Dell Latitude 7390 13" Vs Microsoft Surface Laptop 4 13"

Dell Latitude 7390 13"
Dell Latitude 7390 13"
Starting at

Refurbished price:395.00

Versus €733.00 new

See options
Microsoft Surface Laptop 4 13"
Microsoft Surface Laptop 4 13"
Starting at

Refurbished price:370.00

Versus €754.00 new

See options

The Dell Latitude 7390 13 and the Microsoft Surface Laptop 4 13 are both portable computing devices designed for productivity, though they cater to slightly different user priorities. The Latitude 7390, released in 2018, is a business-oriented laptop emphasizing robust connectivity and enterprise features. In contrast, the Surface Laptop 4, launched in 2021, focuses on a refined user experience, modern design, and enhanced performance. Both run on the Windows operating system, offering a familiar software environment.

Scores

Durability

When considering the practical lifespan of these laptops, their release dates and design philosophies play a significant role.

  • Release Timeline: The Dell Latitude 7390 13 was released in 2018, making it an older model compared to the Microsoft Surface Laptop 4 13, which launched in 2021. This difference in release year directly impacts the duration of future software support and the age of internal components.
  • Software Longevity: As a newer device, the Surface Laptop 4 is expected to receive operating system updates and security patches for a longer period than the Latitude 7390. Dell's business-grade laptops often have good support, but the Surface Laptop 4 benefits from its more recent introduction.
  • Repairability and Build: The Latitude 7390 is generally considered to have better repairability due to its business-focused design, which often allows for easier access to internal components for upgrades or repairs. The Surface Laptop 4, while featuring a premium build, has a design that can make user-level repairs more challenging, with Microsoft stating that SSD removal should be done by technicians.

Year of Release

2017

2021

Last Os Compatibility

Yes

Yes

OS

Windows 11

Windows 11

Performance

The performance capabilities of these two laptops reflect their respective generations and intended use cases.

  • Processor Capabilities: The Dell Latitude 7390 13 is equipped with 8th generation Intel Core processors, which handle everyday office tasks, web browsing, and light multitasking efficiently. The Microsoft Surface Laptop 4 13, featuring 11th generation Intel Core processors or AMD Ryzen Microsoft Surface Edition processors, offers a noticeable step up in processing power, resulting in quicker application loading and smoother performance for more demanding tasks like photo editing or complex data analysis.
  • Multitasking and Responsiveness: Both devices offer various RAM configurations, with the Surface Laptop 4 supporting up to 32GB of LPDDR4x memory, allowing for more intensive multitasking without slowdowns. The Latitude 7390 typically comes with up to 16GB of DDR4 RAM. Users of the Surface Laptop 4 often report a highly responsive experience, even with numerous applications open simultaneously.
  • Storage Speed: Both laptops utilize Solid State Drives (SSDs) for storage, contributing to fast boot times and quick file access. The Surface Laptop 4's SSDs are generally newer generation, potentially offering faster read/write speeds compared to the Latitude 7390's options.

Memory (GB)

8 GB

16 GB

Processor

Core i7 - Gen 8 (U)

Ryzen 5 4680U

Graphic card

Integrated Graphics

Integrated Graphics

Screen quality

The visual experience on these laptops differs in terms of display technology, resolution, and aspect ratio.

  • Display Technology and Resolution: The Dell Latitude 7390 13 features a 13.3-inch Full HD (1920 x 1080) IPS display, often with an anti-glare finish and optional touch functionality. The Microsoft Surface Laptop 4 13 boasts a 13.5-inch PixelSense touchscreen display with a higher resolution of 2256 x 1504 pixels, resulting in a sharper image and more screen real estate.
  • Brightness and Clarity: The Latitude 7390 typically offers a brightness of around 300 nits. The Surface Laptop 4's PixelSense display can reach higher brightness levels, often between 390 and 427 nits, which can improve visibility in brighter environments. The Surface Laptop 4's display also features a 3:2 aspect ratio, which is often preferred for productivity tasks as it provides more vertical space than the more common 16:9 aspect ratio found on the Latitude 7390.
  • Color Accuracy and Smoothness: The Surface Laptop 4's display is noted for its color accuracy, making it suitable for tasks requiring precise color representation. Both typically operate at a standard 60Hz refresh rate, providing a smooth viewing experience for general use.

