Dell Latitude 5490
Score: 73/100
Microsoft Surface Laptop 3 Matte Black
Score: 70/100Rankings
The Latitude 5490 is a 14-inch business laptop powered by an 8th-gen quad-core i5, offering strong multitasking, extensive ports, and enterprise-grade security in a rugged, serviceable chassis. It provides solid performance but is weighed down by average battery life and a modestly bright display.
The Surface Laptop 5 is a premium 13.5" ultraportable with a high-resolution touchscreen, 12th-gen Intel Evo performance, and up to 18 hours of battery life, targeting students and professionals who value build quality and Windows integration.
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
| ↓ lower better | 1.6 kg | 1.27 kgbest |
13 hours | 18 hoursbest | |
14 inchesbest | 13.5 inches | |
16 GBbest | 16 GBbest | |
512 GBbest | 256 GB | |
| ↓ lower better | 20 mm | 14.5 mmbest |
220 nitsbest | — | |
60 Hzbest | — |
Click an attribute name to sort · Green = best, red = worst (relative to this comparison)
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
Battery & Power(1) | ||
Battery Life (hours) | 13 hours | 18 hours |
Memory & Storage(1) | ||
SSD Capacity (GB) | 512 GB | 256 GB |
Build & Design(2) | ||
Weight (kg) | 1.6 kg | 1.27 kg |
Thickness (mm) | 20 mm | 14.5 mm |
Performance(2) | ||
Processor Model | Intel Core i5-8350U | Intel Core i7-1255U |
Graphics Type | Intel UHD Graphics 620 | Intel Iris Xe |
Display(2) | ||
Screen Size (inches) | 14 inches | 13.5 inches |
Resolution | 1920x1080 | 2256x1504 |
Connectivity(2) | ||
Wi‑Fi Standard | 802.11ac | Wi‑Fi 6 |
Bluetooth Version | 4.2 | 5.1 |
Warranty(1) | ||
Warranty Period (years) | 0.25 years | 1 years |
Products in the top-left offer the best value (high score, low price).
Professional reviewers commend the Latitude 5490 for its solid performance thanks to the quad-core i5, its military-grade durability, and its comprehensive security suite, noting it as a reliable workhorse for enterprise environments. The only criticism from experts is occasional fan noise under heavy loads.
Everyday users appreciate the laptop's smooth handling of multiple applications, the ease of upgrading components, its ruggedness that survives field work, and the comfortable keyboard. Common complaints focus on shorter-than-advertised battery life, the relatively heavy chassis, dim screen brightness, and older-generation Wi-Fi/Bluetooth.
“The keyboard is the best I've ever used - soft, responsive, and quiet.”
“Battery lasts all day, even with Zoom calls and Chrome tabs.”
“The screen is gorgeous - perfect for reading and media.”
Professional reviewers praise the Surface Laptop 5 for its premium build, vibrant touchscreen, fast Intel Evo performance and excellent battery life, but criticize the outdated webcam, sparse ports and premium price.
Everyday users love the comfortable keyboard, all-day battery endurance, and stunning display, while repeatedly complaining about the low-resolution webcam, difficulty cleaning Alcantara, and the single USB-C port.
