OVERALL
ALTERNATIVES
SPECS
VS AVERAGE
REVIEWS
Scored using Tablets Methodology v1.0
Tablets Methodology v1.0
Mathematical & Unbiased Scoring
Products in this category are scored under Frontum Tablets Methodology v1.0: technical specifications plus authentic consumer ratings, with 0% commercial bias.
Explore Tablets Methodology v1.0

Microsoft Surface Book (16GB + 256GB) Review | 168 Data compared

Avg. price:~£440RAM capacity:16 GBInternal storage:256 GBScreen size:13.5 inchesChipset:Intel Core i7-6600U

Microsoft Surface Book (16GB + 256GB) Review: Compare 168 technical specifications and user reviews to see how this product ranks in the Tablets category and whether it is worth buying.

Microsoft Surface Book (16GB + 256GB)
7.1/10

Overall score

Score
7.1/ 10
✕
What it is
An overall evaluation of the smartphone's quality, based on technical analyses and user reviews.
When it matters
When you need a quick reference to identify the best Tablets on the market.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–² Better than 69% of models
Score components

90%

7.1

Technical score

10%

7.1

User score

â–²Better than 69% of tablets
7.4

Value for money

Value for money
7.4/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator that combines the smartphone's overall rating with its cost.
When it matters
When you are looking for a smartphone with a good balance between quality and price.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–² Better than 61% of models
Score components

70%

7.1

Overall score

30%

8.2

Price

â–²Better than 61%
7.1

Technical score

Technical score
7.1/ 10
✕
What it is
An assessment of the smartphone's technical performance, covering eight key areas: performance & hardware, software, camera, connectivity, display, battery, audio, and design.
When it matters
When you want to compare Tablets based on technical performance and available features.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–² Better than 71% of models
Score components

22%

7.6

Performance

20%

6.9

Display

16%

7.0

Camera

14%

7.6

Battery

12%

6.3

Connectivity

8%

7.8

Software & Features

5%

5.4

Design

3%

5.7

Audio & Multimedia

â–²Better than 71%
7.1

User score

User score
7.1/ 10
✕
What it is
A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the smartphone
When it matters
When you want to know how a smartphone handles daily tasks and how reliable it remains over time according to user feedback.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 83% of models
Score components

70%

7.3

User ratings

30%

6.7

Number of reviews

Based on ratings from across the web.
â–¼Worse than 83%
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Where to buy
*As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
Best rankings
Available: ranking among products currently available (including other versions of this product).All: ranking among all products in the database.
Available versions:
16GB + 256GB8GB + 256GBCheck price16GB + 512GBCheck price
Other versions:
8GB + 128GB16GB + 1TB
Loading category ranking...

Technical Specifications of tablet Microsoft Surface Book (16GB + 256GB)

Technical score
Technical score
7.1/ 10
✕
What it is
An assessment of the smartphone's technical performance, covering eight key areas: performance & hardware, software, camera, connectivity, display, battery, audio, and design.
When it matters
When you want to compare Tablets based on technical performance and available features.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–² Better than 71% of models
Score components:

22%

7.6

Performance

20%

6.9

Display

16%

7.0

Camera

14%

7.6

Battery

12%

6.3

Connectivity

8%

7.8

Software & Features

5%

5.4

Design

3%

5.7

Audio & Multimedia

7.1
User score
User score
7.1/ 10
✕
What it is
A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the smartphone
When it matters
When you want to know how a smartphone handles daily tasks and how reliable it remains over time according to user feedback.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 83% of models
Score components

70%

7.3

User ratings

30%

6.7

Number of reviews

Based on ratings from across the web.
7.1
Popularity
Popularity
6.7/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator based on the number of reviews received by the smartphone.
When it matters
When you prefer to purchase a product chosen and reviewed by many other consumers.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–² Better than 66% of models
Popularity:
Microsoft Surface Book (16GB + 256GB) has a user popularity of 6.7 points, which is lower than 66.5% of Tablets.
6.7
Value for money
Value for money
7.4/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator that combines the smartphone's overall rating with its cost.
When it matters
When you are looking for a smartphone with a good balance between quality and price.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–² Better than 61% of models
Score components:

