While high-end gaming on the go was an arduous task back in the day, modern portables are capable of running the latest AAA titles with utmost fluency. Whether it is ray tracing, shadow details, or a high level of anti-aliasing, these laptops can do it all with the amazing advantage of portability, unlike desktop PCs. With top-tier GPUs, high refresh rate displays, powerful processors, and blazing-fast loading times, thanks to SSD and abundant RAM, these laptops can handle even demanding titles with ease. As a part of the Indian Gadget Awards 2023, which has 35+ jury members, 35+ award categories, and over 200 nominees, here are the winners for the Best Gaming Laptop of 2023 in the Mainstream and Premium categories.
Best Gaming Laptop of 2023 (Mainstream)
Winner: Acer Predator Helios Neo 16 PHN16-71
The Acer Predator Helios Neo 16 carries forward the legacy of the Predator series with its top-notch specs, including a butter-smooth 165Hz WQXGA IPS display, 13th Gen Intel Core i7 processor, and an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4060 GPU with 8 GB of dedicated GDDR6 VRAM. With these specifications and features, the laptop delivers solid performance, especially for its price. With the memory upgradable up to 32GB of DDR5 system memory, the laptop is a perfect choice for gamers.
Best Gaming Laptop of 2023 (Premium)
Winner: ASUS ROG Zephyrus M16 (2023)
ASUS ROG Zephyrus M16 (2023) is a powerful machine that comes with the capable Intel Core i9 13th Gen processor, a rather compact (relative to other laptops in this category) 16-inch Mini-LED QHD+ display with 240Hz refresh rate and 3ms response time, a 12GB RTX 4080 GPU, 32GB RAM, and a 1TB SSD. This beast of a laptop is capable of running the latest AAA titles with utmost ease and even at max graphics settings.
Take a look at the rest of the nominees for the Best Gaming Laptop of 2023 (Mainstream and Premium).
Best Gaming Laptop of 2023 (Mainstream) nominees
MSI Cyborg 15 A12UCX
With a buttery-smooth 144Hz FHD display, 12th generation Intel processor, 512GB NVMe SSD, and a capable NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2050 GPU, the MSI Cyborg 15 A12UCX is an excellent choice for gamers who want a reliable performance without breaking the bank.
HP Victus (2023) 15-fa1062TX
HP has a range of impressive gaming laptops that come at a budget and Victus (2023) is a great example of the value these laptops bring to the table. With a 13th-generation Intel Core i5-13500H processor, a 15.6-inch FHD display, and an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4050 chipset, this laptop ticks a lot of the right boxes.
ASUS TUF Gaming F15 (FX507ZV-LP094W)
ASUS TUF Gaming F15 (2023) is a solid offering from the brand and comes with a 15.6-inch FHD display with 144Hz refresh rate, Intel Core i7-12700H 12th Gen processor, 8GB RTX 4060 GPU, and a 512GB SSD to ensure you get an enjoyable gaming experience.
HP OMEN 16 wd0880TX
HP OMEN 16 is an impressive offering for the price and comes with some of the most desired features for gamers, including a 13th-generation Intel Core i5-13420H processor, 6GB NVIDIA RTX 4050 GPU, a 16.1-inch FHD IPS display with 144Hz refresh rate, 120W TGP, 16GB DDR5 RAM, 512GB SSD, and an RGB backlit keyboard.
Acer Nitro V ANV15-51
Acer Nitro V Gaming Laptop is another handy option for users as it features the ideal specs for budding gamers. These include a 13th-generation Intel Core i5-13420H processor, a 15.6-inch FHD 144Hz display, 512GB SSD, and RTX 4050 GPU.
Lenovo LOQ (15IRH8)
The Lenovo LOQ comes with the 13th Generation Intel Core i7-13620H Processor, 6GB GDDR6 NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4050 GPU, a 144Hz anti-glare 15.6-inch FHD display, and Lenovo AI Engine+, equipped with LA1 AI chip for a finely tuned system that uses sensors to enhance your gaming experience.
