Key points
- The Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3 sports a sleek and stylish design, with a slim profile and a weight of just 3.
- The Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3 boasts an impressive battery life of up to 8 hours on a single charge, thanks to its energy-efficient processor and a 35Wh battery.
- If you need a laptop that can last you through a full day of work or study without needing to reach for a charger, the IdeaPad Slim 3 is the better choice.
In the realm of budget-friendly laptops, the Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3 and Acer Extensa 15 stand out as two compelling options. Both devices offer a combination of affordability, portability, and essential features, making them ideal for students, casual users, and those on a tight budget. However, understanding their key differences is crucial to determine which one best suits your specific needs and preferences. In this comprehensive comparison, we will delve into the Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3 vs Acer Extensa 15 debate, analyzing their designs, displays, performance, battery life, and other aspects to help you make an informed decision.
Design and Build Quality
The Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3 sports a sleek and stylish design, with a slim profile and a weight of just 3.3 pounds. Its chassis is made of plastic, giving it a lightweight feel, but it still feels sturdy and well-built. The Acer Extensa 15, on the other hand, has a more traditional design, with a thicker profile and a weight of 4.4 pounds. Its chassis is also made of plastic, but it feels slightly less durable compared to the IdeaPad Slim 3.
Display
The Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3 comes with a 15.6-inch Full HD (1920 x 1080) IPS display, while the Acer Extensa 15 offers a 15.6-inch HD (1366 x 768) TN display. The IdeaPad Slim 3’s IPS panel provides superior viewing angles, color accuracy, and brightness compared to the Extensa 15’s TN panel. However, the Extensa 15’s HD resolution is sufficient for basic tasks and web browsing.
Performance
The Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3 is powered by an Intel Celeron N4020 processor, while the Acer Extensa 15 is equipped with an AMD Ryzen 3 3250U processor. Both processors are entry-level options, but the Ryzen 3 3250U offers slightly better performance, especially in multi-threaded tasks. However, both laptops are suitable for basic computing tasks such as web browsing, email, and office productivity.
Battery Life
The Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3 boasts an impressive battery life of up to 8 hours on a single charge, thanks to its energy-efficient processor and a 35Wh battery. The Acer Extensa 15, on the other hand, has a smaller 37Wh battery, resulting in a battery life of around 6 hours. If you need a laptop that can last you through a full day of work or study without needing to reach for a charger, the IdeaPad Slim 3 is the better choice.
Other Features
Both the Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3 and Acer Extensa 15 come with a decent selection of ports, including USB 3.0, USB 2.0, HDMI, and a headphone/microphone jack. The IdeaPad Slim 3 also features a microSD card slot, which is lacking on the Extensa 15. Additionally, the IdeaPad Slim 3 comes pre-installed with Windows 10 Home, while the Extensa 15 comes with Windows 10 Pro.
Price
The Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3 typically starts at around $300, while the Acer Extensa 15 starts at around $250. Both laptops offer excellent value for their price, but the Extensa 15 is the more affordable option, making it a great choice for those on a tight budget.
The Verdict: Choosing the Right Laptop for You
Ultimately, the choice between the Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3 and Acer Extensa 15 depends on your specific needs and preferences. If you prioritize portability, battery life, and a better display, the Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3 is the way to go. However, if you’re looking for a more affordable option with a slightly better processor, the Acer Extensa 15 is a solid choice.
Alternatives to Consider
If you’re still undecided or looking for other options in the same price range, here are a few alternatives to consider:
- HP Chromebook 14: This Chromebook offers a long battery life, a lightweight design, and the simplicity of Chrome OS.
- Dell Inspiron 15 3000: This budget-friendly laptop features a larger 15.6-inch display, a spacious keyboard, and a decent selection of ports.
- ASUS VivoBook 15: This laptop offers a stylish design, a solid performance, and a comfortable keyboard, making it a great all-around option.
Information You Need to Know
Q: Which laptop has a better processor, the Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3 or the Acer Extensa 15?
A: The Acer Extensa 15 has a slightly better processor, the AMD Ryzen 3 3250U, which offers better performance in multi-threaded tasks compared to the Intel Celeron N4020 in the Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3.
Q: Which laptop has a longer battery life, the Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3 or the Acer Extensa 15?
A: The Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3 has a longer battery life of up to 8 hours on a single charge, compared to the Acer Extensa 15’s battery life of around 6 hours.
Q: Which laptop is more portable, the Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3 or the Acer Extensa 15?
A: The Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3 is more portable, weighing just 3.3 pounds compared to the Acer Extensa 15’s weight of 4.4 pounds.