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Updated January 10, 2024·
The Dell Precision 5470 is more expensive and designed as a premium business laptop with higher performance for engineering tasks, thanks to its powerful processor and professional-grade GPU. However, it lacks a touchscreen and is not a gaming laptop by appearance. Meanwhile, the Microsoft Surface Laptop Studio is less expensive and offers a versatile design with a touchscreen, making it suitable for artists or those who prefer hands-on interaction. Its consumer-grade GPU is suited for casual gaming, but it might struggle with more intensive engineering software. Both laptops offer similar screen sizes, but the Dell has a slight edge in portability due to its lighter weight. 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 Precision 5470
- Very good portability
- Best in class speakers
- Excellent keyboard
Advantages of the Microsoft Surface Laptop Studio
- Very good overall display quality
Key differences
Engineering and Design
7.8
7.3
9.1/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
5.5/10
4.5/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
4.9/10
16.0 GB
RAM
16.0 GB
The Dell Precision 5470 and Microsoft Surface Laptop Studio are both good for engineering and design, though the Dell Precision 5470 is somewhat better.
The Dell Precision 5470 is geared towards engineering and design because it features a robust CPU and a professional-grade GPU which are crucial for processing power, complemented by a high-quality screen. In contrast, the Microsoft Surface Laptop Studio also targets similar users, offering a high-resolution, touch-enabled screen and a capable CPU with a consumer-grade GPU that leans towards a blend of performance and versatility. Both laptops prioritize screen quality and performance, although the Dell emphasizes professional GPU performance while the Surface brings added flexibility with its touchscreen.
Screen Quality
7.3
8.0
14.0in
SIZE
14.4in
1920 x 1200
RESOLUTION
2400 x 1600
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
60Hz
REFRESH RATE
120Hz
500.0 nits
BRIGHTNESS
491.0 nits
The Dell Precision 5470 has a better screen than the Microsoft Surface Laptop Studio for software development, and content creation, while the Microsoft Surface Laptop Studio has a better screen for general use, gaming and AI, and engineering and design.
For general use, the Dell Precision 5470 offers a high-resolution display with good brightness and an appropriate panel type, ensuring sharp images and comfortable visibility, while the Microsoft Surface Laptop Studio steps that up with even higher brightness and clarity. When it comes to engineering and design, accurate color representation is crucial, which both laptops deliver with wide color gamuts, but again, the Surface Laptop Studio may have a slight edge in this department with its color accuracy and range. However, neither laptop is ideal for gaming or 3D work, as they both lack high refresh rates, which are critical for smooth motion and immersive graphical experiences, although their resolution and panel quality are sufficient for moderate tasks.
Portability
Very Good
Good
14.0in
SIZE
14.4in
3.2 lbs
WEIGHT
4.0 lbs
0.7in
THICKNESS
0.7in
The Dell Precision 5470 has very good portability, while the Microsoft Surface Laptop Studio has good portability.
The most portable laptops are small, thin, and light.
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Key similarities
General Use
7.7
7.4
1920 x 1200
RESOLUTION
2400 x 1600
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
500.0 nits
DISPLAY BRIGHTNESS
491.0 nits
9.0 Hours
BATTERY LIFE
8.0 Hours
9.0/10
KEYBOARD QUALITY SCORE
8.0/10
8.4/10
PORTABILITY SCORE
7.8/10
The Dell Precision 5470 and Microsoft Surface Laptop Studio are both good for general use.
The Dell Precision 5470 is appreciated for general use due to its higher battery capacity and lighter weight, enhancing portability, coupled with performance from its strong CPU and ample RAM for smooth multitasking, while its screen offers good color coverage and brightness. The Microsoft Surface Laptop Studio also suits general use well with a higher resolution touchscreen display that can double as a drawing tablet, adding versatility, and a robust CPU and RAM; however, it's slightly heavier and has a shorter battery life. Both provide high-quality keyboards, but the Surface Laptop has superior speaker quality for multimedia experiences.
Gaming and AI
6.7
6.6
4.5/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
4.9/10
1920 x 1200
RESOLUTION
2400 x 1600
60Hz
REFRESH RATE
120Hz
Yes
SUPPORTS DLSS
Yes
No
MUX SWITCH / ADVANCED OPTIMUS
No
7.5/10
FAN NOISE SCORE
6.7/10
The Dell Precision 5470 and Microsoft Surface Laptop Studio are both only fair for gaming and AI.
The Dell Precision 5470 is better suited for gaming and 3D because it features an Nvidia RTX A1000 GPU and a standard 60Hz screen refresh rate, focusing on professional graphics work. In contrast, the Microsoft Surface Laptop Studio's Nvidia RTX 3050 Ti GPU is still capable but tailored more for consumer-level graphics, and while it offers a higher 120Hz refresh rate, the device is designed with versatility in mind, such as for use as a drawing tablet, rather than solely for gaming.