MSI Bravo 15 (C7VFK-087IN)
The Bravo 15 (C7VFK-087IN) is a solid offering from that brand that comes with a capable AMD Ryzen 7 7735HS processor, an FHD 144Hz display, 1TB NVMe SSD, and GDDR6 8GB Nvidia GeForce RTX 4060 processor. At its price, the laptop offers tons of features that are gaming-oriented and make it a compelling choice.
MSI Bravo 15 (C7VEK-088IN)
Next up is another variant of the same laptop, i.e. MSI Bravo 15 (C7VEK-088IN), which comes with well-rounded specs for gaming. The portable comes with the capable AMD Ryzen 7 7735HS GPU, a smooth 144Hz FHD display, a 1TB NVMe SSD, and an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4050 GPU.
ASUS TUF F17 (FX706HF-HX018W)
If you’re looking for a more affordable gaming laptop than the previous two, ASUS TUF Gaming F17 might fit the bill as it comes with 11-th-generation Intel Core i5-11400H processor, a massive 17.3-inch FHD display with a smooth 144Hz refresh rate, and 4GB NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2050 GPU.
ASUS TUF Gaming A15 (FA577NU-LP082W)
Moving from one TUF laptop to another, the ASUS TUF Gaming A15 (FA577NU-LP082W) is powered by an AMD Ryzen 7 7735HS processor, features a 15.6-inch FHD display with 144Hz refresh rate, a 6GB RTX 4050 GPU, and a 512GB SSD for blazing-fast load times.
Gigabyte G5 MF-G2 (MF-G2IN313SH)
Another great option for those who want a gaming laptop under Rs 1 lakh is Gigabyte G5, which is powered by a 12th-generation Intel Core i7 12650H processor, packs 512 GB SSD, and 6GB NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4050 GPU to play all the latest games.
MSI Katana 15 (B12UD)
Rounding off the list is MSI Katana 15, which comes with an Intel 12th-generation i7-12650H processor, a 144Hz FHD display, 512GB NVMe SSD, and NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050 GPU to tackle your gaming needs.
Best Gaming Laptop of 2023 (Premium) nominees
Dell Alienware m18
If you’re planning to get a gaming laptop that doesn’t compromise on any front, Dell Alienware m18 could be the perfect choice with its 13th-generation Intel Core i9-13980HX, the powerful 16GB GDDR6 NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4090 GPU, and an 18-inch QHD+ 165Hz display with 3ms response time, ComfortView Plus, and NVIDIA G-SYNC + DDS.
Dell Alienware x16
Moving from one Dell offering to another, the Alienware x16 comes with the 13th Gen Intel Core i9-13900HK processor and 16GB GDDR6 NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4090 GPU. With a massive 16-inch QHD+ display and support for NVIDIA G-SYNC, it could be an ideal fit for most gamers.
MSI TITAN GT77 HX (13VI-092IN)
MSI Titan GT77 HX is another solid choice for gamers as the laptop comes with Intel 13th Gen i9-13980HX processor, a 144Hz Mini LED display with HDR 1000 support, a whopping 4TB NVMe SSD, and the top-tier NVIDIA GeForce RTX4090 (16GB GDDR6) GPU. No compromises on any front at all.
MSI Vector GP78 (GP78HX 13VI-409IN)
With an Intel Core i9 13th Gen 13980HX processor, up to 2 TB SSD, 16GB NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4090 graphics card and a display with support for up to 240Hz, the MSI Vector GP78 is an irresistible laptop for anyone who wants top-notch gaming performance that can run any game with the highest graphics settings possible.
ASUS ROG Zephyrus Duo 16 (GX650PZ-NM047WS)
If you’re looking for a laptop that comes with a futuristic design, this would be it. On top of the dual-display design, this portable comes with an AMD Ryzen 9 16 Core 7945HX processor, up to 32GB RAM, a 2TB SSD, 12GB NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4080 graphics card, and a 240Hz display.
