Surface Pro 6 vs Surface Laptop 2: Which is Better for You?

Are you struggling to decide on which Surface laptop to buy? This Surface Pro 6 vs Surface Laptop 2 article can help you while you make your decision.

Surface Pro 6 vs Surface Laptop 2: At First Glance

Based on popular consensus, Microsoft’s Surface Pro 6 and Surface Laptop 2 belong to two of the main fundamental pillars of the Surface brand. The reason for this popular notion is not far-fetched.

The Surface Pro which is the embodiment of what the Surface line is has gradually become the standard-bearer for two-in-one hybrids. Likewise, they’ve become the ideal representation of what a Windows-powered device should emulate.

On the other hand, the Surface Laptop was Microsoft’s elegant entry into the world of regular laptops. With a simple design that doesn’t transform into a tablet or whatsoever, the Surface Laptop is the direct opposite of the Surface Pro.

Another thing worth noting is that the Surface Laptop is less expensive compared to the Surface Pro. While the Surface Laptop 2 costs $539.00, the Surface Pro 6 costs $739.00 – prices correct as of January 2022.

That being said, what can we expect in terms of the difference in values both laptops can offer? Let’s find out.

Surface Pro 6 vs Surface Laptop 2: Design, Dimension and Weight

Since Microsoft started producing Surface devices, they’ve constantly refined a thing or two about their design approach with every new entry. Evidently, the design refinement also found its way into the Surface Pro 6 and Surface Laptop 2.

Both the Surface Pro 6 and Surface Laptop 2 are slim, and good-looking laptops.

From their exterior, both laptops boast a simple yet stylish design. Apart from the chrome-colored windows logo on both laptops’ lids, there is no other notable design pattern on both laptops.

The black painting that covers their body does a good job of lending an extra style to their already sleek design. Apart from the black color option, you could also decide to buy either of the two laptops in other available color variants.

You can also get the Surface Pro 6 with the platinum silver color option. Meanwhile, the Surface Laptop 2 is available in burgundy, platinum silver, and cobalt blue color options.

Despite having the option to pick between these colors, I still believe the black color does better justice to the already beautiful design of both laptops.

Beyond the black color option, there’s barely any other similarity between both laptops’ designs. The structure of the Surface Pro 6 is entirely different from that of the Surface Laptop 2.

With the Surface Pro 6, you get a device with a highly functional design. Due to its flexible and portable form factor, the Surface Pro 6 can function efficiently in tablet or laptop modes.

The Surface Laptop 2, on the other hand, is just a regular laptop as its name suggests. Unlike the Surface Pro 6, the Surface Laptop 2’s design does not offer the flexibility of switching between a laptop and a tablet.

In case you didn’t know, there are a few design add-ons Microsoft adopts to offer flexibility in their Surface Pro line. These add-ons include the kickstand, the Stylus Pen, and the Surface Type Cover.

The built-in kickstand positioned below the laptop’s lid helps you to adjust the screen through 165 degrees of range. This functionality will come in handy when you want to use the Stylus Pen to take notes or make sketches on the Surface Pro 6 at flat angles.

That being said, the kickstand and Stylus Pen play a huge role in turning the Surface Pro 6 into a complete laptop. However, it is the Surface Type Cover that completes the magic.

The Type Cover, which serves as the keyboard, can attach to the bottom of the Surface Pro 6 magnetically, making the transformation into a laptop a swift one.

Since the Surface Laptop 2 does not feature any of this add-on, it isn’t as flexible as the Surface Pro 6. For example, Surface Laptop 2 cannot be converted to a tablet.

On the bright side, the Surface Laptop 2’s lack of a kickstand or Type Cover makes it feel very natural to use.

For instance, it feels more comfortable to type on the Surface Laptop 2’s keyboard when you don’t have a desk nearby. The Surface Pro 6, on the other hand, feels weird to use on the lap.

Since it needs its kickstand to be stable when in laptop mode, you’ll barely enjoy typing on the Surface Pro 6 when you place it on your laps.

Speaking of typing, both laptops should offer a comfortable typing experience – provided you use the Surface Pro 6 on a desk. Given how wide they are, both laptops have enough room to offer appropriate key spacing.

Apart from their sizes, these two laptops have fine pieces of Alcantara fabric covering their keyboard decks. Since the Alcantara fabric is very gentle on the wrists, it should enhance the typing experience on both laptops.

