This quarter saw exciting laptop releases, each pushing the boundaries of performance, design, and AI-powered features. From ultraportable productivity machines to powerhouse gaming rigs, we tested and reviewed the latest models to see which ones stand out. This quarter, we reviewed laptops powered by the latest Intel and Qualcomm processors that pushed the boundaries power efficiency and offered Windows users laptops that truly lasted a day. Over on the gaming side, we saw a few gaming laptops from the opposite ends of the budget spectrum — a budget options from ASUS and a premium gaming machine from Acer.
Whether you’re looking for a cutting-edge workhorse or a budget-friendly option, these are the best laptops we reviewed this quarter. Note that while the laptops mentioned below are divided between gaming and non-gaming devices, they are in no particular order.
Gaming
ASUS Gaming V16
Verdict
The ASUS Gaming V16’s starting price of Rs. 85,000 is a double-edged sword. While it’s not exorbitantly expensive, the performance offered by the Intel Core 5 and RTX 4050 combination might not satisfy hardcore gamers. Gamers wanting the best performance at this price should consider alternatives like the Acer Nitro V, Gigabyte G5, or Colorful P15—all of which offer higher-wattage RTX 4050 GPUs for better gaming performance. Older 12th or 13th-gen Intel laptops should offer similar, if not better, performance than the Core 5 processor here, at a much better value.
However, the same configuration, when coupled with the functional design of the V16, makes it a unique proposition for college students and professional users who want to carry a gaming laptop alongside their daily workloads. The design doesn’t attract many eyeballs, and the exceptionally long battery life means you don’t need to carry a charger in the backpack. Sure, the gaming performance is a bit of a compromise, but it’s not like you can’t game on it at all. The slight compromise in FPS for a significant boost in battery life is something that will appeal to a specific kind of user, and if that’s you, the ASUS Gaming V16 is a pretty good option.
You can read the review here!
Acer Predator Helios 16
Verdict
So, the big question. Is the Acer Predator Helios 16 worth it? Well, having tested the laptop, and extensively gaming on it for the last couple of weeks, I’d say it’s a fantastic choice for gamers and creators who want a high-performance laptop with a vibrant display, customizable RGB lighting, and robust build quality. While it has its drawbacks, like short battery life and average speakers, it excels in performance and visual appeal. For a price tag of Rs. 2,49,990, it offers incredible value for money too.
Alternatively, for those willing to spend more, the ASUS ROG Strix SCAR 16, at roughly Rs. 2,79,990, offers a superior display thanks to its use of Mini-LED technology and slightly better cooling, not to forget additional storage of a total of 2TB. However, we’re talking about a price difference of nearly 30,000 rupees, which makes the Helios 16 a better value-for-money purchase while delivering premium results.
You can read the review here!
ASUS TUF Gaming F16 review
Verdict
As per ASUS, there is a continuous demand for entry-to-mid level gaming laptops in the Indian market. While that makes the trimmed-down TUF Gaming F16 a welcome addition, it is positioned in a very awkward spot. The company launched the laptop at a very similar price as its fairly new Gaming V16, at Rs 80,990 only to eventually cut it down to Rs 76,990. Now that’s telling something.
On its own, the laptop should be good for most of your daily tasks, including video playback and streaming, school or office work, and even some basic multimedia editing. The GPU is quite underwhelming and will be a lot more suitable for esports titles rather than games with demanding visuals. In comparison, the Acer Nitro V and even the ASUS Gaming V16 seem to offer a much better package, although the latter is priced a tad bit higher at Rs 82,990.
You can read the review here!
Non-Gaming
Asus Zenbook A14 OLED
Verdict
The base Snapdragon X variant of the ZenBook A14 is priced at Rs 99,999, while the higher-end Snapdragon X Elite variant is available for Rs. 1.3 lakh. Yes, there is a big difference in overall performance, but most users aren’t that likely to notice it in their day-to-day usage. Instead, I would recommend opting for the base Snapdragon X variant and adding more storage down the line if needed.
As for whether the base variant of Snapdragon X is recommendable or not, it’s an excellent choice for those seeking the lightest clamshell laptop possible without compromising on build quality or essential features. Its portability and exceptional battery life make it a perfect companion for frequent travellers and those who need a reliable machine for on-the-go productivity.
