Best Laptops For Photo Editing Under $500 [Top Models Picks By Experts & Ultimate Guide]

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The best thing about laptops is that they can be used for a wide range of activities. From gaming to editing to graphics designing, you can use it for any task you need. This brings us to the topic of photo editing. If you are looking for a laptop for photo or video editing you have to make sure that it has all the required features you need to handle your projects.

You can come across many ideal choices, laptops that are specially meant for editing and designing. But ultimately, you have to choose the one that best suits your requirement. In other words, you have to get a laptop based on the kind of projects you will work on.

Your progress and editing work largely depends on the performance of your laptop. For instance, if you go for a laptop with low specs, it may fail to handle the heavy photo editing software you use. This is why you need to select the right model with the right specifications so that it makes your work easier.

If you are just a beginner, then it’s better to invest in an entry-level device. Once you become an expert, you can upgrade your laptop and get something with higher specs. 

To help you out, we have listed some of the best laptops for photo editing in the post below. All the products mentioned are under $500. So if you are looking for a budget-friendly option to get started with your photo editing job, then you must check out the list below.

Best Laptops For Photo Editing Under $500 in 2023

It is understandable if you feel confused to choose the right laptop for your photo editing task. With so many models available, it often gets difficult to pick up the best one. If you are looking for a budget-friendly laptop under $500, then check out the products listed below. These are all top-rated models on Amazon. Go through the details of each of the models and pick the one that best suits your requirement.

Image Product Features Price
Dell Inspiron 3000 15.6-inch HD Touchscreen Laptop Dell Inspiron 3000 15.6-inch HD Touchscreen Laptop

  • RAM: 8 GB
  • Display: 15.6 inch
  • Weight: 4.45 lbs

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Acer Aspire 5 A515-46-R14K Acer Aspire 5 A515-46-R14K

  • RAM: 4GB
  • Display: 15.6” FHD
  • Weight: 3.97 lbs

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ASUS ZenBook Flip 14 UX461UN-DS74T Notebook ASUS ZenBook Flip 14 UX461UN-DS74T Notebook

  • RAM: 16 GB
  • Screen: 15.6 inch
  • Weight: 3.09 lbs

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BROAGE 15.6 FHD Laptop Computer BROAGE 15.6 FHD Laptop Computer

  • RAM: 8 GB
  • Display: 15.6 inches
  • Weight: 3.2 lbs

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2023 Newest HP 15 2023 Newest HP 15

  • Display: 15.6” FHD
  • RAM: 8GB
  • Weight: 3.75 lbs

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2023 HP Pavilion 2023 HP Pavilion

  • RAM: 8GB
  • Display: 15.6” FHD
  • Weight: 3.99 lbs

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MSI GL62M 7REX-1896US 15.6 MSI GL62M 7REX-1896US 15.6

  • RAM: 8 GB
  • Screen: 15.6 inch
  • Weight: 5.29 lbs

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LG gram Thin and Light Laptop LG gram Thin and Light Laptop

  • RAM: 8 GB
  • Screen: 13.3 inch
  • Weight: 8.16 lbs

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Acer Predator Helios 300 Gaming Laptop Acer Predator Helios 300 Gaming Laptop

  • RAM: 16 GB
  • Screen: 15.6 inch
  • Weight: 5.95 lbs 

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Dell Inspiron i5577-7342BLK-PUS,15.6 Dell Inspiron i5577-7342BLK-PUS,15.6

  • RAM: 16 GB
  • Screen: 15.6 inch
  • Weight: 5.66 lbs

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Lenovo IdeaPad 320 15.6-Inch Laptop Lenovo IdeaPad 320 15.6-Inch Laptop

  • RAM: 4 GB
  • Display: 15.6 inch
  • Weight: 4.84 lbs

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1. Dell Inspiron 3000 15.6-inch HD Touchscreen Laptop

  • RAM: 8 GB
  • Display: 15.6 inch
  • Weight: 4.45 lbs

Dell Inspiron 3000 is one of the best laptops for photo editing. This is the perfect fit for those who looking for a budget-friendly option under $500. This 15.6-inch laptop comes with a lot of attractive features that you would want in your device.

