Surface Laptop 4: Specs, price, release date, everything you need to know

The latest Surface Laptop from Microsoft is here! Dubbed the 'Surface Laptop 4', this latest generation features new Intel 11th-generation and AMD Ryzen 4000 series processors, up to 32GB RAM, and upgradable SSD storage. Unfortunately, the design remains the same as the previous generation, but Microsoft has made some minor improvements here and there. Here's everything you need to know about the Surface Laptop 4.

Device specifications

The Surface Laptop 4 features Intel's 11th-generation Intel Core i5 or i7 processors, Intel Iris Xe graphics, up to 32GB RAM, and 1TB storage. Additionally, Microsoft also offers the Surface Laptop 4 with AMD chips, powered by the AMD Ryzen 4980U Microsoft Surface Edition, AMD Radeon graphics, up to 16GB RAM, and 1TB storage.

The Surface Laptop 4 comes in 13.5-inch or 15-inch variants, and both AMD and Intel chips are available in either size. This is new to the Surface Laptop 4, as the Surface Laptop 3 had AMD chips limited to the 15-inch variant.

AMD vs Intel

For most people, the differences between the AMD and Intel variants will be insignificant. They both do productivity work very well, but each variant does specialize in its own departments. For example, Microsoft says the AMD models are better for multi-threading performance tasks, whereas the Intel variants have a slightly stronger GPU and faster single-threaded performance.

If you're looking for a device that has better multi-thread app performance and longer battery life, Microsoft recommends the AMD variant. The AMD model will be slightly better at multitasking workflows. If you're looking for a device with faster single-thread app performance, along with more RAM and storage options, the Intel variant is what you should get. This model is great for developers, researchers, and data scientists.

If you don't really understand the differences, that's okay. You'll be perfectly fine going either either model, as when it comes down to it, they all perform more or less the same in real world day to day tasks.

Design and features

The Surface Laptop 4 features the same design and featureset as its predecessor, the Surface Laptop 3. That means there are no new ports, thinner bezels, or a better screen, it's exactly the same as the last version. The only notable difference externally is the introduction of a new color; Ice Blue, which replaces Cobalt Blue on the Surface Laptop 3.

It's on the inside where most of the differences lay. We have the new processors, more RAM and storage options, and a slightly bigger battery. Microsoft has also tuned the speakers to give them bettery Dolby Atmos support.

Price and release date

The Surface Laptop 4 begins shipping in the United States, Canada, and Japan on April 15 with pricing starting at $999. The Surface Laptop 4 will begin rolling out in more markets in the coming weeks. Below is the pricing for all the Surface Laptop 4 SKUs that you can buy across Microsoft's consumer and commercial channels.

What do you think?

So that's everything you need to know about the Surface Laptop 4, which we think is set to become one of the best Microsoft Surface PCs. What are your thoughts on product? Let us know in the comments.