12th generation i5 laptops are the latest offering from Intel and promise to up your productivity by boosting both single-core and multi-core performance.
They make it simple to work with 4K content and also offer inbuilt AI and Wi-Fi 6.
While you can easily use i5 CPUs for office work or business, they are also pretty good for some amount of gaming.
On a standard 12th gen. i5 laptop, it is possible to play some AAA games like World of Warcraft. You can work on multimedia applications such as Photoshop as well. It stands to reason that laptops powered by Intel Core i5 processors are in high demand.
How to Choose the Right i5 Laptop
Your purchase decision will involve many crucial choices. How much RAM and storage do you require? Is it worth paying a premium for an extra-bright display with a high refresh rate if you are not a gamer?
Some criteria are almost a given – for instance, robust yet lightweight build and plenty of connections like Thunderbolt 3/4 USB Type-C ports. In the contemporary work environment, an ergonomic keyboard with backlighting is always helpful.
You can find numerous i5 laptops offering superior sound output with Nahimic 3, Dolby Atmos, and noise-canceling technologies for better calling experiences.
Here are a few more rules of thumb to go about zeroing down on the perfect pick:
- RAM and storage: For most computing tasks, a minimum of 4GB of RAM is essential; 8GB is perfect. Look for SSD storage to the tune of 256GB or more. SSD works the best if you plan to use the laptop for gaming or multimedia content generation and editing.
- GPU and display: If you are hunting for an i5 gaming laptop, you will probably consider a dedicated graphics card. An NVIDIA GTX or RTX card can also be helpful for creative professionals like artists, architects and photographers. In a budget range of around $1000, you can find QHD displays with precise colors and immersive real estate. If you do not have such requirements, it should be okay to settle for Intel Iris graphics and cut costs.
- Heat management: High performance can be sustainable only if you have an efficient cooling mechanism. If your CPU and GPU get heated up too much, they will eventually melt. Many i5 laptops come with dual fans and systems to improve the airflow. Some use a hinge-based design to offer a lift and promote heat dissipation.
- Battery backup: It is wise to get ample unplugged usage if you need to travel often. Many i5 laptops provide over eight hours of battery backup; some even last for over 24 hours. A quick-charging battery is a blessing for those with frequent meetings and limited time for powering up on the move.
Our Picks: Best Intel Core i5 Laptops 2022
Arguably, many Intel Core i5 CPUs can fulfill most processing tasks for a variety of users. From light to moderate gaming, getting stuff done at work, and enjoying multimedia streaming to unwind – i5 processors hit the sweet spot. But as we discussed, it is finding the right i5 laptop that often proves to be challenging.
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Best i5 Laptop – Recommended Specs |
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| Processor | 12th Generation Intel Core i5-12500H 12th Generation Intel Core i5-1240P 12th Generation Intel Core i5-1235U |
| Graphics | NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060 Intel Iris Xe Graphics |
| Memory | 16GB 3200MHz DDR4 RAM |
| Storage | 512GB PCIe NVMe M.2 SSD |
| Display | 15.6″/14”/13” Full HD (1920 x 1080) |
| Weight | Under 5 lbs. |
| Battery | Up to 10 Hours |
| Keyboard | Backlit Keyboard |
| OS | Windows 11 Home 64-bit |
In the list below, we have attempted to make things easier for you by handpicking the best i5 laptops in the market today. They cater to different audiences, from the office-going professional to the student and the gamer to the traveler.
1. Dell XPS 13 Plus 9320 Laptop
Designed to “blitz through any task”, the Dell XPS 13 Plus 9320 revolutionizes the performance of the advanced performance and productivity laptop to the next level. This compact 13” laptop is 2x powerful that the predecessor, featuring the latest 12th Gen. Intel Core i5 processor with Intel Iris Xe graphics.
Not just the performance, Dell has also optimized the design of this model with a long battery life and lightweight design, making it ideal for hybrid workflow experiences. Integrated with dual fans, the model features 55% better airflow to keep the device cool and performance at its peak.
Also check, Top 10 Best Intel Core i7 Laptops 2022 (Latest 12th Gen. Intel CPUs)
The 13.4” FHD + display panel is backed with 120Hz refresh rate and 60Hz refresh rate and 500 nits brightness for vivid and colorful display configuration. The internal specifications feature 16GB RAM and 512GB SSD storage configuration.
Reasons to buy
- Premium build quality
- Stunning display
- Balanced thermal solutions
Reasons to avoid
- Lacks certain ports
- Battery life is average
2. HP Spectre x360 13.5 2-in-1 Laptop
Convertible laptops are convenient to use and the HP Spectre x360 13.5 deserves a mention in the list. With a mid-range price point, the model redefines the concept of stunning design and powerful performance like never before. The flexible 360-degree hinge with the dynamic camera features makes this a worthy investment.
As for the performance of the laptop, the Spectra x360 is powered by the 12th Gen. Intel Core i5 processor with Intel Iris Xe graphics. It is also backed with up to 2TB SSD storage and up to 32GB RAM for superior multitasking and streamlined performance.
Related Post: The 10 Best AMD Ryzen Laptops 2022 (6000 Series)
The visuals in the device are optimized, thanks to the 13.5” diagonal WUXGA+ display panel with 1280p screen resolution and 400 nits brightness. Also, the model comes pre-integrated with Windows 11 OS.
Reasons to buy
- Flexible 360-degree hinge
- Optimal performance
- High brightness configuration
Reasons to avoid
- Contains bloatware
- Port selection is not the best
3. Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 10
The Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 10 is another latest and highly functional productivity laptop that deserves a special mention in the list. The model is powered by the latest 12th Gen. Intel Core i5 processor with Intel Iris Xe graphics. It is built on the Intel Evo platform.