The laptop is made of high-grade plastic for durability. The classy design and sturdy built of the laptop are what makes it more attractive. It has a 15.6-inch touchscreen display with Full HD resolution that gives you a great viewing experience from all angles.

Dell Inspiron 3000

 

The device is powered by the 10th generation Intel Dual Core i3 processor with 8 GB RAM to give you a brilliant performance. Given the features of the device, it is built for handling heavy applications without lagging. It also comes with 1TB HDD storage space to store all your edited files and other documents.

The device has rounded edges and is available in black colour. It is designed for convenient use. It weighs around 4.45 lbs which is light enough to be carried around. The only thing about the laptop is that it offers only 5 to 6 hours of battery runtime. This is too less in comparison to other modern laptops.

Pros

  • 1TB HDD storage space
  • Full HD touchscreen display
  • Fast performance

Cons

  • Poor battery life 

2. Acer Aspire 5 A515-46-R14K

  • RAM: 4GB
  • Display: 15.6” FHD
  • Weight: 3.97 lbs

When it comes to photo editing, you want a laptop that is not just responsive but also integrated with superior graphics so you can edit the images to your liking. Amidst all the budget-friendly options, the Acer Aspire 5 A515-46-R14K is one you wouldn’t mind looking into.

Acer Aspire 5 A515-46-R14K

Despite the cheaper price point, the graphics and RAM management in this laptop is optimal, enabling you to run intensive applications without any buffers or complications. The device is powered by the AMD Ryzen 3 3350U processor that delivers desktop-class performance.

Besides the optimally sleek design and outlook, the Aspire 5 also features up to 3.5 GHz processing frequency that enables you to run high-demand applications without any kinds of delays or lags. It also supports a fingerprint scanner for a secure login experience.

Acer Aspire 5 A515-46-R14K Laptop

The best part of this device that supports optimal editing is the 15.6” FHD display with an 82.5% screen-to-body ratio like you have never experienced before. As for the internal specifications, it is backed with a 128GB SSD of storage with 4GB RAM that enables you to store your data securely.

The purified voice technology ensures enhanced signal processing for improved audio output without integrated noise that many often tend to worry about. As for the performance, the device runs on the Windows 10 Home in S mode for easier access to different Windows applications.

Acer Aspire 5 A515-46-R14K Features

Pros

  • Durable and reasonably priced
  • Enables running high-demand applications
  • Secure login with a fingerprint scanner
  • Enhanced signal processing

Cons

  • Lacks backlit keyboard

3. ASUS ZenBook Flip 14 UX461UN-DS74T Notebook

  • RAM: 16 GB
  • Screen: 15.6 inch
  • Weight: 3.09 lbs

The next best option we have is Asus ZenBook. This is yet another amazing laptop from Asus that can be used for editing pictures. It has all the features that are required to handle high-end photo editing software. It is powered by the 8th generation Intel Core i7-8550U processor that gives you a brilliant performance.

If you want full value for your money, then you should consider opting for this model. It has 16GB RAM and 512GB SSD storage space for a fast computing experience. With this laptop, you don’t have to worry about lags. It gives you a smooth performance and can even handle all types of photo editing software.

It features a 15.6-inch screen with full HD resolution for clear and crisp pictures. The large screen size gives you more screen space to work with. Given the features of the laptop, this will make the best choice for graphic designers and photo editors.

The best thing about this laptop is that it offers a long battery life of 13 hours. You can go without charging for a long time. This allows you to work on your device without getting bothered. This laptop is great for travelling as it is both lightweight and portable. The flip- touchscreen design of the laptop is yet another plus point for it.

Pros

  • Great design
  • Lightweight
  • Fast performance

Cons

  • None

4. BROAGE 15.6″ FHD Laptop Computer

  • RAM: 8 GB
  • Display: 15.6 inches
  • Weight: 3.2 lbs

Broage isn’t really a brand you’ll hear too much about in the markets. However, if you are looking forward to buying a laptop that is great for photo editing, but doesn’t cost you a lot, you might want to consider this laptop from the company. It gives you a very good combination of specs as well as performance while being priced well under $500. This is a laptop that has been designed keeping the remote worker in mind – and is really great for you if you’re looking for some Work From Home laptops. 

