What To Know
- The Nitro 5 adopts a more aggressive design with sharp angles and red accents, while the Legion Y520 opts for a sleek and understated look with subtle design elements.
- The Legion Y520, on the other hand, offers better color accuracy and wider viewing angles, making it a better choice for multimedia consumption.
- The Nitro 5 offers up to 1TB HDD and 256GB SSD, while the Legion Y520 can be configured with up to 2TB HDD and 256GB SSD.
Choosing the right gaming laptop can be a daunting task, especially when faced with a plethora of options. Two popular contenders in the mid-range segment are the Acer Nitro 5 and the Lenovo Legion Y520. Both laptops boast impressive specs and features, but which one comes out on top? This comprehensive comparison will delve into the key aspects of each machine, helping you make an informed decision.
Design and Build Quality
The Acer Nitro 5 and Lenovo Legion Y520 sport distinct aesthetics. The Nitro 5 adopts a more aggressive design with sharp angles and red accents, while the Legion Y520 opts for a sleek and understated look with subtle design elements. Both laptops feature durable construction, with the Legion Y520 having a slight edge in terms of build quality, thanks to its aluminum lid.
Display
Both laptops offer 15.6-inch displays with Full HD (1920×1080) resolution. However, the Nitro 5 boasts a slightly faster refresh rate of 144Hz compared to the Legion Y520’s 60Hz panel. This difference translates to smoother gameplay, especially in fast-paced titles. The Legion Y520, on the other hand, offers better color accuracy and wider viewing angles, making it a better choice for multimedia consumption.
Performance
Under the hood, both laptops pack powerful hardware capable of handling demanding games. The Nitro 5 typically features an Intel Core i5 or i7 processor, coupled with NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1050 or 1060 graphics. The Legion Y520 also utilizes Intel Core i5 or i7 processors, but with NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1050 Ti or 1060 graphics. The choice between the two largely depends on your budget and desired performance level.
Storage and Memory
Both laptops offer ample storage options, with SSDs being standard for faster boot times and game loading. The Nitro 5 offers up to 1TB HDD and 256GB SSD, while the Legion Y520 can be configured with up to 2TB HDD and 256GB SSD. Both laptops also provide ample RAM, typically starting at 8GB and going up to 16GB or more.
Battery Life
Battery life is crucial for portability, and both laptops offer decent performance in this regard. The Nitro 5 can last for around 6-7 hours on a single charge, while the Legion Y520 provides slightly less battery life, around 5-6 hours. However, both laptops are best suited for gaming sessions near a power outlet.
Connectivity and Ports
Both laptops offer a comprehensive selection of ports, including USB 3.0, HDMI, and Ethernet. The Legion Y520 stands out with its inclusion of a Thunderbolt 3 port, which provides faster data transfer speeds and supports external displays.
Keyboard and Touchpad
Both laptops feature comfortable keyboards with decent key travel. The Legion Y520’s keyboard has a slightly better feel, with a more responsive and tactile experience. Both laptops offer spacious and responsive touchpads for navigation.
Audio
Both laptops feature stereo speakers with decent sound quality. The Nitro 5’s speakers are slightly louder, while the Legion Y520 provides a slightly more balanced audio experience.
Verdict: Which One Should You Choose?
The choice between the Acer Nitro 5 and the Lenovo Legion Y520 depends on your individual needs and preferences. Here’s a breakdown:
Choose the Acer Nitro 5 if:
- You prioritize a fast refresh rate for smoother gameplay.
- You want a more aggressive and gamer-centric design.
- You’re on a tighter budget.
Choose the Lenovo Legion Y520 if:
- You value better color accuracy and wider viewing angles for multimedia consumption.
- You prefer a sleek and understated design.
- You need Thunderbolt 3 connectivity for faster data transfer.
The Final Word: Beyond the Battle
Ultimately, the best gaming laptop for you depends on your individual needs and budget. Both the Acer Nitro 5 and Lenovo Legion Y520 offer excellent performance and features at a competitive price point. By carefully considering your priorities and comparing the key aspects of each laptop, you can make an informed decision and choose the gaming machine that best suits your needs.
What You Need to Know
Q: Which laptop has better thermals?
A: Both laptops have decent cooling systems, but the Legion Y520 generally performs better in terms of thermals, thanks to its more efficient cooling design.
Q: Which laptop is better for gaming?
A: The Nitro 5 has a slight edge in gaming performance due to its higher refresh rate display and slightly more powerful graphics options. However, both laptops are capable of handling demanding games.
Q: Which laptop is more portable?
A: Both laptops are relatively portable, but the Legion Y520 is slightly lighter and thinner, making it a better option for those who frequently travel with their laptop.
Q: Which laptop is better value for money?
A: The Acer Nitro 5 generally offers a better value for money, especially when considering its high refresh rate display and competitive price point. However, the Legion Y520 provides a more premium experience with its superior build quality and Thunderbolt 3 connectivity.