Moreover, the key layout on both laptops offers 1.3 mm key travel, which is sufficient enough for typing. In use, you will be able to hit an average of 75 words per minute when you type on the Surface Pro 6.

Meanwhile, you should be able to reach 78 words per minute when you type with the Surface Laptop 2. Overall, typing on either of the two laptops is comfortable and satisfying.

Likewise, the glass touchpads below each laptop’s keyboard are incredibly satisfying. The level of precision both laptops’ touchpads offer is impressive.

Scrolling and registering input is fast and almost completely lag-free with both laptops’ touchpads. They can also accurately register Windows 10 gestures like switching apps with three fingers.

Just like the input aspect, the output parts on both laptops also offer a better-than-average performance. To start with, the sound output on both laptops is fair enough, especially considering how tiny their speakers are and where they are located.

It is a bit weird that Microsoft placed the Surface Laptop 2’s speaker below the surface at the point where its keyboard meets its screen. Due to this weird positioning, the Surface Laptop 2’s speaker lacks strength when playing at low volumes.

Fortunately, it does better at the higher-end volume levels. You will be able to enjoy listening to music or watching videos.

Likewise, you will also enjoy the sound production the Surface Pro 6 offers. In fact, it can offer loud and clearer sounds compared to the Surface Laptop 2.

Also, the location of the Surface Pro 6’s speakers is more reasonable. Its front-firing speakers are positioned in its side bezels.

This is possible because of the annoyingly chunky bezels that surround the Surface Pro 6’s display. If you weren’t aware until now, Microsoft is yet to trim down the chunky bezels it usually fits around its devices.

The bezels around the Surface Laptop 2’s screen is also quite chunky. At least, the chunky bezels on the Surface Pro 6 can still be overlooked because they will be useful when you want to use the laptop in tablet mode.

For example, the tick bezels will allow you to grab the device without unintentionally entering commands.

In the case of the Surface Laptop 2, the chunky bezels are unforgivable. It is one of those areas I believe Microsoft has to work on.

As if to atone for the sins of the chunky bezels, Microsoft fits the Surface Pro 6 and Surface Laptop 2 with extremely beautiful displays. Both laptops’ displays are 3:2 touch-screen displays that make use of the same PixelSense technology.

In terms of the quality, these laptops’ displays are closely matched. The Surface Pro 6’s display panel is quite sharp at 2736 x 1824 pixels.

This enables it to offer vibrant colors that would make movies look more crisp and clean. Its screen resolution could also possibly make media editing much easier and more accurate for content creators due to the image accuracy it can provide.

Similarly, the Surface Laptop 2 will be able to produce an insane amount of detail thanks to its 2256 x 1504 QHD resolution. The level of quality this laptop’s display is capable of offering is incredible enough to make colors pop and give you a realistic image rendering.

In terms of brightness, both laptops can get quite bright. However, the Surface Pro 6 can get brighter than the Surface Laptop 2.

While the Surface Pro 6 is capable of reaching a brightness level of 408 nits, the Surface Laptop 2 can only offer a maximum brightness of 321 nits. Nonetheless, both laptops’ displays are excellent.

Unfortunately, both laptops are quite disappointing in terms of their port options. While the Surface Pro 6 offers only 1 x Full-size USB 3.0 port, the Surface Laptop 2 comes with just 1 USB 3.0.

Perhaps, this is the price Microsoft had to pay for both laptops’ slim factor. To give more detail, the Surface Pro 6 measures 292 x 201 x 8.5 mm while the Surface Laptop 2 measures 308.1 x 223.2 x 14.4 mm.

In terms of their weight, both laptops’ weights differ with respect to their hardware configurations. With the Intel Core i5 processor configuration, the Surface Pro 6 weighs 770 g, but it weighs 784 g with the Intel Core i7 processor.

The Surface Laptop 2, on the other hand, could weigh 1252 g or 1283 g depending on its hardware configurations.

In general, both the Surface Pro 6 and Surface Laptop 2’s design are impressive. Also, the quality of their build is excellent.

Hence, picking one of the two laptops in terms of their design will be solely based on preference. As for me, I give the Surface Pro 6 this round mainly because of its more portable and functional design.

Therefore, the Surface Pro 6 scores a nine in this Surface Pro 6 vs Surface Laptop 2 design comparison review. Meanwhile, the Surface Laptop 2 scores an eight.