BROAGE 15.6

Featuring an Intel Core i5 of the 8th Generation, this laptop from Broage comes with 8GB of RAM along with 512 GB of SSD storage. These three features put together give you a good performing laptop by themselves. However, when it comes to photo editing, the display is another important aspect that one has to keep in mind. This laptop comes with a 15.6 inch FHD display which gives you a rather good visual output.

In terms of the look and feel, the bezels could have been made thinner, but that’s one thing that you can probably overlook. The laptop comes with a backlit keyboard, which is a plus point, especially at the price that you are getting it at. There’s a decent webcam too, which allows you to join all your web conferences and office meetings with ease. 

The laptop runs on the Windows 10 Home OS and has a slim metallic body. There are two USB 3.0 ports, along with one HDMI port and one SD card reader. For a lesser-known brand, the laptop performs really well – and the biggest advantage that it gives you is that it does not pinch the pocket. If you are a photoshop expert or a graphic designer working on any other app, this is a good choice for you.

Pros

  • The laptop has a premium look and feel 
  • Wide 15.6 inch FHD display 
  • Backlit keyboard 
  • SD card reader is a must-have in a laptop for graphic editing
  • Not too expensive

Cons

  • GPU could be improved for better visual performance

5. 2023 Newest HP 15

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  • Display: 15.6” FHD
  • RAM: 8GB
  • Weight: 3.75 lbs

Although a little over $500, the 2023 Newest HP 15 is worth the mention in the list, especially due to the immaculate performance it brings on for the user. Besides the staple curved design with a silver exterior and interior, the device is powered by the AMD Ryzen 5 5500U processor.

The processor can clock up to 4.0 GHz, which enables you to run your favorite applications without having to worry about delays and lags. The 15.6” FHD display comes with micro-edge and anti-glare and non-touch functions for the optimal user experience.

Besides the processor, the HP 15 is further integrated with AMD Radeon graphics for a crisp and vivid visual experience, especially when it comes to color saturation and contrast when you are editing your images.

HP 15 Laptop

Despite the cheaper price, the device is integrated with a combination of 256GB SSD of storage with 8GB RAM for the ultimate faster bootup and storage with ideal RAM management and multitasking without any complications in the process. 

The device also features all the latest connectivity options, including the wireless and the I/O ports, including Thunderbolt 4.0 and HDMI for connecting external monitors while you enjoy editing away from your photographs.

2023 Newest HP 15

Pros

  • Durable and edgy design with curved sides
  • Optimal RAM management
  • Comes with all the latest ports
  • Longer battery life

Cons

  • Storage could be better
No products found.

6. 2023 HP Pavilion

  • RAM: 8GB
  • Display: 15.6” FHD
  • Weight: 3.99 lbs

Priced at just under $500, the 2023 HP Pavilion is another worthy mention in the list of the best laptops for photo editing. You do need to compromise on the design, especially because of the bulky and heavier weight compared to the other modern-day laptops.

This low-voltage platform is powered by the latest Intel Pentium processor with four-way processing, making it suitable enough to run heavy-duty applications with lags and buffering. Despite the low functioning processor, the device does stand out with the remaining features.

The 2023 HP Pavilion is programmed with an optimal 8GB RAM with 128GB SSD of storage. If you aren’t considering saving your images, the 128GB SSD storage is pretty great. However, if you are into storing your edited photos in the device itself, you might have to consider an external device for it. 

Pair that with the standard keyboard and you have yourself a budget-friendly and highly responsive device. The device runs on the Windows 10 Home operating system and supports up to 10 hours of battery life, which is considered ideal for long-term usage. Also, you won’t have to worry about the I/O connectivity ports in this one.

HP Pavilion

Pros

  • Packed with highly responsive RAM for superior performance
  • Comes with the latest I/O ports
  • Long-lasting battery
  • Crisp visuals with a high-definition display

Cons

  • The bulky and heavy design

7. MSI GL62M 7REX-1896US 15.6″ Full HD Gaming Laptop

  • RAM: 8 GB
  • Screen: 15.6 inch
  • Weight: 5.29 lbs

MSI is a computer brand that is mainly known for its gaming laptops. This model we are talking about is also a gaming laptop. However, you can use it for your editing job as well. This laptop proves to be a great choice for graphic designers and editors. This is a portable laptop with an attractive design and great performance.

