When choosing between the Gateway 15.6" and the Microsoft Surface Laptop 5 13", the Gateway provides a larger screen and more ports, which may be better for multitasking and connectivity, while being a more cost-effective option. However, the Surface Laptop offers a higher resolution and better screen quality with a 3:2 aspect ratio, making it more suited for creative work that requires sharper visuals. The Surface model is more portable due to its lighter weight and smaller size and has a longer battery life, which is preferable for those who need to work on the go. The Gateway comes with Windows 10 Home, and the Surface Laptop 5 runs Windows 11 Home, offering a more up-to-date operating system. Performance-wise, the Surface Laptop's processor is more current, potentially offering better performance for demanding tasks. Consider the Gateway if you're seeking value and size, and the Surface if you prefer portability, screen quality, and a more modern touch. 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 Gateway 15.6"
The Gateway 15.6" 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 for software development
Good overall display quality
Good overall build quality
Excellent portability
Very good speakers
Good keyboard
Key differences
Engineering and Design
6.2/10
7.1/10
4.9/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
6.9/10
3.6/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
3.7/10
16.0 GB
RAM
16.0 GB
The Microsoft Surface Laptop 5 13" is good for engineering and design, while the Gateway 15.6" is only fair.
The Microsoft Surface Laptop 5's advantages in engineering and design are largely attributed to its more powerful Intel i7 processor, higher screen resolution with touch capability, and superior color coverage, which are critical for detailed work, whereas the Gateway 15.6" has a less advanced Intel i5 processor and lower color accuracy and screen resolution, making it less suited for such tasks. In terms of portability and user experience, the Surface Laptop 5 is lighter with a better keyboard, making it easier to transport and use for extended periods, but the Gateway offers a larger screen size which may be desirable for some engineering and design work.
Software Development
6.7/10
7.2/10
4.9/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
6.9/10
16.0 GB
RAM
16.0 GB
1920 x 1080
RESOLUTION
2256 x 1504
5.3/10
KEYBOARD QUALITY SCORE
7.0/10
The Microsoft Surface Laptop 5 13" is good for software development, while the Gateway 15.6" is only fair.
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.
Screen Quality
6.1/10
7.2/10
15.6in
SIZE
13.5in
1920 x 1080
RESOLUTION
2256 x 1504
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
60Hz
REFRESH RATE
60Hz
250.0 nits
BRIGHTNESS
400.0 nits
The Microsoft Surface Laptop 5 13" has a better screen than the Gateway 15.6" for general use, gaming and AI, engineering and design, content creation, and software development.
The Gateway's screen may offer sufficient resolution and brightness for everyday tasks and some engineering work, but the limited color accuracy hampers its potential for precise design tasks and its lower refresh rate affects the smoothness required for gaming and 3D applications. The Microsoft Surface Laptop's display provides sharper images and better brightness, making it more suitable for general use and detailed design work, but like the Gateway, it falls short for gaming and 3D due to its refresh rate. Neither laptop is ideal for gaming or 3D because they lack the higher refresh rates that those applications benefit from.
Portability
Good
Excellent
15.6in
SIZE
13.5in
4.8 lbs
WEIGHT
2.8 lbs
0.7in
THICKNESS
0.5in
The Microsoft Surface Laptop 5 13" has excellent portability, while the Gateway 15.6" has good portability.
The most portable laptops are small, thin, and light.
Build Quality
5.1/10
7.8/10
The Microsoft Surface Laptop 5 13" has good build quality, while the Gateway 15.6" has poor build quality.
PerfectRec’s Build Quality Score incorporates case materials, display and keyboard flex, hinge quality, and overall reliability.
Cost
$380
$1,200
$0
$500
$1,000
$1,500
$2,000
The Gateway 15.6" has a price of $380 and the Microsoft Surface Laptop 5 13" costs $1,200.
The Microsoft Surface Laptop 5 13" and Gateway 15.6" are both good for general use.
The Gateway 15.6" offers a sizeable screen and adequate power for day-to-day tasks with a respectable battery life, making it suitable for general use. Conversely, the Microsoft Surface Laptop 5 13" delivers a lightweight and portable design with superior display quality and touch screen functionality, yet achieves a slightly lower battery life, which may still suffice for common activities and better suits users who prioritize portability and screen clarity.
Gaming and AI
6.0/10
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
7.0/10
FAN NOISE SCORE
7.5/10
The Microsoft Surface Laptop 5 13" and Gateway 15.6" are both only fair for gaming and AI.
The Gateway 15.6" and the Microsoft Surface Laptop 5 13" both have fair capabilities for gaming and 3D because they are equipped with integrated Iris Xe Graphics and have screen refresh rates of 60Hz, which are adequate for casual gaming but might not suit the needs of more demanding games. While the Gateway has a larger screen which can enhance the gaming experience, the Surface Laptop provides a higher screen resolution and quality, offering a more visually detailed experience during use.
Content Creation
7.0/10
7.4/10
4.9/10
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 Gateway 15.6" 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.
Battery
8.0 Hours
7.5 Hours
The Gateway 15.6" has 8 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.
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How the Gateway 15.6" and the Microsoft Surface Laptop 5 13" compare to other laptops
"Some concessions have to be made when shopping for a budget laptop. Walmart's Gateway Ultra Slim laptops succeeds on the affordability front and delivers serviceable specs and good battery life, though it's hard to claim it's the best (or even particularly good) at any particular aspect. Its build quality, especially the touchpad, is mediocre, and its performance is decent but doesn't lead the way. The Gateway does undercut the cost of some competitors and offers ample storage with good connectivity, so it's not to be ignored."
"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 Gateway 15.6" or the Microsoft Surface Laptop 5 13"
About Gateway
Gateway is a laptop and tablet brand owned by Acer which sells budget-friendly laptops exclusively through Walmart. It was previously an American computer company until its acquisition by Acer in 2007, who then revived the brand in 2020. Gateway laptops are manufactured by Chinese company Shenzhen Bmorn Technology, which also makes EVOO-branded models.
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.
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