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Apple MacBook Air 13-inch (M5, 2026) vs Microsoft Surface Laptop 2

A

Product A: Apple

MacBook Air 13-inch (M5, 2026)

99 of 179 known

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B

Product B: Microsoft

Surface Laptop 2

75 of 179 known

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All 179 fields

Every value links to where we found it.

Only differences

AApple MacBook Air 13-inch (M5, 2026)

BMicrosoft Surface Laptop 2

General

8 of 9 differ

Series

MacBook Air5Maker product pageapple.com/macbook-airRead 30 September 2026

Surface Laptop5Press releaseblogs.windows.com/devices/2018/10/02/meet-surface-pro-6-surface-laptop-2-surface-studio-2-and-surface-headphonesRead 5 October 2026

Model numbersiMaker identifiers for this exact model and its listed variants. Excludes sibling models and other generations.

MDH74LL/A, MDHA4LL/A, MDHE4LL/A, MDHH4LL/A6Maker product pagesupport.apple.com/en-us/102869Read 30 September 2026Model Identifier Mac17,3. Part numbers MDH74, MDHA4, MDHE4, MDHH4 (xx/A) and others for other configurations9Maker spec sheet (PDF)apple.com/education/pricelists/pdfs/Apple_US_Education_Institution_Price_List.pdfRead 30 September 2026Page 2 identifies all four exact US 16 GB/512 GB/8-core-GPU part numbers.

LQL-000013Retailer pagebhphotovideo.com/c/product/1434732-REG/microsoft_lql_00001_13_5_multi_touch_surface_laptop.htmlRead 5 October 2026Exact original US LQL-00001 Platinum, Core i5-8250U, 8 GB RAM and 128 GB SSD, full current table independently opened. No present stock claim.

GTIN / EAN

19595068738510Retailer pagemicrocenter.com/product/708450/apple-macbook-air-13-mdh74ll-a-%28early-2026%29-136-laptop-computer-silverRead 30 September 2026Exact MDH74LL/A Product Information / UPC cell: 195950687385. Other regional or colour SKUs have no verified GTIN here.

Not available

AnnouncediThe maker's first announcement of this model. This is separate from first retail availability.

3 March 20263Press releaseapple.com/newsroom/2026/03/apple-introduces-the-new-macbook-air-with-m5Read 30 September 2026

2 October 20185Press releaseblogs.windows.com/devices/2018/10/02/meet-surface-pro-6-surface-laptop-2-surface-studio-2-and-surface-headphonesRead 5 October 2026Original maker October 2 announcement, separate from preorder/actual retail.

Status

Available5Maker product pageapple.com/macbook-airRead 30 September 2026On sale in the Apple Store on 2026-09-30. US price now $1,299 for MDH74LL/A

Discontinued7Retailer pagebuydig.com/shop/product/MSLQL00001/Microsoft-LQL-00001-Surface-2-135-Intel-i5-8250U-8GB128GB-Touch-Laptop-PlatinumRead 7 October 2026Exact LQL-00001 i5/8GB/128GB/Platinum listing explicitly says Discontinued. B&H says No Longer Available. This is legacy new-product status, not used/refurbished availability.

PredecessoriThe model this one directly replaced, in the same line, tier and size, as the maker or a trusted review names it.

Apple MacBook Air 13-inch (M4, 2025)11Reviewrtings.com/laptop/reviews/apple/macbook-air-13-m5-2026Read 23 October 2026RTINGS says the MacBook Air 13 (M5, 2026) replaces the MacBook Air 13 (M4, 2025).

Microsoft Surface Laptop (2017)21Spec databaseen.wikipedia.org/wiki/Surface_Laptop_2Read 7 October 2026Infobox Predecessor Surface Laptop and prose says the Laptop 2 succeeds the Surface Laptop released in June 2017. Links the existing catalog first-generation entry. This is marketed-generation lineage, not hardware or SKU inheritance.

SuccessoriThe model that directly replaced this one, in the same line, tier and size. A revision such as a Slim or OLED model does not count when a next generation exists.

Not available

Microsoft Surface Laptop 3 13.5-inch21Spec databaseen.wikipedia.org/wiki/Surface_Laptop_2Read 7 October 2026Infobox Successor Surface Laptop 3. Links the existing 13.5-inch catalog entry because the reference is 13.5-inch. The 15-inch Ryzen branch is not linked. Generation relationship does not assert an exact one-to-one retail SKU replacement.

Launch price (US)iThe maker's US launch MSRP for the stated configuration, excluding tax. Current store prices and later discounts do not qualify.

$1,0993Press releaseapple.com/newsroom/2026/03/apple-introduces-the-new-macbook-air-with-m5Read 30 September 202613-inch starts at $1,099 (U.S.)

Not available

Launch price (EU)iThe maker's euro launch price for the stated configuration, including VAT as published. Current store prices and later discounts do not qualify.

€1,2494Press releaseapple.com/ie/newsroom/2026/03/apple-introduces-the-new-macbook-air-with-m5Read 30 September 2026Ireland: 13-inch starts at €1249 incl. VAT

Not available

MarketsiISO country or region codes where this exact model or variant is sold. A source page's language does not establish availability.

US, IE3Press releaseapple.com/newsroom/2026/03/apple-introduces-the-new-macbook-air-with-m5Read 30 September 2026US. Pre-order in 33 countries and regions4Press releaseapple.com/ie/newsroom/2026/03/apple-introduces-the-new-macbook-air-with-m5Read 30 September 2026

US3Retailer pagebhphotovideo.com/c/product/1434732-REG/microsoft_lql_00001_13_5_multi_touch_surface_laptop.htmlRead 5 October 2026

ColoursiThe maker's own colour names

Sky Blue, Silver, Starlight, Midnight1Maker product pagesupport.apple.com/en-us/126320Read 8 October 20263Press releaseapple.com/newsroom/2026/03/apple-introduces-the-new-macbook-air-with-m5Read 30 September 2026

Platinum3Retailer pagebhphotovideo.com/c/product/1434732-REG/microsoft_lql_00001_13_5_multi_touch_surface_laptop.htmlRead 5 October 2026

Segment

Ultrabook3Press releaseapple.com/newsroom/2026/03/apple-introduces-the-new-macbook-air-with-m5Read 30 September 2026Apple calls it the world's most popular laptop. Thin and light, fanless

Not available

Form factor

Clamshell1Maker product pagesupport.apple.com/en-us/126320Read 8 October 2026Laptop with keyboard and trackpad, no convertible hinge

Clamshell8Spec databasekelaptop.com/en/microsoft-surface-laptop-2-lql-00001Read 7 October 2026Exact LQL-00001 Design table: Form factor Clamshell. CPU i5-8250U, 8GB and 128GB match the reference. Its December release metadata is rejected against maker October evidence.

Chassis

2 of 6 differ

DimensionsiClosed laptop body size. Minimum and maximum thickness describe the front and rear or other points stated by the maker.

Width304.1Depth215Thickness (max)11.3mm(12 × 8.5 × 0.4 in)1Maker product pagesupport.apple.com/en-us/126320Read 8 October 2026Height 1.13 cm, width 30.41 cm, depth 21.5 cm

Width308.02Depth223.2Thickness (min)9.93Thickness (max)14.47mm(12.1 × 8.8 × 0.4 to 0.6 in)1Maker spec sheet (PDF)news.microsoft.com/wp-content/uploads/prod/sites/519/2018/10/Surface-Laptop-2-Fact-Sheet.pdfRead 5 October 2026Original published metric dimensions, including closed wedge front 9.93 mm and rear 14.47 mm. Current guide uses slightly different rounded dimensions. No conversions from rounded inches or mix of dimensions across publications.

Weight (published)iPublished laptop weight without the charger. A starting weight is identified in the source note and may vary with configuration.