70%

7.1

Overall score

30%

8.2

Price

7.4
RAM capacity
16 GB
Market range: <2 GB – >12 GB
This tablet has a RAM capacity of 16 GB which is larger than the RAM capacity of 96.2% of tablets and equal to that of 3.6% of tablets.
Process node
14 nm
Market range: <4 nm – >40 nm
This tablet is built on a 14 nm process node, which is smaller than the node size used in 45% of tablets and equal to the node used in 8.6% of tablets.
Internal storage
256 GB
Market range: <0 GB – >250 GB
This tablet has an internal storage capacity of 256 GB which is larger than the storage of 76.5% of tablets and equal to that of 15.7% of tablets.
Geekbench 6 single-core benchmark score
859 points
Market range: <233 points – >2.3k points
This tablet scored 859 points in Geekbench 6 (single-core) which is higher than the score of 53.6% of tablets and equal to the score of 0.2% of tablets.
Chipset
Intel Core i7-6600U
This tablet uses the Intel Core i7-6600U chipset, which is more advanced than the chipsets in 77.7% of tablets and equal to those in 0.1% of tablets.
Show more
Screen resolution
3000×2000
This tablet has a screen resolution of 3000×2000 which is higher than that of 96.7% of tablets and equal to that of 0.6% of tablets.
Refresh rate
60 Hz
Market range: <60 Hz – >120 Hz
This tablet supports a refresh rate of 60 Hz which is equal to that in 73.8% of tablets.
Display type
IPS LCD
This tablet uses a IPS LCD display type. 17% of tablets use this display technology.
Pixel density
267 ppi
Market range: <149 ppi – >291 ppi
This tablet has a pixel density of 267 ppi which is higher than that of 77.5% of tablets and equal to that of 1.5% of tablets.
Display glass type
Corning Gorilla Glass 4
This tablet uses Corning Gorilla Glass 4 display glass which is stronger than that on 91.4% of tablets and equal to that on 2.4% of tablets.
Show more
Optical image stabilization
no
This tablet does not support optical image stabilization. 0.4% of tablets include OIS.
Main camera megapixels
?
Front camera megapixels
5 MP
Market range: <1.2 MP – >9 MP
This tablet has a front camera resolution of 5 MP which is higher than in 48.8% of tablets and equal to that in 19.6% of tablets.
Main camera aperture
f/2.0
This tablet has a main camera aperture of f/2.0 which is wider than that of 57.5% of tablets and equal to that of 24.5% of tablets.
Optical zoom
1xxx
This tablet supports 1xx optical zoom which is higher than in 18.4% of tablets and equal to that in 80.7% of tablets.
Show more
Battery capacity
6,800 mAh
Market range: <4k mAh – >10.1k mAh
This tablet has a battery capacity of 6,800 mAh which is larger than the batteries in 52.3% of tablets and equal to those in 1% of tablets.
Charging speed
?
Battery life
12 hours
Market range: <6 hours – >16 hours
This tablet has a battery life of 12 hours, which is longer than that of 65.7% of tablets and equal to that of 9.3% of tablets.
video playback
Wireless charging
no
This tablet does not support wireless charging. 1.5% of tablets support wireless charging.
Fast charging
yes
This tablet supports fast charging. 50.4% of tablets support fast charging.
Show more
LTE support
no
This tablet does not support LTE. 63.3% of tablets include LTE connectivity.
Wi-Fi connectivity
yes
This tablet supports Wi-Fi connectivity. 0.2% of tablets offer Wi-Fi support.
GPS
no
This tablet does not support GPS. 82.7% of tablets include GPS functionality.
5G connectivity
no
This tablet does not support 5G connectivity. 11.1% of tablets support 5G.
NFC
no
This tablet does not support NFC. 10.9% of tablets support NFC.
Show more
Operating system
Windows
This tablet uses the Windows operating system, which is less advanced than the one used by 84.1%.
Update support duration
short
This tablet offers short update support, which is shorter than the support period of 52.7% of tablets and equal to that of 47.3% of tablets.
Direct OS updates
yes
This tablet receives direct OS updates. 20.3% of tablets receive direct updates.
On-device AI
no
This tablet does not support on-device AI. 28.3% of tablets support this capability.
App tracking protection
yes
This tablet includes app tracking protection. 71.8% of tablets include app tracking protection.
Show more
IP rating
not rated
This tablet has an IP rating of not rated which is lower than that of 16.3% of tablets and equal to that of 83.7% of tablets.
Weight
1,579 g
Market range: <315 g – >730 g
This tablet weighs 1,579 g which is heavier than 99.5% of tablets.
Backlit keyboard
yes
This tablet supports a backlit keyboard. 90.3% of tablets support backlit keyboards.
Keyboard accessory
yes
This tablet supports a keyboard accessory. 15.8% of tablets support this option.
Pen latency
21 ms
Market range: <2 ms – >26 ms
This tablet has a pen latency of 21 ms, which is higher than that of 76% of tablets and equal to that of 4.9% of tablets.
Show more
Number of microphones
2
Market range: <0 – >5
This tablet includes 2 microphones, which is more than in 55.1% of tablets and equal to the number in 32.7% of tablets.
aptX Adaptive
no
This tablet does not support aptX Adaptive. 6.9% of tablets offer this codec.
Dolby Atmos support
no
This tablet does not support Dolby Atmos. 31.5% of tablets support Dolby Atmos.
N. of speakers
2
Market range: <1 – >6
This tablet includes 2 speakers, which is more than in 9.8% of tablets and equal to the number in 60.9% of tablets.
FM radio
no
This tablet does not include an FM radio. 19% of tablets offer FM radio functionality.
Show more

