Microsoft Surface Laptop Studio 2 and MacBook Pro are two of the most popular premium laptops on the market. Both devices offer powerful performance, stunning displays, and long battery life. However, there are also some key differences between the two laptops, such as their operating systems, designs, and port selection.

In this blog post, we will compare the Microsoft Surface Laptop Studio 2 and MacBook Pro in detail to help you decide which laptop is right for you. We will cover the following topics:

• Specifications: A comparison of the two laptops' hardware specifications, such as their processors, displays, memory, and storage.
• Performance: A comparison of the two laptops' performance in various benchmarks and real-world tasks.
• Design and features: A comparison of the two laptops' designs, features, and port selection.
• Operating system: A comparison of the Windows 11 and macOS operating systems.
• Battery life: A comparison of the two laptops' battery life in various scenarios.
• Price and value: A comparison of the two laptops' prices and value for money.

Specifications

Here is a comparison of the Microsoft Surface Laptop Studio 2 and MacBook Pro's hardware specifications:

Specification	Microsoft Surface Laptop Studio 2	MacBook Pro
Processor	Intel Core i5-1340P or Core i7-1360P	Apple M2 Pro or M2 Max
Display	14.4-inch PixelSense Flow touchscreen (2400 x 1600, 120Hz)	14-inch Liquid Retina XDR display (3024 x 1964, 120Hz)
Memory	16GB or 32GB LPDDR5	16GB or 32GB LPDDR5
Storage	256GB, 512GB, 1TB, or 2TB SSD	512GB, 1TB, 2TB, 4TB, or 8TB SSD
Graphics	Intel Iris Xe graphics or Nvidia GeForce RTX 3050 Ti	Integrated graphics or 16-core GPU
Ports	2x Thunderbolt 4/USB-C, 1x USB-A, 1x microSD card slot, 1x headphone jack	3x Thunderbolt 4/USB-C, 1x HDMI port, 1x MagSafe 3 port, 1x 3.5mm headphone jack
Operating system	Windows 11	macOS Monterey
Weight	3.48 pounds	3.0 pounds

Performance

The Microsoft Surface Laptop Studio 2 and MacBook Pro are both very powerful laptops. However, the MacBook Pro generally has a slight edge in terms of performance, especially in creative applications such as Photoshop and Final Cut Pro.

The M2 Pro and M2 Max chips in the MacBook Pro are very efficient and offer excellent performance for both CPU-intensive and GPU-intensive tasks. The Surface Laptop Studio 2 is also a very powerful laptop, but its Intel Core i5-1340P and Core i7-1360P processors are not as efficient as the M2 Pro and M2 Max chips.

In terms of real-world performance, the MacBook Pro is slightly faster than the Surface Laptop Studio 2 in most tasks. However, the difference is not significant and both laptops are still very fast.

Design and features

The Microsoft Surface Laptop Studio 2 and MacBook Pro have different designs and features. The Surface Laptop Studio 2 has a unique 3-in-1 convertible design that allows it to be used as a laptop, tablet, or studio device. The MacBook Pro has a more traditional clamshell design.

The Surface Laptop Studio 2 also has a touchscreen display, while the MacBook Pro does not. The Surface Laptop Studio 2 also comes with a Surface Slim Pen 2, which can be used to draw, take notes, and interact with the touchscreen display.

The MacBook Pro has a few features that the Surface Laptop Studio 2 does not, such as a MagSafe 3 charging port and an HDMI port. The MacBook Pro also has a better display than the Surface Laptop Studio 2, with higher resolution and better contrast ratio.

Operating system

The Microsoft Surface Laptop Studio 2 runs Windows 11, while the MacBook Pro runs macOS Monterey. Windows 11 is the latest version of Microsoft's operating system and it offers a number of new features, such as a new user interface, improved multitasking features, and support for Android apps. macOS Monterey is the latest version of Apple's operating system and it offers a number of new features, such as Universal Control, Live Text, and Focus modes.

Which operating system is right for you?

Windows 11 is a good choice for users who want a versatile operating system with a wide range of features. macOS Monterey is a good choice for users who want a more streamlined and user-friendly operating system.

Battery life

The Microsoft Surface Laptop Studio 2 and MacBook Pro both have excellent battery life. The Surface Laptop Studio 2 can last up to 19 hours on a single charge, while the MacBook Pro can last up to 21 hours on a single charge.

Price and value

The Microsoft Surface Laptop Studio 2 starts at $1,599, while the MacBook Pro starts at $1,999. The MacBook Pro is more expensive than the Surface Laptop Studio 2, but it also offers a slightly better display and better performance in some tasks.

The Microsoft Surface Laptop Studio 2 and MacBook Pro are both excellent premium laptops. The Surface Laptop Studio 2 is a good choice for users who want a versatile laptop with a unique design and a touchscreen display. The MacBook Pro is a good choice for users who want a powerful laptop with a great display and long battery life.

Which laptop is right for you depends on your individual needs and preferences. If you are not sure which laptop to choose, I recommend that you try both laptops out in person to see which one you prefer.

The Best Type of Screen Protectors for Microsoft Laptop Studio 2

1. Nano Glass Screen Protector:

• High Transparency: Nano glass screen protectors are known for their exceptional transparency, ensuring that your laptop's display remains clear and vibrant.
• Durability: They offer excellent scratch resistance, protecting your laptop's screen from daily wear and tear.
• Smooth Touch Experience: Nano glass screen protectors provide a smooth and responsive touch experience, closely mimicking the feel of your laptop's original screen.

2. Anti-Glare Screen Protector:

• Glare Reduction: Anti-glare screen protectors are designed to minimise reflections and glare, making it easier to use your laptop in bright or outdoor environments.
• Scratch Protection: They offer some level of scratch protection, safeguarding your screen from minor scratches.
• Privacy: Some anti-glare screen protectors may also double as privacy screens, preventing people from viewing your screen from side angles.

3. Antiviral Screen Protector:

• Hygienic: Anti-viral screen protectors incorporate technology that inhibits the growth of bacteria and viruses on the screen's surface, making it ideal for shared or public environments.
• Screen Protection: They provide a certain level of scratch resistance and smudge protection, similar to standard screen protectors.
• Health Benefits: These protectors can contribute to a cleaner and more hygienic screen, which is particularly relevant in the context of public health concerns.

4. Premium Film Screen Protector:

• Clarity: Premium film screen protectors are designed to maintain excellent screen clarity and touch sensitivity.
• Ease of Application: They are relatively easy to apply and remove, and they often come with installation kits to minimise bubbles and misalignment.
• Scratch Resistance: They offer good scratch resistance, protecting your screen from minor scratches.

When selecting a screen protector for your Microsoft Laptop Studio 2, consider your specific needs. If you prioritise scratch resistance and clarity, Nano Glass or Premium Film protectors are solid choices. For outdoor or bright environments, an Anti-Glare protector can be beneficial. If hygiene is a concern, an Antiviral protector can help maintain a cleaner screen.

Check out ScreenShield to check out our options!

 

Photo credit: June Wan/ZDNET