Summary
- However, the G5 has a refresh rate of 144Hz, while the IdeaPad Gaming 3 offers a 120Hz refresh rate.
- The G5 offers a 512GB NVMe SSD and 8GB of DDR4 RAM, while the IdeaPad Gaming 3 comes with a 256GB NVMe SSD and 16GB of DDR4 RAM.
- On the other hand, if you value more RAM, a larger battery, and a more traditional design, the Lenovo IdeaPad Gaming 3 is a solid option.
When it comes to budget gaming laptops, the Gigabyte G5 and Lenovo IdeaPad Gaming 3 stand out as top contenders. Both devices offer impressive features and value for money, but which one is the better choice for you? Let’s dive into a comprehensive comparison to help you make an informed decision.
Design and Build Quality
The Gigabyte G5 boasts a sleek and angular design with a subtle gamer aesthetic. Its chassis is made of plastic, giving it a lightweight feel, while the IdeaPad Gaming 3 features a more traditional black design with red accents. Its plastic construction is also lightweight and durable.
Display
Both laptops sport 15.6-inch IPS displays with Full HD (1920 x 1080) resolution. However, the G5 has a refresh rate of 144Hz, while the IdeaPad Gaming 3 offers a 120Hz refresh rate. The G5’s higher refresh rate provides a smoother gaming experience, especially in fast-paced titles.
Performance
The G5 and IdeaPad Gaming 3 come equipped with the latest 11th-generation Intel Core i5-11400H processors. They also feature NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050 graphics cards, providing ample power for most modern games at medium to high settings.
Storage and Memory
The G5 offers a 512GB NVMe SSD and 8GB of DDR4 RAM, while the IdeaPad Gaming 3 comes with a 256GB NVMe SSD and 16GB of DDR4 RAM. Both laptops have additional RAM and storage expansion slots, allowing you to upgrade as needed.
Battery Life
Battery life is crucial for laptops. The G5 packs a 49Wh battery, while the IdeaPad Gaming 3 has a slightly larger 52.5Wh battery. In real-world usage, both laptops provide around 5-6 hours of battery life on average.
Thermal Performance
Proper cooling is essential for gaming laptops. The G5 employs a dual-fan cooling system with four heat pipes, while the IdeaPad Gaming 3 uses a single fan and two heat pipes. In our testing, the G5 exhibited slightly better thermal performance, keeping the device cooler under heavy loads.
Connectivity
Both laptops offer a comprehensive range of connectivity options, including Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.0, USB-C, USB-A, HDMI, and Ethernet. However, the G5 has a slight advantage with its Thunderbolt 4 port, which supports faster data transfer speeds and external display connectivity.
The Bottom Line: Which Laptop is Right for You?
The Gigabyte G5 and Lenovo IdeaPad Gaming 3 are both excellent budget gaming laptops, each with its own strengths and weaknesses. If you prioritize a higher refresh rate display, better thermal performance, and Thunderbolt 4 connectivity, the Gigabyte G5 is the better choice. On the other hand, if you value more RAM, a larger battery, and a more traditional design, the Lenovo IdeaPad Gaming 3 is a solid option. Ultimately, the best choice depends on your individual preferences and budget.
Common Questions and Answers
Q: Which laptop has a better graphics card?
A: Both laptops have the same NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050 graphics card.
Q: Which laptop has a longer battery life?
A: The Lenovo IdeaPad Gaming 3 has a slightly larger battery and may offer marginally longer battery life.
Q: Which laptop is more portable?
A: The Gigabyte G5 is slightly lighter than the IdeaPad Gaming 3, making it more portable.
Q: Which laptop has a better keyboard?
A: Both laptops have backlit keyboards, but the G5’s keyboard offers slightly more travel and tactile feedback.
Q: Which laptop has better speakers?
A: The IdeaPad Gaming 3 has slightly louder and richer-sounding speakers.