Surface Laptop 6 vs M3 MacBook Air: What option is most suitable for you?

The official introduction of the Microsoft Surface Laptop 6 took place on March 21st, at a live-streamed Microsoft Surface event. However, it is important to note that this event was specifically designed to cater to the needs of business and enterprise clients.

Surface Laptop 6 vs M3 MacBook Air

Although the first iteration we saw is the Surface Laptop 6 for Business, I anticipate that individuals like myself, who are not very ambitious based on my financial situation, will also have the opportunity to purchase one for personal use. The Surface Laptop 6 will begin delivering on April 8th, with a starting price of $1,199, putting it in direct competition with Apple’s MacBook Air M3 ($1,099 initially).

Considering the similarity in price and size of both laptops, which are available in 13- or 15-inch variants, we deemed it beneficial to provide a concise overview of the key distinctions between the two. This will enable you to choose the most suitable Surface Laptop 6 vs M3 MacBook Air for your requirements.

SURFACE LAPTOP 6 VS M3 MACBOOK AIR: PRICE AND RELEASE DATE

The release of the Microsoft Surface Laptop 6 is scheduled for April 8, 2024, and it will be available in two distinct dimensions, according to its previous iterations: a 13.5-inch variant and a 15-inch iteration. Similar to previous iterations, the pricing structure for the 13-inch Surface Laptop 6 will begin at $999, while the 15-inch variant will be priced at $1,299.

From the provided table of potential configurations, it is evident that the Surface Laptop 6 might incur much more costs when purchasing a model with superior internal components. The highest-end 15-inch Surface Laptop 6 is priced at over $3,000, offering a very powerful Intel Meteor Lake laptop CPU, together with 64GB of RAM and a 1TB SSD for storage.

The MacBook Air M3 is priced at $1,099 for a 13-inch model and $1,299 for a 15-inch model, resulting in a $100 lower cost for an entry-level 13-inch M3 Air compared to an entry-level Surface Laptop 6.

The high-end variant of Apple’s Air is comparatively more affordable due to its limited availability of RAM in comparison to the Surface Laptop 6. The highest-end 15-inch MacBook Air M3 is priced at $2,499. It has 24GB of RAM, a 2TB SSD for storage, and Apple’s M3 processor.

Although the price of the Surface Laptop 6 is somewhat more compared to the MacBook Air M3, it offers the possibility of obtaining twice the amount of RAM and half the storage capacity in the premium variant.

SURFACE LAPTOP 6 VS M3 MACBOOK AIR: DESIGN

The design of Microsoft’s Surface Laptop 6 has a striking resemblance to its previous iterations, hence eliciting varying opinions on its overall quality.

Although I have always like the minimalist look of these Windows 11 laptops, I have become rather disinterested in the simplistic clamshell construction after examining the previous two generations. The design of the Surface Laptop is advantageous since it provides a comfortable keyboard and a touchscreen with a tall 3:2 aspect ratio. This allows for better reading of tall vertical information such as code windows, blog entries, and lengthy emails, hence enhancing productivity.

The Surface Laptop 6 has similar dimensions to its previous iterations. The 13.5-inch model measures 12.1 x 8.8 x 0.66 inches and weighs around 3.06 pounds. In contrast, the 15-inch Laptop 6 is comparatively heavier at 3.7 pounds, reflecting its bigger dimensions of 13.4 x 9.6 x 0.67 inches.

The benefit of Apple’s M3 Air lies in its size and weight, since both models of the Air are smaller and lighter compared to the Surface Laptop 6. The 13-inch Air has dimensions of 11.97 x 8.46 x 0.44 inches and weighs a mere 2.7 pounds. In contrast, the bigger 15-inch model weighs 3.5 pounds and has dimensions of 13.40 x 9.53 x 0.45 inches.

Regardless of the perspective, it can be said that the MacBook Air M3 has a smaller size and more portability compared to the Surface Laptop 6. Although the difference may be little, ranging from a few inches to a few pounds, it may have a significant impact on long days spent on campus.

SURFACE LAPTOP 6 VS M3 MACBOOK AIR: DISPLAY

The Surface Laptop 6 by Microsoft is equipped with a touchscreen option of either 13.5- or 15-inch, including resolutions that enable a display with a maximum of 201 pixels per inch (PPI).