Surface Pro 6 vs Surface Laptop 2: Processor (CPU) Performance

For both laptops’ processors, Microsoft offers a variety of eight-generation options. To be precise, you can buy the Surface Pro 6 with either a quad-core Intel Core i5-8250U processor or a quad-core Intel Core i7-8650U5 processor.

For these processor configurations, you get varying speeds and performance levels. To make it clearer, I will provide more details concerning this before I highlight the processor options Microsoft offers for the Surface Laptop 2.

If you equip your Surface Pro 6 unit with the Core i5-8250U processor, you get a base frequency of 1.60 GHz and a boost frequency of 3.40 GHz. Meanwhile, the Core i7-8650U5 processor will offer you a base frequency of 1.90 GHz and a boost frequency of 4.20 GHz.

In case you are not familiar with what the base and boost frequencies mean, I will quickly explain. Basically, the base frequency indicates the lowest speed at which the processor is capable of operating while the boost frequency indicates the highest speed.

With that being said, let’s discover what Microsoft has to offer for the Surface Laptop 2’s processor configuration option.

For the Surface Laptop 2’s processor, Microsoft offers three quad-core processor configuration options to choose from. The available processor configuration options include an Intel Core i5-8250U, an Intel Core i5-8350U, and lastly, an Intel Core i7-8650U processor.

Like the Surface Pro 6’s processor configuration options, these processors’ performance will also differ. Firstly, the Core i5-8250U processor will be able to offer a base frequency of 1.60 GHz and a boost frequency of 3.40 GHz.

Meanwhile, the Core i5-8350U processor can run at a base frequency of 1.70 GHz and a boost frequency of 3.60 GHz. Lastly, the Core i7-8650U processor has a base frequency of 1.90 GHz and a boost frequency of 4.20 GHz.

Depending on the processor you configure your Surface Laptop 2 with, you could get an excellent or average processor performance.

For this review comparison, our Surface Pro 6 review unit features the Intel Core i5-8250U processor. Likewise, our Surface Laptop 2 unit also comes with the Intel Core i5-8250U processor.

In use, both the Surface Pro 6 and Surface Laptop 2 are incredibly powerful and efficient. There’s almost no way to differentiate which is the more superior laptop just by running regular computing operation tests.

Both laptops perform excellently at regular computing operations like word processing, web browsing, sending of emails, etc. For these reasons, I decided to check how both laptops performed on a benchmark performance test.

To be specific, the benchmark test result I obtained was the Cinebench R15 benchmark test result. For those wondering, the Cinebench R15 is a benchmark that tests the processing power of a laptop by subjecting the laptop to processor-based tasks.

Generally, this test is divided into two sections. One is the single-core test, where it checks how well a processor can perform when only one of its cores is put into use.

The other is the multi-core test. Here, we ascertain how well the processor can handle processing workloads when more than one of its cores is put to use.

In the case of the Surface Pro 6, it scored 143 points in the single-core aspect and it scored 585 in the multi-core aspect. Meanwhile, the Surface Laptop 2 scored 141 points in the single-core aspect and it scored 590 points in the multi-core aspects.

Evidently, the power struggle between both laptops still extends to the benchmark test aspect.

Both laptops barely outperform each other with a marginal difference across both the real world and benchmark performance test. As a result, I give both laptops a score of eight in this Surface Pro 6 vs Surface Laptop 2 processor performance comparison.

Surface Pro 6 vs Surface Laptop 2: Memory (RAM) Performance

The RAM configuration options that Microsoft offers for the Surface Pro 6 and Surface Laptop 2 are a bit similar. Microsoft equips both laptops with LPDDR3 memory types.

Both laptops also have only one RAM slot.

For memory configuration, you can either buy your Surface Pro 6 with 8 GB RAM or 16 GB RAM. Microsoft doesn’t support beyond 16 GB for the Surface Pro 6’s RAM.

Likewise, they do not support beyond 16 GB for the Surface Laptop 2’s RAM. You can either equip your Surface Laptop 2 with 8 GB RAM or 16 GB RAM.

To be clear, the Surface Pro 6 and Surface Laptop 2 we are considering here both feature 8 GB RAM.

When I set out to draft a report of these laptops’ memory performance, I discovered that they both offer enough speed for smooth multitasking. With a YouTube video playing alongside 15 Chrome tabs, both laptops can still offer a smooth, lag-free performance.