ASUS ROG Strix Scar 18 (G834JY-N6056WS)
ASUS ROG Strix SCAR 18 (2023) comes with a giant 18-inch QHD+ display that is perfect for gaming with a 240Hz refresh rate. This beast of a laptop also features an HX-Series Intel Core i9 13th Gen 13980HX processor, 32GB of RAM, 1TB SSD, and 16GB NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4090 graphics card.
HP OMEN 17 (17-ck2011TX)
HP OMEN 17 comes with a 17.3-inch QHD display with an impressive 3ms response time. With a 13th Gen Intel Core i9-13900HX processor, 32GB RAM, a 1TB SSD, and a 16GB NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4090 graphics card, this portable is ideal for gaming.
Lenovo Legion Pro 7 (82WQ007UIN)
Lenovo Legion Pro 7 is an excellent choice for gamers as it packs the powerful Intel Core i9-13900HX processor and ships with a 16-inch WQXGA-IPS display with 240Hz refresh rate and a maximum brightness of up to 500 nits. With up to 32GB of RAM, 1TB SSD, and 16GB NVIDIA RTX 4090 GPU, this portable is one of the best options in the market right now.
Acer Predator Helios 16 PH16-71
Acer Predator Helios 16 is another good option in the premium price range that offers incredible specs that would please most gamers. This laptop comes with an Intel Core i9 13900HX processor, 32GB RAM, 1TB SSD, and RTX 4080 GPU to ensure a lag-free gaming experience projected on a WQXGA display.
ASUS ROG Strix Scar 17 (2023) (G733PZ-LL046WS)
Moving back to another 17-inch display gaming laptop, the ASUS ROG Strix Scar 17 (2023) is a robust offering with the capable AMD Ryzen 9 7945HX processor, a 17.3-inch WQHD display with 240Hz refresh rate and 3ms response time, 12GB RTX 4080 GPU, 16GB of RAM, 1TB SSD.
HP OMEN 16 (16-u0023TX)
HP OMEN 16 is a good choice for a gaming laptop, although it comes with a slightly weak set of specs in comparison to its competitors in this list. With this laptop, you get Intel Core i9 13th Gen 13900HX processor 32GB RAM, 1TB SSD, and an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4070 GPU.
MSI Stealth 16 Mercedes – AMG Motorsport A13VG
Similar to the HP OMEN 16, the MSI Stealth 16 Mercedes-AMG isn’t the most powerful offering on this list but still a decent choice. It features the Intel 13th Gen i9-13900H, a UHD+ OLED panel with a 60Hz refresh rate, 32GB RAM, 2TB NVMe SSD, and an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4070 GPU.
ASUS ROG Strix Scar 16 (G634JZ-NM057WS)
ASUS ROG Strix SCAR 16 is a solid offering that comes with the 13th Gen Intel Core i9-13980HX processor, an RTX 4080 GPU, and 32GB RAM, which make it an ideal choice for someone who wants to experience the latest games that require capable hardware. Notably, the laptop isn’t too heavy either, which means it can be carried around easily as well.
Gigabyte AORUS 15 BKF (BKF-73IN754SH)
On the more affordable side of premium laptops, we have the GIGABYTE AORUS 15 BKF, which comes with an Intel Core i7 13th Gen 13700H processor, 16 GB RAM, 1TB SSD, 8GB NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4060 GPU, and a 15.6-inch QHD display. For those who don’t want to spend too much on your gaming laptop, this is a good choice.
HP OMEN 16 (wf0059TX)
HP OMEN 16 comes with a 13th-generation Intel Core i7 processor, a 16.1-inch QHD display with 240Hz refresh rate and 3 ms response time, NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4080, DDR5 32GB RAM, 1 TB SSD, Backlit RGB 4-zone Keyboard. All these specs and features make it a great choice for someone who takes gaming seriously.