The 13-inch screen has a maximum resolution of 2256 x 1504, while the 15-inch screen has a maximum resolution of 2496 x 1664. In my personal experience, both resolutions are sufficient for productive tasks. The screens have undergone enhancements compared to their previous iterations, using a novel anti-reflective coating that Microsoft claims can effectively mitigate glare under high-intensity illumination. I had significant difficulties while using previous Surface Laptops in direct sunlight, so I expect that the application of that coating will have a positive impact.

The MacBook Air M3 has enhanced pixel density, with the 13-inch model achieving a resolution of 2,560 x 1,664 and the 15-inch variant featuring a resolution of 2,880 x 1,864. Both devices provide a maximum resolution of 224 pixels per inch, surpassing the raw pixel density of the Surface Laptop 6.

The evaluation of the display quality of the Surface Laptop 6 will be contingent upon our opportunity to conduct a comprehensive testing and review. Therefore, we encourage you to anticipate our forthcoming comprehensive testing outcomes.

SURFACE LAPTOP 6 VS M3 MACBOOK AIR: PORTS

The Surface Laptop 6 by Microsoft is equipped with a touchscreen option of either 13.5- or 15-inch, including resolutions that enable a display with a maximum of 201 pixels per inch (PPI).

The 13-inch screen has a maximum resolution of 2256 x 1504, while the 15-inch screen has a maximum resolution of 2496 x 1664. In my personal experience, both resolutions are sufficient for productive tasks. The screens have undergone enhancements compared to their previous iterations, using a novel anti-reflective coating that Microsoft claims can effectively mitigate glare under high-intensity illumination. I had significant difficulties while using previous Surface Laptops in direct sunlight, so I expect that the application of that coating will have a positive impact.

The MacBook Air M3 has enhanced pixel density, with the 13-inch model achieving a resolution of 2,560 x 1,664 and the 15-inch variant featuring a resolution of 2,880 x 1,864. Both devices provide a maximum resolution of 224 pixels per inch, surpassing the raw pixel density of the Surface Laptop 6.

The evaluation of the display quality of the Surface Laptop 6 will be contingent upon our opportunity to conduct a comprehensive testing and review. Therefore, we encourage you to anticipate our forthcoming comprehensive testing outcomes.

SURFACE LAPTOP 6 VS M3 MACBOOK AIR: PORTS

Surface Laptops have always lacked a wide range of connectors, and while there have been some improvements over time, the new Surface Laptop 6 still has fewer ports than I want.

The 13.5-inch Surface Laptop 6 is equipped with several connections, including a Thunderbolt 4/USB 4 connector that enables rapid charging via USB-C and an 8K external display through DisplayPort 2.1. Additionally, it has a USB-A 3.1 port, a 3.5mm headphone jack, and a Surface Connect port for charging purposes. The 15-inch Surface Laptop 6 by Microsoft provides users with a same set of connectors, with the added feature of a second Thunderbolt 4/USB 4 port, which is considered advantageous.

Business enterprises have the option to get the 15-inch Laptop 6 equipped with an integrated smart card reader, hence enhancing its security for use inside organizations that provide their staff with NFC smart cards.

The MacBook Air M3 has a narrower selection of ports, which has often caused me frustration. The range of Thunderbolt 4/USB 4 ports and headphone jack available on both the 13- and 15-inch MacBook Air models is restricted, which is a drawback.

Although both laptops have certain shortcomings in terms of ports, Microsoft’s Surface Laptop 6 provides more adaptability and value due to the inclusion of a USB-A connector and a more contemporary Thunderbolt 4 alternative. One notable advantage of Apple’s Airs is the provision of a Thunderbolt 4 connector on both sizes, in contrast to the 13-inch Surface Laptop 6 which only offers a single Thunderbolt 4 port.

SURFACE LAPTOP 6 VS M3 MACBOOK AIR: PERFORMANCE

Although we have not yet conducted performance testing on the Surface Laptop 6, our evaluations of Intel Meteor Lake computers indicate that it will encounter significant challenges in surpassing the impressive computational capabilities of Apple’s M3 processor.

However, it is possible to purchase a Surface Laptop 6 with a range of components that have the potential to impact its overall performance. Of particular significance, users are presented with two CPU alternatives, namely the Intel Core Ultra 5 135H and the Intel Core Ultra 7 165H.

These Intel Meteor Lake processors are among the most potent chips that have been developed. Microsoft is positioning them as ideal for the future of “AI PCs” because to their optimized onboard NPUs (Neural Processing Units) for various tasks often referred to as “AI”. Purchasing a 15-inch Surface Laptop 6 equipped with the Ultra 7 CPU and 64GB of RAM will likely result in very fast performance while working with spreadsheets.

