Quality laptops are defined by performance, display brightness, connectivity, design durability, and battery life. CHIP’s testing reveals significant battery performance variations, with some laptops lasting over 17 hours. The top three models include the Samsung Galaxy Book5 Pro 360, HP Elite x360 1040 G11, and Asus ZenBook S 16 OLED, each offering impressive battery longevity and features. CHIP evaluates laptops based on performance, usability, and build quality, providing insights for informed purchasing decisions.
What Defines a Quality Laptop?
When searching for an exceptional laptop, several key features come into play. Users often prioritize performance, a bright and high-contrast display, ample connectivity options, a sleek and durable design, and, most importantly, impressive battery life. The longer you can engage in activities like browsing, chatting, watching videos, or working without needing to plug in, the better your experience will be.
Battery Life Testing at CHIP
The CHIP test center conducts thorough evaluations of laptops, focusing on battery performance across three distinct scenarios. The results can vary significantly; some laptops may only last about seven hours while streaming Full HD videos, whereas others can endure for over 17 hours on a single charge, allowing you to confidently spend your day outdoors without worrying about battery life.
Top 3 Laptops with Exceptional Battery Life
Here’s a curated list of the top three laptops from a selection of 47 tested models, recognized for their outstanding battery performance:
- 1st Place: Samsung Galaxy Book5 Pro 360
Battery Life: 18:54 hours
Price: €2,256 - 2nd Place: HP Elite x360 1040 G11
Battery Life: 17:17 hours
Price: €2,499 - 3rd Place: Asus ZenBook S 16 OLED
Battery Life: 17:04 hours
Price: €1,735
In-Depth Look at Each Laptop
1st Place: Samsung Galaxy Book5 Pro 360
The Samsung Galaxy Book5 Pro 360 stands out as a premium convertible laptop housed in a stylish aluminum chassis. With a 16-inch OLED touchscreen that offers a 120 Hertz refresh rate, this laptop is incredibly bright and can be used comfortably even in sunlit environments. The vivid color reproduction enhances your multimedia experience, making it an excellent choice for video watching. It boasts remarkable battery longevity, lasting nearly 19 hours while streaming Full HD content. Powered by an Intel Core Ultra 5 processor and 16 GB of RAM, it delivers solid performance, and its connectivity options include USB-C and USB-A ports, HDMI, and a card reader. The device is also equipped with an efficient cooling system that keeps noise levels low.
2nd Place: HP Elite x360 1040 G11
Next up is the HP Elite x360 1040 G11, which impresses with its performance and features. This convertible laptop is powered by a Meteor Lake H processor and comes with 32 GB of RAM, ensuring a smooth computing experience. The fast SSD offers a substantial one terabyte of storage. Its 14-inch matte IPS touchscreen is satisfactory but could benefit from increased brightness. With a battery life of over 17 hours for video playback, it meets the demands of most users. The laptop also includes an IR webcam for secure login, although it may occasionally experience connectivity issues. The audio quality is noteworthy, providing rich sound through its robust speakers.
3rd Place: Asus ZenBook S 16 OLED
Finally, the Asus ZenBook S 16 OLED is an affordable option that doesn’t compromise on performance. Its 16-inch OLED display is exceptionally bright and has excellent color accuracy. It impressively runs for 17:04 hours when watching Full HD videos, making it a reliable choice for users on the go. Equipped with an AMD Ryzen AI 9 365 and 24 GB of RAM, this laptop handles demanding tasks with ease. The one-terabyte SSD ensures ample storage space, while the IR webcam’s performance may vary. The keyboard is comfortable to use, and the speakers deliver balanced sound quality.
How Laptops are Tested at CHIP
At the CHIP test center, a meticulous evaluation process is undertaken for numerous laptops annually. Each notebook undergoes extensive laboratory testing to determine its overall rating. Key factors such as performance, battery longevity, display quality, usability, and build quality are all assessed. Our team of engineers also provides expert insights to complement the objective measurements. Each category carries equal weight in the final assessment, ensuring a comprehensive evaluation of each laptop as a daily companion. Our price analysis helps you identify which devices deliver the best value for your money.
Explore More Laptop Insights
For those looking for additional information, there are plenty of resources available to help you choose the perfect laptop that meets your needs. Stay informed about the latest trends and reviews in the laptop market.