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Updated March 21, 2024·
When choosing between the Lenovo ThinkPad X13 and the Microsoft Surface Laptop Studio 2, consider that the ThinkPad often offers good value for money with reliable performance for general and business use, and is known for its excellent keyboard and durability, making it good for travel and work on the go. The Surface Laptop Studio 2, while typically more expensive, may offer a more versatile experience with its convertible design and touch screen, providing a stronger choice for creative professionals, or those seeking a 2-in-1 laptop for drawing or note-taking. It may also have better graphics performance, suiting light gaming or design work. However, for extended use away from power outlets, the ThinkPad might hold an advantage with potentially longer battery life. 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 Lenovo ThinkPad X13
- Very good portability
- Excellent keyboard
Advantages of the Microsoft Surface Laptop Studio 2
- Good for gaming and AI
- Good overall display quality
- Very good speakers
Key differences
Gaming and AI
6.7
7.7
4.0/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
7.5/10
1920 x 1200
RESOLUTION
2400 x 1600
60Hz
REFRESH RATE
120Hz
No
SUPPORTS DLSS
Yes
No
MUX SWITCH / ADVANCED OPTIMUS
No
7.5/10
FAN NOISE SCORE
6.7/10
The Microsoft Surface Laptop Studio 2 is good for gaming and AI, while the Lenovo ThinkPad X13 is only fair.
The Lenovo ThinkPad X13 has a less powerful GPU and standard screen refresh rate which may not run demanding games and 3D applications as smoothly, whereas the Microsoft Surface Laptop Studio 2 comes equipped with a higher-end GPU and faster screen refresh rate, enhancing the overall gaming and 3D experience. Although both have quality CPUs and screens, the superior GPU and refresh rate of the Surface Laptop Studio 2 make it more suitable for users looking for better gaming and graphics performance.
Engineering and Design
8.0
8.7
8.8/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
9.0/10
4.0/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
7.5/10
32.0 GB
RAM
64.0 GB
The Microsoft Surface Laptop Studio 2 and Lenovo ThinkPad X13 are both very good for engineering and design, though the Microsoft Surface Laptop Studio 2 is somewhat better.
The Lenovo ThinkPad X13, while offering a robust CPU and quality keyboard for engineering tasks, may fall short with a less powerful GPU and a screen that doesn't match the superior resolution and clarity found on the Microsoft Surface Laptop Studio 2, which excels in providing high-end GPU performance and a vibrant screen essential for design work. The Surface Laptop Studio 2 does come with the tradeoff of being less portable and potentially noisier under heavy workload, despite its remarkable speakers, when compared to the ThinkPad X13, which balances moderate portability and quieter operation.
Screen Quality
6.9
7.9
13.3in
SIZE
14.4in
1920 x 1200
RESOLUTION
2400 x 1600
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
60Hz
REFRESH RATE
120Hz
321.0 nits
BRIGHTNESS
503.0 nits
The Microsoft Surface Laptop Studio 2 has a better screen than the Lenovo ThinkPad X13 for general use, gaming and AI, engineering and design, and software development.
The Lenovo ThinkPad X13 and Microsoft Surface Laptop Studio 2 have screens with ample resolution and brightness, and suitable panel types that provide clear and vivid displays for general activities and engineering tasks, ensuring that details are sharp and colors accurate. For engineering and design, their screens cover a wide range of color gamuts, which is crucial for precision in color-critical work, allowing professionals to see true-to-life colors and subtle differences in hues. However, for gaming and 3D tasks, their screens fall short as they don't offer high refresh rates needed for smooth motion and fast-paced visuals, which can diminish the gaming and 3D experiences that rely on fluid motion to be immersive.
Portability
Very Good
Good
13.3in
SIZE
14.4in
2.8 lbs
WEIGHT
4.4 lbs
0.6in
THICKNESS
0.8in
The Lenovo ThinkPad X13 has very good portability, while the Microsoft Surface Laptop Studio 2 has good portability.
The most portable laptops are small, thin, and light.
Cost
$1,241
$2,900
$500
$1,000
$1,500
$2,000
$2,500
$3,000
$3,500
$4,000
The Lenovo ThinkPad X13 has a price of $1,241 and the Microsoft Surface Laptop Studio 2 costs $2,900.
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Key similarities
General Use
8.4
8.3
1920 x 1200
RESOLUTION
2400 x 1600
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
321.0 nits
DISPLAY BRIGHTNESS
503.0 nits
8.5 Hours
BATTERY LIFE
8.0 Hours
9.0/10
KEYBOARD QUALITY SCORE
8.0/10
8.9/10
PORTABILITY SCORE
7.5/10
The Lenovo ThinkPad X13 and Microsoft Surface Laptop Studio 2 are both very good for general use.
