The Dell Latitude 5530 is often more expensive than the Microsoft Surface Laptop Go 3, offering greater RAM which is beneficial for multitasking and more intensive engineering tasks. It has a larger screen size, which might be preferable for productivity but reduces portability compared to the Surface Laptop Go 3. Despite a higher battery capacity in the Dell, it only has a marginally longer battery life due to its larger size and components. The Surface Laptop Go 3 is lighter and has a smaller footprint, which makes it more portable. Both laptops are well-suited for general use and moderate engineering tasks; however, they are not ideal for intensive gaming. If a touchscreen and better portability are important, the Surface Laptop Go 3 is a compelling option, while if you require more memory for demanding applications and desire a larger display, consider the Dell Latitude 5530. 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 5530
The Dell Latitude 5530 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
6.3/10
6.8/10
15.6in
SIZE
12.4in
1920 x 1080
RESOLUTION
1536 x 1024
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
60Hz
REFRESH RATE
60Hz
286.0 nits
BRIGHTNESS
337.0 nits
The Microsoft Surface Laptop Go 3 has a better screen than the Dell Latitude 5530 for general use, gaming and AI, and engineering and design.
If you primarily engage in general computing tasks or work in engineering and design, the Microsoft Surface Laptop Go 3 with its better resolution, brightness, and color accuracy will offer a more pleasant visual experience, making it preferable over the Dell Latitude 5530. However, for gaming and 3D applications, both laptops may not satisfy due to their insufficient refresh rates, even though the Microsoft Surface may still provide marginally better image quality. If gaming or 3D work is a priority, you may want to consider other options specifically tailored to those needs with higher refresh rates and optimized graphics capabilities.
Portability
Good
Excellent
15.6in
SIZE
12.4in
3.5 lbs
WEIGHT
2.4 lbs
0.8in
THICKNESS
0.6in
The Microsoft Surface Laptop Go 3 has excellent portability, while the Dell Latitude 5530 has good portability.
The most portable laptops are small, thin, and light.
Cost
$919
$797
$400
$600
$800
$1,000
$1,200
$1,400
The Dell Latitude 5530 has a price of $919 and the Microsoft Surface Laptop Go 3 costs $797.
The Dell Latitude 5530 and Microsoft Surface Laptop Go 3 are both good for general use.
The Dell Latitude 5530, with more RAM and a larger, higher resolution screen but slightly shorter battery life and heavier weight, excels in multitasking and visibility for general use compared to the Microsoft Surface Laptop Go 3, which offers greater portability and longer battery life but has less RAM and a smaller, lower resolution screen, making it less suited for intensive tasks but more convenient for on-the-go use.
Gaming and AI
6.2/10
6.1/10
3.6/10
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 5530 and Microsoft Surface Laptop Go 3 are both only fair for gaming and AI.
The Dell Latitude 5530 and the Microsoft Surface Laptop Go 3 are considered fair for gaming and 3D tasks because both utilize integrated Intel Iris Xe graphics, which can manage less demanding games and 3D applications, but fall short for high-end gaming performance. Additionally, both laptops have 60Hz screen refresh rates which are suitable for most tasks but may not provide the smoothest visuals for fast-paced games that benefit from higher refresh rates.
Engineering and Design
6.9/10
6.8/10
6.9/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
6.4/10
3.6/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
3.6/10
16.0 GB
RAM
8.0 GB
The Dell Latitude 5530 and Microsoft Surface Laptop Go 3 are both only fair for engineering and design.
PerfectRec’s Engineering and Design Score takes into account the many different features of the laptop that make it more or less suitable for graphic design and 3D rendering work.
Content Creation
7.4/10
7.3/10
6.9/10
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 5530 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
7.3/10
7.1/10
6.9/10
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 5530 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 5530 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
7.4/10
7.8/10
The Microsoft Surface Laptop Go 3 and Dell Latitude 5530 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 5530 and the Microsoft Surface Laptop Go 3 compare to other laptops
"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 5530 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.
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
131,295
Recommendations made
28,448
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.