Surface Laptop Go 2 vs Dell XPS 17 9720
Head-to-head specifications
| Metric | Surface Laptop Go 2 | Dell XPS 17 9720 | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Geekbench 6 multi-core | 4,500 | 11,500 | -60.9% |
| Processor | Intel Core i5-1135G7 | Intel Core i7-12700H | — |
| Graphics | Intel Iris Xe Graphics | Nvidia RTX 3060 | — |
| Display | 12.4" 1536x1024 | 17.0" 3840x2400 | — |
| Battery life (h) | 11.5 | 6 | +91.7% |
| Weight (kg) | 1.12 | 2.42 | -53.7% |
| RAM / storage (base) | 8GB / 128GB | 32GB / 1024GB | — |
| Max configuration | 8GB / 256GB | 32GB / 1024GB | — |
| Operating system | Windows 11 Home | Windows 11 Home | — |
| Price (USD) | $599–$699 | $2,699 | -77.8% |
- Dell XPS 17 9720 is about 61% 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: Surface Laptop Go 2 or XPS 17 9720?
Surface Laptop Go 2 advantages
- Battery life (+48%)
- Portability (+54%)
- Affordability (+78%)
Dell XPS 17 9720 advantages
- Multi-core performance (+61%)
- Base memory (+75%)
- Screen size (+27%)
Which should you choose?
- Choose the Surface Laptop Go 2 if long unplugged battery life is essential.
- Choose the Dell XPS 17 9720 if you need maximum performance for demanding work or gaming.
- Choose the Surface Laptop Go 2 if you carry it around all day.
Value for money
Surface Laptop Go 2 delivers more performance per dollar, making it the better value of the two at their listed prices.
Surface Laptop Go 2 vs Dell XPS 17 9720: which should you choose?
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 — 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 vs Dell XPS 17 9720: Dell XPS 17 9720 is the faster laptop. Dell XPS 17 9720 is about 61% 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 8 GB / 128 GB and 32 GB / 1024 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 Surface Laptop Go 2 better than the Dell XPS 17 9720?
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 61% 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 Surface Laptop Go 2 and the Dell XPS 17 9720?
Dell XPS 17 9720 is about 61% 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 Surface Laptop Go 2 if long unplugged battery life is essential. Choose the Dell XPS 17 9720 if you need maximum performance for demanding work or gaming.
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.