1.23kg(2.7 lb)1Maker product pagesupport.apple.com/en-us/126320Read 8 October 2026

1.252kg(2.8 lb)2Owner's manualsupport.microsoft.com/en-us/surface/models/surface-laptop-2-specs-and-featuresRead 5 October 2026Maker current i5 weight row explicitly 1,252 grams, retained as 1.252 kg. Original rounded 1.26 kg and retailer conversion 1.25 kg excluded.

Lid material

Aluminium1Maker product pagesupport.apple.com/en-us/126320Read 8 October 2026100% recycled aluminum in the enclosure

Aluminium1Maker spec sheet (PDF)news.microsoft.com/wp-content/uploads/prod/sites/519/2018/10/Surface-Laptop-2-Fact-Sheet.pdfRead 5 October 2026Original mechanical features expressly aluminium body. Alcantara covers keyboard and palm rest, not exterior enclosure.

Bottom material

Aluminium1Maker product pagesupport.apple.com/en-us/126320Read 8 October 2026100% recycled aluminum in the enclosure

Aluminium1Maker spec sheet (PDF)news.microsoft.com/wp-content/uploads/prod/sites/519/2018/10/Surface-Laptop-2-Fact-Sheet.pdfRead 5 October 2026Original aluminium body.

Max hinge angle

Not available

Not available

MIL-STD-810 testing (claimed)iManufacturer claim of MIL-STD-810 testing. The revision and tested procedures belong in the source note. This is not proof of every standard test.

Not available

Not available

Display

9 of 25 differ

Screen sizeiDiagonal of the main built-in display. Rounded-corner displays may be measured as a full rectangle.

13.6in(34.5 cm)1Maker product pagesupport.apple.com/en-us/126320Read 8 October 2026

13.5in(34.3 cm)1Maker spec sheet (PDF)news.microsoft.com/wp-content/uploads/prod/sites/519/2018/10/Surface-Laptop-2-Fact-Sheet.pdfRead 5 October 2026

Native resolution

2560 × 1664px1Maker product pagesupport.apple.com/en-us/126320Read 8 October 2026

2256 × 1504px1Maker spec sheet (PDF)news.microsoft.com/wp-content/uploads/prod/sites/519/2018/10/Surface-Laptop-2-Fact-Sheet.pdfRead 5 October 2026

Pixel density

224.5ppi=CalculatedFrom Screen size and Native resolution

200.8ppi=CalculatedFrom Screen size and Native resolution

Panel typeiDell's WVA means wide viewing angle and names no panel technology, so it is stored as IPS only when Dell or a review names IPS.

IPS1Maker product pagesupport.apple.com/en-us/126320Read 8 October 2026LED-backlit display with IPS technology

IPS9Spec databasee-catalog.com/MICROSOFT-LQL-00001.htmRead 7 October 2026Exact LQL-00001 screen table: Screen type IPS. LaptopMedia i5/8GB/128GB profile independently states IPS.

Backlight

Not available

Not available

Dimming zonesiIndependently controlled backlight zones, not the number of LEDs or screen pixels.

Not available

Not available

Panel part numberiPanel part number identified in a matching review unit. Suppliers may vary within the same laptop configuration.

Not available

Not available

Screen surfaceiSurface of the stored display configuration. Anti-reflective coatings do not by themselves make a glossy display matte. A matte finish of the chassis is not the screen surface.

Glossy7Measurementnotebookcheck.net/Insane-performance-and-efficiency-without-fans-Apple-MacBook-Air-13-M5-Entry-Review.1242707.0.htmlRead 30 September 2026glossy: yes, with anti-reflective surface

Glossy9Spec databasee-catalog.com/MICROSOFT-LQL-00001.htmRead 7 October 2026Exact LQL-00001 screen table: Surface treatment glossy. Notebookcheck family review independently describes the Surface Laptop 2 screen as very reflective.

Touchscreen

No10Retailer pagemicrocenter.com/product/708450/apple-macbook-air-13-mdh74ll-a-%28early-2026%29-136-laptop-computer-silverRead 30 September 2026Display specifications: Touch Screen No, exact MDH74LL/A 16 GB/512 GB/8-core-GPU configuration.

Yes1Maker spec sheet (PDF)news.microsoft.com/wp-content/uploads/prod/sites/519/2018/10/Surface-Laptop-2-Fact-Sheet.pdfRead 5 October 2026

Stylus

Not available

Supported1Maker spec sheet (PDF)news.microsoft.com/wp-content/uploads/prod/sites/519/2018/10/Surface-Laptop-2-Fact-Sheet.pdfRead 5 October 2026Original Display row explicitly designed for Surface Pen inking. Pen sold separately.

Refresh rate modesiHighest confirmed operating refresh rate of the built-in display at each resolution. Add a second row only for a documented dual-mode panel, not an ordinary supported timing.

AApple MacBook Air 13-inch (M5, 2026)

Width (px)	Height (px)	Maximum operating refresh (Hz)
2560	1664	60

Source7Measurementnotebookcheck.net/Insane-performance-and-efficiency-without-fans-Apple-MacBook-Air-13-M5-Entry-Review.1242707.0.htmlRead 30 September 2026

BMicrosoft Surface Laptop 2

Width (px)	Height (px)	Maximum operating refresh (Hz)	VRR
2256	1504	60	No

Source3Retailer pagebhphotovideo.com/c/product/1434732-REG/microsoft_lql_00001_13_5_multi_touch_surface_laptop.htmlRead 5 October 2026Exact built-in Display table explicitly 2256 x 1504, 60 Hz and Variable Refresh Technology No.

Max refresh rate

60Hz=CalculatedFrom Refresh rate modes

60Hz=CalculatedFrom Refresh rate modes

Adaptive synciNamed variable refresh technologies for the built-in display. Manual switching between 60Hz and 120Hz is not VRR.

Not available

Not available

Gray-to-gray response time (claimed)iManufacturer claim for a gray-to-gray pixel transition. Do not use generic response times, black-to-white values, or motion-picture response times.

Not available

Not available

Native panel colour depthiPhysical panel colour depth per channel. Do not infer native bit depth or FRC from the number of supported colours.

Not available

Not available

Brightness (SDR, claimed)iManufacturer typical SDR luminance. Outdoor maxima and an unspecified peak are not typical SDR brightness.

500nits1Maker product pagesupport.apple.com/en-us/126320Read 8 October 2026

Not available

Peak brightness (SDR outdoors, claimed)iManufacturer maximum SDR luminance explicitly claimed for outdoor use. Ambient light, automatic brightness and other stated conditions belong in the source note. Not typical SDR or HDR brightness.

Not available

Not available

Sustained brightness (HDR, claimed)iManufacturer explicitly sustained HDR luminance. Screen area, duration, temperature and other stated conditions belong in the source note. Not a brief peak or SDR luminance.

Not available

Not available

Peak brightness (HDR, claimed)iManufacturer peak luminance explicitly measured or claimed in HDR. Window size and duration belong in the source note.

Not available

Not available

sRGB coverage (claimed)iManufacturer stated sRGB gamut percentage. The source note identifies coverage, volume, or an unspecified maker gamut claim.

Not available

100%14Maker spec sheet (PDF)news.microsoft.com/wp-content/uploads/prod/2018/10/Surface-Laptop-2-Fact-Sheet.pdfRead 7 October 2026Printed page 2 Display row: 100 percent sRGB color, individually calibrated. Literal unqualified maker gamut claim. Area versus volume method is not stated. This follows the field help permitting an unspecified maker gamut claim, not a reviewer measured field.

DCI-P3 coverage (claimed)iManufacturer stated DCI-P3 gamut percentage. The source note identifies coverage, volume, or an unspecified maker gamut claim.

Not available

Not available

Adobe RGB coverage (claimed)iManufacturer stated Adobe RGB gamut percentage. The source note identifies coverage, volume, or an unspecified maker gamut claim.

Not available

Not available

HDR certification

Not available

Not available

Factory calibratediThe maker explicitly states factory colour calibration. Certification alone does not establish calibration.

