Business News/ Technology / Gadgets/ Best i5 laptops for unmatched performance, efficiency and versatility: Top 8 picks
When it comes to finding the perfect balance between performance and affordability, i5 laptops stand out as a top choice for many users. Powered by Intel's mid-range processors, these laptops offer robust performance without breaking the bank, making them ideal for a wide range of tasks from everyday computing to more demanding applications. Whether you're a student, professional, or casual user, an i5 laptop can provide the speed and efficiency needed for a seamless experience.
In this article, we dive into the top i5 laptops that combine cutting-edge technology with excellent value. From sleek ultrabooks to powerful workhorses, these laptops are designed to handle everything from multitasking and productivity to light gaming and multimedia. We’ve evaluated each model based on performance, build quality, battery life, and additional features to help you find the best fit for your needs. Whether you're looking for a reliable device for work or a versatile machine for personal use, our list will guide you to the perfect i5 laptop that meets your expectations and budget.
1. Dell 15 Thin & Light Laptop, Intel Core 13th Generation i5-1334U Processor, 16GB DDR4 & 512GB SSD, 15.6 (39.62cm) FHD 120Hz 250 nits, Windows 11 + MSO'21 + 15 Month Mcafee, Carbon Black, 1.66kg
The Dell 15 is a reliable laptop for everyday use, offering a blend of performance and portability. Powered by an Intel Core i5-1135G7 processor, 8GB RAM, and a 1TB HDD + 256GB SSD storage combo, it delivers smooth multitasking and fast boot times. The 15.6 inch FHD display provides crisp visuals, while Windows 11 Home ensures a modern user experience. Features like a spill-resistant keyboard, fingerprint reader, and backlit keyboard enhance usability. With a weight of just 1.69kg, it's easy to carry around. Overall, the Dell Vostro 3510 is a solid choice for work or entertainment.
Specifications of Dell 15
Brand: Dell
Screen Size: 15.6 inches
Colour: Black
Hard Disk Size: 1 TB
CPU Model: Core i5
RAM: 8 GB
Operating System: Windows 11 Home
Special Feature: Fingerprint Reader, Backlit Keyboard
| Reasons to buy | Reasons to avoid |
| Efficient performance for daily tasks | Integrated graphics may not meet high-end gaming needs |
| Ample storage with HDD + SSD combo | No dedicated graphics card |
What are buyers saying on Amazon?
Buyers praise the laptop’s smooth performance and multi-tab handling but report issues with overheating and the lack of a fingerprint scanner. Opinions vary on quality, speed, and sturdiness.
Why choose this product?
Choose this laptop for its excellent performance and smooth multitasking capabilities, though be aware of potential overheating and the absence of a fingerprint scanner.
2. Dell 14 Laptop, 12th Gen Intel Core i5-1235U Processor, 16GB, 512GB, 14.0 (35.56cm) FHD Display, Windows 11 + MSO'21, Spill-Resistant Keyboard, 15 Month Mcafee, Black, Thin & Light- 1.48kg
The Dell 14 Laptop is a powerful and efficient device designed for productivity and portability. With a 12th Gen Intel Core i5 processor, 16GB RAM, and a spacious 512GB SSD, it delivers smooth performance for multitasking and storage needs. The 14.0 inches FHD display provides crisp visuals, while Windows 11 and MS Office 2021 offer a seamless user experience. The laptop features a spill-resistant keyboard for added durability and weighs just 1.48kg, making it easy to carry around. With a sleek black design, this Dell laptop is a great choice for professionals on the go.
Specifications of Dell 14 Laptop:
Brand: Dell
Model Name: Vostro
Screen Size: 14 Inches
Colour: Black
CPU Model: Core i5
RAM: 16 GB
Operating System:Windows 11 Home
| Reasons to buy | Reasons to avoid |
| Powerful 12th Gen Intel Core i5 processor | No dedicated graphics card for intensive gaming |
| 16GB RAM for smooth multitasking | Relatively small 512GB SSD storage |
What are buyers saying on Amazon?
Buyers appreciate the laptop's compactness and portability but report issues with heating, backlight, graphics, and the C port, with mixed reviews on quality, performance, and battery life.
Why choose this product?
Choose this product for its compact design and portability, ideal for users needing a lightweight and easy-to-carry laptop.
3. HP Laptop 15s, 12th Gen Intel Core i5-1235U, 15.6-inch (39.6 cm), FHD, 16GB DDR4, 512GB SSD, Intel Iris Xe Graphics, Backlit KB,MSO,Thin & Light, Dual Speakers (Win 11, Silver, 1.69 kg), fq5330TU
The HP Laptop 15s, featuring the 12th Gen Intel Core i5 processor, 16GB DDR4 RAM, and a 512GB SSD, is a powerful and efficient device for productivity and entertainment. Its Intel Iris Xe graphics deliver stunning visuals on the 15.6-inch Full HD display. With a backlit keyboard and Micro-Edge display, this laptop offers a premium user experience. The thin and light design, along with dual speakers, enhances its portability and entertainment capabilities. Windows 11 Home provides a smooth and intuitive interface, making it a great choice for work or play.
