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Sayonara, Alcantara: Microsoft Surface Laptop 3 13.5-inch Core i5 Review

Metal is in. The new aluminum metal chassis feels classier, stronger, smoother, and longer-lasting than the Alcantara versions that Microsoft have been shoving down our throats since the original Surface Laptop. If Microsoft could throw in some additional ports, then they might actually have a winner here.
Black 13.5-inch Surface Laptop 3 (top) vs. White 15-inch Surface Laptop 3 (bottom)
Black 13.5-inch Surface Laptop 3 (top) vs. White 15-inch Surface Laptop 3 (bottom)

The Surface Laptop 2 launched on October 2018 with 14 nm Intel Kaby Lake-R CPUs and an identical chassis design to the original 2017 Surface Laptop. The Surface Laptop 3 launched a year later with 10 nm Ice Lake CPUs and an identical chassis design to the original model yet again. This time, however, users get to choose between the classic Alcantara finish or a new metal finish for a more "MacBook-like" feel.

Our unit here is the black metal Surface Laptop 3 13.5 equipped with the Core i5-1035G7 CPU, 8 GB of LPDDR4x RAM, and 256 GB SSD for a retail price of $1000 USD. AMD Ryzen options are only available for the 15-inch Surface Laptop 3 15 as of this writing. The unique selling point of the Surface Laptop continues to be its uncommon 3:2 2256 x 1504 display in contrast to the typical 16:9 Ultrabook or 16:10 MacBook. While the native resolution has not changed from the Surface Laptop 2, there are still display differences that we will note below.

The Surface Laptop 3 13.5 competes directly with other high-end subnotebooks including the Dell XPS 13, Asus ZenBook S13, or Lenovo Yoga S940 and some 3:2 alternatives like the Huawei MateBook X Pro or Acer Swift 3 SF313.

More Microsoft Surface reviews:

Microsoft Surface Laptop 3 13 Core i5-1035G7 (Surface Laptop 3 Series)
Processor
Intel Core i5-1035G7 4 x 1.2 - 3.7 GHz, Ice Lake-U
Graphics adapter
Intel Iris Plus Graphics G7 (Ice Lake 64 EU), Core: 300 MHz, Memory: 1800 MHz, LPDDR4x, 26.20.100.7641
Memory
8 GB 
, 1866.7 MHz, 20-20-20-45, Dual-Channel
Display
13.50 inch 3:2, 2256 x 1504 pixel 201 PPI, 10-point capacitive, native pen support, Sharp LQ135P1JX51, IPS, SHP14B3, glossy: yes
Mainboard
Intel 495 (Ice Lake-U PCH-LP Premium)
Storage
SK hynix BC501 HFM256GDGTNG
Soundcard
Intel Ice Lake-U/Y PCH-LP cAVS
Connections
2 USB 3.0 / 3.1 Gen1, 1 DisplayPort, 1 Docking Station Port, Audio Connections: 3.5 mm combo, Brightness Sensor
Networking
Intel Wi-Fi 6 AX201 (a/b/g/h/n = Wi-Fi 4/ac = Wi-Fi 5/ax = Wi-Fi 6/), Bluetooth 5
Size
height x width x depth (in mm): 14.5 x 308 x 223 ( = 0.57 x 12.13 x 8.78 in)
Battery
45 Wh Lithium-Polymer
Operating System
Microsoft Windows 10 Home 64 Bit
Camera
Webcam: HD 720p
Additional features
Speakers: Stereo, Keyboard: Chiclet, Keyboard Light: yes, 12 Months Warranty
Weight
1.288 kg ( = 45.43 oz / 2.84 pounds), Power Supply: 287 g ( = 10.12 oz / 0.63 pounds)
Price
1000 USD
Note: The manufacturer may use components from different suppliers including display panels, drives or memory sticks with similar specifications.

 

Rating
Date
Model
Weight
Height
Size
Resolution
Best Price
84 %
02/2020
Microsoft Surface Laptop 3 13 Core i5-1035G7
i5-1035G7, Iris Plus Graphics G7 (Ice Lake 64 EU)
1.3 kg14.5 mm13.50"2256x1504
90.6 %
02/2020
Apple MacBook Pro 13 2019 2TB3
i5-8257U, Iris Plus Graphics 645
1.4 kg14.9 mm13.30"2560x1600
86.3 %
10/2019
Dell XPS 13 7390 2-in-1 Core i7
i7-1065G7, Iris Plus Graphics G7 (Ice Lake 64 EU)
1.3 kg13 mm13.40"1920x1200
90.1 %
07/2019
Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon 2019-20QE000VGE
i7-8665U, UHD Graphics 620
1.1 kg14.9 mm14.00"2560x1440
83.9 %
12/2019
Microsoft Surface Laptop 3 15 i7-1065G7
i7-1065G7, Iris Plus Graphics G7 (Ice Lake 64 EU)
1.5 kg14.7 mm15.00"2496x1664

Case

When Microsoft introduced the first Surface Laptop three years ago, they vaunted the Alcantara surface as a unique selling point over traditional metal Ultrabooks. Alcantara is softer in texture and easier to make available in different colors than anodized magnesium or aluminum alloy. The problem, however, is that Alcantara is easier to damage and more difficult to clean with a tendency to collect unsightly grease over time.

Surface Laptop fans clamoring for a metal option now have their wish on the 13.5-inch Surface Laptop 3. The smooth matte aluminum texture now feels more like the metal Apple MacBook, Razer Blade, or Huawei MateBook X Pro that we're all already accustomed to. When compared to Alcantara, the system feels stiffer and more like a high-quality unibody design. Both the base and lid warp very little when attempting to twist them. Nonetheless, our test unit would creak slightly around the hinges when adjusting the angle of the display to suggest that the manufacturing could be better.

The drawback to the new metal chassis is largely superficial. By dropping what makes the Surface Laptop visually unique, the aluminum Surface Laptop 3 looks a lot like most other Ultrabooks already in the market. This is especially true if comparing the system to the Huawei MateBook X Pro since both are ultra-thin 3:2 Windows Ultrabooks. Still, it's a small price to pay considering you get a physically stronger chassis that will almost indubitably outlive the classic Alcantara version.

Chassis dimensions are identical between the Alcantara and metal options despite their dissimilar material makeup. Microsoft says the metal SKUs will be slightly heavier than the Alcantara SKUs (1.288 kg vs. 1.265 kg), but the difference is so small that it is essentially negligible during day-to-day use. The Microsoft laptop is still larger than both the 3:2 Huawei MateBook X Pro and Dell XPS 13 2-in-1 due in part to the thicker bezels of the Surface Laptop 3.

High quality minimalist feel
High quality minimalist feel
Fingerprints are much easier to clean than on the Alcantara version
Fingerprints are much easier to clean than on the Alcantara version
Smooth metal texture from top to bottom
Smooth metal texture from top to bottom
Black plastic strip along the top of the base of the system for wireless purposes
Black plastic strip along the top of the base of the system for wireless purposes
Small ventilation grilles mean warmer surface temperatures overall
Small ventilation grilles mean warmer surface temperatures overall
13.5-inch Surface Laptop 3 (top) vs. 15-inch Surface Laptop 3 (bottom). note the size difference
13.5-inch Surface Laptop 3 (top) vs. 15-inch Surface Laptop 3 (bottom). note the size difference
13.5-inch Surface Laptop 3 (right) vs. 15-inch Surface Laptop 3 (left). Thickness is nearly identical between them
13.5-inch Surface Laptop 3 (right) vs. 15-inch Surface Laptop 3 (left). Thickness is nearly identical between them
13.5-inch Surface Laptop 3 (top) vs. 15-inch Surface Laptop 3 (bottom). Port options are identical between them
13.5-inch Surface Laptop 3 (top) vs. 15-inch Surface Laptop 3 (bottom). Port options are identical between them
323.5 mm / 12.7 inch 217.1 mm / 8.55 inch 14.9 mm / 0.587 inch 1.1 kg2.45 lbs308 mm / 12.1 inch 223 mm / 8.78 inch 14.5 mm / 0.571 inch 1.3 kg2.84 lbs308 mm / 12.1 inch 223.2 mm / 8.79 inch 14.5 mm / 0.571 inch 1.3 kg2.76 lbs304.1 mm / 12 inch 212.4 mm / 8.36 inch 14.9 mm / 0.587 inch 1.4 kg3.03 lbs304 mm / 12 inch 217 mm / 8.54 inch 14.6 mm / 0.575 inch 1.3 kg2.93 lbs296 mm / 11.7 inch 207 mm / 8.15 inch 13 mm / 0.512 inch 1.3 kg2.93 lbs297 mm / 11.7 inch 210 mm / 8.27 inch 1 mm / 0.03937 inch 5.7 g0.01257 lbs

Connectivity

Port options are the same as the 15-inch Surface Laptop 3. We've already ranted about the uselessness of Surface Connect as we'd much rather see Thunderbolt 3, HDMI, or even an SD card reader instead. Other subnotebooks like the Huawei MateBook X Pro or Razer Blade Stealth have an advantage over the Surface Laptop 3 in this regard.

Front: No connectivity
Front: No connectivity
Right: Surface Connect
Right: Surface Connect
Rear: No connectivity
Rear: No connectivity
Left: USB Type-A, USB Type-C, 3.5 mm headphone jack
Left: USB Type-A, USB Type-C, 3.5 mm headphone jack

Communication

All Surface Laptop Intel SKUs come with 802.11ax or Wi-Fi 6 Intel AX201 cards including on the larger 15-inch Surface Laptop 3. Meanwhile, the AMD SKUs are stuck with "only" 802.11ac or Wi-Fi 5 modules. Either option will be more than sufficient for the everyday home or office worker. We're able to record average transfer rates of about 1.4 Gbps when standing one meter away from our Netgear RAX200 router connected to a 2.5 Gbps server line.

Networking
iperf3 transmit AX12
Microsoft Surface Laptop 3 13 Core i5-1035G7
Intel Wi-Fi 6 AX201
1484 (1342min - 1614max) MBit/s
Apple MacBook Pro 13 2019 2TB3
Broadcom 802.11ac
614 (311min - 623max) MBit/s -59%
Microsoft Surface Laptop 2-LQN-00004
Marvell AVASTAR Wireless-AC Network Controller
543 (486min - 584max) MBit/s -63%
Microsoft Surface Book 2 15
Marvell AVASTAR Wireless-AC Network Controller
527 MBit/s -64%
Huawei Matebook X Pro i5
Intel Dual Band Wireless-AC 8265
513 MBit/s -65%
iperf3 receive AX12
Microsoft Surface Laptop 3 13 Core i5-1035G7
Intel Wi-Fi 6 AX201
1251 (803min - 1358max) MBit/s
Huawei Matebook X Pro i5
Intel Dual Band Wireless-AC 8265
660 MBit/s -47%
Apple MacBook Pro 13 2019 2TB3
Broadcom 802.11ac
648 (317min - 666max) MBit/s -48%
Microsoft Surface Laptop 2-LQN-00004
Marvell AVASTAR Wireless-AC Network Controller
576 (549min - 597max) MBit/s -54%
Microsoft Surface Book 2 15
Marvell AVASTAR Wireless-AC Network Controller
501 MBit/s -60%

Webcam

ColorChecker
1.1 ∆E
5.4 ∆E
5.4 ∆E
2.7 ∆E
6.9 ∆E
5.1 ∆E
7 ∆E
2.9 ∆E
6.6 ∆E
5.5 ∆E
6.2 ∆E
4.6 ∆E
5 ∆E
7.6 ∆E
8.7 ∆E
7.1 ∆E
6.8 ∆E
4.3 ∆E
9.4 ∆E
5.5 ∆E
2.9 ∆E
4.9 ∆E
5.9 ∆E
8.7 ∆E
ColorChecker Microsoft Surface Laptop 3 13 Core i5-1035G7: 5.68 ∆E min: 1.1 - max: 9.39 ∆E

Maintenance

The bottom panel is secured by four screws hidden underneath the tightly glued rubber pads. RAM is soldered while storage is upgradeable albeit only in the uncommon M.2 2230 form factor. iFixit has a handy disassembly video on the model, but overall serviceability is still more difficult than it needs to be especially for a professional laptop.

