Finding the best i3 laptops under 30000 is arduous.
Why?
Because there aren’t many laptops under 30000 with i3 processor.
Most of the companies offer Pentium or AMD Athlon processors at this price bracket.
But don’t worry.
We have managed to get some decent Intel i3 laptops that are worth buying.
So here are the best i3 laptops under 30000.
How powerful is the Intel i3 processor?
Note that, at this price, the Intel i3 processor that you will get is the i3 8th Gen, not the i3 10th Gen.
Now how much these two generations are different from each other? Let’s find it out.
| i3 8145U | i3 1005G1 |
|---|---|
| • Cores: 2 | • Cores: 2 |
| • Threads: 4 | • Threads: 4 |
| • Base freq: 2.1GHz | • Base freq: 1.2GHz |
| • Max Freq: 3.9GHz | • Max Freq: 3.4GHz |
| • Tech: 14nm | • Tech: 10nm |
| • Cache: 4MB | • Cache: 4MB |
| • TDP: 15W | • TDP: 15W |
The 10th Gen i3 is a more capable and power-efficient processor, but the 8th gen is also not that inferior.
Even some laptops also offer i3 5th gen processors in this price range. We will talk about that in a moment.
So what do we suggest?
If possible, then add an extra Rs 2-3000 and go for the i3 10th gen laptops.
But still, if you don’t want to extend your budget, then the 8th gen is also a capable processor.
Both the processors will perform day-to-day tasks easily.
Best i3 Laptops under 30000
Now without killing your time, let’s move to the list.
1. Life Digital ZED AIR CX3
Main Highlights
| BRAND | Life Digital |
|---|---|
| Model | ZED AIR CX3 |
| Display | 15.6 inch FHD • (1920 x 1080) • 60Hz • 220 nits |
| Processor | Intel Core i3-5005U • 14nm • Base frequency: 2 GHz |
| Cores/ Threads | 2 Cores/ 4 Threads |
| RAM | 4GB DDR4 RAM • Non-upgradeable |
| Storage | 1TB HDD + 256GB SSD |
| OS | 64 Bit Windows 10 Home |
| Graphics Card | Intel HD Graphics 5500 |
| Ports | 1 HDMI, 1 Type-C, 2 USB 3.0, 1 RJ-45, Micro SD Card Reader, Audio combo jack |
| Battery Capacity | 37.5WHr |
| Battery Life | • 4 hours claimed • 2-2.5 hours in real life |
| Audio | Dual speakers |
| Connectivity | Wifi 5, Bluetooth 5.0, Webcam |
| Warranty | 1 year onsite domestic warranty |
| Others | Nice keyboard layout, Win 10 Home (Lifetime validity), McAfee LiveSafe |
| Weight | 1kg 800g |
User Experience:
There are high chances that you have never heard of Life Digital.
I-Life Digital is a US-based startup that is known for offering affordable products in India. Their products include Tablet PC, Smartphones, Laptops, 2-in-1 devices, PCs, and Wearable.
Now talking about the ZED AIR CX3, it’s possibly the most featured packed laptop for around 30000.
It offers the specifications that no other laptop offers at this price. But there are some major cons also.
- Talking about the display, it’s a 15.6 inches FHD panel that is sharp and produces some vibrant colors. Doing regular work on this display is no problem.
- What makes this laptop stand out is the 2TB HDD + 256GB SSD storage. Even the expensive laptops don’t offer this kind of configuration.
- Because of the SSD, apps load quickly and you can feel the speed of it.
- The 8GB RAM handles multitasking. Getting 8GB RAM at this price point is no joke.
- The slim design is eye-catching, especially the keyboard layout. The keyboard is stretched out to the corners which makes the typing experience a lot better.
- One major disappointment of this laptop is the processor. This laptop houses the Intel Core i3 5th Gen 5005U processor.
- This processor is not inferior but it’s too old. Considering the fact that this laptop has offered so many features, then giving a newer gen processor isn’t a big deal for the company.
- Another issue is the battery life. The 37.5 Watt-Hours battery can last for only 2-2.5 hours on a single charge. So you have to carry the charger all the time.
- Even some people have been facing some reliability issues with the laptop.
- On a positive note, this is the laptop that has a Type-C port and surrounds sound technology to enhance user experience.
Verdict: The Life Digital ZED AIR CX3 definitely has some cons, but it also has some specs that no other laptop has. This laptop is for those who don’t require high performance but instead need more storage and speed. Looking at overall value, it’s a decent i3 laptop under 30000 in India.
Pros and Cons
- The sleek design looks great
- Build quality is decent
- Tons of storage with SSD
- Decent sound from the speaker
- Good selection of ports
- Reasonable price
- Average webcam quality
- Poor battery life
- The newer gen processor could have been given
2. ASUS VivoBook 14 (2020)
Main Highlights
| BRAND | Asus |
|---|---|
| Model | X415JA-EK104T |
| Display | 14 inch FHD • (1920 x 1080) • 60Hz • Anti Glare • 45% NTSC • 220 nits • 82% Screen-To-Body Ratio |
| Processor | Intel Core i3-1005G1 • 10nm • Base frequency: 1.2 GHz • Max frequency: 3.4 GHz |
| Cores/ Threads | 2 Cores/ 4 Threads |
| RAM | 4GB DDR4 RAM • Upgradeable up to 12GB |
| Storage | 1TB HDD • Upgradeable using M.2 Slot |
| OS | 64 Bit Windows 10 Home |
| Graphics Card | Intel UHD Graphics |
| Ports | 1 HDMI 1.4, 2 USB 2.0, 1 USB 3.2, 1 USB 3.2 Type-C, Micro SD Card Reader, Audio combo jack |
| Battery Capacity | 37WHr |
| Battery Life | • 6 hours claimed • 4-4.5 hours in real life |
| Audio | Single speakers • harman/kardon certified |
| Connectivity | Wifi 5, Bluetooth 5.0, Webcam |
| Warranty | 1 year onsite domestic warranty |
| Others | 1.4mm key travel, Win 10 Home (Lifetime validity), Fingerprint scanner |
| Weight | 1kg 600g |
| Price | Check Latest Price |
User Experience:
If the Life Digital laptop might not seem reliable to you, then you must be looking for a reliable brand.
