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Updated March 13, 2024·
When deciding between the Microsoft Surface Laptop 5 and the Lenovo ThinkBook 13x, consider the use case and priorities. The Surface tends to be more recognized for its touch screen and stylus support, making it ideal for artists or those who prefer taking hand-written notes. The ThinkBook, on the other hand, often offers stronger build quality and might be favored in business environments for its professional design. If cost is a major factor, and the features align with your needs, the Surface could be the better value. However, if durability and a business aesthetic are more important, the ThinkBook may justify the higher price. 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 Microsoft Surface Laptop 5 13"
- The Microsoft Surface Laptop 5 13" has no clear advantages over the Lenovo ThinkBook 13x.
Advantages of the Lenovo ThinkBook 13x
- Very good for content creation
- Very good overall display quality
Key differences
Engineering and Design
7.1
7.9
6.9/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
8.6/10
3.7/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
3.7/10
16.0 GB
RAM
16.0 GB
The Lenovo ThinkBook 13x and Microsoft Surface Laptop 5 13" are both good for engineering and design, though the Lenovo ThinkBook 13x is somewhat better.
The Microsoft Surface Laptop 5 13" with its high-resolution screen and powerful CPU suits engineering design tasks, aided by ample RAM and an integrated GPU that supports visual applications. The Lenovo ThinkBook 13x also offers a strong CPU and high screen quality with a comfortable keyboard, while its lightweight design enhances portability for users who work on the go.
Content Creation
7.4
8.0
6.9/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
8.6/10
2256 x 1504
RESOLUTION
2880 x 1920
16.0 GB
RAM
16.0 GB
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
The Lenovo ThinkBook 13x is very good for content creation, while the Microsoft Surface Laptop 5 13" is good.
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
7.2
7.9
6.9/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
8.6/10
16.0 GB
RAM
16.0 GB
2256 x 1504
RESOLUTION
2880 x 1920
7.0/10
KEYBOARD QUALITY SCORE
7.5/10
The Lenovo ThinkBook 13x and Microsoft Surface Laptop 5 13" are both good for software development, though the Lenovo ThinkBook 13x is somewhat better.
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
7.2
8.2
13.5in
SIZE
13.5in
2256 x 1504
RESOLUTION
2880 x 1920
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
60Hz
REFRESH RATE
120Hz
400.0 nits
BRIGHTNESS
500.0 nits
The Lenovo ThinkBook 13x has a better screen than the Microsoft Surface Laptop 5 13" for general use, gaming and AI, engineering and design, content creation, and software development.
For general use, both laptops offer high resolution and brightness, along with panels that provide clear and crisp visuals, making them suitable for everyday tasks and media consumption. In the realm of engineering and design, both laptops exhibit strong color accuracy, covering a wide range of color gamuts, which is crucial for precise and vivid color representation in professional work. However, for gaming and 3D applications, their screens fall short due to lower refresh rates, which can lead to less smooth visuals and may not match the requirements for high-speed gaming or intensive 3D rendering.
Cost
$1,200
$1,399
$500
$1,000
$1,500
$2,000
$2,500
The Microsoft Surface Laptop 5 13" has a price of $1,200 and the Lenovo ThinkBook 13x costs $1,399.
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Key similarities
General Use
7.4
7.9
2256 x 1504
RESOLUTION
2880 x 1920
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
400.0 nits
DISPLAY BRIGHTNESS
500.0 nits
7.5 Hours
BATTERY LIFE
8.0 Hours
7.0/10
KEYBOARD QUALITY SCORE
7.5/10
9.0/10
PORTABILITY SCORE
9.3/10
The Lenovo ThinkBook 13x and Microsoft Surface Laptop 5 13" are both good for general use.
The Microsoft Surface Laptop 5 offers a balance of performance and high-quality screen, along with the convenience of portability and a long battery life, making it ideal for everyday tasks and on-the-go use. The Lenovo ThinkBook 13x, while also providing solid performance and a great screen, focuses on durable build quality and comfortable keyboard, which suits regular use, although it usually comes with a slightly shorter battery life compared to the Surface.
Gaming and AI
6.1
6.6
3.7/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
3.7/10
2256 x 1504
RESOLUTION
2880 x 1920
60Hz
REFRESH RATE
120Hz
No
SUPPORTS DLSS
No
No
MUX SWITCH / ADVANCED OPTIMUS
No
7.5/10
FAN NOISE SCORE
8.3/10
The Lenovo ThinkBook 13x and Microsoft Surface Laptop 5 13" are both only fair for gaming and AI.
