Graphic designing is a powerful tool! It can make desired changes as per the requirement and there is no doubt that to run it an equally powerful laptop configuration is required. If you have to check many laptop models but are still trying to look for the best laptop for smoothly running graphic designing software then you are at the right place as here will discuss the top laptop which runs heavy graphic designing software along with other Apps and programs without any hassle. We have done thorough research online and offline along with consideration of reviews, price and availability including the old models as well as the latest laptops to suit requirements.
We have also tried to include laptops that are not just suitable for a professional graphic designer but also for the students and beginners. Hence, you can check these laptops and decide which would be best for you.
Which specs and features are to be looked at while buying a laptop for graphic designing?
There are some important specs which should be considered before making a decision to buy it. The most features are the high-performance CPU, powerful RAM, ample HDD, SSD size, excellent GPU with good display size and resolution. Obviously, the battery life also needs to be considered too with the price.
Apple MacBook PRO-16-inch
Apple MacBook PRO-14-inch
Gigabyte Aero 17
Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Yoga Gen 6
LG Gram 17
Dell XPS 15
Acer ConceptD 7
Lenovo Legion 7i
Razor Blade 14
Microsoft Surface laptop
Apple MacBook PRO-16-inch
Apple MacBook PRO-16-inch Specs/Features
Apple is a brand that does not require any introduction and its laptops are best known for great design, looks and speed along with unmatched specs and features that are hardly found in other laptops. MacBook PRO has a super-efficient Apple M1 Pro 10-core – M1 Max 10-core CPU, an integrated 16-core- 32-core GPU, an immersive 16.2-inch Liquid Retina XDR display with 1600 nits peak brightness, 120 Hz refresh rate, 8TB SSD and stunning looks, 1080p FaceTime HD camera, battery backup of 21 hours and fast charging.
This model is very popular among graphic designing professionals as it easily runs the photo designing software and tool. Furthermore, it has all sorts of connectivity options and has a long-lasting battery which is very helpful in case you need to work somewhere outside.
Its connectivity options include
- 3- Thunderbolt 4 ports
- HDMI ports
- SDXC card slot
- Magsafe 3 port
- 3.5mm jack, 4 USB ports.
- Wi-Fi- 802.11ax Wi-Fi 6 wireless networking IEEE 802.11a/b/g/n/ac
- Bluetooth- Bluetooth 5.0 wireless technology
It measures Height: 1.68 cm x Width: 35.57 cm x Depth: 24.81 cm and weighs 4.7 pounds
Apple MacBook PRO-16-inch Pros- Advantages
- Good battery backup
- Excellent multi-tasking speed
- Almost all types of connectivity options are available
- Premium keyboard feel
- Thin Bezel screen
- MagSafe 3 fast charging
Apple MacBook PRO-16-inch Cons- Disadvantages
- A bit bulky to carry out in the meetings
- High price
- Not 4K screen
- Full-size USB port is not available
- RAM or internal storage cannot be upgraded
Apple MacBook PRO-14-inch
Apple MacBook PRO-14-inch Specs/Features
This is the second-best choice of graphic designers despite the small screen size as compared to the MacBook-16inch model. It has Apple M1 Pro 8-core – M1 Max 10-core CPU, an integrated 14-core – 32-core GPU, a 64GB RAM, 8TB storage, a 14-inch Liquid Retina XDR display with 1600 nits screen brightness and a resolution of 3024 x 1964 pixels along with a refresh rate of 120Hz a 16GB/32GB RAM, a 512GB to 1TB SSD which can be configured up to 8TB. The performance levels are almost the same and the major difference is the screen size. So, if you are looking for a portable option then this could be one of the best options for professional graphic designers who also go out to meet the clients and present their work.
