A laptop is essential to any student’s and professional’s life as it allows them to study, work, and play.
Finding the laptop that best suits your needs and budget is essential because there are many options.
This blog will discuss the different factors to consider when choosing a laptop with an i3 processor.
From processor to build quality, we’ve covered it all! So whether you’re in the market for a cheap i3 laptop or want to learn about the latest and greatest, keep reading!
Today, there are many different types of laptops on the market.
The most popular are those based on Intel processors. They offer outstanding performance, good battery life, high-speed internet connections, and gaming performance.
When deciding which laptop to buy, you should consider the processor’s core, thread, and generation.
The processor is the laptop’s brain and significantly impacts performance.
So, ensure you get a product compatible with your operating system, application, or software.
This article will describe the Core i3 processor in detail. It is Intel’s mid-range CPU with top-end performance.
Is Intel Core i3 better than AMD Ryzen 3?
First, which of the two premises is more popular, and why should it be known?
Now, if you check gaming laptops, they mainly offer processors from AMD because it’s also cheaper, and in terms of performance, it’s a little bit ahead of Intel.
Compared to the latest generation Intel Core i3, AMD Ryzen 3 is a bit more powerful.
However, in terms of CPU frequency, the Intel Core i3 processor has a higher frequency than the AMD Ryzen 3 processor.
Generally speaking, AMD Ryzen 3 has a top speed of 3.6GHz and an average speed of 3+GHz, while an Intel Core i3 is clocked at 4.2GHz and an average rate of 3+GHz.
Higher clock speeds mean you can run the most information and software per second and multitask faster on Intel Core i3 or AMD Ryzen 3.
Intel Core i3 has single and dual cores/threads, while AMD Ryzen 3 has two and four.
If you’re on a tight budget and confident in AMD’s processors, Ryzen 3 is the way to go.
Also, Read
What to look for in an Intel Core i3 Laptop?
When choosing the best laptop for your needs, it’s essential to consider a few key factors.
There are a lot of things you should look for when buying a cheap Intel Core i3 laptop –
Processor: Latest-generation CPUs with more cores and threads make laptops faster. Currently, the 12th-generation Intel Core i3 is the best CPU.
Graphics card: A computer with a powerful GPU can run rendering, encoding, gaming, and faster. I3 CPU, integrated intel UHD, is the highest possible graphics card.
Battery Life: Battery life is critical for students, business professionals, and those who frequently use their laptops outdoors. Choose a computer with at least 5 hours of battery backup.
Display: Higher resolution, higher refresh rate screen for crisp, clear images. You’ll quickly see a sharp, clear image if your laptop has a good display.
Build Quality: The longevity of a laptop depends largely on the quality of its construction and the type of materials used. Metal frame laptops will last longer than plastic, so choose wisely.
RAM and Storage: The latest and more RAM means it can handle more tasks simultaneously. With i3, you get 4GB-16GB RAM (2666 MHz to 3200 MHz).
The latest and fastest SSD storage makes laptops up to 17x faster than HDDs.
