Dell XPS 17 9720 vs Surface Laptop Go 2
Head-to-head specifications
| Metric | Dell XPS 17 9720 | Surface Laptop Go 2 | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Geekbench 6 multi-core | 11,500 | 4,500 | +155.6% |
| Processor | Intel Core i7-12700H | Intel Core i5-1135G7 | — |
| Graphics | Nvidia RTX 3060 | Intel Iris Xe Graphics | — |
| Display | 17.0" 3840x2400 | 12.4" 1536x1024 | — |
| Battery life (h) | 6 | 11.5 | -47.8% |
| Weight (kg) | 2.42 | 1.12 | +116.1% |
| RAM / storage (base) | 32GB / 1024GB | 8GB / 128GB | — |
| Max configuration | 32GB / 1024GB | 8GB / 256GB | — |
| Operating system | Windows 11 Home | Windows 11 Home | — |
| Price (USD) | $2,699 | $599–$699 | +350.6% |
- Dell XPS 17 9720 is about 156% faster in Geekbench 6 multi-core. Surface Laptop Go 2 lasts longer on battery (11.5h vs 6h).
- Surface Laptop Go 2 is the more portable at 1.12 kg.
Verdict: XPS 17 9720 or Surface Laptop Go 2?
Dell XPS 17 9720 advantages
- Multi-core performance (+61%)
- Base memory (+75%)
- Screen size (+27%)
Surface Laptop Go 2 advantages
- Battery life (+48%)
- Portability (+54%)
- Affordability (+78%)
Which should you choose?
- Choose the Dell XPS 17 9720 if you need maximum performance for demanding work or gaming.
- Choose the Surface Laptop Go 2 if long unplugged battery life is essential.
- Choose the Dell XPS 17 9720 if you run heavy multitasking, VMs or large projects.
Value for money
Surface Laptop Go 2 delivers more performance per dollar, making it the better value of the two at their listed prices.
Dell XPS 17 9720 vs Surface Laptop Go 2: which should you choose?
Dell XPS 17 9720 — Dell ultrabook/creator laptop (2022) with the Intel Core i7-12700H and Nvidia RTX 3060, 32GB RAM, a 17-inch 3840x2400 display, 2.42 kg and about 6 h battery; from $2,699.
Surface Laptop Go 2 — Microsoft ultrabook/creator laptop (2022) with the Intel Core i5-1135G7 and Intel Iris Xe Graphics, 8GB RAM, a 12.4-inch 1536x1024 display, 1.12 kg and about 11.5 h battery; from $599.
Dell XPS 17 9720 vs Surface Laptop Go 2: Dell XPS 17 9720 is the faster laptop. Dell XPS 17 9720 is about 156% faster in Geekbench 6 multi-core. Surface Laptop Go 2 lasts longer on battery (11.5h vs 6h). Surface Laptop Go 2 is the more portable at 1.12 kg.
Performance
The Dell XPS 17 9720 is the faster machine in Geekbench 6 multi-core (11,500 vs 4,500), pairing the Intel Core i7-12700H with Nvidia RTX 3060. That gap matters most for video editing, compiling, 3D and gaming; for browsing and office work both feel quick.
Portability and battery
The Surface Laptop Go 2 is easier to carry at 1.12 kg (vs 2.42 kg), and the Surface Laptop Go 2 lasts longer unplugged (about 11.5 h vs 6 h). For commuters and travellers these often matter more day-to-day than peak performance.
Configuration and value
Base configurations are 32 GB / 1024 GB and 8 GB / 128 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 XPS 17 9720 better than the Surface Laptop Go 2?
These two are closely matched — the right pick comes down to which specific strengths you value and the price you actually pay. Dell XPS 17 9720 is about 156% faster in Geekbench 6 multi-core. Surface Laptop Go 2 lasts longer on battery (11.5h vs 6h).
What is the main difference between the Dell XPS 17 9720 and the Surface Laptop Go 2?
Dell XPS 17 9720 is about 156% faster in Geekbench 6 multi-core. Surface Laptop Go 2 lasts longer on battery (11.5h vs 6h). Surface Laptop Go 2 is the more portable at 1.12 kg.
Which is better value?
Surface Laptop Go 2 delivers more performance per dollar, making it the better value of the two at their listed prices.
Which should I choose?
Choose the Dell XPS 17 9720 if you need maximum performance for demanding work or gaming. Choose the Surface Laptop Go 2 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.