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If you’re wondering which laptops for graphic design are worth your money, stick around! After we run through each product, I’ll give you my personal take—Would I buy it, or would I skip it? No fluff, just my honest opinion. Let’s get into it!
Watch the video version: I Found The BEST Laptop For Graphic Design In 2024 (And It's AMAZING)
Apple MacBook Pro 16 M4 Max
This beast of a laptop packs a punch with its M4 Max chip, offering incredible performance for graphic design tasks. The 16-inch Liquid Retina XDR display is a sight to behold, with stunning color accuracy and brightness that’ll make your designs pop. I’m blown away by the battery life – I can work on complex projects for hours without worrying about finding an outlet. The price tag is hefty, but for professional designers, it’s worth every penny.
Would I buy it?
Yes, because it’s a powerhouse that’ll handle anything I throw at it, and the ecosystem integration is unbeatable for creatives.
Dell XPS 15 9530
The XPS 15 looks sleek, but it falls short in the graphics department for serious design work. While the build quality is top-notch, the GPU options are limited, with even the highest-end RTX 4070 running at a low 40W TGP. The display is decent, but it doesn’t match up to the color accuracy and brightness of some competitors. Performance-wise, it’s good for general tasks, but it struggles with demanding graphic design software.
Would I buy it?
No, because there are better options out there for graphic designers that offer more power and better displays for the price.
MSI Stealth 18 AI Studio A1V
This laptop boasts a stunning 4K 120Hz HDR1000 Mini LED display that’s perfect for color-critical work. The performance is solid with the latest Intel Core Ultra 9 185H and RTX 4080, but it doesn’t quite live up to the “AI” hype in its name. I appreciate the strong build quality and easy access to internals for upgrades. However, the price is steep, and the AI features feel a bit gimmicky rather than truly useful for designers.
Would I buy it?
Maybe, because while the display and performance are impressive, the high price and underwhelming AI features make me hesitate.
Lenovo Slim Pro 9i
The standout feature here is the incredibly bright Mini-LED display, hitting up to 1,200 nits in HDR mode – perfect for graphic design work in any lighting condition. Performance is great for its size, with the RTX 4050 handling most design tasks with ease. I love the premium build quality and the surprisingly good sound system – it’s a joy to work on. The only downside is that in SDR mode, the display doesn’t quite match up to OLED competitors.
Would I buy it?
Yes, because it offers a fantastic balance of performance, display quality, and portability that’s hard to beat for on-the-go designers.
Gigabyte Aero 16 OLED (2024)
This laptop’s 4K OLED display is a visual feast, offering stunning color accuracy with 100% DCI-P3 coverage and VESA DisplayHDR 600 certification. The powerful Intel Core i9 processor and NVIDIA RTX 4070 GPU make light work of demanding creative tasks, though the 60Hz refresh rate might disappoint gamers. Its sleek metal chassis, measuring just 1.8cm thick, is a marvel of engineering that took 336 hours to craft. While the performance is impressive, the battery life could be better, and the price tag might make some creatives think twice.
Would I buy it?
Maybe. The stunning display and powerful performance are tempting, but the high price and average battery life give me pause.
HP Envy 16 (2024)
The 16-inch WQXGA display with a 120Hz refresh rate is nice, but it’s not the OLED panel you’d expect at this price point. Performance-wise, it’s a mixed bag – the 12th Gen Intel Core i9 and NVIDIA RTX 3060 are capable, but they’re not the latest and greatest. The laptop’s build quality is solid, but at 2.3kg, it’s not exactly lightweight for on-the-go designers. The bass-focused Bang & Olufsen speakers are a nice touch, but they don’t make up for the laptop’s other shortcomings.
Would I buy it?
No. While it’s a capable machine, there are better options available for graphic designers at this price point.
