Microsoft Surface Laptop Ultra reviews praise AI power but flag major flaws
Microsoft‘s new Surface Laptop Ultra has received positive reviews for its artificial intelligence capabilities, premium design and graphics performance, although critics have raised concerns about battery life, software compatibility and its price of up to $5,899.
The laptop, powered by Nvidia’s RTX Spark N1X processor, went on sale on October 16. Reviews from The Verge, Ars Technica, WIRED and PCWorld suggest it could rival Apple’s MacBook Pro for developers and content creators, but its appeal to everyday users remains limited.
The Surface Laptop Ultra combines an Arm-based processor with Nvidia’s Blackwell graphics architecture and up to 128GB of unified memory, allowing demanding AI models to run locally without cloud services.
Prices start at $2,599.99 for a model with 24GB of RAM and 512GB of storage.
What reviewers liked
Ars Technica praised the laptop’s ability to run a 70-bn-parameter AI model using GPU acceleration, while The Verge highlighted its potential for developers working with large AI models.
Tom’s Guide also reported strong results in image generation, video creation and AI-assisted productivity tasks.
Design received positive feedback. WIRED praised the build quality, speakers and bright mini-LED display, while PCWorld highlighted the laptop’s graphics performance.
Gaming results were promising. The Verge recorded an average of 66 frames per second in Cyberpunk 2077 and approximately 70 fps in Black Myth: Wukong using medium settings and Nvidia’s DLSS technology.
Battery life and compatibility remain concerns
Battery endurance was among the most frequently criticised aspects. The Verge recorded approximately seven hours under demanding workloads, while PCWorld measured seven hours and 57 minutes of continuous 4K video playback.
Reviewers also reported weaker CPU performance in traditional benchmarks and compatibility problems caused by the Arm architecture. Some games, anti-cheat systems and professional applications remain unsupported or require additional optimisation.
PCWorld found that Adobe Premiere Pro initially failed to recognise the GPU, although a beta version improved compatibility.
The Verge awarded the laptop 6 out of 10, citing unfinished AI software, disappointing CPU performance and occasional technical problems. WIRED gave it 7 out of 10, praising its design but criticising its battery life.
The Shortcut was more enthusiastic, awarding it 4.5 out of 5 and an Editor’s Choice distinction.
Overall, reviewers see the Surface Laptop Ultra as a promising option for AI developers and creative professionals who need substantial GPU memory. For everyday productivity and gaming, however, its high price and software limitations make it harder to recommend.