The primary consideration is app compatibility. While the situation is improving rapidly, with many apps already natively designed for ARM and new ones being added daily, some older or less common applications might not run as smoothly. In that case, the ASUS Vivobook S14 OLED itself stands out as a solid contender, offering excellent performance, but be prepared to sacrifice battery life. Alternatively, the Acer Swift 14 AI sits in the middle, offering a good balance of battery life and performance, while also costing cheaper at just Rs 90,000.
You can read the review here!
ASUS Vivobook 16
Verdict
The ASUS Vivobook 16 is a well-rounded machine that excels at everyday productivity, media consumption, and light creative work. Its strong processor, decent build quality, and comfortable keyboard make it a solid choice for students and professionals who need a reliable workhorse. However, its dim display, lack of a dedicated GPU, and middling battery life hold it back from being a complete package. If you need a laptop for work, web browsing, or maybe even a little casual gaming, the Vivobook 16 offers good value for money. But if you’re a content creator or a gamer looking for more graphical power, you might want to consider alternatives with dedicated GPUs.
Speaking of alternatives, the Lenovo Ideapad Slim 5 14IMH9 is an excellent option, since for just an additional 5 grand, it offers an OLED panel, 1TB of SSD storage, and excellent performance. While the Core Ultra 5 125H is a generation older, it does offer better multi-core performance despite compromising a lot on the battery life. Alternatively, if you can spend a bit more, the Acer Swift 14 AI is a premium ultrabook priced at roughly Rs. 90,000. It comes with a more powerful Intel Core Ultra 5 226V processor, coupled with an OLED panel, and a sleek design.
It’s worth noting though that both these alternatives feature a smaller 14-inch panel, while the Vivobook 16 features a 16-inch display, although it’s not OLED. At the end of the day, those looking for an affordable 16-inch laptop with strong CPU performance will find the Vivobook 16 to be a compelling option, but compromises in display and graphics performance should be kept in mind before making the final decision.
You can read the review here!
Microsoft Surface Laptop 7th Gen
Verdict
The Microsoft Surface Laptop 7th Gen is a premium laptop with a premium price. It’s not the most affordable option, but it offers a lot for the money. This includes a stunning design, a beautiful display, exceptional battery life, and significantly improved performance thanks to the Snapdragon X Elite. Priced at Rs. 1,59,990, and given its AI-powered features, excellent battery life, and MacBook-like efficiency, it’s a solid choice for professionals and students.
However, it does have a couple of caveats. First and foremost, Windows on ARM is still evolving, unlike its direct competitor, the MacBook Air (or Pro), which has excellent support for ARM. Second, Microsoft’s presence in India in terms of hardware isn’t as impressive as that of other legacy brands like Dell, HP, or Lenovo. This may lead to more expensive service or repair costs down the line.
At the end of the day, if battery life, AI-powered productivity, and portability are top priorities, the Surface Laptop 7th Edition (15-inch) is a great choice. However, if legacy app compatibility or gaming is essential, Intel or AMD-powered alternatives might be better.
You can read the review here!
Dell XPS 16 9640
Verdict
The Dell XPS 16 9640 is a luxurious and highly capable workstation that delivers robust performance, a stunning display, and a luxurious design. It is well-suited for productivity and creative tasks, offering the power and features that professionals demand. However, its lack of certain essential ports and limited portability somewhat detract from its appeal.
With a price tag of around Rs 3.7 lakh, the XPS 16 is undoubtedly an expensive investment. While it excels in most areas, the cost makes it a tough sell, especially when compared to other laptops offering similar performance at lower prices.
The ASUS ROG Zephyrus G16 (AMD – Rs 1,94,990/ Intel – Rs 3,39,990) is a great example that delivers high performance for gaming and creative tasks but lags behind in battery life (9Hr 46min) & design (all-metal gaming-themed body). On the other hand, the Zenbook S 16 (Rs 1,49,990) provides premium thin-and-light portability with excellent battery life (16Hr 27Min), though it lacks a dedicated GPU.
That said, there aren’t many options that combine high performance, 4K+ OLED touch display, long-lasting battery life, and a luxury design into one package. So, if you prioritize these qualities and can stomach the price, the XPS 16 may be the right choice for you.
You can read the review here!
