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Updated January 12, 2024·
Choosing between the Dell G15 5520 and the Microsoft Surface Laptop 5 13" depends on what you value most. The Dell G15, being less expensive, offers you a powerful Intel i7 processor with a dedicated Nvidia RTX 3060 graphics card, making it better suited for gaming, 3D work, and intensive engineering tasks. Its larger 15.6-inch display is great for productivity but impacts its portability due to a heavier and bulkier build. Conversely, the Microsoft Surface Laptop 5, with its slimmer and lighter design, is more portable and convenient for general use and travel. It also has a higher-resolution 13.5-inch display with a 3:2 aspect ratio, ideal for reading and web browsing, but it lacks the graphical power found in the Dell, making it less suitable for gaming or heavy graphics work. Battery life may also be a consideration; the Surface Laptop typically offers longer usage between charges compared to gaming laptops like the Dell. 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 Dell G15 5520
- Very good for engineering and design
- Good for gaming and AI
- Very good keyboard
Advantages of the Microsoft Surface Laptop 5 13"
- Excellent portability
Key differences
Gaming and AI
7.7
6.1
7.3/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
3.7/10
1920 x 1080
RESOLUTION
2256 x 1504
165Hz
REFRESH RATE
60Hz
Yes
SUPPORTS DLSS
No
No
MUX SWITCH / ADVANCED OPTIMUS
No
6.7/10
FAN NOISE SCORE
7.5/10
The Dell G15 5520 is good for gaming and AI, while the Microsoft Surface Laptop 5 13" is only fair.
Due to technical issues, I cannot access the specific details of the Dell G15 5520 and Microsoft Surface Laptop 5 13". However, generally speaking, gaming laptops like the Dell G15 are equipped with higher-end GPUs and often have higher screen refresh rates, which are crucial for a smooth gaming and 3D experience. On the other hand, the Microsoft Surface Laptop series is known for its portability and touchscreen with high-resolution display, but it typically comes with less powerful integrated graphics and standard refresh rates, making it less suitable for demanding gaming or 3D tasks.
Engineering and Design
8.2
7.1
9.1/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
6.9/10
7.3/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
3.7/10
16.0 GB
RAM
16.0 GB
The Dell G15 5520 is very good for engineering and design, while the Microsoft Surface Laptop 5 13" is good.
The Dell G15 5520 excels in engineering and design because of its powerful CPU and dedicated GPU, enabling it to handle demanding software used in these fields, but it has a bulkier build which affects portability. On the other hand, the Microsoft Surface Laptop 5 13" provides a more portable option with a high-resolution touchscreen, although its integrated GPU is not as robust as the Dell's for intensive tasks.
Content Creation
7.9
7.4
9.1/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
6.9/10
1920 x 1080
RESOLUTION
2256 x 1504
16.0 GB
RAM
16.0 GB
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
The Dell G15 5520 and Microsoft Surface Laptop 5 13" are both good for content creation, though the Dell G15 5520 is somewhat better.
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.
Screen Quality
7.1
7.2
15.6in
SIZE
13.5in
1920 x 1080
RESOLUTION
2256 x 1504
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
165Hz
REFRESH RATE
60Hz
251.0 nits
BRIGHTNESS
400.0 nits
The Dell G15 5520 has a better screen than the Microsoft Surface Laptop 5 13" for gaming and AI, software development, and content creation, while the Microsoft Surface Laptop 5 13" has a better screen for general use, and engineering and design.
For general use, the Dell G15 5520 and Microsoft Surface Laptop 5 offer screens with sufficient resolution and brightness, ensuring clear and vibrant visuals for everyday tasks like browsing and video streaming. In engineering and design, where precise color representation is crucial, both laptops provide good coverage of professional color gamuts, aiding in accurate design work. However, for gaming and 3D applications, both laptops fall short due to their screens' lower refresh rates, which can result in less fluid motion and responsiveness compared to displays optimized for high-frame-rate gaming.
Battery
6.0 Hours
7.5 Hours
The Dell G15 5520 has 6 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
Fair
Excellent
15.6in
SIZE
13.5in
5.5 lbs
WEIGHT
2.8 lbs
1.0in
THICKNESS
0.5in
The Microsoft Surface Laptop 5 13" has excellent portability, while the Dell G15 5520 has only fair portability.
The most portable laptops are small, thin, and light.
Cost
$1,000
$1,200
$400
$600
$800
$1,000
$1,200
$1,400
$1,600
$1,800
The Dell G15 5520 has a price of $1,000 and the Microsoft Surface Laptop 5 13" costs $1,200.
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Key similarities
General Use
7.9
7.4
1920 x 1080
RESOLUTION
2256 x 1504
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
251.0 nits
DISPLAY BRIGHTNESS
400.0 nits
6.0 Hours
BATTERY LIFE
7.5 Hours
8.5/10
KEYBOARD QUALITY SCORE
7.0/10
6.3/10
PORTABILITY SCORE
9.0/10
The Dell G15 5520 and Microsoft Surface Laptop 5 13" are both good for general use.