Not available

Yes1Maker spec sheet (PDF)news.microsoft.com/wp-content/uploads/prod/sites/519/2018/10/Surface-Laptop-2-Fact-Sheet.pdfRead 5 October 2026Original Display row expressly says individually calibrated display with 100 percent sRGB color. No inferred gamut area/coverage metric retained.14Maker spec sheet (PDF)news.microsoft.com/wp-content/uploads/prod/2018/10/Surface-Laptop-2-Fact-Sheet.pdfRead 7 October 2026Original maker fact sheet, printed page 2 Display row: 100 percent sRGB color, individually calibrated. This is the shipped-product display calibration claim, not a reviewer measured accuracy value.

Second display

Not available

Not available

Processor

10 of 14 differ

Processor

Apple M5 (10-core CPU)1Maker product pagesupport.apple.com/en-us/126320Read 8 October 2026

Intel Core i5-8250U1Maker spec sheet (PDF)news.microsoft.com/wp-content/uploads/prod/sites/519/2018/10/Surface-Laptop-2-Fact-Sheet.pdfRead 5 October 2026Original CPU row explicitly consumer Core i5-8250U. Commercial Core i5-8350U excluded. Retailer incorrect Coffee Lake codename ignored.

Processor brand

Apple1Maker product pagesupport.apple.com/en-us/126320Read 8 October 2026

Intel1Maker spec sheet (PDF)news.microsoft.com/wp-content/uploads/prod/sites/519/2018/10/Surface-Laptop-2-Fact-Sheet.pdfRead 5 October 2026

Core configurationiProcessor core groups using the chip maker's names. MediaTek Big, Apple Super and AMD Zen architecture labels remain distinct from Intel P and E labels.

AApple MacBook Air 13-inch (M5, 2026)

Core type	Count	Core
Super	4	Super
Efficiency	6	Efficiency

Source1Maker product pagesupport.apple.com/en-us/126320Read 8 October 2026Chip section: 10-core CPU, 4 super cores and 6 efficiency cores. Apple publishes no clock maxima.7Measurementnotebookcheck.net/Insane-performance-and-efficiency-without-fans-Apple-MacBook-Air-13-M5-Entry-Review.1242707.0.htmlRead 30 September 20264 x 4.6 GHz M5 S-Core (up to 4.608 GHz), 6 x 3.0 GHz M5 E-Core (3.048 GHz)

BMicrosoft Surface Laptop 2

Count	Base clock (GHz)	Max clock (GHz)
4	1.6	3.4

Source4Maker product pageintel.com/content/www/us/en/products/sku/124967/intel-core-i58250u-processor-6m-cache-up-to-3-40-ghz/specifications.htmlRead 5 October 2026Exact homogeneous four-core chip, 1.6 GHz standard base and 3.4 GHz maximum turbo. No later P/E labels imposed. Configurable TDP clocks/power and CPU RAM capability are not imported as laptop settings.

CPU cores

10=CalculatedFrom Core configuration

4=CalculatedFrom Core configuration

Cores labelled performanceiCounts only rows classified as performance. Other labels, including Big, Super and AMD Zen architecture rows, are not included.

0=CalculatedFrom Core configuration

Not available

Cores labelled efficiencyiCounts only efficiency and low-power-efficiency rows. AMD Zen 5c and Apple super cores are not included.

6=CalculatedFrom Core configuration

Not available

ThreadsiMaximum hardware threads of the processor, including simultaneous multithreading where supported.

107Measurementnotebookcheck.net/Insane-performance-and-efficiency-without-fans-Apple-MacBook-Air-13-M5-Entry-Review.1242707.0.htmlRead 30 September 2026

84Maker product pageintel.com/content/www/us/en/products/sku/124967/intel-core-i58250u-processor-6m-cache-up-to-3-40-ghz/specifications.htmlRead 5 October 2026

Max boost clock

Not available

3.4GHz=CalculatedFrom Core configuration

L3 cacheiL3 cache only. Do not copy a combined L2 plus L3 cache total. Qualcomm's total cache, such as 30 MB on Snapdragon X, is not L3, even when a laptop maker labels it L3.

Not available

6MB10Retailer pagenewegg.com/microsoft-surface-laptop-2-13-5-10-point-multi-touch-intel-core-i5-8250u-intel-uhd-graphics-620-8gb-memory-128-gb-ssd-platinum/p/N82E16834735829Read 7 October 2026Exact LQL-00001 CPU table identifies i5-8250U and CPU L3 Cache 6 MB. The exact-chip Notebookcheck table independently says Level 3 Cache 6 MB. Generic 15 W CPU TDP is not imported as a configured laptop limit.

ProcessiProcess size class of the processor compute die in nm, as on CPUs: TSMC N3B is 3, Intel 7 is 10, Intel 4 is 7 and Intel 18A is 1.8. Marketing process names and other chiplet processes belong in the source note.

3nm7Measurementnotebookcheck.net/Insane-performance-and-efficiency-without-fans-Apple-MacBook-Air-13-M5-Entry-Review.1242707.0.htmlRead 30 September 20263 nm

14nm4Maker product pageintel.com/content/www/us/en/products/sku/124967/intel-core-i58250u-processor-6m-cache-up-to-3-40-ghz/specifications.htmlRead 5 October 2026Intel explicitly 14 nm, no marketing-name numeric conversion.

Sustained CPU power (configured)iThis laptop's sustained configured CPU power limit, such as PL1. A chip manufacturer's generic base power is not the laptop setting.

Not available

Not available

Peak CPU power (configured)iThis laptop's configured short-duration CPU limit, such as PL2. Do not substitute generic processor maximum turbo power.

Not available

Not available

Combined CPU and GPU poweriMaker stated simultaneous CPU plus discrete-GPU budget for the exact configuration and power mode.

Not available

Not available

NPU performanceiNPU-only claimed operations per second. Excludes combined CPU, GPU and platform AI throughput. Precision belongs in the source note.

Not available

Not available

Graphics

1 of 9 differ

Discrete GPUiA separate dedicated graphics processor is installed. Integrated or unified-memory graphics do not qualify.

No1Maker product pagesupport.apple.com/en-us/126320Read 8 October 2026The only GPU is the one in the M5 chip

No3Retailer pagebhphotovideo.com/c/product/1434732-REG/microsoft_lql_00001_13_5_multi_touch_surface_laptop.htmlRead 5 October 2026Exact Performance table explicitly Integrated. Maker consumer graphics inventory lists Intel UHD 620 only.

GPU

Not available

Not available

GPU brand

Not available

Not available

VRAMiDedicated video memory of the installed discrete GPU. Shared system memory is excluded.

Not available

Not available

Max GPU power (TGP)iMaximum configured discrete-GPU power including Dynamic Boost. Mode and any maker qualification belong in the source note.

Not available

Not available

Dynamic BoostiMaximum additional GPU power shifted from the CPU through NVIDIA Dynamic Boost. This is part of maximum TGP, not extra to it. A figure written as "up to 115W Dynamic Boost" is the total, so it goes in gpu_tgp_max_w.

Not available

Not available

GPU boost clockiHighest maker configured GPU boost clock, including factory overclock where explicitly stated. Mode belongs in the source note.

Not available

Not available

GPU switchingiExplicit GPU display-routing or power-sharing features. Advanced Optimus includes hardware display multiplexing.

Not available

Not available

Integrated GPU

Apple M5 8-core GPU1Maker product pagesupport.apple.com/en-us/126320Read 8 October 2026

Intel UHD Graphics 6201Maker spec sheet (PDF)news.microsoft.com/wp-content/uploads/prod/sites/519/2018/10/Surface-Laptop-2-Fact-Sheet.pdfRead 5 October 2026

Memory

4 of 9 differ

Installed RAMiTotal installed RAM in this product configuration, not the maximum purchase option.