Specifications of HP Laptop 15s:
Brand: HP
Model Name: 15s-fq5330TU
Screen Size: 15.6 Inches
Colour: Silver
Hard Disk Size: 512 GB
CPU Model: Core i5
RAM: 16 GB
| Reasons to buy | Reasons to avoid |
| Powerful 12th Gen Intel Core i5 processor | No dedicated graphics card |
| Ample 16GB DDR4 RAM | Limited color options |
What are buyers saying on Amazon?
Buyers praise the laptop’s screen quality but criticize its value, battery life, colour accuracy, and performance.
Why choose this product?
Choose this product for its excellent screen quality, but be aware of its shortcomings in battery life and colour performance.
4. ZEBRONICS Laptop PRO Series Z NBC 4S, Intel Core 12th Gen i5 Processor (16GB RAM | 512GB SSD), 15.6-Inch (39.6 CM) IPS Display, (Ultra Slim |38.5 Wh Large Battery |Windows 11 |Midnight Blue |1.76 Kg)
The ZEBRONICS Laptop PRO Series Z offers an affordable and stylish solution for your computing needs. Powered by an Intel Core 12th Gen i5 processor and featuring 16GB RAM and 512GB SSD, it delivers smooth performance for multitasking and everyday tasks. The 15.6-inch IPS display provides a wide viewing angle and crisp Full HD resolution. With features like a fingerprint reader, Dolby Atmos speakers, and a 38.5 Wh large battery, this laptop is designed to enhance your productivity and entertainment experience.
Specifications of ZEBRONICS Laptop PRO Series Z:
Brand: ZEBRONICS
Model Name: ZEB-NBC 4S (16GB) Midnight Blue
Screen Size: 15.6 Inches
CPU Model: Intel Core i5
RAM: 16 GB
Operating System: Windows 11 Home
| Reasons to buy | Reasons to avoid |
| Affordable and stylish design | Integrated graphics may limit gaming performance |
| Powerful Intel Core i5 processor for smooth performance | Limited storage compared to some competitors |
What are buyers saying on Amazon?
Buyers praise the laptop's premium feel, amazing display, and good performance, but note issues with the fingerprint sensor, dislike the backlit keyboard and battery life, and have mixed opinions on sound quality.
Why choose this product?
Choose this laptop for its premium design, stunning display, and solid performance, though be aware of potential issues with the fingerprint sensor, backlit keyboard, and battery life.
5. HONOR MagicBook X16 (2024), 12th Gen Intel Core i5-12450H, 16-inch (40.64 cm) FHD IPS Anti-Glare Thin and Light Laptop (16GB/512GB PCIe SSD/Windows 11/ Full-Size Numeric Keyboard /1.68Kg), Gray
The HONOR MagicBook X16 is a powerful and stylish laptop designed for productivity and portability. With a 12th Gen Intel Core i5-12450H processor, 16GB of RAM, and a 512GB PCIe NVMe SSD, it offers fast performance for office and study needs. The 16-inch FHD IPS Anti-Glare screen with TÜV Rheinland Low Blue Light Certification ensures comfortable viewing. It features a full-size numeric keyboard for easy typing and a 720P HD webcam for video conferencing. The laptop also supports fast charging with a 65W Type-C power adapter, making it perfect for on-the-go use.
Specifications of HONOR MagicBook X16:
Brand: Honor
Model Name: BRN-F56
Screen Size: 16 Inches
Colour: Space Gray
CPU Model: Core i5-12450H
RAM: 16 GB
| Reasons to buy | Reasons to avoid |
| Powerful 12th Gen Intel Core i5-12450H processor | Integrated graphics may not be sufficient for gaming |
| Fast 16GB LPDDR4x RAM and 512GB PCIe NVMe SSD | Limited color options |
What are buyers saying on Amazon?
Buyers praise the laptop's top-class build, stunning 16-inch full HD display, and crisp visuals. However, opinions are mixed on the keyboard, heating issues, and battery life.
Why choose this product?
Choose this laptop for its high-quality build, vibrant display, and excellent visual performance.
