Microsoft Surface Laptop 3 Review – Style Icon or Just Skinny and Shiny?

You know how some people walk into a room and instantly steal the spotlight? That’s the Microsoft Surface Laptop 3. With its 13.5” PixelSense display, sleek magnesium shell, and an ultra-clean design, it looks like the sort of laptop that drinks oat milk and charges its Apple Watch twice a day 🥂. But is it all looks and no brain?

We’re reviewing the Microsoft Surface Laptop 3 in its Intel Core i5-1035G7, 8GB RAM, and 256GB SSD configuration — available now for just $549 AUD at Lapzilla. 🤑

Let’s break down this digital supermodel across 10 critical categories, with help from folks at LaptopMag, NotebookCheck, and some hot Reddit takes.

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🧪 Microsoft Surface Laptop 3 – In-Depth Review

🏗️ 1. Build Quality & Materials

Aluminium chassis. Super clean edges. The kind of laptop that makes MacBooks squint a little. The hinge is solid, the finish feels premium, and at just 1.29 kg, it’s light without feeling hollow. This is Surface at its finest. 💎

Score: 9/10

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⌨️ 2. Keyboard & Trackpad

Key travel is chef's kiss. Soft but responsive. You’ll want to write novels or at least passive-aggressive emails with it. The glass trackpad is smooth as buttered ice. Honestly, one of the best typing experiences in this price range.

Score: 8.5/10

🧠 Source: LaptopMag - “typing on the Surface Laptop 3 feels like gliding across silk”

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🔩 3. Hinges & Portability

Opens with one finger. Doesn’t wobble unless you’re typing like The Hulk. And the weight (1.29 kg) plus slim profile means this baby slides into your bag smoother than your ex into your DMs. Ultra portable? Oh yes.

Score: 9/10

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🖼️ 4. Aesthetics

She’s a 10. Period. Elegant. Minimal. No nonsense. 3:2 screen ratio adds to its tall, stately posture like it just walked off a Scandinavian runway. It’s what every startup founder wishes they were using in that Instagram post. 😌

Score: 10/10

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🧷 5. Ports & Connectivity

USB-A and USB-C are appreciated, but no Thunderbolt and only one of each? That’s like offering WiFi in a hotel but charging extra for it. Also, no microSD slot. So, yeah. Gorgeous, but a little stingy on I/O.

Score: 5.5/10

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🚀 6. CPU & GPU Performance

The i5-1035G7 is no powerhouse, but it’s efficient and surprisingly snappy for daily productivity, browsing, and light creative work. The Iris Plus Graphics handles FHD streaming, Canva, and even some light Photoshop without combusting. Not for hardcore work, but solid for everyday heroes.

Score: 7/10

🧠 Ref: NotebookCheck performance benchmarks

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🔥 7. Thermals & Noise

Runs quiet. Very quiet. Even when doing mild workloads. It’s passively cooled most of the time and when the fans do kick in, it’s a faint whisper, like your laptop is trying to share a secret. 🔇

Score: 8/10

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🔋 8. Battery Life

Microsoft says 11.5 hours. Real world? Expect 7–8 hours of mixed use. Still impressive considering the high-res screen and slim build. Just don’t expect all-day performance on max brightness.

Score: 7.5/10

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🎨 9. Display

The 13.5” PixelSense touchscreen is sharp, vibrant, and accurate enough for creative tasks. With a 3:2 aspect ratio and 201 PPI, it’s great for reading, designing, or doomscrolling in beautiful resolution. Only downside: it caps at 60Hz and brightness could be higher outdoors.

Score: 8/10

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🔊 10. Audio

Speakers are hidden beneath the keyboard — magic trick style. And surprisingly, they’re really good. Clear mids, good treble, and enough volume to fill a small room. Great for Zoom calls, Spotify sessions, or making your cat think it’s in a movie.

Score: 7.5/10

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📊 Final Score Tally:

🎯 Average Score: 8.0/10 ✅

🛒 Buy It from Lapzilla:

👉 Microsoft Surface Laptop 3 – $549 AUD at Lapzilla 💼✨