16GB1Maker product pagesupport.apple.com/en-us/126320Read 8 October 2026

8GB3Retailer pagebhphotovideo.com/c/product/1434732-REG/microsoft_lql_00001_13_5_multi_touch_surface_laptop.htmlRead 5 October 2026

RAM type

LPDDR5X7Measurementnotebookcheck.net/Insane-performance-and-efficiency-without-fans-Apple-MacBook-Air-13-M5-Entry-Review.1242707.0.htmlRead 30 September 202616 GB LPDDR5x-9600, onboard

Other1Maker spec sheet (PDF)news.microsoft.com/wp-content/uploads/prod/sites/519/2018/10/Surface-Laptop-2-Fact-Sheet.pdfRead 5 October 2026Original 1866 MHz LPDDR3. LPDDR3 has no dedicated schema enum, so other retained with this exact note. MHz not silently converted into configured MT/s.

RAM speediConfigured memory data rate in transfers per second. Do not treat the DRAM clock in MHz as the data rate.

9,600MT/s7Measurementnotebookcheck.net/Insane-performance-and-efficiency-without-fans-Apple-MacBook-Air-13-M5-Entry-Review.1242707.0.htmlRead 30 September 2026

Not available

Memory channelsiActive memory channels of the installed configuration, not the number of RAM modules or slots. One installed module is one channel. This holds for DDR5 too, whose two 32-bit subchannels on one module do not count as two channels. Soldered LPDDR memory counts in 64-bit units, so a 128-bit bus is 2 channels, even when a maker calls it quad-channel.

Not available

Not available

RAM upgradeiWhether the installed RAM is soldered, socketed in slots, or a mixture. Purchase-time configurations are not upgrades.

Soldered7Measurementnotebookcheck.net/Insane-performance-and-efficiency-without-fans-Apple-MacBook-Air-13-M5-Entry-Review.1242707.0.htmlRead 30 September 2026RAM and SSD soldered

Soldered11Press articlewindowscentral.com/surface-pro-6-surface-laptop-2-earn-terrible-repairability-scores-ifixitRead 7 October 2026Article reporting the actual Surface Laptop 2 iFixit teardown states the CPU, RAM and storage are all soldered in place. This is family construction evidence. Exact LQL-00001 B&H spec table says Memory Slots No. No M.2 or memory-socket rows are invented.

Memory slotsiPhysical replaceable RAM module sockets grouped by type and occupancy. Clocked SO-DIMM uses CSODIMM. Soldered memory is excluded.

Not available

Not available

RAM slots

Not available

Not available

Free RAM slots

Not available

Not available

Maximum supported RAMiManufacturer supported maximum RAM, including purchase-time soldered options. Does not imply post-purchase upgradeability.

32GB1Maker product pagesupport.apple.com/en-us/126320Read 8 October 2026Memory section: configurable to 24 GB or 32 GB at purchase, not a post-purchase upgrade.

16GB12Maker product pagesupport.microsoft.com/en-us/surface/models/surface-laptop-2-specs-and-featuresRead 7 October 2026Maker Memory row offers 8GB or 16GB RAM. This is the maximum supported purchase-time soldered configuration, as the schema defines. It does not claim the installed 8GB reference can be upgraded.

Storage

2 of 7 differ

Installed storageiTotal advertised installed storage in decimal GB. Convert 1TB to 1000GB, without changing an explicitly published 512GB value.

512GB1Maker product pagesupport.apple.com/en-us/126320Read 8 October 2026

128GB3Retailer pagebhphotovideo.com/c/product/1434732-REG/microsoft_lql_00001_13_5_multi_touch_surface_laptop.htmlRead 5 October 2026

Storage type

SSD (interface unspecified)1Maker product pagesupport.apple.com/en-us/126320Read 8 October 2026Storage section explicitly specifies SSD, without an interface classification.

SSD (interface unspecified)1Maker spec sheet (PDF)news.microsoft.com/wp-content/uploads/prod/sites/519/2018/10/Surface-Laptop-2-Fact-Sheet.pdfRead 5 October 2026Original offered 128 GB SSD. NVMe protocol/generation not inferred.

Installed drive PCIe generationiPCIe generation of the installed drive. This may be lower than the slot capability.

47Measurementnotebookcheck.net/Insane-performance-and-efficiency-without-fans-Apple-MacBook-Air-13-M5-Entry-Review.1242707.0.htmlRead 30 September 2026Faster 512 GB SSD (PCIe 4.0)

Not available

Storage slotsiPhysical storage connectors grouped by capability and occupancy. A slot accepting several drive lengths is one slot, not one per length.

Not available

Not available

M.2 slots

Not available

Not available

Free storage slots

Not available

Not available

Maximum slot PCIe generation

Not available

Not available

Ports

3 of 7 differ

PortsiPhysical laptop connectors grouped by type, protocol capability and side. One connector with several protocols is counted once.

AApple MacBook Air 13-inch (M5, 2026)

Type	Version	Count	Side	Maximum data rate (Gbps)	Thunderbolt or USB4	DP Alt Mode
MagSafe	MagSafe 3	1	Left	Not available	Not available	Not available
USB-C	Thunderbolt 4 / USB 4	2	Left	40	Thunderbolt 4	Yes
3.5 mm audio	Not available	1	Right	Not available	Not available	Not available

Source1Maker product pagesupport.apple.com/en-us/126320Read 8 October 2026MagSafe 3, 3.5 mm headphone jack, two Thunderbolt 4 (USB-C) ports with charging, DisplayPort, Thunderbolt 4 and USB 4 up to 40Gb/s. Sides from the user guide2Owner's manualsupport.apple.com/guide/macbook-air/take-a-tour-of-macbookair-apd7e765329d/2026/mac/27Read 30 September 2026Left side: MagSafe 3 port, two Thunderbolt 4 (USB-C) ports. Right side: 3.5 mm audio jack7Measurementnotebookcheck.net/Insane-performance-and-efficiency-without-fans-Apple-MacBook-Air-13-M5-Entry-Review.1242707.0.htmlRead 30 September 2026Left: MagSafe, 2x USB-C with Thunderbolt 4 (40 Gbps, DisplayPort 1.4, Power Delivery). Right: 3.5 mm

BMicrosoft Surface Laptop 2

Type	Version	Count	Side	Maximum data rate (Gbps)
USB-A	USB 3.0	1	Left	5
Mini DisplayPort	1.2	1	Left	Not available
3.5 mm audio	Not available	1	Left	Not available
Other	Surface Connect	1	Right	Not available

Source2Owner's manualsupport.microsoft.com/en-us/surface/models/surface-laptop-2-specs-and-featuresRead 5 October 2026Maker explicitly USB 3.0 and Mini DisplayPort version 1.2 in diagram, plus headset and Surface Connect. One USB-A, one mini DisplayPort. Numerical data rates are not inferred from connector shape or protocol branding.22Reviewnotebookcheck.net/Microsoft-Surface-Laptop-2-Core-i5-256-GB-Laptop-Review.390966.0.htmlRead 7 October 2026Case and Connectivity explicitly say Microsoft has not changed the Surface Laptop 2 chassis. Caption: Right Surface Connect, Left USB Type-A Gen1, Mini DisplayPort and 3.5mm audio jack. Only common physical layout is used, not sample performance.23Spec databasee-catalog.com/MICROSOFT-LQL-00001.htmRead 7 October 2026Exact LQL-00001 Connections table explicitly says USB-A 5Gbps 1pcs. Data rate is a written port claim, not inferred from USB branding or shape.

USB-C ports

2=CalculatedFrom Ports

0=CalculatedFrom Ports

Thunderbolt

Yes=CalculatedFrom Ports

Not available

Highest HDMI version

Not available

Not available

Card reader

No=CalculatedFrom Ports

No=CalculatedFrom Ports

Ethernet speed

Not available

Not available

Maximum USB-C charging inputiHighest confirmed charging power accepted by a USB-C port. This is separate from adapter rating and power delivered to peripherals.

Not available

Not available

Wireless

4 of 5 differ

Wi-Fi

Wi-Fi 71Maker product pagesupport.apple.com/en-us/126320Read 8 October 2026

Wi-Fi 51Maker spec sheet (PDF)news.microsoft.com/wp-content/uploads/prod/sites/519/2018/10/Surface-Laptop-2-Fact-Sheet.pdfRead 5 October 2026

Wi-Fi bandsiSupported radio frequency bands. Availability may be restricted by country or regulatory configuration.