Also Read: Unveiling the best laptops under ₹40000: Top 10 computing options to grab without breaking the bank
6. MSI Gaming GF63 Thin, Intel Core i7-11800H, 40CM FHD 144Hz Gaming Laptop (8GB/512GB NVMe SSD/Windows 10 Home/Nvidia GTX1650 4GB GDDR6/ Black/1.86Kg), 11SC-852IN
The MSI GF63 Thin is a sleek gaming laptop with powerful performance and a lightweight design. It features an Intel Core i5-11260H processor, 8GB of RAM, and a 512GB NVMe SSD for speedy storage. The 40CM FHD display with a 144Hz refresh rate provides smooth gaming visuals. It comes pre-loaded with Windows 11 Home and includes MSI Center for easy customization. The dedicated Nvidia GeForce GTX 1650 graphics card ensures smooth gameplay. With its thin profile and weighing just 1.8 kg, it's easy to carry for on-the-go gaming.
Specifications of MSI GF63 Thin:
Brand: MSI
Model Name: GF63 Thin 11SC-1477IN
Screen Size: 40 Centimetres
Colour: Black
Hard Disk Size: 512 GB
CPU Model: Core i5
| Reasons to buy | Reasons to avoid |
| Sleek, lightweight design for portability | Limited storage space |
| Powerful performance for gaming | No optical drive |
What are buyers saying on Amazon?
Buyers praise the laptop's performance, smooth gameplay, and great GPU value, but note mixed opinions on battery life, cooling, and sound quality.
Why choose this product?
Choose this laptop for its excellent GPU performance and value, with smooth application and game handling.
7. Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 5 Intel Core i5 12450H 16 (40.6cm) WUXGA+ IPS Laptop (16GB/512GB SSD/Win 11/Office 2021/Backlit KB/FHD Camera/Alexa/3 Month Game Pass/Cloud Grey/1.89Kg), 83BG000PIN
The Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 5 is a sleek and powerful laptop designed for productivity and entertainment. It features a 16 inch WUXGA+ IPS display with anti-glare coating for a comfortable viewing experience. Powered by an Intel Core i5-12450H processor and 16GB of RAM, this laptop offers smooth performance for multitasking and gaming. With a 512GB SSD, you get ample storage for your files and applications. The laptop also comes with Windows 11 Home and Microsoft Office 2021 pre-installed, along with other features like a backlit keyboard and HD audio for an enhanced user experience.
Specifications of Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 5:
Processor: Intel Core i5-12450H, 2.0 GHz
Operating System: Windows 11 Home
RAM: 16GB
Storage: 512GB SSD
Display: 16-inch WUXGA+ IPS
Graphics: Integrated Intel UHD Graphics
| Reasons to buy | Reasons to avoid |
| Sleek design with a thin and light profile | Integrated graphics may not be sufficient for high-end gaming |
| Powerful performance for multitasking and gaming | Limited storage capacity compared to some competitors |
What are buyers saying on Amazon?
Buyers praise the laptop's performance, quality, and slim design, but mention mixed reviews on battery life, sound, display, and some issues with heating.
Why choose this product?
Choose this laptop for its top-notch performance, high-quality build, and lightweight design, ideal for office use.
Also Read: Best HP laptops under ₹30000: Top 6 budget friendly models to deliver exceptional performance
8. HP Victus Gaming Laptop, 12th Gen Intel Core i5-12450H, 4GB RTX 3050 GPU, 15.6-inch (39.6 cm) FHD IPS 144Hz, 16GB DDR4, 512GB SSD, Backlit KB, B&O Dual Speakers (Win 11, MSO, Blue, 2.37 kg), fa0666TX
The HP Victus Gaming Laptop offers a powerful gaming experience with its 12th Gen Intel Core i5 processor and 4GB NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050 GPU. Its 15.6-inch FHD display with a 144Hz refresh rate provides crisp visuals, while the 16GB DDR4 RAM and 512GB SSD ensure smooth gameplay. With Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.3, and a range of ports, connectivity is effortless. The laptop also features a 3-cell battery for extended gaming sessions and comes pre-loaded with Windows 11 Home and MS Office. Additionally, its sustainable design makes it an environmentally friendly choice.
Specifications of HP Victus Gaming Laptop:
Brand: HP
Model Name: HP Victus
Screen Size: 39.6 cm (15.6 inches)
Colour: Light Blue
Hard Disk Size: 512 GB
CPU Model: Intel Core i5-12450H
| Reasons to buy | Reasons to avoid |
| Powerful 12th Gen Intel Core i5 processor | Relatively heavy at 2.37 kg |
| Dedicated 4GB NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050 GPU |
What are buyers saying on Amazon?
Buyers loved the laptop's great price to specification ratio. Also, praised the design and build quality of this laptop.
Why choose this product?
Choose this laptop for its top shelf hardware and the value for money.
Factors to consider when buying an i5 laptop?
When buying an i5 laptop, consider these key factors:
- Performance: Look at the generation of the Intel i5 processor; newer generations offer better performance and efficiency. Check clock speed and core count to ensure they meet your needs.
