When considering the Dell Latitude 5330 2-in-1 and the Microsoft Surface Laptop 5, the Dell offers a more budget-friendly option potentially sacrificing some build quality and performance. The Surface Laptop 5 typically provides a more premium feel and possibly better display quality, which can enhance your experience if you value a sharp and vibrant screen. For those who prioritize a versatile device, the Latitude's 2-in-1 functionality allows for use as a tablet, adding flexibility. However, this might come with trade-offs in terms of a slightly bulkier design compared to the sleeker Surface Laptop. If your work involves demanding applications, the Surface may offer better performance, but for everyday tasks, the Dell should suffice while saving you money. Consider battery life too; the Surface may last longer on a single charge, but actual battery performance will vary based on your usage. 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 Latitude 5330 2-in-1
The Dell Latitude 5330 2-in-1 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
Key differences
Screen Quality
6.3/10
7.2/10
13.3in
SIZE
13.5in
1920 x 1080
RESOLUTION
2256 x 1504
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
60Hz
REFRESH RATE
60Hz
286.0 nits
BRIGHTNESS
400.0 nits
The Microsoft Surface Laptop 5 13" has a better screen than the Dell Latitude 5330 for general use, gaming and AI, and engineering and design.
For general use, the Microsoft Surface Laptop 5 offers a higher resolution and brighter display compared to the Dell Latitude, making for sharper images and easier viewing in various lighting. In engineering and design tasks, the Surface Laptop 5's ability to display a wider range of colors is critical for accuracy, whereas the Dell Latitude's more limited color gamut may result in less precise color rendition. However, neither laptop is ideal for 3D work or gaming as they both lack high refresh rates, which are key for smooth motion and enhanced visuals in these applications.
Battery
9.0 Hours
7.5 Hours
The Dell Latitude 5330 has 9 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.
Cost
$600
$1,200
$0
$500
$1,000
$1,500
$2,000
The Dell Latitude 5330 2-in-1 has a price of $600 and the Microsoft Surface Laptop 5 13" costs $1,200.
The Dell Latitude 5330 2-in-1 and Microsoft Surface Laptop 5 13" are both good for general use.
The Dell Latitude 5330 2-in-1 and Microsoft Surface Laptop 5 13" are both equipped with capable CPUs and sufficient RAM for efficient multitasking, and they boast high-quality screens for clear visuals, making them ideal for everyday tasks. While the Dell offers versatility with its 2-in-1 design and potentially better portability due to its form factor, the Surface Laptop 5 stands out with its longer battery life and premium build, though both keep storage, keyboard, speaker quality, along with operating noise and heat management in balance to support a solid user experience.
Gaming and AI
6.2/10
6.1/10
3.6/10
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
8.0/10
FAN NOISE SCORE
7.5/10
The Dell Latitude 5330 2-in-1 and Microsoft Surface Laptop 5 13" are both only fair for gaming and AI.
The Dell Latitude 5330 2-in-1 and the Microsoft Surface Laptop 5 13" are not designed with gaming or 3D modeling as their primary focus; their integrated graphics can manage less demanding games and 3D tasks but lack the high-end GPUs needed for intense graphic work. While both have decent processors and screens for general use, their screen refresh rates are lower than gaming-specific models, which can lead to less smooth visuals in fast-paced games or animations.
Engineering and Design
6.9/10
7.1/10
6.9/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
6.9/10
3.6/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
3.7/10
16.0 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 Dell Latitude 5330 2-in-1 is only fair.
The Dell Latitude 5330 2-in-1 offers flexibility with its convertible design, and its hardware is suitable for engineering software, providing a balance of processing power and RAM for demanding tasks, while the screen quality ensures precise visuals. On the other hand, the Microsoft Surface Laptop 5 13" emphasizes a more vivid display and a lightweight build, making it ideal for on-the-go engineers, but it also delivers sufficient CPU and RAM performance, although the built-in GPU might not handle the most intensive graphical tasks as effectively as specialized counterparts.
Content Creation
7.4/10
7.4/10
6.9/10
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 Microsoft Surface Laptop 5 13" and Dell Latitude 5330 2-in-1 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
7.3/10
7.2/10
6.9/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
6.9/10
16.0 GB
RAM
16.0 GB
1920 x 1080
RESOLUTION
2256 x 1504
7.0/10
KEYBOARD QUALITY SCORE
7.0/10
The Dell Latitude 5330 2-in-1 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.
Portability
Very Good
Excellent
13.3in
SIZE
13.5in
2.9 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 Dell Latitude 5330 2-in-1 has very good portability.
The most portable laptops are small, thin, and light.
Build Quality
7.4/10
7.8/10
The Microsoft Surface Laptop 5 13" and Dell Latitude 5330 2-in-1 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 Dell Latitude 5330 2-in-1 and the Microsoft Surface Laptop 5 13" compare to other laptops
"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 Latitude 5330 2-in-1 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.
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.
By the numbers
380
Laptops evaluated
48,640
Laptops stats compiled
13
Proprietary Laptops ratings developed
130,995
Recommendations made
28,383
Consumer hours saved
About the laptop team
Joe Golden, Ph.D
CEO and Laptops Editor
Joe is an entrepreneur and lifelong electronics enthusiast with a Ph.D in Economics from the University of Michigan.
Jason Lew
Staff Expert & Software Engineer
Jason is a staff expert and software engineer that has been making laptop recommendations for 7 years and moderates one of the largest laptop subreddits.
Chandradeep Chowdhury
Staff Expert & Software Engineer
Chandradeep is a staff expert and software engineer and expert in televisions and monitors. He’s been making monitor recommendations for ten years.
Craig Russell
Laptops Expert
Craig is a UK-based laptops expert. Craig works in IT, where he recommends and supports laptops and PCs for clients and has been recommending laptops on Reddit for five years.