You may have enjoyed streaming your favorite movies and television series on a 1080p screen all this while. But if you have not explored 3840 × 2160 or 4K still, you are missing out.
Generally, 4K panels are much brighter and more colorful than typical FHD displays. Top-of-the-rung manufacturers like Dell, Razer, and ASUS now produce several lines of 4K laptop, from full-purpose laptops and convertibles to gaming platforms and creation-friendly devices.
Should you buy a 4K laptop?
Ask yourself this: do you value excellent visual output, vibrant colors, and realistic detailing? If yes, 4K can promise you much more than its HD or FHD counterparts. The viewing experience is more vivid and meticulous – two things that matter immensely to gamers and multimedia connoisseurs. Many creative professionals like photographers, architects, video game developers, and content editors also opt for this resolution as they need to see more in the available real estate.
Lately, we are witnessing an upswing in 4K content. Major streaming platforms, YouTubers, and prominent gaming companies are creating content that supports 4K. You stand to miss out on a horde of good stuff if you don’t have a machine that supports this resolution. If you are someone who enjoys staying in tune with the latest trending content, this can be a monumental loss.
While zeroing down on a purchase, you should remember that 4K laptops usually don’t have the best battery life. The most you can expect is 9-10 hours. Some companies like Dell offer quick charging to compensate for the poor backup. While unplugged usage is likely low, many 4K laptops provide portability perks like Thunderbolt 4 connections, light form factors, and fingerprint/face-based security.
It is also wise to consider sound output by going for features like Waves Nx 3D audio, noise reduction, and ergonomic designs that promote improved acoustics.
9 Best 4K Laptop 2023
We have put together a list of some of the best 4K laptops you will find currently – at least until 8K becomes a thing. Some prioritize performance, while others focus more on flexibility and affordability.
Choosing a 4K device is an expensive step; you will be investing at least $1000. It doesn’t make sense to spend so much if high-quality A/V doesn’t matter to you or multimedia endeavors don’t take up much of your day.
Check the available connections and customization options – especially for display and storage – before sealing the deal.
The XPS 17 isn’t the most affordable purchase, considering its steep price tag of almost $3,500. But for multimedia professionals and gamers, however, it is among the finest 4K laptop. This device, powered by an Intel Core i9, RTX 4070 graphics, and 32GB RAM, delivers top-notch speeds and performance. The 4K UHD+ display is pleasingly bright at 500 nits and has an (almost) 94% screen-to-body ratio. Thermal management is paramount for performance-focused 4K machines, and Dell ensures sustained cooling.
Adaptability has always been one of Dell’s plusses, and no wonder the company also offers cheaper, lighter options in this category. The lightweight XPS 13 is a fine example, featuring quick recharge, various performance modes, and dependable battery backup. The keyboard is also convenient for daily use, offering a touch function row for productive work.
4K Convertibles
Thanks to evolving design technology, you can now buy convertibles with 4K screens. The Dell Inspiron 16 2-in-1 delivers portability and flexibility with a 360-degree hinge. It has okay battery backup, quick charging, and Dolby Atmos sound – what’s not to love?
While we are on the subject, HP also has some fabulous 4K convertibles like the HP Spectre x360 2-in-1. This $1,800 computer has above-average specs: an Intel Core i7, 16GB RAM, and 2TB storage. While purchasing a 4K system, it is helpful for users to seek additional features that will benefit daily computing. For example, this HP laptop has a 5MP camera with auto-framing and timely screen reminders to protect you from eye strain.
Ultimate Performance for Gaming & Creation
We cannot help but be awed by the Apple 2023 MacBook Pro where 4K devices are concerned. This terrific device costs around $2,800, but check what it offers: a Power M2 Pro chip and a gorgeous Retina XDR display with 1,600 nits peak brightness. It even runs unplugged for 22 hours and is compatible with other Apple devices, letting you carry the dazzle wherever you venture. We find it crucial for 4K laptops to be well-connected since artists, animators, etc., frequently collaborate and share content. This Mac, for instance, has three Thunderbolt 4 ports.
We also admire Razer as a content-friendly brand with a sizable portfolio of 4K offerings. The Razer Blade 16 is astounding for gaming with its enviable RTX 4070 GPU, Intel Core i9 CPU, and 32GB RAM. The 4K UHD+ display uses Mini LED for a brighter, more efficient experience. It works from a work-on-the-move standpoint as it is compact and well-built with a small adapter.