Recommended Specifications
| Features | Cheap (Under $300) | Mid-Range (Under $400) | Premium (Under $700) |
|---|---|---|---|
| CPU | 10th, 10th Gen Intel Core i3 | 11th, 12th Gen Intel Core i3 | 13th Gen Intel Core i3 |
| Graphics Card | Integrated Intel HD | Integrated Intel UHD | Integrated Intel UHD |
| RAM | 4GB | 4-8 GB | 8-16 GB |
| Storage | 64GB – 128GB SSD | 128GB – 256GB SSD | 256B+ SSD |
| Display | 14-15.6 inch HD | 13, 14, and 15.6-inch FHD | 14, 15, and 17-inch FHD |
| Battery | Up to 4 hours | Up to 6 hours | Above 6 hours |
| OS | Windows 10, ChromeOS | Windows 11 Home, ChromeOS | Windows 11 Home or Pro |
Best Intel i3 Laptops
| Image | Product | Feature | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
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Best Pick
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HP Pavilion x360
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TOP Pick
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Dell Inspiron 15
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HP 15
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ASUS VivoBook 15
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ASUS Vivobook 17X
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Lenovo Ideapad 3
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Acer Aspire 5
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Lenovo IdeaPad Flex 5i Chromebook Plus
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1. HP Pavilion x360
Specifications
| CPU (Processor) | 13th Gen Intel Core i3-1315U (up to 4.5 GHz, 10 MB L3 cache, 6 cores, 8 threads) |
| GPU | Intel UHD Graphics |
| RAM | 8 GB DDR4 RAM |
| Storage | 256 GB PCIe NVMe M.2 SSD |
| Screen | 14-inch, FHD (1920 x 1080), multitouch, IPS, edge-to-edge glass, 250 nits |
| Weight | 3.35 lbs (1.52 Kg) |
| Battery Life | 3-cell, 43 Wh, Li-ion polymer |
| Others | Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.3, Fingerprint Reader, Backlit Keyboard, Windows 11 Home |
| PROS |
|---|
| Affordable Price |
| Excellent Battery Life |
| Reliable Wi-Fi Connectivity |
| Light Weight and Portable |
| CONS |
|---|
| Not for Gaming |
The HP Pavilion x360 is one of the best midrange 2-in-1 laptops. It looks really stylish and works fast, and the quality shows that HP is committed to making good products for years to come.
The device features an immersive 14-inch FHD multitouch IPS display. It has an edge-to-edge glass and a You will have a little issue using it in bright sunlight as the screen has a brightness of 250 nits.
It has the 13th-generation Intel Core i3-1315U and Intel UHD Graphics. You can expect blazing-fast performance when browsing, streaming, and editing on Adobe CC and more. Best of all, you get all these features in a laptop that can convert into tablet, tent, and laptop modes – with a touchscreen.
The laptop has a 3-cell, 43 Wh, Li-ion polymer battery and the backup is also good. The performance is top-notch, and it doesn’t use up a lot of power.
Due to the thick chassis, the laptop weighs around 3.35 pounds (1.52 kg), which isn’t heavy, but you’ll still feel it when using it in tablet mode for extended periods of time.
It features a backlit keyboard to work in dim light conditions and a fast fingerprint reader for secure login. It also has Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3 wireless connection and runs on Windows 11 Home operating system.
Talking about ports and slots it has a USB Type-C port with Power Delivery and DisplayPort 1.4 support, 2 USB Type-A, an HDMI 2.1, and an audio combo jack.
2. Dell Inspiron 15
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Specifications
| CPU (Processor) | 12th Gen Intel Core i3-1215U (10 MB cache, 6 cores, 8 threads, up to 4.40 GHz) |
| GPU | Intel UHD Graphics |
| RAM | 8 GB DDR4, 2666 MHz |
| Storage | 256 GB M.2 PCIe NVMe SSD |
| Screen | 15.6″ FHD 1920×1080 120Hz WVA Non-Touch Anti-Glare 250 nit LED-Backlit |
| Weight | 3.65 lbs. (1.65 kg) |
| Battery Life | 3 Cell, 41 Wh, 65 Watt AC Adapter (up to 6 hours) |
| Others | Bluetooth, Wi-Fi 6, Windows 11 Home |
| PROS |
|---|
| Affordable Price |
| Latest and Powerful Processor |
| Decent Audio Quality |
| Light-Weight and Portable |
| Enough Memory and Storage |
| Wireless Wi-Fi 6 Convenience |
| CONS |
|---|
| No Fingerprint Reader |
| Plastic Build |
The Dell Inspiron 15 offers decent performance with its integrated Intel UHD graphics. It has a 12th-generation Intel Core i3-1215U processor with 6 cores, 8 threads, a 10 MB cache, and a turbo speed of up to 4.40 GHz.
The gaming performance of Intel UHD graphics is suitable for mid to low-end games. Therefore, it is a bit much to expect it to run games like GTA V or Battlefield V.
With its 8GB DDR4-2666MHz memory and 256GB M.2 PCIe NVMe SSD, this laptop excels in multitasking. Whether you’re a graphic designer or using various software, this RAM and storage combo should be sufficient to run and accommodate your needs.