With 8GB RAM and 1TB storage space, it can easily run Photoshop and other similar photo editing software. It is powered by a Quad-Core i7-7700HQ processor to give you great performance. If you want an efficient laptop within $500, then this could be the best option for you.

MSI GL62M 7REX-1896US 15.6 Full HD Gaming Laptop

It features a 15.6 inch full HD display for better picture quality and colour vibrancy. The laptop is lightweight and easy to carry. It runs very smoothly without lagging even when you are multitasking.

Apart from delivering a brilliant performance, the laptop also features a great design. The black finish of the device makes it look extra appealing. It also comes with a backlit keyboard for your convenience. With this laptop, you will get full value for your money.

Pros

  • Great performance
  • 1TB storage
  • Portable design

Cons

  • None 

8. LG gram Thin and Light Laptop

  • RAM: 8 GB
  • Screen: 13.3 inch
  • Weight: 8.16 lbs

LG is yet another brand that has gained its market position by offering high-performance products to users. If you are looking for a lightweight laptop, then this could be the best option for you. It features a slim and sleek design that makes it look more appealing to users.

The laptop features a 13.3 inch with full HD resolution to give you better viewing experience. It is also portable and lightweight which means you can carry it wherever you want. It is equipped with lots of connectivity options for your convenience.

 

 

It is powered by Intel 8th generation i5-8250U processor. To give you a faster computing experience, it has 8GB RAM and 256GB SSD storage space. This laptop can handle any software quite easily without letting the device lag.

The best thing about this laptop has to be the battery backup. It is equipped with 72Wh lithium battery which gives you a runtime of 22.5 hours. This means the device can run for almost a day without you having to charge it. This makes it an ideal option for users who has less time to charge their device as they are always on the go.

Pros

  • Ultralight
  • Lots of connectivity options
  • 22.5 hours battery backup

Cons

  • No backlit keyboard 

9. Acer Predator Helios 300 Gaming Laptop

  • RAM: 16 GB
  • Screen: 15.6 inch
  • Weight: 5.95 lbs 

You must have heard about the Predator series from Acer. This is a high-end gaming laptop that is designed to give you a brilliant performance. This laptop is suitable for users looking for a powerful and high-performance laptop. Although this is mainly meant for heavy gaming, you can use it for photo editing. It can handle any photo editing software you throw its way.

This laptop is the perfect combination of good looks and performance. The powerful design Predator Helios is the first thing you will notice. The appealing looks of the laptop are further enhanced with the backlit keyboard.

Acer Predator Helios 300

Coming to the performance, it has 16GB RAM to give you a lag-free and powerful performance. Along with that, you get 256GB SSD storage for fast computing experience. The device is powered by the 7th generation Intel Core i7 processor that takes your productivity to the next level. Given the features of the device, this is one of the best laptops for photo editing you will find under $500.

The laptop is lightweight and durable which makes it a convenient option for travelling. However, the battery runtime of the device could have been better as it lasts only for 7 hours. If you want a fast computing experience with a powerful performance, then this could be the best option for you.

Pros

  • Powerful performance
  • 16GB RAM
  • Lightweight

Cons

  • Low battery life

10. Dell Inspiron i5577-7342BLK-PUS,15.6″ Gaming Laptop

  • RAM: 16 GB
  • Screen: 15.6 inch
  • Weight: 5.66 lbs

Lastly, we have yet another laptop from Dell. This is mainly a gaming laptop, but can also be used for editing photos. It is loaded with all the features that are required to support photo editing software. Within the $500 mark, this is one of the best deals you can get.

To start with, it comes with 16 GB RAM which is enough to run any software smoothly. Unlike other laptops, you don’t have to face lagging issues with this one. Along with that, it has 512 GB SSD storage for storing all your files and pictures.

The laptop features a 15.6-inch screen with full HD resolution for a better viewing experience. This allows you to enjoy clear, clarity pictures all the time. It is powered by the 7th generation Intel Core i7-7700HQ Quad-core processor to give you a powerful performance. It also has NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1050 dedicated GPU to deliver extra power. 

