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Updated January 10, 2024·
To assist you in making a decision between the Dell Latitude 5431 and the Microsoft Surface Laptop Go 3, let's consider your needs. If you prioritize performance for tasks like engineering software or intensive computing, the Dell Latitude 5431 offers higher performance and expandability options. If portability and a sleek design matter more, the Surface Laptop Go 3 is lighter and more stylish. The Latitude tends to have a longer battery life, suitable for extended working periods without charging, whereas the Surface emphasizes its touchscreen and premium build at a higher price point. If your budget is limited and you mainly need a device for general use, the Surface Laptop Go 3 can be a more cost-effective choice with a good balance of features. 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 5431
- The Dell Latitude 5431 has no clear advantages over the Microsoft Surface Laptop Go 3.
Advantages of the Microsoft Surface Laptop Go 3
- Excellent portability
Key differences
Screen Quality
6.1
6.8
14.0in
SIZE
12.4in
1920 x 1080
RESOLUTION
1536 x 1024
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
60Hz
REFRESH RATE
60Hz
241.0 nits
BRIGHTNESS
337.0 nits
The Microsoft Surface Laptop Go 3 has a better screen than the Dell Latitude 5431 for general use, gaming and AI, and engineering and design.
If you prioritize a high-quality display for general activities and engineering tasks, the Microsoft Surface Laptop Go 3 stands out with its vibrant screen and wider color coverage, which will render your designs and images more accurately. However, neither the Dell Latitude 5431 nor the Surface Laptop Go 3 are suitable for gaming and 3D due to their lower refresh rates, which mean less fluid motion and responsiveness during high-intensity graphics operations. The Dell, with its fair screen quality, might fall short for design precision, though it's sufficient for everyday tasks that don't require as much visual detail or color accuracy.
Portability
Good
Excellent
14.0in
SIZE
12.4in
3.3 lbs
WEIGHT
2.4 lbs
0.9in
THICKNESS
0.6in
The Microsoft Surface Laptop Go 3 has excellent portability, while the Dell Latitude 5431 has good portability.
The most portable laptops are small, thin, and light.
Cost
$950
$797
$400
$600
$800
$1,000
$1,200
$1,400
The Dell Latitude 5431 has a price of $950 and the Microsoft Surface Laptop Go 3 costs $797.
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Key similarities
General Use
7.5
7.2
1920 x 1080
RESOLUTION
1536 x 1024
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
241.0 nits
DISPLAY BRIGHTNESS
337.0 nits
9.0 Hours
BATTERY LIFE
8.0 Hours
7.0/10
KEYBOARD QUALITY SCORE
7.0/10
7.8/10
PORTABILITY SCORE
9.2/10
The Dell Latitude 5431 and Microsoft Surface Laptop Go 3 are both good for general use.
The Dell Latitude 5431 is good for general use owing to its higher RAM, which allows for better multitasking, and a processor that handles tasks more efficiently, along with a battery that supports longer usage away from a power source. In contrast, the Microsoft Surface Laptop Go 3 is rated fair for general use because it has less RAM, which could slow down performance with multiple applications open, and a smaller screen, though it has a higher resolution and is more portable due to its lower weight and smaller size.
Gaming and AI
6.2
6.1
3.7/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
3.6/10
1920 x 1080
RESOLUTION
1536 x 1024
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 5431 and Microsoft Surface Laptop Go 3 are both only fair for gaming and AI.
The Dell Latitude 5431 and Microsoft Surface Laptop Go 3 are considered fair options for gaming and 3D tasks because they both have integrated Intel Iris Xe Graphics and standard screen refresh rates, which are capable of moderate gaming. However, both laptops are limited by these integrated GPUs, which are not as powerful as dedicated gaming GPUs, and their 60Hz refresh rates, which are lower than the higher rates often preferred for smooth gaming experiences.
Engineering and Design
6.9
6.8
7.1/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
6.4/10
3.7/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
3.6/10
16.0 GB
RAM
8.0 GB
The Dell Latitude 5431 and Microsoft Surface Laptop Go 3 are both only fair for engineering and design.
The Dell Latitude 5431 is equipped with a more powerful CPU and double the RAM compared to the Microsoft Surface Laptop Go 3 making it better suited for demanding engineering and design tasks. Additionally, the Latitude 5431 offers a larger screen with a higher resolution, which enhances the screen quality important for design work, whereas the Surface Laptop Go 3 has a smaller and less sharp screen but offers the benefit of being more portable due to its smaller size and touchscreen feature.
