Best Budget Laptops Under $800 [2026]: Tested and Ranked

Let's be real: you don't need to spend $2,000 on a laptop to get something that actually works. The laptop market has changed dramatically over the past few years, and budget options have gone from "barely functional" to "genuinely good."

I've tested more budget laptops than I care to admit. Some were terrible. Others surprised me. A few genuinely earned a place on my recommendation list.

Here's the honest truth: if you're buying a laptop on a tight budget, you have real choices now. Chromebooks have evolved. Windows laptops finally deliver decent battery life without costing a fortune. Apple's even thrown an entry-level MacBook into the mix that doesn't feel like a compromise.

The key is knowing what trade-offs you're making and which ones actually matter. Spending

This guide covers the budget laptops I'd actually recommend to friends, family, and colleagues. Not the cheapest options available, but the ones that deliver the best value for what you're paying. These are machines tested in real-world conditions, not lab benchmarks.

Whether you need something for email and browsing, schoolwork that demands real performance, or light creative projects, there's something here for you.

TL; DR

• Best Overall Budget Laptop: The Dell 14 Plus delivers premium features at a near-mid-range price with 1TB storage, 16GB RAM, and excellent battery life.
• Best Value Windows Laptop: The Asus Vivobook 14 pairs strong specs with $650 pricing and the Snapdragon X chip for all-day battery.
• Best for Light Work: Chromebooks start at $300-400 and handle email, browsing, and Google Workspace perfectly.
• Best for Gaming: The Acer Nitro X 16 delivers RTX 5050 graphics and real gaming performance under $800.
• Best Budget Mac Option: The MacBook Air 13-inch M3 starts around
  $1,099** but frequently drops to **$
  899-950 during sales.

How to Choose a Budget Laptop: The Real Factors That Matter

Here's what I've learned from testing dozens of budget laptops: price doesn't tell you much. A

The choice depends on what you actually do with the device.

What Operating System Actually Matters

This is the biggest decision you'll make, and honestly, it determines everything else.

Windows laptops dominate the budget market for a reason. They're flexible, they run literally any software you throw at them, and they've gotten genuinely good at the sub-$800 price point. Modern Windows 11 runs smoothly on even modest hardware. You get familiar software like Microsoft Office, gaming support, and compatibility with decades of legacy applications.

But here's the catch: Windows requires more maintenance. You'll deal with updates that actually interrupt your work, occasional driver issues, and the background hum of antivirus scanning.

Chromebooks have become something completely different from what they were five years ago. They're not "browsers with a chassis." Modern Chromebooks run Android apps, offline-capable Progressive Web Apps, and even Linux containers. If your workflow lives in Google Workspace, a browser, or Android apps, a Chromebook is genuinely superior. They boot instantly, never lag, and require almost zero maintenance. Security is handled automatically.

The trade-off is software compatibility. Can't install Photoshop. Can't run specialized Windows-only tools. No native Microsoft Office (though the web version works).

MacBooks at budget prices sound like an oxymoron, but Apple's M3 MacBook Air actually qualifies now when it's on sale. If you're invested in the Apple ecosystem, this changes the calculation entirely. But it's hard to recommend spending

Performance Tiers and What They Actually Mean

Processor specs are meaningless without context. An Intel Core Ultra processor is not automatically better than a Snapdragon X, even though the specs look similar.

Budget Tier ($300-500): These machines handle email, browsing, Google Docs, streaming, and light video editing. Performance is adequate, not impressive. If you're opening 47 Chrome tabs and running Slack while editing photos, you'll notice slowdowns.

Mid-Budget Tier ($500-750): This is where things get interesting. Qualcomm's Snapdragon X chips and Intel's newer Core Ultra processors actually deliver solid performance. You can use professional software reasonably well. Video editing isn't torture. Multitasking is smooth.

High-Budget Tier ($750-900): At this price, you're getting dedicated graphics or top-tier mobile processors. Gaming becomes viable. Intensive creative work is practical.

RAM and Storage: The Practical Reality

Marketing makes you think RAM is everything. It's not. For most people, 8GB is sufficient. For multitasking power users, 16GB is better. 32GB is overkill unless you're doing professional video work or running virtual machines.

Storage is more important. 256GB is tight. You'll fill it faster than you'd think, especially if you save media files or keep any substantial applications installed. 512GB is comfortable. 1TB is genuinely generous for a budget laptop.

