Choosing the right laptop for your PhD studies is essential to your overall success. You need a device that is powerful, reliable, comfortable to use, and capable of handling the most demanding tasks. Keeping all of this in mind, we have gathered the 10 best laptops for PhD students in 2023.
From high-end processors and outstanding graphics to great battery life and luxurious displays, these laptops will enable you to power through long research papers, study for exams, and take part in online lectures with maximum efficiency.
Dell XPS 15 Laptop
The Dell XPS 15 is a high-performance laptop designed for a wide range of performance needs. With a powerful Intel Core processor, NVIDIA GTX 950M graphics, and a stunning 4K Ultra HD display, it delivers the power you need for gaming, streaming, working, and more. The XPS 15 also has plenty of ports, an excellent audio system, and long battery life.
The Dell XPS 15 is the perfect laptop for staying productive on the go. It’s lightweight yet powerful enough to handle just about anything you throw at it. From gaming and streaming to multitasking, the XPS 15 does it all. Its 4K Ultra HD display is sharp and vivid, so everything looks great. On the inside, the XPS 15 packs a powerful Intel Core processor and NVIDIA GTX 950M graphics card to handle all of your work and play needs.
- New: $999.99
- Second: $799.99
Specification
| Name | Details |
|---|---|
| Operating System | Windows 10 Home 64-Bit |
| Processor | 10th Generation Intel Core i7-10750H (6-Core, 12MB Cache, up to 5.0GHz w/ Turbo Boost) |
| RAM | 16GB DDR4 2933MHz |
| Storage | 256GB PCIe NVMe M.2 SSD |
| Graphics | NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650 Ti 4GB GDDR6 |
| Display | 15.6″ UHD+ (3840 x 2400) InfinityEdge Anti-Reflective 500-Nit Display |
| USB Ports | 2x USB 3.2 Gen 1, 1x USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C, Thunderbolt 3 (with Power Delivery, DisplayPort, and USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C) |
| Battery | 97WHr |
Apple MacBook Pro 16
The Apple MacBook Pro 16 is a powerful and stylish laptop designed for professional users and those who want a dependable laptop for everyday use. It runs on the latest version of Apple’s macOS operating system and packs a formidable punch when it comes to performance. It has a beautiful 16-inch Retina display with a resolution of 3072 x 1920 for stunning visuals, giving you the best of both worlds: high resolution and a large display. With up to 8 cores of processing power and 64GB of RAM, it will easily be able to handle intensive tasks like video editing and rendering.
The MacBook Pro 16 also has a state-of-the-art touch bar, making it easier to quickly access the features you need. This convenient feature ensures you won’t waste time fumbling for the right button. It is also equipped with a speedy four-lane PCIe-based solid-state drive, a perfect storage solution for multitaskers.The MacBook Pro 16 also has four USB-C ports, allowing you to connect it to most devices. The ports support Thunderbolt 3 technology, which can transfer data at speeds up to 40Gbps, as well as USB 4 and DisplayPort.
- New: $2,499.00
- Second: $2,099.00
Specification
| Name | Details |
|---|---|
| Model Name | Apple MacBook Pro 16 |
| Screen Size | 16-inch |
| Processor | 9th-generation Intel Core i7 with 6 cores |
| Operating System | macOS |
| Memory | Up to 64GB of memory |
| Storage | Up to 8TB of storage |
| Graphics Processor | AMD Radeon Pro 5300M with 4GB of GDDR6 memory and Automatic Graphics Switching |
| Battery Life | Up to 11 hours of battery life |
| Weight | 4.3 pounds (2.0kg) |
Lenovo Thinkpad X1 Carbon
The Lenovo Thinkpad X1 Carbon is a laptop computer that provides an ultrathin and lightweight design. It features a 14-inch full HD display and has all the power and performance of a professional-grade laptop. It’s powered by an Intel 8th Gen processor and features up to 16GB of RAM and up to 1TB of SSD storage. The laptop also has a long battery life, making it ideal for long days spent at the office or on the go.
