Main points
- The Nitro 5 has a 1080p resolution with a 144Hz refresh rate, while the Legion Y520 has a 1080p resolution with a 60Hz refresh rate.
- Under the hood, both laptops are powered by Intel Core i5 processors, but the Nitro 5 has a slight edge with its 8th-generation processor compared to the 7th-generation processor in the Legion Y520.
- However, the Acer Nitro 5 has a few key advantages over the Legion Y520, including a higher refresh rate display, a more powerful graphics card, and a more affordable price.
When it comes to budget-friendly gaming laptops, the Acer Nitro 5 and Lenovo Legion Y520 stand out as top contenders. Both devices offer impressive specs and features at an affordable price, making them a popular choice for gamers on a budget. However, which one is the better choice? This comprehensive comparison will delve into the key differences between the Acer Nitro 5 and Lenovo Legion Y520, helping you make an informed decision.
Design and Build Quality
The Acer Nitro 5 boasts a sleek and stylish design with sharp angles and a black and red color scheme. It features a plastic chassis, which is sturdy enough to withstand everyday use but may not be as durable as metal laptops. The Lenovo Legion Y520, on the other hand, has a more subdued design with a black and blue color scheme. It also features a plastic chassis but has a slightly more rugged feel.
Display
Both the Acer Nitro 5 and Lenovo Legion Y520 come with 15.6-inch displays, but there are some key differences. The Nitro 5 has a 1080p resolution with a 144Hz refresh rate, while the Legion Y520 has a 1080p resolution with a 60Hz refresh rate. The higher refresh rate on the Nitro 5 provides a smoother and more responsive gaming experience, especially in fast-paced games.
Performance
Under the hood, both laptops are powered by Intel Core i5 processors, but the Nitro 5 has a slight edge with its 8th-generation processor compared to the 7th-generation processor in the Legion Y520. In terms of graphics, the Nitro 5 comes with an NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1050 Ti graphics card, while the Legion Y520 has an NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1050 graphics card. The GTX 1050 Ti is a more powerful graphics card, providing better performance in demanding games.
Storage and Memory
The Acer Nitro 5 and Lenovo Legion Y520 both offer similar storage and memory options. They both come with 1TB hard drives and 8GB of RAM, which is sufficient for most gaming needs. However, the Nitro 5 has the option to upgrade to a 256GB SSD, which can significantly improve load times and overall system performance.
Battery Life
Battery life is not a strong point for either laptop. The Acer Nitro 5 has a 3-cell battery, while the Lenovo Legion Y520 has a 4-cell battery. Both laptops can provide around 4-5 hours of battery life on a single charge, which is not ideal for extended gaming sessions.
Features
The Acer Nitro 5 and Lenovo Legion Y520 both come with a range of features to enhance your gaming experience. The Nitro 5 features Acer’s CoolBoost technology, which helps to keep the laptop cool during intense gaming sessions. It also has a dedicated NitroSense button that allows you to quickly access performance settings and fan control. The Legion Y520, on the other hand, comes with Lenovo’s Legion Assistant software, which provides a similar range of features, including performance monitoring and fan control.
Price
The Acer Nitro 5 and Lenovo Legion Y520 are priced similarly, with the Nitro 5 being slightly more affordable. The base model of the Nitro 5 starts at around $700, while the base model of the Legion Y520 starts at around $800. However, it’s worth noting that both laptops offer a range of configurations, so the price can vary depending on the specs you choose.
The Verdict: Acer Nitro 5 vs Lenovo Legion Y520
Both the Acer Nitro 5 and Lenovo Legion Y520 are excellent budget-friendly gaming laptops. However, the Acer Nitro 5 has a few key advantages over the Legion Y520, including a higher refresh rate display, a more powerful graphics card, and a more affordable price. If you’re looking for the best possible gaming experience on a budget, the Acer Nitro 5 is the better choice.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Which laptop has a better design?
A: The Acer Nitro 5 has a more stylish design, while the Lenovo Legion Y520 has a more rugged design. The choice depends on your personal preferences.
Q: Which laptop has a better display?
A: The Acer Nitro 5 has a higher refresh rate display, providing a smoother and more responsive gaming experience.
Q: Which laptop has better performance?
A: The Acer Nitro 5 has a more powerful graphics card, providing better performance in demanding games.
Q: Which laptop has better battery life?
A: Neither laptop has exceptional battery life, but the Lenovo Legion Y520 has a slightly longer battery life than the Acer Nitro 5.
Q: Which laptop is more affordable?
A: The Acer Nitro 5 is slightly more affordable than the Lenovo Legion Y520.