What To Know
- The Acer Nitro 5, on the other hand, adopts a more understated approach, with a simple black design and red accents around the keyboard.
- The Legion Y520 is typically equipped with Intel Core i7 processors and NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1060 graphics cards, while the Nitro 5 offers a choice of Intel Core i5 or i7 processors and NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1050 Ti or GTX 1060 graphics cards.
- The Legion Y520 emerges as the victor for gamers seeking the best possible performance and display quality, while the Nitro 5 is a great option for value-conscious gamers who prioritize affordability.
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 Lenovo Legion Y520 and the Acer Nitro 5. Both laptops offer impressive performance and features at a competitive price point, but which one comes out on top? This comprehensive comparison delves into the key aspects of both laptops to help you make an informed decision.
Design and Build Quality
The Lenovo Legion Y520 boasts a sleek and aggressive design, with sharp angles and a red backlit logo. Its aluminum lid adds a premium touch, while the black chassis provides a sophisticated look. The Acer Nitro 5, on the other hand, adopts a more understated approach, with a simple black design and red accents around the keyboard. Both laptops are sturdy and durable, but the Legion Y520 feels slightly more premium thanks to its aluminum construction.
Display
Both laptops feature 15.6-inch displays with Full HD (1920×1080) resolution. However, the Legion Y520 offers a slightly better display with a higher refresh rate of 120Hz compared to the Nitro 5’s 60Hz refresh rate. This means smoother gameplay and less screen tearing in fast-paced games. The Legion Y520 also boasts a wider color gamut, delivering more vibrant and accurate colors.
Performance
Both laptops pack powerful hardware capable of handling demanding games. The Legion Y520 is typically equipped with Intel Core i7 processors and NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1060 graphics cards, while the Nitro 5 offers a choice of Intel Core i5 or i7 processors and NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1050 Ti or GTX 1060 graphics cards. The Legion Y520 generally delivers slightly better performance, particularly in demanding games like “Grand Theft Auto V” and “Battlefield 1.”
Keyboard and Touchpad
The Legion Y520 features a comfortable and responsive keyboard with RGB backlighting, allowing for customization. Its touchpad is also smooth and accurate. The Nitro 5 offers a decent keyboard with a standard layout, but its touchpad can feel a bit cramped. Both laptops have dedicated number pads, which are beneficial for gamers and productivity users.
Battery Life
Both laptops offer decent battery life for gaming laptops, lasting around 4-6 hours on a single charge with moderate usage. However, the Legion Y520 generally has a slightly longer battery life thanks to its more efficient hardware configuration.
Ports and Connectivity
Both laptops offer a good selection of ports, including USB 3.0, USB Type-C, HDMI, and Ethernet. However, the Legion Y520 offers a Thunderbolt 3 port, which provides faster data transfer speeds and supports external displays. Both laptops support Wi-Fi 802.11ac and Bluetooth 4.1.
Price and Availability
The Lenovo Legion Y520 and Acer Nitro 5 are both available at competitive prices, with the Nitro 5 generally being slightly more affordable. However, the price difference can vary depending on the specific configuration and retailer.
Making the Decision: Lenovo Legion Y520 vs Acer Nitro 5
Ultimately, the best laptop for you depends on your individual needs and preferences. The Lenovo Legion Y520 is a great choice for gamers who prioritize performance, display quality, and a premium design. Its higher refresh rate display, powerful hardware, and Thunderbolt 3 port make it a compelling option. However, it comes at a slightly higher price point.
The Acer Nitro 5 is a solid option for budget-conscious gamers who are looking for a powerful and reliable laptop. Its affordable price tag, decent performance, and comfortable keyboard make it a great value proposition. However, its lower refresh rate display and slightly less premium build quality may be drawbacks for some users.
The Verdict: Beyond the Battlefield
Both the Lenovo Legion Y520 and the Acer Nitro 5 are excellent gaming laptops that offer impressive performance and features. The Legion Y520 emerges as the victor for gamers seeking the best possible performance and display quality, while the Nitro 5 is a great option for value-conscious gamers who prioritize affordability. Ultimately, the best choice for you depends on your budget, gaming preferences, and specific requirements.
Frequently Discussed Topics
Q: Which laptop has better cooling performance?
A: Both laptops have decent cooling systems, but the Legion Y520 generally runs cooler due to its more efficient design and larger cooling vents.
Q: Which laptop is better for content creation?
A: The Legion Y520 is slightly better for content creation thanks to its more powerful hardware and Thunderbolt 3 port, which allows for faster data transfer and external display connectivity.
Q: Which laptop is more portable?
A: Both laptops are relatively portable, but the Nitro 5 is slightly lighter and thinner, making it easier to carry around.
Q: Which laptop has a better warranty?
A: Both laptops offer standard warranties, typically one year for parts and labor. However, you can purchase extended warranties from either manufacturer.
Q: Which laptop is better for VR gaming?
A: The Legion Y520 is better suited for VR gaming due to its more powerful graphics card and higher refresh rate display. However, both laptops can handle VR gaming to a certain extent.
