The Surface Laptop Studio 2 boasts faster performance thanks to updated hardware, but is it truly a significant upgrade over the original? This review delves into the key improvements and drawbacks of Microsoft’s latest offering, considering its hefty price increase and comparing it to competitors like the Dell XPS 15 and MacBook Pro 14.
alt text: The back of the Surface Laptop Studio 2 showing its sleek design.
Performance Upgrades and Pricing Concerns
The Surface Laptop Studio 2’s primary enhancements lie in its 13th-gen Intel Raptor Lake processors, Nvidia RTX 40-series GPUs, and increased RAM and storage options. While configurations still begin with 16GB of RAM, they now scale up to 64GB. Storage starts at a more practical 512GB and maxes out at 2TB. However, the configuration structure presents a challenge. Obtaining the RTX 4060 necessitates purchasing at least 1TB of storage and 64GB of RAM, driving the price up to $3,300 or more. This bundling forces users to pay for potentially unnecessary upgrades. The base configuration with integrated graphics starts at $2,000.
alt text: Close-up of the rear hinge of the Surface Laptop Studio 2.
While comparable to the MacBook Pro 14, the Surface Laptop Studio 2’s pricing becomes less competitive against Windows rivals like the Dell XPS 15. For the same cost as the cheapest RTX 4060 Surface Laptop Studio 2, you could acquire a Dell XPS 15 with a Core i9-13900H, RTX 4070, 64GB of RAM, a 2TB SSD, and a 3.5K OLED touchscreen. The lack of customization flexibility significantly impacts the Surface Laptop Studio 2’s value proposition.
The Surface Advantage: Seamless Integration
One of the Surface Laptop Studio 2’s strengths is the tight integration of hardware and software. Windows Hello 2.0 provides rapid login, the touchpad offers precise gesture recognition, Windows Studio Effects enhance the sharp webcam, and the Adaptive Touch feature expands trackpad accessibility. These details create a premium experience not typically found in other Windows devices. The rounded corners of Windows 11 complement the display, further reinforcing this synergy.
alt text: The Surface Laptop Studio 2 displaying the Windows 11 desktop.
The signature modular design with Stage Mode and Studio Mode, facilitated by a robust hinge and magnet system, remains a highlight. The enhanced tablet mode in Windows 11 seamlessly transitions upon switching modes. This smooth integration, while available on other convertibles, feels particularly polished on the Surface Laptop Studio 2.
alt text: A user interacting with the Surface Laptop Studio 2 in Stage Mode.
Display, Ports, and Input
The PixelSense Flow display, while retaining its 14.4-inch size, 3:2 aspect ratio, and 2400 x 1600 resolution, features improved brightness and HDR capabilities with VESA DisplayHDR 400 certification. While it doesn’t surpass competitors in pixel density, the 120Hz refresh rate provides a smooth user experience. A slight regression in color coverage is a minor drawback.
alt text: A colorful HDR demo displayed on the Surface Laptop Studio 2's screen.
The addition of a USB-A 3.1 port and a microSD card slot, while welcome, initially presented stiffness issues that resolved with repeated use. The excellent keyboard and haptic trackpad remain unchanged, continuing to provide a comfortable and responsive typing experience.
alt text: Close-up of the ports on the side of the Surface Laptop Studio 2.
Performance and Battery Life
Performance testing revealed that the Surface Laptop Studio 2’s Core i7-13700H and RTX 4060 deliver strong results, particularly in gaming benchmarks, surpassing even the Dell XPS 15 with its RTX 4070. However, general application performance is highly dependent on the selected power mode. The “Recommended” mode significantly underperforms compared to competitors, while “Best Performance” mode unlocks the laptop’s full potential.
alt text: The video game Portal RTX running on the Surface Laptop Studio 2.
Disappointingly, battery life has regressed compared to the original Surface Laptop Studio. Despite Microsoft’s claims of up to 18 hours, real-world testing revealed significantly shorter runtimes, falling short of competitors like the Dell XPS 15 and the MacBook Pro 14.
alt text: Someone typing on the Surface Laptop Studio 2's keyboard.
Conclusion
The Surface Laptop Studio 2 offers a unique blend of performance and design, appealing to users who prioritize its modular form factor and seamless Windows integration. However, its high price, limited configuration options, and regressed battery life present significant drawbacks. While performance is strong in the “Best Performance” mode, the need to manually switch for optimal results is cumbersome. For many users, cheaper and equally powerful alternatives like the Dell XPS 15 or the performance-leading MacBook Pro 14 might be more compelling choices.
alt text: The Surface Laptop Studio 2 positioned on a table, showcasing its overall design.