Not available

Not available

Wi-Fi module

Apple N11Maker product pagesupport.apple.com/en-us/126320Read 8 October 20263Press releaseapple.com/newsroom/2026/03/apple-introduces-the-new-macbook-air-with-m5Read 30 September 2026

Marvell AVASTAR Wireless-AC Network Controller18Maker product pagesupport.microsoft.com/en-us/surface/updates/surface-laptop-2-update-historyRead 7 October 2026November 19, 2021 and earlier device-driver tables name Marvell AVASTAR Wireless-AC Network Controller for Surface Laptop 2. Device-manager module/controller name is retained. No unproved radio part number or band list is added.

BluetoothiThe version as a number with one decimal, such as 5.4 or 6.0. A qualifier such as or above goes in the source note.

6.01Maker product pagesupport.apple.com/en-us/126320Read 8 October 2026Apple writes Bluetooth 6, stored as 6.0.

4.11Maker spec sheet (PDF)news.microsoft.com/wp-content/uploads/prod/sites/519/2018/10/Surface-Laptop-2-Fact-Sheet.pdfRead 5 October 2026

Cellular

Not available

No15Reviewnotebookcheck.net/Microsoft-Surface-Laptop-2-Core-i5-256-GB-Laptop-Review.390966.0.htmlRead 7 October 2026Communication says users have to do without a WWAN module. This is the Surface Laptop 2 family connectivity design. No cellular variant is advertised by maker or exact LQL-00001 retailer.

Keyboard and touchpad

7 of 8 differ

Keyboard layoutsiDocumented layouts of the retained regional SKUs. Do not infer a layout solely from the sales country.

ANSI (78 keys), ISO (79 keys)1Maker product pagesupport.apple.com/en-us/126320Read 8 October 202678 (ANSI) or 79 (ISO) keys

Not available

Key switches

Not available

Scissor16Reviewlaptop-keys.com/blog/microsoft-surface-laptop-key-replacementRead 7 October 2026Repair specialist guide explicitly says Surface Laptop series 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 uses a custom low-travel scissor mechanism. It separately distinguishes the changed clip geometry in Laptop 3 from SL1/SL2. This is a mechanical construction claim, not an inference from Chiclet styling.

Keyboard backlightiA maker-confirmed backlight with no published type uses backlit_unspecified. Do not infer white lighting, a single colour or RGB from backlit alone. A single-zone RGB backlight is RGB zones.

Backlit, type not stated1Maker product pagesupport.apple.com/en-us/126320Read 8 October 2026Backlit Magic Keyboard. Backlight colour and type are not stated.

Single colour9Spec databasee-catalog.com/MICROSOFT-LQL-00001.htmRead 7 October 2026Exact LQL-00001 keyboard table: Backlight white. Notebookcheck describes three-level white backlighting as a common input-device feature.

NumpadiDedicated physical numeric keypad. A virtual touchpad number pad is not counted.

Not available

No8Spec databasekelaptop.com/en/microsoft-surface-laptop-2-lql-00001Read 7 October 2026Exact LQL-00001 Keyboard table: Numeric keypad No. Best Buy exact SKU also gives Numeric Keypad false.

Key traveliPhysical key travel distance, not actuation distance.

Not available

1.5mm1Maker spec sheet (PDF)news.microsoft.com/wp-content/uploads/prod/sites/519/2018/10/Surface-Laptop-2-Fact-Sheet.pdfRead 5 October 2026Original full 1.5 mm physical key travel. Backlit wording does not establish lighting color.

Pointing stickiDedicated stick pointing device such as TrackPoint. A touchpad does not qualify.

Not available

Not available

Touchpad size

Not available

Width105Height70mm(4.1 × 2.8 in)1Maker spec sheet (PDF)news.microsoft.com/wp-content/uploads/prod/sites/519/2018/10/Surface-Laptop-2-Fact-Sheet.pdfRead 5 October 2026Original 105 x 70 mm glass physical trackpad. Mechanism not inferred from Precision branding.

Touchpad mechanismiA clickpad or glass touchpad that clicks when pressed down is mechanical. Haptic needs a source that says haptic or force feedback.

Haptic1Maker product pagesupport.apple.com/en-us/126320Read 8 October 2026Force Touch trackpad

Mechanical15Reviewnotebookcheck.net/Microsoft-Surface-Laptop-2-Core-i5-256-GB-Laptop-Review.390966.0.htmlRead 7 October 2026Input Devices explicitly says Microsoft has not changed the input devices. Touchpad is a ClickPad with integrated mouse keys and an audible clicking sound. Mechanical input-device family feature, not a copied 256GB performance measurement.

Camera and audio

5 of 7 differ

Webcam

12 MP1Maker product pagesupport.apple.com/en-us/126320Read 8 October 2026

720p HD1Maker spec sheet (PDF)news.microsoft.com/wp-content/uploads/prod/sites/519/2018/10/Surface-Laptop-2-Fact-Sheet.pdfRead 5 October 2026

IR face loginiAn infrared camera suitable for Windows Hello face authentication. An ordinary webcam or fingerprint sensor does not qualify.

No7Measurementnotebookcheck.net/Insane-performance-and-efficiency-without-fans-Apple-MacBook-Air-13-M5-Entry-Review.1242707.0.htmlRead 30 September 2026Webcam without Face ID

Yes2Owner's manualsupport.microsoft.com/en-us/surface/models/surface-laptop-2-specs-and-featuresRead 5 October 2026Maker hardware diagram separately identifies Windows Hello facial-recognition camera and front-facing video camera.

Webcam privacy

Not available

Not available

Built-in speaker driversiIndividual built-in acoustic drivers, including separate tweeters and woofers. Do not count audio channels or infer driver count from speaker assemblies.

41Maker product pagesupport.apple.com/en-us/126320Read 8 October 2026

29Spec databasee-catalog.com/MICROSOFT-LQL-00001.htmRead 7 October 2026Exact LQL-00001 Multimedia table: Speakers 2 pcs. This source states a quantity, not merely stereo output. Maker Omnisonic speaker wording is unquantified and not used to infer the count. Unscoped E-Catalog display brightness/gamut/test values are excluded.

Total speaker poweriCombined published power of the built-in speaker drivers. RMS or peak classification belongs in the source note.

Not available

Not available

Audio features

Spatial Audio, Dolby Atmos, Voice Isolation microphone mode, Wide Spectrum microphone mode, Spatial Audio with dynamic head tracking using supported AirPods models1Maker product pagesupport.apple.com/en-us/126320Read 8 October 2026Exact 13-inch model Audio section explicitly lists Voice Isolation and Wide Spectrum microphone modes, alongside Spatial Audio and Dolby Atmos. Dynamic head tracking requires supported AirPods, AirPods Pro or AirPods Max. It is not an unconditional built-in-speaker feature. No 15-inch speaker count or component measurement inherited.

Dolby Audio Premium1Maker spec sheet (PDF)news.microsoft.com/wp-content/uploads/prod/sites/519/2018/10/Surface-Laptop-2-Fact-Sheet.pdfRead 5 October 2026Original Omnisonic speakers with Dolby Audio Premium. Stereo microphone wording does not establish physical count, so microphone count is omitted.

MicrophonesiPhysical built-in microphones, not beamforming channels or microphone modes.

31Maker product pagesupport.apple.com/en-us/126320Read 8 October 2026

217Spec databasesurfacetip.com/surface-laptop-2Read 7 October 2026Surface Laptop 2 Camera & Audio table explicitly says Dual microphones. This secondary source directly supplies the quantity. Maker stereo microphone wording is not itself treated as a capsule count.

Battery and power

5 of 5 differ

Battery energyiPublished nominal energy capacity of the installed internal battery in watt-hours. Separate from measured runtime and charger output.

