Apple MacBook Pro 2017 vs. Microsoft Surface Laptop: Price, Specs And More

Both Apple and Microsoft have contributed to the PC market in 2017 by offering something different. While Apple recently revealed the 2017 Apple MacBook with Kaby Lake processor, Microsoft revealed its first Surface Laptop. Whether you prefer Windows or MacOS -- you now have both the alternatives available.

The 13-inch MacBook Pro 2017 costs $1,299, same as the Surface Laptop. A similarity between both is that they both offer expensive variants too. The MacBook Pro 2017 with 256GB SSD costs $1,499, while a Surface Pro Signature Type cover accessory will cost you 159.99.

Read: MacBook Pro 2017 vs. MacBook Pro 2016: Kaby Lake Processor, New Keyboard And More

If we compare the hardware of the base variants of both devices, Microsoft has a slight edge over Apple — the MacBook Pro 2017 comes with Intel Core i5 processor, 128GB SSD, and 8GB RAM, while the Surface Laptop has an i5 processor and 8GB RAM, but a 256GB SSD.

The Surface Laptop is also slightly lighter and thinner than the MacBook Pro – it weighs 3.02 pounds and has a thickness of 0.59 inches, while the Surface Laptop weights 2.76 pounds and has a thickness of 0.57 inches. Even the Surface Laptop display is slightly larger than the MacBook Pro – it measures 13.5-inches while MacBook’s is 13.3-inches. But if you want display clarity and vibrancy, MacBook would be a better choice since it offers a slightly better resolution – 2560 x 1600p in comparison to 2256 x 1504p resolution. The display density is also slightly better – the MacBook Pro has 227 pixels per inch display density, while the Surface Laptop has 201 pixels per inch display density.

Both the devices have the same processors – 7th Gen Intel Core i7, but the MacBook has a better graphics processor — the base variant comes with an Intel Iris Plus Graphics 640, while the base variant of the Surface Laptop comes with Intel HD Graphics 620, although a version with the Iris Plus Graphics 640 is also available.

Both the MacBook Pro and Surface Laptop have 8GB and 16GB RAM versions, but there is a more affordable one available for the Surface Laptop with 4GB RAM.

In terms of battery life, the Surface Laptop is slightly better since it offers 14.5 hours of video playback, while the MacBook provides just 10 hours. While both the devices are equipped with special keyboards, the MacBook does have a slight edge in this department.

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The MacBook Pro 2017 offers a full size backlit keyboard with an ambient light sensor, Force Touch trackpad and even a touch bar on high-end models; the Surface Laptop’s keyboard is relatively simple, except that it has Alcantara material around the trackpad, which makes it easier to rest your palms. Both devices have few ports – the MacBook Pro comes with 2 USB-C ports, while the Surface Laptop has just one USB 3.0 port.

The key differentiator between both the devices is their operating system. While the MacBook comes with MacOS Sierra, with a better configured High Sierra coming soon, the Surface Laptop comes with Windows 10S. Both operating systems have their pros and cons, but the basic distinction is that if you are a gamer, the Surface Laptop will appeal to you more.

To conclude, both the devices are pretty similar, yet have something different to offer. However, MacBook has a slight advantage in terms of visuals pips.