9 Best 4K Laptops in 2023 [The Ultimate Guide]

You can easily buy a laptop and get it delivered to your home. But, a few minutes into using it, you find that the device is not up to your standards. This may lead to a complete waste of your hard-earned money. Why not choose the product that you think is worth every penny? It’s simple and easy to use but you need to make sure you have the right information in your hand.

If you are a YouTuber, video editor, graphic designer, or just love watching videos and movies in all of their cinematic glory, then 4k laptops will be worth your while. 

Now, these laptops are amazing, but they certainly are not budget-friendly. (If you haven’t already, take a look at the chart above and you’ll see what we mean.) Of course, you can expect great quality across the board at these price ranges, which is why we wrote up this list for you: to help you navigate through the dozens of 4K laptops available. Hopefully, our list of the best 4K laptop will help with the decision-making process. Enjoy!

Best 4K Laptops

1. ASUS ZenBook Pro Duo

• Display: 15.6” 4K
• CPU: Intel Core i7-10750H
• GPU: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2060
• RAM: 16 GB
• Storage: 1TB SSD

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We chose to begin our reviews with the amazing ASUS 15-inch Zenbook. Among other things, the Zenbook offers excellent image quality (no doubt the product of its RTX 2060 NVIDIA graphics card). Specifically, it features an UHD with 4096×2160 resolution, broadview and NanoEdge display. The colors are vibrant and the brightness level is between 330 to 335 nits, so you can use this laptop outdoors without having to worry about reduced lighting. 

Multitasking with the ASUS Zenbook is a breeze — it offers outstanding, lag-free performance. Its 10th Gen i7-10750H will allow you to browse the Internet, download data at fast rates, edit videos in Adobe Pro, and engage in high-end gaming. Also, this laptop can work hard without heating up as fast as other laptops, but it can still overheat, so keep this in mind.

The Zenbook’s most exceptional feature is the integration of a screen pad in the keyboard area that allows you to work and watch videos or football simultaneously. Here’s how it works: the app switcher function will display the football game in the screen pad (touch) while you continue with work. Isn’t that neat? (We definitely think so.)

You can also chat through the screen pad and make calculations without switching to multiple tabs or applications. If you work on art-related tasks or video/image editing, you might find it handy to place the image you’re working on in the screen pad; that way, you can easily refer to it.  

The Zenbook’s keyboard is backlit and features high lighting. It offers improved tactile response and increased key travel, which makes typing easy on the hands. The ASUS ZenBook Pro Duo UX581 would be a great companion to almost anyone; however, we recommend it to graphic designers, 3D modeling artists, and video editors. 

2. HP Envy 13

• Display: 13.3” 4K
• CPU: Intel Core i7-1065G7
• GPU: Intel Iris Plus Graphics
• RAM: 8 GB
• Storage: 512GB SSD

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With the Envy 13, HP has revitalized its high-end laptop series. The Envy 13 boasts a new, sleek design that gives it a lightweight and premium look; it offers advanced privacy features, fast processing speeds, and a bunch of other stuff we will get to below.

The HP Envy laptop is ultra-portable and features several ports including a USB 3.1 Gen 1 Type-C (with 5 Gb/s signaling rate for quick data transfer), power delivery 3.0, a Display Port 1.2 for quality video displays, a USB Type-A for HP Sleep, and Charge, a USB 3.1 Gen Type-A (for data transfer only), an AC smart pin, a headphone/microphone combo slot, and microSD media card reader port. Man, that’s a lot of ports. 

The Envy 13 has 8GB DDR4 RAM (is relatively less than other laptops on the market) and 512 SSD GB flashback memory with 3.9 GHz memory processing speed. This laptop also features a powerful 10th Gen Intel Core i7 processor with a 1.3 gigahertz base frequency and turbo boost technology, 8MB cache, and 8 Threads.  

This laptop’s 13.3-inch touch screen provides sharp image quality and is covered with edge-to-edge glass. Also, the screen features an integrated webcam with excellent video quality and integrated Intel Iris Plus Graphics that provide great image quality for Internet use, photo and video editing, and casual gaming. 

The HP Envy 13 features a full-size backlit keyboard with large keys and integrated privacy buttons that allow you to control the camera, mic, and speakers. It has a power button and integrated fingerprint reader for protection, privacy, and quick access. Also, its large trackpad is smooth and provides excellent precision and accurate pointer movements. 