- RAM and Storage: Opt for at least 8GB of RAM for smooth multitasking. SSD storage is preferable over HDD for faster boot times and data access; aim for a minimum of 256GB SSD.
- Display Quality: A Full HD (1920x1080) display is standard for clear visuals. Consider screen size and resolution based on your usage—larger screens are better for multimedia, while smaller ones are more portable.
- Battery Life: Ensure the laptop has adequate battery life for your typical usage. Look for models with 6-8 hours of battery life to avoid frequent recharging.
- Build Quality and Portability: Assess the laptop's build quality and weight. A durable, lightweight design is ideal for mobility, especially if you’re on the go frequently.
Which laptop brand is the best for i5 laptops?
Determining the best laptop brand depends on your needs. Dell is known for its reliable business laptops and innovative designs. Asus excels with its premium build and seamless user experience. Lenovo offers versatile options with excellent keyboards. HP provides strong performance and stylish designs. Ultimately, the best brand aligns with your specific requirements and budget.
Are i5 laptops good for gaming?
Laptops powered by a Core i5 processor can handle light to moderate gaming well, especially with dedicated GPUs. They are suitable for games that aren't overly demanding. However, for high-end gaming or future-proofing, you might want to consider laptops with more powerful processors and graphics cards.
Top 3 features of the best i5 laptops
| i5 Laptops | Processor | RAM and Storage | Features |
| Dell 15 | Core i5 | 8GB RAM, 1TB HDD + 256GB SSD | Efficient performance for daily tasks, Ample storage with HDD + SSD combo |
| Dell 14 Laptop | Core i5 | 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD | Powerful 12th Gen Intel Core i5 processor, 16GB RAM for smooth multitasking |
| HP Laptop 15s | Core i5 | 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD | Powerful 12th Gen Intel Core i5 processor, Ample 16GB DDR4 RAM |
| ZEBRONICS Laptop PRO Series Z | Intel Core i5 | 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD | Affordable and stylish design, Powerful Intel Core i5 processor |
| HONOR MagicBook X16 | Core i5-12450H | 16GB RAM, 512GB PCIe NVMe SSD | Powerful 12th Gen Intel Core i5-12450H processor, Fast 16GB LPDDR4x RAM and 512GB PCIe NVMe SSD |
| MSI GF63 Thin | Core i5-11260H | 8GB RAM, 512GB NVMe SSD | Sleek, lightweight design for portability, Powerful performance for gaming |
| Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 5 | Core i5-12450H | 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD | Sleek design with a thin and light profile, Powerful performance for multitasking and gaming |
| HP Victus Gaming Laptop | Core i5-12450H | 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD | Powerful 12th Gen Intel Core i5 processor, Dedicated 4GB NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050 GPU |
Best value for money i5 laptop
The HONOR MagicBook X16 stands out as the best value-for-money product, offering a powerful and stylish design tailored for productivity and portability. Equipped with a 12th Gen Intel Core i5-12450H processor, 16GB RAM, and a 512GB PCIe NVMe SSD, it delivers fast performance for office and study needs. The 16-inch FHD IPS Anti-Glare display with TÜV Rheinland Low Blue Light Certification ensures comfortable viewing, while features like a full-size numeric keyboard and 720P HD webcam enhance usability.
Also Read: Best laptop for coding: Choose from our top 8 options for unmatched computing power and performance
Best overall i5 laptop
The Dell 15 stands out as the best overall product due to its reliable performance, ample storage, and additional features like a spill-resistant and backlit keyboard. With a blend of performance and portability, this laptop is suitable for work or entertainment, offering smooth multitasking and fast boot times. The Dell 15's FHD display provides crisp visuals, and its lightweight design makes it easy to carry around, making it a solid choice for various needs.
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FAQs
Question : What is the average battery life of i5 laptops?
Ans : The average battery life of i5 laptops varies depending on the model and usage, but most laptops offer around 6 to 8 hours of battery life on a single charge.
Question : Can I upgrade the RAM and storage of an i5 laptop?
Ans : In most cases, you can upgrade the RAM and storage of an i5 laptop, but it depends on the specific model and its design. Check the laptop's specifications or consult the manufacturer for compatibility and upgrade options.
Question : Do i5 laptops support gaming?
Ans : i5 laptops can support gaming, but the gaming performance will depend on the specific model and its graphics capabilities. For optimal gaming performance, consider laptops with dedicated graphics cards.
Question : Are i5 laptops suitable for video editing?
Ans : i5 laptops can handle video editing tasks, but the performance will vary based on the software and file sizes. For smoother video editing, consider laptops with higher RAM and dedicated graphics cards.
Question : Do i5 laptops come with a warranty?
Ans : Yes, most i5 laptops come with a warranty, but the duration and coverage may vary. Check with the manufacturer or retailer for details on the warranty for a specific laptop model.
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