Microsoft Surface Book (16GB + 256GB) vs the average tablet

246810TotalPerformanceDisplayCameraBatteryConnectivitySoftware & FeaturesDesignAudio & Multimedia
  • Faster storage type
    This tablet uses NVMe storage, while the average tablet uses eMMC. Storage technology still varies widely across tablets.
    NVMe vs eMMC
  • More capable chipset
    This tablet uses the Intel Core i7-6600U chipset, while the average tablet uses MediaTek MT8169A.
    Intel Core i7-6600U vs MediaTek MT8169A
  • Higher screen resolution
    This tablet has a higher screen resolution than the average tablet (3000×2000 vs 1920×1200). The average tablet resolution is 1920×1200.
    3000×2000 vs 1920×1200
  • 12 GB more RAM
    This tablet has more RAM capacity than the average tablet (16 GB vs 4 GB). The average tablet has 4 GB of RAM.
    16 GB vs 4 GB
  • 70% higher CPU speed
    This tablet has a higher CPU speed than the average tablet (3.4 GHz vs 2 GHz). The average tablet has CPU speed of 2 GHz.
    3.4 GHz vs 2 GHz
  • 4x more storage
    This tablet has more internal storage than the average tablet (256 GB vs 64 GB). The average tablet provides 64 GB of internal storage.
    256 GB vs 64 GB
  • 3.4 inches larger screen size
    This tablet has a higher screen size than the average tablet (13.5 inches vs 10.1 inches). The average tablet has screen size of 10.1 inches.
    13.5 inches vs 10.1 inches
  • Higher contrast ratio
    This tablet has a higher contrast ratio than the average tablet (1700:1 vs 1015:1). The average tablet contrast ratio is 1015:1.
    1,700:1 vs 1,015:1
  • Faster storage type
    This tablet uses NVMe storage, while the average tablet uses eMMC. Storage technology still varies widely across tablets.
    NVMe vs eMMC
  • More capable chipset
    This tablet uses the Intel Core i7-6600U chipset, while the average tablet uses MediaTek MT8169A.
    Intel Core i7-6600U vs MediaTek MT8169A
  • 12 GB more RAM
    This tablet has more RAM capacity than the average tablet (16 GB vs 4 GB). The average tablet has 4 GB of RAM.
    16 GB vs 4 GB
  • 70% higher CPU speed
    This tablet has a higher CPU speed than the average tablet (3.4 GHz vs 2 GHz). The average tablet has CPU speed of 2 GHz.
    3.4 GHz vs 2 GHz
  • 4x more storage
    This tablet has more internal storage than the average tablet (256 GB vs 64 GB). The average tablet provides 64 GB of internal storage.
    256 GB vs 64 GB
  • Supports multithreading
    This tablet supports multithreading, the average tablet does not. 0.00% of tablets support multithreading.
  • 2x higher memory bandwidth
    This tablet has a higher memory bandwidth than the average tablet (29.8 GB/s vs 14.9 GB/s). The average tablet has memory bandwidth of 14.9 GB/s.
    29.8 GB/s vs 14.9 GB/s
  • 46.8% faster GPU clock
    This tablet has a higher GPU frequency than the average tablet (954 MHz vs 650 MHz). The average tablet has GPU frequency of 650 MHz.
    954 MHz vs 650 MHz
  • Higher screen resolution
    This tablet has a higher screen resolution than the average tablet (3000×2000 vs 1920×1200). The average tablet resolution is 1920×1200.
    3000×2000 vs 1920×1200
  • 3.4 inches larger screen size
    This tablet has a higher screen size than the average tablet (13.5 inches vs 10.1 inches). The average tablet has screen size of 10.1 inches.
    13.5 inches vs 10.1 inches
  • Higher contrast ratio
    This tablet has a higher contrast ratio than the average tablet (1700:1 vs 1015:1). The average tablet contrast ratio is 1015:1.
    1,700:1 vs 1,015:1
  • 19.2% higher pixel density
    This tablet has a higher pixel density than the average tablet (267 ppi vs 224 ppi). The average tablet has pixel density of 224 ppi.