Asus ProArt Studiobook 16 OLED (2024)
This laptop is a creative powerhouse, boasting a stunning 16-inch 4K OLED display with 100% DCI-P3 coverage and PANTONE validation. The innovative ASUS Dial provides intuitive control for creative applications, making your workflow smoother and more efficient. Performance is top-notch with up to an Intel Xeon processor and NVIDIA RTX A5000 graphics, handling even the most demanding projects with ease. The military-grade durability and ISV certification ensure reliability, while the webcam shield adds a nice touch for privacy-conscious users.
Would I buy it?
Yes. Its combination of a fantastic display, innovative features, and raw power make it an excellent choice for graphic designers.
Microsoft Surface Laptop Studio 2
The unique tilting screen design is a game-changer, allowing you to switch between laptop, stage, and studio modes effortlessly. The 14.4-inch PixelSense Flow display with its 120Hz refresh rate and 3:2 aspect ratio is a joy to work on, especially for designers. Performance has been significantly improved with 13th Gen Intel processors and NVIDIA RTX 4060 graphics, though it comes at the cost of increased weight and thickness. The battery life is somewhat underwhelming, lasting just under six hours in real-world use.
Would I buy it?
Maybe. The versatile design and improved performance are appealing, but the battery life and increased bulk might be deal-breakers for some.
Apple MacBook Air 15 M3
The M3 chip delivers impressive performance, making it a capable machine for graphic design tasks. Its 15-inch Liquid Retina display offers vibrant colors and sharp details, perfect for visual work. However, the lack of a dedicated GPU might limit its potential for more demanding 3D rendering or video editing projects. The battery life is stellar, lasting up to 18 hours, which is great for on-the-go designers.
Would I buy it?
Maybe. It’s a solid choice for light to medium graphic design work, but power users might need something more robust.
Asus ROG Zephyrus G14 (2024)
This laptop packs a punch with its AMD Ryzen 9 processor and NVIDIA RTX 4070 GPU, making it a powerhouse for graphic design. The 14-inch 120Hz OLED display with G-Sync support offers stunning visuals and smooth performance. Its compact size and lightweight design make it incredibly portable for a high-performance machine. The metal exterior and wide array of ports add to its versatility and durability.
Would I buy it?
Yes. It’s a perfect blend of power and portability, ideal for graphic designers who need performance on the go.
Dell Precision 5680
While this workstation boasts powerful specs with up to Intel Core i9 processors and NVIDIA RTX 5000 Ada graphics, it might be overkill for most graphic design tasks. The 16-inch UHD+ display with PremierColor technology offers exceptional color accuracy, which is crucial for design work. However, its high price point and enterprise-focused features may not be necessary for freelance or small-studio designers. The laptop’s weight, starting at 1.84kg, is impressive for its class but still heavier than some alternatives.
Would I buy it?
No. While it’s a capable machine, there are more cost-effective options that still meet the needs of most graphic designers.
Acer Nitro V 16
This laptop surprises with its gaming prowess, featuring an RTX 4060 GPU that’s also great for graphic design applications. The 16-inch 1920×1200 IPS display with a 165Hz refresh rate provides smooth visuals for both gaming and design work. Its affordability makes it an attractive option for budget-conscious designers who also enjoy gaming. However, the battery life could be better, which might be a drawback for designers who work on the go.
Would I buy it?
Yes. It offers a great balance of performance and value, making it a solid choice for graphic designers who also want gaming capabilities.
Lenovo ThinkPad P16 Gen1
This powerhouse boasts a stunning 4K IPS display with 100% Adobe RGB coverage, perfect for color-critical work. Its Intel Core i9-12950HX processor and NVIDIA RTX A5500 GPU deliver exceptional performance for demanding graphic design tasks. The keyboard is a joy to use, with excellent tactile feedback and a numeric keypad for efficient workflow. With up to 128GB of RAM and 8TB of storage, you’ll never run out of space for your massive design projects.
Would I buy it?
Yes, because it offers unmatched performance and a professional-grade display that’s ideal for graphic designers.
