Quick Overview
- The IdeaPad 3i has a battery life of around 6 hours on a single charge, which is decent for a budget laptop.
- The IdeaPad 3i comes with a basic set of features, including a 720p webcam, a built-in microphone, and a microSD card reader.
- It has a fingerprint scanner for added security, a backlit keyboard for typing in low-light conditions, and a USB Type-C port for fast data transfer and charging.
In the competitive world of budget laptops, the Lenovo IdeaPad 3i and Asus Vivobook 15 stand out as two of the most popular choices. Both offer a blend of affordability and essential features, making them ideal for students, casual users, and budget-conscious consumers. But which one is the better choice for you? In this comprehensive comparison, we will delve into the key differences between the Lenovo IdeaPad 3i and Asus Vivobook 15 to help you make an informed decision.
Design and Build Quality
Lenovo IdeaPad 3i: The IdeaPad 3i exudes a sleek and understated aesthetic with its slim profile and minimalist design. Its plastic chassis feels sturdy and durable, ensuring it can withstand the rigors of daily use.
Asus Vivobook 15: The Vivobook 15 boasts a more premium design with its brushed metal lid and textured palm rest. It is slightly thicker than the IdeaPad 3i but maintains a compact footprint. The metal construction provides enhanced durability and a professional touch.
Display
Lenovo IdeaPad 3i: The IdeaPad 3i features a 15.6-inch TN panel with a resolution of 1920 x 1080. While the colors are vibrant and the viewing angles are decent, the TN panel suffers from limited contrast and poor black levels.
Asus Vivobook 15: The Vivobook 15 comes with a 15.6-inch IPS panel with the same resolution as the IdeaPad 3i. The IPS panel offers superior color accuracy, wider viewing angles, and deeper blacks. As a result, the Vivobook 15 provides a more immersive and enjoyable viewing experience.
Performance
Lenovo IdeaPad 3i: The IdeaPad 3i is powered by a range of Intel Core i3 and i5 processors. These processors offer adequate performance for basic tasks like browsing the web, checking emails, and creating documents. However, they may struggle with demanding applications and multitasking.
Asus Vivobook 15: The Vivobook 15 is equipped with a selection of Intel Core i5 and i7 processors. The i5 processor provides a noticeable performance boost over the IdeaPad 3i, while the i7 processor delivers even faster speeds. This makes the Vivobook 15 a better choice for users who need more processing power for productivity and light gaming.
Storage and Memory
Lenovo IdeaPad 3i: The IdeaPad 3i comes with a 256GB or 512GB solid-state drive (SSD) for storage. It also has 4GB or 8GB of RAM, which is sufficient for most users.
Asus Vivobook 15: The Vivobook 15 offers similar storage options with 256GB or 512GB SSDs. However, it has the advantage of supporting up to 16GB of RAM, which can significantly improve multitasking performance.
Battery Life
Lenovo IdeaPad 3i: The IdeaPad 3i has a battery life of around 6 hours on a single charge, which is decent for a budget laptop.
Asus Vivobook 15: The Vivobook 15 boasts a slightly better battery life of up to 7 hours, providing users with more time away from the power outlet.
Features and Connectivity
Lenovo IdeaPad 3i: The IdeaPad 3i comes with a basic set of features, including a 720p webcam, a built-in microphone, and a microSD card reader. It has a limited number of ports, including two USB 3.0 ports and an HDMI port.
Asus Vivobook 15: The Vivobook 15 offers a more comprehensive feature set. It has a fingerprint scanner for added security, a backlit keyboard for typing in low-light conditions, and a USB Type-C port for fast data transfer and charging. It also has a wider selection of ports, including a USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A port, a USB 2.0 port, and an HDMI port.
Price and Value
Lenovo IdeaPad 3i: The Lenovo IdeaPad 3i is available for a starting price of around $400. For this price, you get a decent laptop with a solid build quality, a basic display, and adequate performance.
Asus Vivobook 15: The Asus Vivobook 15 starts at a slightly higher price of around $500. However, it offers a better display, faster performance, more features, and a more comprehensive port selection.
Which One Should You Choose?
The Lenovo IdeaPad 3i is a solid choice for users on a tight budget who prioritize affordability and basic functionality. It is suitable for students, casual users, and anyone who primarily uses their laptop for web browsing, email, and document creation.
The Asus Vivobook 15 is a better option for users who are willing to spend a little more for a more premium design, a better display, faster performance, and a wider range of features. It is ideal for students who need a laptop for more demanding tasks like programming, video editing, and occasional gaming.
What People Want to Know
Q: Which laptop has a better display?
A: The Asus Vivobook 15 has a superior IPS display with wider viewing angles, deeper blacks, and more accurate colors.
Q: Which laptop is more powerful?
A: The Asus Vivobook 15 offers faster performance with its Intel Core i5 and i7 processors, compared to the Intel Core i3 and i5 processors in the Lenovo IdeaPad 3i.
Q: Which laptop has more features?
A: The Asus Vivobook 15 has a wider range of features, including a fingerprint scanner, a backlit keyboard, and a USB Type-C port.