Overview
- Under the hood, the Acer Nitro 5 AN515-58 packs an Intel Core i5-11400H processor, an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050 Ti graphics card, 8GB of DDR4 RAM, and a 512GB NVMe SSD.
- The Acer Nitro 5 AN515-58 lasts around 4-5 hours on a single charge, while the Lenovo IdeaPad Gaming 3i offers slightly better endurance with 5-6 hours of battery life.
- If you’re looking for a more affordable option with decent performance and battery life, the Lenovo IdeaPad Gaming 3i is a solid choice.
In the realm of budget-friendly gaming laptops, the Acer Nitro 5 AN515-58 and Lenovo IdeaPad Gaming 3i stand out as formidable contenders. Both devices offer impressive features and capabilities, making them ideal options for entry-level gamers and casual users alike. This comprehensive comparison will delve into the key aspects of each laptop, helping you make an informed decision about which one is the perfect fit for your gaming and computing needs.
Design and Build Quality
The Acer Nitro 5 AN515-58 sports a sleek and aggressive design with sharp angles and bold accents. Its black and red color scheme exudes a gaming aesthetic, while the metal chassis provides durability and a premium feel. The Lenovo IdeaPad Gaming 3i, on the other hand, adopts a more subdued approach with a clean and minimalist design. Its plastic construction feels sturdy, but it lacks the same level of sophistication as the Nitro 5.
Display
The Acer Nitro 5 AN515-58 features a 15.6-inch IPS panel with a resolution of 1920 x 1080 pixels and a refresh rate of 144Hz. This display offers vibrant colors, sharp images, and smooth gameplay. The Lenovo IdeaPad Gaming 3i also boasts a 15.6-inch IPS panel with the same resolution, but its refresh rate is capped at 60Hz. While the IdeaPad’s display is still capable, the Nitro 5’s higher refresh rate provides a noticeable advantage in fast-paced games.
Performance
Under the hood, the Acer Nitro 5 AN515-58 packs an Intel Core i5-11400H processor, an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050 Ti graphics card, 8GB of DDR4 RAM, and a 512GB NVMe SSD. This configuration delivers solid performance for most games at 1080p resolution and medium to high settings. The Lenovo IdeaPad Gaming 3i features a similar Intel Core i5-11300H processor, but it pairs it with an NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650 graphics card. While the GTX 1650 is a capable entry-level GPU, it falls short of the RTX 3050 Ti in terms of performance.
Battery Life
Battery life is not a strong suit for either laptop, as both prioritize performance over longevity. The Acer Nitro 5 AN515-58 lasts around 4-5 hours on a single charge, while the Lenovo IdeaPad Gaming 3i offers slightly better endurance with 5-6 hours of battery life. It’s important to note that these estimates may vary depending on usage patterns and power settings.
Keyboard and Touchpad
The Acer Nitro 5 AN515-58 features a backlit keyboard with dedicated number keys. The keys offer responsive feedback and a decent travel distance. The Lenovo IdeaPad Gaming 3i also has a backlit keyboard, but it lacks dedicated number keys. The keys on the IdeaPad are slightly mushy and have a shorter travel distance. Both laptops feature average-sized touchpads that support multi-touch gestures.
Connectivity and Ports
The Acer Nitro 5 AN515-58 offers a wide range of connectivity options, including three USB 3.2 Gen 1 ports, one USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C port, an HDMI port, an Ethernet port, and a headphone/microphone jack. The Lenovo IdeaPad Gaming 3i has a slightly more limited selection of ports, including two USB 3.2 Gen 1 ports, one USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C port, an HDMI port, an Ethernet port, and a headphone/microphone jack.
Price and Availability
The Acer Nitro 5 AN515-58 is typically priced around $900-$1,200, depending on the configuration and retailer. The Lenovo IdeaPad Gaming 3i is slightly cheaper, with a price range of $800-$1,100. Both laptops are widely available from major retailers and online stores.
Final Thoughts
The Acer Nitro 5 AN515-58 and Lenovo IdeaPad Gaming 3i are both excellent choices for budget-minded gamers and casual users. The Nitro 5 offers a superior design, display, and performance, while the IdeaPad is more affordable and offers slightly better battery life. Ultimately, the best choice for you depends on your specific needs and preferences. If you prioritize performance and a high refresh rate display, the Acer Nitro 5 AN515-58 is the way to go. If you’re looking for a more affordable option with decent performance and battery life, the Lenovo IdeaPad Gaming 3i is a solid choice.
Basics You Wanted To Know
Q: Which laptop has a better GPU?
A: The Acer Nitro 5 AN515-58 features an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050 Ti, while the Lenovo IdeaPad Gaming 3i has an NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650. The RTX 3050 Ti offers better performance in games.
Q: Does the Acer Nitro 5 AN515-58 have a webcam?
A: Yes, the Acer Nitro 5 AN515-58 has a built-in webcam.
Q: Which laptop is more portable?
A: Both laptops have a similar weight and dimensions, making them equally portable.
Q: Does the Lenovo IdeaPad Gaming 3i support Thunderbolt 4?
A: No, the Lenovo IdeaPad Gaming 3i does not have Thunderbolt 4 support.
Q: Which laptop has a longer warranty?
A: Both laptops typically come with a one-year limited warranty.