However, in some cases, you may notice that the Surface Laptop 2 will begin to show signs of being stressed when you open up to 25 Chrome tabs. The Surface Pro 6, on the other hand, can withstand up to 25 Chrome tabs provided you aren’t running too many extra operations.

In general use, both the Surface Pro 6 and Surface Laptop 2 are quite snappy. If most of your activities will be just regular computing operations and nothing strenuous, you shouldn’t have major speed complaints when using these laptops.

When I moved on to obtain both laptops’ results in the PCMark 10 benchmark test, I was impressed by what I saw.

For clarity, the PCMark 10 is a benchmark that simulates different real-world productivity and content-creation workflows. It does this to assess overall system performance for office-centric tasks such as word processing, web browsing, and videoconferencing.

This test generates a numeric score to show how good or bad a laptop is at handling the sort of work mentioned above. Generally, the higher a laptop scores, the better its performance.

Though the test results suggested that the Surface Laptop 2 will be capable of offering better RAM performance, the Surface Pro 6’s performance isn’t bad either.

On the PCMark 10 productivity test, the Surface Pro 6 scored an impressive 4520 points. Meanwhile, the Surface Laptop 2 did better, surpassing the Surface Pro 6 with a score of 5344 points.

Overall, the test results I’ve considered so far clearly show that both laptops are excellent multitasking devices. Though on some occasions their performance and RAM efficiency may vary, you can still rely on both laptops to handle most of your multitasking operations.

For these reasons, the Surface Pro 6 and Surface Laptop 2 both score an eight in this Surface Pro 6 vs Surface Laptop 2 memory performance comparison.

Surface Pro 6 vs Surface Laptop 2: Storage Options and Performance

When it comes to the Surface Pro 6 and Surface Laptop 2 ‘s storage, you don’t get the privilege of being able to choose between different configuration options. Microsoft equips both laptops with a 1 TB SSD for storage.

In the case of the Surface Pro 6, Microsoft offers buyers the possibility of expanding their storage with a MicroSDXC Card Reader. The Surface Laptop 2, on the other hand, doesn’t come with SD card storage options.

Nonetheless, the 1 TB storage space should be sufficient for most of your file storage.

Aside from the storage size, the storage drive in the Surface Laptop 2 and Surface Pro 6 are excellent drive types that will help enhance the speed of your laptop. To ascertain this point, let’s consider the CrystalDiskMark benchmark test to check how fast both laptops’ storage drives are.

On the CrystalDiskMark test, the Surface Pro 6 offered a sequential read and write speed of 705.3 MBps and 133.8 MBps. Meanwhile, the Surface Laptop 2 had much better sequential read and write speeds of 1009.4 MBps and 715.96 MBps.

However, the Surface Pro 6 was able to outperform the Surface Laptop 2 in the file transfer test. To give more detail, the Surface Pro 6 was able to copy a 4.97 GB file in 22 seconds at a rate of 231 MBps (lower is better).

Meanwhile, the Surface Laptop 2 took 25 seconds to copy the same file. It copied the file at a rate of 203 MBps.

Regardless, the Surface Laptop 2 wins this round. Though the file transfer test showed that the Surface Pro 6 was faster, there are more performance criteria to consider.

A marginal file copy speed difference of 3 seconds is not enough to overlook the Surface Laptop 2’s dominating performance in the benchmark test.

Due to its superb performance in the benchmark test, the Surface Laptop 2 scores an eight for its storage performance rating. Meanwhile, the Surface Pro 6 scores a seven in this Surface Pro 6 vs Surface Laptop 2 storage performance comparison.

Surface Pro 6 vs Surface Laptop 2: Graphics Card Performance

Both the Surface Pro 6 and Surface Laptop 2 don’t have much going on in terms of their graphics card configuration options. Microsoft offers just one graphics card configuration option for both laptops.

In fact, you get the exact same graphics card configuration option with the two laptops. Microsoft equips the Surface Pro 6 and Surface Laptop 2 with an integrated Intel UHD Graphics 620 GPU.

This graphics card has a base frequency of 300 MHz and a boost frequency of 1150 MHz.

Sadly, you don’t get a dedicated VRAM with either of the two laptops’ GPU configurations. This is quite disappointing for those that would have loved to comfortably run AAA title games – a dedicated VRAM would have helped to aid the laptops’ GPU performance.