Accessories and Warranty

There are no extras included in the box other than some paperwork and the AC adapter. In comparison, the Asus ZenBook S13 and HP Spectre 13 each come with faux leather carrying sleeves. Additional ports can be expanded via USB Type-C docks or Microsoft's proprietary Surface Dock.

The standard one-year limited warranty applies.

Input Devices

Keyboard and Touchpad

The keyboard and clickpad are the same as on the larger 15-inch Surface Laptop 3 15. Even the size of the keys and and clickpad surface (~11.5 x 7.6 cm) are identical between them. Thus, our existing comments about the input devices on the Surface Laptop 3 15 apply here on the 13.5-inch model including the satisfactory feedback, moderate clatter, and cramped Arrow keys. We still find the typing experience on the HP Spectre or Lenovo ThinkPad T series to be firmer and with deeper feedback.

Same keyboard and layout as the Surface Laptop 3 15. There are no auxiliary keys or fingerprint reader
Same keyboard and layout as the Surface Laptop 3 15. There are no auxiliary keys or fingerprint reader
Large clickpad considering the small form factor
Large clickpad considering the small form factor
Three levels of white backlight come standard
Three levels of white backlight come standard
Small Arrow keys are spongy in feedback
Small Arrow keys are spongy in feedback

Display

Microsoft has apparently switched panel providers for its latest Surface Laptop. Whereas the Surface Laptop 2 comes with a Panasonic VVX14T092N00 panel, our Surface Laptop 3 uses a Sharp LQ135P1JX51 instead. Response times are slightly faster on the Sharp panel, but both displays are otherwise nearly the same when it comes to brightness and gamut. Sharpness and overall visual quality rival that of flagship Ultrabooks like the XPS 13, Yoga C940, Spectre 13, or ZenBook S13.

If we are to nitpick, display response times are still on the slow side meaning that ghosting is noticeable. Both pulse-width modulation and slight uneven backlight bleeding are present as well. A number of alternatives have even brighter displays for better outdoor visibility including the MacBook Pro 13, XPS 13 2-in-1, Samsung Notebook 9, and the HP EliteBook x360 1040.

Uncommon 3:2 aspect ratio should appeal more to professionals
Uncommon 3:2 aspect ratio should appeal more to professionals
Same resolution, brightness, and gamut as the Surface Laptop 2
Same resolution, brightness, and gamut as the Surface Laptop 2
Edge-to-edge glass layer
Edge-to-edge glass layer
Side bezels are the same thickness as on the 15-inch Surface Laptop 3
Side bezels are the same thickness as on the 15-inch Surface Laptop 3
RGB subpixel array with capacitive touchscreen layer
RGB subpixel array with capacitive touchscreen layer
Slight uneven backlight bleeding along the corners
Slight uneven backlight bleeding along the corners
407.7
cd/m²
399.5
cd/m²
420.3
cd/m²
399
cd/m²
403.4
cd/m²
402.9
cd/m²
372.9
cd/m²
379.5
cd/m²
385.3
cd/m²
Distribution of brightness
Sharp LQ135P1JX51 tested with X-Rite i1Pro 2
Maximum: 420.3 cd/m² (Nits) Average: 396.7 cd/m² Minimum: 4.1 cd/m²
Brightness Distribution: 89 %
Center on Battery: 403.4 cd/m²
Contrast: 1186:1 (Black: 0.34 cd/m²)
ΔE Color 0.94 | 0.5-29.43 Ø5, calibrated: 0.99
ΔE Greyscale 0.9 | 0.57-98 Ø5.3
98.7% sRGB (Argyll 1.6.3 3D)
62.3% AdobeRGB 1998 (Argyll 1.6.3 3D)
67.8% AdobeRGB 1998 (Argyll 2.2.0 3D)
98.6% sRGB (Argyll 2.2.0 3D)
65.7% Display P3 (Argyll 2.2.0 3D)
Gamma: 2.13
Microsoft Surface Laptop 3 13 Core i5-1035G7
Sharp LQ135P1JX51, IPS, 13.50, 2256x1504
Apple MacBook Pro 13 2019 2TB3
APPA03D, IPS, 13.30, 2560x1600
Huawei Matebook X Pro i5
Tianma XM, IPS, 13.90, 3000x2000
Microsoft Surface Laptop 2-LQN-00004
VVX14T092N00, IPS, 13.50, 2256x1504
Dell XPS 13 7390 2-in-1 Core i7
Sharp LQ134N1, IPS, 13.40, 1920x1200
Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon 2019-20QE000VGE
LP140QH2-SPD1, IPS, 14.00, 2560x1440
Display
24%
-1%
1%
4%
6%
Display P3 Coverage
65.7
96.1
46%
65.9
0%
68
4%
69.9
6%
72.5
10%
sRGB Coverage
98.6
99.4
1%
95.2
-3%
94.7
-4%
99.2
1%
97.8
-1%
AdobeRGB 1998 Coverage
67.8
85.6
26%
67.6
0%
69.2
2%
71.5
5%
73.8
9%
Response Times
155%
35%
-15%
-13%
43%
Response Time Grey 50% / Grey 80% *
59.2 ?(28.4, 30.8)
50.4 ?(24.4, 26)
15%
40.4 ?(19.2, 21.2)
32%
69.2 ?(34.8, 34.4)
-17%
47.6 ?(23.2, 24.4)
20%
33.6 ?(16.4, 17.2)
43%
Response Time Black / White *
41.6 ?(23.6, 18)
35.2 ?(19.6, 15.6)
15%
25.6 ?(11.6, 14)
38%
46.4 ?(26, 20.4)
-12%
29.2 ?(16, 13.2)
30%
24 ?(12.4, 11.6)
42%
PWM Frequency
21740 ?(51)
116300 ?(66)
435%
2500 ?(25)
-89%
Screen
-3%
-113%
-67%
-28%
-113%
Brightness middle
403.4
603
49%
442.7
10%
392
-3%
549.8
36%
338
-16%
Brightness
397
577
45%
428
8%
390
-2%
520
31%
315
-21%
Brightness Distribution
89
92
3%
84
-6%
89
0%
86
-3%
88
-1%
Black Level *
0.34
0.35
-3%
0.31
9%
0.24
29%
0.39
-15%
0.43
-26%
Contrast
1186
1723
45%
1428
20%
1633
38%
1410
19%
786
-34%
Colorchecker dE 2000 *
0.94
1.7
-81%
2.24
-138%
3.2
-240%
2.12
-126%
4
-326%
Colorchecker dE 2000 max. *
2.92
3.1
-6%
7.19
-146%
6.3
-116%
3.66
-25%
7.9
-171%
Colorchecker dE 2000 calibrated *
0.99
0.7
29%
1.11
-12%
1.4
-41%
1.37
-38%
1.7
-72%
Greyscale dE 2000 *
0.9
2.1
-133%
9.7
-978%
4.5
-400%
2.6
-189%
6.2
-589%
Gamma
2.13 103%
2.18 101%
1.42 155%
2.2 100%
2.3 96%
2.13 103%
CCT
6620 98%
6843 95%
6227 104%
7556 86%
6884 94%
6787 96%
Color Space (Percent of AdobeRGB 1998)
62.3
76.7
23%
61.6
-1%
63.9
3%
65.4
5%
68.1
9%
Color Space (Percent of sRGB)
98.7
99.4
1%
95
-4%
95
-4%
99.7
1%
97.8
-1%
Total Average (Program / Settings)
59% / 30%
-26% / -73%
-27% / -48%
-12% / -19%
-21% / -72%

* ... smaller is better

Color space covers approximately 99 percent and 62 percent of sRGB and AdobeRGB, respectively, not unlike the Dell XPS 13 2-in-1 or older Surface Laptop 2. Other laptops like the MacBook Pro 13 or those with OLED options like the Dell XPS 15 are able to offer deeper colors.

vs. sRGB
vs. sRGB
vs. AdobeRGB
vs. AdobeRGB

Further measurements with an X-Rite colorimeter reveal a well-calibrated display out of the box in contrast to what we discovered on the Surface Laptop 2. Average grayscale and color deltaE values sit at just 0.9 and 0.8, respectively, so no end-user calibration is necessary to get the most out of the display. This is perhaps the biggest advantage over the Surface Laptop 2 in regards to display quality. Attempting to calibrate the panel even further ourselves would result in no major improvements.

Much like on the 15-inch Surface Laptop 3, the 13.5-inch model includes an "Enhanced" color mode option alongside standard sRGB. This mode appears to saturate colors for livelier video playback and image viewing at the cost of sRGB accuracy. We recommend leaving this off whenever possible.

Grayscale before calibration
Grayscale before calibration
Saturation Sweeps before calibration
Saturation Sweeps before calibration
ColorChecker before calibration
ColorChecker before calibration
Grayscale after calibration
Grayscale after calibration
Saturation Sweeps after calibration
Saturation Sweeps after calibration
ColorChecker after calibration
ColorChecker after calibration
Grayscale (Enhanced color mode)
Grayscale (Enhanced color mode)
Saturation Sweeps (Enhanced color mode)
Saturation Sweeps (Enhanced color mode)
ColorChecker (Enhanced color mode)
ColorChecker (Enhanced color mode)

Display Response Times

Display response times show how fast the screen is able to change from one color to the next. Slow response times can lead to afterimages and can cause moving objects to appear blurry (ghosting). Gamers of fast-paced 3D titles should pay special attention to fast response times.
       Response Time Black to White
41.6 ms ... rise ↗ and fall ↘ combined↗ 23.6 ms rise
↘ 18 ms fall
The screen shows slow response rates in our tests and will be unsatisfactory for gamers.
In comparison, all tested devices range from 0.1 (minimum) to 240 (maximum) ms. » 97 % of all devices are better.
This means that the measured response time is worse than the average of all tested devices (21.6 ms).
       Response Time 50% Grey to 80% Grey
59.2 ms ... rise ↗ and fall ↘ combined↗ 28.4 ms rise
↘ 30.8 ms fall
The screen shows slow response rates in our tests and will be unsatisfactory for gamers.
In comparison, all tested devices range from 0.2 (minimum) to 636 (maximum) ms. » 95 % of all devices are better.
This means that the measured response time is worse than the average of all tested devices (33.9 ms).

Screen Flickering / PWM (Pulse-Width Modulation)

To dim the screen, some notebooks will simply cycle the backlight on and off in rapid succession - a method called Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) . This cycling frequency should ideally be undetectable to the human eye. If said frequency is too low, users with sensitive eyes may experience strain or headaches or even notice the flickering altogether.
Screen flickering / PWM detected 21740 Hz ≤ 51 % brightness setting

The display backlight flickers at 21740 Hz (worst case, e.g., utilizing PWM) Flickering detected at a brightness setting of 51 % and below. There should be no flickering or PWM above this brightness setting.

The frequency of 21740 Hz is quite high, so most users sensitive to PWM should not notice any flickering.

In comparison: 53 % of all tested devices do not use PWM to dim the display. If PWM was detected, an average of 18110 (minimum: 5 - maximum: 3846000) Hz was measured.

Outdoor visibility is not any different from the Surface Laptop 2 since brightness and contrast have remained relatively constant gen-to-gen. Though not necessarily bad, it's still disappointing because Microsoft is offering no improvements over the last model in this regard. Expect glare yet again from the glossy panel.

Viewing angles are excellent with just minimal contrast and color degradation if viewing from extreme angles. Interestingly, picture quality appears to be more stable for longer when compared to most other IPS panels. It's too bad that the Surface Laptop is not a convertible as this display would have also been excellent as a tablet.

Outdoors under sunlight
Outdoors under sunlight
Outdoors under shade
Outdoors under shade
Outdoors under sunlight
Outdoors under sunlight
Wide IPS viewing angles
Wide IPS viewing angles

Performance

LatencyMon
LatencyMon

All 13.5-inch Surface Laptop 3 SKUs at the moment come with either the Intel quad-core Core i5-1035G7 or Core i7-1065G7 CPU. It's interesting to see Microsoft opt for the 10 nm Ice Lake parts instead of the faster 14 nm hexa-core Comet Lake-U parts, but we're guessing Microsoft probably preferred the faster graphics potential of the Ice Lake Iris Plus GPU especially since the Surface Laptop offers no dedicated GeForce MX options

RAM is fixed at either 8 GB or 16 GB of soldered LPDDR4x. LatencyMon shows no recurring DPC latency issues even if the wireless is enabled.