Lenovo equips the model with a compact and comfortable 14” WUXGA display panel with 400 nits brightness, 1200p screen resolution and 100% sRGB color gamut. What streamlines the performance in the model is the integration of up to 2TB SSD storage with up to 32GB RAM configuration.
The series of unique features don’t stop there since the model is backed with the latest Dolby Atmos speaker system alongside FHD RGB webcam with privacy shutter. It runs on the Windows 11 OS.
Reasons to buy
- Sturdy and premium construction
- Stunning keyboard design
- Solid performance and battery
Reasons to avoid
- Lacks microSD slot
- Quite pricey
4. ASUS VivoBook 15 Slim Laptop
This productivity laptop also packs in 512GB SSD for faster storage and 8GB RAM that supports and streamlines multitasking experience. ASUS has also integrated the model with the ErgoSense chiclet backlit keyboard for productivity without interruptions.
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The VivoBook 15 is further equipped with a 15.6” FHD display panel with 1080p screen resolution with ultra-slim bezels for comfortable viewing. The unique ASUS AI Noise-Canceling Technology also keeps productivity in check.
Reasons to buy
- Affordable price point
- SSD storage configuration
- Responsive display
Reasons to avoid
- Poor battery life
- Thermal solution isn’t great
5. Acer Swift 3 SF314-512T-56CT Thin & Light Laptop
The Acer Swift 3 is powered by the latest 12th Gen. Intel Core i5 processor with the Intel Iris Xe graphics for superior performance and unrivalled efficiency. What augments the device’s performance further is the combination of 512GB SSD with 16GB RAM for the ultimate multitasking experience.
As for the display configuration, the Swift 3 is equipped with a 14” FHD touch widescreen display panel with 1080p screen resolution, 300 nits brightness and 16:9 aspect ratio for comfortable viewing experience.
Reasons to buy
- Lightweight and portable
- Responsive performance
- Touchscreen display panel
Reasons to avoid
- Ports selection isn’t optimal
- Battery life is poor
6. Acer Nitro 5 AN515-58 i5 Gaming Laptop
A budget-friendly gaming laptop with all the latest features and configurations, that’s what the Acer Nitro 5 is all about. The model is powered by the latest 12th Gen Intel Core i5-12500H processor with the RTX 3060 GPU configuration.
It isn’t just the multiprocessors that put this gaming laptop on the map. The model is equipped with a 15.6” FHD IPS display panel with 144Hz refresh rate for stunning visuals. The fluid and unmatched visuals are pretty great.
Also see, the 8 Best RTX 3060 Gaming Laptops 2022
What further contributes to the productivity and performance is the integration of 512GB SSD and 16GB RAM for uninterrupted gameplay experience. Acer further prioritizes gameplay with Killer DoubleShot Pro with Ethernet E2600 and Killer Wi-Fi 6 1650 wireless connectivity as well.
Reasons to buy
- Budget-friendly gaming laptop
- High refresh rate
- Optimal internal specifications
Reasons to avoid
- Battery life isn’t that great
- Noisy cooling fans
7. Dell XPS 15 9520 i5-12500H Laptop
Designed for content creation, entertainment and productivity, the Dell XPS 15 9520 enables users to get immersed in a 15.6” FHD+ highly immersive display panel with 1200p screen resolution and 60Hz refresh rate. The display is also backed with 16:10 aspect ratio and 92.9% screen to body ratio.
As for performance, the XPS 15 is powered by the latest 12th Gen. Intel Core i5-12500H processor with Intel Iris Xe graphics. The processors pave the way for better creative projects, edit videos and export them faster and without any interruptions.
The combination of 512GB SSD and 16GB RAM configuration optimizes the overall user performance and productivity as well. Dell also brings the latest XPS 15 with the Windows 11 OS for easy access to the latest Microsoft apps and features.
Reasons to buy
- Stunning and immersive display
- Superior processing power
- Sleek design
Reasons to avoid
- Audio output isn’t the great
- Trackpad isn’t the smoothest
8. HP ENVY 16t Laptop
Also, the ENVY 16t is equipped with a 16” diagonal WQXGA display panel with 1600p screen resolution and 120Hz refresh rate. The color reproduction and vibrancy of the visuals is beyond expectations, despite the price you pay for it.
As for the internal specifications, the model is integrated with up to 2TB SSD storage and up to 32GB RAM configuration for superior performance, productivity and multitasking experience. It comes pre-installed with Windows 11 Home OS.
Reasons to buy
- Efficient and responsive performance
- High refresh rate
- Optimal storage and memory configuration
Reasons to avoid
- Lacks certain I/O ports
- Visual efficiency could be better
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Closing Note
The results you can expect from an 12th gen i5 are much better than its predecessor, particularly in single-core performance. Undoubtedly, such laptops make good work companions as well as entertainment partners. However, selecting the right Intel Core i5 laptop for your needs deserves to be a considered decision.
The trickiest part is that 12th gen. Intel Core i5 laptops vary significantly: across target users, requirements, and specifications.
For instance, laptops like Acer Swift 3 do not offer an NVIDIA GTX or RTX card.
However, the ASUS VivoBook does offer one, and the price difference between the two is not immense (around $100). It means it is easy to settle for a less than optimal choice if your research is inadequate.
Fortunately, with many leading manufacturers like Dell, Acer and HP coming out with Intel Core i5 laptops, you can rest assured on quality and build standards.
The choices in screen sizes are aplenty, from 14” to 17”. Innovative design elements like 180-degree hinges for collaboration and multi-mode usage for a more intimate user experience cater to different audiences.
In the present technological landscape, these devices make intelligent, budget-friendly picks. You can entrust them with a large bundle of tasks, from photo editing and browsing to 3D rendering.