Talking about other aspects, you will love its 15.6-inch FHD anti-glare screen with 1920×1080 resolution. It has a 250-nit screen brightness and a 120Hz refresh rate. Thankfully, the bezels are small and the colors are a bit on the dark side. This actually helps keep your eyes from getting hurt even after hours of use.
The keyboard is large and well-placed. It doesn’t have a backlight, so typing in low light might be challenging. But the keys are close together, making for quick but soft typing.
It’s a portable laptop weighing only 3.65 pounds (1.65 kg). This laptop also features a Wi-Fi 6 wireless connection and runs on the Windows 11 Home operating system.
For an enhanced media experience, consider connecting external speakers, as the audio output is not the strongest. As a bonus, you get almost every connectivity option, such as HDMI, Ethernet, and USB ports.
3. HP 15
Specifications
| CPU (Processor) | 12th Gen Intel Core i3-1215U (up to 4.4 GHz) |
| GPU | Intel UHD |
| RAM | 8 GB DDR4 RAM |
| Storage | 128 GB SSD |
| Screen | 15.6-inch Full HD (1920×1080) Micro-edge bezel IPS display |
| Weight | 3.75 lbs (1.7 Kg) |
| Battery Life | 3-cell, 41Wh, Li-ion (Up to 10 hours) |
| Others | Wi-Fi 6, Windows 11 Home (S Mode) |
| PROS |
|---|
| Good Battery Life |
| Affordable Price |
| Great Design and Extremely Portable |
| Fast Charging |
| CONS |
|---|
| Average Graphics Performance |
HP 15 laptop is specifically designed for multimedia, student, and business purposes. It has a powerful 12th-generation Intel Core i3-1215U processor, clocking at 4.4 GHz.
This is a great option if you’re looking for a powerful laptop processor on a budget, capable of multitasking and handling tasks like video editing, graphic design, and content creation.
A shared Intel UHD graphics memory is available on this device. Users can play high-definition video games. It works better and uses less power.
Its 8 GB DDR4 RAM allows it to run multiple applications and browser tabs simultaneously without experiencing any slowdown.
The hard drive has been upgraded to a 128 GB SSD to give you more room for files and programs.
HP 15 is the perfect i3 laptop for students and business travelers. A light and easy-to-carry laptop is perfect for students who have to take their devices from class to class and different study spots.
The laptop has a 3-cell, 41Wh, Li-ion battery. For your daily tasks like browsing, emails, and writing, the laptop gives you up to 10 hours of battery life.
A 15.6-inch Full HD screen with 1920 x 1080 resolution. It has a Micro-edge bezel IPS display that comes with crystal-clear images for media content.
Windows 11 Home is pre-installed on this laptop and has Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth wireless connectivity. Regarding port connections, it has two USB Type-A, a USB Type-C, an HDMI 1.4b, an SD card reader, and an audio combo jack.
4. ASUS VivoBook 15
Specifications
| CPU (Processor) | 12th Gen Intel Core i3-1215U Processor (10M Cache, up to 4.4 GHz, 6 cores) |
| GPU | Intel UHD |
| RAM | 8 GB DDR4 |
| Storage | 128GB M.2 NVMe PCIe 3.0 SSD |
| Screen | 15.6-inch Full HD display with a stunning 84% screen-to-body ratio |
| Weight | 3.75 lbs (1.7 Kg) |
| Battery Life | Up to 6 hours |
| Others | Bluetooth 4.1, Wi-Fi 5, Windows 11 Home (S Mode) |
| PROS |
|---|
| Good Battery Life |
| Affordable Price |
| Great Design and Extremely Portable |
| Fast Charging |
| CONS |
|---|
| Average Graphics Performance |
ASUS VivoBook 15 is a lightweight body and thin laptop, making it perfect for people who prefer portable ones.
This laptop has the latest 12th generation Intel i3-1215U processor and works at a clock speed of 4.4 GHz and 10M Cache memory. This energy-efficient processor can handle demanding workloads, simple maintenance, and low noise levels.
It is the ultimate portability and lightweight notebook and is ideal for budget buyers.
With their UHD Graphics, the ASUS VivoBook 15 with the Intel processor packs a lot of power and still fits your business needs while you travel around.
It is a thin laptop with a high-resolution screen, slim and light design, excellent performance, and a good i3 laptop for video editing.
