Another Blow for Windows on ARM - The Intel Surface Laptop 15 is once again better than the Snapdragon model

The Microsoft Surface Laptop 15 Gen 8 positions itself as a high-end 15-inch multimedia notebook. While Microsoft sells models with Snapdragon processors to private cusotmers, an Intel version with Panther Lake processors is once again available for business customers in addition to the Snapdragon SKUs. Of particular interest are the configurations featuring Ultra X Core processors equipped with the fast Intel Arc B390 graphics card. Although processor performance is slightly lower than that of the latest Snapdragon chips, the graphics card is significantly faster, and there are no compatibility issues with games or applications.

Aside from the updated processors, the device features only minor changes compared to the previous year, such as a very fast microSD card reader with SD Express support. Otherwise, you still get a high-quality, slim laptop with excellent input devices, fast Wi-Fi, and exclusive to the Intel model, versatile Thunderbolt ports.

The display continues to use an IPS panel that supports touch input. Subjective image quality remains excellent, with both brightness and the smooth 120 Hz refresh rate impressing. Furthermore, there is no annoying PWM flickering. However, black levels are slightly elevated, meaning the contrast ratio does not quite match that of OLED displays.

With a battery life of 16 hours in our Wi-Fi test, the Intel version demonstrates genuine endurance. The Snapdragon SKU should have slightly shorter battery life figures, as Mircrosoft lists shorter battery runtimes compared to the Intel SKU in their own spec sheets. 

However, anyone expecting a free choice when buying will be disappointed: it remains completely baffling why Microsoft is effectively forcing Snapdragon models on private customers. While the "for Business" models can be purchased from independent online retailers, they are significantly less attractive in terms of price, as such retailers generally do not offer any discounts. Please see our full review for more information about the new Surface Laptop 15 Gen 8.