In the world of ultraportable laptops, two heavyweights are vying for your attention: the Surface Laptop 7 by Microsoft and the Lenovo Slim Pro 9i. Both promise portability without sacrificing power. Let’s take a closer look at each to see which might better suit your needs.
Surface Laptop 7
The Surface Laptop 7 has been redesigned with a slimmer profile and now includes a haptic touchpad. It runs on Qualcomm Snapdragon X chips and is available in both 13-inch and 15-inch models.
Despite its sleek appearance, it lacks a discrete GPU option, which is a feature its competitor, the Lenovo Slim Pro 9i, does offer.
Pros:
- Power-efficient Snapdragon chips
- Affordable starting price
- New haptic touchpad
Cons:
- Limited display options
- Higher price for the 15-inch model
Lenovo Slim Pro 9i
Designed with creators in mind, the Lenovo Slim Pro 9i boasts 13th-generation Intel Core processors and Nvidia GeForce RTX 40 series GPUs.
It comes with options for mini-LED displays, offering superior brightness, contrast, and higher resolutions compared to the Surface Laptop 7. However, it comes at nearly double the price.
Pros:
- Sharp, bright, high-refresh-rate displays
- Compact yet powerful
- Powerful Intel CPU and Nvidia GPU combination
Cons:
- Limited battery life
- Mediocre webcam quality
Design
Both laptops are slim and come in multiple sizes. The Surface Laptop 7 is lighter compared to the Lenovo Slim Pro 9i, making it easier to carry around. It features two USB4 ports and a Surface Connect port. In contrast, the Lenovo Slim Pro 9i offers a wider variety of ports, including Thunderbolt 4, USB Type-A, HDMI, and an SD card reader.
Display
The Surface Laptop 7 features PixelSense screens with IPS panels, running at a 120Hz refresh rate and a 3:2 aspect ratio. It supports touch input and is available in 13.8-inch and 15-inch models with resolutions of 2304×1536 and 2496×1664, respectively.
The Lenovo Slim Pro 9i offers 14.5-inch and 16-inch displays with a 16:10 aspect ratio. It provides options for IPS and mini-LED displays, with resolutions ranging from 3072×1920 to 3200×2000 and refresh rates up to 165Hz.
The mini-LED displays deliver exceptional brightness but are more reflective due to the glass touchscreen.
Performance and Battery Life
The Surface Laptop 7 runs on Qualcomm Snapdragon X chips, known for their power efficiency. It offers longer battery life compared to the Lenovo Slim Pro 9i, making it ideal for all-day use without needing frequent recharges. It also includes AI enhancements powered by Copilot+ and a 1080p webcam.
The Lenovo Slim Pro 9i is powered by Intel Core processors and Nvidia RTX GPUs, making it suitable for demanding tasks like video editing. However, this results in shorter battery life, lasting around 4 to 5 hours depending on usage.
Price, Specs, and Availability
The Surface Laptop 7 starts at $1,000 for the 13.8-inch model, whereas the Lenovo Slim Pro 9i starts at $1,900 for the 14-inch model and $2,150 for the 16-inch model. The Surface Laptop 7 is available for order now, while the Lenovo Slim Pro 9i has had spotty availability since its announcement in March 2023.
Conclusion
Choosing between the Surface Laptop 7 and the Lenovo Slim Pro 9i depends on your specific needs. For most users, the Surface Laptop 7 is the better choice due to its longer battery life, similar performance in everyday tasks, and sleek design.
It is also more affordable, making it an excellent option for those seeking a capable ultraportable laptop. However, if you’re a content creator who requires extra GPU power or prefers a landscape display ratio, the Lenovo Slim Pro 9i is worth considering despite its higher price tag and limited battery life.
In summary, both laptops offer distinct advantages, so it’s essential to carefully consider your priorities before making a decision.