Microsoft should let Surface Laptop 7 buyers choose between Intel and Qualcomm
Since the debut of Qualcomm's Snapdragon X Elite processors, Microsoft has leaned on said chipsets and equipped both the Surface Pro and Surface Laptop with these ARM SoCs. This endeavor includes a dedicated ARM version of Windows and the correspondingly optimized apps. In our reviews of ARM-powered laptops, we consistently addressed the potential compatibility issues with legacy software and games.
We regularly urge manufacturers to inform customers about these possible limitations. Overall, ARM laptops perform very well, and if users are not affected or can live with the aforementioned caveats, there's nothing inherently wrong with ARM laptops. However, if buyers are unaware of these issues, it can lead to unpleasant surprises, as we recently reported that the Surface Laptop has been labeled as a frequently returned product on Amazon. Apparently, business customers weren’t thrilled either.
In mid-February, Microsoft has launched the Surface configurations with the "for Business" moniker, which are equipped with Intel's Lunar Lake processors. We've just finished our thorough review of the larger Surface Laptop 7 15 with the Core Ultra 7 268V and particularly compared it to the Snapdragon version. Aside from the non-existent compatibility issues, the Intel variant even offers better battery life.
While the processor's pure multi-core performance is lower, the Lunar Lake chip is on par in single-core performance, which is often more important in everyday use. The integrated Arc Graphics 140V GPU is significantly faster as well. For some occasional gaming, the Intel variant is vastly superior. The only real drawback is the louder fan on the Intel SKU, although it's worth noting that the highest noise level is only reached after several minutes of full load. During normal daily use, the Intel version is quiet, especially if performance mode is not used.
While the Surface Laptop for Business is available for regular customers through various retailers, the high list price and lack of discounts results in a significant price difference. For example, our Intel test unit has an MSRP of €2,760 and is currently €700 more expensive than the comparable and heavily discounted Snapdragon model (€2,499 MSRP). So the Intel configurations aren't a real alternative for regular users, even though these variants of the Surface Laptop 7 would currently be the better choice for many buyers. It's unfortunate that Microsoft is forcing its inferior ARM models on private customers and does not leave them a choice. In the long run, this will lead to dissatisfied customers and consequently fewer sales.
All benchmarks and further details on the Surface Laptop 7 15 for Business with Intel Lunar Lake can be found in our detailed review.
Source(s)
Surface Laptop 7 15 for Business review by Notebookcheck
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