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

Surface Laptop Keyboard
Surface Laptop Keyboard (Image credit: Windows Central)

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

Surface Laptop 4 Ports render

Source: Microsoft (Image credit: Source: Microsoft)

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.

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CategorySurface Laptop 4 (13.5-inch)Surface Laptop 4 (15-inch)
Operating SystemWindows 10 Home or ProWindows 10 Home or Pro
Display13.5-inch PixelSense3:2 aspect ratio2256 x 1504 (201 PPI)15-inch PixelSense3:2 aspect ratio2496 x 1664 (201 PPI)
ProcessorIntel i5-1135G7Intel i5-1145G7Intel i7-1185G7AMD Ryzen 5 4680UAMD Ryzen 7 4980UIntel i7-1185G7AMD Ryzen 7 4980U
GPUIntel Iris XeRadeon RX GraphicsIntel Iris XeRadeon RX Graphics
Memory8GB, 16GB, or 32GB (Intel)LPDDR4x (3733MHz)8GB, 16GB, or 32GB (Intel)LPDDR4x (3733MHz)
Storage256GB, 512GB, 1TB SSD (Intel)Removable256GB, 512GB, 1TB SSD (Intel)Removable
Front Camera720p720p
SecurityWindows Hello face authentication camera, Firmware TPM 2.0Windows Hello face authentication camera, Firmware TPM 2.0
ConnectivityWi-Fi 6: 802.11ax compatibleBluetooth 5.0Wi-Fi 6: 802.11ax compatibleBluetooth 5.0
Ports1x USB-C, 1x USB-A, 1x Surface Connect, 3.5 mm headphone jack1x USB-C, 1x USB-A, 1x Surface Connect, 3.5 mm headphone jack
BatteryRyzen 5: Up to 19 hoursCore i5: Up to 17 hoursRyzen 7: Up to 17.5 hoursCore i7: Up to 16.5 hours
WeightUp to 2.84 lbs (1,288 g)Up to 3.4 lbs (1,542 g)
ColorsAlcantara: Platinum or Ice BlueMetal: Matte Black or SandstonePlatinum metal, Matte Black metal

AMD vs Intel

Surface Laptop 4 Chips

Source: Microsoft (Image credit: Source: Microsoft)

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

Surface Laptop 3 15-inch

Source: Daniel Rubino/Windows Central (Image credit: Source: Daniel Rubino/Windows Central)

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.

Consumer

Surface Laptop 4 (13.5-inch)

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FeaturesColorsPrice
Ryzen 5, 8GB RAM, 256GBPlatinum$999
Ryzen 5, 16GB RAM, 256GBPlatinum$1,199*
Core i5, 8GB RAM, 512GBPlatinum, Blue, Black, Sandstone$1,299
Core i5, 16GB RAM, 512GBPlatinum, Blue, Black, Sandstone$1,499
Core i7, 16GB RAM, 512GBPlatinum, Blue, Black, Sandstone$1,699
Core i7, 32GB RAM, 1TBBlack$2,299

Surface Laptop 4 (15-inch)

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FeaturesColorsPrice
Ryzen 7, 8GB RAM, 256GBPlatinum$1,299
Ryzen 7, 8GB RAM, 512GBPlatinum, Black$1,499
Ryzen 7, 16GB RAM, 512GBBlack$1,699
Core i7, 16GB RAM, 512GBPlatinum, Black$1,799
Core i7, 32GB RAM, 1TBBlack$2,399

Commercial

Surface Laptop 4 (13.5-inch)

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FeaturesColorsPrice
Ryzen 5, 8GB RAM, 256GBPlatinum$1,099
Ryzen 5, 16GB RAM, 256GBPlatinum$1,299*
Ryzen 7, 16GB, 512GBBlack$1,699
Core i5, 8GB RAM, 256GBPlatinum$1,199
Core i5, 8GB RAM, 512GBPlatinum, Blue, Black, Sandstone$1,399
Core i5, 16GB RAM, 512GBPlatinum, Blue, Black, Sandstone$1,599
Core i7, 16GB RAM, 256GBBlack$1,599
Core i7, 16GB RAM, 512GBPlatinum, Blue, Black, Sandstone$1,799
Core i7, 32GB RAM, 1TBBlack$2,399

Surface Laptop 4 (15-inch)

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FeaturesColorsPrice
Ryzen 7, 8GB RAM, 256GBPlatinum$1,399
Ryzen 7, 16GB RAM, 512GBBlack$1,799
Core i7, 8GB RAM, 256GBPlatinum$1,499
Core i7, 8GB RAM, 512GBPlatinum, Black$1,699
Core i7, 16GB RAM, 256GBPlatinum, Black$1,699
Core i7, 16GB RAM, 512GBPlatinum, Black$1,899
Core i7, 32GB RAM, 1TBBlack$2,499

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.

Zac Bowden
Senior Editor

Zac Bowden is a Senior Editor at Windows Central. Bringing you exclusive coverage into the world of Windows on PCs, tablets, phones, and more. Also an avid collector of rare Microsoft prototype devices! Keep in touch on Twitter and Threads