Microsoft has introduced its first laptops with Snapdragon processors, including the Surface Laptop 7, which features a 13.8-inch IPS touch display and weighs 1.3 kg. Priced at approximately 1,500 euros, it boasts strong battery life and performance through its Qualcomm Snapdragon X Elite X1E-80 processor and 16 GB of RAM. While the display offers vibrant colors, it lacks HDR quality. Overall, the laptop is ideal for mobile use, though it notably does not include a charger.
Microsoft has entered the laptop market with its first devices powered by Snapdragon processors this year. These energy-efficient CPUs, initially designed for smartphones and tablets, have now been adapted for laptop use, starting in 2024.
The Microsoft Surface Laptop 7 stands out with its 13.8-inch screen and competitive pricing of around 1,500 euros. This laptop not only delivers a high-quality display but also boasts impressive battery life and features, all while weighing just 1.3 kilograms.
Features of the Microsoft Surface Laptop 7
Equipped with a Qualcomm Snapdragon X Elite X1E-80 and 16 GB of RAM, the 13.8-inch Surface Laptop 7 shows solid performance as evidenced by impressive benchmark results.
The laptop features an IPS touch display with a 3:2 aspect ratio, providing bright visuals. Although it doesn’t support HDR quality, its colors are vibrant due to excellent color gamut coverage.
Designed for portability, the Surface Laptop 7 excels in mobile use thanks to its lightweight build and long-lasting battery. However, it’s worth noting that a charger is not included in the package.
According to evaluations from the CHIP test center, the pricing of the Surface Laptop 7 is considered reasonable, especially when factoring in its performance and components.
Microsoft Surface Laptop 7 ZGP-00005
The Microsoft Surface Laptop 7 ZGP-00005 combines affordability with style, featuring an ARM processor encased in sleek aluminum. In testing, it demonstrates impressive battery longevity and a bright touch display, powered by the Qualcomm X Elite X1E-80 and 16 GB RAM.
Exploring Windows-on-ARM Laptops
The capabilities of Windows-on-ARM laptops have been put to the test at the CHIP test center. You can find detailed comparisons of various models equipped with energy-efficient Snapdragon processors in our best list.
Top Windows-on-ARM Laptops Compared
Our evaluations present a range of Windows-on-ARM laptops based on comprehensive testing.
Evaluation Method for Windows-on-ARM Notebooks
To ensure specialized reviews, CHIP categorizes laptops into all-rounders, gaming laptops, and Windows-on-ARM devices, applying tailored benchmarks and ratings for each category. We analyze five key aspects, with the best-performing device in each category receiving a score of 1.0.
Noteworthy criteria include performance metrics—elevated for gaming laptops compared to general-purpose models. Performance analysis incorporates practical benchmarks such as PCMark and 3DMark. Since many applications on Windows-on-ARM laptops may not run natively and others are emulated, this can impact performance.
The evaluation factors in various attributes from RAM size and storage capacity to connectivity options and advanced features like card readers and fingerprint sensors.
Another essential category pertains to display quality, where we assess pixel density, maximum brightness, brightness distribution, contrast ratios, and coverage of color spaces like sRGB and AdobeRGB—critical for tasks like image editing and media consumption.
Subjective impressions such as noise levels and build quality are also considered, alongside an assessment of keyboard and touchpad usability during practical tests. Additionally, we evaluate weight and dimensions in relation to screen size, as portability is increasingly significant for modern laptops.
Battery performance is crucial and is tested in varied scenarios, including video playback, web browsing, and office productivity. Notably, devices powered by Windows-on-ARM processors combine powerful performance with energy efficiency for extended battery life.