The ports shown on the side of the Surface Pro 11.Since its first Surface tablet in 2012, Microsoft has built a multibillion-dollar PC business. The Surface lineup now includes 2-in-1s and traditional clamshell laptops, like the Surface Pro 11 and Surface Laptop 7. Both frequently appear on best-of lists for tablets and laptops. This comparison will help you decide which of these mainstream Surface devices best suits your needs.
Specs and Configurations: A Head-to-Head Comparison
The Surface Pro 11 and Surface Laptop 7 offer similar starting prices and configurations. However, key differences exist in RAM, storage, and display options. Both devices provide premium build quality and cutting-edge features, reflecting their higher price point.
| Feature | Microsoft Surface Pro 11 | Microsoft Surface Laptop 7 |
|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 11.3 x 8.2 x 0.37 inches | 13.8-inch: 11.85 x 8.67 x 0.69 inches 15-inch: 12.96 x 9.41 x 0.72 inches |
| Weight | 1.97 lbs (tablet only) | 13.8-inch: 2.96 lbs 15-inch: 3.67 lbs |
| Processor | Qualcomm Snapdragon X Plus (10-core) Qualcomm Snapdragon X Elite (12-core) |
Qualcomm Snapdragon X Plus (10-core) (13.8-inch only) Qualcomm Snapdragon X Elite (12-core) |
| Graphics | Qualcomm Adreno | Qualcomm Adreno |
| RAM | 16GB 32GB |
16GB 32GB 64GB |
| Display | 13-inch 3:2 2.8K (2880 x 1920) IPS, 120Hz 13-inch 3:2 2.8K (2880 x 1920) OLED, 120Hz |
13.8-inch 3:2 2304 x 1536 IPS, 120Hz 15-inch 3:2 2496 x 1664 IPS, 120Hz |
| Storage | 256GB SSD 512GB SSD 1TB SSD |
256GB SSD 512GB SSD 1TB SSD |
| Touch | Yes | Yes |
| Ports | 2 x USB4 USB-C Surface Connect NanoSIM |
2 x USB4 USB-C 1 x USB-A 3.1 1 x 3.5mm audio jack Surface Connect |
| Wireless | Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 5.4 Optional 5G |
Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 5.4 |
| Webcam | 1440p front-facing with infrared camera for Windows 11 Hello 10.5MP rear-facing |
1080p with infrared camera for Windows 11 Hello |
| Operating System | Windows 11 | Windows 11 |
| Battery | IPS: 48 watt-hour OLED: 53 watt-hour |
13.8-inch: 54 watt-hour 15-inch: 55 watt-hour |
| Price | $1,000+ | $1,000+ |
Design: Tablet Versatility vs. Laptop Familiarity
The Surface Laptop 7th Edition on a white table.The core difference lies in their form factor: the Surface Pro 11 is a tablet, while the Surface Laptop 7 is a traditional clamshell. The Pro 11’s slim and light design makes it highly portable, transforming into a laptop-like device with its detachable keyboard. The Laptop 7, conversely, offers the familiar clamshell experience with a larger footprint and integrated keyboard. Both devices boast premium aluminum alloy construction and are available in several stylish color options.
Performance: Powered by Qualcomm Snapdragon
The lid of the Surface Laptop 7th Edition.Both the Surface Pro 11 and Surface Laptop 7 utilize Qualcomm Snapdragon processors, focusing on efficiency and performance. While capable for demanding productivity tasks, the integrated Adreno graphics may limit performance for gaming and graphically intensive creative applications.
| Benchmark | Surface Pro 11 (Snapdragon X Elite) | Surface Laptop 7 15 (Snapdragon X Elite) |
|---|---|---|
| Geekbench 6 (single/multi) | 2,365 / 13,339 | 2,388 / 13,215 |
| Cinebench R24 (single/multi) | 124 / 841 | 105 / 826 |
| 3DMark Wild Life Extreme | 6,128 | 5,880 |
Display: Vibrant Visuals on Both Devices
Microsoft Surface Pro 11 front view in tablet mode.Both devices offer impressive displays with high refresh rates. The Surface Pro 11 provides a choice between IPS and OLED panels, while the Surface Laptop 7 features IPS displays. The OLED option on the Pro 11 delivers superior contrast and deeper blacks, providing a slight edge in overall display quality.
| Metric | Surface Pro 11 (OLED) | Surface Laptop 7 (IPS) |
|---|---|---|
| Brightness (nits) | 532 | 561 |
| AdobeRGB Gamut | 85% | 85% |
| sRGB Gamut | 100% | 100% |
| DCI-P3 Gamut | 97% | 95% |
| Accuracy (DeltaE) | 0.74 | 1.27 |
| Contrast | 22,620:1 | 1,440:1 |
Portability: Lightweight and Long-Lasting
The ports on the side of the Surface Laptop 7th Edition.The Surface Pro 11’s tablet form factor gives it a clear advantage in portability, being significantly thinner and lighter. However, the Surface Laptop 7 is still relatively portable for its class. Both devices offer excellent battery life, ensuring all-day productivity on a single charge.
Conclusion: Choosing the Right Surface for You
The ultimate decision depends on your priorities. The Surface Pro 11 excels in portability and versatility as a tablet, while the Surface Laptop 7 offers a more traditional laptop experience. Consider your workflow, preferred input methods, and desired display quality to determine which device best aligns with your needs.
