We know that you definitely do not want to compromise the quality of your images, and hence, would prefer laptops with certain features. But, if you are on a budget, we have listed some of the best laptops to help with your photo editing without compromising your image qualities. These laptops are powerful and come with impressionable features. Even more, they serve as great alternatives for photo editors who cannot afford expensive laptops now. Continue to read to learn more about these laptops.
Table of contents
How to Choose the Best Laptop for Photo Editing
There are several factors to take into account while selecting computers ideal for picture editing, including:
Graphics Processing Unit (GPU)
A graphics processing unit (GPU), as the name suggests, enables you to move around your workspace more freely and switch between applications. In that sense, tasks like opening several applications and uploading a ton of media ought to be commonplace for creatives like you. As a result, you’ll need laptops with strong GPUs to provide uninterrupted delivery. In this area, NVIDIA, NVIDIA GeForce GTX 950M, GT840M, and GTX 980M are all excellent examples of what you want to focus on.
Memory
You can upload media and move it about on your laptop more easily, however, this is dependent on the more space it has available. Because of this, you should get a laptop with at least 16GB of RAM. Even while 8GB isn’t all that horrible, people whose professions necessitate extensive editing and uploading benefit more from bigger amounts of RAM. Naturally, machines with more memory are better able to fend against freezing and crashes.
Screen size and resolution
As a photo editor, you need laptops with larger screen sizes or displays to be productive. This is because larger screens allow you to focus a little more carefully on their computer screens to ensure clear and correct image quality. In such cases, computers with a minimum resolution of 1920 x 1080p will be useful. However, it would be more preferable if you could afford to get a screen with a higher resolution, such as 2560 x 1600p, 3200 x 1800p, or even 4K Ultra HD. 15 Best Laptops for Writers in 2022
Best Laptops for Photo Editing on Budget in 2022
1. Lenovo ThinkBook 15 Gen 2
The Lenovo ThinkBook 15 Gen is one of the best laptops for photo editing on budget. It is 18.9mm thick and weighs a very manageable 1.7kg. It has the perfect specifications required to either work from home or at work as a photo editor. In an era where physical connection ports are few, Lenovo has provided the ThinkBook 15 with a welcome array of connectors. There are two brand-new Thunderbolt 4 ports, a USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C port, two USB-A ports, a full-size SD card reader, a headphone/mic jack, LAN, and HDMI connectors. Lenovo ThinkBook 15 Gen 2 has battery life that lasts up to 6 hours if you go for the smaller 45Wh battery option and up to 8 hours if you go for the larger 60Wh option. The screen is also great to get top quality viewing angles as well as reliable contrast and colour. Also, depending on the model you choose, for display, there are models equipped with a Full HD 1920×1080 display while there is also the entry-level TN-based LCD display. however, as a photo editor, we would recommend you go for the former to avoid sub-par color and contrast. Specifications
Processor: up to 11th Gen. Intel Core i7Storage: 1TB SSDRAM: 8GBScreen: 15-inch IPS LCD, 1920 x 1080
Pros
Lots of customizing optionsSubtle designGreat port selection
Cons
Bland designGets pricey fast if specced up
2. Acer Nitro 5 AN515
The Acer Nitro 5 AN515 is extremely fast and with a fantastic screen – This laptop is useful for much more than just gaming. As a photo editor, this is one of the best laptops for photo editing on budget you should consider. Specifications
Display size: 15.60-inchDisplay resolution: 1920×1080 pixelsProcessor: Core i5RAM: 8GBOS: Windows 10Storage: 1TBGraphics: Nvidia GeForce GTX 1050Weight: 2.70 kg
Pros
The laptop’s DDR4 RAM can be expanded up to 32GB.Beyond high definition, the screen is extremely accurate when rendering colourNitroSense helps to keep the temperature on the watchFast CPU
Cons
It is not a lightweight setup.It has no memory card readerit has a bland outer design
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3. HP Chromebook 14 FHD
Also another one of the best laptops for photo editing on budget. Rather than running on Windows or MAC OS, the HP Chromebook 14 FHD runs on Google’s ChromeOS operating system. Just like a tablet or an android phone, it runs applications from the Google Play Store. Specifications
Display size: 14-inchDisplay resolution: Full HD 1920 x 1080Processor: Celeron Dual CoreRAM: from 4GBOS: Google’s ChromeOSStorage: from 32GBWeight: 2.16 kg