Asus VivoBook S14 OLED
Verdict
Priced at Rs. 1,04,990, the ASUS Vivobook S 14 delivers a compelling blend of performance, features, and battery life that makes it a strong contender against its rivals. The laptop’s standout feature is undoubtedly its vibrant OLED display, which, coupled with the AMD Ryzen AI 9 HX 370 processor, is more than capable of handling everyday tasks, multitasking, and even casual gaming, outperforming competitors like the Snapdragon X Elite and Intel Core 200V processors.
There’s also an excellent battery life of over 10 hours at the very least, which should be fine for most users. However, if you can compromise a bit on the performance front and want to squeeze more juice, the Acer Swift 14 AI with the Intel Core Ultra 5 226V processor is an excellent option. Further, if your use case doesn’t involve running x86 applications, a laptop powered by the Snapdragon X Elite chipset, such as the ASUS VivoBook S15 OLED can also be considered.
You can read the review here!
ASUS ProArt PX13
Verdict
The ASUS ProArt PX13 is a great choice for creative professionals thanks to its efficient AI-powered CPU, sharp 3K OLED touchscreen, reliable GPU, and other useful features. It may not be the most powerful laptop on the market, but for a 2-in-1 laptop, it manages to offer reliable performance for tasks like video and photo editing, graphic design, digital drawing, and even a bit of gaming.
The ASUS Dial integrated into the touchpad, as well as support for ASUS Pen 2.0, offers intuitive and convenient interactions with creative software, although they might take time to get used to. I really wish that laptop offered a display with a faster refresh rate , and maybe better battery life. But overall, the ASUS ProArt PX13 is a solid package.
The notebook currently sells for Rs 1,79,990, which isn’t what I would call attractive. If raw compute or graphics performance is all you need, there are other creator laptops on the market including ASUS’s larger ProArt P16, or the Apple MacBook Pro M4. But considering its form factor, the ProArt PX13 might be the best compact Windows creator laptop for you.
You can read the review here!
Acer Swift 14 AI
Verdict
With a starting price tag of Rs. 89,999, the Acer Swift 14 AI is a compelling ultrabook offering a blend of style, performance, and impressive battery life. Its vibrant OLED display delivers an immersive visual experience, while the powerful Intel Core Ultra 5 226V processor ensures smooth handling of demanding tasks. It’s not the most powerful chipset on the market, but it’s still quite reliable and offers unmatched battery life.
As for alternatives, we are still waiting on other brands like ASUS, Lenovo, and HP to update their lineups with the latest Intel Lunar Lake processors. Once that happens, the competition would be a bit stiff. Otherwise, at the time of writing, the only other laptops that can compete with the Acer Swift 14 AI are Snapdragon-powered, such as the Microsoft Surface Pro or the ASUS Vivobook S 15. However, you will have to consider app compatibility on the other side of the field, so there’s that. For what it’s worth, the Acer Swift 14 AI gets a thumbs-up from our end.
You can read the review here!
Microsoft Surface Pro 11th Gen
Verdict
The Surface Pro 11th-Gen comes at a starting price tag of Rs. 1.15L, and impresses with its refined design, premium build quality, and versatile 2-in-1 functionality. Additionally, the shift to an ARM-based processor brings significant improvements in battery life and overall efficiency, making it a compelling option for professionals and students who prioritize portability and all-day productivity. The vibrant display, excellent audio quality, and comfortable keyboard further enhance the user experience.
Further, the OLED panel comes at a hefty price tag, and both the Surface Pen and Keyboard also cost extra. Furthermore, the base storage of 256GB is quite low, similar to how Apple prices storage on their laptops. That being said, the easy upgradability for the storage is a slight saving grace. Ultimately, if you value flexibility and premium aesthetics and are willing to invest in the full Surface ecosystem, the 11th Gen Surface Pro is a compelling choice. For others, more affordable 2-in-1s or ultra-light laptops may be worth considering. The Apple iPad Pro 11-inch with 512GB of storage will set you back close to Rs. 1.2L, which arguably is the best tablet experience on the market. As for proper Windows experience in an x86 platform, the Lenovo Ideapad 5 2-in-1 powered by the Intel Core i7-13620H is regularly available for under Rs. 90K, and offers excellent performance and value for money.
You can read the review here!