Its other excellent features include battery backup of 17 hours along with fast charging,
Its connectivity options include
- SDXC card slot
- 3.5mm audio jack
- MagSafe 3 port
- 3- Thunderbolt 4 (USB Type-C) ports
- Wi-Fi- 802.11ax Wi-Fi 6 wireless networking, IEEE 802.11a/b/g/n/ac compatible
- Bluetooth- 5.0 wireless technology
- USB 4
- Display port
It measures Height: 1.55 cm x Width: 31.26 cm x Depth: 22.12 cm and weighs 3.5 pounds.
Apple MacBook PRO-14-inch Pros- Advantages
- Stunning performance level
- Best in class screen
- Expensive
- Good battery backup
- 1080p webcam
- MagSafe 3 fast charging
Apple MacBook PRO-14-inch Cons- Disadvantages
- A bit small screen
- Memory cannot be expanded
- No Face ID
Gigabyte Aero 17
Gigabyte Aero 17 Specs/Features
This is another fine option for those who are looking for an affordable option but with powerful features just like Apple iMac. It is equipped with a 12th-generation Intel Core i9-i9 CPU, a 16GB to 64GB RAM, an AMD Radeon Pro 5300M – Radeon Pro 5500M GPU, a 17.3-inch FHD anti-glare LCD IPS screen with a refresh rate of 144Hz and a resolution of 1920 x 1080 pixels, a 32GB DDR4, a 1TB SSD. It smoothly runs the graphics software as well, suitable for multi-tasking without any hassle.
The other latest features include an HD Webcam, Support Windows Hello Face Authentication, Supports NVIDIA Max-Q Technologies and Backlit Keyboard, Windows 11 and Windows 11PRO OS.
It measures Width: 39.62 x Depth: 24.13 x Height: 2.34 cm and weighs 5.73 lb
Its connectivity options include
- 2- DDR5 Slot
- 2- Thunderbolt 4 Support DP
- 1- USB 3.2 Gen2 (Type-C) support DP
- 3.5mm audio jack
- DC-in Jack
- Wi-Fi- 6E AX211 (Gig+) Wireless (802.11ax, a/b/g/n/ac/ax compatible)
- Bluetooth- V5.2
Gigabyte Aero 17 Pros- Advantages
- Nice backlit keyboard and key placement for fast typing
- Immersive screen
- Ample ports
- Powerful performance
- Well built
- Reasonable price
- Superb GPU
Gigabyte Aero 17 Cons- Disadvantages
- Heating issue
- Average looks
- A bit heavy
- Average battery backup
Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Yoga Gen 6
Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Yoga Gen 6 Specs/Features
Lenovo is also a trusted brand name that does not require any introduction and this model has again proved this is a good option for amateurs as well as graphic professionals. Its unmatched feature list includes an 11th generation Intel Core i5 to i7 CPU, 8GB RAM to 16GB RAM, a 14-inch IPS IPS LCD anti-glare touchscreen with a resolution of 1920 x 1200 pixels and 500 nit brightness, a 256GB to 512GB SSD upgradeable up to 1TB, wider touchpad, inbuilt integrated pen, Windows 10 PRO, Windows 11 Home, Windows 11 PRO, Linux, Ubuntu OS, battery backup of up to 16.1 hours along with the rapid charge, 720p HD with webcam privacy shutter, backlit keyboard.
It measures 14.9mm x 313mm x 223mm.
Its connectivity options include
- Wi-Fi- Up to Intel AX201 WiFi 6 802.11AX (2 x 2) with vPro
- Bluetooth- 5.2
- 2- USB 4 Type-C with Thunderbolt 4 port
- 2- USB-A 3.2 Gen 1
- 3.5mm audio jack
- HDMI 2.0
- Nano SIM slot
Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Yoga Gen 6 Pros- Advantages
- Bright and high-resolution display
- Thin design
- Good performance
- Nice keyboard
- Good battery backup
- Inbuilt Stylus slot
- Backlit keyboard
Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Yoga Gen 6 Cons- Disadvantages
- No SD card slot
- High price
- Heavyweight
LG Gram 17
LG Gram 17 Specs/Features
This is a brilliant laptop that lets the user work smoothly on heavy software. It has an 11th-generation Intel Core i7 -1065G7 (2.8GHz, Turbo up to 4.7GHz, L3 Cache 12MB) CPU, an Intel Iris Xe Graphics GPU, an Up to 2TB SSD, a 17-inch IPS LCD screen with a resolution of 2560 x 1600 pixels. Its excellent feature list includes 16GB RAM, a 512GB SSD, and Intel Iris Xe GPU, battery backup of up to 19.5 hours, a Windows 10 Home OS, an HD webcam, a Thunderbolt 3 port, and 1TB storage.