Resolution

1920 x 1080

2256 x 1504

Screen type

IPS

LED

Audiovisual

Both laptops include integrated cameras and audio systems suitable for common communication and media consumption.

  • Webcam Quality: Both the Dell Latitude 7390 13 and the Microsoft Surface Laptop 4 13 feature a 720p HD front-facing webcam. The Surface Laptop 4's camera includes Windows Hello face authentication for secure login and is designed to perform well even in lower light conditions due to its f/2.0 aperture and larger pixel sensor.
  • Microphone and Speaker Performance: The Latitude 7390 includes dual-array microphones and stereo speakers. The Surface Laptop 4 is equipped with dual far-field Studio Mics and Omnisonic Speakers with Dolby Audio, aiming to provide a more immersive audio experience for video calls and media playback.
  • Video Recording Features: While both are capable of standard video calls, the Surface Laptop 4's integrated camera and microphone setup is optimized for clearer communication and a better overall audio-visual experience in online meetings.

Miscellaneous

Beyond core performance and display, several practical elements differentiate these two portable computers.

  • Connectivity Options: The Dell Latitude 7390 13 offers a comprehensive selection of ports, including two USB-A ports, two USB-C ports (with optional Thunderbolt 3 support), an HDMI 1.4 port, a microSD card reader, and an Ethernet LAN port, providing broad compatibility with various peripherals and network connections. The Microsoft Surface Laptop 4 13 has a more streamlined port selection, featuring one USB-A port, one USB-C port (without Thunderbolt 3/4 support), a 3.5mm headphone jack, and a proprietary Surface Connect port for charging and docking. Both support modern Wi-Fi and Bluetooth standards.
  • Weight and Dimensions: The Latitude 7390 starts at approximately 1.17 kg (2.59 lbs) and measures 305 x 208 x 16 mm. The Surface Laptop 4 13 is slightly heavier, starting at 1.265 kg (2.79 lbs), with dimensions of 308 x 223 x 14.5 mm. Both are highly portable, but the Latitude is marginally lighter.
  • Security Features: The Latitude 7390 offers optional features like a fingerprint reader, IR face recognition, and a Smart Card reader, catering to business security needs. The Surface Laptop 4 includes Windows Hello face authentication as a standard feature for convenient and secure login.

Weight

1500 g

1288 g

Screen size

13

13

Choosing between the Dell Latitude 7390 13 and the Microsoft Surface Laptop 4 13 depends largely on individual priorities and usage patterns. The Latitude 7390, a product of 2018, is often praised by users for its robust build quality and extensive port selection, making it a practical choice for those who require diverse connectivity options and a durable, business-grade machine. Its performance, while not cutting-edge by current standards, is generally considered sufficient for everyday productivity and office applications. Some users have noted its keyboard as being less comfortable than some competitors, and its display, while functional, may not offer the same visual vibrancy as newer panels.

The Surface Laptop 4 13, released in 2021, receives frequent acclaim for its premium design, comfortable keyboard, and vibrant PixelSense display. Users appreciate its modern aesthetics and the refined Windows experience it offers. Its performance, powered by newer generation processors, is well-suited for a wide range of tasks, from general computing to more intensive creative work. However, some users express a desire for more varied port options, particularly the absence of Thunderbolt support, and real-world battery life, while good, often falls short of Microsoft's stated maximums.

Users prioritizing extensive legacy port support, a potentially more repairable design, and a focus on business-centric features may find the Dell Latitude 7390 13 to be a suitable option. Conversely, individuals seeking a more modern design, a higher-resolution touchscreen display, enhanced performance for contemporary applications, and a premium user experience will likely lean towards the Microsoft Surface Laptop 4 13. Both devices, especially when considering quality-assured refurbished options, represent eco-friendly alternatives for consumers looking to make informed and sustainable choices in their technology purchases.

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