The 15.6-inch Full HD display gives a brilliant visual experience, bending up to a 180-degree viewing angle and 84% screen-to-body ratio. It comes with 8 GB DDR4 RAM and 128GB M.2 NVMe PCIe 3.0 SSD. A memory upgrade kit can upgrade it to 16 GB of DDR4 RAM.
This laptop is also lightweight and easy to carry. It weighs only 3.75 pounds (1.7 Kg) making it a portable device. You can easily carry them around, making them ideal for students, professionals, and anyone frequently on the move.
The battery easily lasts for 6 hours. It supports fast-charging technology and recharges the battery to 60 percent in 49 minutes only which is very good in case of emergencies or low-battery situations, fast charging can provide a significant boost of power in a short time.
The port selection consists of two Bluetooth 4.1, Wi-Fi 5, one USB 3.2 Type-C port, two USB 3.2 Type-A ports, one USB 2.0 port, an audio combo jack, and an HDMI port. The device features Windows 11 Home built-in, with the latest updates, allowing you to install it without any issues.
5. ASUS Vivobook 17X
Specifications
| CPU (Processor) | 12th Gen Intel Core i3-1220P (1.5 GHz to 4.4 GHz, 10 cores, 12 threads, 12M Cache) |
| GPU | Intel UHD Graphics |
| RAM | 16 GB DDR4 RAM |
| Storage | 1TB SSD |
| Screen | 17.3-inch FHD 1920 x 1080 display |
| Weight | 4.62 lbs (2.1 Kg) |
| Battery Life | Up to 6 hours |
| Others | Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5, Fingerprint Reader, Windows 11 Home |
| PROS |
|---|
| Affordable Price |
| Excellent Battery Life |
| Has Numeric Keyboard |
| Metal Chasis Finish Lid |
| CONS |
|---|
| No Backlit Keyboard |
This ASUS Vivobook 17X laptop features a 12th-generation Intel Core i3-1220P processor, the latest Intel Core i3 family generation.
It’s designed to provide the best connectivity and responsiveness.
This one runs applications faster than previous generations of processors, which means your work will be completed in less time.
Integrated Intel UHD graphics have been provided for the best performance, making it a budget i3 laptop.
You will find this laptop to be true for most multimedia and business purposes.
It comes with 16GB DDR4 RAM and 1TB SSD storage, capable of holding up to 15 times more files than conventional hard drives. This affordable i3 laptop can run MS Office, ensuring you can keep up with your competition.
A thin and light design makes it highly portable. The laptop features a 17.3-inch FHD display with a resolution of 1920 x 1080.
Its big display makes it a good i3 laptop on a budget. The 1920 x 1080 pixels resolution is enough for high-definition displays, so you can consider this i3 laptop for video editing.
The display’s resolution is lower than other laptops in this class, but you can think of it if you compromise in the display section.
The company claimed to have a battery life of approximately 6 hours. But in our testing, it gives us 4 hours of battery backup.
It runs on the Windows 11 Home operating system, and with Bluetooth 5 and Wi-Fi 6 connectivity, it easily connects to mobile devices and provides internet access.
Talking about ports, it has many input-output connections such as –
- 1 x USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type C
- 2x USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type A
- 1x USB 2.0 Type A
- HDMI 1.4
- 1x Headphone/Speaker Jack
6. Lenovo Ideapad 3
Specifications
| CPU (Processor) | 11th Gen Intel Core i3-1115G4 Processor (6MB Cache, up to 4.1 GHz) |
| GPU | Intel UHD Graphics |
| RAM | 8GB DDR4 SDRAM |
| Storage | 256GB PCIe NVMe M.2 SSD |
| Screen | 15.6 inch HD (1366 x 768) touchscreen Anti-glare Display |
| Weight | 4.09 lbs (1.78 kg) |
| Battery Life | Up to 7 hours |
| Others | Fingerprint reader, Bluetooth 5.0, Windows 11 Home |
Lenovo IdeaPad 3 has Intel’s 11th generation CPU, and it is a budget laptop with an i3 processor for college students and gaming.
