Contrary to what some may believe, you do not need to invest in a high-end workstation that costs a fortune to get into photo editing. All you need is one of the best color-accurate monitors and efficient components to handle the computing and rendering requirements of your favorite photo editing programs. Now more than ever before, finding an affordable yet powerful laptop is not only possible but easy – so much so that professional photographers and graphic designers have even enlisted the help of the best tablets for photo editing on the go.
Regardless of whether you're new to photo editing or if you are a seasoned professional looking for a reliable laptop to work on, look no further. This guide is dedicated to all creative minds, demonstrating that compromising on quality isn't necessary to find the best budget laptop that meets all of your artistic needs.
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Game ZXC's Best Budget Laptops for Photo Editing
ASUS ROG Zephyrus G14 14”165Hz Gaming Laptop (RTX 4070)
The ASUS ROG Zephyrus G14 14”165Hz Gaming Laptop is one of the most well-respected compact gaming laptops in the business, throwing in impressive CPU and GPU combinations in a tight form factor while exacting a significant amount of performance out of them.
With an AMD Ryzen 9 7940HS and an Nvidia RTX 4070 in tow, the G14 comes equipped to take on games at its target display resolution of 2K with a refresh rate of 165Hz which offers an IPS panel and up to 500 nits of brightness as part of its feature set.
- Operating System
- Windows 11 Home
- CPU
- AMD Ryzen 9 7940HS
- GPU
- NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4070
- RAM
- 16GB DDR5
- Storage
- 1TB NVME SSD
- Battery
- 76WHr 4-Cell
- Display (Size, Resolution)
- 14 Inches ,2560 x 1440 (QHD)
- Camera
- 1080P FHD IR Camera
- Speakers
- Yes
- Colors
- Moonlight White
- Network
- Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.3
- Weight
- 3.64 lbs
- Brand
- ASUS ROG
- Compact 14" QHD display with 165Hz refresh rate
- Powerful AMD Ryzen 9 processor and RTX 4070 GPU
- 16GB DDR5 RAM and 1TB NVME SSD for speedy performance
- Limited upgradability due to compact design
- Battery life can be short under heavy usage
The ASUS ROG Zephyrus G14 stands out as the best overall budget laptop for photo editing, blending portability with power in a way that's ideal for editors on the go. Its high-refresh-rate screen and top-tier components ensure a seamless editing experience.
While the laptop boasts impressive performance and display quality, its slim design means you're limited to its original specifications, as they cannot be upgraded. Nevertheless, the Zephyrus G14's combination of power and portability makes it a reliable choice and the best overall budget laptop for photo editing, without the bulk.
HP Envy Laptop WQXGA
The HP Envy WQXGA is a killer productivity laptop that features a massive memory size of 64GB. Also, with its 4TB fast storage, users will have plenty of space for their work files and large gaming titles. With the power of the Core i9 13900H CPU and RTX 4060, it is surely going to be a killer machine at executing the programs quickly while not remaining behind in gaming either.
- Operating System
- Windows 11 Pro
- CPU
- Intel Core i9 13900H
- GPU
- Nvidia Geforce RTX 4060
- RAM
- 64GB DDR5
- Storage
- 2TB+2TB SSD
- Display (Size, Resolution)
- 16", 2560x1600p
- Brand
- HP
- Model
- Envy WQXGA
- Display type
- IPS touchscreen
- Connectivity
- WiFi 6, Bluetooth 5.3
- Stunning 16" IPS touchscreen with 2560x1600 resolution
- Powerful Intel Core i9 13900H CPU and Nvidia RTX 4060 GPU
- Massive 64GB DDR5 RAM and dual 2TB SSD storage
- No numeric keypad on the keyboard
- Price may be high for strict budgets
The HP Envy Laptop WQXGA is regarded as the best multi-purpose budget laptop for photo editing, offering an elegant design coupled with formidable performance. Its impressive 16-inch IPS touchscreen and high-end Intel Core i9 CPU, along with the Nvidia RTX 4060 GPU, make it an ideal choice for photo editors and creative professionals.
While the absence of a numeric keypad may be a drawback for some, the laptop's overall performance and quality significantly outweigh this minor limitation. The generous 64GB DDR5 RAM and ample dual 2TB SSD storage ensure that speed and space are never issues, even for the most demanding projects. Its flexible connectivity options further solidify its position as the best multi-purpose budget laptop for photo editing.
MSI Katana 15 Gaming Laptop (B12VGK-082US)
The MSI Katana 15 gaming laptop comes with a 12th-generation Intel Core i7 CPU and a power RTX 4070 GPU with decent memory and storage, as well as a 144Hz IPS panel. With plenty of networking options and a price that is hard to beat when on sale, the Katana 15 happens to be the cheapest RTX 4070 gaming laptop available for purchase at the time of writing.