In both laptops’ defense, Microsoft did not manufacture them to primarily serve gamers, so I didn’t expect high-end graphics configurations. If you want to buy either the Surface Pro 6 or Surface Laptop 2, gaming shouldn’t be one of your top priorities.

Nevertheless, both the Surface Pro 6 and Surface Laptop 2 are powerful enough to handle casual games. On the Dirt 3 racing game, the Surface Pro 6 was able to run at a smooth 80.9 frames per second.

Meanwhile, the Surface Laptop 2 ran the same game at a better frame rate of 82 frames per second.

On Bioshock Infinite, the Surface Pro 6 continued to impress with a frame rate of 70.2 frames per second. On the other hand, the Surface Laptop 2 couldn’t outperform the Surface Pro 6 on this game, but it still did well.

The Surface Laptop played the Bioshock Infinite at a frame rate of 55.6 frames per second.

In addition to these real-world gaming tests, I also obtained both laptops’ benchmark performance tests. To be precise, I consulted the 3DMark 11 benchmark to further ascertain their graphics card performance capabilities.

On this test, the Surface Pro 6 continued in its fine form of impressive performance by achieving 1881 points. The Surface Laptop 2 was equally impressive, but its performance was not good enough to outscore the Surface Pro 6’s.

To give more detail, the Surface Laptop 2 scored 1852 points.

Overall, the Surface Pro 6 displayed a better graphics performance in all the tests I considered. Though the Surface Laptop 2 offered a good performance, its performance was not good enough to outperform the Surface Pro 6.

As a result, the Surface Laptop 2 scores a seven in this Surface Pro 6 vs Surface Laptop 2 graphics card performance comparison. Meanwhile, the Surface Pro 6 scores an eight for its better performance.

Surface Pro 6 vs Surface Laptop 2: Battery Life and Performance

Both the Surface Laptop 2 and Surface Pro 6 are usually shipped with the same Lithium-ion battery type. However, their battery capacity differs.

In the case of the Surface Pro 6, you get a 45 Wh Lithium-ion battery. Meanwhile, Microsoft equips the Surface Laptop 2 with a slightly bigger 45.2 Wh Lithium-ion battery.

According to Microsoft, the Surface Pro 6 will be able to run for as long as 13 hours and 30 minutes before it runs out of its fully charged battery. They also claim that the Surface Laptop 2 will be able to offer a battery life of up to 14 hours, 30 minutes.

To my disappointment, I found out that neither of these laptops can last as long as Microsoft promised. On a continuous web surfing test, the Surface Pro 6 lasted for 9 hours and 5 minutes, falling about 4 hours short of the promised runtime.

Similarly, the Surface Laptop 2 couldn’t also offer the battery runtime Microsoft promised. On the continuous web surfing test, the Surface Laptop 2 lasted for 9 hours and 3 minutes.

I also took down records of how long both laptops lasted when they were subjected to run under maximum computing workload. On this test, the Surface Pro 6 lasted for 1 hour and 58 minutes.

The Surface Laptop 2, on the other hand, couldn’t last as long as the Surface Pro 6. It lasted for 1 hour and 38 minutes.

Though it is disappointing that neither of the two laptops can offer the battery runtime Microsoft promised, their battery runtime is not bad. On that note, it is important that I point out that the Surface Pro 6 offers a slightly better battery life compared to the Surface Laptop 2.

Hence, it scores an eight in this Surface Pro 6 vs Surface Laptop 2 battery life performance comparison. Meanwhile, the Surface Laptop 2 scores a seven.

Our Rating Summary

Frequently Asked Questions

Conclusion

Overall, the Surface Laptop 2 and Surface Pro 6 are closely similar in terms of performance and aesthetics. Both laptops are well-built, they offer good performance, and they look great.

Due to these reasons, your purchasing decision will ultimately come down to personal preference. If you are mainly in search of a traditional clamshell laptop and you don’t need or want a tablet, then the Surface Laptop 2 will be an ideal option.

However, if you are in love with the idea of having the flexibility of a detachable tablet that can function as a standard laptop, then the Surface Pro 6 is the one for you.

Hence, based on our comprehensive comparison of the Surface Pro 6 vs Surface Laptop 2, we recommend:

The Surface Laptop is also not a bad choice, especially if you intend to spend as little as possible – after all, it offers equally great performance.

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