Macbook Pro 2019 vs Surface Pro 7: Which Laptop Reigns Supreme?

Apple and Microsoft are arch-rivals not only in software but also in many other aspects. Both aspire to dominate the laptop market with their MacBook Pro and Surface Pro series. Among them, the MacBook Pro 2019 and Surface Pro 7 can be seen as two iconic representatives in this competition. Let's compare the MacBook Pro 2019 and Surface Pro 7 to determine whether we should opt for a MacBook or Surface.

Note:

• This article is translated and referenced from the technology website Digitaltrends.
• The MacBook Pro version used in the article is the 13-inch MacBook Pro 2019.

Read more: Should You Buy Macbook Air or Pro M1 2020? The following comparison article will help you decide

Design of Macbook Pro 2019 and Surface Pro 7: Each has its own unique charm

Macbook Pro can be considered one of the leading names that has reshaped the design and user experience of a premium laptop over many generations of products. Although many manufacturers are fiercely competing to create the most beautiful laptop, the Macbook Pro 2019 still possesses its own beauty, especially with the Touch Bar as a significant highlight.

As for the Surface Pro 7, the author feels somewhat disappointed with its design. Overall, the Surface Pro 7 still has a design similar to its predecessors, with the main difference being insignificant. The device still has large screen bezels, which feels a bit outdated compared to the trend of thin bezels on modern laptops. Additionally, the Surface Pro 7 is somewhat heavy, making it less comfortable to use as a tablet.

Although the Surface Pro 7 may disappoint with its uninspiring design, its input devices somewhat make up for it. The Type Cover keyboard priced at $129 for the Surface Pro 7 is an extremely useful accessory for those who frequently type. The mouse pad of this device also provides a very good experience and is considered one of their favorite features by Digitaltrends when compared to other Windows laptops.

On the contrary, the keyboard of the Macbook Pro 2019 is one of its major drawbacks when compared. Although the butterfly keyboard on this MacBook has been improved, Digitaltrends still frequently encounters issues such as stuck keys, broken keys, and especially the typing experience on the Macbook Pro 2019 is not very comfortable due to the keys being quite stiff, shallow, and low in bounce. However, the TouchPad on the Macbook Pro provides a much better experience compared to other laptop models on the market.

In terms of connectivity, Apple's Macbook Pro will have two or four Thunderbolt 3 ports along with a 3.5mm headphone jack (13-inch version). This means users will need a hub adapter to connect more peripheral devices. On the other hand, the Surface Pro 7 will come with more connectivity ports such as USB Type-C, USB Type-A 3.0 port, 3.5mm headphone jack, Surface Connect port (for Surface Type Cover connector), and microSDXC card reader. The Surface Pro 7 will no longer have a Mini DisplayPort output like the previous Surface Pro 6.

Furthermore, one of the greatest strengths of the Surface Pro 7, highly praised by Digitaltrends, is that they can use the device as a versatile tablet without attaching the Type Cover keyboard. This is something that the Macbook Pro 2019 cannot do.

Comparison of performance between MacBook Pro 2019 and Surface Pro 7

The basic configuration of the Surface Pro 7 includes a dual-core Intel Core i3-1005G1 CPU, 4 GB RAM, and a 128 GB SSD for a price starting at 749 USD (about 17 million VND). You can also upgrade the Surface Pro 7 processor to Intel Core i5-1035G4 or i7-1065G7, increase RAM to 8 GB or 16 GB, and upgrade SSD storage up to a maximum of 1 TB with prices ranging from 899 USD (about 10.6 million VND) to 2,299 USD (about 52.8 million VND).

As for the Macbook Pro 2019, all versions of this product are now equipped with the Touch Bar. Apple has also upgraded the processors of these Macbook Pro 2019 models to Intel Core i5 quad-core 8th generation, 8 GB RAM, 128 GB SSD storage, Intel Iris Plus Graphics 645, starting at a price of 1,299 USD (approximately 29.8 million VND). The highest configuration of the Macbook Pro 2019 includes an Intel Core i7 CPU, 16 GB RAM, up to 2 TB SSD storage, priced at a relatively high 3,099 USD (about 71.1 million VND).

Although the base model of the Macbook Pro is priced over 500 USD higher (about 11.4 million VND) than the standard configuration of the Surface Pro 7, they will have a more powerful chip and more RAM. However, if you choose the Surface Pro 7 with an Intel Core i5 processor and 8 GB RAM, the price will be lower. Additionally, Microsoft's use of 10th generation Intel processors on the Surface Pro 7 will somewhat outperform the 8th generation on the Macbook Pro.

In terms of performance, the MacBook Pro 2019 is fully capable of handling various graphics-related tasks such as 3D rendering, editing multiple 4K video streams, and other professional tasks. According to Digitaltrends' test, when editing 4K video with Premiere Pro, the MacBook Pro 2019 only took 10 seconds to complete. Although the processor of the MacBook Pro 2019 lags behind the Surface Pro 7 in terms of generation, the clock speed of the highest-end chip on the MacBook Pro 2019 is twice as fast as the most expensive configuration of the Surface Pro.

Moreover, the MacBook Pro is always known for its excellent display quality, and the MacBook Pro 2019 is no exception. The display on the MacBook Pro 2019 has higher brightness, contrast, and resolution of 2,560x1,600 pixels for impressive color reproduction, wide color gamut support, and very low color deviation.

On the other hand, the 12.3-inch display of the Surface Pro 7 has higher resolution and pixel density (2,736 x 1,824 pixels and 267 ppi), so the colors displayed on Microsoft's laptop are also vibrant and vivid. Although the brightness of the Surface Pro 7 display is not as high as the MacBook Pro 2019, the difference is not significant.

Comparison of portability and battery life between MacBook Pro 2019 and Surface Pro 7

Although both the Surface Pro 7 and MacBook Pro 2019 have slim designs, the Microsoft representative is slightly more compact. The Surface Pro 7 has overall dimensions of 29.21 x 20.7 x 0.84 cm and weighs only 0.77 kg in tablet mode (0.79 kg with i7 chip and about 1.09 kg when attached with Type Cover).

Meanwhile, the MacBook Pro 2019 is larger and heavier than the Surface Pro 7, specifically measuring 30.40 x 21.33 x 1.50 cm and weighing 1.37 kg. Moreover, the Surface Pro 7 offers flexible usage as it can transform from a laptop to a tablet and vice versa. In general, if you need a highly portable laptop, the Surface Pro 7 would be an excellent choice.

However, because both laptops aim for compactness, the battery life of the MacBook Pro 2019 and Surface Pro 7 is not highly rated. Overall, both products can last you throughout the day, but the author advises users to carry a charging cable to avoid running out of battery.

Conclusion

Although the Surface Pro 7's design may not be overly impressive with its thick bezels, it offers a keyboard that feels great to type on, high portability, and ease of use. If you're frequently on the move for work and need a lightweight device, enjoy a 2-in-1 laptop, or have extensive typing needs, the Surface Pro 7 would be an unmissable choice.

In case you prefer a traditional, glossy, luxurious-looking laptop with powerful specifications and a sharp display, opt for the MacBook Pro 2019. The author also evaluates that Apple's laptop would be suitable for those involved in creative content creation, graphic design, and more.

Which would you choose: MacBook Pro 2019 or Surface Pro 7? Leave your comment below to let us know. Thank you for your time and attention.

Read more: 

• MacBook Air 2020 vs 2019: Which version is worth buying?
• Impressions on Surface Laptop SE: A $5.6 million laptop designed for learning