The laptop has a dual-core processor with a 3.0GHz Intel Core i3-1115G4 processor. With its 4.1GHz Turbo Boost, it is easy to notice that it can keep up with all you need.
Intel UHD Graphics 620 provides a more powerful graphics experience. It is the new generation of graphics cards and is anytime, anywhere compatible with all laptops from Lenovo.
Also, It has 8GB of RAM and 256GB of SSD storage. It has 2 Cell Lithium-polymer batteries and a decent battery life of 7 hours.
The Lenovo IdeaPad 3 came with great specs, and the specs of this laptop were excellent enough to satisfy both price and performance.
It has a 15.6-inch and 1366 x 768 display, providing excellent viewing quality.
The touch screen offers a comfortable and pleasant experience in touch mode. This is the perfect choice for people who like to work on the go or use Lenovo laptops in retail stores or coffee shops.
The ports on this device include two USB 3.0 ports, one USB 2.0 port, and one HDMI port.
The operating system of Lenovo IdeaPad 3 is Windows 11 Home. It grants access to a wide range of applications: Google, Microsoft Office suite, YouTube, and other free software and makes it the best I3 laptop for students.
It has 802.11ac wifi and a Bluetooth Media Card reader, so you can use your wireless devices wherever, anywhere, and at any time.
7. Acer Aspire 5
Specifications
| CPU (Processor) | 11th Gen Intel i3-1115G4 (up to 4.1 GHz, dual-core) |
| GPU | Intel UHD Graphics |
| RAM | 8GB DDR4 RAM |
| Storage | 128 GB SSD |
| Screen | 15.6-inch Full HD (1920×1080) narrow bezels 16:9 IPS display |
| Weight | 3.64 lbs (1.65 Kg) |
| Battery Life | 3-cell, 4000 mAh, Li-ion |
| Others | Wi-Fi 6, Windows 11 Home (S Mode) |
| PROS |
|---|
| Reliable Wi-Fi Connectivity |
| Affordable Price |
| Extremely Portable |
| Sleek and Stylish Design |
| CONS |
|---|
| Average Battery Life |
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Acer Aspire 5 is a highly affordable 11-gen i3 laptop with an 1115G4 Processor. The processor has dual cores with Turbo Boost speeds up to 4.1 GHz.
The 11th-generation Intel Core i3 processor ensures outstanding performance and intelligent design, enabling accurate and fast application processing while providing excellent responsiveness.
It comes with Intel UHD Graphics. This computer is made to give you both good performance and save power.
The Acer Aspire 5 is equipped with 8GB DDR4 RAM and has a 128GB PCIe NVMe SSD to boost the performance of this laptop.
It is an excellent upgrade compared to the previous generation of Aspire, which was equipped with SATA SSD storage only.
This laptop has a 3-cell, 4000 mAh, Li-ion battery, and Acer advertises that the battery life of the Aspire 5 is eight hours. Although we tested it, it lasted for 4 and 55 minutes, consisting of continuous internet browsing over Wi-Fi at a brightness level of 150 nits.
It features a sleek design and excellent value for money which weighs only 3.64 pounds (1.65 Kg).
The laptop features a 15.6-inch Full HD (1920 x 1080) display with a 16:9 aspect ratio and narrow bezels, which make it a reasonable budget i3 laptop for photo editing and music production.
The port selection consists of two USB 3.2 Type-A, a USB-C port, a USB 2.0, an Ethernet, an HDMI 2.0, and a headphone/speaker.
If you need a laptop that can multitask in the workstations, consider the Acer Aspire 5. It has a Windows 11 Home (S Mode) operating system. For wireless connectivity, this laptop comes with Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.
8. Lenovo IdeaPad Flex 5i Chromebook Plus
Specifications
| CPU (Processor) | 13th Gen Intel Core i3-1315U (3.30 GHz to 4.50 GHz, 6 Cores, 8 Threads, 10 MB Cache) |
| GPU | Intel UHD Graphics |
| RAM | 8GB LPDDR4x-4266MHz Memory |
| Storage | 128GB eMMC |
| Screen | 14.0-inch WUXGA (1920 x 1200) IPS, touchscreen, glossy, 16:10, 300 nits, 45% NTSC |
| Weight | 3.57 lbs (1.62 Kg) |
| Battery Life | Up to 10 hours |
| Others | Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.1, Backlit Keyboard, Chrome OS |
| PROS |
|---|
| Affordable Price |
| Excellent Battery Life |
| Backlit Keyboard |
| Ultra Slim and Portable |
| FHD Webcam |
| CONS |
|---|
| Should have more Storage |
The Lenovo IdeaPad Flex 5i Chromebook Plus has a 13th-generation Intel Core i3-1315U processor, which is very high in performance. The processor is based on Intel at a base frequency of 3.30 GHz and a turbo boost frequency of up to 4.50 GHz.