The Lenovo Thinkpad X1 Carbon also features a range of ports and connections, so you can easily connect to external displays, peripherals, and more. The laptop also features dual speakers with Dolby Audio Premium, offering amazing sound quality. The backlit keyboard provides added convenience when working in the dark. The fingerprint reader adds an extra layer of security, so you can keep your data safe and secure. Overall, the Lenovo Thinkpad X1 Carbon is a lightweight and powerful laptop that’s perfect for professional use.
- New: USD1,400.00
- Second: USD900.00
Specification
| Name | Details |
|---|---|
| Display | 14″ FHD IPS, Anti-Glare, 300 nits |
| Processor | Up to 10th Gen Intel® Core™ vPro® processors |
| Graphics | Intel® UHD 620 Graphics |
| Memory | Up to 16 GB DDR 4 RAM |
| OS | Windows 10 Home/ Pro/ Enterprise |
| Storage | Up to 1TB PCIe SSD |
| Weight | Starting from 1.21 kgs |
Microsoft Surface Book 3
Microsoft Surface Book 3 is the latest laptop from Microsoft that combines portability, performance, and quality in one device. It’s packed with powerful Intel Core processors, plenty of storage, and immersive visuals. For all your work needs, it’s the perfect choice for the job.
The Surface Book 3 also comes with a range of premium features including an all-day battery life, an advanced cooling system, and a beautiful 13.5-inch PixelSense touchscreen display. With its slim design and magnesium alloy construction, it’s the perfect companion for on-the-go activities such as travelling and business meetings. It also has an optional NVIDIA® GeForce® GPU that lets you take your work to the next level.
To enhance your work experience even further, the Surface Book 3 offers a range of accessories including a fantastic new TypeCover keyboard with backlit keys, the comfortable Microsoft Surface Pen for precise writing and drawing, and the powerful Surface Dock 2 for connecting multiple displays. With its all-in-one design, the Microsoft Surface Book 3 is the perfect tool for any type of user.
- New: $2,499 USD
- Second: $1,799 USD
Specification
| Name | Details |
|---|---|
| Brand & Model | Microsoft Surface Book 3 |
| Display | 13.5 or 15 inch Pixel Sense display |
| Graphics | Intel® UHD Graphics or NVIDIA® GeForce® GTX 1650 4GB with Max-Q Design |
| CPU | 10th Gen Intel® Core™ processor |
| Storage | Up to 1TB |
| Memory | Up to 32GB RAM |
Asus ZenBook 14
Asus ZenBook 14 is a series of ultrabooks released by the Chinese manufacturer ASUS. It is designed to provide excellent portability and power, without sacrificing performance. The ZenBook 14 is equipped with 8th generation Intel Core processors and comes with 16GB of RAM. It also features a 14-inch FHD display with an anti-glare finish, providing an incredibly immersive viewing experience. The laptop has ports for connecting peripherals like printers and external displays, making it perfect for working on-the-go. It also comes with a full-size backlit keyboard for easy typing in dimly lit environments. Additionally, the ASUS ZenBook 14 is incredibly durable and light, making it extremely portable.
For enhanced productivity, the ASUS ZenBook 14 is equipped with a long-lasting battery, capable of providing up to 15 hours of battery life on a single charge. It also features fast charging technology, allowing you to quickly top up your laptop at any time. Furthermore, it is equipped with ASUS’ smart gesture technology, offering a more intuitive user experience. The ASUS ZenBook 14 is available in various configurations, with different types of storage and RAM. It is also equipped with Wi-Fi and Bluetooth Connectivity, making it easy to stay connected at all times.
- New: $799.99
- Second: $649.99
Specification
| Name | Details |
|---|---|
| CPU | Intel Core i7-1165G7 processor |
| Graphics | Intel Iris Xe Graphics |
| Display | 14-inch Full HD (1920 x 1080) |
| Memory | 16 GB LPDDR4X |
| Storage | up to 1TB PCIe 3.0 M.2 SSD |
| Camera | 720p HD Camera |
| Audio | Harman Kardon speaker system |
| Weight | 1.13kg |
HP Spectre x360
The HP Spectre x360 is a 13-inch ultraportable laptop from HP that has become a top choice for many power users. It combines a powerful Intel processor with a beautiful design that is both lightweight and stylish, making it an ideal device for anyone seeking a high-performance, yet still lightweight laptop.