This a lightweight and portable laptop with all the right features. However, the only that is troublesome is battery life. It comes with only 5 hours of battery life which is very less compared to the other laptops within this price range. If you are ready to adjust to that, then you can surely opt for this model. This laptop is suitable for both gamers and graphic designers. It gives you reliable performance that you are looking for.

Pros

  • Powerful performance
  • 16GB RAM
  • Lightweight

Cons

  • Poor battery life

11. Apple MacBook Pro

  • RAM: 8 GB
  • Screen: 13 inch
  • Weight: 3.02 lbs

 If you looking for the ultimate laptop for photo editing, then it has to be Apple MacBook Pro. This is hands down, one of the best laptops you can use for editing images. This is a professional-grade laptop that comes with all the necessary features you need. To start with, it has 8GB RAM with 256GB SSD fast storage. This enables the device to work smoothly even when you are multitasking.

Apple MacBook Pro is preferred by most professionals when it comes to photo or video editing. This is mainly because of the great features offered by the device. This is a compact and lightweight laptop with a 13 inch full HD display screen. This gives you a better view of your editing.

Apple MacBook Pro

The device is powered by a dual-core 7th generation Intel core i5 processor. With this laptop, you can take your productivity to the next level. It also gives you 10 hours of battery backup, so that you can continue working without any interruptions.

Even the design of MacBook Pro is worth mentioning. It features an ultra-thin design that makes it highly portable. The balance between performance and looks is what makes MacBook Pro one of the best laptops for users.

Pros

  • Classy design
  • 10 hours of battery life
  • Powerful performance

Cons

  • None

12. ASUS VivoBook S Thin & Light Laptop

  • RAM: 8 GB
  • Screen: 14 inch
  • Weight: 3.2 lbs

When it comes to buying laptops, Asus is a brand that you simply cannot ignore. They are one of the leading computer brands out there. If you are looking for a reliable laptop for photo editing, then the Asus VivoBook S laptop could be a great choice for you. It has all the necessary features you want that will aid in your photo editing task.

It comes with 8GB RAM and 256 GB SSD storage to give you a fast computing experience. This laptop is specially designed for graphics designing. The neat and lightweight design of the device makes it desirable for users who need to carry it often. The device weighs just 3.2 lbs which means you can easily carry it to your class.

ASUS VivoBook S Thin & Light Laptop

The laptop is powered by the 8th Generation Intel Core i7-8550U processor to give you great performance. It comes with a 14-inch screen with Full HD resolution for a better viewing experience. This also makes it easier for you to notice minute details while editing.

Lastly, it provides you 7 to 8 hours of runtime which is not the best, but do-able. It weighs just 3.2 lbs which makes it ideal for travelling. Within this budget, this device is giving you a great deal. This model is suitable for both newbies and experts.

Pros

  • Lightweight design
  • Full HD display
  • Great for graphics designing and photo editing

Cons

  • Average battery life

13. Acer Aspire E 15 Laptop, 15.6″ Full HD

  • RAM: 8 GB 
  • Screen: 15.6 inch
  • Weight: 5.27 lbs

If you are looking for a laptop for editing with long battery life, then this could be the perfect option for you. Coming from a reputed brand like Acer, it gives you a great performance you are looking for. This device comes with high-level specs that will make your work easier. Whether beginner or expert, this laptop can handle all your editing tasks with ease.

Acer Aspire E 15

It is equipped with 8GB RAM with 256 SSD storage for faster computing experience. Unlike other laptops, you don’t have to face lags with this one, while using heavy software. With a 15.6 inch display, you get the best view from every angle. Not just that, but it also helps you to see great colour details.

The best thing about this laptop is the long battery life. It can run for 15 hours on just a single charge. This makes it an ideal choice for editors who don’t have time to charge their laptops so often. Within the $500 mark, this is one of the best laptops you will find.

 

This laptop can easily handle programs like Illustrator, Photoshop, and other heavy photo editing software. Everything about this device is great, except for the weight. In comparison to other laptops, it is quite heavy. So if you want to carry it often, then you may face problems.

