Dell Latitude 7390 13" vs Microsoft Surface Pro 7 12"

The Dell Latitude 7390 13, released in 2018, and the Microsoft Surface Pro 7 12, launched in 2019, represent distinct approaches to portable computing. The Latitude 7390 is primarily a business-oriented clamshell laptop, while the Surface Pro 7 is a versatile 2-in-1 device designed to function as both a tablet and a laptop. Both run on the Windows operating system, offering a familiar software environment, but their form factors and design philosophies cater to different user preferences and workflows.

The expected practical lifespan of these devices is influenced by their release timelines, software support, and physical durability. The Dell Latitude 7390 13, being an older model, may have a shorter remaining period of official operating system updates compared to the newer Microsoft Surface Pro 7 12. However, both devices are built with durability in mind, albeit with different focuses.

• Software Longevity: The Microsoft Surface Pro 7, released a year later, benefits from a slightly extended period of official Windows operating system updates, potentially offering a longer supported software lifespan. The Dell Latitude 7390, while still capable of running current Windows versions, will likely see its official support end sooner.
• Physical Durability: The Dell Latitude 7390 is designed with business-grade durability, often featuring MIL-STD-810G certification, indicating resistance to various environmental stresses like shock and vibration. The Surface Pro 7 features a robust magnesium alloy construction and a built-in kickstand, offering a solid feel, though its tablet-first design might present different considerations for long-term physical wear compared to a traditional laptop.
• Repairability: User reports suggest that the Surface Pro 7 is generally less repairable due to its compact, sealed design, which can impact the ease and cost of component replacement. The Latitude 7390, while not always easily user-serviceable, typically offers more straightforward access for certain repairs or upgrades.

Performance capabilities differ between these two devices, primarily due to their respective generations of internal components. The Microsoft Surface Pro 7 12 features a newer generation of processors, which generally translates to more efficient and capable handling of tasks, especially those requiring integrated graphics. The Dell Latitude 7390 13, while a capable machine for its time, utilizes an older processor generation.

• Processing Power: The Surface Pro 7 is equipped with 10th-generation Intel Core processors, providing a noticeable boost in overall speed and efficiency for everyday computing, multitasking, and more demanding applications. The Latitude 7390 uses 8th-generation Intel Core processors, which still handle general office tasks and web browsing smoothly but may show limitations with intensive workloads or modern software compared to the Surface Pro 7.
• Graphics Performance: The Surface Pro 7, particularly models with Core i5 and i7 processors, often includes Intel Iris Plus Graphics, offering improved performance for visual tasks, light photo editing, and casual gaming compared to the Intel UHD Graphics 620 found in the Latitude 7390.
• Storage and Memory: Both devices offer various SSD storage options, contributing to fast boot times and application loading. The Surface Pro 7 typically uses LPDDR4x RAM, which is slightly faster and more power-efficient than the DDR4 RAM found in the Latitude 7390, potentially aiding in smoother multitasking.

The visual experience on these two devices presents distinct characteristics, largely due to differences in display technology, resolution, and aspect ratio. Both offer clear visuals, but cater to different viewing preferences and use cases.

• Display Technology and Resolution: The Microsoft Surface Pro 7 features a 12.3-inch PixelSense display with a high resolution of 2736 x 1824 pixels, resulting in a sharp and detailed image with a pixel density of 267 PPI. The Dell Latitude 7390 13 offers a 13.3-inch Full HD (1920 x 1080) IPS display, which provides clear visuals suitable for productivity tasks. The higher resolution of the Surface Pro 7 offers more screen real estate and finer detail.
• Brightness and Color: The Surface Pro 7 generally achieves higher brightness levels, often around 395 nits, making it more comfortable for use in brightly lit environments. It also offers vibrant colors with good sRGB coverage. The Latitude 7390's display typically reaches around 286-307 nits of brightness and also provides good color accuracy, with some models featuring a matte finish that helps reduce glare.
• Aspect Ratio and Touch: The Surface Pro 7 utilizes a 3:2 aspect ratio, which is often preferred for productivity tasks like document editing and web browsing as it provides more vertical space. It also features 10-point multi-touch input. The Latitude 7390 typically has a 16:9 aspect ratio, common for media consumption, and some configurations include a touchscreen.

The camera and audio capabilities of these devices are designed to support different primary use cases, with the Surface Pro 7 emphasizing its tablet-centric versatility, while the Latitude 7390 focuses on business communication.

• Camera System: The Microsoft Surface Pro 7 is equipped with both an 8-megapixel rear-facing camera capable of 1080p HD video and a 5-megapixel front-facing camera, also with 1080p HD video capabilities, making it well-suited for video calls and occasional photography. The Dell Latitude 7390 typically features an HD (720p) webcam, which is functional for video conferencing but offers less detail than the Surface Pro 7's front camera.
• Low-Light and Everyday Photography: The Surface Pro 7's higher resolution cameras generally perform better in varied lighting conditions, providing clearer images and video for everyday use and virtual meetings. The Latitude 7390's camera is adequate for standard video calls but may produce softer images, particularly in less-than-ideal lighting.
• Audio Experience: Both devices include integrated microphones suitable for calls. The Surface Pro 7 features front-facing speakers that provide clear audio for media consumption and video conferencing. The Latitude 7390's speakers are generally considered average, suitable for basic audio playback but not exceptional for immersive media experiences.