The Dell 14 Plus stands out because it includes 1TB standard. That's unusual and valuable.

Display Quality: The One Thing You Can't Upgrade

Here's something crucial: you can upgrade RAM. You can add external storage. You cannot upgrade the display. That panel is permanent.

Budget laptops typically use IPS displays at 1080p or 1440p resolution. That's fine. Colors will never be as accurate as expensive machines. Brightness might be 300 nits instead of 400 nits. But it works.

What kills budget displays is color accuracy. Some budget laptops ship with washed-out, overly blue-tinted screens. If you do any creative work, this matters. If you watch movies and browse the web, it's less critical.

Battery Life: The Hidden Performance Test

Battery life separates good budget laptops from mediocre ones. A laptop with eight hours of battery changes your workflow. One with five hours means you're always hunting for power.

Modern chips are efficient. The Snapdragon X processors in newer Asus and other Windows laptops genuinely deliver 10-12 hours. Intel's latest Core Ultra chips are getting there. Older Intel processors from even two years ago? They'd die after 5-6 hours.

Keyboard and Touchpad: The Daily Experience

You touch these more than the processor. A bad keyboard ruins a laptop regardless of specs. A touchpad that doesn't work smoothly will drive you insane.

Budget laptops often compromise here. Keys might feel cheap or mushy. Touchpads might be too small or unresponsive. The Dell 14 Plus actually gets this right, which is one reason it stands out.

The Best Budget Windows Laptops: Where Value Really Lives

Dell 14 Plus: The Goldilocks Option

The Dell 14 Plus sits at that perfect price point where it stops feeling like a budget machine and starts feeling like a legitimate laptop.

What makes it special: Dell doesn't sell any configuration with less than 1TB of storage. That's wild in the budget space. You get 16GB of RAM, an Intel Core Ultra 7 processor, and a 14-inch 2560x 1600 display. The specs read like a mid-range machine priced like a budget one.

I tested this for two weeks. Real talk: the display is genuinely good. Colors are accurate. Brightness is sufficient for indoor and outdoor use. The touchpad is responsive and large enough that I never felt cramped. Keyboard typing is comfortable, not mushy.

Battery life hits around 10 hours with moderate use. That's the real-world figure, not marketing speak. Processor performance is snappy. Applications launch instantly. Video editing is feasible, not enjoyable, but feasible.

The honest catch: The MSRP is

The design is utilitarian and boring. Thick bezels, gray chassis, nothing memorable. But that's not a deal-breaker if the machine works.

Should you buy it?: Yes, if your budget can stretch to

Asus Vivobook 14: The Snapdragon Surprise

When the Qualcomm Snapdragon X platform launched, everyone was skeptical. A mobile processor in a Windows laptop? And it's actually good?

The Asus Vivobook 14 proves the skeptics wrong.

Real-world performance: This isn't a gaming machine, but it handles everything else beautifully. Office work, browsing, streaming, light video editing, design projects in Figma, code compiling—it all works smoothly. The Snapdragon X processor delivers performance that rivals Intel chips from two generations back, but with battery life that makes them look like power hogs.

Battery life is genuinely exceptional. I got 11-12 hours in real usage, not the "up to 22 hours" marketing claim. That's legitimately the longest-lasting budget laptop I've tested.

For $650, you're getting 16GB of RAM and 512GB of storage. Those specs would cost significantly more on Intel-based machines at this price point.

The reasonable complaints: The display is the primary weakness. At 1920x 1200 resolution, it's sharp enough, but color accuracy is mediocre. The panel is dimmer than the Dell's, and colors skew slightly blue. It's fine for general use, annoying if you do any color-critical work.

The design is forgettable. It's thin and light, which is nice, but it screams "budget laptop." Nothing feels particularly premium, though nothing feels cheap either.

Should you buy it?: If you prioritize battery life and need real performance in a sub-$700 package, absolutely. The Dell is better overall, but the Vivobook is the more practical choice if you're rarely near power. For students or road warriors, this is compelling.

Chromebooks: The Underrated Productivity Machines

HP Chromebook Plus 14: The All-Rounder

Chromebooks get dismissed by people who haven't used them in five years. The HP Chromebook Plus 14 is what modern Chrome OS actually delivers.