Pros

  • Good performance
  • Dedicated graphics card
  • 15 hours of battery life

Cons

  • Heavy

14. Lenovo IdeaPad 320 15.6-Inch Laptop

  • RAM: 4 GB
  • Display: 15.6 inch
  • Weight: 4.84 lbs

The next brand we have is Lenovo which is one of the leading companies in the market. Lenovo IdeaPad 320 is one of the best laptops created under the $500 mark. This laptop is designed to give you the best photo editing experience. It comes with an AMD A9-9420 chip that can reach up to 3.5 GHz when needed. As far as the GPU is concerned, the laptop has an AMD Radeon R5 graphics card. This may not be too great, but it gives you the performance you expect.

To give you a fast computing experience, the laptop is equipped with 4 GB RAM and 1TB HDD for storing files. This enables the device to handle heavy applications with ease. With this laptop, you can say goodbye to lags and work smoothly without any interruptions.

The device is powered by Intel Core i3-7100U Processor to give you a decent performance. This laptop is designed to make your life simpler. For those who have just started with editing can find this device to be really useful.

As far as the design is concerned, the platinum grey colour of the device makes it look elegant and attractive. It has a 15.6-inch screen with full HD resolution for better picture quality and experience. If you want to enjoy great specifications in the budget, then this laptop could be perfect for you guys. However, you should know that it offers only 3.5 hours of battery life which can be a great problem for users who need to work for longer hours.

Pros

  • Lots of connection options
  • Beautiful design
  • Full HD display

Cons

  • Very poor battery life

Ultimate Buying Guide to Choose the Right Laptops For Photo Editing Under $500

When buying a laptop for photo editing, there are a few important things you need to check, before making your final choice. The laptop you are buying should be able to support the work you are doing. In other words, it needs to have the right specs.

To help you out, we have laid down a buying guide below. We have listed all the factors you need to have in your photo editing laptop.

Here you go with the details:

  • Processor

When it comes to photo editing, you need a powerful processor to support your task, or else your efforts will just be a waste.

To use heavy photo editing software like Adobe Photoshop CC and others, you need a multi-core processor. In case, you are running short of budget, then you can opt for an AMD processor. It is not the best, but at least it will suffice for a powerful processor.

The best thing is to keep upgrading your laptop from time to time. as more new advanced photo editing software is introduced, you need a better laptop for your task.

  • RAM

The next important thing is the RAM. Since you will work with multiple software, you need to have a higher RAM. For beginners, you can go for 4 GB RAM. But if you need a laptop for professional photo editing, then it’s better to start from 8 GB RAM. If your budget permits, then you can even go up to 16 GB RAM.

The more RAM you have, the faster computing experience you will get. It will allow you to use heavy editing software with ease and zero lags.

  • Display-Screen Size

Like a photo editor, you need a high-quality display and a bigger screen size. Having a laptop with a larger screen will give you more screen space to work with. In this case, you should go for a 15-inch laptop or more.

As far as the display quality is concerned, you should stick to full HD quality. This will give you a better picture quality and will also help you see the minute details of the images. Not just that, but it will also provide you great colour vibrancy. All this is quite important for the task of photo editing. The more pixels you have, the sharper the pictures are.

  • Storage

One of the biggest concerns of photo editors is the storage space. Since you will be editing multiple photos regularly, you need a lot of space to store them.

Now the question is whether you should go for SSD or HDD. If you settle for SSD, you will get a faster computing experience. But the amount of storage space offered will be less.

On the other hand, if you go for an HDD, then you will get plenty of storage space to store your images and other files. If you choose HDD for more storage space, then make sure you get the one with a speed of 7200RPM.

  • Graphics card

You don’t necessarily need a dedicated graphics card for photo editing. You can do well with the built-in graphics card of your laptop. However, if you are using a 4K display, then you need a dedicated graphics card.

For those who don’t have any budget constraints can go for a laptop with a dedicated graphics card. Photo editing software like Photoshop enjoys the benefits offered by the GPU. It delivers extra power that gives you a better performance.

  • Operating system

Both Mac and Windows are reliable operating systems for photo editing. But if you are looking for a less complicated OS, then it has to be Windows.

The main advantage of using Windows over Mac is that it is compatible with most photo editing software. Also, it is more affordable than Mac.

On the other hand, Mac OS is more complicated, but it gives you greater performance. But it may not be compatible with all the photo editing software you want to use. It is completely up to your personal choice which OS you will get. You should get the one based on your convenience and ease of use.