    267 ppi vs 224 ppi
  • More durable display glass
    This tablet uses better display glass than the average tablet (Corning Gorilla Glass 4 vs Corning Gorilla Glass). Display glass choice still varies across tablets.
    Corning Gorilla Glass 4 vs Corning Gorilla Glass
  • 46 ppi higher screen sharpness
    This tablet has a higher screen sharpness than the average tablet (267 ppi vs 221 ppi). The average tablet has screen sharpness of 221 ppi.
    267 ppi vs 221 ppi
  • 200 Hz higher PWM dimming frequency
    This tablet has a higher PWM dimming frequency than the average tablet (200 Hz vs 0 Hz). The average tablet has PWM dimming frequency of 0 Hz.
    200 Hz vs 0 Hz
  • Allows manual ISO
    This tablet allows manual ISO adjustment, the average tablet does not. 46% of tablets feature manual ISO.
  • Wider main camera aperture
    This tablet has a better main camera aperture than the average tablet (f/2 vs f/2.2). The average tablet uses f/2.2 main camera aperture.
    f/2.0 vs f/2.2
  • Supports fast charging
    This tablet supports fast charging, the average tablet does not. 49.7% of tablets feature fast charging.
  • 2 hours longer battery life
    This tablet offers longer battery life than the average tablet (12 hours vs 10 hours). The average tablet offers 10 hours of battery life.
    video playback
    12 hours vs 10 hours
  • Includes battery health monitoring
    This tablet features battery health monitoring, the average tablet does not. 37% of tablets include battery health tools.
  • Newer USB version
    This tablet supports a newer USB version than the average tablet (USB 3.2 Gen 1 vs USB 2). The average tablet uses USB USB 2.0.
    USB 3.2 Gen 1 vs USB 2.0
  • Supports live text recognition
    This tablet supports live text recognition, the average tablet does not. 34.9% of tablets can recognize text from images.
  • Includes app tracking protection
    This tablet includes app tracking protection, the average tablet does not. 28.3% of tablets offer app tracking protection.
  • Allows app offloading
    This tablet allows app offloading, the average tablet does not. 26.4% of tablets support app offloading.
  • Suitable for drawing
    This tablet is suitable for drawing, the average tablet is not. 41% of tablets are suitable for drawing.
  • Includes backlit keyboard
    This tablet has a backlit keyboard, the average tablet does not. 9.8% of tablets offer a backlit keyboard.
  • Supports stylus tilt
    This tablet supports stylus tilt, the average tablet does not. 33.6% of tablets support stylus tilt.
  • 1 more microphone/s
    This tablet has more microphones than the average tablet (2 vs 1). The average tablet has 1 microphones.
    2 vs 1
  • Shorter update support
    This tablet offers shorter update support than the average tablet (short vs medium). The average tablet gets medium of update support.
    short vs medium
  • Less advanced operating system
    This tablet runs on a less advanced operating system than the average tablet (Windows vs Android). Operating system choice shapes app support, updates, and ecosystem features.
    Windows vs Android
  • No LTE support
    This tablet does not support LTE, the average tablet does. 63.2% of tablets support LTE.
  • 3.22x heavier
    This tablet is heavier than the average tablet (1,579 g vs 490 g). The average tablet weighs 490 g.
    1,579 g vs 490 g
  • No manual exposure control
    This tablet does not offer manual exposure control, the average tablet does. 63.6% of tablets have manual exposure.
  • No HDR photo mode