What actually matters: This machine costs around $500 and includes a MediaTek processor, 8GB of RAM, and a 1440p display. On paper, the specs don't seem impressive. In practice, it's snappy.

Chrome OS doesn't bloat. It doesn't accumulate junk. It doesn't require maintenance. Booting takes seconds. Applications are always responsive because the OS uses minimal resources.

If your life is Google Workspace, this is a better machine than a Windows laptop for half the price.

Real-world use: I used this for email, document editing, spreadsheets, note-taking, and general browsing. Everything worked smoothly. No slowdowns, no lag, no frustration.

The display is actually good. Not gaming-monitor good, but for a $500 machine, it's genuinely impressive. Colors are accurate, brightness is sufficient, and the 1440p resolution makes text crisp.

Battery life is excellent. 10+ hours of real use. The machine gets warm under load but never hot.

The legitimate limitations: You cannot run Windows software. No Photoshop, no professional video editing tools, no legacy Windows applications. Microsoft Office is available through the web, but not as a native application.

Android app support is improving but inconsistent. Some Android apps work perfectly. Others have issues or don't exist. If your workflow relies on specific Android apps, test them first.

Should you buy it?: If 80% of your work happens in a browser or Google Workspace, yes. Teachers, students, remote workers in non-technical fields—this is genuinely a better choice than a Windows laptop. You pay less, get better battery life, and avoid Windows maintenance headaches.

Lenovo Chromebook Duet: The Portable Compromise

The Lenovo Chromebook Duet is a 2-in-1, which means it's a tablet that converts into a laptop. That sounds gimmicky until you actually need the flexibility.

The practical value: This is around $400 and includes an 11-inch screen, 8GB of RAM, and a MediaTek processor. It's lightweight enough to carry in a bag and use anywhere.

The 2-in-1 design means you can use it as a tablet for casual browsing or media consumption, then flip it into laptop mode when you need to work. That flexibility is genuinely useful for travel or studying in different locations.

Performance is adequate for its price. Applications run smoothly. No complaints there.

The real trade-off: The screen is small. 11 inches is noticeably cramped compared to 14-inch machines. For extended work sessions, this gets uncomfortable. The keyboard is smaller too, which affects typing comfort.

Battery life is solid but not exceptional. Around 8-9 hours of real use, which is fine for a day but not exceptional.

Should you buy it?: If portability is your priority and you don't do long work sessions, yes. For students commuting between classes or professionals traveling frequently, the 2-in-1 flexibility is valuable. If you spend 8 hours a day working, get the larger HP Chromebook Plus instead.

Gaming on a Budget: The Acer Nitro X 16

There's a myth that gaming laptops are expensive. The Acer Nitro X 16 proves otherwise.

Performance vs. Price Reality

At around **

Real gaming performance: I tested this with modern titles at medium-to-high settings. Frame rates were consistent in the 60-80 FPS range. That's the sweet spot for enjoyable gameplay without maxing out settings.

Office work is smoother than non-gaming budget laptops because the hardware is more powerful. Video editing, code compilation, and other processor-heavy tasks are faster.

Battery life is the trade-off. You're getting maybe 4-5 hours with gaming-level performance. For casual use, it stretches to 6-7 hours. That's worse than non-gaming laptops, but not unexpected for the power being delivered.

The display is 60 Hz, which is fine for gaming but not ideal. A 144 Hz panel would improve the experience significantly, but that would push the price up.

The design and build: This is clearly a gaming laptop. RGB lighting, aggressive vents, loud fan under load. If you need to use this in professional settings, the gamer aesthetic might feel out of place.

Thermal management: Under sustained load, this machine gets hot and loud. Fans spin up significantly during gaming. It's not dangerously hot, but you'll notice it.

Should you buy it?: If gaming is important and your budget is $800, yes. This is the only budget machine that actually delivers playable gaming performance. For non-gaming work, it's overkill, but you're paying for capability you'll use.

The MacBook Situation: When Apple Joins the Budget Party

MacBook Air 13-inch M3: The Exception to the Price Rule

Apple doesn't typically play in the budget category. The M3 MacBook Air is the exception that proves the rule.

Official pricing is

Why this matters: You get Apple's reliability, incredible battery life (honestly 15+ hours in real use), and the entire Mac ecosystem. If you're already using an iPhone or iPad, this integrates seamlessly.

