Microsoft Surface Laptop 13.5" 5 vs Apple MacBook Air 13.6" M4

Microsoft Surface Laptop 13.5" 5 2022, Core i7-1265U, 16GB, 512GB SSD, Matte Black

Microsoft Surface Laptop 13.5" 5 2022, Core i7-1265U, 16GB, 512GB SSD, Matte Black

Microsoft
58 Overall Score
vs
Apple MacBook Air 13.6" M4 2025, 16GB, 1TB SSD, Starlight

Apple MacBook Air 13.6" M4 2025, 16GB, 1TB SSD, Starlight

Apple
87 Overall Score

What Buyers Say

Microsoft Surface Laptop 13.5" 5 2022, Core i7-1265U, 16GB, 512GB SSD, Matte Black

No customer feedback yet

Apple MacBook Air 13.6" M4 2025, 16GB, 1TB SSD, Starlight

92 out of 100 low confidence 8 reviews

The MacBook Air M4 is widely praised for its performance, portability, and improved keyboard. Users upgrading from older models note the faster processor, lighter weight, and excellent battery life. The only recurring complaint is the high cost of internal storage upgrades, with many opting for cheaper external drives instead.

Pros
  • Fast M4 processor
  • Lightweight and portable
  • Excellent battery life
  • Improved keyboard feel
  • Beautiful display
Cons
  • Expensive internal storage upgrades
  • Only 2 USB/Thunderbolt ports
  • Requires external storage for large files
👍 Performance 5
👍 Portability 4
👍 Battery life 2
👍 Keyboard quality 3
👍 Display quality 3
👎 Storage cost 2

Scores

Compact
Microsoft
76
Apple
95
Student
Microsoft
86
Apple
95
Business
Microsoft
67
Apple
89
Entertainment
Microsoft
62
Apple
86
Developer
Microsoft
55
Apple
78
Creator
Microsoft
26
Apple
63
Ai Llm
Microsoft
21
Apple
48
Gaming
Microsoft
8
Apple
24

Specifications

Microsoft Surface Laptop 13.5" 5Apple MacBook Air 13.6" M4
Processor
CPU*Intel Core i7 1265UApple M4 ★
CPU Multi-Core Score
13,004
23,565
Cores1010
Frequency1.8 GHz★—
L3 Cache12 MB★—
Graphics
GPU*Intel Iris Xe GraphicsApple (10-Core)★
GPU Benchmark Score
2,593
6,795
Typeintegratedintegrated
VRAM TypeSharedUnified
Memory & Storage
RAM16 GB16 GB
RAM GenerationLPDDR5XLPDDR5
Storage 1512 GB1 TB★
Storage 1 TypeSSDNVMe SSD★
Display
Size13.5"13.6"
Resolution2256 px2560 px★
PanelIPSIPS
Refresh Rate—60 Hz★
Brightness150 nits500 nits★
Color GamutsRGB—
Connectivity
USB-C Ports12★
USB Ports1★0
ThunderboltThunderbolt 4Thunderbolt 4
Wi-FiWi-Fi 6Wi-Fi 6E★
BluetoothBluetooth 5.1Bluetooth 5.3★
Ethernet—No
Physical
Weight1.30 kg1.24 kg★
Battery47 Wh54 Wh★
OSWindows 11 PromacOS

Pros & Cons

Microsoft Surface Laptop 13.5" 5 2022, Core i7-1265U, 16GB, 512GB SSD, Matte Black

  • Strong portability (92nd percentile)92nd %ile
  • Strong reliability (82nd percentile)82nd %ile
  • Strong screen (81st percentile)81st %ile
  • Strong social proof (78th percentile)

Apple MacBook Air 13.6" M4 2025, 16GB, 1TB SSD, Starlight

  • Strong reliability (98th percentile)98th %ile
  • Strong user sentiment (96th percentile)96th %ile
  • Strong social proof (92nd percentile)92nd %ile
  • Strong portability (91st percentile)91st %ile
  • Below average affordability (31st percentile)

Verdict

★ Winner: Apple MacBook Air 13.6" M4

Scores 87 overall, wins 8 of 8 usage categories and 14 of 28 specs.

Apple MacBook Air 13.6" M4 Better at:

Ai LlmGamingCompactCreatorStudentBusinessDeveloperEntertainment