Content Creation
7.8
7.4
9.1/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
5.5/10
1920 x 1200
RESOLUTION
2400 x 1600
16.0 GB
RAM
16.0 GB
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
The Dell Precision 5470 and Microsoft Surface Laptop Studio 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
7.7
7.3
9.1/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
5.5/10
16.0 GB
RAM
16.0 GB
1920 x 1200
RESOLUTION
2400 x 1600
9.0/10
KEYBOARD QUALITY SCORE
8.0/10
The Dell Precision 5470 and Microsoft Surface Laptop Studio 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 Precision 5470 has 9 hours of battery life. The Microsoft Surface Laptop Studio 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
8.5
8.5
The Dell Precision 5470 and Microsoft Surface Laptop Studio both have very good build quality.
PerfectRec’s Build Quality Score incorporates case materials, display and keyboard flex, hinge quality, and overall reliability.
Cost
$1,669
$1,700
$500
$1,000
$1,500
$2,000
$2,500
$3,000
The Dell Precision 5470 has a price of $1,669 and the Microsoft Surface Laptop Studio costs $1,700.
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How the Dell Precision 5470 and the Microsoft Surface Laptop Studio compare to other laptops
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Dell Precision 5470 | Microsoft Surface Laptop Studio |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$1,669 | $1,700 | ||
Release Date | |||
Release Date | May 1, 2022 | September 1, 2021 | |
Overall Dimensions | |||
Overall Dimensions | 12.2'' x 8.3'' x 0.74'' | 12.7'' x 9'' x 0.75'' | |
Weight | |||
Weight | 3.26 lbs | 4 lbs | |
Width | |||
Width | 12.22" | 12.72" | |
Depth | |||
Depth | 8.27" | 8.98" | |
INTERNAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Processor | |||
Processor | Intel i7-12700H | Intel i7-11370H | |
RAM | |||
RAM | 16 GB | 16 GB | |
DDR Memory Version | |||
DDR Memory Version | 4 | 4 | |
RAM Slots | |||
RAM Slots | 0 | 0 | |
Storage | |||
Storage | 256 GB | 512 GB | |
BATTERY | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Battery Life | |||
Battery Life | 9 Hours | 8 Hours | |
Battery Capacity | |||
Battery Capacity | 72 Wh | 58 Wh | |
SCREEN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Diagonal Size | |||
Diagonal Size | 14" | 14.4" | |
Display Technology | |||
Display Technology | IPS | IPS | |
Resolution | |||
Resolution | 1920 x 1200 | 2400 x 1600 | |
Refresh Rate | |||
Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 120Hz | |
Display Brightness | |||
Display Brightness | 500 nits | 491 nits | |
RELIABILITY, APPEARANCE & ACOUSTICS | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality Score | |||
Build Quality Score | 8.5/10 | 8.5/10 | |
Portability Score | |||
Portability Score | 8.4/10 | 7.9/10 | |
Gaming Laptop Appearance | |||
Gaming Laptop Appearance | No | No | |
Premium Business Laptop | |||
Premium Business Laptop | Yes | No | |
Fan Noise Score | |||
Fan Noise Score | 7.5/10 | 6.8/10 | |
HARDWARE FEATURES | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Keyboard Quality Score | |||
Keyboard Quality Score | 9/10 | 8/10 | |
Speaker Quality Score | |||
Speaker Quality Score | 9.5/10 | 8/10 | |
Webcam | |||
Webcam | 720p | 1080p | |
Fingerprint Reader | |||
Fingerprint Reader | Yes | No | |
Backlit Keyboard | |||
Backlit Keyboard | Yes | Yes | |
Number Pad | |||
Number Pad | No | No | |
CONNECTIVITY | |||
|---|---|---|---|
USB Type-A | |||
USB Type-A | 0 | 0 | |
USB-C ports | |||
USB-C ports | 4 | 2 | |
USB-C Charging | |||
USB-C Charging | Yes | Yes | |
Display Outputs | |||
Display Outputs | 4 | 2 | |
Thunderbolt Version | |||
Thunderbolt Version | 4 | 4 | |
Shopping
Dell Precision 5470
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Dig into reviews and images
PCMag
Brian Westover | August 2022
"The Dell Precision 5470 is a mobile workstation that's far more portable than most alternatives. Between its slim 14-inch design and top-quality MIL-STD 810H build, it's one of the best options around for taking professional-grade performance on the road or to the job site. There are tradeoffs for its portability, and users of the most demanding, graphics-intensive applications will need to carry something heavier. But the Dell's exceptional battery life underscores its desirability as the most portable workstation we've seen."
Microsoft Surface Laptop Studio
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Dig into reviews and images
PCMag
Tom Brant | October 2021
"There’s no doubt that the Surface Laptop Studio is groundbreaking. We’ve come to expect such things from the Surface lineup, so it’s always nice to see a product that exceeds our expectations. The pull-forward laptop-screen concept has been tried before, but never in a device that’s so stylish and packed with innovative features like a haptic touchpad and robust digital stylus support."
Get a great deal on the Dell Precision 5470 or the Microsoft Surface Laptop Studio
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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