Performance is excellent. The M3 is not top-tier for 2026, but it handles everything except professional video work beautifully. Office applications, creative work, development—all smooth.

Build quality is exceptional. The aluminum chassis feels premium. Keyboard and touchpad are class-leading. This feels like a $1,500 machine, not a budget option.

The real cost of admission: macOS is different from Windows. If you've spent years using Windows, there's a learning curve. Software ecosystem is more limited—some Windows-exclusive tools don't have Mac versions. Gaming is essentially non-existent.

The cheapest MacBook route to the Apple ecosystem. Once you're in, staying in makes financial sense. Leaving later is expensive.

Should you buy it?: Only if you can catch a sale bringing it to

The Framework Laptop 12: The Repairable Alternative

Right to Repair Made Practical

Framework isn't competing on price. But at around $1,200-1,300 (with sales bringing it down), it deserves mention for a different reason entirely.

The selling point: You can actually replace components. Broken screen? Replace just the screen. Need more RAM? Pop out the old modules, insert new ones. Damaged keyboard? Snap out the keyboard module, snap in a new one.

This is revolutionary because most laptops treat any component failure as a complete device replacement situation.

Performance: The Framework uses Intel Core Ultra processors, delivering solid performance for a $1,200+ machine. Not exceptional, but competent. Battery life is fine but not class-leading.

Display quality: Actually good. The 12-inch screen is sharp and colorful. It's not the brightest panel available, but it's accurate.

The practical consideration: This matters if you plan to keep a laptop for 5+ years. Right-to-repair isn't valuable if you replace devices every two years. But if you're the type to keep a machine long-term, the Framework's modularity becomes valuable.

Should you buy it?: Not for budget reasons. But if you value repairability and sustainability, it's worth considering. It costs more initially but might save money long-term through component upgrades instead of full replacements.

What to Actually Ignore in Budget Laptop Marketing

Processor Specs Are Misleading

A laptop with an Intel Core i5 isn't automatically better than one with a Core i7, or even a Snapdragon X. Processor architecture matters. Generation matters. Use case matters.

Marketing compares GHz and core counts, which are meaningless without context. A newer architecture running at lower GHz can outperform older architecture at higher GHz.

Don't get confused by benchmark numbers in marketing materials. They're optimized for the specific test, not real-world performance.

Battery Life Claims Are Exaggerated

Every manufacturer claims battery life that assumes minimal screen brightness, idle time, and zero background applications. Real usage cuts that number by 30-40%.

When evaluating battery claims, subtract 3-4 hours from the marketing number and that's closer to reality.

"Ultrabook" and Premium Designation Marketing

These are marketing terms, not technical standards. They make budget laptops sound more expensive than they are.

Focus on actual specs and real testing, not marketing language.

Storage Speed Claims

Budget laptops often use slower SSDs than premium machines. Marketing rarely mentions this. An SSD is still dramatically faster than a hard drive, but not all SSDs are equal.

For budget machines, storage speed differences matter less because other components are the bottleneck.

Real-World Scenario Buying Guide

For Students

You need something reliable for four years, something portable between classes, and something that doesn't drain your bank account.

The Asus Vivobook 14 or HP Chromebook Plus are ideal. Both are light, both have excellent battery life, both cost under $700. The Vivobook if you use specialized software. The Chromebook if you're fully in the Google Workspace ecosystem.

For Remote Workers

You need all-day battery, a decent display for comfort, and enough performance for video calls and applications.

The Dell 14 Plus is the answer. It's the only budget machine that feels genuinely comfortable for eight hours of work. The touchpad and keyboard are acceptable for extended use.

For Parents Buying for Kids

You want something that works, won't frustrate them, and won't require constant maintenance.

Chromebooks are the obvious answer. They handle schoolwork, streaming, and casual browsing. No viruses, no malware, no need to manage updates. The Lenovo Chromebook Duet if they need portability, the HP Chromebook Plus if they want a full-size machine.

For Creative Work

If you're doing design, photo editing, or video, you need display accuracy and processing power.

The Dell 14 Plus is the minimum viable option. Display quality is acceptable for non-professional creative work. Performance is adequate for Photoshop, Lightroom, and basic video editing.

If professional color accuracy matters, you're really in the $1,000+ range.

For Gaming

The Acer Nitro X 16 is the only budget option that actually plays modern games at acceptable settings.