Processor

CPU performance is faster than the Core i5-1035G4 in the Surface Pro 7 tablet due to better Turbo Boost sustainability in the Surface Laptop even though both have nearly identical base clock rates (1.1 GHz vs. 1.2 GHz). CineBench R20, for example, is 16 percent higher on the Surface Laptop. Even so, Turbo Boost sustainability could have been better. When running CineBench R15 Multi-Thread in a loop as shown below, the initial score of 738 points drops to ~655 points by the second loop to represent a performance dip of 11 percent. This drops even further over time to ~592 points for an overall dip of 20 percent.

Raw processor performance is comparable to the Comet Lake-U Core i5-10210U while being faster than the Ryzen 5 3580U in the larger 15-inch Surface Laptop 3 by 25 percent in single-threaded workloads.

The highest-end Core i7-1065G7 configuration offers about 10 percent faster CPU performance over the Core i5-1035G7. See our dedicated page on the Core i5-1035G7 for more technical information and benchmark comparisons.

CineBench R10 32-bit
CineBench R10 32-bit
CineBench R11.5 64-bit
CineBench R11.5 64-bit
CineBench R15
CineBench R15
CineBench R20
CineBench R20
04590135180225270315360405450495540585630675720765810Tooltip
Microsoft Surface Laptop 3 13 Core i5-1035G7 Iris Plus Graphics G7 (Ice Lake 64 EU), i5-1035G7, SK hynix BC501 HFM256GDGTNG; CPU Multi 64Bit: Ø609 (588.11-736)
Huawei Matebook X Pro i5 GeForce MX150, i5-8250U, Samsung PM961 MZVLW256HEHP; CPU Multi 64Bit: Ø465 (452.33-537.54)
HP ZBook 14u G6 6TP71EA Radeon Pro WX 3200, i7-8565U, Samsung SSD PM981 MZVLB512HAJQ; CPU Multi 64Bit: Ø473 (469.58-493.18)
Dell XPS 13 7390 2-in-1 Core i7 Iris Plus Graphics G7 (Ice Lake 64 EU), i7-1065G7, Toshiba BG4 KBG40ZPZ512G; CPU Multi 64Bit: Ø672 (632.81-836.68)
Microsoft Surface Laptop 3 15 Ryzen 5 3580U Vega 9, R5 3580U, SK hynix BC501 HFM256GDGTNG; CPU Multi 64Bit: Ø662 (563.52-691.26)
Microsoft Surface Pro 7 Core i5-1035G4 Iris Plus Graphics G4 (Ice Lake 48 EU), i5-1035G4, Toshiba BG4 KBG40ZPZ256G; CPU Multi 64Bit: Ø518 (495.42-684.65)
Cinebench R15
CPU Single 64Bit
MSI Modern 15 A10RB
Intel Core i7-10510U
202 Points +17%
MSI Prestige 15 A10SC
Intel Core i7-10710U
191 Points +11%
Microsoft Surface Laptop 3 15 i7-1065G7
Intel Core i7-1065G7
184 Points +7%
MSI GF63 Thin 9SC
Intel Core i5-9300H
173 Points +1%
Microsoft Surface Pro 7 Core i5-1035G4
Intel Core i5-1035G4
172 Points 0%
Microsoft Surface Laptop 3 13 Core i5-1035G7
Intel Core i5-1035G7
172 Points
Lenovo ThinkBook 15
Intel Core i5-10210U
165 Points -4%
Average Intel Core i5-1035G7
  (153 - 172, n=3)
165 Points -4%
Microsoft Surface Pro 6, Core i7, 512 GB
Intel Core i7-8650U
163 Points -5%
Dell XPS 13 7390 2-in-1 Core i3
Intel Core i3-1005G1
157 Points -9%
Microsoft Surface Laptop i7
Intel Core i7-7660U
154 Points -10%
Walmart Motile M142
AMD Ryzen 5 3500U
147 Points -15%
Microsoft Surface Pro 6, Core i5, 128 GB
Intel Core i5-8250U
143 Points -17%
Microsoft Surface Laptop 2-LQN-00004
Intel Core i5-8250U
141 Points -18%
Microsoft Surface Laptop 3 15 Ryzen 5 3580U
AMD Ryzen 5 3580U
139 Points -19%
Microsoft Surface Go MHN-00003
Intel Pentium Gold 4415Y
65 Points -62%
CPU Multi 64Bit
MSI Prestige 15 A10SC
Intel Core i7-10710U
1103 Points +50%
MSI Modern 15 A10RB
Intel Core i7-10510U
813 Points +10%
MSI GF63 Thin 9SC
Intel Core i5-9300H
797 Points +8%
Microsoft Surface Laptop 3 13 Core i5-1035G7
Intel Core i5-1035G7
736 Points
Microsoft Surface Laptop 3 15 i7-1065G7
Intel Core i7-1065G7
733 Points 0%
Microsoft Surface Laptop 3 15 Ryzen 5 3580U
AMD Ryzen 5 3580U
693 Points -6%
Lenovo ThinkBook 15
Intel Core i5-10210U
687 Points -7%
Average Intel Core i5-1035G7
  (539 - 736, n=3)
662 Points -10%
Microsoft Surface Pro 7 Core i5-1035G4
Intel Core i5-1035G4
644 Points -12%
Walmart Motile M142
AMD Ryzen 5 3500U
640 Points -13%
Microsoft Surface Pro 6, Core i7, 512 GB
Intel Core i7-8650U
639 Points -13%
Microsoft Surface Laptop 2-LQN-00004
Intel Core i5-8250U
590 Points -20%
Microsoft Surface Pro 6, Core i5, 128 GB
Intel Core i5-8250U
585 Points -21%
Dell XPS 13 7390 2-in-1 Core i3
Intel Core i3-1005G1
406 Points -45%
Microsoft Surface Laptop i7
Intel Core i7-7660U
397 (337min - 397max) Points -46%
Microsoft Surface Go MHN-00003
Intel Pentium Gold 4415Y
164 Points -78%
Cinebench R20
CPU (Single Core)
MSI Modern 15 A10RB
Intel Core i7-10510U
497 Points +13%
MSI Prestige 15 A10SC
Intel Core i7-10710U
460 Points +5%
Microsoft Surface Laptop 3 15 i7-1065G7
Intel Core i7-1065G7
460 Points +5%
Microsoft Surface Pro 7 Core i5-1035G4
Intel Core i5-1035G4
441 Points 0%
Microsoft Surface Laptop 3 13 Core i5-1035G7
Intel Core i5-1035G7
439 Points
MSI GF63 Thin 9SC
Intel Core i5-9300H
418 Points -5%
Lenovo ThinkBook 15
Intel Core i5-10210U
418 Points -5%
Average Intel Core i5-1035G7
  (380 - 439, n=3)
415 Points -5%
Dell XPS 13 7390 2-in-1 Core i3
Intel Core i3-1005G1
403 Points -8%
Walmart Motile M142
AMD Ryzen 5 3500U
356 Points -19%
Microsoft Surface Laptop 3 15 Ryzen 5 3580U
AMD Ryzen 5 3580U
352 Points -20%
CPU (Multi Core)
MSI Prestige 15 A10SC
Intel Core i7-10710U
2598 Points +59%
MSI Modern 15 A10RB
Intel Core i7-10510U
1897 Points +16%
Microsoft Surface Laptop 3 15 i7-1065G7
Intel Core i7-1065G7
1799 Points +10%
MSI GF63 Thin 9SC
Intel Core i5-9300H
1737 Points +7%
Microsoft Surface Laptop 3 13 Core i5-1035G7
Intel Core i5-1035G7
1630 Points
Lenovo ThinkBook 15
Intel Core i5-10210U
1581 Points -3%
Microsoft Surface Laptop 3 15 Ryzen 5 3580U
AMD Ryzen 5 3580U
1549 Points -5%
Microsoft Surface Pro 7 Core i5-1035G4
Intel Core i5-1035G4
1410 Points -13%
Walmart Motile M142
AMD Ryzen 5 3500U
1398 Points -14%
Average Intel Core i5-1035G7
  (1043 - 1630, n=3)
1302 Points -20%
Dell XPS 13 7390 2-in-1 Core i3
Intel Core i3-1005G1
948 Points -42%
Cinebench R11.5
CPU Single 64Bit
Microsoft Surface Laptop 3 13 Core i5-1035G7
Intel Core i5-1035G7
2.05 Points
Microsoft Surface Pro 7 Core i5-1035G4
Intel Core i5-1035G4
2.04 Points 0%
Average Intel Core i5-1035G7
  (1.77 - 2.05, n=2)
1.91 Points -7%
Dell XPS 13 7390 2-in-1 Core i3
Intel Core i3-1005G1
1.88 Points -8%
Lenovo ThinkBook 15
Intel Core i5-10210U
1.88 Points -8%
Microsoft Surface Laptop i7
Intel Core i7-7660U
1.84 Points -10%
Microsoft Surface Laptop 3 15 Ryzen 5 3580U
AMD Ryzen 5 3580U
1.65 Points -20%
Microsoft Surface Go MHN-00003
Intel Pentium Gold 4415Y
0.75 Points -63%
CPU Multi 64Bit
Microsoft Surface Laptop 3 13 Core i5-1035G7
Intel Core i5-1035G7
7.94 Points
Microsoft Surface Laptop 3 15 Ryzen 5 3580U
AMD Ryzen 5 3580U
7.82 Points -2%
Lenovo ThinkBook 15
Intel Core i5-10210U
7.55 Points -5%
Microsoft Surface Pro 7 Core i5-1035G4
Intel Core i5-1035G4
7.35 Points -7%
Average Intel Core i5-1035G7
  (4.87 - 7.94, n=2)
6.41 Points -19%
Dell XPS 13 7390 2-in-1 Core i3
Intel Core i3-1005G1
4.58 Points -42%
Microsoft Surface Laptop i7
Intel Core i7-7660U
4.39 Points -45%
Microsoft Surface Go MHN-00003
Intel Pentium Gold 4415Y
1.8 Points -77%
Cinebench R10
Rendering Multiple CPUs 32Bit
Microsoft Surface Laptop 3 13 Core i5-1035G7
Intel Core i5-1035G7
23829 Points
Microsoft Surface Pro 7 Core i5-1035G4
Intel Core i5-1035G4
22252 Points -7%
Average Intel Core i5-1035G7
  (15373 - 23829, n=2)
19601 Points -18%
Microsoft Surface Laptop 3 15 Ryzen 5 3580U
AMD Ryzen 5 3580U
18307 Points -23%
Dell XPS 13 7390 2-in-1 Core i3
Intel Core i3-1005G1
14323 Points -40%
Microsoft Surface Laptop i7
Intel Core i7-7660U
13779 Points -42%
Microsoft Surface Go MHN-00003
Intel Pentium Gold 4415Y
5586 Points -77%
Rendering Single 32Bit
Microsoft Surface Laptop 3 13 Core i5-1035G7
Intel Core i5-1035G7
6855 Points
Microsoft Surface Pro 7 Core i5-1035G4
Intel Core i5-1035G4
6829 Points 0%
Dell XPS 13 7390 2-in-1 Core i3
Intel Core i3-1005G1
6573 Points -4%
Average Intel Core i5-1035G7
  (6044 - 6855, n=2)
6450 Points -6%
Microsoft Surface Laptop i7
Intel Core i7-7660U
6126 Points -11%
Microsoft Surface Laptop 3 15 Ryzen 5 3580U
AMD Ryzen 5 3580U
4525 Points -34%
Microsoft Surface Go MHN-00003
Intel Pentium Gold 4415Y
2521 Points -63%
wPrime 2.10 - 1024m
Microsoft Surface Go MHN-00003
Intel Pentium Gold 4415Y
982 s * -271%
Dell XPS 13 7390 2-in-1 Core i3
Intel Core i3-1005G1
439.8 s * -66%
Microsoft Surface Laptop i7
Intel Core i7-7660U
433 s * -63%
Microsoft Surface Pro 7 Core i5-1035G4
Intel Core i5-1035G4
307.8 s * -16%
Microsoft Surface Laptop 3 15 Ryzen 5 3580U
AMD Ryzen 5 3580U
274.7 s * -4%
Microsoft Surface Laptop 3 13 Core i5-1035G7
Intel Core i5-1035G7
265 s *
Average Intel Core i5-1035G7
 
265 s * -0%

* ... smaller is better

Cinebench R10 Shading 32Bit
10554
Cinebench R10 Rendering Multiple CPUs 32Bit
23829
Cinebench R10 Rendering Single 32Bit
6855
Cinebench R11.5 CPU Multi 64Bit
7.94 Points
Cinebench R11.5 OpenGL 64Bit
43.84 fps
Cinebench R11.5 CPU Single 64Bit
2.05 Points
Cinebench R15 CPU Single 64Bit
172 Points
Cinebench R15 Ref. Match 64Bit
97.8 %
Cinebench R15 OpenGL 64Bit
67.4 fps
Cinebench R15 CPU Multi 64Bit
736 Points
Help

System Performance

PCMark benchmarks sit firmly in between the Dell XPS 13 2-in-1 with the Core i7-1065G7 and the least expensive 15-inch Surface Laptop 3 SKU equipped with the Ryzen 5 3580U. The clean barebones feel and lack of any bloatware on the Surface series are definite pluses when compared to Ultrabooks from Lenovo, HP, or Dell.

