OVERALL
ALTERNATIVES
SPECS
VS AVERAGE
REVIEWS
Scored using Tablets Methodology v1.0
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Products in this category are scored under Frontum Tablets Methodology v1.0: technical specifications plus authentic consumer ratings, with 0% commercial bias.
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Microsoft Surface Book 2 13 5 I5 (8GB + 256GB) Review | 168 Data compared

Avg. price:~£200RAM capacity:8 GBInternal storage:256 GBScreen size:13.5 inchesChipset:Intel Core i5-7300U

Microsoft Surface Book 2 13 5 I5 (8GB + 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 2 13 5 I5 (8GB + 256GB)
7.4/10

Overall score

Score
7.4/ 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 77% of models
Score components

90%

7.4

Technical score

10%

8.3

User score

â–²Better than 77% of tablets
8.1

Value for money

Value for money
8.1/ 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 86% of models
Score components

70%

7.4

Overall score

30%

9.5

Price

â–²Better than 86%
7.4

Technical score

Technical score
7.4/ 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 76% of models
Score components

22%

8.1

Performance

20%

6.4

Display

16%

7.7

Camera

14%

8.5

Battery

12%

6.7

Connectivity

8%

7.7

Software & Features

5%

4.9

Design

3%

6.8

Audio & Multimedia

â–²Better than 76%
8.3

User score

User score
8.3/ 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–² Better than 77% of models
Score components

70%

8.2

User ratings

30%

8.4

Number of reviews

Based on ratings from across the web.
â–²Better than 77%
  • microsoft-surface-book-2-13-5-i5-8gb-256gb
  • microsoft-surface-book-2-13-5-i5-8gb-256gb
microsoft-surface-book-2-13-5-i5-8gb-256gb
microsoft-surface-book-2-13-5-i5-8gb-256gb
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.
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Technical Specifications of tablet Microsoft Surface Book 2 13 5 I5 (8GB + 256GB)

Technical score
Technical score
7.4/ 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 76% of models
Score components:

22%

8.1

Performance

20%

6.4

Display

16%

7.7

Camera

14%

8.5

Battery

12%

6.7

Connectivity

8%

7.7

Software & Features

5%

4.9

Design

3%

6.8

Audio & Multimedia

7.4
User score
User score
8.3/ 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–² Better than 77% of models
Score components

70%

8.2

User ratings

30%

8.4

Number of reviews

Based on ratings from across the web.
8.3
Popularity
Popularity
8.4/ 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 81% of models
Popularity:
Microsoft Surface Book 2 13 5 I5 (8GB + 256GB) has a user popularity of 8.4 points, which is lower than 81.3% of Tablets.
8.4
Value for money
Value for money
8.1/ 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 86% of models
Score components:

70%

7.4

Overall score

30%

9.5

Price

8.1
RAM capacity
8 GB
Market range: <2 GB – >12 GB
This tablet has a RAM capacity of 8 GB which is larger than the RAM capacity of 72.3% of tablets and equal to that of 17.8% 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
1,161 points
Market range: <233 points – >2.3k points
This tablet scored 1,161 points in Geekbench 6 (single-core) which is higher than the score of 65.8% of tablets and equal to the score of 0.3% of tablets.
Chipset
Intel Core i5-7300U
This tablet uses the Intel Core i5-7300U chipset, which is more advanced than the chipsets in 75% of tablets and equal to those in 0.7% 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
9,414 mAh
Market range: <4k mAh – >10.1k mAh
This tablet has a battery capacity of 9,414 mAh which is larger than the batteries in 84.8% of tablets.
Charging speed
39 W
Market range: <10 W – >60 W
This tablet supports charging speeds of 39 W which is faster than in 80.1% of tablets and equal to speeds in 0.3% of tablets.
Battery life
17 hours
Market range: <6 hours – >16 hours
This tablet has a battery life of 17 hours, which is longer than that of 92.5% of tablets and equal to that of 0.4% of tablets.
video playback
Wireless charging
no
This tablet does not support wireless charging. 1.5% of tablets support wireless charging.
Fast charging
no
This tablet does not support fast charging. 49.7% 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
medium
This tablet offers medium update support, which is longer than the support period of 47.3% of tablets and equal to that of 32.6% 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
no
This tablet does not include app tracking protection. 28.3% of tablets include app tracking protection.
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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
719 g
Market range: <315 g – >730 g
This tablet weighs 719 g which is heavier than 88.7% 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
yes
This tablet supports Dolby Atmos. 68.6% 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 2 13 5 I5 (8GB + 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
  • 7 hours longer battery life
    This tablet offers longer battery life than the average tablet (17 hours vs 10 hours). The average tablet offers 10 hours of battery life.
    video playback
    17 hours vs 10 hours
  • 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
  • More capable chipset
    This tablet uses the Intel Core i5-7300U chipset, while the average tablet uses MediaTek MT8169A.
    Intel Core i5-7300U vs MediaTek MT8169A
  • 75% higher CPU speed
    This tablet has a higher CPU speed than the average tablet (3.5 GHz vs 2 GHz). The average tablet has CPU speed of 2 GHz.
    3.5 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
  • 43.1% larger battery capacity
    This tablet has a higher battery capacity than the average tablet (9,414 mAh vs 6,580 mAh). The average tablet battery has capacity of 6,580 mAh.
    9,414 mAh vs 6,580 mAh
  • 13.4% better value for money
    Microsoft Surface Book 2 13 5 I5 (8GB + 256GB) has better value for money than the average tablet (8.05 vs 7.1).
    8.05 vs 7.1
  • 75.2% more popular
    Microsoft Surface Book 2 13 5 I5 (8GB + 256GB) is more popular than the average tablet (8.42 vs 4.8).
    8.42 vs 4.81
  • 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 i5-7300U chipset, while the average tablet uses MediaTek MT8169A.
    Intel Core i5-7300U vs MediaTek MT8169A
  • 75% higher CPU speed
    This tablet has a higher CPU speed than the average tablet (3.5 GHz vs 2 GHz). The average tablet has CPU speed of 2 GHz.
    3.5 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
  • 4 GB more RAM
    This tablet has more RAM capacity than the average tablet (8 GB vs 4 GB). The average tablet has 4 GB of RAM.
    8 GB vs 4 GB
  • 2.29x higher memory bandwidth
    This tablet has a higher memory bandwidth than the average tablet (34.1 GB/s vs 14.9 GB/s). The average tablet has memory bandwidth of 14.9 GB/s.
    34.1 GB/s vs 14.9 GB/s
  • 69.2% faster GPU clock
    This tablet has a higher GPU frequency than the average tablet (1,100 MHz vs 650 MHz). The average tablet has GPU frequency of 650 MHz.
    1,100 MHz vs 650 MHz
  • Supports multithreading
    This tablet supports multithreading, the average tablet does not. 0.00% of tablets support multithreading.
  • 20 more GPU execution units
    This tablet has more GPU execution units than the average tablet (24 vs 4). The average tablet has 4 GPU execution units.
    24 vs 4
  • 59.3% higher Geekbench 6 single-core benchmark score
    This tablet achieves a higher Geekbench 6 single-core benchmark score than the average tablet (1,161 points vs 729 points). The average tablet scores 729 points in Geekbench 6 single-core.
    1,161 points vs 729 points
  • 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 (1600:1 vs 1015:1). The average tablet contrast ratio is 1015:1.
    1,600:1 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
  • Supports PDAF
    This tablet supports PDAF, the average tablet does not. 28.1% of tablets support PDAF.
  • Allows manual focus
    This tablet allows manual focus control, the average tablet does not. 37.2% of tablets include manual focus.
  • 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
  • 7 hours longer battery life
    This tablet offers longer battery life than the average tablet (17 hours vs 10 hours). The average tablet offers 10 hours of battery life.
    video playback
    17 hours vs 10 hours
  • 43.1% larger battery capacity
    This tablet has a higher battery capacity than the average tablet (9,414 mAh vs 6,580 mAh). The average tablet battery has capacity of 6,580 mAh.
    9,414 mAh vs 6,580 mAh
  • 2.17x faster charging speed
    This tablet supports faster charging than the average tablet (39 W vs 18 W). The average tablet supports charging speed of 18 W.
    39 W vs 18 W
  • Includes battery health monitoring
    This tablet features battery health monitoring, the average tablet does not. 37% of tablets include battery health tools.
  • Supports DisplayPort over USB-C
    This tablet supports DisplayPort over USB-C, the average tablet does not. 21.5% of tablets support DisplayPort over USB-C.
  • 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
  • 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.
  • Supports Dolby Atmos
    This tablet supports Dolby Atmos, the average tablet does not. 31.5% of tablets support Dolby Atmos.
  • 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
  • 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.
  • Narrower front camera aperture
    This tablet has a worse front camera aperture than the average tablet (f/2.4 vs f/2.2). The average tablet uses f/2.2 front camera aperture.
    f/2.4 vs f/2.2
  • 46.7% heavier
    This tablet is heavier than the average tablet (719 g vs 490 g). The average tablet weighs 490 g.
    719 g vs 490 g
  • No GPS
    This tablet does not have GPS, the average tablet does. 82.7% of tablets feature GPS.
  • No cellular module
    This tablet does not have a cellular module, the average tablet does. 59.3% of tablets include a cellular module.
  • 5 mm thicker
    This tablet is thicker than the average tablet (13 mm vs 8 mm). The average tablet is 8.0 mm thick.
    13.0 mm vs 8.0 mm
  • 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
  • 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.
  • 27 nits lower peak brightness
    This tablet has a lower peak brightness than the average tablet (374 nits vs 401 nits). The average tablet reaches 401 nits peak brightness.
    374 nits vs 401 nits
  • 26 nits lower typical brightness
    This tablet has a lower typical brightness than the average tablet (374 nits vs 400 nits). The average tablet reaches 400 nits typical brightness.
    374 nits vs 400 nits
  • Narrower front camera aperture
    This tablet has a worse front camera aperture than the average tablet (f/2.4 vs f/2.2). The average tablet uses f/2.2 front camera aperture.
    f/2.4 vs f/2.2
  • No timelapse video
    This tablet does not support timelapse video, the average tablet does. 57.5% of tablets include timelapse modes.
  • 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.
  • No cellular module
    This tablet does not have a cellular module, the average tablet does. 59.3% of tablets include a cellular module.
  • Older Bluetooth version
    This tablet uses an older Bluetooth version than the average tablet (4.1 vs 5). The average tablet uses Bluetooth 5.0.
    4.1 vs 5.0
  • 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 full-page screenshots
    This tablet does not support full-page screenshots, the average tablet does. 52.5% of tablets support full-page screenshots.
  • No widgets
    This tablet does not support widgets, the average tablet does. 93.5% of tablets support widgets.
  • 46.7% heavier
    This tablet is heavier than the average tablet (719 g vs 490 g). The average tablet weighs 490 g.
    719 g vs 490 g
  • 5 mm thicker
    This tablet is thicker than the average tablet (13 mm vs 8 mm). The average tablet is 8.0 mm thick.
    13.0 mm vs 8.0 mm
  • 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
  • 136.7 mm wider
    This tablet is wider than the average tablet (312 mm vs 175.3 mm). The average tablet is 175.3 mm wide.
    312.0 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
  • 32 mm taller
    This tablet is taller than the average tablet (232 mm vs 200 mm). The average tablet is 200.0 mm tall.
    232 mm vs 200.0 mm

