Intel has launched an entire line of i9 processors that deliver dizzying speeds and efficiencies for gaming and memory-hoarding pursuits. More manufacturers now side with i9 and i7 CPUs for the performance upswing – something that is getting greater demand than before in this age of remote work. Is it sensible to buy an i5 laptop in this scenario?
Well, computers with i5 processors can be excellent for everyday use. They are less expensive than their counterparts but perform satisfactorily for daily activities. Intel Core i7 and i9 processors come with many more cores and threads and support high boost frequencies over 5GHz. So, naturally, the uptick you will witness in performance is substantial. But unless you frequently use professional A/V applications like Adobe Premiere or game at high settings, there is no reason for an i5 computer not to support you. Many i5 laptops can do light to moderate gaming quite well and provide supporting features like custom keyboards and effective cooling.
What to Remember while getting an i5 Computer
The i5 line has aged now, and some believe it is nearing the end of life. But as of now, i5 CPUs still offer good performance for daily activities like web browsing, checking e-mail, streaming Netflix, video calling, etc. You may decide to buy an i5 laptop to save money or upgrade from an i3. Invest in a machine that offers high-quality sound and display and is sturdy.
Laptops with i5 inside are not renowned for extreme performance, which may mean you lug them around for casual, everyday computing. Mobility becomes significant here, so look for Thunderbolt connections, Wi-Fi 6, and good battery life. Seeking out upgrading options for memory and storage is also a great idea.
Best Intel Core i5 Laptops 2022
As Intel Core i7 and i9 become more popular, manufacturers are moving up too. But players like Dell, HP, and Lenovo continue to offer solid i5 offerings for different audiences. Many students side with older processors, as do professionals who don’t need to use resource-intensive apps. Budget can be a serious factor, and most i5 laptops hit the sweet spot between performance and expense. You will be comfortable performing day-to-day tasks in the office or campus on any of the following devices. Some amount of gaming, multimedia jobs, and working on the run also goes perfectly!
Best Overall: Dell XPS 13 Plus 9320 Laptop
- Good performance for everyday tasks
- Bright display
- Optimized keyboard with touch function row
- Customized performance modes
- Very portable
- Low refresh rate
- Touch function keyboard can take time to get used to
You can rely on the Dell XPS 13 Plus 9320 laptop to serve you well professionally and personally. It is a well-rounded Intel Core i5-1240P device with 8GB of RAM, 512GB of storage, and Intel Killer Wi-Fi 6. The $1,399.00 computer adapts to different user needs with four modes: quiet, performance, cool, and optimized.
The enhanced keyboard deserves a special mention for its unique touch function row. You can switch from media to function keys in a trice, reaping advantages while streaming or working on multimedia content. It also has better-designed keycaps and a responsive haptic touchpad.
The 13.4″ FHD+ monitor is pleasant to behold and very bright at 500 nits. The refresh rate, however, is a letdown at 60Hz.
Mobility is high on Dell’s set of priorities. This feather-light computer weighs only 2.71lbs and is 0.60” thick. So, travel-intensive routines should not be a hassle at all.
The chassis has two Thunderbolt 4 ports for quick data transfer and charging.
Best 2-in-1: HP Spectre x360 13.5-inch Laptop
Processor: 12th Generation Intel Core i7-1255U (up to 4.7 GHz, 12 MB L3 cache, 10 cores, 12 threads) | Graphics Card: Intel Iris Xe Graphics | Display: 13.5" diagonal, WUXGA+ (1920 x 1280), multitouch-enabled, IPS, Low Blue Light, 400 nits | Memory: 16GB (OB) | Hard Drive: 512GB PCIe NVMe TLC M.2 SSD (4x4 SSD) | Weight: 3 — 4 lbs
- Flexible 360° design for versatile uses
- Special image and sound features for video calls
- Dependable battery backup
- Several display options for creative purposes
- Heat dissipation can be a little noisy
- The touchpad could have been smoother
- Lacks HDMI port
The convertible design is stunning in adjusting to fast-paced routines and work on the go. The HP Spectre x360 13.5-inch laptop is an excellent 2-in-1 with an Intel Core i5-1235U processor, 8GB of RAM, and 512GB of space (expandable up to 2TB). Its flexible 360° design lets you comfortably work, make video calls, stream movies, etc. The price tag of $1,249.99 is also not too intimidating for the specs.
The display front is top-notch. A WUXGA+ panel with IPS and 400-nits brightness ensures your A/V sessions are not left wanting. Some customization options permit you to go up to 1000 nits and get an integrated privacy screen, which is fabulous if it fits your budget. The panel adheres to low blue light emissions to minimize eye strain.
The True Vision 5MP camera is a work of art. It comes with a shutter for privacy and offers brilliant noise reduction to boost your calling experience.
