ASUS Chromebook Plus CX34 vs Microsoft Surface Laptop 7 (13.8): Which Laptop Should You Buy?
Quick Verdict
The Microsoft Surface Laptop 7 (13.8) scores 8.3 versus 7.2 for the ASUS Chromebook Plus CX34, making it the stronger all-rounder. The ASUS Chromebook Plus CX34 is the cheaper option at $499. Choose based on the use cases below: the Surface Laptop 7 (13.8) leads overall, while the Chromebook Plus CX34 can still be the better pick for specific needs.
Key Differences
- Faster overall: Microsoft Surface Laptop 7 (13.8) (Geekbench multi 13,200 vs 5,200).
- Longer battery: Microsoft Surface Laptop 7 (13.8) (16h vs 12.6h web).
- Lighter: Microsoft Surface Laptop 7 (13.8) (1.34 kg vs 1.44 kg).
- Display: IPS (ASUS Chromebook Plus CX34) vs IPS (PixelSense) (Microsoft Surface Laptop 7 (13.8)).
- Cheaper: ASUS Chromebook Plus CX34 (saves about $950 CAD).
Chromebook Plus CX34 vs Surface Laptop 7 (13.8): Full Breakdown
Performance: the Microsoft Surface Laptop 7 (13.8) is the stronger performer, posting a multi-core Geekbench score of 13,200 against 5,200 for the ASUS Chromebook Plus CX34 — roughly 154% faster in CPU-heavy work like exports and compiling. In our 1080p gaming suite, the Microsoft Surface Laptop 7 (13.8) averaged 16 FPS versus 10 FPS. The Microsoft Surface Laptop 7 (13.8) is the better pick if you game or edit video.
Battery and portability: the Microsoft Surface Laptop 7 (13.8) lasts longer away from a charger, running 16 hours in our web-browsing test versus 12.6 hours. The Microsoft Surface Laptop 7 (13.8) is also easier to carry at 1.34 kg versus 1.44 kg, which matters if you commute or travel.
Display: the ASUS Chromebook Plus CX34 uses a 14-inch IPS panel (1920 x 1080, 60Hz), while the Microsoft Surface Laptop 7 (13.8) has a 13.8-inch IPS (PixelSense) panel (2304 x 1536, 120Hz). The Microsoft Surface Laptop 7 (13.8) measured brighter at 596 nits, and covered 82% of DCI-P3 — relevant for outdoor use and colour work.
Price and value: the ASUS Chromebook Plus CX34 is the cheaper option in Canada, about $950 less than the Microsoft Surface Laptop 7 (13.8). Weighed against our test scores (7.2 vs 8.3 overall), the ASUS Chromebook Plus CX34 offers the better value for the money, while the Microsoft Surface Laptop 7 (13.8) is the stronger laptop outright if budget is not the deciding factor.
For the complete testing data, read our full ASUS Chromebook Plus CX34 review and Microsoft Surface Laptop 7 (13.8) review.
Where these laptops rank
Both the Chromebook Plus CX34 and the Surface Laptop 7 (13.8) feature in these BestLaptop.ca rankings:
Winner by Use Case
Specs & Scores Comparison
| Spec | Chromebook Plus CX34 | Surface Laptop 7 (13.8) |
|---|---|---|
| Overall score | 7.2 | 8.3 ✓ |
| Price (CAD) | $499 ✓ | $1,449 |
| CPU | Intel Core i3-1215U | Qualcomm Snapdragon X Plus |
| GPU | Intel UHD (integrated) | Qualcomm Adreno (integrated) |
| RAM | 8GB LPDDR5 | 16GB LPDDR5x ✓ |
| Storage | 128GB | 512GB ✓ |
| Display | 14" IPS | 13.8" IPS (PixelSense) |
| Brightness | 302 nits | 596 nits ✓ |
| Battery (web) | 12.6 h | 16 h ✓ |
| Weight | 1.44 kg | 1.34 kg ✓ |
| Geekbench multi | 5,200 | 13,200 ✓ |
| Gaming (1080p) | 10 fps | 16 fps ✓ |
| OS | ChromeOS | Windows 11 |
| Warranty | 1-year limited | 1-year limited |
Which Should You Buy?
The Microsoft Surface Laptop 7 (13.8) scores 8.3 versus 7.2 for the ASUS Chromebook Plus CX34, making it the stronger all-rounder. The ASUS Chromebook Plus CX34 is the cheaper option at $499. Choose based on the use cases below: the Surface Laptop 7 (13.8) leads overall, while the Chromebook Plus CX34 can still be the better pick for specific needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I buy the Chromebook Plus CX34 or the Surface Laptop 7 (13.8)?
The Microsoft Surface Laptop 7 (13.8) scores 8.3 versus 7.2 for the ASUS Chromebook Plus CX34, making it the stronger all-rounder. The ASUS Chromebook Plus CX34 is the cheaper option at $499. Choose based on the use cases below: the Surface Laptop 7 (13.8) leads overall, while the Chromebook Plus CX34 can still be the better pick for specific needs.
Which is better for school?
The Microsoft Surface Laptop 7 (13.8) is the better choice for school.
Which is better for business?
The Microsoft Surface Laptop 7 (13.8) is the better choice for business.
Which is better for gaming?
The Microsoft Surface Laptop 7 (13.8) is the better choice for gaming.
Which is better for multimedia?
The Microsoft Surface Laptop 7 (13.8) is the better choice for multimedia.
Which is better for programming?
The Microsoft Surface Laptop 7 (13.8) is the better choice for programming.
Which is better for travel?
The Microsoft Surface Laptop 7 (13.8) is the better choice for travel.
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