It's a new year, which means it's highly likely we're going to be getting a new Surface Laptop at some point soon. The last Surface Laptop shipped in the spring of 2021, dubbed "Surface Laptop 4" and was a relatively minor refresh over the Surface Laptop 3, introducing 11th Gen chips and a new colorway.
In fact, every new version of the Surface Laptop since its debut has been a relatively minor update. Surface Laptop 4 basically features the same design as the first Surface Laptop from 2017, and while it sounds like we may be getting some minor chassis updates, most of the changes with Surface Laptop 5 will be on the inside.
So, when is it coming? Here's everything we know so far about the Surface Laptop 5. We'll update this story periodically whenever new information about the next Surface Laptop arises! Be sure to check out our best Surface PCs roundup in the meantime!
Surface Laptop 5: Price & availability
The last Surface Laptop shipped in April 2021, meaning we're just about coming into a window of time where it would make sense to see a new Surface Laptop announced. We're not 100% sure whether Microsoft is planning to unveil a new Surface Laptop this spring or whether it plans to wait until the second half of 2022, as the ongoing component chip shortage continues to push back the shipping of new hardware.
Regardless, the Surface Laptop 5 is almost definitely on the cards for some point this year. Availability is expected to be the same as the Surface Laptop 4, thought a global rollout may be slow because of the chip shortage.
Regarding price, we don't expect the Surface Laptop 5 to deviate much from the pricing structure of the Surface Laptop 4, meaning the entry-level model will start at $999, with pricing maxing out around $2,400.
Surface Laptop 5: Specs
There's been one spec sheet leak for the Surface Laptop 5, though the legitimacy of the source remains in question. Assuming the spec sheet is real, here's what you can expect to see ship as the Surface Laptop 5:
| Category | Surface Laptop 5 13" | Surface Laptop 5 15" |
|---|---|---|
| Operating system | Windows 11 Home | Windows 11 Home |
| Display | 13.5 inches, 3:2 aspect ratio, 2256x1504 (201 PPI) 120Hz PixelSense Flow Display | 15 inches, 3:2 aspect ratio, 2496x1664 resolution, (201 PPI) 120Hz PixelSense Flow Display |
| Processor | 12th Gen Intel Core i5-1240P 12th Gen Intel Core i7-1280P AMD Ryzen 5 6680U Microsoft Surface Edition | 12th Gen Intel Core i7-1280P AMD Ryzen 7 6980U Microsoft Surface Edition |
| Graphics | Intel Iris Xe Graphics AMD Radeon Graphics | Intel Iris Xe Graphics AMD Radeon Graphics |
| Memory | 8GB LPDDR4x 16GB LPDDR4x 32GB LPDDR4x | 8GB LPDDR4x 16GB LPDDR4x 32GB LPDDR4x |
| Storage | 256GB 512GB 1TB | 256GB 512GB 1TB |
| Front Camera | 1080p | 1080p |
| Security | Windows Hello Face | Windows Hello Face |
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.1 | Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.1 |
| Ports | 2x USB-C with TB4 1x USB-A 3.5mm headphone jack 1x Surface Connect | 2x USB-C with TB4 1x USB-A 3.5mm headphone jack 1x Surface Connect |
| Audio | Quad Omnisonic speakers with Dolby Atmos | Quad Omnisonic speakers with Dolby Atmos |
| Battery | AMD: 21 hours Intel: 19 hours | AMD: 19.5 hours Intel: 17.5 hours |
| Dimensions | 12.1 x 8.8 x 0.56 inches (308mm x 223mm x 14.22mm) | 13.4 x 9.6 x 0.57 inches (339.5mm x 244mm x 14.5mm) |
| Weight | Alcantara: 2.79 pounds (1.265kg) Metal: 2.84 pounds (1.288kg) | Metal: 3.40 pounds (1.542kg) |
| Colors | Platinum (Alcantara) Black Sandstone Ice Blue (Alcantara) | Platinum Black |
The most notable changes here over the Surface Laptop 4 are a significantly bigger battery, the inclusion of an extra USB-C port, both of which are now Thunderbolt 4 (Intel)/USB 4.0 (AMD) compatible, and a 120Hz display panel for smoother animations. Of course, we'll also see updated chips, this time using the latest from both Intel and AMD in the 13.5-inch and 15-inch variants.
Surface Laptop 5: Design and features
The leaked spec-sheet mentions a "new and improved" design for the Surface Laptop 5, though the dimensions of the product on the same spec sheet suggest it's going to be basically the same shape and size as the previous versions. The spec sheet also mentions that the Laptop 5 will have two USB-C ports, one more than the current device, meaning there may be some very minor changes to the external chassis.
If the overall dimensions are the same, and the screen sizes remain at 13.5 and 15 inches respectively, that unfortunately means we're not getting thinner bezels on the Surface Laptop 5. The "new and improved" design may simply be referring to the additional ports and 120Hz display.
On that subject, the leaked specs do mention a higher-refresh 120Hz Dynamic Refresh display, which would be a big upgrade over the Surface Laptop 4 and its 60Hz panel. The Surface Pro 8 and Surface Laptop Studio both feature 120Hz displays, so it would make sense to see the Surface Laptop 5 join the fray in that department.
Overall, it's looking like the next Surface Laptop will be a relatively nice upgrade over the Surface Laptop 4, albeit with somewhat minor changes to the external design. The new chips, higher-refresh rate display, an additional USB-C port, and Thunderbolt 4 (although, just USB 4.0 for the AMD version as Thunderbolt 4 is an Intel technology) will be much welcomed additions to the device. Plus, those Intel 12th Gen and AMD Ryzen 6000 chips are going to make the Surface Laptop 5 quite the powerhouse.
Zac Bowden is a Senior Editor at Windows Central. Bringing you exclusive coverage into the world of Windows 10 on PCs, tablets, phones, and more. Also an avid collector of rare Microsoft prototype devices! Keep in touch on Twitter: @zacbowden.
