Key points
- In contrast, the Ideapad Gaming 3 adopts a more aggressive aesthetic with bold lines and a honeycomb pattern on the lid.
- The HP Pavilion comes with a 512GB NVMe SSD and 8GB of DDR4 RAM, while the Ideapad Gaming 3 offers a 256GB NVMe SSD and 16GB of DDR4 RAM.
- The HP Pavilion is a well-rounded choice for casual gamers, while the Ideapad Gaming 3 is the better pick for those who want to push the limits of their gaming experience.
In the realm of gaming laptops, two contenders stand out: the HP Pavilion and the Lenovo Ideapad Gaming 3. Both devices cater to the needs of budget-conscious gamers, offering a blend of performance, features, and affordability. This comprehensive comparison will delve into the key aspects of each laptop to help you make an informed decision.
Design and Build
The HP Pavilion boasts a sleek and minimalist design with a brushed metal finish. Its slim profile and lightweight construction make it easy to transport. In contrast, the Ideapad Gaming 3 adopts a more aggressive aesthetic with bold lines and a honeycomb pattern on the lid. It features a durable plastic chassis that provides ample protection.
Display
The HP Pavilion offers a 15.6-inch IPS display with a resolution of 1920 x 1080. It delivers vibrant colors and wide viewing angles, making it ideal for gaming and multimedia consumption. The Ideapad Gaming 3 also sports a 15.6-inch IPS display, but with a higher refresh rate of 120Hz. This provides smoother gameplay and reduced motion blur.
Performance
Under the hood, the HP Pavilion is powered by the 11th-generation Intel Core i5 or i7 processors, while the Ideapad Gaming 3 utilizes the AMD Ryzen 5 or 7 mobile processors. Both laptops offer ample performance for most games, but the Ideapad Gaming 3 may have a slight edge in certain titles due to its dedicated NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650 graphics card.
Storage and Memory
The HP Pavilion comes with a 512GB NVMe SSD and 8GB of DDR4 RAM, while the Ideapad Gaming 3 offers a 256GB NVMe SSD and 16GB of DDR4 RAM. Both laptops provide sufficient storage and memory for gaming, but the Ideapad Gaming 3 has a larger RAM capacity, which can enhance multitasking and overall performance.
Battery Life
Battery life is crucial for gamers on the go. The HP Pavilion has a battery capacity of 52.5Wh, which provides an estimated runtime of up to 8 hours. The Ideapad Gaming 3, on the other hand, features a smaller 45Wh battery, resulting in a shorter battery life of around 6 hours.
Connectivity
Both laptops offer a comprehensive range of connectivity options. They include Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.0, multiple USB ports, HDMI output, and a headphone/microphone jack. Additionally, the Ideapad Gaming 3 features a dedicated Ethernet port for stable wired network connections.
Price
The HP Pavilion and Ideapad Gaming 3 are both priced competitively in the budget gaming laptop market. The HP Pavilion typically retails for around $800-$1,000, while the Ideapad Gaming 3 is slightly more expensive at around $900-$1,100.
Pros and Cons
HP Pavilion
- Pros:
- Sleek and stylish design
- Vibrant IPS display
- Ample storage and memory
- Long battery life
- Cons:
- Lower refresh rate
- Limited graphics performance
Ideapad Gaming 3
- Pros:
- Aggressive gaming aesthetic
- Higher refresh rate display
- Dedicated graphics card
- Larger RAM capacity
- Cons:
- Shorter battery life
- Plastic chassis
Which Laptop is Right for You?
The HP Pavilion is an excellent choice for gamers who prioritize aesthetics, battery life, and overall value. It offers a solid gaming experience without breaking the bank.
The Ideapad Gaming 3, on the other hand, is the better option for gamers who demand higher performance and a dedicated graphics card. Its higher refresh rate display and larger RAM capacity provide a smoother and more immersive gaming experience.
Final Thoughts
Both the HP Pavilion and Ideapad Gaming 3 are capable gaming laptops that offer a great bang for your buck. The HP Pavilion is a well-rounded choice for casual gamers, while the Ideapad Gaming 3 is the better pick for those who want to push the limits of their gaming experience. Ultimately, the best laptop for you depends on your individual needs and preferences.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Which laptop has a better processor?
A: The HP Pavilion and Ideapad Gaming 3 offer comparable processor performance, with the HP Pavilion featuring 11th-generation Intel Core processors and the Ideapad Gaming 3 utilizing AMD Ryzen mobile processors.
Q: Does the Ideapad Gaming 3 have a backlit keyboard?
A: Yes, the Ideapad Gaming 3 features a full-sized backlit keyboard with customizable RGB lighting.
Q: Can I upgrade the RAM and storage on the HP Pavilion?
A: Yes, the HP Pavilion allows for upgrades to both RAM and storage. It has two accessible memory slots and an additional M.2 SSD slot.
Q: Which laptop has better speakers?
A: The HP Pavilion and Ideapad Gaming 3 both feature dual speakers, but the Ideapad Gaming 3 has a slight edge in audio quality due to its Dolby Atmos support.
Q: Is the HP Pavilion compatible with Thunderbolt 4?
A: No, the HP Pavilion does not support Thunderbolt 4. It only has USB-C ports with DisplayPort and power delivery capabilities.