Video reviews

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

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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 2 13 5 I5 (8GB + 256GB)

  • Premium build quality and modern, sleek aesthetic
  • Excellent 3:2 aspect ratio display with high resolution and vibrant colors
  • Versatile 2-in-1 design with a detachable screen for tablet and 'studio' modes
  • Exceptional total battery life when used in laptop mode with the keyboard base
  • Quiet and cool operation, particularly the fanless i5 model
  • Comfortable, tactile keyboard and responsive precision trackpad

What customers don't like about Microsoft Surface Book 2 13 5 I5 (8GB + 256GB)

  • Short battery life when the tablet portion is detached from the base (approx. 1-3 hours)
  • High initial price compared to performance benchmarks of competing laptops
  • Tablet detachment can be physically awkward or fail if the tablet battery is too low
  • The SD card slot leaves cards protruding about half an inch, risking damage
  • Heavier and bulkier than some competitors in the 13-inch class
  • Keyboard backlighting can make key legends difficult to read on the silver keys

Verdict

The Microsoft Surface Book 2 13.5" is a premium 2-in-1 hybrid featuring a 7th Gen Intel Core i5-7300U dual-core processor, 8GB of RAM, and 256GB of fast SSD storage. It is characterized by its detachable 13.5-inch PixelSense touchscreen display with a sharp 3000 x 2000 resolution (267 PPI) and a 3:2 aspect ratio, designed for both tablet and laptop versatility. Main pros include its exceptional build quality with a magnesium alloy chassis, up to 17 hours of total battery life when docked, and a fanless, silent design for this specific i5 model. However, notable cons include the lack of a discrete GPU in this entry-level configuration, the absence of Thunderbolt 3 support, and a significantly reduced battery life of only about 2 to 5 hours when used solely as a standalone tablet.

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