Microsoft Surface Go 2 vs Dell Latitude 5290 2-in-1
The Dell Latitude 5290 2-in-1 is the better laptop on paper: it is faster, has more memory and has more storage. Pick the Microsoft Surface Go 2 only if it matters to you that it is lighter and is more compact.
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Key differences
- Speed Dell Latitude 5290 2-in-1 wins
The Dell Latitude 5290 2-in-1 is quicker. Its Intel Core i5-8350U copes well with everyday tasks, while the Intel Core m3-8100Y in the Microsoft Surface Go 2 is built for browsing, email and documents.
- Memory Dell Latitude 5290 2-in-1 wins
The Dell Latitude 5290 2-in-1 has 16 GB of memory against 8 GB. That's the difference between coping and staying quick with lots of tabs and apps open.
- Storage Dell Latitude 5290 2-in-1 wins
The Dell Latitude 5290 2-in-1 has twice the storage: 256 GB against 128 GB.
- Weight Microsoft Surface Go 2 wins
The Microsoft Surface Go 2 is 0.4 kg lighter: 0.789 kg against 1.2 kg.
- Screen size Depends on you
The Dell Latitude 5290 2-in-1 has the bigger screen (12.3" against 10.5"), while the Microsoft Surface Go 2 is more compact.
Which one should you choose?
Choose the Microsoft Surface Go 2 if…
- You'll carry it every day: at 0.789 kg it's easy to take everywhere.
- You want something compact for small bags and train tables: it has a 10.5-inch screen.
- You want a brand-new laptop with a fresh battery: it is sold new.
Choose the Dell Latitude 5290 2-in-1 if…
- You want a snappier laptop for everyday work: its Intel Core i5-8350U is the faster processor.
- You keep lots of tabs and apps open: 16 GB of memory gives it more room than 8 GB.
- You store lots of photos, videos or games: it has 256 GB of storage.
- You want more room to work: its 12.3-inch screen fits two windows side by side.
Full spec comparison
Add more laptopsThe Microsoft Surface Go 2 leads on battery and weight, while the Dell Latitude 5290 2-in-1 leads on performance. Highlighted values mark the better spec in each row, and you can hide the rows where they match.
Performance
The Dell Latitude 5290 2-in-1 is ahead on performance.
It is faster, has more memory and has more storage, and the Microsoft Surface Go 2 doesn't beat it on anything here.
| Spec | Microsoft Surface Go 2 | Dell Latitude 5290 2-in-1 |
|---|---|---|
| Processor | Intel Core m3-8100Y | Intel Core i5-8350U |
| Graphics | Intel UHD Graphics 615 | Intel UHD Graphics 620 |
| Memory (RAM) | 8 GB | 16 GB |
| Memory type | — | LPDDR3 |
| Maximum memory | — | 16 GB |
| Memory upgrades | — | Soldered (not upgradeable) |
| Storage | 128 GB | 256 GB |
| Storage type | SSD | SSD |
| Storage slots | — | 1 |
Screen
On the screen, it comes down to what you need.
The Dell Latitude 5290 2-in-1 has the bigger screen (12.3" against 10.5"), while the Microsoft Surface Go 2 is more compact. The Microsoft Surface Go 2 is more compact, while the Dell Latitude 5290 2-in-1 has a bigger screen.
| Spec | Microsoft Surface Go 2 | Dell Latitude 5290 2-in-1 |
|---|---|---|
| Screen size | 10.5" | 12.3" |
| Resolution | Full HD+ (1920 x 1280) | Full HD+ (1920 x 1280) |
| Aspect ratio | 3:2 | 3:2 |
| Panel | LCD | LCD |
| Refresh rate | 60 Hz | 60 Hz |
| Brightness | — | 340 nits |
| HDR | None | None |
| Finish | — | Anti-reflective |
| Touchscreen | Yes | Yes |
| Pen standard | — | Dell Active Pen (Wacom feel IT) |
Battery and size
Each laptop has its strengths on battery and weight.
The Microsoft Surface Go 2 is lighter, while the Dell Latitude 5290 2-in-1 charges over USB-C.
| Spec | Microsoft Surface Go 2 | Dell Latitude 5290 2-in-1 |
|---|---|---|
| Battery life (maker claim) | Up to 10 hours | — |
| Charger | 24 W | — |
| Charges via | Surface Connect | USB-C |
| Weight | 0.789 kg | 1.2 kg |
| Dimensions | 245 x 175 x 8.3 mm | 292 x 208.8 x 9.76-10.65 mm |
| Materials | Magnesium | — |
| Hinge | — | detachable tablet with integrated kickstand (opens to 145 degrees) |
| Colour | Platinum | — |
| Colours available | Platinum | — |
Ports and wireless
Each laptop has its strengths on ports and wireless.
The Microsoft Surface Go 2 has Wi-Fi 6, while the Dell Latitude 5290 2-in-1 has Thunderbolt or USB4.
| Spec | Microsoft Surface Go 2 | Dell Latitude 5290 2-in-1 |
|---|---|---|
| Ports | 1x USB-C (charging), 1x Surface Connect (charging), 1x 3.5 mm headphone jack, 1x microSDXC (UHS-I), 1x Surface Type Cover port | 2x USB-C (DisplayPort; Thunderbolt 3 optional; adapter is USB-C, maker does not say which port charges), 1x USB 3.1 Gen 1 (PowerShare), 1x 3.5 mm headphone/microphone combo, 1x microSD 4.0 |
| Thunderbolt / USB4 | None | — |
| Card reader | microSDXC (UHS-I) | microSD |
| Ethernet | None | None |
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6 | Wi-Fi 5 |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.0 | — |
| Mobile data | None | — |
Features
The Dell Latitude 5290 2-in-1 is ahead on extras.
It has a sharper webcam, and the Microsoft Surface Go 2 doesn't beat it on anything here.
| Spec | Microsoft Surface Go 2 | Dell Latitude 5290 2-in-1 |
|---|---|---|
| Webcam | 1080p + IR | 5 MP front (fixed focus) + 8 MP rear (autofocus) |
| Webcam privacy | None | — |
| Backlit keyboard | No | No |
| Login | Face | — |
| Number pad | No | No |
| Speakers | 2 W stereo speakers, Dolby Audio | 2 speakers, 2 W RMS per channel |
| Microphones | Dual Studio Mics | — |
| Pen | Supported (sold separately) | Supported (sold separately) |
| Security | Firmware TPM, Windows Hello face sign-in | TPM 2.0, Dell ControlVault, Noble Wedge lock slot, Contactless smart card reader / NFC |
Software and model
The Microsoft Surface Go 2 is ahead on software and updates.
The Dell Latitude 5290 2-in-1 is sold renewed (used and refurbished); the Microsoft Surface Go 2 is sold new. It is sold new and is newer, and the Dell Latitude 5290 2-in-1 doesn't beat it on anything here.
| Spec | Microsoft Surface Go 2 | Dell Latitude 5290 2-in-1 |
|---|---|---|
| Operating system | Windows 11 Pro | Windows 11 Pro |
| Update promise | None | — |
| Model number | — | Dell Latitude 5290 |
| Released | 2020 | 2018 |