Dell Precision 5480 vs Surface Go 4
Head-to-head specifications
| Metric | Dell Precision 5480 | Surface Go 4 | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Geekbench 6 multi-core | 11,500 | 3,000 | +283.3% |
| Processor | Intel Core i5-13500H | Intel Processor N200 | — |
| Graphics | Intel Iris Xe Graphics | Intel UHD Graphics | — |
| Display | 14.0" 1920x1200 | 10.5" 1920x1280 | — |
| Battery life (h) | 10 | 10.5 | -4.8% |
| Weight (kg) | 1.48 | 0.52 | +184.6% |
| RAM / storage (base) | 16GB / 512GB | 8GB / 256GB | — |
| Max configuration | 32GB / 1024GB | 8GB / 256GB | — |
| Operating system | Windows 11 Pro | Windows 11 Pro | — |
| Price (USD) | $2,300–$4,400 | $779 | +195.3% |
- Dell Precision 5480 is about 283% faster in Geekbench 6 multi-core. Surface Go 4 lasts longer on battery (10.5h vs 10h).
- Surface Go 4 is the more portable at 0.52 kg.
Verdict: Precision 5480 or Surface Go 4?
Dell Precision 5480 advantages
- Multi-core performance (+74%)
- Base memory (+50%)
- Screen size (+25%)
Surface Go 4 advantages
- Battery life (+5%)
- Portability (+65%)
- Affordability (+66%)
Which should you choose?
- Choose the Dell Precision 5480 if you need maximum performance for demanding work or gaming.
- Choose the Surface Go 4 if long unplugged battery life is essential.
- Choose the Dell Precision 5480 if you run heavy multitasking, VMs or large projects.
Value for money
Dell Precision 5480 delivers more performance per dollar, making it the better value of the two at their listed prices.
Dell Precision 5480 vs Surface Go 4: which should you choose?
Dell Precision 5480 — Dell mainstream laptop (2024) with the Intel Core i5-13500H and Intel Iris Xe Graphics, 16GB RAM, a 14-inch 1920x1200 display, 1.48 kg and about 10 h battery; from $2,300.
Surface Go 4 — Microsoft ultrabook/creator laptop (2023) with the Intel Processor N200 and Intel UHD Graphics, 8GB RAM, a 10.5-inch 1920x1280 display, 0.52 kg and about 10.5 h battery; from $779.
Dell Precision 5480 vs Surface Go 4: Dell Precision 5480 is the faster laptop. Dell Precision 5480 is about 283% faster in Geekbench 6 multi-core. Surface Go 4 lasts longer on battery (10.5h vs 10h). Surface Go 4 is the more portable at 0.52 kg.
Performance
The Dell Precision 5480 is the faster machine in Geekbench 6 multi-core (11,500 vs 3,000), pairing the Intel Core i5-13500H with Intel Iris Xe Graphics. That gap matters most for video editing, compiling, 3D and gaming; for browsing and office work both feel quick. Note these serve different roles — a mainstream versus a ultrabook/creator machine — so raw speed is only part of the story.
Portability and battery
The Surface Go 4 is easier to carry at 0.52 kg (vs 1.48 kg), and the Surface Go 4 lasts longer unplugged (about 10.5 h vs 10 h). For commuters and travellers these often matter more day-to-day than peak performance.
Configuration and value
Base configurations are 16 GB / 512 GB and 8 GB / 256 GB, with higher-spec variants available. RAM, storage and display upgrades change both price and experience — compare like-for-like configurations and check current street pricing before buying.
The verdict
Both are credible choices in the laptop comparison space; the specification table above lays out every metric so you can weigh the trade-offs that matter to you. Pick the one whose strengths line up with how you will actually use it.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Dell Precision 5480 better than the Surface Go 4?
These two are closely matched — the right pick comes down to which specific strengths you value and the price you actually pay. Dell Precision 5480 is about 283% faster in Geekbench 6 multi-core. Surface Go 4 lasts longer on battery (10.5h vs 10h).
What is the main difference between the Dell Precision 5480 and the Surface Go 4?
Dell Precision 5480 is about 283% faster in Geekbench 6 multi-core. Surface Go 4 lasts longer on battery (10.5h vs 10h). Surface Go 4 is the more portable at 0.52 kg.
Which is better value?
Dell Precision 5480 delivers more performance per dollar, making it the better value of the two at their listed prices.
Which should I choose?
Choose the Dell Precision 5480 if you need maximum performance for demanding work or gaming. Choose the Surface Go 4 if long unplugged battery life is essential.
Methodology
Laptops are compared on Geekbench 6 multi-core scores, processor and graphics hardware, display size and resolution, rated battery life, weight, RAM and storage across launch configurations, and list pricing (USD). Where a model spans several generations, the newest generation is shown. Battery figures are manufacturer or reviewer ratings under mixed use — sustained performance also depends on cooling, which benchmarks only partly capture.