A budget laptop can be everything for a casual user who is mostly at home or just performs basic tasks every day. It’s obvious that you won’t get any higher refresh rate display, dedicated graphics, or maximum processing speed. However, what you can get from an Intel Core i3 laptop can be very relative than that of the core i5 laptop. A Core i5 laptop, can be still a lot ahead of a Core i3 in terms of speed depending on what type of model you are getting. But you can compare an i3 model with the i5 one without having to find a huge gap.
When staying in budget, especially a lower-tier one, it is important that you don’t set your expectations too high. The budget of £400 can deliver middling power and enough speed to surf videos, browse apps, or run common digital errands. It can go on to perform even the daily office tasks without having to show lags. You can rely on some of the most reliable core i3 laptops with sufficient features to make your digital routine productive.
The best core i3 laptops under £400 come with a lot of choices now, especially since the variety has extended even more. Just how the technology is leaping into newer standards and with every continuing day, you get something better. Similarly, the prices are adjusting to the fact that you can get more competitive laptops at much reasonable prices than before. So, it is quite possible to get some of the best choices for core i3 laptops.
5 Best core i3 laptops under £400 Budget
Our top 5 core i3 laptops are narrowed down, keeping in mind the budget bracket of £400. If you have been looking out for the best laptops between £200 and £400, here is where you will find the best choices.
HP 250 G8
Price: £389.99
Key Specs
| Processor: Intel Core i3 10th Gen. |
| Display: 15.6 in, 1920 x 1080 |
| RAM and Storage: 8 GB, 128 GB SSD |
| Graphics: Intel UHD GPU |
| Operating System: Windows 10 Home |
HP 250 G8 has been named as one of the most durable laptops from the brand. Its Intel Core i3 processor operates with the base speed of 1.2 GHz and a maximum turbo frequency of 3.4 GHz. The laptop is a classic choice for everyday office employees who mostly work on documentation or keeping reports. The 10th gen processing speed proves to be great for average multitasking, running light-handed software tools and apps.
If you have never heard of this HP laptop before, you will certainly like it even more. Its 15.6-inch display comes with the full HD Resolution, narrow-sided bezels, and wide aspect ratio. Whether you are watching long-hour movies, playing low-speed video games or surfing web all-day, the display is good enough for decent viewing experience. The battery lasting time of the laptop is amazing for travelling with it, especially with its thin and lightweight build.
Lenovo IdeaPad Flex 5
Price £379.99
Key Specs
| Processor: Intel Core i3 11th Gen. Processor |
| Display: 14 in, 1920 x 1080 |
| RAM and Storage: 4 GB, 128 GB SSD |
| Graphics: Intel UHD GPU |
| Operating System: Windows 10 S |
The Lenovo Ideapad Flex 5 is our favourite 2 in 1 convertible laptop with an 11th Gen Core i3 processor and UHD graphics. It works great for everyday tasks as well as completing deadlines if you are a university student. It doesn’t get lagging at all with its 4GB RAM and solid-state drive storage of 128GB. You can multitask averagely without getting too piled up with multiple apps or programs. Of course, the laptop does not support high-end multitasking, but can take everyday load without a hiccup.
The portability factor of the Lenovo Ideapad is probably the best thing you will experience in it. Its 260-degree flipping delivers a mesmerizing experience of using it like a tablet anytime you want. Some extra features like Wi-Fi 6, Dolby stereo speakers, stylus pen and webcam shutter make it a considerable choice. Plus, users can enjoy the touchscreen to smoothly navigate from one app or task to another. The laptop also has optional fingerprint sensor that secures the login and enhances the overall security of the laptop.
ASUS VivoBook F515
Price: £249.99
Key Specs
| Processor: Intel Core i3 10th Gen. Processor |
| Display: 15.6, 1366 x 768 |
| RAM and Storage: 8 GB, 256 GB SSD |
| Graphics: Intel UHD GPU |
| Operating System: Windows 10 S |
ASUS laptops are our personal favourite when it comes to versatility and productive routine. The Vivobook comes in the lightest budget in under 300 pounds, with its 10th generation processor. Apart from a sufficient processor, the laptop’s large display of 15.6-inch also does a pretty good job. The HD+ Resolution works fine for movies, videos, or casual surfing on the web with IPS panel
What makes the ASUS Vivobook F515 incredibly attractive is its price point. You can get a decent looking laptop in less than 300 along with super-fast USB charging, HD webcam and comfortable build. The keyboard of the laptop is also very inclusive with good travel distance between keys. So, if you often use your laptop’s keyboard, it is going to be a joyful ride with this one.
Acer Aspire 5 A514
Price: £284.99
Key Specs
| Processor: Intel Core i3 10th Gen. Processor |
| Display: 14 in, 1920 x 1080 |
| RAM and Storage: 4 GB, 256 GB SSD |
| Graphics: Intel UHD GPU |
| Operating System: Windows 10 S |
Acer Aspire 5 does not disappoint in terms of its performance and overall user experience. Its full HD display comes with an IPS panel that is great for viewing angles, whenever you are watching or streaming HD videos. With 256GB storage integrated through the solid-state drive, it is safe to say that you can also store hefty bit of files, photos, or videos. The laptop additionally comes attached with a 4GB RAM which means you can play along regular multitasking.
Usually, Acer laptops are known to stay in midrange budget, keeping the most important specs in consideration that one needs. More than one features of this laptop are intriguing to count on including Cortana, fingerprint reader and true-to-life display. The Core i3 performance of the laptop performs well for tasking through operations such as running Microsoft Office, handling various files or reviewing online teamwork.
Lenovo IdeaPad 3
Price: £359.99
Key Specs
| Processor: Intel Core i3 11th Gen. Processor |
| Display: 17.3 in, 1920 x 1080 |
| RAM and Storage: 4 GB, 128 GB SSD |
| Graphics: IntelUHD GPU |
| Operating System: Windows 10 S |
If portability and reliability come in one form factor, the most suitable choice to make would be the Lenovo Ideapad 3. This laptop comes power-packed with the latest gen Intel Core i3 processor that processes with the turbo speed of 4.1GHz. For a core i3 laptop to have such turbo speed is not less than any bliss as it can give an end-to-end competition to a general Core i5 laptop. Apart from a powerful processor, the laptop comes with large display with IPS panel and integrated graphics.
The 17-incher display of the laptop is one of the strongest specs with including smart features that control eyestrain and warning signs. In other words, one can also play AAA title games on this display if they were to change the graphics. There is also a full-time safety control given in the laptop with the webcam privacy shutter and TPM 2.0 security.
Bottom Line
No doubt, budget laptops are quite a challenge to choose from. There are numerable options, but you are still not sure about which budget may give you the best value for money. You can go just an extra 30 pounds and achieve relatively better performance. But for that you need to keep a keen eye on every option available in the market. Hence, we have already marked out the ideal and most feasible core i3 laptops under £400 for you.