- Operating System
- Windows 11
- CPU
- Intel Core i7-12650H
- GPU
- NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4070 (105W)
- RAM
- 16GB DDR5 Memory
- Storage
- 1 TB NVMe SSD
- Display (Size, Resolution)
- 15.6" 144 Hz FHD IPS
- Speakers
- 2x Speakers (2W)
- Network
- Wi-Fi 6, Ethernet, Bluetooth 5.2
- Weight
- 4.96 lb
- Brand
- MSI Katana
- Model
- B12VGK-082US
- Power
- 200W AC Adapter
- Powerful 12th Gen Intel Core i7 CPU and RTX 4070 GPU for intensive photo editing
- 144Hz FHD IPS display for vibrant image quality
- Generous 1TB NVMe SSD storage for large projects
- Some reports of insufficient battery life
- Limited color options available
For photo editors seeking a balance between performance and budget, the MSI Katana 15 stands out as the best budget GPU laptop for photo editing. Its RTX 4070 GPU and 12th Gen Intel Core i7 CPU power through demanding photo editing software without any issues. The 144Hz FHD IPS display brings creative work to life with vivid colors, crisp details, and a smooth visual experience.
While the laptop delivers solid performance, there are some concerns about its battery life, which may necessitate frequent charging during intensive tasks. Despite this, the laptop's variety of networking options enhances its value proposition, ensuring you stay connected for every creative endeavor. Moreover, with its sturdy build, ample storage, and high-quality display, the MSI Katana 15 secures its position as the best budget GPU laptop for photo editing.
MSI Cyborg 15 Gaming Laptop
MSI Cyborg 15 Gaming Laptop brings modern specifications without going too thick. Weighing just 4.37 pounds and measuring less than an inch in thickness allows better portability, while the Core i7 10 core CPU with RTX 4060 ensures gaming on ultra settings. The IPS display boasts a 144Hz refresh rate and the RAM and storage are more than adequate.
- Operating System
- Windows 11
- CPU
- Intel Core i7 12650H
- GPU
- Nvidia Geforce RTX 4060
- RAM
- 32GB DDR5
- Storage
- 2TB NVMe SSD
- Display (Size, Resolution)
- 15.6", IPS, 1920x1080
- Dimensions
- 14.15 x 9.86 x 0.9 inches
- Weight
- 4.37 lbs
- Brand
- MSI
- Powerful Intel Core i7 and Nvidia RTX 4060 performance
- 32GB DDR5 RAM and 2TB NVMe SSD storage
- 144Hz refresh rate for smooth visuals
- Can get warm under heavy use
- No SD card reader for direct photo transfer
The MSI Cyborg 15 shines as the best mid-range budget laptop for photo editing, catering to the needs of creative professionals. It is equipped with a robust Intel Core i7 processor and an RTX 4060 GPU, ensuring that photo editing software runs smoothly. The laptop also boasts a substantial 32GB of RAM and 2TB of storage, eliminating concerns about space or speed.
Originating from a gaming pedigree, the Cyborg 15 excels in providing sharp, color-accurate visuals on its 15.6-inch IPS display, a vital feature for photo editing. While extended use might necessitate staying close to a power source, the laptop's exceptional quality and adaptability for creative tasks are undeniable. Ultimately, the Cyborg 15 upholds its reputation as the best mid-range budget laptop for photo editing.
ASUS ROG Strix G17 (2023) Gaming Laptop
- Operating System
- Windows 11
- CPU
- AMD Ryzen 9 7945HX
- GPU
- NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4070
- RAM
- 16GB DDR5 4800MHz
- Storage
- 1TB PCI-E SSD
- Battery
- 4 Cell, 90WHr
- Display (Size, Resolution)
- 17.3-inch, WQHD/2K IPS 240Hz
- Camera
- 720P HD camera
- Speakers
- 2-speaker system with Smart Amplifier Technology
- Colors
- Eclipse Gray
- Network
- Gigabit Ethernet, Wi-Fi 6E, BT 5.2
- Dimensions
- 15.55" x 11.10" x 0.92"-1.21"
- Weight
- 6.17 lbs
- Brand
- ASUS ROG
- Model
- G713PI-DS94
- AMD Ryzen 9 7945HX CPU & NVIDIA RTX 4070 GPU for unmatched performance
- 16GB DDR5 RAM & 1TB PCIe SSD for ample storage and speed
- WQHD 17.3-inch 240Hz display for crystal-clear visuals
- Large size may affect portability
- High-performance components can lead to increased heat
The ASUS ROG Strix G17 (2023) is our top pick for a high-end budget laptop for photo editing, offering unparalleled performance and precision for creative professionals. It is powered by an AMD Ryzen 9 CPU and NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4070 GPU, a combination that effortlessly handles photo editing tasks and positions it as the preferred choice for creatives seeking top-tier performance.
The ROG Strix G17 also impresses with its WQHD display, which brings creative visions to life with exceptional clarity and color accuracy. Its ample storage and high-speed RAM ensure a seamless workflow without interruptions. However, its size and battery life may limit mobility and continuous use. Nonetheless, for those who prioritize performance in photo editing, the Strix G17 is unmatched, making it the best high-end budget laptop for photo editing.