It measures 26 x 38 x 1.8 cm and weighs 1.35 Kilograms.
Its connectivity options include
- Wi-Fi- 6 AX201
- LAN- 10/100Mbit USB-C Port with R45
- Bluetooth- 5.1
- 1- USB-A- USB 3.2
- 1- USB-C- USB 3.2
- 1- RJ45 Ethernet
- HDMI port
- 3- USB 3.0 port
LG Gram 17 Pros- Advantages
- Powerful battery backup
- Super-virtual size screen
- Lightweight
- Bright and immersive display
- Massive battery
- Silent fan
- Thunderbolt
LG Gram 17 Cons- Disadvantages
- Reflective screen
- Key placement
- Palm rejection issues in trackpad
Dell XPS 15
Dell XPS 15 Specs/Features
Dell has launched many models that are suitable for running heavy programs but XPS 15 is a popular one that is receiving lots of positive reviews online as well as offline. Its excellent feature list includes an 11th Generation Intel Core i9-11900H GPU, an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050 Ti 4GB GDDR6 GPU, a 64GB DDR4-3200MHz RAM, a 15.6-inch FHD plus anti-glare touchscreen with a resolution of 1920 x 1200 and 400-Nit brightness, a 1TB hard drive, a 20p at 30 fps HD camera, a Windows 11 OS, 8TB SSD.
Its connectivity options include
- 1- Full-size SD card reader v6.0
- 1- USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C
- 1- 3.5mm headphone/microphone combo jack
- 2- Thunderbolt 4 (USB Type-C) with DisplayPort and Power Delivery
- Wi-Fi- 6 AX1650 (2 x 2)
- Bluetooth- 5.1
Dell XPS 15 Pros- Advantages
- High performance
- Impeccable design
- Excellent screen
- Thunderbolt
Dell XPS 15 Cons- Disadvantages
- Screen size may pinch a few users
- High price
- Average battery backup
Acer ConceptD 7
Acer ConceptD 7 Specs/Features
It is the 10th generation Intel Core i7 laptop with NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2080 super GPU with MaxQ, a 32GB RAM, a 15.6-inch 4K UHD LED IPS screen with a resolution of 3840 x 2160 pixels and 400 nit brightness, up to 2TB SSD, a Windows 10 pro-OS, a battery backup of up to 7 hours, 3 cooling fans and heating pipes.
Its connectivity options include
- HDMI
- Mini DP 1.4
- 3- USB 3.2 Gen2
- Thunderbolt 3 USB Type-C port
- Wi-Fi- 802.11ac
- Bluetooth
- It measures 35.84 x 25.5 x 1.78 cm and weighs 2.1 Kilograms.
Acer ConceptD 7 Pros- Advantages
- Affordable price as compared to Apple Mac
- Lots of ports
- Supports 2D and 3D designing
- Powerful performance
- Sleek design
- Nice keyboard
Acer ConceptD 7 Cons- Disadvantages
- Simple design
- High price
- No SD card slot
Lenovo Legion 7i Gen 6
Lenovo Legion 7i Gen 6 Specs/Features
This is another good option for those graphics designers who are looking for cheaper options. Its feature list includes a 14-inch large QHD screen with 165Hz refresh rate and a resolution of 2560 x 1600 pixels, a storage option up to 1TB, an 11th Gen Intel Core processor, 165W NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3080 GPU, a Windows 10 PRO OS, a 32GB RAM, a 512GB Hard drive.
