASUS Zenbook Duo 14 is only fair.
The ASUS Zenbook Duo 14 is a strong contender for engineering and design due to its robust CPU and RAM, integrated GPU suitable for moderate design tasks, and high-resolution dual screens that enhance multitasking and productivity. In contrast, the Microsoft Surface Laptop 5 13" offers a more portable design with a high-quality keyboard and build, but less RAM than the ASUS, which might limit performance in very demanding applications; despite this, its higher screen resolution and superior portability make it a solid choice for engineering and design professionals who prioritize mobility and screen clarity.
Content Creation
7.3/10
7.4/10
5.5/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
6.9/10
1920 x 1080
RESOLUTION
2256 x 1504
8.0 GB
RAM
16.0 GB
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
The Microsoft Surface Laptop 5 13" and ASUS Zenbook Duo 14 are both good for content creation.
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
7.0/10
7.2/10
5.5/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
6.9/10
8.0 GB
RAM
16.0 GB
1920 x 1080
RESOLUTION
2256 x 1504
6.7/10
KEYBOARD QUALITY SCORE
7.0/10
The Microsoft Surface Laptop 5 13" and ASUS Zenbook Duo 14 are both good for software development.
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.
Battery
8.5 Hours
7.5 Hours
The ASUS Zenbook Duo 14 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.
Build Quality
7.8/10
7.8/10
The ASUS Zenbook Duo 14 and Microsoft Surface Laptop 5 13" both have good build quality.
PerfectRec’s Build Quality Score incorporates case materials, display and keyboard flex, hinge quality, and overall reliability.
Give feedback
We’re constantly working to improve.
How the ASUS Zenbook Duo 14 and the Microsoft Surface Laptop 5 13" compare to other laptops
"The Asus ZenBook Duo's second screen is like the Apple Touch Bar, but better. Most would agree that having two screens instead of one can really boost productivity and the ZenBook Duo is no different in this regard. It's tough going back to just one screen after becoming accustomed to spacious dual-screen setups. For a laptop form factor, however, users will have to accept some compromises. Firstly, weight is the most obvious drawback as the system is several hundred grams heavier than a regular ZenBook 14. Additionally, colors on the second screen will not be as vivid as the main display."
"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 Zenbook Duo 14 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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