Microsoft is sticking with its typical launch plan, where it unveils two Surface Laptop 6 models in display sizes of 13.5 and 15 inches. According to the latest specifications leak, both machines will switch over to Intel’s 13th-generation mobile processors, bringing additional cores and performance to the table. If those details hold true, then the new Surface Laptop series will also deliver battery life that competes directly with Apple’s M-series of MacBooks.

Only component that appears to be upgradeable on the Surface Laptop 6 series is the solid-state drive

First, let us talk about the displays first, with Laptop Root having uploaded the specifications sheet of the Surface Laptop 6 family. Microsoft will retain its PixelSense Display technology, with the 13.5-inch model having a 2256 x 1504 resolution, while the larger 15-inch model resonating a 2496 x 1664 resolution. Both panels will be protected by Gorilla Glass 5 (except for the 13.5-inch version with the Alcantara palm rest, which will feature Gorilla Glass 3) and have 10-point multi-touch support.

Processor, storage, and RAM options

The display quality is said to be top-notch, supporting the sRGB color profile and having a contrast ratio of 1300:1. The processor options that are said to be used are the Intel Core i5-1335U and the Core i7-1355U. The 13.5-inch version of the Surface Laptop 6 can be configured with both chips, while the 15-inch model will only ship with the Core i7-1355U. As for the number of cores, both chips have a 10-core configuration, with two performance and eight power-efficiency ones.

Perhaps the only major difference between the two processors is the base clock speed and Turbo Frequency, making the Core i5-1335U a better option if you want to save more money, though it will mean you cannot purchase the 15-inch Surface Laptop 6. Also, there is no discreet GPU present on either model, so you will have to rely on Intel’s Evo platform to do the job, though the included Thunderbolt 4 port allows you to connect an eGPU enclosure. On the subject of RAM and storage expansion, the memory options include 8GB, 16GB, and 32GB of LPDDR5X, but they cannot be upgraded.

Only the SSD can be swapped for a larger capacity, but the ones included range from 256GB and up to 512GB on the 13.5-inch model and up to 1TB on the 15-inch version. Looking at earlier teardown videos, we have a feeling that Microsoft will adopt those non-standard PCIe NVMe SSDs, which are uncommon and expensive. We also believe that, just like on previous occasions, Microsoft will make repairing both these models exceptionally difficult.

Battery life

The specifications sheet reveals that the 13.5-inch Surface Laptop 6 will last for an hour longer than the 15-inch model, running for 21 hours under typical usage compared to 20 hours on the bigger notebook. While this runtime is impressive, at least on paper, and rivals the endurance of Apple’s M-series of MacBooks, keep in mind that your mileage will depend on your usage and can vary significantly.

Ports selection and available colors

Alongside a single USB-C Thunderbolt 4, you should be greeted with two USB-A 3.1 ports, a 3.5mm audio jack, and one Surface Connect port. As for the finishes, the 13.5-inch model includes Platinum with Alcantara palm rest, Matte Black with metal palm rest, Emerald Brown with metal palm rest, and Sandstone with metal palm rest. The bigger model has fewer finishes that include Platinum with metal palm rest and Matte Black with metal palm rest. It is possible that Microsoft sells more smaller Surface Laptop units, which is why it will bring more colors to the 13.5-inch model.

While there is no word on cost yet, do not expect Microsoft to provide its upcoming Surface Laptop 6 series at an affordable price. These notebooks were always marketed as a premium product, and they will be sold as such. Thankfully, if you are not impressed with the hardware specifications leak, several alternatives exist.

News Source: Laptop Root