Microsoft Surface Laptop Go vs Apple MacBook Air (M1, 2020)
Get ready for the ultimate showdown between the Microsoft Surface Laptop Go and the Apple MacBook Air (M1, 2020). Discover the key differences and similarities between these two powerful laptops, and find out which one is the perfect fit for your needs.
| Feature | Microsoft Surface Laptop Go | Apple MacBook Air (M1, 2020) |
|---|---|---|
| Operating System | Windows 10 Home in S mode | macOS Big Sur |
| Processor | 10th Gen Intel Core i5 | Apple M1 chip |
| Display | 12.4-inch PixelSense touchscreen | 13.3-inch Retina display with True Tone |
| Resolution | 1536 x 1024 pixels | 2560 x 1600 pixels |
| RAM | 8 GB | 8 GB (configurable up to 16 GB) |
| Storage | 128 GB SSD | 256 GB SSD (configurable up to 2 TB) |
| Graphics | Intel UHD Graphics | Apple M1 GPU |
| Ports | 1 x USB-C, 1 x USB-A, 1 x Surface Connect, 3.5mm headphone jack | 2 x Thunderbolt/USB 4 ports, 3.5mm headphone jack |
| Touch ID/Fingerprint Sensor | Yes | No |
| Face Recognition | No | Yes (Face ID) |
| Battery Life | Up to 13 hours | Up to 18 hours |
| Weight | 2.45 pounds (1.11 kg) | 2.8 pounds (1.29 kg) |
| Wireless Connectivity | Wi-Fi 6: 802.11ax, Bluetooth 5.0 | Wi-Fi 6: 802.11ax, Bluetooth 5.0 |
| Webcam | 720p HD front-facing camera | 720p FaceTime HD camera |
| Audio | Omnisonic speakers, Dolby Audio | Stereo speakers with high dynamic range |
Contents
Operating System
The Microsoft Surface Laptop Go runs on Windows 10 Home in S mode, while the Apple MacBook Air (M1, 2020) operates on macOS Big Sur. Both operating systems offer their own unique features and user experiences.
Processor
The Surface Laptop Go is equipped with a 10th Gen Intel Core i5 processor, while the MacBook Air (M1, 2020) boasts the Apple M1 chip. The M1 chip is Apple’s own custom-designed processor, offering impressive performance and power efficiency.
Display
The Surface Laptop Go features a 12.4-inch PixelSense touchscreen, while the MacBook Air (M1, 2020) sports a larger 13.3-inch Retina display with True Tone technology. Both displays provide vibrant colors and sharp visuals.
RAM and Storage
Both laptops come with 8 GB of RAM, but the MacBook Air (M1, 2020) offers the option to configure it with up to 16 GB. In terms of storage, the Surface Laptop Go has a 128 GB SSD, while the MacBook Air (M1, 2020) starts with a 256 GB SSD and can be configured up to 2 TB.
Graphics and Ports
The Surface Laptop Go features Intel UHD Graphics, while the MacBook Air (M1, 2020) utilizes the Apple M1 GPU. In terms of ports, the Surface Laptop Go offers a USB-C, USB-A, Surface Connect, and a headphone jack, while the MacBook Air (M1, 2020) provides two Thunderbolt/USB 4 ports and a headphone jack.
Security Features
The Surface Laptop Go includes a touch ID/fingerprint sensor for secure login, while the MacBook Air (M1, 2020) does not have a fingerprint sensor but offers Face ID facial recognition for biometric authentication.
Battery Life and Weight
The Surface Laptop Go offers up to 13 hours of battery life and weighs 2.45 pounds (1.11 kg), while the MacBook Air (M1, 2020) provides up to 18 hours of battery life and weighs 2.8 pounds (1.29 kg). Both laptops offer excellent portability.
Connectivity and Webcam
Both laptops support Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) and Bluetooth 5.0 for wireless connectivity. The Surface Laptop Go has a 720p HD front-facing camera, while the MacBook Air (M1, 2020) features a 720p FaceTime HD camera for video calls.
Audio
The Surface Laptop Go is equipped with Omnisonic speakers and Dolby Audio for immersive sound, while the MacBook Air (M1, 2020) features stereo speakers with high dynamic range for enhanced audio quality.
