Microsoft Surface Laptop 3 (13.5) Review: Familiar Design, New Intel Hardware

Editor note: This English review is an original adaptation based on source material from Notebook-Center.ru.

Overview

The Microsoft Surface Laptop 3 (13.5) keeps the familiar look of the earlier model, but it adds newer Intel Ice Lake hardware and a more modern port selection with USB Type-C. This configuration combines a Core i5-1035G7 processor, 8 GB of LPDDR4x memory, a 256 GB SSD, and a 13.5-inch touchscreen with a 3:2 aspect ratio. The result is a lightweight premium notebook aimed at everyday work, study, web use, and light creative tasks.

Its main strengths are the display quality, solid chassis, quiet keyboard experience, and balanced day-to-day performance. The main compromises are limited upgrade options, a modest port selection, and no Thunderbolt support.

Technical Specifications

Design

The Surface Laptop 3 stays close to Microsoft’s established premium design. Depending on the version, buyers can choose between an all-aluminum finish or an Alcantara-covered keyboard deck. The reviewed black version has a matte exterior with a glossy Microsoft logo on the lid. Build quality is a strong point: the chassis feels rigid, the hinge works smoothly, and the notebook remains easy to carry thanks to its 1.29 kg weight and slim 14.5 mm profile.

There are a few practical trade-offs. The dark finish shows fingerprints and dust quite easily, and the screen bezels are not especially narrow compared with rivals such as the Dell XPS 13. The lid opens with one hand, and the maximum opening angle is about 140 degrees.

Display, Audio and Webcam

The 13.5-inch PixelSense display is one of the highlights here. It uses a 2256x1504 IPS panel with a 3:2 aspect ratio, which is especially comfortable for documents, web browsing, and other vertical content. The source review reports brightness up to 400 cd/m2 and a 1000:1 contrast ratio, so the panel should remain usable in bright indoor conditions and even outdoors.

sRGB coverage is listed at 94%, while AdobeRGB coverage reaches 64%. Viewing angles are strong, the glossy panel is protected by Corning Gorilla Glass, and the capacitive touchscreen supports 10-point multi-touch. Audio comes from two OmniSonic speakers with Dolby Audio Premium support, delivering clear and balanced sound in normal use. The 720p webcam is standard for video calls, and the IR sensors support Windows Hello for quick sign-in.

Keyboard and Touchpad

The keyboard is designed for comfortable daily typing. It uses large keys with short 1.3 mm travel, a distinct response, and quiet operation, which makes the notebook well suited to offices, classrooms, and other shared spaces. A three-level backlight helps in low light, and the larger control keys are easy to find.

The touchpad is also a meaningful improvement point. According to the source, it is 20% larger than on the previous generation, with a smooth surface and fast response to multitouch gestures. Together, the keyboard and touchpad support the Surface Laptop 3’s role as a productivity-first ultraportable.

Performance, Ports and Battery

This version uses Intel’s Core i5-1035G7, a 10 nm Ice Lake processor with four cores, boost frequencies up to 3.7 GHz, and Intel Iris Plus Graphics G7. In practical terms, that means better everyday responsiveness than the older model and enough graphics performance for office work, browsing, media use, and lighter photo-editing workloads. The integrated GPU is also capable of handling some less demanding games, though this is not a gaming notebook. One limitation is that the 8 GB of memory is soldered, so future RAM upgrades are not possible.

Physical connectivity remains fairly limited. The left side carries USB 3.0, USB Type-C, and a combo audio jack, while the right side holds the Surface Connect port. The move from Mini DisplayPort to USB Type-C is useful, but Thunderbolt support is still missing. Wireless connectivity includes Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.0. Battery capacity is 45.8 Wh, and the source review estimates around 7 to 9 hours for web browsing or video streaming, with much shorter endurance under heavy loads. Fast charging is supported, with up to 80% charge in about one hour.

Verdict

The Microsoft Surface Laptop 3 (13.5) is a refined premium notebook rather than a major redesign. Its strongest points are the sharp 3:2 touchscreen, excellent chassis quality, quiet input devices, and improved Intel platform. It also benefits from the addition of USB Type-C and solid battery life for mainstream use.

At the same time, buyers should note the small number of ports, the lack of Thunderbolt, and the soldered memory. For users who want a compact Windows notebook focused on everyday productivity, display quality, and polished design, this model remains a practical and well-balanced option.