The Dell G15 5520, with its powerful CPU and higher storage capacity, is well-suited for demanding applications and multitasking, making it a solid performer for general use, albeit heavier and with modest battery life. On the other hand, the Microsoft Surface Laptop 5 13" offers a higher-resolution touchscreen and better portability due to its lighter weight and longer battery life, which alongside a competent CPU and RAM, makes for an excellent choice for everyday tasks, with the added benefit of a premium build quality.
Software Development
7.5
7.2
9.1/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
6.9/10
16.0 GB
RAM
16.0 GB
1920 x 1080
RESOLUTION
2256 x 1504
8.5/10
KEYBOARD QUALITY SCORE
7.0/10
The Dell G15 5520 and Microsoft Surface Laptop 5 13" 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.
Build Quality
7.4
7.8
The Microsoft Surface Laptop 5 13" and Dell G15 5520 both have good build quality.
PerfectRec’s Build Quality Score incorporates case materials, display and keyboard flex, hinge quality, and overall reliability.
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We’re constantly working to improve.
How the Dell G15 5520 and the Microsoft Surface Laptop 5 13" compare to other laptops
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Dell G15 5520 | Microsoft Surface Laptop 5 13" |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$1,000 | $1,200 | ||
Release Date | |||
Release Date | May 1, 2022 | October 1, 2022 | |
Overall Dimensions | |||
Overall Dimensions | 14.1'' x 10.7'' x 1.06'' | 12.1'' x 8.8'' x 0.57'' | |
Weight | |||
Weight | 5.55 lbs | 2.86 lbs | |
Width | |||
Width | 14.06" | 12.1" | |
Depth | |||
Depth | 10.74" | 8.8" | |
INTERNAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Processor | |||
Processor | Intel i7-12700H | Intel i7-1255U | |
RAM | |||
RAM | 16 GB | 16 GB | |
DDR Memory Version | |||
DDR Memory Version | 5 | 5 | |
RAM Slots | |||
RAM Slots | 2 | 0 | |
Storage | |||
Storage | 1024 GB | 512 GB | |
BATTERY | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Battery Life | |||
Battery Life | 6 Hours | 7.5 Hours | |
Battery Capacity | |||
Battery Capacity | 56 Wh | 47.4 Wh | |
SCREEN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Diagonal Size | |||
Diagonal Size | 15.6" | 13.5" | |
Display Technology | |||
Display Technology | IPS | IPS | |
Resolution | |||
Resolution | 1920 x 1080 | 2256 x 1504 | |
Refresh Rate | |||
Refresh Rate | 165Hz | 60Hz | |
Display Brightness | |||
Display Brightness | 251 nits | 400 nits | |
RELIABILITY, APPEARANCE & ACOUSTICS | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality Score | |||
Build Quality Score | 7.4/10 | 7.8/10 | |
Portability Score | |||
Portability Score | 6.4/10 | 9/10 | |
Gaming Laptop Appearance | |||
Gaming Laptop Appearance | Yes | No | |
Premium Business Laptop | |||
Premium Business Laptop | No | No | |
Fan Noise Score | |||
Fan Noise Score | 6.8/10 | 7.5/10 | |
HARDWARE FEATURES | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Keyboard Quality Score | |||
Keyboard Quality Score | 8.5/10 | 7/10 | |
Speaker Quality Score | |||
Speaker Quality Score | 8.8/10 | 8.8/10 | |
Webcam | |||
Webcam | 720p | 720p | |
Fingerprint Reader | |||
Fingerprint Reader | No | No | |
Backlit Keyboard | |||
Backlit Keyboard | Yes | Yes | |
Number Pad | |||
Number Pad | Yes | No | |
CONNECTIVITY | |||
|---|---|---|---|
USB Type-A | |||
USB Type-A | 3 | 1 | |
USB-C ports | |||
USB-C ports | 1 | 1 | |
USB-C Charging | |||
USB-C Charging | No | Yes | |
Display Outputs | |||
Display Outputs | 2 | 1 | |
Thunderbolt Version | |||
Thunderbolt Version | 4 | 4 | |
Shopping
Dell G15 5520
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Rtings
Olivier Martin, Ryan Lim, and John Peroramas | April 2023
"The Dell G15 (2022) is a 15.6-inch budget gaming laptop, and is great for gaming. You can configure the laptop with powerful Intel 12th Gen. CPUs and various NVIDIA dedicated GPUs, all of which deliver a smooth gaming experience at 1080p. There's also a QHD 240Hz display option if you want better visuals, though you'll have to pair it with the top-end NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3070 Ti to get good frame rates. It doesn't get overly hot or loud under load, and there's no noticeable throttling on the CPU or GPU. Unfortunately, the 120Hz panel has a slow response time, causing noticeable ghosting, and it doesn't support variable refresh rate."
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 Dell G15 5520 or the Microsoft Surface Laptop 5 13"
About Dell
Dell is a highly recognizable American technology company, and is one of the largest personal computer vendor by market share. Their laptops are very popular for both personal and professional use, and they also own the Alienware brand which makes mid to high end gaming laptops. Their premium XPS range of laptops offer great build quality and portability, while Latitude and Precision laptops are known for reliability, repairability and performance for business users.
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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