Content Creation
7.4
7.3
7.1/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
6.4/10
1920 x 1080
RESOLUTION
1536 x 1024
16.0 GB
RAM
8.0 GB
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
The Dell Latitude 5431 and Microsoft Surface Laptop Go 3 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
7.1
7.1/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
6.4/10
16.0 GB
RAM
8.0 GB
1920 x 1080
RESOLUTION
1536 x 1024
7.0/10
KEYBOARD QUALITY SCORE
7.0/10
The Dell Latitude 5431 and Microsoft Surface Laptop Go 3 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
9.0 Hours
8.0 Hours
The Dell Latitude 5431 has 9 hours of battery life. The Microsoft Surface Laptop Go 3 has 8 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
7.4
7.8
The Microsoft Surface Laptop Go 3 and Dell Latitude 5431 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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How the Dell Latitude 5431 and the Microsoft Surface Laptop Go 3 compare to other laptops
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Dell Latitude 5431 | Microsoft Surface Laptop Go 3 |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$950 | $797 | ||
Release Date | |||
Release Date | May 1, 2022 | October 1, 2023 | |
Overall Dimensions | |||
Overall Dimensions | 12.7'' x 8.4'' x 0.96'' | 11'' x 8.1'' x 0.62'' | |
Weight | |||
Weight | 3.3 lbs | 2.49 lbs | |
Width | |||
Width | 12.65" | 10.95" | |
Depth | |||
Depth | 8.35" | 8.12" | |
INTERNAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Processor | |||
Processor | Intel i5-1250P | Intel i5-1235U | |
RAM | |||
RAM | 16 GB | 8 GB | |
DDR Memory Version | |||
DDR Memory Version | 5 | 5 | |
RAM Slots | |||
RAM Slots | 2 | 0 | |
Storage | |||
Storage | 256 GB | 256 GB | |
BATTERY | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Battery Life | |||
Battery Life | 9 Hours | 8 Hours | |
Battery Capacity | |||
Battery Capacity | 64 Wh | 41 Wh | |
SCREEN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Diagonal Size | |||
Diagonal Size | 14" | 12.4" | |
Display Technology | |||
Display Technology | IPS | IPS | |
Resolution | |||
Resolution | 1920 x 1080 | 1536 x 1024 | |
Refresh Rate | |||
Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 60Hz | |
Display Brightness | |||
Display Brightness | 241 nits | 337 nits | |
RELIABILITY, APPEARANCE & ACOUSTICS | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality Score | |||
Build Quality Score | 7.4/10 | 7.8/10 | |
Portability Score | |||
Portability Score | 7.9/10 | 9.3/10 | |
Gaming Laptop Appearance | |||
Gaming Laptop Appearance | No | No | |
Premium Business Laptop | |||
Premium Business Laptop | Yes | No | |
Fan Noise Score | |||
Fan Noise Score | 8/10 | 7.5/10 | |
HARDWARE FEATURES | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Keyboard Quality Score | |||
Keyboard Quality Score | 7/10 | 7/10 | |
Speaker Quality Score | |||
Speaker Quality Score | 8/10 | 8.4/10 | |
Webcam | |||
Webcam | 720p | 720p | |
Fingerprint Reader | |||
Fingerprint Reader | No | Yes | |
Backlit Keyboard | |||
Backlit Keyboard | Yes | No | |
Number Pad | |||
Number Pad | No | No | |
CONNECTIVITY | |||
|---|---|---|---|
USB Type-A | |||
USB Type-A | 2 | 1 | |
USB-C ports | |||
USB-C ports | 2 | 1 | |
USB-C Charging | |||
USB-C Charging | Yes | No | |
Display Outputs | |||
Display Outputs | 3 | 1 | |
Thunderbolt Version | |||
Thunderbolt Version | 4 | N/A | |
Shopping
Microsoft Surface Laptop Go 3
See more
Dig into reviews and images
PCMag
Joe Osborne | October 2023
"When it comes to affordably priced laptops, the numbers after the dollar sign are crucially important—more so than in any other price category. By increasing the starting price of its Laptop Go line by $200 and not changing much else, Microsoft irrevocably altered the calculus surrounding the decision of whether to buy the Surface Laptop Go 3. Sure, it has a newer processor and longer battery life, but don’t think for a second you’re not paying dearly for that extra RAM and SSD capacity at that new price."
Get a great deal on the Dell Latitude 5431 or the Microsoft Surface Laptop Go 3
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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