Wireless connections on this laptop include Wi-Fi 6 A201 and Bluetooth 5. Both deliver excellent making it unlikely that you will experience troubles associated with wireless connections. This along with the laptop’s battery life (11.5 hours of battery) will allow you to work, play, or whatever, for hours on end. 

Overall, with its sophisticated technology and features, the Envy 13 offers great value at a competitive price. 

3. Lenovo IdeaPad 5 Flex

• Display: 15.6” 4K
• CPU: Intel Core i7-1065G7
• GPU: NVIDIA GeForce MX330
• RAM: 16 GB
• Storage: 1TB SSD

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If you’re looking for a highly usable, top-quality laptop with advanced graphics for video editing work or gaming, the Lenovo IdeaPad Flex 5 might be what you need. 

The Lenovo Flex 5 is a convertible (2 in 1) laptop. Like other convertible laptops, it allows you to work in various modes, including tent-like mode (for watching videos) or tablet (for sketch, drawing, etc.). It is made of durable plastic and comes in a graphite grey color that gives it a premium look. 

Its 15.6-inch 4K resolution touchscreen provides amazing HD images and videos, which will make watching movies and videos (or looking at pictures) more enjoyable. Also, the Flex 5’s touchscreen is responsive; its penpoint sensitivity allows for precise movements. Speaking of penpoint, when you are not using the pen, you will be able to store it in its holder, which is located on the laptop’s sides. 

Its keyboard is backlit and provides excellent tactile feedback that allows continuous, comfortable typing. Two speakers are present on either side of the keyboard; they produce loud and clear sound, and will definitely enhance your viewing and listening experience. 

The Lenovo IdeaPad features a 10th Gen Intel Core i7 Processor, 1.3 GHz base frequency (up to 3.9 GHz with Intel Turbo Boost Technology), 16GB DDR RAM, 8MB cache, and 8 Threads. In other words, Internet browsing, multitasking, and other activities will be a breeze.

In terms of ports, the IdeaPad has a fast-charging DC charging port, USB Type-A and Type-C ports, an SSD card reader, and a headphone jack. Also, it has a fingerprint read that provides security and quick access. 

One thing we don’t like about this laptop is its battery life which is about 6 to 7 hours max. A laptop in this price range should offer way more in terms of battery life, especially if you are supposed to use it for certain tasks (e.g. video editing). This aside, the Lenovo IdeaPad Flex 5 makes for a solid choice.

4. Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Extreme 3rd Gen

• Display: 15.6” 4K
• CPU: Intel Core i7-10750H
• GPU: NVIDIA GeForce GTX1650 Ti
• RAM: 32 GB
• Storage: 1TB SSD

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The ThinkPad X1 Gen 3 is an advanced version of the ThinkPad X1 Gen 2. It has updated features that offer top-notch performance. 

Compared to Gen 2, the Gen 3 ThinkPad X1 has better port selection. It has two USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A ports, two USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C ports and Intel Thunderbolt 3 display ports, a headphone/mic jack, and a 4 in 1 SD card reader port. As for connectivity, the Gen 3 features Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5. 

The Gen 3 has a storage capacity of 32GB DDR4 3200 MHz, 10th Gen Intel Core i7-10750H Processor (2.6GHz, up to 5 GHz with Turbo Boost), 6 Cores, 12 Threads, and 12 MB Cache. With this baby, you will be able to multitask without experiencing lagging. 

Externally, the ThinkPad Gen 3 features an attractive carbon-black body that endows with it an iconic look. Its 15.6-inch screen is loaded with 4K UHD (3840×2160) IPS, anti-glare, HDR 400 with Dolby Vision, 600 nits, and good contrast, so, if you are a designer, this might be the laptop for you.

The Gen 3 ThinkPad has a backlit keyboard with tactile and clicky keys for comfortable typing, a large touchpad which is less responsive than expected, and good-sounding speakers. It also has a Camera Hybrid Infrared (IR) with 720p HD for clear and smooth video calling, and a Think Shutter for privacy and protection. 

A significant flaw in the ThinkPad Gen 3’s working capacity is its low battery life which is only a few hours. Nevertheless, this laptop is great for high-end gaming and running powerful graphic design and 3D modeling software. 

