LaptopCompare

Apple MacBook Pro (2015) 15" vs Microsoft Surface Book 3 13.5" Intel Core i5-1035G7 8GB RAM 256GB SSD

Welcome to our detailed comparison of two top contenders in premium laptops: the Apple MacBook Pro (2015) 15" and the Microsoft Surface Book 3 13.5". Each showcases its brand's unique design and performance, setting the stage for a showdown between two contrasting champions.

The MacBook Pro is a popular option among creative professionals due to its sleek design, superior display, and impressive graphics capabilities. In comparison, the Surface Book 3 is an adaptable powerhouse that merges high-performance laptop features with tablet portability and touch-screen capability.

Diving deep into their features, we'll evaluate everything from processing power to battery life, screen quality to keyboard comfort. This guide aims to help you determine which laptop suits your personal needs and preferences best. We promise an objective look at both machines—highlighting their strengths and noting their weaknesses—to enable you to make an informed choice. Let’s get started!

Performance

System and application performance

Apple MacBook Pro (2015) 15"
38
Microsoft Surface Book 3 13.5" Intel Core i5-1035G7 8GB RAM 256GB SSD
41
Gaming

Performance in popular 3D games

Apple MacBook Pro (2015) 15"
38
Microsoft Surface Book 3 13.5" Intel Core i5-1035G7 8GB RAM 256GB SSD
41
Display

Viewing angle, color accuracy...

Apple MacBook Pro (2015) 15"
71
Microsoft Surface Book 3 13.5" Intel Core i5-1035G7 8GB RAM 256GB SSD
60
Connectivity

Ports, webcam and other interfaces

Apple MacBook Pro (2015) 15"
51
Microsoft Surface Book 3 13.5" Intel Core i5-1035G7 8GB RAM 256GB SSD
41
Battery Life

Potential battery life

Apple MacBook Pro (2015) 15"
44
Microsoft Surface Book 3 13.5" Intel Core i5-1035G7 8GB RAM 256GB SSD
49
Design

Materials, durability and portability

Apple MacBook Pro (2015) 15"
69
Microsoft Surface Book 3 13.5" Intel Core i5-1035G7 8GB RAM 256GB SSD
64

Design Comparison

Size Comparison

When you look at the Apple MacBook Pro (2015) 15" and the Microsoft Surface Book 3 13.5", consider how their designs improve the user experience. Explore how these design features impact usability and aesthetic appeal for different users like students and professionals.

Apple MacBook Pro (2015) 15

Ergonomics and Portability

  • Weight: The MacBook Pro weighs 4.5 pounds, slightly more than the Surface Book 3, potentially affecting portability for users who prefer lighter devices.
  • Fanless Design: Operating without a fan, this feature ensures a quiet performance, perfect for users seeking a noise-free environment while working or enjoying entertainment.
  • Backlit Keyboard: Improves typing visibility in low-light conditions, ideal for users working late nights or in dimly lit spaces.

Materials and Build Quality

  • Professionals who appreciate both style and durability in their devices are drawn to premium materials like aluminum for its sleek appearance and lasting quality.
  • Magsafe Power Adapter: The magnetic power connection provides a reliable and swift attachment, minimizing the chances of accidental detachment—a handy feature for users who are often on the move.

Unique Design Features

  • HDMI Output: Enables easy connectivity with external displays or projectors, making it suitable for presentations or multimedia tasks.
  • Thunderbolt Ports: Offering high-speed data transfer capabilities, accommodating users with demanding workflows requiring fast connectivity options.

Microsoft Surface Book 3 13.5"

Ergonomics and Portability

  • Weight: The Surface Book 3, at 3.4 pounds, is lighter than the MacBook Pro, making it more portable for users who value mobility.
  • Backlit Keyboard: Enhances visibility for typing in different lighting environments, similar to the MacBook Pro.

Materials and Build Quality

  • Detachable Design with Touch Screen: Users can detach the screen for a tablet experience, offering versatility to those who want a hybrid laptop-tablet functionality.
  • Stylus Added: The addition of a stylus boosts creative potential for artists, designers, or students who favor handwritten notes or digital drawing.

Unique Design Features

  • USB Type-C Support: Future-proofing connectivity options with USB Type-C compatibility, appealing to users looking for versatile connection possibilities.
  • Sleep and Charge USB Ports: Allows charging devices even when the laptop is in sleep mode—a convenience factor for users needing quick charging solutions.