Its connectivity options include
- USB-C 3.2 Gen 1
- e-Shutter switch
- RJ45
- USB-C 3.2 Gen 1
- 3- USB-A 3.2 Gen 1
- HDMI 2.1
- Power input
- USB-C Thunderbolt
- 3.5mm audio jack
Lenovo Legion 7i Gen 6 Pros- Advantages
- High performing processor
- Excellent QHD display with high resolution and brightness level
- RGB lighting
- Lots of ports
- High refresh rate
Lenovo Legion 7i Gen 6 Cons- Disadvantages
- Fan noise
- Not thin as compared to other brands in the same price range
- Fingerprint sensor or Face recognition is not available
- Average battery life
- Bit heavy
- Average Webcam
- Heating issue
- Thunderbolt 4 is not available
Razor Blade 14
Razor Blade 14 Specs/Features
This is another affordable recommended laptop for graphic designing which is liked by many users and has earned lots of positive reviews. It is equipped with AMD Ryzen 9 5900HX CPU, a 16GB RAM, a 14-inch full QHD IPS screen with a resolution of 165 Hz, a 1TB SSD and gorgeous design, an NVIDIA GEFORCE RTX 3080 GPU, a liquid Vapor cooling technology, a larger surface area, a battery backup of up to 12 hours, a Windows 10 Home OS.
It weighs 1.78 Kilograms and measures 22 x 31.98 x 1.68 cm.
Its connectivity options include
- 2- USB-C ports
- 2- USB-A ports
- HDMI port- 2.1
- Wi-Fi- 6, 802.11a/b/g/n/ac
- Windows IR Camera
- TPM 2.0 Security.
- Type-C (3.2 Gen 2 Charging – Display Port)
- 3.5 mm audio jack
Razor Blade 14 Pros- Advantages
- Powerful configuration
- Easy to handle as it is lightweight
- Silent performance
- Liquid-Vapor cooling technology
- FREE upgrade to Windows 11 OS
- FREE one-year license of FL Studio Producer Edition
Razor Blade 14 Cons- Disadvantages
- High price
- Low battery backup
- Thunderbolt is not available
- RAM cannot be upgraded
Microsoft Surface laptop 4
Microsoft Surface laptop 4 Specs/Features
It is an excellent choice for those who want to buy an affordable laptop for graphic designing as it does not just have the latest and most powerful specs but also has premium looks. Its thin design makes it look like Apple Mac because it also has Platinum with a metal palm rest.
Its feature list includes an Intel 11th Generation Core i5 CPU, an Intel Iris Xe Graphics GPU, a 16GB RAM, a 15-inch screen with a resolution of 2496 x 1664 pixels, 201 PPI, 3:3 aspect ratio and surface pen-enabled, a removable 512GB SSD and 1TB SSD options, AMD Ryzen Microsoft Surface Edition: AMD Radeon Graphics, a 720p HD f2.0 camera, Windows 10 Home 20H2 OS, a battery backup of up to 16.5 hours.
It measures 339.5 mm × 244 mm × 14.7mm and weighs 3.40 lbs.
Its connectivity options include
- WiFi- 6, 802.11ax
- Bluetooth- 5.0
- 1- USB-C
- 1- USB-A
- 3.5 mm audio jack
- 1- Surface Connect port
Microsoft Surface laptop 4 Pros- Advantages
- Free upgrade to Windows 11 OS
- Excellent processor speed
- Nice design
- Anti-glare screen
- Thin design
- Lightweight
- Sleek and stylish design
- Good battery backup
Microsoft Surface laptop 4 Cons- Disadvantages
- Less number of ports
- Expensive
- Thunderbolt is not available
- No fingerprint sensor
- SSD speed is slower
Final Words
Above are the top 10 recommended laptops for graphic designing and animation which smoothly run on other heavy applications too without any hassle. You can consider the price, display size, RAM, SSD, HDD, CPU, GPU, battery backup, keyboard, free upgradable software, lightweight, thin design, stylish looks, number of ports and biometric features for choosing the best laptop for graphic designing.
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