ASUS Zenbook 14X OLED Business Laptop
Asus Zenbook 14X OLED is a graphics design laptop that offers maximum power while still being light. Its 13th Gen Intel 12-core i5-13500H Processor and 18MB Smart Cache makes graphic design seamless. Asus Zenbook 14X OLED also has an extra slim design built for effortless portability and features ASUS 3D Noise Reduction to ensure that designers work in a quiet environment.
- Operating System
- Windows 11 Pro
- CPU
- Core i5
- GPU
- Intel Iris Xe Graphics
- RAM
- 8 GB
- Storage
- 512 GB
- Brand
- Asus
- 13th Gen Intel 12-core i5 Processor for top-notch performance
- OLED display provides vibrant colors and deep blacks
- Lightweight and portable design perfect for on-the-go editing
- Limited RAM for intensive multitasking
- Standard storage capacity might need external expansion
The ASUS Zenbook 14X OLED redefines expectations as the best budget laptop for photo editing, catering to the needs of editors who prioritize value without compromising on quality. Equipped with a powerful 13th Gen Intel processor and a breathtaking OLED display, it delivers unparalleled performance and visuals that elevate creative projects.
While the Zenbook 14X excels in many aspects, it's worth noting that the 8 GB of RAM may hinder extensive multitasking. Nonetheless, the innovative Screenpad introduces a novel way to interact with applications, enhancing productivity and creativity in workflows. With its exceptional performance and features like 3D Noise Reduction, the ASUS Zenbook 14X OLED positions itself as the best budget laptop for photo editing.
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How To Choose The Best Budget Laptop for Photo Editing
Starting your photo editing experience requires an affordable and functional laptop. Now that you have an idea of some of the best budget laptops for photo editing, it's time to make a decision. This section will guide you through some of the most important factors to consider when selecting the best budget-friendly laptop for your creative endeavors.
Performance and Speed
Experienced photographers and graphic designers know that photo editing software like Photoshop and Lightroom can be tricky to run on unoptimized hardware. These popular applications often have hefty hardware requirements, especially when rendering or working with large file sizes. That is why it is so important to choose a laptop that is fast and efficient, and choosing a laptop that boasts the right kind of hardware is one way to do it.
Generally speaking, it is important to choose a laptop that has a fast and efficient CPU, also known as a processor. Opt for laptops that include a CPU with a quad-core processor and speeds around 3.5 GHz or more. Additionally, choosing a laptop that boasts a hefty RAM kit is another way to ensure the smoothest performance possible. Although 8 GB is considered the bare minimum for content creation, you may find that 16 GB or even 32 GB of RAM is optimal.
Display Quality
Given that the display is your window to the world of color, value, and detail, opt for a laptop that boasts a high-resolution screen with clear color accuracy. OLED and IPS displays are among the two most popular when it comes to content creation. OLED displays are known for providing the best values, offering deep and true blacks and great response times. IPS displays, on the other hand, are typically brighter and have a more consistent color, which may also prove useful during photo editing.
Although the choice between display types is largely up to personal preference, there are a few things you should keep in mind regardless of display type. Choosing a laptop with a display that is Pantone Validated, or boasting some form of color accuracy is essential. Likewise, the display should be high-resolution, around 2K to 4K to ensure pixel-perfect clarity. HDR and a high number of nits (brightness) are also valuable when it comes to getting the clearest image possible.
Storage
Finally, sufficient storage space is one of the most important things to consider. High-resolution images demand significant storage space, especially RAW files, which often take up dozens of gigabytes of data. Opt for at least 1 TB of storage when choosing the best laptop for photo editing. Likewise, opting for a laptop with a Solid State Drive (SSD) as a primary storage device will ensure that your files can be accessed and loaded remarkably faster than a laptop with an HDD. If at any point you find that your laptop's storage space isn't quite cutting it for your needs, consider upgrading with an external SSD that boasts a large amount of space, like the 4TB Samsung 870 EVO.
Once you have chosen your ideal budget laptop for photo editing, the next step is to pair it with accessories that match your editing abilities. A precise and comfortable mouse is essential for improving your creations. Consider exploring the best wireless mice for laptops, designed to offer the accuracy and comfort you need for extended photo editing sessions.
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FAQ
Q: Can budget laptops handle professional photo editing?
Yes, many budget laptops have sufficient processing power and graphics capabilities to handle professional photo editing software efficiently.
Q: What's the minimum RAM recommended for photo editing on a budget laptop?
For smooth photo editing, a minimum of 8GB RAM is recommended, but 16GB is ideal for handling larger files and multitasking.
Q: How do I choose between SSD and HDD storage for photo editing?
SSDs offer faster data access and boot times, making them preferable for photo editing, although they are more expensive than HDDs.