Practical Usability Considerations

  • Students: The Surface Book 3's detachable design and stylus inclusion offer versatility for note-taking or creative tasks, making it a great choice for students. On the other hand, the MacBook Pro's durable build quality is ideal for students in need of a sturdy device.

Professionals: Professionals might value the MacBook Pro for its high-quality materials and Thunderbolt ports, ideal for efficient workflows. Conversely, the Surface Book 3's lightweight build and USB Type-C support provide portability and future-proofing benefits.

Aesthetic Appeal

The MacBook Pro showcases elegance through its aluminum finish, while the Surface Book 3 presents a modern aesthetic with a detachable display concept.

Ultimately, the decision between these laptops hinges on personal preferences. Factors such as weight, design flexibility (detachable or traditional laptop form), connectivity requirements (Thunderbolt or USB Type-C), and desired operating environments (silent fanless operation or stylus compatibility) all play a crucial role.

Screen Comparison

Apple MacBook Pro (2015) 15"Microsoft Surface Book 3 13.5" Intel Core i5-1035G7 8GB RAM 256GB SSD
ResolutionQHDQHD
Screen Size15.4"13.5"

Comparing the screens of the Apple MacBook Pro (2015) 15" and the Microsoft Surface Book 3 13.5" involves evaluating factors such as screen size, resolution, pixel density, display technology, and features that can influence user experience in activities like gaming or professional graphic design.

Screen Size:

  • Apple MacBook Pro (2015) 15": Offers a spacious 15.4-inch screen, ideal for multitasking and immersive viewing experiences.
  • Microsoft Surface Book 3 13.5": Features a smaller 13.5-inch screen, making it ideal for those who prioritize portability and productivity while on the move.

Resolution:

  • Apple MacBook Pro (2015) 15": Features a high resolution of 2880 x 1080 pixels, providing crisp images and text clarity.
  • Microsoft Surface Book 3 13.5": Enhances detail and visual quality with a resolution of 3000 x 1080 pixels.

Pixel Density:

  • Apple MacBook Pro (2015) 15": Offers a pixel density of 220 pixels per inch (ppi), delivering sharp visuals for diverse tasks.
  • Microsoft Surface Book 3 13.5": Provides superior pixel density at 267 ppi, delivering crisper images and text for a better viewing experience.

Display Technology:

  • Both laptops have IPS LCD screens with LED backlighting, which are popular for their vibrant colors, wide viewing angles, and energy-efficient properties.
  • The Microsoft Surface Book 3 comes with a touch screen feature that enhances user experience by allowing direct interaction with the display through touch inputs.

Additional Features:

  • The Apple MacBook Pro includes anti-glare coating to minimize glare in bright settings, improving visibility for outdoor use or under intense lighting conditions.
  • The Microsoft Surface Book 3 features a contrast ratio of 1600: 1, enhancing image quality with deeper blacks and brighter whites for a more realistic viewing experience.

Practical Examples:

  • Gaming: The Microsoft Surface Book 3 delivers enhanced graphics with higher resolution and pixel density for gaming. On the other hand, the larger screen of the MacBook Pro offers a more immersive gaming experience due to its size.
  • Professional Graphic Design: The higher pixel density of the Surface Book benefits graphic design professionals needing precise details, while the anti-glare coating on the MacBook Pro display minimizes distractions for intricate design projects.

Ultimately, professionals who prioritize higher pixel density may prefer the Microsoft Surface Book 3 for its impressive screen features. On the other hand, individuals who value a larger screen size and anti-glare properties might find the Apple MacBook Pro more suitable.

Hardware Comparison

Apple MacBook Pro (2015) 15"Microsoft Surface Book 3 13.5" Intel Core i5-1035G7 8GB RAM 256GB SSD
RAM16GB8GB
Storage Size1000GB256GB

When we look at the hardware features of the Apple MacBook Pro (2015) 15" and the Microsoft Surface Book 3 13.5" Intel Core i5-1035G7 with 8GB RAM and 256GB SSD, we can identify crucial components that influence performance in different tasks.

CPU:

  • MacBook Pro (2015):
  • CPU Speed: 4 GHz
  • Threads: 8
  • Surface Book 3:
  • CPU: Intel Core i5-1035G7
  • CPU Speed: 4 GHz
  • Threads: 8

Impact on Performance: Both laptops offer strong processing power suitable for everyday tasks, multimedia editing, and moderate software operations. The newer processor in the Surface Book 3 may provide slightly better efficiency and performance in demanding applications due to its modern architecture.