5. Dell XPS 15 9500

• Display: 15.6” 4K
• CPU: Intel Core i7-10750H
• GPU: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650 Ti
• RAM: 32 GB
• Storage: 1TB SSD

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If you are looking for a laptop with a compact, lightweight design, and good processing speed, then say hello to the Dell XPS.

Right off the bat, you will notice that the XPS has a metallic casing; this means durability, which means that you can expect to have this laptop for some years. Its screen offers  3840×2160 pixels high-res picture and IPS display, ideal for folks who do graphic designing, video or photo editing, or 2D/3D modeling. 

The XPS comes with relatively higher than other compact computers, i.e., 32GB memory and 1TB flashback SSD memory. It also features a 10th Gen Intel Core i7-10750H (12MB Cache, 6 Core, up to 5.0 GHz), and Windows 10 Home, so, no matter what you are doing, you can be sure that this laptop has your back.  

The port rundown is as follows: an SD card slot, a headphone jack, two USB 3.1 and 2.0 that transmit data 10 times faster than your standard dock. Also, as far as sound, the XPS offers enhanced deep bass, making your viewing and gaming experiences all the more awesome. 

Like most laptops, the XPS has a snazzy backlit keyboard and provides a tactile response for easy typing. The trackpad is slightly larger than most and is clicky and responsive.  

Finally, we arrive at battery life considerations. You will be pleasantly surprised to know that the XPS has an incredibly long battery life: up to 10 hours a Full HD mode (when using apps like Word or Excel) and up to 8 hours when streaming Netflix.

6. Dell Inspiron 13

• Display: 13.3” 4K
• CPU: Intel Core i7-10510U
• GPU: Intel UHD Graphic
• RAM: 16 GB
• Storage: 512GB SSD

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The Dell Inspiron 13 is a high-performance 2-in-1 laptop. It is thin, has a superb metallic body, and comes in a charcoal-black color. Also, as the name suggests, it has a (responsive) touchscreen that can be positioned in four different modes.

Starting with the display, you have a 13.3-inch screen with excellent 3840×2160 native resolution. It provides sharp details and vibrant colors, which will undoubtedly enhance your photo editing, 3D modeling, gaming, and overall entertainment experience. 

Inside, the Inspiron 13 has 16GB of memory for intense multitasking and gaming. Its Intel UHD Graphics (with shared video memory) provides excellent image quality for all the stuff we mentioned above. Also, this laptop has a 10th Gen Intel Corei7-10510U mobile processor, Quad-core, and eight-way processing that provides maximum efficiency. 

As far as ports go, we have a headphone jack, microSD card reader, a traditional USB Type-A port, an HDMI port, a charging port, and a Thunderbolt USB Type-C port.

The keyboard is backlit, and its keys are soft and clicky so that you can type for hours without hurting your fingers and there is a fingerprint scanner integrated into the keyboard for privacy and quick log-in. The touchpad is pretty much average, which is not a bad thing. 

A few other things of note are: two decent, loud and clear speakers at the bottom of the laptop, and a quiet cooling fan at the backside. The latter is rather nice as some laptops have fans that do the job well but can be quite noisy. With this one, you can work for hours, play casual or high-end games, etc. and have the laptop stay cool without a lot of noise.

One thing we did not like is the battery life. With all the stuff you can do with this laptop, it’s a shame that the max battery life is between four to five hours. If you don’t mind carrying around the charger, it might not be a big deal but, still, the battery life for a laptop of this caliber should be somewhat better. Be that as it may, the Dell Inspiron 13 2-in-1 is a well-built machine that will serve you well in all of your endeavors.

7. HP Spectre x360

• Display: 15.6” 4K
• CPU: Intel Core i7-10510U
• GPU: NVIDIA GeForce MX250
• RAM: 16 GB
• Storage: 512GB SSD

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The latest HP Spectre x360 is a flip and fold, shiny premium laptop. Its 15.6-inch HD NTSC touchscreen display (with 3840×2160 resolution) features a diagonal design and edge-to-edge Corning gorilla glass. The brilliant design and highly sensitive touchscreen and convertible feature is one the HP Specter’s best features.

The HP Spectre provides various ports, including two USB 3.1 Gen 2 Type-C with Thunderbolt 3, one USB 3.1 Gen 1 Type-A, one AC smart pin, one HDMI 2.0b, and a headphone/microphone combo. Also, for connectivity, you have Bluetooth 5 and Wi-Fi 6.