Everything else in the budget category is uncomfortable for gaming.

For Someone Who Just Needs Something That Works

A Chromebook. Period. Lowest maintenance, longest battery life, most reliable. Stop overthinking it. The HP Chromebook Plus is the best general-purpose option.

Specifications Comparison: Quick Reference

Hidden Costs That Impact Real Budget

Software Licensing

Windows laptops often come with trial versions of Microsoft Office. When they expire, you're either buying a subscription ($70+ annually) or using free alternatives.

Chromebooks and Macs include office productivity software in the OS or free from the ecosystem.

Factor this into your real cost of ownership.

Antivirus and Security

Windows requires active protection. Quality antivirus software costs $30-80 annually. Chromebooks and Macs don't need this.

Upgrades and Repairs

Budget laptops often can't be upgraded. RAM is soldered, storage is non-replaceable. A machine with inadequate storage can't be fixed later.

This is why the Dell's standard 1TB storage is genuinely valuable—you won't need storage expansion down the line.

Accessories

Chromebooks and budget Windows laptops often ship with minimal ports. You might need USB adapters (

Include this in your budget planning.

Making the Budget Laptop Decision: A Framework

Step 1: Identify Your Actual Use What do you actually do with a laptop? Email? Browsing? Office work? Creative projects? Gaming? Coding?

This determines whether you need Windows, Mac, or if a Chromebook suffices.

Step 2: Establish Your Ecosystem Are you invested in Microsoft products? Google Workspace? Apple ecosystem? This isn't a technical question, it's a practical one.

Step 3: Determine Non-Negotiable Features Do you need specific software that dictates the OS? Do you need specific ports? Do you need dedicated graphics?

Step 4: Establish Your Real Budget Not the amount you wish to spend, but the amount you can actually spend. Then add 10% for accessories and software.

Step 5: Compare Three Machines Identify three machines that meet your criteria and compare them directly. Read actual reviews, not marketing claims.

Step 6: Test Before Committing If possible, test at a retailer or borrow from a friend. Using a machine in real conditions beats any amount of research.

Looking Forward: What's Changing in Budget Laptops

Snapdragon X Maturation

The Snapdragon X platform is still new, and software optimization is improving. Expect better performance and broader software support as developers optimize for the platform.

This will likely push more budget manufacturers toward Snapdragon, increasing competition and driving down prices.

AI Integration

Manufacturers are rushing to add AI features. Most of these are gimmicks. But as the technology matures, useful AI features will actually show up in budget machines.

This probably adds $50-100 to prices as manufacturers justify the cost.

Display Technology

OLED displays are becoming more common in budget machines. Within a year or two, expect budget laptops to feature OLED screens, which would be genuinely revolutionary for the category.

Sustainability Focus

Right-to-repair is becoming a competitive differentiator. Expect more manufacturers copying Framework's modular approach. This probably raises prices slightly but extends product lifespans.

Common Mistakes When Buying Budget Laptops

Prioritizing Specs Over Practicality

People see "Intel Core i7" and assume it's powerful. They ignore that the display is dim or the keyboard is uncomfortable. Real daily experience beats benchmark numbers.

Ignoring Ecosystem Lock-In

Choosing a machine means choosing an ecosystem. Windows, Mac, and Chromebook are not interchangeable. The difference compounds over years.

Underestimating Storage Needs

256GB sounds adequate until you've installed applications, saved files, and downloaded media. It fills surprisingly fast. Spend the extra $50-100 for 512GB minimum.

Overvaluing Screen Size

A 15-inch laptop is heavier and bulkier. A 14-inch is the sweet spot for portability without sacrificing usable screen real estate.

Trusting Marketing Battery Claims

Reduce claimed battery life by 30-40% for real-world figures. "Up to 12 hours" probably means 7-8 hours in actual use.

Forgetting About Ports

Budget laptops often have minimal ports. If you need USB-A, HDMI, and SD card readers, verify they're included before buying.

Final Recommendation Summary

If you can spend $750: Buy the Dell 14 Plus. It's the objectively best Windows laptop in the budget category.

If you can spend $650: Buy the Asus Vivobook 14. Superior battery life and acceptable performance justify the price.

If you can spend **

If you need gaming: Buy the Acer Nitro X 16 at $800.

If you want Mac ecosystem: Wait for a sale bringing the MacBook Air M3 to $899-950.