The Microsoft Surface Laptop 5 13" and the Lenovo ThinkBook 13x both have integrated graphics, which are adequate for light gaming and basic 3D tasks but not for demanding games or professional 3D applications. While they offer high-quality screens and decent processing power, their GPUs and screen refresh rates aren't designed for high-end gaming or advanced 3D rendering, which are critical for an optimal experience in those areas.
Battery
7.5 Hours
8.0 Hours
The Microsoft Surface Laptop 5 13" has 7.5 hours of battery life. The Lenovo ThinkBook 13x 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.
Portability
Excellent
Excellent
13.5in
SIZE
13.5in
2.8 lbs
WEIGHT
2.7 lbs
0.5in
THICKNESS
0.5in
The Lenovo ThinkBook 13x and Microsoft Surface Laptop 5 13" both have excellent portability.
The most portable laptops are small, thin, and light.
Build Quality
7.8
7.6
The Microsoft Surface Laptop 5 13" and Lenovo ThinkBook 13x 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 Microsoft Surface Laptop 5 13" and the Lenovo ThinkBook 13x compare to other laptops
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Microsoft Surface Laptop 5 13" | Lenovo ThinkBook 13x |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$1,200 | $1,399 | ||
Release Date | |||
Release Date | October 1, 2022 | January 30, 2024 | |
Overall Dimensions | |||
Overall Dimensions | 12.1'' x 8.8'' x 0.57'' | 11.6'' x 8.1'' x 0.5'' | |
Weight | |||
Weight | 2.86 lbs | 2.7 lbs | |
Width | |||
Width | 12.1" | 11.6" | |
Depth | |||
Depth | 8.8" | 8.1" | |
INTERNAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Processor | |||
Processor | Intel i7-1255U | Intel Core Ultra 5 125H | |
RAM | |||
RAM | 16 GB | 16 GB | |
DDR Memory Version | |||
DDR Memory Version | 5 | 5 | |
RAM Slots | |||
RAM Slots | 0 | 0 | |
Storage | |||
Storage | 512 GB | 512 GB | |
BATTERY | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Battery Life | |||
Battery Life | 7.5 Hours | 8 Hours | |
Battery Capacity | |||
Battery Capacity | 47.4 Wh | 74 Wh | |
SCREEN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Diagonal Size | |||
Diagonal Size | 13.5" | 13.5" | |
Display Technology | |||
Display Technology | IPS | IPS | |
Resolution | |||
Resolution | 2256 x 1504 | 2880 x 1920 | |
Refresh Rate | |||
Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 120Hz | |
Display Brightness | |||
Display Brightness | 400 nits | 500 nits | |
RELIABILITY, APPEARANCE & ACOUSTICS | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality Score | |||
Build Quality Score | 7.8/10 | 7.6/10 | |
Portability Score | |||
Portability Score | 9/10 | 9.4/10 | |
Gaming Laptop Appearance | |||
Gaming Laptop Appearance | No | No | |
Premium Business Laptop | |||
Premium Business Laptop | No | No | |
Fan Noise Score | |||
Fan Noise Score | 7.5/10 | 8.4/10 | |
HARDWARE FEATURES | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Keyboard Quality Score | |||
Keyboard Quality Score | 7/10 | 7.5/10 | |
Speaker Quality Score | |||
Speaker Quality Score | 8.8/10 | 8.8/10 | |
Webcam | |||
Webcam | 720p | 1080p | |
Fingerprint Reader | |||
Fingerprint Reader | No | Yes | |
Backlit Keyboard | |||
Backlit Keyboard | Yes | Yes | |
Number Pad | |||
Number Pad | No | No | |
CONNECTIVITY | |||
|---|---|---|---|
USB Type-A | |||
USB Type-A | 1 | 0 | |
USB-C ports | |||
USB-C ports | 1 | 3 | |
USB-C Charging | |||
USB-C Charging | Yes | Yes | |
Display Outputs | |||
Display Outputs | 1 | 3 | |
Thunderbolt Version | |||
Thunderbolt Version | 4 | 4 | |
Shopping
Microsoft Surface Laptop 5 13"
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Dig into reviews and images
CNET
Lori Grunin | October 2022
"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 Microsoft Surface Laptop 5 13" or the Lenovo ThinkBook 13x
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.
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.
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