If you work in multiple tabs and use a split-screen feature, and travel a lot, consider getting yourself a 16-inch laptop. And there are plenty of options out there, ranging from ultra-portable thin-and-light computers to high-performing gaming beasts.
Here are a few of our favorite 16-inch laptop models to purchase this year.
Apple MacBook Pro 16-inch (2021)
The 16-inch MacBook Pro is a perfect choice for professional creators. For one, this model is notoriously fast. You can choose between M1 Pro or M1 Max CPU chip options, which offer robust performance whether you do video editing or work in graphic design. In addition, this 16-inch laptop can come with up to 64GB of RAM and 8TB SSD storage for even more power. It has a mini-LED display (3456×2234) that looks incredible and offers an impressive 14-15 hours of battery life. Besides, we think every laptop user will appreciate the comfortability level of the keyboard and trackpad. The only thing we can fault the Apple MacBook Pro 16-inch is a lack of I/O ports.
As we all know, Apple laptops, be it Mac Air or a Pro, are thin and quite portable. Even the 16-inch ones are pretty lightweight and won’t take up to much space in your bag. Apple has designed it so that the laptop remains mobile, despite its larger size.
Why we like it:
- High-performance hardware.
- Great battery life.
HP Spectre X360 16 inch 2-in-1 laptop
If you need a touchscreen laptop that can double as a tablet without compromising the screen size, then the 16-inch HP Spectre x360 is the device to consider.
In terms of specs, the model is customizable, and there are plenty of configurations to choose from. And the 11th Gen Intel Core i7-11390H CPU paired with NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050 graphics is plenty for even the most power-hungry tasks. In addition, the 16-inch display is bright and vivid, with a maximum brightness of 400 nits, and it has a fantastic color gamut. As for the battery, it can last for up to eight hours, an entire work shift.
This 16-inch laptop has dual Thunderbolt 4 ports and one USB-A, which is incredible. Both the keyboard and trackpad are tactile and comfortable to use.
Why we like it:
- Convertible touchscreen feature.
- Good hardware components.
Dell Inspiron 16-inch Plus Laptop
The Dell Inspiron 16-inch Plus is a laptop that delivers solid performance without you breaking the bank. It also comes with an 11th Gen Intel Core i7-11800H processor, RTX 3050 GPU, 16GB RAM, and 512GB SSD. The 16-inch display is a 3K (3072 x 1920) 300-nits, with beautiful colors and contrast. The laptop can run for about eight hours on a single charge, and at $820, it is pretty affordable for everything it can offer.
However, if we had to point out a flaw, it would be the design. Specifically, Dell made some compromises in order to bring the price down. The laptop chassis is made of aluminum, which is fine, but it just cannot compete with the sleeker, lighter, and more durable MacBook Pro 16-inch or even the Spectre x360. It also could use an extra Thunderbolt 4 port. Apart from that, this 16-inch laptop is decent and one of the cheaper options available.
Why we like it:
- Affordable.
- Dedicated RTX graphics.
LG Gram 16
LG decided to fix the lack of portability of their Gram 17 line with the smaller 16-inch version. Gram 16 is a great thin and light notebook that features everything you need in an ultrabook. This model is again powered by the 11th Gen Intel CPUs with Intel Xe graphics. The RAM option is limited to 16GB onboard. Users also get a single 1TB NVMe SSD storage option. But the 16-inch WQXGA (2560 x 1600) display is a real treat. It offers vibrant and crisp colors and strong contrast. The battery life is also outstanding–users report getting solid 14-15 hours.
Being a 16-inch laptop, the LG Gram 16 is surprisingly lightweight at only 2.62 pounds. We also like its keyboard and trackpad, and the port selection is excellent (including Thunderbolt 4 slots and two USB-A ports).
Why we like it:
- Outstanding display image.
- Long-lasting battery.
- Lightweight.
Final Words
A 16-inch laptop usually comes with powerful high-end hardware bridging the gap between handheld devices and desktops. As a result, those larger laptops are best suited for creative professionals, gamers, and as a tower replacement. Moreover, 16-inch notebooks remain portable due to their sleek design that does not jeopardize battery life. Lastly, they don’t depreciate as quickly as some other smaller models, meaning you should be able to sell your laptop for cash once you are done with it.
