HP 15s-fq2673TU vs Lenovo IdeaPad 3: Budget Laptops Compared

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Looking for a new laptop but unsure where to start? Today, we put two popular budget-friendly options side by side: the HP 15s-fq2673TU and the Lenovo IdeaPad 3 82KU0100US. Both promise excellent value for money, but which one suits your needs better? Buckle up as we dive deep into the specs, performance, and usability of these two contenders. No stone will be left unturned.

Processor Performance: Intel i3 vs AMD Ryzen 5 - The Brain of the Machine

The heart of any laptop is its processor. Here's how these two stack up:
HP 15s-fq2673TU
  • Powered by the Intel Core i3-1115G4 processor, a dual-core CPU with a base clock speed of 2.4 GHz.
  • Integrated Intel UHD Graphics, capable of handling media consumption and light productivity workflows.
Lenovo IdeaPad 3 82KU0100US
  • Equipped with AMD Ryzen 5 5500U, a 6-core, 12-thread processor, running at speeds up to 4.0 GHz in turbo mode.
  • Comes with AMD Radeon Graphics, significantly better for multitasking and moderate gaming or video editing tasks.
Winner? AMD Ryzen 5 crushes the competition here. Its six cores dramatically outperform Intel’s dual-core i3, making the Lenovo IdeaPad 3 the better choice for power users who frequently multitask or demand more performance.

Memory and Storage: Storage Space is Equal, But What About RAM?

Both laptops come with:
  • Storage: A 512GB SSD with a SATA interface, offering plenty of space and quick load times for apps or files.
  • RAM: 8GB of DDR4 RAM, with a single slot configuration (layout of 1x8GB), ensuring smooth everyday operations.
In memory and storage terms, this matchup is more or less a draw. Each laptop provides adequate performance for tasks like document editing, browsing, light gaming, and video streaming. However, power users may outgrow the single RAM slot and the non-expandable setup.

Display: A Tie in Technical Details, Yet Subtle Differences Abound

Both laptops feature:
  • Screen Size: 15.6 inches of real estate, ample for work or entertainment.
  • Resolution: Full HD (1920 x 1080) with an anti-glare coating for easier outdoor usability.
  • Panel Type: LED, which is energy-efficient but not the richest in color reproduction.
Real-world differences?
While both displays offer similar specs, Lenovo’s Abyss Blue finish is a bit more modern in terms of aesthetic design. However, if you're purely comparing displays as numbers on paper, this one's a stalemate.

Portability: Size and Weight Matter

  • HP 15s-fq2673TU: Sleek with dimensions of 35.8 x 24.2 x 1.8 cm and weighs just 1.69 kg. This makes it a highly portable choice for students or professionals on the go.
  • Lenovo IdeaPad 3 82KU0100US: Larger and heavier at 53.34 x 33.02 x 7.62 cm and 2.31 kg. Portability might be a challenge, especially if you’re lugging it around daily.
If portability tips your buying decision, the HP model is hands-down the better option here.

Connectivity: Tied on Specs, But Who Delivers Better?

Connectivity options on both laptops include:
  • Wireless LAN: 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac for robust Wi-Fi.
  • Bluetooth: v5.0, offering stable, fast device pairing.
  • Ports: Both feature 2 USB 2.0 slots, a USB 3.0 slot, HDMI, headphone, and a microphone jack.
While there’s no standout winner in this category, both provide essential connectivity suitable for most users.

Battery and Power Supply: Longevity Battle

Both laptops run on a 3-cell lithium-ion battery. The HP slightly edges out Lenovo in terms of portability, but battery life performance will largely depend on workload and energy-efficient hardware settings. That said, AMD’s Ryzen chips tend to offer better power efficiency than Intel’s lower-end i3 models.
Need to juice up? Both laptops come with a 41W AC adapter.

Price Comparison: What Are You Paying For?

Sometimes, numbers tell the real story. Here’s the breakdown:
  • HP 15s-fq2673TU: ₹37,900 (estimated retail price as of 2024). An excellent entry-level pick for less demanding users like students or work-from-home professionals.
  • Lenovo IdeaPad 3 82KU0100US: ₹49,999. Higher cost, but justified by a vastly superior AMD Ryzen 5 processor and extra horsepower.

Design & Build Quality: Aesthetic Meets Practicality

  • HP 15s-fq2673TU: Sleek Natural Silver finish with slim bezels gives a modern, classy look. Lightweight and thin make it easier to carry.
  • Lenovo IdeaPad 3 82KU0100US: Chunkier with a slightly dated design. The Abyss Blue finish and overall sturdiness lend added durability at the cost of portability.
Build quality philosophy: Do you prioritize aesthetics or ruggedness? Choose accordingly.

Key Takeaways - Which Should You Pick?

Go for the HP 15s-fq2673TU if:​

  • Portability and lightweight design are top priorities.
  • You’re primarily doing light tasks like Office apps, browsing, and occasional media.
  • Budget is tight but you still want Windows 11 onboard.

Opt for the Lenovo IdeaPad 3 82KU0100US if:​

  • Performance is king. You need a processor that can handle complex multitasking and heavier workloads.
  • Gaming, video editing, or creative projects are part of your routine.
  • You’re okay with spending more upfront for better power under the hood.
Both laptops serve different audiences exceptionally well: the HP for budget-conscious light users and the Lenovo for those who want to push their machine a little harder.

Source: Gadgets Now Compare HP 15s-fq2673TU Laptop Intel Core i3-1115G4/8GB/512GB SSD/Windows 11 vs Lenovo IdeaPad 3 82KU0100US Laptop AMD Ryzen 5 5500U/8GB/512GB SSD/Windows 11 - HP 15s-fq2673TU Laptop Intel Core i3-1115G4/8GB/512GB SSD/Windo