  • Battery backup

Lastly, we have battery backup which is yet another important thing to consider. Most modern laptops come with 8 to 10 hours of battery backup. But if you are going to travel with it often, then you should get a laptop with more than 10 hours of battery runtime.

Having a long battery life means you will have to charge your laptop less frequently. Not just that, but you will also be able to work without getting interrupted. After all, you wouldn’t like it, if you run out of power in the middle of your work.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Laptops For Photo Editing Under $500

1. Do you need a dedicated graphics card for Photoshop?

Many of you have this question of whether having a dedicated graphics card is important for Photoshop. Well, the answer is no. you can use Photoshop and most other photo editing software with your built-in graphics card.

2. How much RAM is needed for photo editing?

If you are going to use the latest version of Photoshop and other heavy photo editing software, then we would recommend you to get 16GB RAM. However, if you are just a beginner, then anything between 4 GB to 8 GB will work great for you. But for professional use, you should get anything above 8 GB.

3. Which processor is the best for Photoshop?

Photoshop requires clock speed to large amounts of cores. Once you go past 8 cores, you will hardly get any performance benefit at all. These characteristics make the Intel Core i5, i7 and i9 range ideal for Adobe Photoshop use.

4. Are gaming laptops good for photo editing?

If truth is stated, gaming laptops are overkill for photo editing. Most gaming laptops are equipped with high-end GPUs and other specs to give you high-resolution 3D graphics at high frame rates. However, such high-specs are not required for photo editing. Instead, photo editing is more dependent on RAM, processor, and speed of the hard drive.

5. What are some of the best laptop brands for photo editing?

The thing is that you can use any laptop brand for your photo editing task. What matters the most is whether the laptop you are buying has the required specs or not. However, if you want the best laptop for your editing, then you can go for Dell, Asus, MacBook, and Acer. These are some of the top brands that make special laptops for photo editing.

6. Which processor is better for photo editing? Intel i3 or i5?

For processing photos only, you need a powerful processor. But if your requirements are related to video processing, you need both a powerful processor and a high-quality graphics card. If your requirements are limited to light photo editing (between 12-36 MP files), then both Intel i3 and i5 processors can work for you. Indeed, i5 is better than i3 in terms of clocking speed, cores and threads. So if you need more and quick processing power for light photo editing, the i5 works better than the i3 processor.

However, if your requirements include the heavy photo and video editing, you require more RAM and a powerful processor like Intel Core i7. Buy as much RAM as you can with Intel core i7 processor to run apps like Photoshop, Indesign, Filmora, Adobe spark, etc., smoothly and faster.

7. Which Generation is better for a photo editing laptop – 10th or 11th?

For photos and videos editing, you need a better graphics card which usually comes with the 11th Generation. The 11th Generation CPU comes with Intel XE graphics architecture which offers 50% better performance than what you get with Intel UHD graphics card of 10th Generation CPU.

Also, the 11th Generation CPU offers more DDR4 memory, i.e., 3200MHz, whereas the 10th Generation i5 CPU supports up to DDR4-2666 memory. So, if you want better processing power and memory to handle extensive photoshop apps without lagging, the 11th Generation is more efficient than the 10th Generation.

8. Is it possible to use Photoshop on Chromebooks?

Chromebooks have been more advanced with access to Linux and Android apps these days. Yet, you cannot use the desktop version of Photoshop on Chromebooks. However, there are several ways to use Photoshop or similar apps on Chromebooks, and these are:

  • Download the Adobe Photoshop android app from Google Play Store on Chromebooks. Android photoshop app results will show you many apps like Photoshop Mix, Photoshop Fix, Photoshop Express, Photoshop Sketch, Lightroom, etc.
  • You can stream Photoshop from your PC on your Chromebook through the Set up remote access option.
  • You can also use the web version of Lightroom if you are not a big fan of Android Photoshop apps. Lightroom has many similar features to Adobe Photoshop like cropping, rotating and organizing images, retouching photos, processing raw files, creating panoramas, etc.

Conclusion

To get started with photo editing, you need a laptop that can help you make progress in your work. In this case, you need to find a model that is equipped with all the right features you need. You can choose any of the models mentioned in the list above. These laptops are mainly made for photo editing and designing jobs. They are all budget-friendly laptops that you can get within $500.

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