For Creators: Dell XPS 15 9520 Laptop
- Immersive display
- Good quality sound
- Dependable battery backup
- Expensive
- Graphics performance could have been better
Here is the perfect pick for multimedia creators like artists and movie editors: the Dell XPS 15 9520 laptop. An Intel Core i5-12500H processor drives this machine, delivering ample power for creative tasks. The RAM is 16GB, and the storage is 512GB. This 4.06lbs laptop can run unplugged for 13 hours, thus letting you work outside the office. Even the OLED and the 4K+ versions last for 10 and 9 hours. It is an expensive buy at $1,549.00 but lives up to its promise of being a creators’ edition piece.
The best part about the display is the real estate: a screen-to-body ratio of 92.9%. You can opt for 100% Adobe RGB to enliven a full spectrum of realistic colors. Dell uses Eyesafe technology to lower blue light. Plus, multimedia activities benefit from Waves Nx 3D Audio.
It is a user-friendly laptop with a carbon fiber palm rest for support and comfort. You can keep your work private with facial recognition or a fingerprint reader. What about connectivity needs? Killer Wi-Fi 6 and two Thunderbolt 4 ports cater to them with grace.
Best Cheap: ASUS VivoBook 15 Slim Laptop
- Very affordable
- Lightweight and sturdy
- Unique 180-degree hinge to support sharing
- An antibacterial guard on the surface
- Includes a privacy shield
- Average performance
- The audio output could see improvement
- Average display
Don’t be misled by the budget price ($699.99) of the ASUS VivoBook 15 slim laptop. It is a powerful, portable, and versatile computer for varied user groups. Driving this VivoBook are an Intel Core i5-1240P CPU, 8GB RAM, Intel Iris Xe Graphics, and a 512GB SSD. The 15.6” FHD panel sports an engaging 82% screen-to-body ratio. The integrated privacy shield lets you work peacefully without looking over your shoulder. You also benefit from an antibacterial guard that keeps bugs away from your machine – a welcome addition in this age of constant health anxiety!
This device, staying true to its ancestry, weighs just 3.31 lbs and measures 0.78”. Also, since it conforms to the US MIL-STD 810H military-grade standard, you can travel stress-free.
This laptop has an ergonomic backlit keyboard and an integrated fingerprint sensor for optimal security. The highlight of the design has got to be the 180-degree lay-flat hinge that simplifies content sharing tremendously.
Here is a bonus for creative professionals: a one-month Adobe Creative Cloud subscription.
Sleek and Powerful: Microsoft Surface Laptop 4
- Stylish and convenient
- Supports customization options
- High-quality sound
- It lacks a Thunderbolt port
- Heavier than some others on this list
- Limited upgradability
The stylish Microsoft Surface Laptop 4 is for anyone who admires a versatile computing champion that does not compromise on individuality. This 13.5″ computer draws its power from an Intel Core i5 CPU, 8GB of RAM, and a 512GB SSD. Have fun customizing the rich colors in Alcantara material or pick the metal finish – both are knockouts and are sure to grab attention. Microsoft offers two screen sizes: 13.5” and 15”. While the former is more of a simple, travel-friendly form factor, the latter is better for multitasking.
Microsoft invests in superior sound with omnisonic speakers and Dolby Atmos. You will feel the difference on voice/video calls and multimedia streaming online. The studio mics also warrant a mention; they limit external interference noticeably.
This Surface laptop at 5.17lbs is a tad heavier than some others we have featured. However, it comes with rapid charging to support working outside the office. The keyboard is also very pleasing and comfortable for typing.
i5 Gaming Laptop: Lenovo Ideapad 3i Gaming
- Helpful gaming keyboard
- The rear I/O dashboard helps cut clutter
- Affordable gaming machine
- Heavy build
- Low battery backup
- Noisy heat management
Yes, i5 gameplay is a thing, and the Lenovo Ideapad 3i gaming laptop is a smart way of realizing it. The ASUS VivoBook 15 slim laptop is very budget-friendly for a pro-game machine at just $699.99 to $949.99. It has good specs for the price: an Intel Core i5-12500H CPU, 8GB of RAM, a 512GB SSD, and NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050 graphics. The Onyx Grey color is the cherry on the cake, elevating the whole vibe of a venerable player ready to outwit its opponents.
Another helpful addition is the I/O dashboard on the rear, allowing you to minimize the clutter as you plug and play.
The gaming keyboard is special, fitted with media controls, a number pad, and optional RGB backlighting across four zones. This laptop also has a privacy shutter for the webcam to let you feel safe during that sudden work meeting at an odd hour.
Conclusion
Our pick would be the Dell XPS 13 Plus 9320 for anyone who needs a daily computing partner with versatility, portability, and trust. Those who prefer more flexible and responsive machines will appreciate the HP Spectre x360 or the ASUS VivoBook 15.
If you are hunting for an i5 gaming laptop, the Lenovo Ideapad 3i is your best alternative. The Dell XPS 15 9520 and the Microsoft Surface 4 are worthwhile for anyone who covets contemporary design and has an eye for aesthetics. They work well for creative endeavors by balancing performance with vibrant displays and creation-friendly provisions.
