Choosing a notebook equipped with an Intel Core i5 is not a simple decision, as manufacturers frequently change nomenclature and mix processors from the 13th and 14th generations, which prevents the most recent models from automatically being the best. It is essential to analyze other components besides the processor, such as RAM, storage, battery, and weight.
Tecnoblog compiled a list of seven notebook models that feature an Intel Core i5 processor and are recommended for purchase in 2026. This selection covers products from well-known brands in the market, including Lenovo, Dell, Acer, and Samsung.
Detailed analysis of the models
The Lenovo LOQ 15IRX9 is presented as an entry-level gaming notebook option, suitable for those who want something better than basic. This device comes equipped with the Intel Core i5 13450HX processor and the GeForce RTX 3050 graphics card, allowing it to run most games (although some may require medium quality) and be useful for video editing and architecture software. It has 16 GB of DDR5 RAM and 512 GB of M.2 SSD storage. Its gaming design includes a white backlit keyboard, a 15.6-inch Full HD screen with Nvidia G-Sync support, and weighs 2.38 kg.
In terms of connectivity, the Lenovo LOQ 15IRX9 offers two USB-A 3.2 ports, one USB-C 3.2 port, an HDMI 2.1 output, a 3.5 mm audio jack, an RJ-45 port for network cable, and Wi-Fi 6. The 60 Whr battery supports fast charging: 50% autonomy in 30 minutes of connected use, and a full charge in one hour.
For those seeking a good balance between cost and performance in an entry-level gaming notebook, the Acer Nitro V15 is recommended. It uses the Intel Core i5 13420H processor, which features eight cores (four high-performance and four efficiency cores), and is equipped with the dedicated GeForce RTX 4050 graphics card, which has 6 GB of memory and ray tracing support, ensuring realistic graphics and fluidity in main games. With a 15.6-inch Full HD IPS screen and a weight of 2.11 kg, the Acer Nitro V15 comes with 8 GB of DDR5 RAM, but this value can be increased up to 32 GB through two available slots.
The ports on the Acer Nitro V15 include three USB-A 3.2 ports, one Thunderbolt 4 compatible USB-C, an HDMI 2.1 output, an RJ-45 network input, and a 3.5 mm headphone jack.
The Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3i is suggested for users who need good performance but do not require a dedicated graphics card. This laptop is powered by the eight-core Intel Core i5 13420H processor and features a 15.3-inch WUXGA resolution screen, with an initial weight of only 1.63 kg, favoring portability. With 16 GB of DDR5 RAM and 512 GB of M.2 SSD, the Ideapad Slim 3i uses Intel Arc integrated graphics and is excellent for daily use. A notable advantage is its battery, which offers up to 10 hours of video playback, and its fast charging feature, where 15 minutes plugged in provides up to 3 hours of use. Connections include two USB-A, one USB-C, an HDMI 1.4 output, a 3.5 mm audio jack, and an SD card reader. However, a noted drawback is the webcam with limited HD resolution.
Samsung recommends the Galaxy Book 4 for those looking for an affordable brand notebook for daily tasks. This model features a 15.6-inch Full HD IPS display and weighs 1.55 kg, with a thickness of only 15.4 mm, making it easy to carry for those who prefer large screens. The Galaxy Book 4 version is equipped with the Intel Core i5 1355U chip, focused on energy efficiency. All power for this notebook is supplied via a USB-C cable, using a compact charging source, similar to a smartphone. The Galaxy Book 4 stands out for its variety of ports: it has two USB-A, two USB-C, a 3.5 mm audio jack (P2), an HDMI output, an RJ-45 network input, and a microSD reader.
The Dell Inspiron 14 2-in-1 can be the perfect choice for consumers who want the functionality of a notebook combined with the practicality of a tablet. This product features a 14-inch anti-glare touchscreen with a 360-degree hinge and Full HD+ resolution, allowing it to be used both as a traditional laptop and as a tablet. Equipped with the 10-core Intel Core i5 1334U chip, this model focuses on energy performance. It comes with 8 GB of DDR5 RAM, 512 GB of SSD storage, and weighs 1.71 kg.
This model is also well-connected: the Dell Inspiron 14 2-in-1 has two USB-C 3.2 ports, two USB-A 3.2 ports, an HDMI 1.4 output, an SD card reader, and a 3.5 mm audio jack, in addition to supporting Wi-Fi 6E. Another benefit is fast charging, which reaches up to 80% of battery life in one hour of connected use.
The Dell 15 DC15 is aimed at basic tasks and focuses on cost-benefit. Using the 13th generation Intel Core i5 1334U processor, optimized for energy efficiency, this basic notebook has a 15.6-inch anti-glare screen with Full HD resolution and a 120 Hz refresh rate. Weighing 1.63 kg, the Dell 15 DC15 is considered light for a 15-inch notebook. With 8 GB of RAM, it is ideal for light browsing and office software, without requiring intensive multitasking. The Dell 15 DC15 also supports fast charging, reaching 80% capacity in one hour. Its ports include two USB-A (one 2.0 and one 3.2), one USB-C 3.2 port, an HDMI 1.4 output, a 3.5 mm audio jack, and an SD card reader.
For more limited budgets, the Acer Aspire Go 15 serves as a basic notebook for daily activities, such as studying and working with productivity applications. This model features a 15.6-inch Full HD screen and weighs 1.8 kg, equipped with the eight-core Intel Core i5 13420H chip (four efficiency and four high-performance cores). Although it comes with only 8 GB of DDR5 RAM, which may limit heavy multitasking, it is possible to upgrade up to 32 GB. The initial storage is only 256 GB, but it can also be expanded up to 1 TB. According to Acer, the Aspire Go 15 battery lasts up to 8 hours, depending on usage conditions. Available ports include two USB-A 3.2, two USB-C 3.2, an HDMI 2.1 output, and a 3.5 mm audio jack.
When choosing an Intel Core i5 notebook, it is crucial to observe factors beyond the processor name, as actual performance depends on the generation, the CPU category, and other hardware specifications. It is important to note that Intel removed the 'i' from its chips in 2023. Even if Core 5 is the latest nomenclature for mid-range chips, this does not always guarantee evolution, as some chips use older architectures, such as those from the 12th generation. For a correct comparison, one must check the full model, the generation, the number of cores, consumption, and device type. Suffixes G1 to G7 indicate the level of integrated graphics, with higher numbers representing greater power in the integrated GPU. The latest generation of Core i5 processors is the 14th, named Raptor Lake Refresh, with the latest chips released between late 2023 and early 2024. There is no 15th generation of Intel Core i5 chips; after Raptor Lake Refresh, Intel replaced i5 with Core 5 chips (nominal successor, maintaining older technology) and Core Ultra 5 (technological successor, with performance advancement). There is no absolute winner between Ryzen 5 and Intel Core i5 notebooks, as both are in intermediate ranges, and processing power depends on the specific model. Therefore, the ideal approach is to research the exact processor and compare generation, core count, frequencies, integrated GPU, and power consumption optimizations.
