This blog post reviews a budget laptop priced at 21,000, highlighting its aesthetic appeal, performance, upgradeability, and overall value for money, making it a standout option in the under 25,000 segment despite some minor drawbacks.
Finding a budget laptop under 25,000 can be a daunting task, often leading to disappointment. However, a recent discovery priced at 21,000 with a bank discount has proven to be a surprisingly good package. In this review, we will explore the laptop's design, performance, features, and overall value.
First impressions matter, and this laptop does not disappoint in the looks department. Unlike many budget laptops that appear embarrassingly cheap, this model boasts an aesthetically pleasing design. It features an industrial minimal style similar to other ASUS laptops, making it visually appealing. Although it is made of plastic, it does not feel cheap and maintains a sturdy build while being lightweight at just 1.4 kg, making it easy to carry.
The performance of this laptop is where it truly shines. Equipped with an 11th generation Intel Core i3 processor, it outperforms many competitors in the same price range, particularly those with Celeron chipsets. Coupled with 8GB DDR4 RAM and a 512GB NVMe SSD, the laptop delivers impressive day-to-day performance.
Booting up in approximately 13 seconds and opening applications quickly, this laptop handles multitasking with ease. Even with over ten Chrome tabs, Cinebench running, and downloads in progress, the laptop remains responsive. This level of performance is uncommon in budget laptops, which often struggle with lag and slowdowns.
Users can expect a stable experience with no unexpected shutdowns or app crashes. The laptop remains cool even during intensive tasks, with the fan only activating during heavy benchmarks, ensuring a quiet operation.
For those who may need more storage or memory, this laptop offers upgrade options. It includes a slot for adding an HDD, two RAM slots (one of which is empty), and easy access to the SSD, making it a flexible choice for users who may want to enhance their device over time.
In terms of connectivity, this laptop does not compromise. It features fast USB-A and USB-C ports, HDMI, additional USB ports, a microSD reader, and even a LAN port. This variety of ports ensures that users can connect all their necessary devices without hassle.
The laptop sports a 14-inch 1080p LCD panel. While it may not have the vibrant colors of OLED displays, it offers sharp visuals suitable for everyday tasks. The brightness is adequate for indoor use, and the viewing angles are decent, making it suitable for watching movies and shows.
The keyboard is a pleasant surprise, providing a good typing experience with proper key travel and feedback. However, it lacks backlighting and a caps lock indicator. The touchpad, while functional and supporting gestures, has a rough texture that may not appeal to all users.
The 720p webcam is standard for budget laptops, and while it includes a physical shutter for privacy, the quality is average. The bottom-firing speakers deliver sound that is acceptable but not particularly loud or rich.
With a 45Wh battery, users can expect around 5 to 5.5 hours of battery life with regular use, such as browsing and text editing. The laptop charges via a proprietary port with a 45W charger, taking about 1.5 hours for a full charge. Notably, it also supports USB-C charging, adding to its versatility.
This laptop comes pre-installed with Windows 11 and includes Office apps, although without a license. Users may encounter McAfee bloatware during setup, which is a common issue in budget laptops.
At a price point of 21,000, this laptop stands out in the under 25,000 segment. While it is not without its flaws, particularly in display quality and some build aspects, it excels in performance and usability. For students, casual users, or anyone needing a reliable laptop for basic tasks, this model offers an excellent balance of features and performance.
If you have experience with this laptop or have any thoughts, feel free to share in the comments below. Thank you for reading!