53.8Wh1Maker product pagesupport.apple.com/en-us/126320Read 8 October 2026

45.2Wh13Retailer pagebhphotovideo.com/c/product/1434732-REG/microsoft_lql_00001_13_5_multi_touch_surface_laptop.htmlRead 7 October 2026Exact LQL-00001 Battery table: Capacity 4-Cell: 45.2 Wh. No battery energy rating found in maker sheet. SurfaceTip independently states 45.2 Wh. iFixit aftermarket replacement battery is excluded as proof of an installed original battery.

Claimed battery lifeiManufacturer maximum runtime for each explicitly named test. Display brightness, configuration and other conditions belong in the source note. Wireless streaming preserves an unnamed content type and does not imply video or audio. Video conferencing requires an explicit calling test, with application and participant setup in the source note. MobileMark versions use different workloads, so compare only rows of the same version.

AApple MacBook Air 13-inch (M5, 2026)

Use case	Hours (h)
Video streaming	18
Web browsing	15

Source1Maker product pagesupport.apple.com/en-us/126320Read 8 October 2026Up to 18 hours video streaming, up to 15 hours wireless web. Apple test with 10-core CPU, 8-core GPU, 16 GB, 512 GB

BMicrosoft Surface Laptop 2

Not available

Adapter rated outputiNominal rated output of the documented supplied or recommended adapter. A temporary dynamic maximum belongs in the source note. Not the laptop charging-input limit.

40W1Maker product pagesupport.apple.com/en-us/126320Read 8 October 2026Battery and Power / In the Box: nominal 40 W Dynamic Power Adapter, temporarily up to 60 W. This is not the laptop USB-C charging limit.

44W1Maker spec sheet (PDF)news.microsoft.com/wp-content/uploads/prod/sites/519/2018/10/Surface-Laptop-2-Fact-Sheet.pdfRead 5 October 2026Original 44 W power supply with USB charging port, nominal total adapter rating rather than accepted input.

Laptop charging connectoriConnector at the laptop end of the documented main charging cable, not the wall plug or adapter-end connector. HP's AC smart pin is a round DC plug, so it is barrel.

MagSafe1Maker product pagesupport.apple.com/en-us/126320Read 8 October 2026USB-C to MagSafe 3 Cable (2 m) to the MagSafe 3 port

Proprietary1Maker spec sheet (PDF)news.microsoft.com/wp-content/uploads/prod/sites/519/2018/10/Surface-Laptop-2-Fact-Sheet.pdfRead 5 October 2026Original Surface Connect explicitly for magnetic power and docking, matched to original included adapter.

Charge 0 to 50 % (claimed)iManufacturer time to charge an empty battery to 50%. Adapter and powered-off conditions belong in the source note.

30min5Maker product pageapple.com/macbook-airRead 30 September 2026Up to 50 percent in about 30 minutes, tested with the 70 W USB-C Power Adapter

Not available

Cooling

1 of 4 differ

FansiPhysical cooling fans inside the laptop. Excludes fans in external coolers and the power adapter.

03Press releaseapple.com/newsroom/2026/03/apple-introduces-the-new-macbook-air-with-m5Read 30 September 2026Thin, light, and completely silent fanless design

Not available

Vapor chamberiA vapor-chamber heat spreader is installed. Ordinary heatpipes alone do not qualify.

Not available

Not available

Liquid metaliComponents where the maker confirms liquid-metal thermal material. Ordinary thermal paste is excluded.

Not available

Not available

Power modesiPublished laptop operating modes and configured power limits. Do not place observed runtime power measurements in this table.

Not available

Not available

Security

2 of 4 differ

Fingerprint

Power button2Owner's manualsupport.apple.com/guide/macbook-air/take-a-tour-of-macbookair-apd7e765329d/2026/mac/27Read 30 September 2026Touch ID (power) button

None20Measurementconsumerreports.org/electronics-computers/laptops-chromebooks/microsoft-surface-laptop-2-core-i5/m397173Read 7 October 2026Exact tested i5/8GB/128GB public indexed profile Features table: Fingerprint reader No. The other i7 profile was not used.

TPM

Not available

2.01Maker spec sheet (PDF)news.microsoft.com/wp-content/uploads/prod/sites/519/2018/10/Surface-Laptop-2-Fact-Sheet.pdfRead 5 October 2026Original Security row expressly TPM 2.0. Implementation not inferred from chip wording.

Remote management

Not available

Not available

Security lock slotiA dedicated built-in physical security-cable slot. Security locks that occupy a USB-C port do not qualify.

Not available

Not available

Software

2 of 3 differ

Operating system

macOS Tahoe7Measurementnotebookcheck.net/Insane-performance-and-efficiency-without-fans-Apple-MacBook-Air-13-M5-Entry-Review.1242707.0.htmlRead 30 September 2026Apple macOS 26 Tahoe

Windows 10 Home1Maker spec sheet (PDF)news.microsoft.com/wp-content/uploads/prod/sites/519/2018/10/Surface-Laptop-2-Fact-Sheet.pdfRead 5 October 2026

OS family

macOS1Maker product pagesupport.apple.com/en-us/126320Read 8 October 2026

Windows1Maker spec sheet (PDF)news.microsoft.com/wp-content/uploads/prod/sites/519/2018/10/Surface-Laptop-2-Fact-Sheet.pdfRead 5 October 2026

Security updates untiliPublished end date of OS/security updates promised for the exact device model. Preserve the source precision. Do not calculate it from years or substitute a generic OS-version lifecycle. Unknown when no device-specific promise is published.

Not available

Not available

Measured display

9 of 12 differ

Brightness (measured, centre)iReviewer center-point SDR luminance for the matching display configuration. Do not substitute a review average or unspecified measurement.

546nits7Measurementnotebookcheck.net/Insane-performance-and-efficiency-without-fans-Apple-MacBook-Air-13-M5-Entry-Review.1242707.0.htmlRead 30 September 2026Centre, X-Rite i1Pro 3. Average of 9 points 519.3

Not available

Brightness (measured, average)iReviewer mean luminance across a documented display grid, normally nine points.

519.3nits7Measurementnotebookcheck.net/Insane-performance-and-efficiency-without-fans-Apple-MacBook-Air-13-M5-Entry-Review.1242707.0.htmlRead 30 September 2026Display measurement grid: average 519.3 cd/m², X-Rite i1Pro 3.

Not available

Contrast ratio (measured)iMeasured by a reviewer, not claimed by the maker

1,437:17Measurementnotebookcheck.net/Insane-performance-and-efficiency-without-fans-Apple-MacBook-Air-13-M5-Entry-Review.1242707.0.htmlRead 30 September 20261437: 1, black 0.38 cd/m²

Not available

HDR peak brightness (measured)iMeasured by a reviewer, not claimed by the maker

Not available

Not available

sRGB coverage (measured)iReviewer measured sRGB coverage, not gamut volume. Instrument and method belong in the source note.

98.6%7Measurementnotebookcheck.net/Insane-performance-and-efficiency-without-fans-Apple-MacBook-Air-13-M5-Entry-Review.1242707.0.htmlRead 30 September 2026Argyll 3D

Not available

DCI-P3 coverage (measured)iReviewer measured DCI-P3 coverage, not gamut volume. Display P3 measurements are identified in the source note.

98.1%7Measurementnotebookcheck.net/Insane-performance-and-efficiency-without-fans-Apple-MacBook-Air-13-M5-Entry-Review.1242707.0.htmlRead 30 September 2026Display P3, Argyll 3D

Not available

Colour accuracy (measured Delta E)iReviewer colour error before calibration. Delta-E formula, colour space and picture mode belong in the source note.

2.17Measurementnotebookcheck.net/Insane-performance-and-efficiency-without-fans-Apple-MacBook-Air-13-M5-Entry-Review.1242707.0.htmlRead 30 September 2026CalMAN ColorChecker dE 2000 before calibration, 0.9 after

Not available

PWM flicker foundiWhether a reviewer detected pulse-width-modulation flicker under the documented test conditions. False does not prove all frequency ranges were tested.

