Surface Laptop Go vs Surface Pro 7+: Which One is Right for You?

Microsoft’s Surface devices are widely praised for their stylish design, reliable performance, and versatility. Among the many options, the Surface Laptop Go and Surface Pro 7+ stand out as two popular choices, each offering unique features suited for different types of users. In this post, we’ll compare the Surface Laptop Go and Surface Pro 7+ based on design, performance, battery life, and other key features to help you make an informed decision.

Quick Overview

The Surface Laptop Go is a lightweight, compact laptop designed for those who need portability without sacrificing productivity. It features a 12.4-inch PixelSense display, a full-sized keyboard, and a large trackpad. With an Intel Celeron processor, up to 16GB of RAM, and storage options ranging from 64GB to 256GB, it’s an excellent choice for everyday tasks like browsing the web, checking emails, and document editing. The device also offers a fingerprint sensor for added security and a battery life of up to 13 hours.

On the other hand, the Surface Pro 7+ is a powerful 2-in-1 hybrid device that can be used as both a laptop and a tablet. It features a 12.3-inch touchscreen, a detachable keyboard, and a stylus, making it a versatile option for both productivity and creative work. Powered by Intel Core processors, with up to 16GB of RAM and various storage options, it’s well-suited for more demanding tasks such as video editing, gaming, and 3D modeling. It also offers a battery life of up to 11.5 hours.

Design Differences

Both devices boast a sleek design with an aluminum and polycarbonate body. While both feature a 12-inch multi-touch PixelSense display, the Surface Pro 7+ has a higher resolution (2736 x 1824 vs. the Surface Laptop Go’s 1536 x 1024), thanks to the Iris Xe graphics processor, making it a better choice for tasks requiring higher display clarity, such as photo and video editing. Additionally, the Surface Pro 7+ has a 1080p webcam, which is superior for video calls compared to the 720p webcam on the Surface Laptop Go.

The Surface Laptop Go comes with an integrated keyboard and trackpad, while the Surface Pro 7+ requires an optional detachable keyboard and a stylus, making it more versatile for those who prefer a touchscreen interface for drawing, note-taking, and other creative tasks. The Surface Pro 7+ is also slightly smaller and lighter than the Surface Laptop Go, making it easier to carry around.

Performance

In terms of performance, both devices offer impressive specs. The Surface Laptop Go features a choice of quad-core processors, with options ranging from Intel Core i3 to i5, alongside multiple RAM and storage configurations. This setup is great for everyday tasks, but for more resource-heavy tasks like video editing or gaming, the Surface Pro 7+ offers higher specifications and better performance, especially with its Intel Core i7 or i9 processors and superior graphics capabilities.

For those who need more computing power for tasks such as creative work or running demanding applications, the Surface Pro 7+ stands out with its high-end configurations, while the Surface Laptop Go is best suited for lighter, daily-use applications.

Battery Life

Battery life is a crucial factor when choosing a device, and both the Surface Laptop Go and Surface Pro 7+ deliver strong performance in this area. The Surface Laptop Go can last up to 13 hours on a single charge, making it ideal for a full day of work or entertainment. Additionally, it supports fast charging, providing up to 80% charge in just one hour.

The Surface Pro 7+, while offering slightly less battery life at up to 11.5 hours, still performs well considering its higher performance capabilities. Like the Laptop Go, the Surface Pro 7+ also supports fast charging, allowing users to quickly recharge during short breaks.

Connectivity

Both devices offer essential connectivity options like Bluetooth 5.0, Wi-Fi, USB-C, USB 3.0, and headphone ports. However, the Surface Pro 7+ has a notable advantage with its microSD card slot, which the Surface Laptop Go lacks. This added feature allows users to expand their storage easily, which can be beneficial for professionals or creatives who work with large files.

Conclusion

Both the Surface Laptop Go and Surface Pro 7+ are excellent choices, each catering to different types of users. If you need a lightweight, affordable laptop for everyday tasks like browsing, emailing, and media consumption, the Surface Laptop Go is a solid choice. It’s compact, portable, and offers great value for general use.

However, if you require more versatility and power for demanding tasks like video editing, gaming, or creative work, the Surface Pro 7+ is the better option. Its hybrid design, superior performance capabilities, and higher resolution display make it ideal for those who need both productivity and creativity on the go.

Ultimately, your choice will depend on your specific needs—whether you prioritize portability and affordability or versatility and performance.