We experienced no software issues during our time with the test unit. We appreciate the bloat-free experience of Surface devices when compared to more typical Ultrabooks.

PCMark 10 Standard
PCMark 10 Standard
PCMark 8 Home Accelerated
PCMark 8 Home Accelerated
PCMark 8 Work Accelerated
PCMark 8 Work Accelerated
PCMark 10
Score
Dell XPS 13 7390 2-in-1 Core i7
Iris Plus Graphics G7 (Ice Lake 64 EU), i7-1065G7, Toshiba BG4 KBG40ZPZ512G
4677 Points +6%
Microsoft Surface Laptop 3 13 Core i5-1035G7
Iris Plus Graphics G7 (Ice Lake 64 EU), i5-1035G7, SK hynix BC501 HFM256GDGTNG
4421 Points
Microsoft Surface Laptop 3 15 Ryzen 5 3580U
Vega 9, R5 3580U, SK hynix BC501 HFM256GDGTNG
4056 Points -8%
Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon 2019-20QE000VGE
UHD Graphics 620, i7-8665U, WDC PC SN720 SDAQNTW-512G
4005 Points -9%
Apple MacBook Pro 13 2019 2TB3
Iris Plus Graphics 645, i5-8257U, Apple SSD AP0256
3751 Points -15%
Huawei Matebook X Pro i5
GeForce MX150, i5-8250U, Samsung PM961 MZVLW256HEHP
3445 Points -22%
Microsoft Surface Laptop 2-LQN-00004
UHD Graphics 620, i5-8250U, SK Hynix BC501 NVMe 256 GB
0 Points -100%
Essentials
Dell XPS 13 7390 2-in-1 Core i7
Iris Plus Graphics G7 (Ice Lake 64 EU), i7-1065G7, Toshiba BG4 KBG40ZPZ512G
9678 Points +7%
Microsoft Surface Laptop 3 13 Core i5-1035G7
Iris Plus Graphics G7 (Ice Lake 64 EU), i5-1035G7, SK hynix BC501 HFM256GDGTNG
9086 Points
Apple MacBook Pro 13 2019 2TB3
Iris Plus Graphics 645, i5-8257U, Apple SSD AP0256
8343 Points -8%
Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon 2019-20QE000VGE
UHD Graphics 620, i7-8665U, WDC PC SN720 SDAQNTW-512G
8199 Points -10%
Microsoft Surface Laptop 3 15 Ryzen 5 3580U
Vega 9, R5 3580U, SK hynix BC501 HFM256GDGTNG
7861 Points -13%
Huawei Matebook X Pro i5
GeForce MX150, i5-8250U, Samsung PM961 MZVLW256HEHP
7083 Points -22%
Microsoft Surface Laptop 2-LQN-00004
UHD Graphics 620, i5-8250U, SK Hynix BC501 NVMe 256 GB
6862 Points -24%
Productivity
Dell XPS 13 7390 2-in-1 Core i7
Iris Plus Graphics G7 (Ice Lake 64 EU), i7-1065G7, Toshiba BG4 KBG40ZPZ512G
7179 Points +6%
Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon 2019-20QE000VGE
UHD Graphics 620, i7-8665U, WDC PC SN720 SDAQNTW-512G
6870 Points +2%
Microsoft Surface Laptop 3 13 Core i5-1035G7
Iris Plus Graphics G7 (Ice Lake 64 EU), i5-1035G7, SK hynix BC501 HFM256GDGTNG
6765 Points
Microsoft Surface Laptop 3 15 Ryzen 5 3580U
Vega 9, R5 3580U, SK hynix BC501 HFM256GDGTNG
6102 Points -10%
Huawei Matebook X Pro i5
GeForce MX150, i5-8250U, Samsung PM961 MZVLW256HEHP
5727 Points -15%
Microsoft Surface Laptop 2-LQN-00004
UHD Graphics 620, i5-8250U, SK Hynix BC501 NVMe 256 GB
5344 Points -21%
Apple MacBook Pro 13 2019 2TB3
Iris Plus Graphics 645, i5-8257U, Apple SSD AP0256
4786 Points -29%
Digital Content Creation
Dell XPS 13 7390 2-in-1 Core i7
Iris Plus Graphics G7 (Ice Lake 64 EU), i7-1065G7, Toshiba BG4 KBG40ZPZ512G
3998 Points +5%
Microsoft Surface Laptop 3 13 Core i5-1035G7
Iris Plus Graphics G7 (Ice Lake 64 EU), i5-1035G7, SK hynix BC501 HFM256GDGTNG
3817 Points
Microsoft Surface Laptop 3 15 Ryzen 5 3580U
Vega 9, R5 3580U, SK hynix BC501 HFM256GDGTNG
3778 Points -1%
Apple MacBook Pro 13 2019 2TB3
Iris Plus Graphics 645, i5-8257U, Apple SSD AP0256
3587 Points -6%
Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon 2019-20QE000VGE
UHD Graphics 620, i7-8665U, WDC PC SN720 SDAQNTW-512G
3111 Points -18%
Huawei Matebook X Pro i5
GeForce MX150, i5-8250U, Samsung PM961 MZVLW256HEHP
2735 Points -28%
Microsoft Surface Laptop 2-LQN-00004
UHD Graphics 620, i5-8250U, SK Hynix BC501 NVMe 256 GB
0 Points -100%
PCMark 8
Home Score Accelerated v2
Apple MacBook Pro 13 2019 2TB3
Iris Plus Graphics 645, i5-8257U, Apple SSD AP0256
3986 Points +7%
Dell XPS 13 7390 2-in-1 Core i7
Iris Plus Graphics G7 (Ice Lake 64 EU), i7-1065G7, Toshiba BG4 KBG40ZPZ512G
3982 Points +7%
Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon 2019-20QE000VGE
UHD Graphics 620, i7-8665U, WDC PC SN720 SDAQNTW-512G
3823 Points +3%
Microsoft Surface Laptop 3 13 Core i5-1035G7
Iris Plus Graphics G7 (Ice Lake 64 EU), i5-1035G7, SK hynix BC501 HFM256GDGTNG
3725 Points
Huawei Matebook X Pro i5
GeForce MX150, i5-8250U, Samsung PM961 MZVLW256HEHP
3478 Points -7%
Microsoft Surface Laptop 3 15 Ryzen 5 3580U
Vega 9, R5 3580U, SK hynix BC501 HFM256GDGTNG
3348 Points -10%
Microsoft Surface Laptop 2-LQN-00004
UHD Graphics 620, i5-8250U, SK Hynix BC501 NVMe 256 GB
3153 Points -15%
Work Score Accelerated v2
Dell XPS 13 7390 2-in-1 Core i7
Iris Plus Graphics G7 (Ice Lake 64 EU), i7-1065G7, Toshiba BG4 KBG40ZPZ512G
5086 Points +7%
Microsoft Surface Laptop 2-LQN-00004
UHD Graphics 620, i5-8250U, SK Hynix BC501 NVMe 256 GB
4923 Points +4%
Microsoft Surface Laptop 3 13 Core i5-1035G7
Iris Plus Graphics G7 (Ice Lake 64 EU), i5-1035G7, SK hynix BC501 HFM256GDGTNG
4755 Points
Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon 2019-20QE000VGE
UHD Graphics 620, i7-8665U, WDC PC SN720 SDAQNTW-512G
4696 Points -1%
Huawei Matebook X Pro i5
GeForce MX150, i5-8250U, Samsung PM961 MZVLW256HEHP
4339 Points -9%
Microsoft Surface Laptop 3 15 Ryzen 5 3580U
Vega 9, R5 3580U, SK hynix BC501 HFM256GDGTNG
4246 Points -11%
Apple MacBook Pro 13 2019 2TB3
Iris Plus Graphics 645, i5-8257U, Apple SSD AP0256
4238 Points -11%
PCMark 8 Home Score Accelerated v2
3725 points
PCMark 8 Work Score Accelerated v2
4755 points
PCMark 10 Score
4421 points
Help

Storage Devices

Microsoft has equipped the exact same 256 GB SK Hynix BC501 HFM256GDGTNG drive as found on the least expensive Surface Laptop 3 15 for our Surface Laptop 3 13.5. Thus, drive performance is essentially identical between the two Surface Laptop 3 SKUs. The SK Hynix BC501 is a budget NVMe drive as exemplified by the relatively slow sequential read and write rates of around 1400 MB/s and 500 MB/s, respectively, compared to ~2500 MB/s on the pricier Samsung PM981 series. Costlier Surface Laptop configurations may come with faster Toshiba drives instead, but it is difficult confirm prior to purchasing.

See our table of SSDs and HDDs for more benchmark comparisons.

AS SSD
AS SSD
CDM 5.5
CDM 5.5
Microsoft Surface Laptop 3 13 Core i5-1035G7
SK hynix BC501 HFM256GDGTNG
Apple MacBook Pro 13 2019 2TB3
Apple SSD AP0256
Huawei Matebook X Pro i5
Samsung PM961 MZVLW256HEHP
Microsoft Surface Laptop 2-LQN-00004
SK Hynix BC501 NVMe 256 GB
Dell XPS 13 7390 2-in-1 Core i7
Toshiba BG4 KBG40ZPZ512G
AS SSD
-33%
44%
3%
8%
Seq Read
1387
974
-30%
2416
74%
826
-40%
1801
30%
Seq Write
504
1340
166%
1170
132%
555
10%
1125
123%
4K Read
42.35
11.35
-73%
48.33
14%
33.39
-21%
39.7
-6%
4K Write
120
15.95
-87%
103.1
-14%
95.3
-21%
67
-44%
4K-64 Read
497.4
643
29%
1039
109%
447
-10%
1253
152%
4K-64 Write
354.9
163
-54%
399.6
13%
370.4
4%
209
-41%
Access Time Read *
0.055
0.316
-475%
0.058
-5%
0.048
13%
0.069
-25%
Access Time Write *
0.093
0.258
-177%
0.036
61%
0.048
48%
0.625
-572%
Score Read
678
752
11%
1329
96%
563
-17%
1472
117%
Score Write
525
313
-40%
620
18%
521
-1%
388
-26%
Score Total
1520
1465
-4%
2575
69%
1369
-10%
2583
70%
Copy ISO MB/s
764
1404
84%
739
-3%
755
-1%
1293
69%
Copy Program MB/s
256.1
406.9
59%
312.3
22%
325.1
27%
560
119%
Copy Game MB/s
368.4
850
131%
486.3
32%
577
57%
927
152%
CrystalDiskMark 5.2 / 6
16%
-11%
36%
Write 4K
112.3
116.5
4%
87.3
-22%
106.7
-5%
Read 4K
42.13
42.18
0%
36.52
-13%
49.94
19%
Write Seq
630
1079
71%
716
14%
1223
94%
Read Seq
1023
1030
1%
1009
-1%
1801
76%
Write 4K Q32T1
336.6
225.7
-33%
324.1
-4%
325.3
-3%
Read 4K Q32T1
399.6
302.9
-24%
249
-38%
551
38%
Write Seq Q32T1
821
1174
43%
811
-1%
1224
49%
Read Seq Q32T1
2030
3394
67%
1631
-20%
2350
16%
Total Average (Program / Settings)
-33% / -33%
30% / 34%
-4% / -2%
22% / 18%