    This tablet does not have HDR photo mode, the average tablet does. 79.6% of tablets support HDR photo mode.
  • No GPS
    This tablet does not have GPS, the average tablet does. 82.7% of tablets feature GPS.
  • Older Bluetooth version
    This tablet uses an older Bluetooth version than the average tablet (4 vs 5). The average tablet uses Bluetooth 5.0.
    4.0 vs 5.0
  • 12.5% lower user score
    User score
    7.1/ 10
    ✕
    What it is
    A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the smartphone
    When it matters
    When you want to know how a smartphone handles daily tasks and how reliable it remains over time according to user feedback.
    Score distribution
    ▼▼
    <55-66-77-88-99-10
    Microsoft Surface Book
    the average tablet
    Microsoft Surface Book (16GB + 256GB) has a lower user score than the average tablet (7.11 vs 8.000).
    7.11 vs 8
  • 69.2% more expensive
    Microsoft Surface Book (16GB + 256GB) is more expensive than the average tablet (£440 vs £260).
    £440 vs £260
  • 2 fewer CPU threads
    This tablet has less CPU threads than the average tablet (4 vs 6). The average tablet has 6 CPU threads.
    4 vs 6
  • No big.LITTLE architecture
    This tablet does not use a big.LITTLE architecture, the average tablet does. 51.3% of tablets use a big.LITTLE architecture.
  • No manual exposure control
    This tablet does not offer manual exposure control, the average tablet does. 63.6% of tablets have manual exposure.
  • No HDR photo mode
    This tablet does not have HDR photo mode, the average tablet does. 79.6% of tablets support HDR photo mode.
  • No manual white balance
    This tablet does not allow manual white balance adjustments, the average tablet does. 51.6% of tablets include white balance controls.
  • No BSI sensor
    This tablet lacks a BSI sensor, the average tablet has one. 52.6% of tablets use BSI sensors for better low-light shots.
  • No LTE support
    This tablet does not support LTE, the average tablet does. 63.2% of tablets support LTE.
  • No GPS
    This tablet does not have GPS, the average tablet does. 82.7% of tablets feature GPS.
  • Older Bluetooth version
    This tablet uses an older Bluetooth version than the average tablet (4 vs 5). The average tablet uses Bluetooth 5.0.
    4.0 vs 5.0
  • No cellular module
    This tablet does not have a cellular module, the average tablet does. 59.3% of tablets include a cellular module.
  • Shorter update support
    This tablet offers shorter update support than the average tablet (short vs medium). The average tablet gets medium of update support.
    short vs medium
  • Less advanced operating system
    This tablet runs on a less advanced operating system than the average tablet (Windows vs Android). Operating system choice shapes app support, updates, and ecosystem features.
    Windows vs Android
  • 3.22x heavier
    This tablet is heavier than the average tablet (1,579 g vs 490 g). The average tablet weighs 490 g.
    1,579 g vs 490 g
  • 12 ms higher pen latency
    This tablet has higher pen latency than the average tablet (21 ms vs 9 ms). The average tablet has pen latency of 9 ms.
    21 ms vs 9 ms
  • 137 mm wider
    This tablet is wider than the average tablet (312.3 mm vs 175.3 mm). The average tablet is 175.3 mm wide.
    312.3 mm vs 175.3 mm
  • 3 points lower iFixit repairability score
    This tablet has a lower repairability score than the average tablet (1 points vs 4 points). The average tablet repairability score is 4 points.
    1 points vs 4 points
  • 4 older release date
    This tablet is an older model than the average tablet (2015 vs 2019).
    October 2015
    2015 vs 2019

