Key attributes of an exceptional laptop include strong performance, a vibrant display, extensive connectivity, a sleek design, and outstanding battery life. The CHIP test center evaluates laptops through rigorous battery life tests, revealing substantial differences in performance. Featured are the top three laptops for battery longevity: Samsung Galaxy Book5 Pro 360 (18:54 hours), HP Elite x360 1040 G11 (17:17 hours), and Asus ZenBook S 16 OLED (17:04 hours), along with detailed reviews of each model’s features and specifications.
What Defines an Exceptional Laptop?
When searching for an outstanding laptop, several key factors come into play. These include robust performance, a vibrant and high-contrast display, ample connectivity options, a sleek and durable design, and, most importantly, impressive battery life. The longer you can use your laptop for browsing, chatting, streaming videos, or working without needing to plug it in, the better your experience will be.
Battery Life Testing Procedures
The CHIP test center consistently evaluates laptops, including rigorous tests to determine battery life under various scenarios. Results can vary significantly; while some laptops may last less than seven hours when streaming Full HD videos, others can exceed 17 hours on a single charge, providing peace of mind for those who work or travel outside.
Top 3 Laptops with Outstanding Battery Life
Here’s a curated selection of the top three laptops boasting exceptional battery longevity, drawn from a pool of 49 tested models:
- 1st Place: Samsung Galaxy Book5 Pro 360 – 18:54 hours
- 2nd Place: HP Elite x360 1040 G11 – 17:17 hours
- 3rd Place: Asus ZenBook S 16 OLED – 17:04 hours
Detailed Reviews of the Top Laptops
1st Place: Samsung Galaxy Book5 Pro 360
The Samsung Galaxy Book5 Pro 360 stands out as a premium convertible laptop housed in an elegant aluminum chassis. Featuring a 16-inch OLED touchscreen with a 120 Hertz refresh rate, it shines even in bright conditions. The battery, rated at 74 watt-hours, allows for nearly 19 hours of Full HD video playback, making it ideal for long working hours. It’s powered by an Intel Core Ultra 5 processor with 16 GB of RAM, ensuring impressive performance while maintaining a quiet operation. Although the SSD is a modest 512 GB, it offers excellent connectivity with multiple USB-C and USB-A ports, HDMI, and a card reader.
2nd Place: HP Elite x360 1040 G11
The HP Elite x360 1040 G11 excels in performance and versatility. With a Meteor Lake H processor and 32 GB of RAM, it delivers strong results across the board. Its 68-watt-hour battery lasts for a commendable 17:17 hours during video playback. While the 14-inch matte IPS touchscreen is solid, it could benefit from increased brightness. The laptop features a one terabyte SSD and boasts an excellent audio experience with powerful speakers. However, the fan can produce high-frequency noise under load.
3rd Place: Asus ZenBook S 16 OLED
The Asus ZenBook S 16 OLED is a well-rounded option that offers remarkable battery life of 17:04 hours while streaming Full HD videos. The bright and high-contrast 16-inch OLED display ensures stunning visuals, with performance metrics indicating strong capabilities, particularly in 3D graphics. This laptop is powered by an AMD Ryzen AI 9 365 processor and includes 24 GB of RAM alongside a one terabyte SSD. While it features an IR webcam, some users may experience recognition issues. Nevertheless, the sound quality from the speakers is impressive, delivering a well-rounded audio experience.
The Laptop Testing Process
At the CHIP test center, we conduct thorough testing on dozens of laptops each year. Our testing involves comprehensive lab assessments to evaluate performance, battery life, display quality, usability, and overall build quality. We balance objective measurements with expert evaluations to provide a well-rounded perspective. Each category is weighted equally to ensure a fair assessment of laptops as daily companions. Our findings also include a price evaluation based on the overall grade and current market prices, helping you identify the best value for your investment.
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