No7Measurementnotebookcheck.net/Insane-performance-and-efficiency-without-fans-Apple-MacBook-Air-13-M5-Entry-Review.1242707.0.htmlRead 30 September 2026Screen flickering / PWM not detected

Not available

PWM frequency (measured)iDetected PWM frequency at the brightness setting stated by the reviewer.

Not available

Not available

PWM at or below brightnessiHighest display brightness setting at or below which the documented PWM is detected.

Not available

Not available

Response black to white (measured)iReviewer combined rise and fall response for black-to-white-to-black, with test conditions in the source note.

14.7ms7Measurementnotebookcheck.net/Insane-performance-and-efficiency-without-fans-Apple-MacBook-Air-13-M5-Entry-Review.1242707.0.htmlRead 30 September 2026

Not available

Response grey to grey (measured)iReviewer combined rise and fall response between specified grey levels. State the levels in the source note.

24.3ms7Measurementnotebookcheck.net/Insane-performance-and-efficiency-without-fans-Apple-MacBook-Air-13-M5-Entry-Review.1242707.0.htmlRead 30 September 2026

Not available

Measured performance

7 of 8 differ

Cinebench 2024 single-coreiMeasured by a reviewer, not claimed by the maker

200points7Measurementnotebookcheck.net/Insane-performance-and-efficiency-without-fans-Apple-MacBook-Air-13-M5-Entry-Review.1242707.0.htmlRead 30 September 2026

Not available

Cinebench 2024 multi-coreiMeasured by a reviewer, not claimed by the maker

957points7Measurementnotebookcheck.net/Insane-performance-and-efficiency-without-fans-Apple-MacBook-Air-13-M5-Entry-Review.1242707.0.htmlRead 30 September 2026

Not available

Geekbench 6 single-coreiMeasured by a reviewer, not claimed by the maker. Geekbench 6 only. Geekbench 5 and 7 use other scales, so their scores are not stored.

4,185points7Measurementnotebookcheck.net/Insane-performance-and-efficiency-without-fans-Apple-MacBook-Air-13-M5-Entry-Review.1242707.0.htmlRead 30 September 2026Geekbench 6.7

Not available

Geekbench 6 multi-coreiMeasured by a reviewer, not claimed by the maker. Geekbench 6 only. Geekbench 5 and 7 use other scales, so their scores are not stored.

17,072points7Measurementnotebookcheck.net/Insane-performance-and-efficiency-without-fans-Apple-MacBook-Air-13-M5-Entry-Review.1242707.0.htmlRead 30 September 2026Geekbench 6.7

Not available

3DMark Time Spy graphicsiMeasured by a reviewer, not claimed by the maker. Graphics score, not the overall score. A score the review does not label as graphics is left out.

Not available

Not available

3DMark Steel NomadiMeasured by a reviewer, not claimed by the maker

941points7Measurementnotebookcheck.net/Insane-performance-and-efficiency-without-fans-Apple-MacBook-Air-13-M5-Entry-Review.1242707.0.htmlRead 30 September 2026Steel Nomad Score (Metal)

Not available

SSD sequential read (measured)iMeasured by a reviewer, not claimed by the maker

6,473MB/s7Measurementnotebookcheck.net/Insane-performance-and-efficiency-without-fans-Apple-MacBook-Air-13-M5-Entry-Review.1242707.0.htmlRead 30 September 2026Blackmagic Disk Speed Test 5 GB Read 6473.4 MB/s

Not available

Game frame ratesiMatching review-unit game results. Resolution, preset, upscaling, frame generation and ray tracing are stated only when documented.

AApple MacBook Air 13-inch (M5, 2026)

Game	Width (px)	Height (px)	Preset	Upscaling	Average FPS
Cyberpunk 2077	1920	1080	Low	Off	35.8
Cyberpunk 2077	1920	1080	Medium	Off	27.3
Cyberpunk 2077	1920	1080	High	Off	22.8
Cyberpunk 2077	1920	1080	Ultra	Off	19.5
Baldur's Gate 3	1920	1080	Low	Not available	46
Baldur's Gate 3	1920	1080	Medium	Not available	35.1
Baldur's Gate 3	1920	1080	High	Not available	29.2
Baldur's Gate 3	1920	1080	Ultra	Not available	28.5
Shadow of the Tomb Raider	1280	720	Lowest	Not available	87
Shadow of the Tomb Raider	1920	1080	Medium	Not available	45
Shadow of the Tomb Raider	1920	1080	High	Not available	42
Shadow of the Tomb Raider	1920	1080	Highest	Not available	38
Total War Pharaoh	1920	1080	Low	Not available	58.8
Total War Pharaoh	1920	1080	Medium	Not available	54.9
Total War Pharaoh	1920	1080	High	Not available	51
Total War Pharaoh	1920	1080	Ultra	Not available	38.1
Assassin's Creed Shadows	1920	1080	Low	Not available	22
Assassin's Creed Shadows	1920	1080	Medium	Not available	20
Assassin's Creed Shadows	1920	1080	High	Not available	17
Assassin's Creed Shadows	1920	1080	Ultra High	Not available	11

Source7Measurementnotebookcheck.net/Insane-performance-and-efficiency-without-fans-Apple-MacBook-Air-13-M5-Entry-Review.1242707.0.htmlRead 30 September 2026Presets and resolutions from the review's game table tooltips. Cyberpunk FSR off

BMicrosoft Surface Laptop 2

Not available

Measured noise and temperature

3 of 9 differ

Fan noise per modeiReviewer sound-pressure readings for the matching configuration and mode. Measurement distance and workload belong in the source note.

Not available

Not available

Max fan noiseiMeasured by a reviewer, not claimed by the maker

Not available

Not available

Fan noise while gamingiMeasured by a reviewer, not claimed by the maker

Not available

Not available

Top surface under loadiMeasured by a reviewer, not claimed by the maker

44.1°C7Measurementnotebookcheck.net/Insane-performance-and-efficiency-without-fans-Apple-MacBook-Air-13-M5-Entry-Review.1242707.0.htmlRead 30 September 2026Stress test

Not available

Bottom surface under loadiMeasured by a reviewer, not claimed by the maker

42.4°C7Measurementnotebookcheck.net/Insane-performance-and-efficiency-without-fans-Apple-MacBook-Air-13-M5-Entry-Review.1242707.0.htmlRead 30 September 2026

Not available

Palm rest under loadiMeasured by a reviewer, not claimed by the maker

32.9°C7Measurementnotebookcheck.net/Insane-performance-and-efficiency-without-fans-Apple-MacBook-Air-13-M5-Entry-Review.1242707.0.htmlRead 30 September 2026Palm rests and touchpad maximum

Not available

CPU temperature in stress testiMeasured by a reviewer, not claimed by the maker

Not available

Not available

CPU clock in stress testiMeasured by a reviewer, not claimed by the maker

Not available

Not available

GPU temperature while gamingiMeasured by a reviewer, not claimed by the maker

Not available

Not available

Measured battery and power

7 of 10 differ

Battery runtime per testiReviewer runtime for the exact test and configuration. Mixed browsing, video and graphics workloads are classified as mixed use.

AApple MacBook Air 13-inch (M5, 2026)

Test	Brightness (nits)	Hours (h)
Wi-Fi browsing	150	16.18
Wi-Fi browsing	Not available	6.65

Source7Measurementnotebookcheck.net/Insane-performance-and-efficiency-without-fans-Apple-MacBook-Air-13-M5-Entry-Review.1242707.0.htmlRead 30 September 2026Battery Runtime section: 16h 11min at 150 nits, 6h 39min at maximum brightness. Hours rounded to two decimals.

