Microsoft Surface Laptop 4 13.5 review
Microsoft Surface Laptop 4 13.5 — from 2021, 1.28 kg, performance 38.
Technical specifications
| Type | Ultrabook |
| Release year | 2021 |
| Screen | 13.5" · 2256x1504 |
| Processor | Intel Core i5 1135G7 , Intel Core i5 1145G7 , Intel Core i7 1185G7 |
| Max. RAM | 32 GB |
| Weight | 1.28 kg |
| Battery | 47.4 Wh |
Performance scores
Microsoft Surface Laptop 4 13.5 (2021) — the compact twin with the better carry
The Surface Laptop 4 13.5 at $739 is a 2021 premium ultrabook with a Core i5 1135G7 and 32 GB of RAM. Mobility is the flagged strength at 77 — 20.3% above the class median — while battery capacity is the flagged weakness at 47.4 Wh, 25% under the class median. The composite score reads 38 (−22.4%).
Where it holds up
Portability posts 79.1 (high) — the compact-body dividend over the 15-inch twin's 58.8 — with office productivity at 70.41 (high) as the strongest compute axis. Photo design reads 36 (mid) and the 32 GB ceiling matches the class norm. The 3:2 display and the Alcantara-or-metal chassis carry the format case at cleared pricing.
Where it falls short
The 47.4 Wh cell is the flagged limit — the line's small battery in either body — with gaming 23 (low), modeling 19 (low) and CAD 22 (low) at the integrated floor. Value reads 35.3 (mid). No depreciation anchor is recorded (base $0); the 2021 cohort rate is 9.44% per year, gentle.
Price and depreciation
No curve or projection applies without an anchor; the 9.44% class rate is nearly flat. At $739 the ask matches the 15-inch twin — carry versus canvas at par, five years in.
Alternatives to consider
The Surface Laptop 4 15 at the same $739 in this list is the bigger twin with portability down at 58.8; the Surface Laptop 5 13.5 at $840 is one platform on; and the Yoga 7i 14 (2020) at $566 is the value rival with a 71 Wh battery.
Bottom line
Fairly priced for the class. The carry-first Laptop 4: portability 79.1 high, mobility 77 high and office 70.41 high on 32 GB — against a 47.4 Wh battery and the integrated floor at 19-23. The format ages well; the battery does not.
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⭐ What stands out
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battery capacity is lower than typical ultrabook class (+24.8%) (standard).
budget segment of category -
composite score is lower than typical ultrabook class (+22.4%).
budget segment of category -
mobility is higher than typical ultrabook class (+20.3%) (high tier).
top 25% of its category
⚙️ Configuration analysis
Top configuration suits everyday productivity, light photo editing, and esports titles.
🤔 How to choose
Universal advice for any use case.
- Reliability vs price: reliability (median 51) ↔ price (median 373.2).
- Weight vs CPU: mobility (median 64) ↔ overall performance (median 41.7).
- Upgradeability vs battery: upgradability (median 50) ↔ battery life (median 4.4).
Surface Laptop 4 13.5: verdict
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