HP’s premium laptop is packed with features, most notably its impressive 13-inch display with a crisp Quad HD resolution. The Spectre X360 also has a fast Intel Core i7 processor which can handle most tasks with ease. Additionally, it has an ample 8GB of DDR3 RAM, along with 512GB of SSD storage for quick data retrieval speeds. The unique 360-degree hinge makes it easier for the laptop to be used as a multimedia tablet, and its thin and light design maximizes its portability.
- New: $2,000
- Second: $1,400
Specification
| Name | Details |
|---|---|
| Processor | Intel Core i7-8550U (1.8-4.0GHz, 8MB Cache, 4 Cores) |
| Display | 13.3-inch diagonal 4K Ultra HD (3840 x 2160) LED-backlit multitouch-enabled edge-to-edge glass |
| Memory | 16GB DDR4-2400 SDRAM |
| Storage | 512GB PCIe NVMeM.2 SSD |
| Graphics | Iris Plus Graphics 640 |
| Battery | 4-cell, 76.2 WHr |
DELL INSPIRON 15 7000
For those on the hunt for a perfect balance between performance and affordability in their laptop, they won’t go wrong with the Dell Inspiron 15 7000. It’s a powerful laptop that meets all of your computing needs.
The Dell Inspiron 15 7000 features an Intel 8th Generation Core i7-8550U processor for powerful performance and with up to 16GB RAM and 1 TB HDD, you can be sure all your tasks can be handled without issue. Graphics are handled by an NVIDIA GeForce MX130 dedicated graphics card, making it suitable for intense video editing and gaming. It has a 15.6″ Full HD display with wide-angle viewing, making it great for working on multiple tasks while still getting a crystal clear view.
The Dell Inspiron 15 7000 also has a slim and sleek design which packs in a host of ports and slots, including dual USB 3.0, HDMI, Ethernet, and an SD Card slot. It also has a backlit keyboard making it suitable for work in dimly lit places. The laptop is also lightweight, making it highly portable and easy to carry around.
All these features add up to a powerful laptop that can handle any computing task you throw at it, at an affordable price. So, if you’re looking for an ideal laptop for everyday use, then the Dell Inspiron 15 7000 is definitely worth considering.
- New: $899.99
- Second: $699.99
Specification
| Name | Details |
|---|---|
| Processor | 10th Generation Intel Core i7-1065G7 Processor (8MB Cache, up to 3.9 GHz) |
| Memory | 8GB DDR4, 2666MHz |
| Storage | 512GB M.2 PCIe NVMe Solid State Drive |
| Display | 15.6-inch FHD (1920 x 1080) Anti-glare LED Backlight Non-touch Narrow Border WVA Display |
| Graphics | Integrated Intel Iris Plus Graphics |
| Operating System | Windows 10 Home 64-bit |
Acer Predator Helios 300
The Acer Predator Helios 300 is a powerful gaming laptop that is designed to play higher demanding games. Powered by Intel Core i7 processor and NVIDIA GTX 1060 GPU, this laptop provides a blistering performance to fulfill your gaming needs.
The laptop is equipped with 15.6-inch full HD LED-backlit display which produces stunning colour accuracy and sharp visuals. This laptop also houses up to 16GB of DDR4 RAM and a 1TB combined HDD and SSD combo for smooth multitasking and storage. All this can be cooled with Dual AeroBlade™ 3D Fan technology that keeps your laptop running at optimum levels. It also boasts Dolby Audio™ which gives you an immersive audio experience while gaming.
The Predator Helios 300 comes with a 4-cell Li-ion battery with an impressive battery life, and the additional features like backlit keyboard, HD webcam and integrated microphone complete a very powerful and stylish gaming laptop.
