Lenovo IdeaPad 3 vs RedmiBook 15: The Ultimate Battle for Budget Laptops

The budget laptop segment is fiercely competitive, with Lenovo IdeaPad 3 and RedmiBook 15 emerging as two popular contenders. Both devices offer a compelling combination of features and affordability, making them ideal for students, remote workers, and general users. In this comprehensive comparison, we will delve into the key differences between the Lenovo IdeaPad 3 and RedmiBook 15 to help you make an informed decision.

Design and Build

The Lenovo IdeaPad 3 features a sleek and understated design with a plastic chassis. It weighs in at approximately 1.65 kilograms, making it relatively portable. The RedmiBook 15, on the other hand, boasts a more premium aluminum alloy construction, giving it a more robust and stylish appearance. It is slightly heavier at 1.8 kilograms.

Display

Both laptops offer 15.6-inch displays, but there are some notable differences. The IdeaPad 3 has a TN panel with a resolution of 1920 x 1080 pixels, while the RedmiBook 15 features an IPS panel with a resolution of 1920 x 1080 pixels. IPS panels typically offer better color accuracy and wider viewing angles, making the RedmiBook 15 a more suitable choice for content creation and media consumption.

Performance

The IdeaPad 3 is powered by Intel’s 11th-generation Core i3-1115G4 processor, while the RedmiBook 15 comes equipped with AMD’s Ryzen 5 5500U processor. Both processors offer comparable performance for everyday tasks such as web browsing, email, and office productivity. However, the RedmiBook 15 may have a slight edge in more demanding applications due to its slightly higher clock speeds.

Memory and Storage

The IdeaPad 3 comes with 8GB of DDR4 RAM and 256GB of SSD storage, while the RedmiBook 15 offers 16GB of DDR4 RAM and 512GB of SSD storage. Both laptops provide ample memory and storage for most users, but the RedmiBook 15’s larger RAM and storage capacity give it a clear advantage for multitasking and storing large files.

Battery Life

Battery life is a crucial factor for any laptop. The IdeaPad 3 is equipped with a 45Wh battery, while the RedmiBook 15 has a larger 55Wh battery. In real-world usage, the RedmiBook 15 typically lasts longer on a single charge, providing up to 10 hours of battery life compared to the IdeaPad 3’s 7-8 hours.

Ports and Connectivity

Both laptops offer a decent selection of ports, including USB-A, USB-C, HDMI, and a headphone/microphone jack. However, the RedmiBook 15 has an additional USB-C port, giving it a slight edge in terms of connectivity.

Price

The Lenovo IdeaPad 3 is typically priced around $450-$550, while the RedmiBook 15 is slightly more expensive at $550-$650. The price difference is primarily due to the RedmiBook 15’s superior display, larger memory and storage capacity, and longer battery life.

Final Verdict

Both the Lenovo IdeaPad 3 and RedmiBook 15 are excellent budget laptops that offer a great value for the price. However, the RedmiBook 15 emerges as the clear winner due to its superior display, larger memory and storage capacity, longer battery life, and more premium build quality. If you prioritize a high-quality display, ample memory and storage, and extended battery life, the RedmiBook 15 is the better choice. However, if you are on a tighter budget, the IdeaPad 3 still offers a solid option with its decent performance and portability.

What You Need to Learn

Q1. Which laptop is better for gaming?

Neither laptop is particularly suitable for gaming due to their integrated graphics.

Q2. Can I upgrade the RAM and SSD in either laptop?

Yes, both laptops allow for RAM and SSD upgrades.

Q3. Which laptop has a better webcam?

Both laptops have 720p webcams, but the RedmiBook 15’s webcam is slightly better in low-light conditions.

Q4. Do either laptop have a backlit keyboard?

No, neither laptop has a backlit keyboard.

Q5. Which laptop is more durable?

The RedmiBook 15’s aluminum alloy construction makes it more durable than the IdeaPad 3’s plastic chassis.