The Lenovo ThinkPad X13, with its robust CPU and RAM, delivers reliable performance for everyday tasks, complemented by a durable keyboard and good battery life, making it highly suitable for mobility without frequent recharging. In contrast, the Microsoft Surface Laptop Studio 2 offers a higher screen quality ideal for media consumption and creative work, enhanced by its flexible design and robust build, although this may come at a slight tradeoff in terms of added weight and a different balance between performance and battery longevity.
Content Creation
8.2
8.4
8.8/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
9.0/10
1920 x 1200
RESOLUTION
2400 x 1600
32.0 GB
RAM
64.0 GB
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
The Microsoft Surface Laptop Studio 2 and Lenovo ThinkPad X13 are both very 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
8.1
8.2
8.8/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
9.0/10
32.0 GB
RAM
64.0 GB
1920 x 1200
RESOLUTION
2400 x 1600
9.0/10
KEYBOARD QUALITY SCORE
8.0/10
The Microsoft Surface Laptop Studio 2 and Lenovo ThinkPad X13 are both very 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
8.5 Hours
8.0 Hours
The Lenovo ThinkPad X13 has 8.5 hours of battery life. The Microsoft Surface Laptop Studio 2 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 Lenovo ThinkPad X13 and Microsoft Surface Laptop Studio 2 both have very good build quality.
PerfectRec’s Build Quality Score incorporates case materials, display and keyboard flex, hinge quality, and overall reliability.
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We’re constantly working to improve.
How the Lenovo ThinkPad X13 and the Microsoft Surface Laptop Studio 2 compare to other laptops
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Lenovo ThinkPad X13 | Microsoft Surface Laptop Studio 2 |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$1,241 | $2,900 | ||
Release Date | |||
Release Date | September 1, 2023 | September 1, 2023 | |
Overall Dimensions | |||
Overall Dimensions | 11.9'' x 8.5'' x 0.63'' | 12.7'' x 9.1'' x 0.86'' | |
Weight | |||
Weight | 2.87 lbs | 4.41 lbs | |
Width | |||
Width | 11.88" | 12.72" | |
Depth | |||
Depth | 8.46" | 9.06" | |
INTERNAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Processor | |||
Processor | AMD Ryzen 7 7840U | Intel i7-13700H | |
RAM | |||
RAM | 32 GB | 64 GB | |
DDR Memory Version | |||
DDR Memory Version | 5 | 5 | |
RAM Slots | |||
RAM Slots | 0 | 0 | |
Storage | |||
Storage | 1024 GB | 1024 GB | |
BATTERY | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Battery Life | |||
Battery Life | 8.5 Hours | 8 Hours | |
Battery Capacity | |||
Battery Capacity | 41 Wh | 58 Wh | |
SCREEN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Diagonal Size | |||
Diagonal Size | 13.3" | 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 | 321 nits | 503 nits | |
RELIABILITY, APPEARANCE & ACOUSTICS | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality Score | |||
Build Quality Score | 8.5/10 | 8.5/10 | |
Portability Score | |||
Portability Score | 8.9/10 | 7.5/10 | |
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 | 7.5/10 | 8/10 | |
Webcam | |||
Webcam | 1440p | 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 | 2 | 0 | |
USB-C ports | |||
USB-C ports | 2 | 2 | |
USB-C Charging | |||
USB-C Charging | Yes | Yes | |
Display Outputs | |||
Display Outputs | 3 | 2 | |
Thunderbolt Version | |||
Thunderbolt Version | N/A | 4 | |
Shopping
Lenovo ThinkPad X13
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Dig into reviews and images
NotebookCheck
Benjamin Herzig | September 2023
"The Lenovo ThinkPad X13 G4 has very good input devices, a wide array of security features and ports as well as 5G in the tested configuration. It is more compact and lightweight compared with its predecessor, and it has improved speakers and a slightly better webcam. On the other hand, the fan is more annoying and the performance is barely improved. The battery is worse as well, but this is primarily attributable to the OLED screen - if this aspect is important, buyers should choose the IPS Low Power LCD."
Microsoft Surface Laptop Studio 2
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Dig into reviews and images
NotebookCheck
Andreas Osthoff | March 2022
"The new Surface Laptop Studio with its foldable display is supposed to replace the old Surface Book and the overall impression is good after our review. The build quality and the materials are top-notch, the performance utilization of the two components is solid and the device does not show any major flaws in terms of display or speakers, either. The folding mechanism leaves a sold impression as well, but it remains to be seen how it will hold up over the years. The so-called presentation mode is also not ideal since it covers the whole keyboard."
Get a great deal on the Lenovo ThinkPad X13 or the Microsoft Surface Laptop Studio 2
About Lenovo
Lenovo is a Chinese technology company, and one of the largest personal computer vendor. They are well known for a variety of technology products, including laptops. Their consumer series include their entry level IdeaPad and LOQ series and mid-to-high-end Yoga and Legion series. On the business-oriented side, their series include their entry-level ThinkBook series and mid-to-high-end ThinkPad series. Lenovo laptops offer strong performance for reasonable prices, and are often on sale.
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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