Dell Vostro 15 3530
Verdict
The Dell Vostro 15 3530 establishes itself as a reliable productivity laptop for budget-conscious users. With its 13th Gen Intel Core i3 processor, 8GB of RAM, and 512GB SSD, it performs well for routine tasks like web browsing, video streaming, and document editing. While its gaming capabilities are limited, it can handle casual titles like Valorant and League of Legends, provided users manage their expectations.
The Vostro 15 3530’s value proposition becomes most apparent when considering its target market. In educational environments, its durable construction and reliable performance outweigh the aesthetic compromises. For small businesses, the comprehensive port selection and efficient productivity performance justify its position as a cost-effective computing solution. While it won’t turn heads or break performance records, it excels in its primary mission: providing reliable, efficient computing at an accessible price point.
Future firmware updates and driver optimizations may further refine the experience, but the fundamental hardware capabilities establish clear boundaries for potential improvements. For users seeking a dependable work companion within a modest budget, the Dell Vostro 15 3530 presents a decent option that emphasizes substance over style.
You can read the review here!
Dell Inspiron 14
Verdict
At Rs 44,990, the Dell Inspiron 14 is a well-rounded option for budget-conscious buyers looking for a reliable everyday laptop. While it won’t blow you away with its performance or premium features, it handles the basics well (portability, battery life, and usability). While it’s not suited for heavy workloads or gaming, it’s a solid choice for students and office workers on a budget.
For those seeking more power, competitors like the Infinix Inbook Y4 Max and MSI Modern 14 offer better specifications in this price range. That said, the Inspiron 14’s solid battery life and lightweight build make it a great pick for users who need a laptop for basic tasks like document editing, web browsing, and content consumption. So, the Inspiron strikes a good balance between affordability and reliability.
You can read the review here!
ASUS Vivobook 14 Flip Review
Verdict
The ASUS Vivobook 14 Flip is a great machine for everyday productivity and portability and has excellent battery life. The OLED display is stunning, and it has adequate connectivity options for daily use. The 2-in-1 form factor makes it easy to consume content, especially when lying on a bed, without worrying about blocking the intake vents for thermal management. While the device has a stylus, I will let more capable designers judge that aspect. What it lacks is that the display can get very reflective under direct sunlight, and the touchpad could have some markings for the ASUS Smart Gestures. The Intel Core Ultra 7-256V powering this laptop lacks pure synthetic CPU numbers compared to the AMD Ryzen 9-HX 370 available on similarly priced laptops. However, it makes up for the same with the integrated Intel ARC GPU.
If a laptop with good battery life and seamless everyday productivity is what you want, you can consider this laptop. As of me writing this review, Apple just announced the M4 Macbook Air for Rs 99,990 in India with 16GB RAM and the M4 chip, which is quite capable. While I know the ASUS Vivobook has a better display, there is no denying Apple’s M4 performance. Then there is the army of Snapdragon X Elite, X Plus, and X-powered laptops in the market, a glimpse of whose performance we have highlighted in this review. So you may want to consider your options carefully based on the use case before investing.
You can read the review here!
Dell Inspiron 15 3530
Verdict
The Dell Inspiron 15 3530 is a good budget laptop for students and professionals who need a reliable device for basic productivity and web browsing. Its strong points include a sturdy build, a smooth 120Hz display, and decent connectivity options. However, the lack of a backlit keyboard, unimpressive battery life, and basic integrated graphics may be deal-breakers for some. Even so, I have to emphasise that the target audience will likely be pretty satisfied with the laptop’s offerings.
You can read the review here!
Dell Latitude 5455
Verdict
If you are purely a business user and got this laptop from your employer, you shouldn’t have any real complaints. What the device has going for it is very good build quality, a very good keyboard for typing content, an anti-glare display that works well in different lighting conditions, decent overall performance, and a day-long battery life. It is also really lightweight and comfortable to carry/use for long durations. Where it falters is that Windows on ARM still has bugs to iron out, and that’s more of a Qualcomm-Microsoft thing to fix. However, there are laptops in a similar price range that offer better battery life, and my biggest gripe is the lack of an HDMI port. For an asking price of Rs 1,19,950 + taxes for the configuration I have, it is a tad steep, especially if you compare it with Dell’s own lineup as well as the competition’s “non-business” laptop lineup. Then again, they wouldn’t come with Dell’s security features such as Dell SafeID and Secure BIOS, which is a big factor for business users.
You can read the review here!