* ... smaller is better

SK hynix BC501 HFM256GDGTNG
CDM 5/6 Read Seq Q32T1: 2030 MB/s
CDM 5/6 Write Seq Q32T1: 821 MB/s
CDM 5/6 Read 4K Q32T1: 399.6 MB/s
CDM 5/6 Write 4K Q32T1: 336.6 MB/s
CDM 5 Read Seq: 1023 MB/s
CDM 5 Write Seq: 630 MB/s
CDM 5/6 Read 4K: 42.13 MB/s
CDM 5/6 Write 4K: 112.3 MB/s

GPU Performance

The Core i5-1035G7 may have the same integrated Iris Plus G7 GPU as the Core i7-1065G7, but overall performance in real-world games is not the same between them despite what the 3DMark benchmark results say. Rocket League, for example, returns consistently slower average frame rates than almost every other Iris Plus G7 laptops we've tested thus far. Meanwhile, more demanding games like Witcher 3 and Shadow of the Tomb Raider perform where we expect them to be. These mixed results suggest that the Core i5-1035G7 has issues maintaining very high frame rates on undemanding games with low settings. We suspect that the low TDP is a bottleneck to both the CPU and GPU portions of the chip when both are stressed.

Nonetheless, it's still possible to play most modern titles including Borderlands 3 albeit at only 720p with all settings reduced. See our dedicated page on the Iris Plus G7 GPU for more technical information and benchmark comparisons.