Having tested Apple’s M3 Airs, we have determined that they are among the finest laptops available due to the exceptional power and efficiency of Apple’s M3 processor. The Surface Laptop 6 has a challenging task in competing with the M3 Air, since it is expected to provide rapid performance.

SURFACE LAPTOP 6 VS M3 MACBOOK AIR: AUDIO

Both variants of Microsoft’s Surface Laptop 6 are equipped with Omnisonic speakers that are compatible with Dolby Atmos and Bluetooth LE audio, and they are expected to be of satisfactory quality. The auditory fidelity provided by the speakers on previous iterations of Surface Laptops that I have evaluated has been duly acknowledged, and I am optimistic that Microsoft may further enhance this aspect in future iterations.

However, in order to effectively rival the MacBook Air M3, the Surface Laptop 6 must provide a commendable audio quality. The MacBook Air M3 has four speakers in the 13-inch variant and six in the 15-inch variant, along with two force-cancelling woofers. While the sound system may not be exceptional, it is rather satisfactory for a laptop.

SURFACE LAPTOP 6 VS M3 MACBOOK AIR: BATTERY LIFE

Due to our lack of testing and evaluation experience, we are unable to provide an exact estimate of the battery life of the Surface Laptop 6. However, Microsoft claims that the 15-inch model may operate for up to 19 hours, while the 13-inch model can last up to 18.5 hours.

If the Surface Laptop 6 can really last such a duration in our battery test, which aligns with the laptop’s ability to continuously access the internet over Wi-Fi on a completely charged battery, then it will surpass Apple’s MacBook Air M3.

However, I find it difficult to believe that this would occur, given our battery tests continually show that Windows laptops have a shorter battery life compared to Apple’s MacBooks. Illustrative example: In our battery test, both the 13- and 15-inch MacBook Air M3 had a battery life exceeding 15 hours before depleting, however the Surface Laptop 5 only managed to endure for 10 hours.

Given Microsoft’s assertion that the Surface Laptop 5 has a battery life of 17-18 hours, depending upon its size and use, I am skeptical about the superior performance of its replacement in our battery testing. However, hope is everlasting!.

SURFACE LAPTOP 6 VS M3 MACBOOK AIR: WEBCAM

The top bezel of the Surface Laptop 6 is equipped with a new Surface Studio Camera. The camera will possess the capability to capture photographs and videos at a resolution of 1080p. Additionally, it will have the capability to authenticate users using face recognition, provided that Windows Hello is enabled.

Although Apple’s MacBook Airs lack the “log in with your face” feature due to the absence of FaceID on MacBooks, they do include high-quality 1080p cameras that can rival the webcam of the Surface Laptop 6.

SURFACE LAPTOP 6 VS M3 MACBOOK AIR: OUTLOOK

Microsoft’s Surface Laptop 6 for Business appears to be a solid Windows laptop without a lot of frills for not a lot of money. The $1,199 starting price means you might consider buying one instead of a MacBook Air M3, and if you love Windows 11 or Microsoft hardware, I could understand why.

But if you don’t mind using a MacBook or macOS Sonoma, it’s a little harder to recommend a Surface Laptop 6 over a MacBook Air M3.

Based on our tests of Intel Meteor Lake laptops to date, I think the Air M3 is going to beat the Surface Laptop 6 in terms of performance and battery life, and the Air is smaller to boot. Of course, if you have big hands (like me), you might like a larger machine, but now that the 15-inch Air exists, Apple has a product for you too.

The one area where Microsoft’s Surface Laptop 6 seems way more useful is in big business, where you might love the idea of being able to buy a hundred identical laptops that are all equipped with IR cameras, NFC card readers and copies of Windows 11 Pro linked to your organization. Apple doesn’t offer the same value proposition, and it’s easy to imagine a regional sales manager going with Microsoft over Apple when purchasing this year’s laptops.

Of course, that’s specifically what Microsoft marketed during the 2024 Surface event where it unveiled the Surface Laptop 6. So perhaps we just have to wait for the company to make a more compelling pitch on why you’d want to use these new Surface Laptops at home or at school.

But the real answers will come when we get a chance to test a Surface Laptop 6 and see for ourselves just how good a laptop it can be. Stay tuned!.

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