Affordable 4K
You can consider brands like GIGABYTE for more affordable 4K devices. The GIGABYTE AERO 16 offers standard specs for its $2,000 price: RTX 4070, an Intel Core i7, and 16GB RAM. The 4K display uses a narrow bezel design and a 100% DCI-P3 color gamut for precise rendition. Yes, the refresh rate is lower at 60Hz, but that’s a trade-off you should consider based on your usage. Many are pleased with a larger display and don’t play games that lose much from a lower refresh rate.
Speaking of affordability, few brands can trump ASUS. The ASUS Zenbook Pro 16X is one of our favorite 4K laptops, featuring an Intel i7 CPU, RTX 3060 graphics, and 16GB RAM. It also has an efficient heat dissipation system and ample unplugged usage. Provisions like an ASUS dial that permit users to change brush size and other settings make it perfect for artists and designers.
You should consider the ASUS ProArt StudioBook 16 if your budget is around $2,100. It ups your creative game with Pantone-validated color and a three-button touchpad. Its sleek build and military-standard construction let you take your thoughts anywhere and get going.
FAQs
Who should buy a 4K laptop?
A 4K device is expensive – finding a worthwhile pick for less than $1,500 is difficult. It might seem overkill if your computing needs don’t involve gaming or multimedia projects like design, video editing, and animation. These detail-oriented laptops target content creators who must inspect each pixel for their work. An FHD resolution won’t cut it for A/V editing; the image will appear grainy on a large screen. Even professionals working on extensive text benefit from these laptops as what they see is close to what will appear in print.
Getting a 4K screen in a small form factor – anything below 15″ – may not reap dividends in viewing quality and overall experience. There’s only so much the human eye can discern. However, it depends very much on your specific circumstance. Some creators may wish for a super-sharp image on a 13″ or a 14″ display.
Is a graphics card necessary for a 4K laptop?
Absolutely! Buyers opting for 4K machines will likely play games or work on multimedia projects. These applications will demand a graphics card. A top-notch GPU from the latest RTX 40 series will offer you the benefits of ray tracing. It can also employ artificial intelligence to improve image rendition and quality. A GPU is mandatory with this resolution, as it will let you play games or run creative apps without experiencing delays.
What else should you look for in a 4K laptop?
Besides the screen resolution and a GPU, buyers should also weigh the other aspects of the display, like refresh rate and brightness. Brightness of 400 nits and above is the bare minimum. You can find devices with 240Hz refresh rates to optimize gameplay, special effects, and video transitions. Most creative applications benefit from an Intel Core i7 or above processor, at least 16GB of RAM, and a decent amount of storage, preferably SSD. Purchasing an upgradable laptop is a good idea to future-proof your changing needs.
We also like to check the connectivity options, such as Thunderbolt 4 ports, Wi-Fi 6 E, and webcam. After all, creative work is often collaborative. You should also gauge the build and portability if you often design on the move.
Do 4K laptops have low battery life?
Sadly, yes. The display uses considerable power. The other necessary components, like a high-end GPU, also require much more power than a 1440p machine. It affects the battery backup adversely. You should not place unplugged usage high up on your priority list if a 4K resolution matters to you. We would suggest brands like Dell – it has some 4K options with above-average battery life, like the XPS 17 or the Inspiron 16 2-in-1.
Conclusion
The Dell XPS 13 Plus 9320 is your best friend if you want an all-rounder 4K machine for work and play, supporting Wi-Fi 6 and customized performance modes. Go for the Dell XPS 17 9730 if you need a performance upswing for memory-hoarding pursuits.
The Razer Blade 16 is a fine choice for gamers, amalgamating high refresh rates, optimized cooling, and plenty of muscle. Finally, an ASUS VivoBook or ZenBook are excellent choices if you heavily depend on portability. ASUS has designed them to adapt to the user’s demands, and they dish out attractive bonuses like free cloud subscriptions and detachable parts. A VivoBook is also a good choice if you seek a budget-friendly 4K laptop.
Ultimately, picking a 4K laptop is likely to be a satisfying task for anyone who cares about aesthetics and engaging visuals. The difference from HD/FHD to 4K can be phenomenal – more so if you are a gamer or watch scores of movies with advanced visual elements. A 4K computer is almost mandatory for anyone who works with visuals professionally or on campus. You need to see the detail to create compelling content, and 4K – and eventually 8K – lets you push the envelope.
