Microsoft Surface Laptop 4: A Complete Review

 

# Microsoft Surface Laptop 4: A Complete Review

## Introduction

The Microsoft Surface Laptop 4 is a sleek and premium ultrabook that continues the legacy of the Surface lineup. With its minimalist aluminum design, powerful internals, and impressive display, it’s positioned as an ideal device for professionals and students alike. But how does it hold up in real-world use? Let’s dive in and find out.

## Design & Build Quality

The Surface Laptop 4 is available in two sizes:

- **13.5-inch model** (reviewed here)

- **15-inch model**

It comes in various color options, including **Ice Blue**, which sometimes appears silver under certain lighting conditions. The full aluminum body gives it a **premium and durable feel**, and its **minimalist design** is both elegant and functional.

One of the standout features is the **cooling system**, with air vents positioned behind the hinge. This **prevents dust intake** and directs hot air away from the user, a welcome design choice over bottom-exhaust systems.

## Port Selection & Charging

On the **right side**, you’ll find Microsoft’s **proprietary magnetic charging port**. While it is easy to attach and detach, many users would have preferred **USB-C charging** for convenience.

On the **left side**, the laptop features:

- **1x USB-A port** (great for legacy devices)

- **1x USB-C port** (supports charging and accessories)

- **3.5mm headphone jack**

However, there is no HDMI port or SD card reader, meaning users may need a **USB-C dongle** for additional connectivity options.

## Display & Touchscreen

The **13.5-inch display** has a unique **3:2 aspect ratio**, making it **taller** than traditional 16:9 laptops like the Dell XPS 13. This extra height provides **more vertical space**, which is useful for productivity tasks like reading, writing, or coding.

### Key display specs:

- **Resolution:** 2256 x 1504 (higher than Full HD, but lower than 4K)

- **Touchscreen:** 10-point multi-touch, compatible with the **Microsoft Surface Pen**

- **Brightness & Colors:** Vibrant colors with a high brightness level

- **Glare Issues:** The glossy screen can be highly reflective, making outdoor use challenging

While the touchscreen is responsive, the **lack of a 360-degree hinge** makes stylus usage somewhat impractical compared to convertible laptops.

## Keyboard & Trackpad

The Surface Laptop 4’s **keyboard** is comfortable to type on, with **backlit keys** that offer **three levels of brightness adjustment**. The key travel is **low**, making it quiet, but some users may prefer a more tactile feel.

The **trackpad** is **plastic** but feels premium, with a **smooth surface and tight tolerances**. The hinge is well-balanced, allowing for **one-handed opening** and **minimal screen wobble**.

## Performance & Internal Hardware

The Surface Laptop 4 comes in multiple configurations:

- **Intel options:** 11th Gen Intel Core i5/i7

- **AMD options:** Ryzen 5/7 (custom Microsoft editions)

- **RAM:** 8GB, 16GB, or 32GB

- **Storage:** SSD options from 256GB to 1TB

Battery life is another strong point:

- **Intel models:** Up to **17 hours** (claimed by Microsoft)

- **AMD models:** Up to **19 hours** (claimed by Microsoft)

In real-world testing, battery life varies depending on usage but is generally excellent.

## Webcam, Microphone & Speaker Test

### **Webcam:**

- **720p resolution** (*disappointing for a premium 2021 laptop*)

- **Adequate for video calls but lacks sharpness**

### **Microphone:**

- **Dual-array microphones** provide clear voice capture

### **Speakers:**

- **Hidden beneath the keyboard** but deliver **surprisingly good sound quality**

- **Decent bass and clarity** despite the small form factor

## Real-World Performance & Issues

While everyday tasks such as browsing, office work, and media consumption run smoothly, the Surface Laptop 4 struggles with **intensive workloads** like video editing. During tests in **Adobe Premiere Pro**, the laptop **froze and displayed a low memory error**, suggesting **limitations for creative professionals**.

## Pros & Cons

### ✅ **Pros:**

✔ **Sleek, premium aluminum design**

✔ **Great hinge balance with minimal wobble**

✔ **3:2 aspect ratio enhances productivity**

✔ **Comfortable keyboard with backlighting**

✔ **Impressive battery life**

✔ **Surprisingly good speakers**

### ❌ **Cons:**

✖ **720p webcam feels outdated**

✖ **Limited port selection (no second USB-C, no HDMI)**

✖ **Caps Lock indicator light can be confusing**

✖ **Not ideal for heavy workloads (e.g., video editing struggles)**

## Final Verdict: Should You Buy It?

The **Surface Laptop 4** is a fantastic choice for **students, professionals, and general users** looking for a **slim, well-built laptop with great battery life**. However, if you need **high-end performance for tasks like video editing or 3D rendering**, you may want to look elsewhere.

### **Best for:**

✅ Office work & general productivity

✅ Students & business users

✅ Those who prioritize battery life & portability

### **Not ideal for:**

❌ Video editing & demanding creative tasks

❌ Users who need multiple ports (dongle required)

❌ Those looking for a 2-in-1 convertible laptop

Overall, the **Surface Laptop 4** is a **refined, premium ultrabook** with a **focus on portability and battery life**. If those features align with your needs, it’s a solid investment.

What are your thoughts on the Surface Laptop 4? Let us know in the comments!