3DMark 11
3DMark 11
Ice Storm Extreme
Ice Storm Extreme
Cloud Gate
Cloud Gate
Ice Storm Unlimited
Ice Storm Unlimited
Fire Strike
Fire Strike
Time Spy
Time Spy
3DMark
1280x720 Cloud Gate Standard Graphics
MSI GF63 Thin 9SC
NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650 Max-Q, i5-9300H
51981 Points +211%
MSI Modern 15 A10RB
NVIDIA GeForce MX250, i7-10510U
23806 Points +43%
MSI Modern 14 A10RB-459US
NVIDIA GeForce MX250, i5-10210U
23376 Points +40%
MSI Prestige 15 A10SC
NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650 Max-Q, i7-10710U
22113 Points +32%
Microsoft Surface Laptop 3 15 Ryzen 5 3580U
AMD Radeon RX Vega 9, R5 3580U
19255 Points +15%
Dell XPS 13 7390 2-in-1 Core i7
Intel Iris Plus Graphics G7 (Ice Lake 64 EU), i7-1065G7
18881 Points +13%
Microsoft Surface Laptop 3 15 i7-1065G7
Intel Iris Plus Graphics G7 (Ice Lake 64 EU), i7-1065G7
17892 Points +7%
Microsoft Surface Laptop 3 13 Core i5-1035G7
Intel Iris Plus Graphics G7 (Ice Lake 64 EU), i5-1035G7
16695 Points
Huawei Matebook X Pro i5
NVIDIA GeForce MX150, i5-8250U
16553 Points -1%
Average Intel Iris Plus Graphics G7 (Ice Lake 64 EU)
  (7024 - 18881, n=24)
15496 Points -7%
Walmart Motile M142
AMD Radeon RX Vega 8 (Ryzen 2000/3000), R5 3500U
13919 Points -17%
Dell XPS 13 7390 2-in-1 Core i3
Intel UHD Graphics G1 (Ice Lake 32 EU), i3-1005G1
10966 Points -34%
Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon 2019-20QE000VGE
Intel UHD Graphics 620, i7-8665U
10656 Points -36%
Microsoft Surface Laptop i7
Intel Iris Plus Graphics 640, i7-7660U
10486 Points -37%
Microsoft Surface Pro 6, Core i7, 512 GB
Intel UHD Graphics 620, i7-8650U
10213 Points -39%
Microsoft Surface Laptop 2-LQN-00004
Intel UHD Graphics 620, i5-8250U
9946 Points -40%
Microsoft Surface Pro 6, Core i5, 128 GB
Intel UHD Graphics 620, i5-8250U
9769 Points -41%
Microsoft Surface Go MHN-00003
Intel UHD Graphics 615, Pentium 4415Y
6602 Points -60%
1920x1080 Fire Strike Graphics
MSI GF63 Thin 9SC
NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650 Max-Q, i5-9300H
8161 Points +203%
MSI Prestige 15 A10SC
NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650 Max-Q, i7-10710U
7774 Points +189%
MSI Modern 15 A10RB
NVIDIA GeForce MX250, i7-10510U
3868 Points +44%
MSI Modern 14 A10RB-459US
NVIDIA GeForce MX250, i5-10210U
3845 Points +43%
Dell XPS 13 7390 2-in-1 Core i7
Intel Iris Plus Graphics G7 (Ice Lake 64 EU), i7-1065G7
3144 Points +17%
Microsoft Surface Laptop 3 15 i7-1065G7
Intel Iris Plus Graphics G7 (Ice Lake 64 EU), i7-1065G7
3062 Points +14%
Microsoft Surface Laptop 3 15 Ryzen 5 3580U
AMD Radeon RX Vega 9, R5 3580U
2789 Points +4%
Huawei Matebook X Pro i5
NVIDIA GeForce MX150, i5-8250U
2740 Points +2%
Microsoft Surface Laptop 3 13 Core i5-1035G7
Intel Iris Plus Graphics G7 (Ice Lake 64 EU), i5-1035G7
2692 Points
Average Intel Iris Plus Graphics G7 (Ice Lake 64 EU)
  (1418 - 3156, n=27)
2594 Points -4%
Walmart Motile M142
AMD Radeon RX Vega 8 (Ryzen 2000/3000), R5 3500U
2020 Points -25%
Apple MacBook Pro 13 2019 2TB3
Intel Iris Plus Graphics 645, i5-8257U
1893 Points -30%
Dell XPS 13 7390 2-in-1 Core i3
Intel UHD Graphics G1 (Ice Lake 32 EU), i3-1005G1
1521 Points -43%
Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon 2019-20QE000VGE
Intel UHD Graphics 620, i7-8665U
1357 Points -50%
Microsoft Surface Laptop i7
Intel Iris Plus Graphics 640, i7-7660U
1315 Points -51%
Microsoft Surface Laptop 2-LQN-00004
Intel UHD Graphics 620, i5-8250U
1271 Points -53%
Microsoft Surface Go MHN-00003
Intel UHD Graphics 615, Pentium 4415Y
819 Points -70%
2560x1440 Time Spy Graphics
MSI Prestige 15 A10SC
NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650 Max-Q, i7-10710U
3028 Points +281%
MSI GF63 Thin 9SC
NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650 Max-Q, i5-9300H
3004 Points +278%
MSI Modern 14 A10RB-459US
NVIDIA GeForce MX250, i5-10210U
1164 Points +47%
MSI Modern 15 A10RB
NVIDIA GeForce MX250, i7-10510U
1160 Points +46%
Microsoft Surface Laptop 3 15 Ryzen 5 3580U
AMD Radeon RX Vega 9, R5 3580U
872 Points +10%
Microsoft Surface Laptop 3 15 i7-1065G7
Intel Iris Plus Graphics G7 (Ice Lake 64 EU), i7-1065G7
847 Points +7%
Dell XPS 13 7390 2-in-1 Core i7
Intel Iris Plus Graphics G7 (Ice Lake 64 EU), i7-1065G7
833 Points +5%
Microsoft Surface Laptop 3 13 Core i5-1035G7
Intel Iris Plus Graphics G7 (Ice Lake 64 EU), i5-1035G7
794 Points
Average Intel Iris Plus Graphics G7 (Ice Lake 64 EU)
  (526 - 851, n=23)
744 Points -6%
Microsoft Surface Pro 7 Core i5-1035G4
Intel Iris Plus Graphics G4 (Ice Lake 48 EU), i5-1035G4
619 Points -22%
Walmart Motile M142
AMD Radeon RX Vega 8 (Ryzen 2000/3000), R5 3500U
618 Points -22%
Apple MacBook Pro 13 2019 2TB3
Intel Iris Plus Graphics 645, i5-8257U
550 Points -31%
Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon 2019-20QE000VGE
Intel UHD Graphics 620, i7-8665U
431 Points -46%
Microsoft Surface Laptop i7
Intel Iris Plus Graphics 640, i7-7660U
420 Points -47%
Microsoft Surface Laptop 2-LQN-00004
Intel UHD Graphics 620, i5-8250U
389 Points -51%
3DMark 11
1280x720 Performance GPU
MSI Prestige 15 A10SC
NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650 Max-Q, i7-10710U
11542 Points +170%
MSI GF63 Thin 9SC
NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650 Max-Q, i5-9300H
11458 Points +168%
MSI Modern 14 A10RB-459US
NVIDIA GeForce MX250, i5-10210U
4920 Points +15%
MSI Modern 15 A10RB
NVIDIA GeForce MX250, i7-10510U
4905 Points +15%
Microsoft Surface Laptop 3 15 i7-1065G7
Intel Iris Plus Graphics G7 (Ice Lake 64 EU), i7-1065G7
4612 Points +8%
Dell XPS 13 7390 2-in-1 Core i7
Intel Iris Plus Graphics G7 (Ice Lake 64 EU), i7-1065G7
4594 Points +7%
Microsoft Surface Laptop 3 15 Ryzen 5 3580U
AMD Radeon RX Vega 9, R5 3580U
4380 Points +2%
Microsoft Surface Laptop 3 13 Core i5-1035G7
Intel Iris Plus Graphics G7 (Ice Lake 64 EU), i5-1035G7
4279 Points
Average Intel Iris Plus Graphics G7 (Ice Lake 64 EU)
  (2112 - 4630, n=28)
3996 Points -7%
Huawei Matebook X Pro i5
NVIDIA GeForce MX150, i5-8250U
3483 Points -19%
Walmart Motile M142
AMD Radeon RX Vega 8 (Ryzen 2000/3000), R5 3500U
3332 Points -22%
Microsoft Surface Pro 7 Core i5-1035G4
Intel Iris Plus Graphics G4 (Ice Lake 48 EU), i5-1035G4
3228 Points -25%
Apple MacBook Pro 13 2019 2TB3
Intel Iris Plus Graphics 645, i5-8257U
2985 Points -30%
Microsoft Surface Laptop i7
Intel Iris Plus Graphics 640, i7-7660U
2401 Points -44%
Microsoft Surface Laptop i7
Intel Iris Plus Graphics 640, i7-7660U
1980 Points -54%
Dell XPS 13 7390 2-in-1 Core i3
Intel UHD Graphics G1 (Ice Lake 32 EU), i3-1005G1
2133 Points -50%
Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon 2019-20QE000VGE
Intel UHD Graphics 620, i7-8665U
1983 Points -54%
Microsoft Surface Pro 6, Core i7, 512 GB
Intel UHD Graphics 620, i7-8650U
1977 Points -54%
Microsoft Surface Pro 6, Core i5, 128 GB
Intel UHD Graphics 620, i5-8250U
1881 Points -56%
Microsoft Surface Laptop 2-LQN-00004
Intel UHD Graphics 620, i5-8250U
1852 Points -57%
Microsoft Surface Go MHN-00003
Intel UHD Graphics 615, Pentium 4415Y
1257 Points -71%
1280x720 Performance Combined
MSI Prestige 15 A10SC
NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650 Max-Q, i7-10710U
10350 Points +204%
MSI GF63 Thin 9SC
NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650 Max-Q, i5-9300H
7846 Points +130%
MSI Modern 14 A10RB-459US
NVIDIA GeForce MX250, i5-10210U
4596 Points +35%
MSI Modern 15 A10RB
NVIDIA GeForce MX250, i7-10510U
4532 Points +33%
Dell XPS 13 7390 2-in-1 Core i7
Intel Iris Plus Graphics G7 (Ice Lake 64 EU), i7-1065G7
4143 Points +22%
Microsoft Surface Laptop 3 15 i7-1065G7
Intel Iris Plus Graphics G7 (Ice Lake 64 EU), i7-1065G7
4045 Points +19%
Huawei Matebook X Pro i5
NVIDIA GeForce MX150, i5-8250U
3538 Points +4%
Microsoft Surface Laptop 3 13 Core i5-1035G7
Intel Iris Plus Graphics G7 (Ice Lake 64 EU), i5-1035G7
3409 Points
Average Intel Iris Plus Graphics G7 (Ice Lake 64 EU)
  (1319 - 4163, n=28)
3189 Points -6%
Microsoft Surface Laptop 3 15 Ryzen 5 3580U
AMD Radeon RX Vega 9, R5 3580U
3041 Points -11%
Microsoft Surface Pro 7 Core i5-1035G4
Intel Iris Plus Graphics G4 (Ice Lake 48 EU), i5-1035G4
2739 Points -20%
Apple MacBook Pro 13 2019 2TB3
Intel Iris Plus Graphics 645, i5-8257U
2601 Points -24%
Dell XPS 13 7390 2-in-1 Core i3
Intel UHD Graphics G1 (Ice Lake 32 EU), i3-1005G1
2375 Points -30%
Walmart Motile M142
AMD Radeon RX Vega 8 (Ryzen 2000/3000), R5 3500U
2003 Points -41%
Microsoft Surface Laptop i7
Intel Iris Plus Graphics 640, i7-7660U
1968 Points -42%
Microsoft Surface Laptop i7
Intel Iris Plus Graphics 640, i7-7660U
1800 Points -47%
Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon 2019-20QE000VGE
Intel UHD Graphics 620, i7-8665U
1912 Points -44%
Microsoft Surface Pro 6, Core i7, 512 GB
Intel UHD Graphics 620, i7-8650U
1858 Points -45%
Microsoft Surface Laptop 2-LQN-00004
Intel UHD Graphics 620, i5-8250U
1741 Points -49%
Microsoft Surface Pro 6, Core i5, 128 GB
Intel UHD Graphics 620, i5-8250U
1509 Points -56%
Microsoft Surface Go MHN-00003
Intel UHD Graphics 615, Pentium 4415Y
1134 Points -67%
3DMark 06 Standard Score
15227 points
3DMark Vantage P Result
14442 points
3DMark 11 Performance
4514 points
3DMark Ice Storm Standard Score
66232 points
3DMark Cloud Gate Standard Score
13409 points
3DMark Fire Strike Score
2532 points
3DMark Time Spy Score
899 points
Help
Rocket League
1280x720 Performance
MSI Modern 15 A10RB
Intel Core i7-10510U, NVIDIA GeForce MX250
182.9 fps +132%
Acer Swift 3 SF314-41G-R491
AMD Ryzen 5 3500U, AMD Radeon 540X
156.4 fps +98%
Huawei MateBook 13 i7
Intel Core i7-8565U, NVIDIA GeForce MX150
156 fps +97%
Dell Inspiron 15 5000 5585
AMD Ryzen 7 3700U, AMD Radeon RX Vega 10
119.7 fps +52%
HP Envy x360 15-bq102ng
AMD Ryzen 5 2500U, AMD Radeon RX Vega 8 (Ryzen 2000/3000)
107.3 fps +36%
Microsoft Surface Laptop 3 15 Ryzen 5 3580U
AMD Ryzen 5 3580U, AMD Radeon RX Vega 9
100.7 fps +27%
Microsoft Surface Laptop 3 15 i7-1065G7
Intel Core i7-1065G7, Intel Iris Plus Graphics G7 (Ice Lake 64 EU)
96.1 fps +22%
Microsoft Surface Pro 7
Intel Core i7-1065G7, Intel Iris Plus Graphics G7 (Ice Lake 64 EU)
95.7 fps +21%
Average Intel Iris Plus Graphics G7 (Ice Lake 64 EU)
  (22.1 - 123, n=16)
90.6 fps +15%
Microsoft Surface Laptop 3 13 Core i5-1035G7
Intel Core i5-1035G7, Intel Iris Plus Graphics G7 (Ice Lake 64 EU)
79 fps
Acer Swift 5 SF514-54T-501U
Intel Core i5-1035G1, Intel UHD Graphics G1 (Ice Lake 32 EU)
54.8 fps -31%
Acer Aspire 5 A514-52
Intel Core i5-10210U, Intel UHD Graphics 620
20.1 fps -75%
1920x1080 Quality AA:Medium FX
MSI Modern 15 A10RB
Intel Core i7-10510U, NVIDIA GeForce MX250
91.2 fps +100%
Huawei MateBook 13 i7
Intel Core i7-8565U, NVIDIA GeForce MX150
76.1 fps +67%
Microsoft Surface Pro 7
Intel Core i7-1065G7, Intel Iris Plus Graphics G7 (Ice Lake 64 EU)
67.5 fps +48%
Acer Swift 3 SF314-41G-R491
AMD Ryzen 5 3500U, AMD Radeon 540X
61.1 fps +34%
Microsoft Surface Laptop 3 15 i7-1065G7
Intel Core i7-1065G7, Intel Iris Plus Graphics G7 (Ice Lake 64 EU)
61 fps +34%
Dell Inspiron 15 5000 5585
AMD Ryzen 7 3700U, AMD Radeon RX Vega 10
59.9 fps +31%
Average Intel Iris Plus Graphics G7 (Ice Lake 64 EU)
  (24.9 - 71.3, n=16)
54.1 fps +19%
Microsoft Surface Laptop 3 15 Ryzen 5 3580U
AMD Ryzen 5 3580U, AMD Radeon RX Vega 9
46.2 fps +1%
Microsoft Surface Laptop 3 13 Core i5-1035G7
Intel Core i5-1035G7, Intel Iris Plus Graphics G7 (Ice Lake 64 EU)
45.6 fps
HP Envy x360 15-bq102ng
AMD Ryzen 5 2500U, AMD Radeon RX Vega 8 (Ryzen 2000/3000)
44 fps -4%
Acer Swift 5 SF514-54T-501U
Intel Core i5-1035G1, Intel UHD Graphics G1 (Ice Lake 32 EU)
37 fps -19%
1920x1080 High Quality AA:High FX
MSI Modern 15 A10RB
Intel Core i7-10510U, NVIDIA GeForce MX250
60.8 fps +94%
Huawei MateBook 13 i7
Intel Core i7-8565U, NVIDIA GeForce MX150
47.4 fps +51%
Microsoft Surface Pro 7
Intel Core i7-1065G7, Intel Iris Plus Graphics G7 (Ice Lake 64 EU)
44.7 fps +42%
Microsoft Surface Laptop 3 15 i7-1065G7
Intel Core i7-1065G7, Intel Iris Plus Graphics G7 (Ice Lake 64 EU)
42.8 fps +36%
Dell Inspiron 15 5000 5585
AMD Ryzen 7 3700U, AMD Radeon RX Vega 10
38.9 fps +24%
Average Intel Iris Plus Graphics G7 (Ice Lake 64 EU)
  (21.1 - 48.5, n=15)
37.9 fps +21%
Acer Swift 3 SF314-41G-R491
AMD Ryzen 5 3500U, AMD Radeon 540X
37.6 fps +20%
Microsoft Surface Laptop 3 13 Core i5-1035G7
Intel Core i5-1035G7, Intel Iris Plus Graphics G7 (Ice Lake 64 EU)
31.4 fps
Microsoft Surface Laptop 3 15 Ryzen 5 3580U
AMD Ryzen 5 3580U, AMD Radeon RX Vega 9
30.4 fps -3%
HP Envy x360 15-bq102ng
AMD Ryzen 5 2500U, AMD Radeon RX Vega 8 (Ryzen 2000/3000)
27.9 fps -11%
Acer Swift 5 SF514-54T-501U
Intel Core i5-1035G1, Intel UHD Graphics G1 (Ice Lake 32 EU)
24 fps -24%
The Witcher 3
1024x768 Low Graphics & Postprocessing
Huawei MateBook 13 i7
Intel Core i7-8565U, NVIDIA GeForce MX150
70.5 fps +44%
MSI Modern 15 A10RB
Intel Core i7-10510U, NVIDIA GeForce MX250
70 fps +43%
Microsoft Surface Laptop 3 15 i7-1065G7
Intel Core i7-1065G7, Intel Iris Plus Graphics G7 (Ice Lake 64 EU)
56.4 fps +15%
Dell Inspiron 15 5000 5585
AMD Ryzen 7 3700U, AMD Radeon RX Vega 10
53.8 fps +10%
Microsoft Surface Laptop 3 13 Core i5-1035G7
Intel Core i5-1035G7, Intel Iris Plus Graphics G7 (Ice Lake 64 EU)
49 fps
Acer Swift 3 SF314-41G-R491
AMD Ryzen 5 3500U, AMD Radeon 540X
48.2 fps -2%
Average Intel Iris Plus Graphics G7 (Ice Lake 64 EU)
  (28.2 - 58, n=20)
47.8 fps -2%
Microsoft Surface Laptop 3 15 Ryzen 5 3580U
AMD Ryzen 5 3580U, AMD Radeon RX Vega 9
41.9 fps -14%
Acer Swift 5 SF514-54T-501U
Intel Core i5-1035G1, Intel UHD Graphics G1 (Ice Lake 32 EU)
27 fps -45%
1366x768 Medium Graphics & Postprocessing
MSI Modern 15 A10RB
Intel Core i7-10510U, NVIDIA GeForce MX250
40 fps +29%
Huawei MateBook 13 i7
Intel Core i7-8565U, NVIDIA GeForce MX150
39.7 fps +28%
Microsoft Surface Laptop 3 15 i7-1065G7
Intel Core i7-1065G7, Intel Iris Plus Graphics G7 (Ice Lake 64 EU)
36.8 fps +19%
Average Intel Iris Plus Graphics G7 (Ice Lake 64 EU)
  (20.8 - 36.8, n=18)
32.1 fps +4%
Microsoft Surface Laptop 3 13 Core i5-1035G7
Intel Core i5-1035G7, Intel Iris Plus Graphics G7 (Ice Lake 64 EU)
31 fps
Acer Swift 3 SF314-41G-R491
AMD Ryzen 5 3500U, AMD Radeon 540X
30.6 fps -1%
Acer Swift 5 SF514-54T-501U
Intel Core i5-1035G1, Intel UHD Graphics G1 (Ice Lake 32 EU)
17.9 fps -42%
Shadow of the Tomb Raider - 1280x720 Lowest Preset
MSI Modern 15 A10RB
Intel Core i7-10510U, NVIDIA GeForce MX250
55 fps +112%
Acer Swift 3 SF314-41G-R491
AMD Ryzen 5 3500U, AMD Radeon 540X
44 fps +69%
Dell Inspiron 15 5000 5585
AMD Ryzen 7 3700U, AMD Radeon RX Vega 10
38 fps +46%
Microsoft Surface Pro 7
Intel Core i7-1065G7, Intel Iris Plus Graphics G7 (Ice Lake 64 EU)
33 fps +27%
Microsoft Surface Laptop 3 15 i7-1065G7
Intel Core i7-1065G7, Intel Iris Plus Graphics G7 (Ice Lake 64 EU)
31 fps +19%
Microsoft Surface Laptop 3 15 Ryzen 5 3580U
AMD Ryzen 5 3580U, AMD Radeon RX Vega 9
29 fps +12%
Average Intel Iris Plus Graphics G7 (Ice Lake 64 EU)
  (15.6 - 33, n=13)
26.4 fps +2%
Microsoft Surface Laptop 3 13 Core i5-1035G7
Intel Core i5-1035G7, Intel Iris Plus Graphics G7 (Ice Lake 64 EU)
26 fps
Overwatch
1280x720 Low (Render Scale 100 %) AA:FX AF:1x
Acer Swift 3 SF314-41G-R491
AMD Ryzen 5 3500U, AMD Radeon 540X
120.8 fps +93%
Microsoft Surface Laptop 3 15 Ryzen 5 3580U
AMD Ryzen 5 3580U, AMD Radeon RX Vega 9
92.3 fps +47%
Microsoft Surface Laptop 3 15 i7-1065G7
Intel Core i7-1065G7, Intel Iris Plus Graphics G7 (Ice Lake 64 EU)
90 fps +44%
HP Envy x360 15-bq102ng
AMD Ryzen 5 2500U, AMD Radeon RX Vega 8 (Ryzen 2000/3000)
84.6 fps +35%
Average Intel Iris Plus Graphics G7 (Ice Lake 64 EU)
  (62.6 - 92.7, n=6)
80.5 fps +29%
Microsoft Surface Laptop 3 13 Core i5-1035G7
Intel Core i5-1035G7, Intel Iris Plus Graphics G7 (Ice Lake 64 EU)
62.6 fps
1920x1080 High (Render Scale 100 %) AA:SM AF:4x
Acer Swift 3 SF314-41G-R491
AMD Ryzen 5 3500U, AMD Radeon 540X
46.4 fps +52%
Microsoft Surface Laptop 3 15 Ryzen 5 3580U
AMD Ryzen 5 3580U, AMD Radeon RX Vega 9
36.3 fps +19%
Microsoft Surface Laptop 3 15 i7-1065G7
Intel Core i7-1065G7, Intel Iris Plus Graphics G7 (Ice Lake 64 EU)
32.9 fps +8%
HP Envy x360 15-bq102ng
AMD Ryzen 5 2500U, AMD Radeon RX Vega 8 (Ryzen 2000/3000)
31.9 fps +5%
Average Intel Iris Plus Graphics G7 (Ice Lake 64 EU)
  (29.7 - 32.9, n=4)
31.3 fps +3%
Microsoft Surface Laptop 3 13 Core i5-1035G7
Intel Core i5-1035G7, Intel Iris Plus Graphics G7 (Ice Lake 64 EU)
30.5 fps
06012018024030036042048054060066072078084090096010201080Tooltip
Microsoft Surface Laptop 3 13 Core i5-1035G7 Iris Plus Graphics G7 (Ice Lake 64 EU), i5-1035G7, SK hynix BC501 HFM256GDGTNG: Ø50.4 (45-54)
Average of class Office  : Ø107.5 (65.3-1131)
low med. high ultra
BioShock Infinite (2013) 89.8 60.4 50.4 19.2
The Witcher 3 (2015) 49 31 17 8.8
Overwatch (2016) 62.6 44.1 30.5 19
Rocket League (2017) 79 45.6 31.4
Shadow of the Tomb Raider (2018) 26
Borderlands 3 (2019) 30.1

