The Microsoft Surface Laptop 7 has emerged as the best Windows laptop of 2024, which comes as a surprise considering the company’s struggle to get its hardware right in the past. As a tech reviewer, I have tested numerous laptops and have seen my fair share of terrible devices, mid-range options, and extraordinary machines worth every penny. When reviewing laptops, I consider factors such as durability, keyboard quality, display attractiveness, heat management, multitasking capabilities, and more. Additionally, I run industry benchmarks to compare the performance of the review units against their competitors.
In the case of the Microsoft Surface Laptop 7, there are three key reasons why it stands out among its rivals. Firstly, its performance blows away the competition. In the past, Intel chipsets held back the Microsoft Surface series and other Windows laptops. However, in recent years, non-Apple laptop vendors have moved away from Intel, thanks to Qualcomm’s Snapdragon X Elite processor. The Microsoft Surface Laptop 7, equipped with this chipset, outperforms its rivals and even beats M3-based MacBooks in terms of multi-core scores on Geekbench 6.
Secondly, the Surface Laptop 7 boasts exceptional battery life. Powered by Qualcomm’s power-efficient Snapdragon X Elite chip, it delivers an impressive runtime of nearly 23 hours on a single charge. This is unparalleled among Windows laptops and sets a new record. Other laptops, such as the 15-inch M3 MacBook Air, could only manage around 10 hours and 52 minutes.
Lastly, Microsoft has brought the fun back to Windows with a range of AI features. From the new Copilot to AI additions in Paint, the Surface Laptop 7 offers users an engaging experience. The AI capabilities are made possible by the NPU, an AI accelerator integrated into the Qualcomm Snapdragon X Elite. While the Surface Laptop 7 does have some flaws, such as app incompatibility, it offers a combination of long battery life, AI features, fast performance, and a sturdy design that makes it the best Windows laptop of 2024.
Overall, the Microsoft Surface Laptop 7 is a compelling choice for anyone in the market for a new Windows laptop. Its impressive performance, long battery life, and exciting AI features make it a standout option. Despite some app compatibility issues, it offers a well-rounded package that justifies its position as the top choice in its category.