Pros
Great screenUltra-portable and long battery life
Cons
Slow base CPULimited RAM
4. Apple MacBook Air (M1, 2020)
Since its first release, the ARM-based M1 processor in the Apple MacBook Air has changed the game. It has a great performance, longer battery life, and uses less power than its forerunners. Apple MacBook Air is best for its performance and power and it is also one of the best laptops for photo editors on budget. SPECIFICATIONS
Display size: 13.30-inchDisplay resolution: 2560×1600Processor: Apple M1RAM: 8-16 GBOS: Big macOS SurStorage: 256 GB – 2 TB SSDWeight: 1.29 kg
Pros
Great designP3 color gamut displayExcellent performanceRuns cool and quietGreat battery life
Cons
Low-resolution webcam
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5. Lenovo Yoga 910 Laptop
Lenovo Yoga 910 Laptop comes with an astonishing selection of features, great performance, and it comes with a very powerful graphics card. As a photo editor, you will need a great deal of space for your editing software as well as for your photos. Yoga 91comes with a 1 TB hard drive and this with other impressive features it comes with makes it one of the best budget laptops for photo editors. Specifications
Display size: 14.00-inchDisplay resolution: 1920×1080 pixelsProcessor: Core i7RAM: 8GBOS: Windows 10Storage: 256GB SSDWeight: 1.20 kg
Pros
It has a 2-in-1 design that makes it versatileComes with a large storage capacityIt has a snappy keyboardHas a very powerful graphics card for photo editingIt is a 7th Gen Intel CPU
Cons
Its webcam location or position is inconvenient
6. Acer Aspire 5
Acer Aspire 5 comings with a relatively large screen enough for photo editing. If you are not too techy and are looking for something powerful, then this is one of the top budget laptops for photo editing you should consider. Its Core i5-8265U processor with the 4 GB RAM it comes with and the of Nvidia GeForce MX150 allows for intensive editing. Check below for more specifications. Specifications
Display size: 15.60-inchDisplay resolution: 1920×1080 pixelsProcessor: Core i5RAM: 8GBOS: Windows 10 HomeStorage: 1TBWeight: 2.20 kg
Pros
Fast storageHigh-resolution displayLarge screenLarge storage spacePowerful CPUStrong battery lifeKeyboard lightUSB 3.1 Type C port
Cons
It has no dedicated graphics
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7. ASUS TUF Gaming F17
ASUS TUF Gaming F17 is a fully-loaded laptop that will spark your photographs the way you always wanted them to be. It is ready for some heavy use and real-world photographic needs. This trustworthy ally is one of the best laptops for photo editors on budget. Specifications
Display size: 17.30-inchDisplay resolution: 1920 x 1080 pixelsProcessor: Core i5RAM: Up to 32GBOS: Windows 10 ProfessionalStorage: 1000 GBWeight: 2.60 kg
Pros
Large screen sizeBeautiful designAstonishing expansion options for memory and storageDurable MIL-STD-810H military standard construction.
Cons
The laptop’s refreshing rate goes from 144Hz to 60Hz when running solely on battery.
8. HP Pavilion 15 Gaming Laptop
With an AMD Radeon RX 550 Graphics card and an 8 GB RAM, this is one of the best laptops for photo editing and gaming on budget. As a photo editor, you will need large storage systems for your editing software and photos. Also, comes with a keyboard light that makes it a perfect fit for working in low-light conditions. Specifications
Display size: 15.6 inchesDisplay resolution: 1920 x 1080 pixelsProcessor: Intel® Core™ i5 11300HRAM: Up to 16GBOS: Windows 11Storage: Up to 512GBWeight: 2.23 kg
Pros
Bright screenLarge screenDedicated graphics cardImpressionable configuration options
Cons
Loud fan noiseScreen brightness could be improved
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9. Dell Inspiron 14 5000 2-in-1
Want a tablet and laptop in one? For a fairly affordable price, the Inspiron 14 5000 2-in-1 provides an exceptional level of adaptability and functionality. Although it is a big tablet PC, the 14-inch Full HD screen can rotate to rest on the back of the device. The screen is touch-sensitive and can function as a simple graphics tablet using a pen, which is a highly uncommon trick in the low-cost market. Aside from the screen size, if you prioritize portability, then this is one of the best laptops for editing on budget you should go for. Specifications
Display size: 14-inch IPS LCDDisplay resolution: 1920×1080, touchscreenProcessor: Intel® Core™ i5-10210U (4 cores, 1.6GHz base frequency)RAM: 8GBOS: Windows 10 Home 64-bitStorage: 512GB SSDWeight: 2.42 kg
Pros
Has a versatile flip-over screenHas a large storageIt is a screen touch systemIt is pen-enabled
Cons
For a photo editor, 14-inch screen size is not very ideal, especially for the photo editing software – photoshop.