Video reviews

Hands-on testing, unboxing, and real-world video evaluations

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Expert reviews

In-depth analysis and verdict from leading tech publications

theverge.com
21/10/2015
Hands-on review · Hybrid laptop
Verdict
The Surface Book is a comfortable laptop with a sharp 3:2 screen and trackpad, but its hinge wobbles on the lap and it's bulkier than other laptops.
wired.com
21/10/2015
Hands-on review · Laptop-first hybrid
Verdict
The Surface Book is a great laptop that tries to be a tablet too, but its detaching glitches make the tablet side frustrating.
cnet.com
21/10/2015
Hands-on review · Premium hybrid
Verdict
The Surface Book is a powerful premium hybrid that stays a laptop first, though its gap when closed and costly top models are drawbacks.
pcmag.com
21/10/2015
Lab test · Detachable hybrid
Verdict
The Surface Book is a powerful detachable hybrid with a sharp 3,000-by-2,000 screen and over 15 hours of battery, but it's pricey.
uk.pcmag.com
21/10/2015
Lab test · Versatile hybrid
Verdict
The Surface Book is a versatile hybrid with a bright screen and over 15 hours of tested battery life, but it's pricey and doesn't lie flat when closed.
theguardian.com
25/02/2016
Review · Windows 2-in-1 laptop
Verdict
The Surface Book is the best Windows 2-in-1 for people who mainly want a laptop, with a fast detachable screen, though the tablet is large and heavy to use alone.
photographylife.com
20/02/2016
Hands-on test · Photo editing laptop
Verdict
The Surface Book is a light, powerful 2-in-1 for photographers who want Lightroom and Photoshop on the go, with dedicated graphics and a touchscreen.
F
forbes.com
17/04/2016
Summary of the review
Surface Book Review: Microsoft's Frustrating View Of The Future | Forbes
techradar.com
16/04/2021
Lab test · Detachable laptop
Verdict
The Surface Book is a strong all-round Windows machine with a sharp screen and a practical detachable tablet, though its battery falls short of Microsoft's claims.
arstechnica.com
21/10/2015
Full review · Detachable laptop
Verdict
The Surface Book is a solidly built laptop with a sharp touchscreen and precise pen, best for buyers who want a true laptop rather than a tablet.
zdnet.com
21/10/2015
Two-week test · Windows laptop review
Verdict
The Surface Book is a well-made laptop with a great keyboard, but it tips over on your lap and its detachable tablet adds little.
mirror.co.uk
18/02/2016
Review · Premium hybrid laptop
Verdict
The Surface Book is a well-engineered, powerful laptop comfortable for long sessions, but its high price and weight put it beyond most buyers.
techadvisor.com
30/06/2016
Expert review · Premium hybrid laptop
Verdict
The Surface Book is a finely built laptop with a detachable screen and long battery life, best for buyers who can afford its high price.
M
medium.com
01/06/2017
Summary of the review
The Microsoft Surface Book: a designer's review - Medium Would you like to see a comparison of technical specifications between the original model and...
computerbild.de
18/02/2016
Lab test · MacBook Pro rival
Verdict
The Surface Book rivals the MacBook Pro for Windows 10 users, with a sharp display and fast performance, but its fan gets loud and the price is high.
pcwelt.de
18/02/2016
Hands-on test · Hybrid laptop
Verdict
The Surface Book is a well-built Windows laptop that doubles as a tablet and has stronger graphics than the MacBook Pro, but it costs more.
chip.de
18/06/2017
Hands-on test · Performance 2-in-1
Verdict
The Surface Book with Performance Base is a powerful 2-in-1 with long docked battery life, but its display contrast disappointed and it is too expensive for everyday users.
chip.de
16/02/2016
Lab test · Performance 2-in-1
Verdict
The Surface Book is an excellent laptop and tablet combo for fast work and long battery life when docked, but its fan is loud and it is very expensive.
N
notebookcheck.org
25/10/2015
Summary of the review
Test Microsoft Surface Book (Core i5)
(Translated)Show original
heise.de
16/02/2016
Review · Laptop with detachable tablet
Verdict
The Surface Book is a premium laptop that turns into a light tablet with a sharp screen, but sleep battery drain and crashes spoil the experience.