RAM:

  • MacBook Pro (2015):
  • RAM: 16GB
  • RAM Speed: 1600 MHz
  • Surface Book 3:
  • RAM: 8GB
  • RAM Speed: 3733 MHz

Performance Impact: With higher RAM capacity, the MacBook Pro excels in multitasking and running memory-intensive applications. Conversely, the Surface Book boasts faster RAM speed for quicker data access, elevating overall system responsiveness.

GPU:

  • Surface Book 3:
  • Integrated Graphics: Yes

Impact on Performance: The presence of integrated graphics in the Surface Book ensures decent graphical performance for general multimedia tasks and light gaming. However, for intensive graphic design work or gaming requirements, users might consider an external GPU solution or opt for a laptop with dedicated graphics.

Storage:

  • MacBook Pro (2015):
  • Internal Storage: 1000GB
  • Uses Flash Storage: Yes
  • Surface Book 3:
  • Internal Storage: 256GB
  • Uses Flash Storage: Yes

Performance Impact: The laptops feature fast flash storage technology for quick boot times and snappy application launches. The MacBook Pro's larger internal storage capacity provides more space for files and applications than the Surface Book's smaller storage size.

If you need to multitask and require ample storage space, the MacBook Pro might be the better choice. Alternatively, if you prioritize faster data access speeds and modern hardware components, the Surface Book provides a stylish design with the latest technology.

Ultimately, the decision between these two laptops should be based on your individual requirements. If you prioritize raw processing power and extensive RAM capacity, the MacBook Pro could be a solid option. On the other hand, if you value contemporary hardware elements such as faster RAM speeds and integrated graphics in a flexible design, the Microsoft Surface Book 3 might better align with your needs.

Battery Comparison

Apple MacBook Pro (2015) 15"Microsoft Surface Book 3 13.5" Intel Core i5-1035G7 8GB RAM 256GB SSD
Battery Life9 hours15.5 hours

Comparing the battery performance of the Apple MacBook Pro (2015) 15" and the Microsoft Surface Book 3 13.5" Intel Core i5-1035G7 model reveals distinct variations in battery life and features.

Apple MacBook Pro (2015) 15Battery Life:

  • The MacBook Pro provides up to 9 hours of battery life on a single charge.
  • Battery Capacity: With a 6600 m

Ah battery, you can depend on consistent power for all your needs.

MagSafe Power Adapter: True, allowing for convenient charging with the magnetic connection.

Microsoft Surface Book 3 with 13.5-inch Intel Core i5-1035G7 ProcessorBattery Life:

  • With an impressive battery life of up to 15.5 hours, the Surface Book 3 provides extended usability with less need for frequent recharging. Sleep and Charge USB Ports: Yes, allowing you to charge your devices while your laptop is in sleep mode.

In summary:

  • The Microsoft Surface Book 3 boasts a longer battery life of 15.5 hours, surpassing the MacBook Pro's 9-hour battery capacity.
  • Choosing the Surface Book 3 ensures longer battery life, ideal for extended use without frequent recharging. The Apple MacBook Pro's MagSafe Power Adapter makes charging convenient, and the Surface Book's Sleep and Charge USB ports provide additional connectivity options for extended use.

If you prioritize extended battery life for uninterrupted productivity or entertainment sessions, the Microsoft Surface Book 3 might be the optimal choice. Yet, factors such as design preferences and software ecosystem should also be taken into account when choosing the best laptop model for your needs.

Verdict

Why Apple MacBook Pro (2015) 15"?

  • Larger screen size for immersive viewing experiences.
  • Higher RAM capacity for efficient multitasking.
  • Integrated Thunderbolt ports for fast connectivity options.

Why ?

  • Microsoft Surface Book 3 offers a longer battery life of up to 15.5 hours, surpassing the MacBook Pro's 9-hour capacity.
  • Surface Book 3 features a detachable design with touch screen and stylus support, providing versatile usage options for creativity.
  • The Surface Book 3 has USB Type-C support for future-proof connectivity needs, appealing to users looking for versatile connection options.
  • With integrated graphics and modern hardware components, the Surface Book 3 delivers a flexible and stylish design suitable for various tasks.