Emissions

System Noise

Surface Laptop models are generally quiet machines for their category and this latest iteration is no different. Low processing loads like browsing or video streaming illicit no fan activity for a quiet experience. Even running the first benchmark scene of 3DMark 06, which would almost always kick start the fans on most other laptops, resulted in no fan noise from the Surface Laptop 3.

Running higher loads like Witcher 3 or Prime95 for extended periods will finally cause fan noise to climb steadily until a maximum of 40.4 dB(A). This is comparable to the MacBook Pro 13 while being louder than many other Windows Ultrabooks including the Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon and HP EliteBook x360 1040.

We can notice slight electronic noise or coil whine when placing an ear near the keyboard keys on our test unit.

Microsoft Surface Laptop 3 13 Core i5-1035G7
Iris Plus Graphics G7 (Ice Lake 64 EU), i5-1035G7, SK hynix BC501 HFM256GDGTNG
Apple MacBook Pro 13 2019 2TB3
Iris Plus Graphics 645, i5-8257U, Apple SSD AP0256
Huawei Matebook X Pro i5
GeForce MX150, i5-8250U, Samsung PM961 MZVLW256HEHP
Microsoft Surface Laptop 2-LQN-00004
UHD Graphics 620, i5-8250U, SK Hynix BC501 NVMe 256 GB
Dell XPS 13 7390 2-in-1 Core i7
Iris Plus Graphics G7 (Ice Lake 64 EU), i7-1065G7, Toshiba BG4 KBG40ZPZ512G
Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon 2019-20QE000VGE
UHD Graphics 620, i7-8665U, WDC PC SN720 SDAQNTW-512G
Noise
-4%
-6%
2%
-3%
1%
off / environment *
28.5
29.5
-4%
27.9
2%
28.7
-1%
28.1
1%
28.4
-0%
Idle Minimum *
28.5
29.5
-4%
27.9
2%
28.7
-1%
28.1
1%
28.4
-0%
Idle Average *
28.5
29.5
-4%
27.9
2%
28.7
-1%
28.1
1%
28.4
-0%
Idle Maximum *
28.5
29.5
-4%
27.9
2%
28.7
-1%
28.1
1%
28.6
-0%
Load Average *
28.5
31.1
-9%
36.2
-27%
30
-5%
31.7
-11%
31.5
-11%
Witcher 3 ultra *
40.4
45
-11%
43.4
-7%
Load Maximum *
40.4
39.3
3%
45.2
-12%
32.9
19%
43.4
-7%
33.1
18%

* ... smaller is better

Noise Level

Idle
28.5 / 28.5 / 28.5 dB(A)
Load
28.5 / 40.4 dB(A)
  red to green bar
 
 
30 dB
silent
40 dB(A)
audible
50 dB(A)
loud
 
min: dark, med: mid, max: light   Audix TM1, Arta (15 cm distance)   environment noise: 28.5 dB(A)
dB(A) 0102030405060708090Deep BassMiddle BassHigh BassLower RangeMidsHigher MidsLower HighsMid HighsUpper HighsSuper Highs2042.844.743.242.343.92541.838.638.139.541.83137.738.338.138.8364037.237.638.236.636.45037.938.637.134.637.16335.836.73736.435.28035.334.535.636.535.710035.334.733.733.734.312533.933.733.933.234.116032.332.632.832.232.220032.932.132.231.732.225031.93130.830.231.831532.531.330.129.832.64003330.229.83033.350032.629.829.629.632.463031.929.329.129.131.680031.328.728.528.63110003028.428.428.329.7125029.428.328.228.129.8160030.427.927.927.730.5200032.527.927.727.632250032.927.627.527.633.431503427.527.627.533.9400033.427.427.627.533.4500031.727.527.227.231.7630031.327.527.327.331.2800029.627.527.227.329.8100002827.327.227.2281250027.527.32727.127.61600027.627.2272727.4SPL43.940.340.140.143.9N53.93.83.85median 31.9median 28.3median 28.2median 28.1median 31.8Delta1.61.510.91.4hearing rangehide median Fan NoiseMicrosoft Surface Laptop 3 13 Core i5-1035G7

Temperature

Are surface temperatures on the metal Surface Laptop 3 13.5 warmer than the surfaces of the Alcantara Surface Laptop 2? Yes. When idling, average surface temperature on the top and bottom of the metal Surface Laptop 3 is about 26 C to 27 C compared to 23 C on the Surface Laptop 2. When subjected to extreme processing loads, average surface temperatures on the metal Surface Laptop 3 are again warmer. The palm rests, for example, can become as warm as 35 C compared to only 29 C on the Surface Laptop 2. Cooler temperatures would be preferable especially since the hot spots on the keyboard keys and bottom panel are so large as shown by our temperature maps below. Microsoft's insistence on having as few ventilation grilles as possible is a likely culprit.

The Dell XPS 13 2-in-1 runs even warmer than our Surface at 46 C to 51 C when under similar heavy loads. It's even smaller and thinner than the Microsoft laptop, after all.

Single exhaust vent along the rear
Single exhaust vent along the rear
AC adapter after running Witcher 3 for over an hour
AC adapter after running Witcher 3 for over an hour
Max. Load
 42.6 °C
109 F
42 °C
108 F
40.4 °C
105 F
 
 38.2 °C
101 F
41 °C
106 F
38 °C
100 F
 
 35.2 °C
95 F
32 °C
90 F
34.4 °C
94 F
 
Maximum: 42.6 °C = 109 F
Average: 38.2 °C = 101 F
43 °C
109 F
45.4 °C
114 F
43.4 °C
110 F
39.6 °C
103 F
41.8 °C
107 F
39.8 °C
104 F
36 °C
97 F
36.8 °C
98 F
36 °C
97 F
Maximum: 45.4 °C = 114 F
Average: 40.2 °C = 104 F
Power Supply (max.)  36 °C = 97 F | Room Temperature 20 °C = 68 F | Fluke 62 Mini IR Thermometer
(-) The average temperature for the upper side under maximal load is 38.2 °C / 101 F, compared to the average of 29.5 °C / 85 F for the devices in the class Office.
(±) The maximum temperature on the upper side is 42.6 °C / 109 F, compared to the average of 34.2 °C / 94 F, ranging from 21.2 to 62.5 °C for the class Office.
(-) The bottom heats up to a maximum of 45.4 °C / 114 F, compared to the average of 36.7 °C / 98 F
(+) In idle usage, the average temperature for the upper side is 25.5 °C / 78 F, compared to the device average of 29.5 °C / 85 F.
(±) Playing The Witcher 3, the average temperature for the upper side is 34.8 °C / 95 F, compared to the device average of 29.5 °C / 85 F.
(+) The palmrests and touchpad are reaching skin temperature as a maximum (35.2 °C / 95.4 F) and are therefore not hot.
(-) The average temperature of the palmrest area of similar devices was 27.7 °C / 81.9 F (-7.5 °C / -13.5 F).
System idle (top)
System idle (top)
System idle (bottom)
System idle (bottom)
Witcher 3 stress (top)
Witcher 3 stress (top)
Witcher 3 stress (bottom)
Witcher 3 stress (bottom)
Prime95+FurMark stress (top)
Prime95+FurMark stress (top)
Prime95+FurMark stress (bottom)
Prime95+FurMark stress (bottom)

Stress Test

We stress the system with synthetic loads to identify for any potential throttling or stability issues. When running Prime95 to stress the CPU, core clock rates can be observed running at 3.3 GHz for about 20 seconds until hitting a core temperature of 82 C. Thereafter, clock rates and core temperature would drop to 2.4 GHz and 69 C, respectively. Core temperature slowly rises again until hitting 80 C where clock rates will then drop further to a stable 2.2 to 2.3 GHz range in order to maintain a final core temperature of 75 C.

Running Prime95 and FurMark simultaneously will throttle the CPU and GPU to 1.0 GHz and 650 MHz, respectively. When running Witcher 3, GPU clock rate and CPU temperature stabilize at 950 MHz and 71 C, respectively, compared to 1100 MHz and 79 C on the Dell XPS 13 2-in-1 with the faster Core i7-1065G7.

Performance will not be reduced if running on battery power. A 3DMark 11 run on batteries returns Physics and Graphics scores of 9031 and 4287 points, respectively, compared to 8880 and 4279 points when on mains.

Prime95 stress (first few minutes)
Prime95 stress (first few minutes)
Prime95 stress (~6 minutes later)
Prime95 stress (~6 minutes later)
Witcher 3 stress
Witcher 3 stress
Prime95+FurMark stress
Prime95+FurMark stress
CPU Clock (GHz) GPU Clock (MHz) Average CPU Temperature (°C) Average GPU Temperature (°C)
System Idle -- -- 32 28
Prime95 Stress 2.2 - 2.3 -- 75 --
Prime95 + FurMark Stress 1.0 650 70 67
Witcher 3 Stress 1.4 950 71 65

Speakers

Audio quality is identical to the larger 15-inch Surface Laptop 3 as exemplified by their near-identical pink noise graphs below. Even their maximum volumes are about the same. Playback is relatively balanced and better than expected from a subnotebook with only slight vibrations on the palm rests at high volume settings.