10. Asus ZenBook Pro
Asus ZenBook Pro is an absolute color rendering budget laptop option for photo editors. This sleek, high-performance laptop comes with a metal gray cover with ring trim, an aluminum chassis, and polished edges on the sides. As a professional editor, you need a laptop with a larger screen, and the Nvidia graphics and the 3840×2160 resolution UHD this laptop comes with make it one of the best laptops for photo editors on budget to consider. Specifications
Display size: 15.60-inchDisplay resolution: 3840×2160 pixelsProcessor: Intel Core i7-1165G7RAM: 32GBOS: Windows 10 HomeStorage: 1TB SSDWeight: 2.50 kg
Pros
Has a great and beautiful all-metal body designHas a long battery lifeGreat colors with 95% sRGBImpressionable NVIDIA graphic performance
Cons
It has a glossy screenIts configuration is difficult to update
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11. Lenovo Chromebook Flex 5
If you are a beginner photo editor and are looking for a laptop option on budget, the Lenovo Chromebook Flex 5 may be a good option to try. The laptop comes with a stylus that helps images draw on the screen directly and it runs editing software smoothly. The lid of the laptop may be folded down to make a tablet. But since it only covers 74% of the sRGB color space, the color reproduction is less realistic. To achieve a satisfying outcome as a novice, you must carefully refine your color choices. Check below for more specifications. Specifications
Display size: 13.3-inchDisplay resolution: (1920 x 1080) IPS touchscreenProcessor: Intel Core i3-10110U (2C/4T, 2.1/4.1GHz, 4MB)RAM: 4GBOS: Chrome OSStorage: 64GB eMMC 5.1Weight: 1.35kg
Pros
It is a touch screenComes at a low priceIt is foldable – into tabletHas a long battery life
Cons
Inaccurate color reproduction
12. Asus Vivobook S 14
Asus Vivobook S 14 is a large-screen laptop that comes with impressionable designs and features, a colorful display, and is lightweight. Also, the laptop has a large storage space and is second-disk-installation-enabled. This makes it one of the best budget laptops for photo editors on budget. Although the laptop has a touchpad that is not so comfortable, it is one of the best choices for photographers who also double as photo editors. Specifications
Display size: 14.00-inchDisplay resolution: 1920×1080 pixelsProcessor: Core i5RAM: 8GBOS: Windows 10 HomeStorage: 128GB SSDWeight: 1.30 kg
Pros
Allows installation of a second diskExcellent color reproduction and AI noise reductionGreat performanceLarge screenImpressionable designsIt is lightweight.
Cons
It has a short battery lifeThe display is somewhat dimIt comes with a touchpad that is not so comfortable
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13. Lenovo Legion 5
Lenovo Legion 5 is a Full HD screen laptop specially designed for professional photographers and photo editors. It comes in both 15.6-inch and 17.3-inch options with the former having a higher spec, an even more powerful Ryzen 7 processor and it comes with 16GB RAM. On the other hand, the latter comes with a larger screen best suitable for photo editing. However, it comes with 8GB RAM. Specifications
Display size: 15.60-inchDisplay resolution: 1920×1080 pixelsProcessor: AMD Ryzen 7 5800 H AMD Ryzen 7 5800 HRAM: 16GB RAM DDR4OS: Windows 10 HomeStorage: 512GB SSDWeight: 2.4kg
Pros
It is affordableIt has a 100% sRGB color space coverageComes with a dedicated graphics card and 4GB memory of GPUIts processor has a clock speed of up to 4.2GHz
Cons
It has a short battery lifeIt is not lightweight.
14. Dell XPS 13
Dell XPS 13 is another great laptop option for photo editors. It comes with a slim screen, a touch-sensitive screen, a great resolution similar to that of a MacBook, and great image quality. Specifications
Display size: 13.30-inchDisplay resolution: 3200×1800 pixelsProcessor: Core i5RAM: 8GBOS: Windows 10Storage: 128GB SSDWeight: 1.29 kg
Pros
It is portableComes with a large screenIt has great resolution and image quality
Cons
It has short battery life.
15. HP Spectre x360
If you are looking for a powerful and affordable 2-in-1 laptop option for your photo editing, this has to be the option you go for. It comes with a great cut design, a powerful processor, and a strong battery life. Even more, it comes with a large storage space making it one of the best laptops for photographers on budget. 10 Colleges That Offer Free Laptops To Students in 2022 Specifications
Display size: 13.30-inchDisplay resolution: 1920×1080 pixelsProcessor: Core i7RAM: 8GBOS: Windows 10 ProfessionalStorage: 256GB SSDWeight: 1.26 kg
Pros
It has a strong battery lifeIt comes with an excellent processorAlso, it is lightweight, sleek, and portable.
Cons
It is not as much powerful as some of its rivals.
Conclusion
While there are other expensive laptop options with more features, a powerful yet, affordable laptop for photo editing can be a great alternative for photo editors who cannot afford expensive laptops now. We hope you found our list of the best laptops for photo editing on budget helpful.
References
justcreative.com – Choose the Best Laptop for Photo Editinggadgets360.com –technadu.com – cameragroove.com –witandfolly.co –digitalcameraworld.com –fixthephoto.com –techradar.com –
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