Asus TUF Gaming A16
Don’t let the gaming label fool you, this laptop packs a punch for graphic design work with its AMD Ryzen 7 processor and Radeon RX 7600S GPU. The 16-inch QHD+ display with 100% DCI-P3 coverage is a treat for the eyes, making color-accurate work a breeze. It’s built like a tank, meeting military-grade durability standards, so you won’t have to worry about accidental drops. Plus, with over 10 hours of battery life, you can work on your designs all day without hunting for an outlet.
Would I buy it?
Yes, because it offers a great balance of performance, durability, and battery life at a more affordable price point than some competitors.
Samsung Galaxy Book 3 Ultra
This sleek laptop looks promising with its 16-inch 3K AMOLED display and NVIDIA RTX 4050 or 4070 GPU. However, the wobbliness of the display can be annoying when typing, especially for precision work in graphic design. The glossy screen finish, while visually stunning, can be a pain with reflections in bright environments. While it handles multitasking well, the base model with 16GB of RAM might struggle with more demanding graphic design software.
Would I buy it?
No, because the display issues and potential performance limitations make it less suitable for professional graphic design work compared to other options.
Samsung Galaxy Book 4 Ultra
This latest iteration from Samsung features a gorgeous 16-inch 3K AMOLED touchscreen with a smooth 120Hz refresh rate, which is fantastic for design work. The Intel Core Ultra processor and NVIDIA RTX 4050 or 4070 GPU provide ample power for most graphic design tasks. However, the sticky touchpad might be a nuisance during long design sessions. While it’s a capable machine, the high price tag might make you think twice, especially when compared to more established graphic design workstations.
Would I buy it?
Maybe, because while it offers excellent display quality and performance, the price and potential usability issues might not justify the investment for all graphic designers.
MSI Creator Z16P
This powerhouse laptop packs a punch with its 12th Gen Intel Core i9 processor and NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3080 Ti GPU, making it a dream for content creators. The 16-inch QHD+ display with a 165Hz refresh rate is a visual treat, offering vibrant colors and smooth motion. I love the elegant design with its Lunar Gray CNC all-aluminum chassis, giving it a premium feel. The laptop’s performance is impressive, handling multiple tasks with ease, from video editing to 3D rendering.
Would I buy it?
Maybe. While it’s a fantastic machine for creative work, the high price tag might be a deterrent for some users.
Acer ConceptD 7 Ezel
This unique convertible laptop offers a fantastic Wacom EMR pen experience, perfect for digital artists. The 15.6-inch 4K touch display is a standout feature, providing excellent color accuracy and detail. I appreciate the versatile hinge design, allowing for multiple usage modes that cater to different creative workflows. However, the GPU performance, while good, isn’t top-of-the-line compared to some newer models.
Would I buy it?
Maybe. The innovative design and pen input are great for artists, but the slightly older hardware might make some hesitate.
Lenovo ThinkPad P1 Gen 7 (2024)
This workstation laptop is a powerhouse, featuring Intel Meteor Lake CPUs and NVIDIA discrete GPUs that handle demanding tasks like 3D graphics and simulations with ease. The 4K+ OLED panel option offers full DCI P3 coverage, making it ideal for color-critical work. I’m impressed by the user-replaceable RAM and storage, allowing for easy upgrades. The thermal management is excellent, keeping the keyboard deck cool even under heavy loads.
Would I buy it?
Yes. Its combination of power, display quality, and upgradeability makes it an excellent choice for graphic designers.
HP OMEN Transcend 14
This compact gaming laptop boasts a stunning 14-inch OLED display with a 2.8K resolution and 120Hz refresh rate, offering vibrant colors and smooth visuals. The Intel Core Ultra processor and NVIDIA RTX 4060 GPU provide decent performance for creative tasks. However, the 65-watt power limit on the GPU is significantly lower than what we’re used to seeing in gaming laptops. I also found the glossy screen finish to be quite reflective in bright environments, which could be annoying for some users.
Would I buy it?
No. While it has some great features, the limited GPU power and reflective screen make it less ideal for serious graphic design work compared to other options.
Thanks for watching, I hope this video helped you pick the laptops for graphic design for you. If you have any questions, drop a comment below. Links to all of these products mentioned in this video will be in the description.
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