- New: $999.99
- Second: $799.99
Specification
| Name | Details |
|---|---|
| Operating System | Windows 10 Home |
| Processor | 9th Gen Intel® Core™ i7-9750H 6-Core Processor up to 4.5GHz |
| Graphics | NVIDIA® GeForce RTX™ 2060 |
| Memory | 16GB DDR4 2666MHz |
| Display | 15.6″ Full HD (1920 x 1080) Widescreen LED-backlit IPS Display |
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi 6 AX200 802.11ax Dual-Band 2.4GHz and 5GHz featuring 2×2 MU-MIMO technology, Bluetooth® 5.0 |
| Storage | 256GB PCIe NVMe SSD |
MSI GL65 Leopard
The MSI GL65 Leopard is a gaming laptop that is designed to give you a wave of powerful performance. It has an impressively engineered design that enables it to provide amazing performance in all scenarios. It has a 15.6-inch display that brings high-quality visuals and the latest technologies to your gaming experience. It comes with a 9th Gen Intel Core Processor, giving it a boost in its computing power. Combined with the NVIDIA GeForce RTX graphic card, you get realistic graphics and smooth gaming experience.
The MSI GL65 Leopard is designed with a sturdy construction that stands up to vigorous use. It is packed with some great gaming-specific features that ensures that you get the best gaming experience. It has a full-size RGB backlit keyboard with Anti-Ghosting feature for a faster response and better accuracy as you type. It also has a large battery that gives you up to 8 hours of uninterrupted gaming or work. Other features include hi-res audio, Nahimic 3 sound technology, Thunderbolt 3 ports and more.
- New: $1,499.99
- Second: $999.99
Specification
| Name | Details |
|---|---|
| Processor | 9th Gen Intel® Core™ i7-9750H |
| Graphics | NVIDIA® GeForce RTX™ 2060 |
| Memory | 16 GB DDR4 |
| Storage | 512 GB NVMe SSD |
| Display | 15.6-inch FHD (1920 x 1080) |
| Battery | 4-cell (51Wh) |
| Keyboard | Per-Key RGB Backlit Keyboard |
| Weight | 2.3 KGs |
Razer Blade 15
The Razer Blade 15 is one of the most popular gaming laptops among gamers. It packs powerful components into a sleek and slim body for maximum portability. The laptop’s fast refresh rate, thin bezels, and high-end mobile components create an unparalleled gaming experience.
The Razer Blade 15 comes with an 8th generation Intel Core i7-8750H processor, 8GB of RAM, and a 256GB SSD. These components ensure excellent performance while running the latest gaming and productivity software. The 15.6-inch IPS display supports a 144 Hz refresh rate for smooth and realistic visuals on games. The laptop also has a Nvidia GeForce GTX 1060 with 6GB of video memory, and an award-winning Razer Chroma lighting system. It comes with a range of ports including three USB 3.1 Type-A, one USB 3.1 Type-C, a Thunderbolt 3 port, an HDMI 2.0 port, and an audio jack.
The Razer Blade 15 is packed with features and offers an unparalleled gaming experience. Its thin and light design makes it easy to carry, while its powerful hardware ensures you can run the latest and greatest AAA gaming titles. If you’re looking for a gaming laptop that offers maximum portability and performance, the Razer Blade 15 is the perfect choice.
- New: $1699.99
- Second: $1599.99
Specification
| Name | Details |
|---|---|
| Brand | Razer Blade 15 |
| Processor | Intel I7 9th Gen |
| Operating System | Windows 10 Home/Pro |
| Display | 15.6-inch IPS Anti-glare |
| Graphics Card | NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1660 Ti |
| Storage | 256 GB SSD |
| Memory | 16 GB |
| Battery | 80 WHr Lithium Battery |
| Weight | 2.09 Kg |
| Color | Black |
Conclusion
PhD students have a variety of laptops to choose from to suit their style and needs, depending on their research subject. The 10 best laptops for PhD students in 2023 provide students with the right combination of portability, performance, and value for money. They all provide excellent processing power with enough memory for large datasets, as well as feature sets that are tailored towards research works such as large displays and pens.
These laptops will ensure students are well-equipped for any kind of academic journey. With a combination of powerful processors, ample storage capacity, and top-notch features, PhD students can stay productive and motivated when it comes to their research work. With these laptops, PhD students can be confident in the results they’ll achieve for their research.