Pink noise at maximum volume (13.5-inch Surface Laptop 3)
Pink noise at maximum volume (13.5-inch Surface Laptop 3)
Pink noise at maximum volume (15-inch Surface Laptop 3)
Pink noise at maximum volume (15-inch Surface Laptop 3)
dB(A) 0102030405060708090Deep BassMiddle BassHigh BassLower RangeMidsHigher MidsLower HighsMid HighsUpper HighsSuper Highs2044.643.244.62538.838.138.83138.238.138.24038.538.238.55036.737.136.76340.23740.28045.835.645.810053.933.753.912558.733.958.716063.232.863.22006332.26325064.530.864.531568.530.168.540070.629.870.650072.729.672.763069.129.169.180064.928.564.9100065.928.465.9125069.128.269.1160066.727.966.7200068.927.768.9250068.827.568.8315061.327.661.3400065.427.665.4500062.627.262.6630063.727.363.7800064.227.264.21000064.827.264.81250065.52765.51600056.62756.6SPL7940.179N49.13.849.1median 64.9median 28.2median 64.9Delta3.513.535.335.132.931.831.83236.535.132.428.93328.936.328.848.32761.52752.924.860.92462.822.763.32269.521.267.82174.82075.919.472.718.97117.770.117.86917.671.817.668.117.671.417.673.717.670.417.571.617.671.617.669.617.459.717.583.630.662.51.5median 69.6median 17.84.72.4hearing rangehide median Pink NoiseMicrosoft Surface Laptop 3 13 Core i5-1035G7Apple MacBook 12 (Early 2016) 1.1 GHz
Frequency diagram (checkboxes can be checked and unchecked to compare devices)
Microsoft Surface Laptop 3 13 Core i5-1035G7 audio analysis

(±) | speaker loudness is average but good (79 dB)
Bass 100 - 315 Hz
(+) | good bass - only 4.2% away from median
(±) | linearity of bass is average (10.5% delta to prev. frequency)
Mids 400 - 2000 Hz
(+) | balanced mids - only 3.6% away from median
(±) | linearity of mids is average (7.1% delta to prev. frequency)
Highs 2 - 16 kHz
(+) | balanced highs - only 1.8% away from median
(+) | highs are linear (6.5% delta to prev. frequency)
Overall 100 - 16.000 Hz
(+) | overall sound is linear (11.4% difference to median)
Compared to same class
» 1% of all tested devices in this class were better, 1% similar, 97% worse
» The best had a delta of 7%, average was 22%, worst was 53%
Compared to all devices tested
» 5% of all tested devices were better, 2% similar, 93% worse
» The best had a delta of 4%, average was 25%, worst was 134%

Apple MacBook 12 (Early 2016) 1.1 GHz audio analysis

(+) | speakers can play relatively loud (83.6 dB)
Bass 100 - 315 Hz
(±) | reduced bass - on average 11.3% lower than median
(±) | linearity of bass is average (14.2% delta to prev. frequency)
Mids 400 - 2000 Hz
(+) | balanced mids - only 2.4% away from median
(+) | mids are linear (5.5% delta to prev. frequency)
Highs 2 - 16 kHz
(+) | balanced highs - only 2% away from median
(+) | highs are linear (4.5% delta to prev. frequency)
Overall 100 - 16.000 Hz
(+) | overall sound is linear (10.2% difference to median)
Compared to same class
» 5% of all tested devices in this class were better, 2% similar, 93% worse
» The best had a delta of 5%, average was 19%, worst was 53%
Compared to all devices tested
» 3% of all tested devices were better, 1% similar, 96% worse
» The best had a delta of 4%, average was 25%, worst was 134%

Energy Management

Power Consumption

The system consumes about the same power as the Surface Laptop 3 15 Core i7 while being more power-hungry than the Surface Laptop 2. Idling on desktop consumes around 4 W when the brightness is set to minimum or almost 8 W when the brightness is set to maximum. Running 3DMark 06 averages 42 W to be nearly the same as the MacBook Pro 13 or Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon while offering much faster GPU performance than both.

We're able to record a maximum consumption of 63.9 W from the small (~9 x 5 x 2.5 cm) 65 W AC adapter when running both Prime95 and FurMark simultaneously. However, this high of a consumption rate lasts for only about 20 seconds before falling and stabilizing at just 35.8 W instead due to thermal limits as shown by our graphs below.

Relatively constant consumtion throughout the first benchmark scene of 3DMark 06
Relatively constant consumtion throughout the first benchmark scene of 3DMark 06
Constant consumption when idling on Witcher 3 at Ultra 1080p settings
Constant consumption when idling on Witcher 3 at Ultra 1080p settings
Prime95 initiated at 10s mark. Consumption spikes to 63.7 W for approximately 20 seconds before falling and stabilizing at 40.8 W
Prime95 initiated at 10s mark. Consumption spikes to 63.7 W for approximately 20 seconds before falling and stabilizing at 40.8 W
Prime95+FurMark initiated at 10s mark. Consumption spikes to 63.9 W for about 20 seconds before falling to 40 W for the next 80 seconds. Thereafter, consumption stabilizes at 35.8 W
Prime95+FurMark initiated at 10s mark. Consumption spikes to 63.9 W for about 20 seconds before falling to 40 W for the next 80 seconds. Thereafter, consumption stabilizes at 35.8 W
Power Consumption
Off / Standbydarklight 0.25 / 0.44 Watt
Idledarkmidlight 4.4 / 7.5 / 7.8 Watt
Load midlight 41.9 / 63.9 Watt
 color bar
Key: min: dark, med: mid, max: light        Metrahit Energy
Currently we use the Metrahit Energy, a professional single phase power quality and energy measurement digital multimeter, for our measurements. Find out more about it here. All of our test methods can be found here.
Microsoft Surface Laptop 3 13 Core i5-1035G7
i5-1035G7, Iris Plus Graphics G7 (Ice Lake 64 EU), SK hynix BC501 HFM256GDGTNG, IPS, 2256x1504, 13.50
Apple MacBook Pro 13 2019 2TB3
i5-8257U, Iris Plus Graphics 645, Apple SSD AP0256, IPS, 2560x1600, 13.30
Huawei Matebook X Pro i5
i5-8250U, GeForce MX150, Samsung PM961 MZVLW256HEHP, IPS, 3000x2000, 13.90
Microsoft Surface Laptop 2-LQN-00004
i5-8250U, UHD Graphics 620, SK Hynix BC501 NVMe 256 GB, IPS, 2256x1504, 13.50
Dell XPS 13 7390 2-in-1 Core i7
i7-1065G7, Iris Plus Graphics G7 (Ice Lake 64 EU), Toshiba BG4 KBG40ZPZ512G, IPS, 1920x1200, 13.40
Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon 2019-20QE000VGE
i7-8665U, UHD Graphics 620, WDC PC SN720 SDAQNTW-512G, IPS, 2560x1440, 14.00
Power Consumption
12%
-12%
16%
16%
6%
Idle Minimum *
4.4
2.1
52%
3.5
20%
3
32%
2.6
41%
3
32%
Idle Average *
7.5
6.9
8%
8.9
-19%
6.8
9%
5.3
29%
6.3
16%
Idle Maximum *
7.8
7.8
-0%
12.3
-58%
8.76
-12%
7
10%
8.9
-14%
Load Average *
41.9
42
-0%
54.2
-29%
35.1
16%
43.1
-3%
40.8
3%
Witcher 3 ultra *
40.8
42.4
-4%
43.1
-6%
Load Maximum *
63.9
64.5
-1%
52.1
18%
42.6
33%
49
23%
67.5
-6%

* ... smaller is better

Battery Life

Internal battery capacity remains at 45 Wh to be the same as it was on the Surface Laptop 2. Runtimes aren't necessarily longer this time around at just over 8 hours of real-world WLAN use compared to 9 hours on the last gen model. If simply idling on desktop, however, the system can last for almost 35 hours not unlike what we discovered on the Ice Lake-powered 15-inch Surface Laptop 3. The MacBook Pro 13, Huawei MateBook X Pro, and Dell XPS 13 2-in-1 can all last for longer than the Surface Laptop 3 13.5 when under real-world browsing loads.

Recharging from empty to full capacity with the included Surface Connect adapter takes about 1.5 hours. Connecting our third party USB Type-C charger also works.

All Surface Laptop 3 SKUs appear to use the same AC adapter
All Surface Laptop 3 SKUs appear to use the same AC adapter
USB Type-A port on the AC adapter for charging other devices. It does not support data transfer
USB Type-A port on the AC adapter for charging other devices. It does not support data transfer
Battery Runtime
Idle (without WLAN, min brightness)
34h 24min
WiFi Websurfing
8h 15min
Load (maximum brightness)
1h 52min
Microsoft Surface Laptop 3 13 Core i5-1035G7
i5-1035G7, Iris Plus Graphics G7 (Ice Lake 64 EU), 45 Wh
Apple MacBook Pro 13 2019 2TB3
i5-8257U, Iris Plus Graphics 645, 58.2 Wh
Huawei Matebook X Pro i5
i5-8250U, GeForce MX150, 57.4 Wh
Microsoft Surface Laptop 2-LQN-00004
i5-8250U, UHD Graphics 620, 45 Wh
Dell XPS 13 7390 2-in-1 Core i7
i7-1065G7, Iris Plus Graphics G7 (Ice Lake 64 EU), 51 Wh
Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon 2019-20QE000VGE
i7-8665U, UHD Graphics 620, 51 Wh
Battery Runtime
57%
-3%
-14%
8%
-13%
Reader / Idle
2064
1243
-40%
1249
-39%
WiFi v1.3
495
777
57%
557
13%
543
10%
537
8%
493
0%
Load
112
133
19%
98
-12%
83
-26%

Pros

+ well-calibrated display out of the box
+ can recharge via USB Type-C
+ good speakers for the size
+ quiet keyboard keys
+ sleek metal chassis
+ Wi-Fi 6 standard
+ large clickpad
+ IR camera

Cons

- non-expandable RAM; uncommon M.2 2230 SSD form factor
- black-white and gray-gray response times could be faster
- no webcam privacy shutter or fingerprint reader
- still no Thunderbolt 3; limited port options
- budget NVMe SSD w/ slow write speeds
- gaming performance could be better
- unimpressive webcam
- difficult serviceability
- no matte option
- no WWAN

Verdict

In review: Microsoft Surface Laptop 3 13.5 Core i5
In review: Microsoft Surface Laptop 3 13.5 Core i5

The Surface Laptop 3 is stuck between a generalist consumer Ultrabook and a professional laptop as it doesn't excel in any particular category. More well-known Ultrabooks like the Dell XPS 13 2-in-1, HP Spectre 13, or Huawei MateBook X Pro have brighter displays or faster dedicated GPUs than the Microsoft laptop while "proper" professional laptops like the Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon or HP EliteBook x360 1040 are easier to service and have more integrated ports. The system feels barebones and even outdated as a result despite sporting the latest 10th gen Intel CPU.

On the other hand, what's here is excellent considering the $1000 price tag. The metal chassis is stronger than Alcantara, the glossy display is well-calibrated, audio quality is good for the size, and fan noise is minimal under most conditions. You might like the Surface Laptop 3 if you don't mind its laundry list of missing features commonly found on most other Windows Ultrabooks.

Perhaps it's time for Microsoft to fully refresh the three-year old chassis design and incorporate more compelling hardware features. The Huawei MateBook X Pro is an excellent alternative to the 13.5-inch Surface Laptop 3 as it offers better serviceability, a larger 3:2 screen size, GeForce MX graphics, and Thunderbolt 3 connectivity all in a smaller chassis.

Microsoft Surface Laptop 3 13 Core i5-1035G7 - 02/23/2020 v7
Allen Ngo

Chassis
79 / 98 → 80%
Keyboard
80%
Pointing Device
89%
Connectivity
47 / 80 → 59%
Weight
72 / 20-75 → 94%
Battery
81%
Display
89%
Games Performance
60 / 78 → 77%
Application Performance
87 / 95 → 91%
Temperature
87%
Noise
96%
Audio
87%
Camera
26 / 85 → 31%
Average
75%
84%
Office - Weighted Average

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> Expert Reviews and News on Laptops, Smartphones and Tech Innovations > Reviews > Sayonara, Alcantara: Microsoft Surface Laptop 3 13.5-inch Core i5 Review
Allen Ngo, 2020-02-24 (Update: 2020-02-24)