Third-party reviews

Based on ratings from across the web.
Reviews last updated: November 2026 · How we calculate this

What customers like about Microsoft Surface Book (16GB + 256GB)

  • Versatile 2-in-1 design with a unique detachable display that functions as a standalone tablet
  • High-resolution PixelSense display (3000 x 2000) with excellent color accuracy and brightness
  • Premium magnesium alloy build quality that feels robust and modern
  • Industry-leading typing experience with a comfortable, well-spaced backlit keyboard
  • Secondary battery and optional discrete NVIDIA GPU in the base significantly boost performance and longevity in laptop mode
  • Excellent stylus support for creative work and precise note-taking
  • Superior 1080p webcams compared to most standard laptops, ideal for video conferencing

What customers don't like about Microsoft Surface Book (16GB + 256GB)

  • High price point relative to competitors with similar or better raw specifications
  • Noticeably heavy and bulky as a laptop, especially with the dedicated GPU base
  • Limited battery life when used in tablet-only mode (often 3-4 hours)
  • Unconventional 'fulcrum hinge' leaves a gap when closed, allowing dust to enter and preventing it from lying flat
  • Thermal throttling issues under heavy load due to lower-wattage CPUs being housed in the screen portion
  • Difficult and expensive to repair; components like the battery are often glued in, leading to poor repairability scores
  • Lack of modern ports such as Thunderbolt (on most models) and reliance on proprietary Surface Connect

Verdict

The Microsoft Surface Book (16GB + 256GB) is a premium 2-in-1 hybrid featuring a 13.5-inch PixelSense touchscreen with a 3000 x 2000 resolution and a unique detachable design enabled by a 'dynamic fulcrum hinge'. Powered by a 6th Gen Intel Core i7 processor and 16GB of RAM, it offers robust multitasking capabilities and often includes a discrete NVIDIA GeForce GPU in the keyboard base for enhanced graphics performance. Its main pros include exceptional build quality, a highly responsive Surface Pen for creative work, and a versatile form factor that transitions seamlessly between a high-performance laptop and a lightweight tablet. However, notable cons include a distinctive 'hinge gap' that allows dust to enter when closed, a top-heavy tablet portion that can be unstable for lap use, and occasional software bugs related to the detachment mechanism.

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