Lenovo Yoga vs Microsoft Surface Laptop

Lenovo Yoga and Microsoft Surface both fall under the category of high-end Windows laptops, and now these products are using state-of-the-art processors: Intel Core Ultra for Lenovo laptops and Qualcomm Snapdragon X Elite for Microsoft Surface. Refurbished versions of both products are available at ACT, at about half the price of their brand new counterparts. If you are clear on what you require, browse through our collection of refurbished Lenovo and Microsoft Surface laptops.

Lenovo Yoga vs Microsoft Surface Laptop at a glance

The Yoga series offers a diverse range of designs, from the ultra-slim Yoga Slim to the versatile Yoga 9i, which can transform into a tablet. The Surface Laptop maintains a classic clamshell design and comes in 13.8-inch or 15-inch screen sizes. Our refurbished Surface laptops include both these sizes across recent models.

Microsoft's latest Surface Laptop 7 features a Qualcomm Snapdragon X Elite ARM chip, while Lenovo's Yoga predominantly uses Intel Core Ultra. This difference significantly impacts battery life and app compatibility.

Design, build and display compared

The Surface Laptop is quite elegant and minimalist in appearance, with its aluminium unibody and a screen with a 3:2 aspect ratio, giving you more vertical space when using applications and surfing the internet. The weight of the 13.8-inch laptop is 1.34 kg.

The Yoga Slim series also has a slim profile, but it has a 16:10 screen aspect ratio.  Lenovo focuses heavily on display quality, their OLED screen displays brighter content than the IPS screen used in the Surface.

Both laptops offer sturdy build quality with machined aluminium chassis and minimal flex.

Performance: Intel Core Ultra vs Qualcomm Snapdragon X Elite

Microsoft Snapdragon X Elite is commended because it provides higher performance per watt when compared to the Intel Core CPUs, particularly in executing native ARM code. The Surface Laptop generally operates at lower temperatures and makes less noise than the Yoga laptop due to the use of Intel processors. Both of them offer good performance for regular computing tasks, such as browsing and Microsoft Office. 

Both chips feature an NPU capable of supporting AI features in Windows Studio Effects and live captions.

Battery life, keyboard and ports

In practical use, the Surface Laptop 7 achieves 14 to 16 hours of battery life during web browsing and video playback. The Yoga Slim with Intel Core Ultra offers about 10 to 12 hours. For those who need a laptop to last all day on a single charge, the Surface is a better choice.

The keyboards on both devices are high-quality but offer different tactile experiences. The Surface keys are softer with shorter travel, while Lenovo's offer a firmer feel with more travel. Both laptops have large, responsive touchpads.

Regarding the ports, there are two USB-C ports on the Surface Laptop 7, one USB-A, and the Surface Connect port. On the Yoga Slim, there are two USB-C and one USB-A ports, while some variants have an HDMI port as well, which is handy when it comes to attaching monitors.

Price and value in Australia: new vs refurbished

A new Surface Laptop 7 starts around $1,899 in Australia. A new Yoga Slim with comparable specs sits between $1,799 and $2,499. Maxed out with 32GB RAM and 1TB SSD plus an OLED panel, you're at $2,800 or more on either side.

ACT grades refurbished stock into Grade A (excellent cosmetic condition) and Value+ (minor cosmetic wear with full functionality). A Grade A Surface Laptop 5 or 6 typically lands between $700 and $1,200, fully tested and backed by a 12-month warranty. A refurbished Yoga Slim from the same generation runs $650 to $1,100. For buyers who don't need the very latest Snapdragon X Elite or Core Ultra chip, that's 50 to 65 per cent off RRP on a business-grade machine. If you're weighing both options, our breakdown of refurbished vs new laptops covers what to expect at each grade.

The previous generation matters here. A 12th or 13th Gen Intel Core i7 Yoga still handles modern workloads comfortably. A Surface Laptop 5 on Intel runs every Windows app without ARM compatibility concerns. For most Australian buyers, the value sweet spot sits one or two generations behind the current flagship, where ACT's refurbished stock lives. Every device ships free Australia-wide and includes 30-day change-of-mind returns. Eligible models also have an extendable warranty.

Which laptop is right for you?

Choose a Lenovo Yoga if you need broad app compatibility, a 2-in-1 design (like the Yoga 9i), HDMI output for presentations, or if your work requires specialised Windows software. The Yoga series also has a more extensive second-hand market, offering more refurbished configurations.

Opt for a Microsoft Surface Laptop if battery life is your priority and your tasks are mainly browser-based or involve Microsoft 365. The 3:2 display is ideal for document-heavy work. If a tablet-first device is what you need, consider the Surface Pro, though it falls into a different category.

Consider purchasing refurbished from ACT if you're looking for either laptop without paying full price. A previous-generation refurbished model with a 12-month warranty often outperforms a current-generation budget alternative in build quality and keyboard feel. Our refurbished laptop buying guide explains what to look for before making a purchase.

Frequently asked questions