BMicrosoft Surface Laptop 2

Test	Hours (h)
Not available	12.75
Video playback	8.25

Source20Measurementconsumerreports.org/electronics-computers/laptops-chromebooks/microsoft-surface-laptop-2-core-i5/m397173Read 7 October 2026Public indexed Detailed Test Results and About sections identify tested Windows 10 Home, i5-8250U, 8GB, 128GB and platinum keyboard. First row: 12.75h light-load web browsing. Network transport unstated, so wifi_websurfing enum is not guessed and the test cell is omitted. Second row: 8.25h heavier 4K video playback. Brightness, power mode, firmware, exact OS build and local/streamed route are unstated. Direct article requests returned 403. Facts were read from the public web-search source excerpt, without login, paywall or challenge bypass.

Wi-Fi browsing runtimeiMeasured by a reviewer, not claimed by the maker

16.18h=CalculatedFrom Battery runtime per test

Not available

Video runtimeiMeasured by a reviewer, not claimed by the maker

Not available

8.25h=CalculatedFrom Battery runtime per test

Full charge time (measured)iMeasured by a reviewer, not claimed by the maker

Not available

Not available

Power draw idleiHighest reviewer idle AC power reading for the matching configuration and test conditions.

9.4W7Measurementnotebookcheck.net/Insane-performance-and-efficiency-without-fans-Apple-MacBook-Air-13-M5-Entry-Review.1242707.0.htmlRead 30 September 2026Highest idle reading. Review unit uses its documented 30 W test power adapter. US supplied adapter is 40 W Dynamic with 60 W temporary maximum.

Not available

Power draw gamingiReviewer AC power draw during the named game and settings. Not GPU-only power.

18.9W7Measurementnotebookcheck.net/Insane-performance-and-efficiency-without-fans-Apple-MacBook-Air-13-M5-Entry-Review.1242707.0.htmlRead 30 September 2026Cyberpunk 2077 FHD ultra, no FSR, 150 cd/m². Review unit uses its documented 30 W test power adapter. US supplied adapter is 40 W Dynamic with 60 W temporary maximum.

Not available

Power draw maxiMaximum reviewer AC input power during the documented load or stress test. Not the adapter rating.

30.4W7Measurementnotebookcheck.net/Insane-performance-and-efficiency-without-fans-Apple-MacBook-Air-13-M5-Entry-Review.1242707.0.htmlRead 30 September 2026Load maximum, Prime95 and Furmark. Review unit uses its documented 30 W test power adapter. US supplied adapter is 40 W Dynamic with 60 W temporary maximum.

Not available

Sustained CPU power (measured)iObserved sustained CPU package power during the documented test. Not the configured PL1 limit.

9W7Measurementnotebookcheck.net/Insane-performance-and-efficiency-without-fans-Apple-MacBook-Air-13-M5-Entry-Review.1242707.0.htmlRead 30 September 2026After 30 minutes of Cinebench 2024 Multi, 820 points at 9 W

Not available

GPU power while gaming (measured)iObserved GPU-only power while running the documented game and settings.

Not available

Not available

Weight (measured)iReviewer measured laptop mass without its power adapter unless the source note explicitly states otherwise.

Not available

Not available

Certifications

1 of 6 differ

Intel EvoiManufacturer certification of the exact configuration as Intel Evo. Processor support alone does not establish certification.

Not available

Not available

Copilot+ PCiManufacturer identifies the configuration as Copilot+ PC. A Copilot keyboard key alone is insufficient.

Not available

Not available

Colour certifications

Not available

Not available

ENERGY STAR

Yes1Maker product pagesupport.apple.com/en-us/126320Read 8 October 2026ENERGY STAR certified

Yes19Maker spec sheet (PDF)cdn-dynmedia-1.microsoft.com/is/content/microsoftcorp/microsoft/msc/documents/presentations/CSR/Microsoft-Devices-Sustainability-Report-FY19.pdfRead 7 October 2026FY19 Microsoft Devices Sustainability Report PDF page 36: All Surface computers are ENERGY STAR certified in the U.S. Applies to the selected US SKU. Best Buy false certification cell is superseded by the maker statement. This is historical maker certification evidence.

EPEAT

Not available

Gold19Maker spec sheet (PDF)cdn-dynmedia-1.microsoft.com/is/content/microsoftcorp/microsoft/msc/documents/presentations/CSR/Microsoft-Devices-Sustainability-Report-FY19.pdfRead 7 October 2026FY19 Microsoft Devices Sustainability Report states all Surface computers were EPEAT Gold in the U.S. under the 2009 computer category. Historical rating and US market, not a claim that an active 2018-standard registry record exists today. The report separately names other devices at Bronze under the newer 2018 category. Best Buy false qualification cell is superseded by maker.

Other certifications

Not available

Not available

In the box

1 of 2 differ

In the boxiAccessories confirmed for this exact SKU. Do not combine mutually exclusive regional bundles into one box.

13-inch MacBook Air, 40W Dynamic Power Adapter with 60W Max, USB-C to MagSafe 3 Cable (2 m)1Maker product pagesupport.apple.com/en-us/126320Read 8 October 2026US spec page

Surface Laptop 2, Power Supply, Quick Start Guide, Safety and warranty documents1Maker spec sheet (PDF)news.microsoft.com/wp-content/uploads/prod/sites/519/2018/10/Surface-Laptop-2-Fact-Sheet.pdfRead 5 October 2026Original standard consumer box, optional Surface Pen/Dock/Mouse and promotional subscription plans excluded.

Power adapter includediWhether a power adapter is included with this exact regional SKU. A supported or recommended adapter does not prove inclusion.

Yes1Maker product pagesupport.apple.com/en-us/126320Read 8 October 2026

Yes1Maker spec sheet (PDF)news.microsoft.com/wp-content/uploads/prod/sites/519/2018/10/Surface-Laptop-2-Fact-Sheet.pdfRead 5 October 2026

Warranty

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Manufacturer warranty (source market)iThe maker's warranty period for the exact SKU or configuration and market named in the source note. It applies only to that stated market, not every regional variant. Statutory consumer rights are excluded. The base term is stored. An extension that needs registration goes in the source note.

1year8Maker product pageapple.com/legal/warranty/products/warranty-us.htmlRead 30 September 2026US Apple One-Year Limited Warranty. Manufacturer warranty, separate from statutory rights.

1year1Maker spec sheet (PDF)news.microsoft.com/wp-content/uploads/prod/sites/519/2018/10/Surface-Laptop-2-Fact-Sheet.pdfRead 5 October 2026Original one-year limited US hardware warranty, footnote 9. Commercial Advanced Exchange/statutory rights excluded.

Warranty serviceiDocumented manufacturer warranty service for the named market. Included paid service upgrades belong in the source note.

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Links

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Product page

www.apple.com/macbook-air5Maker product pageapple.com/macbook-airRead 30 September 2026

support.microsoft.com/en-us/surface/models/surface-laptop-2-specs-and-features2Owner's manualsupport.microsoft.com/en-us/surface/models/surface-laptop-2-specs-and-featuresRead 5 October 2026

Spec sheet

support.apple.com/en-us/1263201Maker product pagesupport.apple.com/en-us/126320Read 8 October 2026

news.microsoft.com/wp-content/uploads/prod/sites/519/2018/10/Surface-Laptop-2-Fact-Sheet.pdf1Maker spec sheet (PDF)news.microsoft.com/wp-content/uploads/prod/sites/519/2018/10/Surface-Laptop-2-Fact-Sheet.pdfRead 5 October 2026Original October 2018 consumer and commercial fact sheet, four pages downloaded/read. Consumer rows retained. Commercial Core i5-8350U, Pro OS and Advanced Exchange excluded.

Manual

support.apple.com/guide/macbook-air/welcome/mac2Owner's manualsupport.apple.com/guide/macbook-air/take-a-tour-of-macbookair-apd7e765329d/2026/mac/27Read 30 September 2026MacBook Air User Guide, current models

support.microsoft.com/en-us/surface/models/surface-laptop-2-specs-and-features2Owner's manualsupport.microsoft.com/en-us/surface/models/surface-laptop-2-specs-and-featuresRead 5 October 2026

EPREL registration numberiId in the EU energy label database. Each size or model of a series has its own id, so it is per variant.

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Both are also in the API. Back to all laptops.