The Intel processor and graphics have a lot of advantages, and the best price segment makes it a budget i3 laptop.
It eliminates the issue of low battery life as it provides up to 10 hours of battery life upon normal use and ensures that your graphics card is always active. This means you can play games or browse the web without having to leave the comfort of your desk.
It comes with 8GB LPDDR4x-4266MHz memory to handle multiple applications and 128GB eMMC storage to store your important files.
The Chromebook is a slim, lightweight laptop with a stunning 14.0-inch WUXGA IPS touchscreen display. The display has a 16:10 aspect ratio and a 300-nit screen brightness that comes with a 45% NTSC color space and 1920 x 1080 resolution.
It comes in a sleek build with a 360° rotating hinge. This Chromebook is more than just a laptop – it’s an upgraded laptop featuring an i3 processor, ideal for college students engaged in digital life, education, leisure time, business, online meetings, and productivity.
It’s a popular Chrome OS-based laptop, and it’s the most affordable i3 laptop for students and school-age kids. These laptops are budget-friendly, operate on a clean system, run relatively fast, and can be used for creating simple websites.
It features the latest Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.1 technology, making it a fast and reliable connection to the Internet.
This device has two USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C ports that support data transfer, Power Delivery 3.0, and DisplayPort 1.4. It also features one USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A port, an audio jack, and a Micro SD card slot.
This is an overview of i3 processor laptops from the most popular brands that can run on high-resolution screens with good processors.
Difference between the i3 generation
The Intel Core processor is leadership in the CPU world. This is because it has a superior architecture, higher clock speeds, and better efficiency than the previous generations.
There are many different generations of core i3 processors. The best of all are the 10th, 11th, and 12th generations.
The great thing is that these processors are affordable and can be bought without a high-end graphics card.
i3 10th generation is good for productivity but also depends on your tasks. It may not be a perfect solution in all situations, but it is good.
Intel introduced their 11 th gen i3 laptop in 2021. This processor is an excellent alternative to the ones used by many mainstream systems because of its high efficiency and decent power consumption. An important aspect is that this processor gives you solid multitasking performance.
The 12th generation of the Intel Core i3 process, more considered, provides faster performances, better visualization, CPU efficiency, and applications.
The 13th generation Raptor Lake is the most powerful and advanced but more expensive.
Frequently Asked Questions
It will depend on the generation of the processor like-
1. 12th Gen Intel Core i3 laptops start at $500.
2. 11th Gen Intel Core i3 Laptops Starting at $300
3. And 10th Gen Intel Core i7 laptops start at $300.
Intel Core i5 and i7 processors provide better performance because they have more cores and threads, but i3 processors are cheaper and still offer good performance for everyday tasks. Intel Core i3 is perfect for daily tasks but not for gaming and other heavy task.
The best features to look for in a laptop with an i3 processor are-
1. laptop with at least 4GB RAM
2. It should have HD, HD+, and FHD screen
3. Minimum 128GB SSD
Final Words
Finally, we rounded up the best laptops with intel core i3 processors.
If you’re still confused about choosing a cheap i3 laptop, consider this
- An affordable laptop with an i3 processor should be small enough to be helpful.
- It should have enough capacity to run all the apps you want without complaining that it’s getting slower and slower.
- The CPUs of these computers should be powerful enough to perform all the tasks you need and run multiple applications at lightning speed.
We’ve seen laptops that can multitask, take great photos, and blow your mind with their performance.
Every laptop has pros and cons, but if you’re looking for an inexpensive i3 notebook that can run for hours at 4K for free, these are the laptops you should consider.