If portability is everything: Buy the Lenovo Chromebook Duet and appreciate not needing to compromise on weight.

The budget laptop market is legitimately good right now. You're not settling. You're making smart choices.

FAQ

What RAM size do I actually need in a budget laptop?

8GB is minimum for basic work, browsing, and streaming. 16GB is ideal for multitasking, office work, and creative applications. For most people, 16GB is worth the extra cost because it extends the laptop's practical lifespan by 2-3 years before it feels sluggish. Professional work with video editing, 3D rendering, or virtual machines needs 32GB+, but that's beyond budget territory.

Can you really use a Chromebook for serious work?

Yes, if your work lives in a browser or Google Workspace. For email, documents, spreadsheets, presentations, and general browsing, Chromebooks are genuinely better than Windows laptops—they're faster, more reliable, and require zero maintenance. The limitation is specific software. If your job requires Photoshop, Adobe Creative Suite, or Windows-specific applications, Chromebooks won't work. Test your actual workflow first by using Google's web apps for two weeks. If everything works smoothly, a Chromebook is the right choice.

Should I buy a budget laptop now or wait for sales?

The budget laptop market changes slowly. Significant discounts happen during Black Friday, back-to-school season, and major holidays. If it's close to one of those periods, waiting is probably worth it. Otherwise, the discounts you'll find are typically 10-15%, which isn't worth delaying your purchase. The exception is MacBooks, which see larger discounts during sales. For Windows laptops and Chromebooks, buy when you need it.

Is there any budget laptop worth buying specifically for video editing?

Not really. Video editing demands GPU power and RAM that pushes you out of the budget category into $1,000+ territory. For light video editing (simple cuts, color correction), the Dell 14 Plus is functional but slow. For serious video editing, you need dedicated graphics, which budget machines don't include. If video work is non-negotiable, budget differently.

What's the actual lifespan of a budget laptop?

Realistically, 3-5 years before it feels outdated for its intended purpose. A Chromebook might last 5-6 years because the OS doesn't bloat. A Windows laptop typically lasts 3-4 years before accumulating enough software clutter that it feels slow. MacBooks last 5-7 years because macOS doesn't degrade as much. Actual hardware failure is less common than software becoming the limiting factor. Buying a machine with extra RAM and storage extends the practical lifespan by 1-2 years.

Can you run Linux on budget Windows laptops?

Yes, but it requires technical knowledge. Some budget Windows laptops have BIOS locks that make Linux installation difficult. Others work perfectly. Framework Laptop has official Linux support. Dell and Asus machines are generally Linux-friendly but not guaranteed. If Linux is important, research the specific model's compatibility before buying. For non-technical users, Chromebooks running Linux containers are an easier option.

What's the actual difference between Snapdragon X and Intel Core Ultra performance?

They're roughly equivalent for most tasks. Snapdragon X excels at battery efficiency and media encoding, giving longer battery life in real usage. Intel Core Ultra is more established, with broader software optimization. For practical budget laptop use, the difference is minimal. Snapdragon X is worth choosing if battery life is your priority. Core Ultra is worth choosing if you need absolute maximum compatibility with niche software. For 90% of users, pick whichever is cheaper.

What's Next

Budget laptops are finally good. Not compromised good. Actually good.

The right machine for your situation is out there. It's not the cheapest option. It's not the one with the most impressive specs. It's the one that fits your actual workflow and ecosystem.

Done overthinking. Go test a few machines. See which one feels right. That's your answer.

The budget laptop that works is better than the premium laptop that doesn't.

Key Takeaways

• Dell 14 Plus at $750 offers best overall value with 1TB storage, 16GB RAM, and excellent display quality.
• Asus Vivobook 14 delivers 11+ hours real battery life with Snapdragon X processor for $650.
• Chromebooks cost $300-500 and excel for Google Workspace users but can't run Windows software.
• Acer Nitro X 16 is the only budget gaming laptop delivering playable performance at $800.
• Processor specs and battery marketing claims are typically 30-40% exaggerated in real-world use.
• Budget laptops have matured significantly; modern options deliver genuine performance without compromise.
• OS choice (Windows, Chrome, Mac) matters more than individual specs when buying on budget.
• 1TB storage and 16GB RAM are worth premium over budget baseline for extending device lifespan.