Inside we find a 10th Gen Intel Core i7-10510U (1.8 GHz base frequency, up to 4.9 GHz base with Intel Turbo Boost Technology) 8MB cache, and four cores, all of which serve to deliver extraordinary performance. Then there’s the high storage capacity: 16GB SD-RAM memory for multitasking with 512 GB PCIe NVMe M.2 SSD + 32GB Intel Optane that allows you to store more data as internal storage. With massive amounts of storage and advanced communication, this laptop will be great for major gaming applications, multiple servers, daily backups, and more.

The Spectre 4k has an exceptional backlit keyboard with advanced privacy features that protect your data as you type (as does the fingerprint scanner for the laptop as a whole). Also, its responsive and smooth touchpad allows for precise and accurate cursor movements on the screen. Beneath the keyboard, you will find two powerful speakers that produce great sound. 

Overall, it is the best-featured laptop with a sleek appearance that HP has introduced. 

8. MSI Creator 15

• Display: 15.6” 4K
• CPU: Intel Core i7-10875H
• GPU: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2070 Super
• RAM: 32 GB
• Storage: 1TB SSD

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The MSI Creator 15 seems like an all-round laptop, so we decided to review it. Generally speaking, the Creator 15 is designed for content creation, office work, and so forth.

The MSI Creator has a 15.6-inch HD touchscreen display with short bezels which means you get more screen area. Also, it has a responsive backlit keyboard with excellent key travel or tactile. Its touchpad is similarly responsive and, unlike other laptops, features a fingerprint scanner located at the top left corner. 

The Creator 15 professional comes with a 2.3 GHz Core i7 processor with enhanced speed. It also has 32GB RAM with 2666 MHz speed. In terms of ports, it has a USB Type-C charging port, a USB Type-A port, a combined audio jack, a gigabit Internet connection, and a micro SD card reader. Also, it has exceptional battery timings of around 10 hours, so you will be able to use it throughout the day without having to worry about reaching for the charger.  

One thing that we did not like is the noisy fans, of which the MSI has three. The fans provide 15% more increased airflow, which is always good for a laptop — it helps keep things nice and cool (overheating is the enemy!). 

9. Dell XPS 13

• Display: 13.3” 4K
• CPU: Intel Core i7-1185G7
• GPU: Intel Iris Xe Graphics
• RAM: 32 GB
• Storage: 2TB SSD

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Compared to the previous model, the Dell XPS 13 Premium laptop features a cutting-edge, integrated Intel 11th Gen processor that provides speeds fast enough for various tasks, including high-end gaming and photo or video editing. 

This XPS 13 is lightweight, thus portable, and comes in three colors: arctic white, rose gold, and platinum. 

Moving to its processing specs, the laptop comes with an Intel Core i7-1185G7 processing unit and 32GB RAM with up to 2 TB SSD PCI EXPRESS NVMe additional memory. With all of this space, you will be able to store media, browse the Internet, and multitask without experiencing delays or lag. 

To complement the interior, the XPS 13 features an amazing display. It has a 4K display with an increased contrast ratio and brightness rating of up to 400 nits, allowing you to use the laptop outdoors. Its 100% sRGB spectrum provides vibrant colors, while its anti-glare coat provides a nice glossy look. 

Now, let’s take a look at the ports (you guys know we love ports). Starting on the left, there are two USB Type-C ports and a locking port that supports Thunderbolt 3. On the right side, there is a USB Type-C port that supports display or video port/output, a microSD card port, and a headphone/mic combo slot. 

You might be wondering, “where are the USB Type-A ports” right? Well, the truth is that there is a tech trend of adapting USB Type-C ports for most data transferring. Thus, you can expect to find USB Type-A ports on fewer laptops as time goes by. In any case, the Type-C ports serve the same function and actually perform better than Type-A ports. 

Finally, we should note that there are Bluetooth 5.0 and Wi-Fi 6 wireless connections.

Final words

And so we bring this review to a close. We hope that at least one of the laptops caught your eye and that you are giving it some consideration. If not, we recommend the HP Spectre and Dell XPS for your consideration. They are both high-performance, durable laptops that feature upgraded and stable graphics that you can use for work, play, or to enjoy some downtime with a nice snack on your lap. The choice is up to you! Good luck and thanks for reading!