If yes, then here is the Asus Vivobook 14 (2020).
But, first thing first, this laptop costs a little over 30000. If you are willing to pay extra, then you are going to get some really good specs.
- The first thing you will get is the Core i3-1005G1 10th gen processor which is nearly twice as fast as the processor used on Life Digital.
- The build quality is great. Despite being made of plastic, the laptop feels sturdy.
- The 14 inches FHD display produces some great colors. The quality of the panel is satisfactory for the price.
- The 4GB RAM can be upgraded up to 12GB using the one SO-DIMM Slot. To know if 4GB RAM is enough for a laptop, Click here.
- The 1TB HDD is there to store a lot of media files. But, if you want to make this laptop blazing fast then you can add an extra M.2 SSD on it.
- 37WHrs battery can last up to 4.5 hours in real life. The number isn’t huge, but it’s decent.
- Features like Fingerprint scanner, Type-C port, and keyboard with 1.4mm key travel are great to have. These features enhance the whole user experience.
- Harman/Kardon certified single speaker produces loud and clear sound.
Verdict: The Asus Vivobook 14 is a reliable laptop that is priced well. It has all the great features that you would need. If you get it for around 30k, then it’s one of the best laptops under 30000 with i3 processor.
Pros and Cons
- Good display quality
- Thin bezels look great
- Sturdy build quality
- Tons of storage
- Option to add an SSD
- Upgradeable RAM
- Decent sound from the speaker
- Fingerprint scanner
- Good selection of ports
- Well priced
- Average webcam quality
- The battery life is not that great
Is Acer Extensa 15 a good laptop? Click here to know.
3. Acer Aspire 3
Main Highlights
| BRAND | Acer |
|---|---|
| Model | A315-56 |
| Display | 15.6 inch FHD • (1920 x 1080) • 60Hz • Anti Glare |
| Processor | Intel Core i3-1005G1 • 10nm • Base frequency: 1.2 GHz • Max frequency: 3.4 GHz |
| Cores/ Threads | 2 Cores/ 4 Threads |
| RAM | 4GB DDR4 RAM • Upgradeable up to 12GB |
| Storage | 1TB HDD |
| OS | 64 Bit Windows 10 Home |
| Graphics Card | Intel UHD Graphics |
| Ports | 1 HDMI 1.4, 2 USB 2.0, 1 USB 3.1, 1 RJ-45, Audio combo jack |
| Battery Life | • 9.5 hours claimed • 5 hours in real life |
| Audio | Single speakers |
| Connectivity | Wifi 5, Bluetooth 5.0, Webcam |
| Warranty | 1 year onsite domestic warranty |
| Weight | 1kg 900g |
| Price | Check Latest Price |
User Experience:
The Acer Aspire 3 also priced similarly to the Vivobook 14, and the specifications are also more or less the same.
Then why should you pick this laptop over the Vivobook 14?
Well, for the design.
If an eye-catching design is your priority, then you should take a look at this laptop.
- The two-sided thin bezels give this laptop a premium look. It looks more expensive than it is.
- The display quality is decent. It’s neither excellent nor inferior.
- The Intel Core i3-1005G1 processor is capable of handling day-to-day tasks easily.
- 4GB RAM is upgradeable up to 12GB. The 1 TB HDD is enough for storing a lot of media files.
- The laptop is completely made of plastic, but it’s a hard one and doesn’t feel cheap.
- The company claims a battery life of 9.5 hours, but don’t fall for the claims. In real life, the battery can last up to 5 hours which is not that bad actually.
- Note that there is no fingerprint scanner or Type-C port on this laptop.
Verdict: Some users have complained that the laptop is not working properly. But a lot of users are satisfied with the laptop also.
You can use some bank offer to get it for less than 30k, and for that price, it’s one of the best laptops under 30000 with i3 processor and Windows 10.
Pros and Cons
- Good display quality
- Thin bezels look great
- Solid build quality
- Sufficient storage
- Upgradeable RAM
- Good battery life
- Well priced
- Average webcam quality
- A lot of users have been facing reliability issues
As of now, these are the only i3 laptops under 30000. We will keep adding new laptops to the list as soon as they get available.
Final Verdict on Best i3 Laptops under 30000
So which laptop should you buy for under 30000?
Let’s be very honest with you.
If you only want an i3 laptop, then we strongly suggest adding a little extra and buy the Asus Vivobook 14. It’s the most featured packed laptop in this segment.
On the other hand, if you can’t extend your budget, then it is advised to go with Ryzen 3 laptops.
Why?
Because the Ryzen laptops costs slightly less and offers the same performance. Even the number of options with Ryzen CPU is high compared to Intel i3.
That’s why you should take a look at these best Ryzen 3 laptops under 30000.
FAQs
Is Ryzen 3 more powerful than Intel i3?
It depends on which generations you are comparing.
The Ryzen 3 3250U is similarly powerful as the Intel i3 8th Gen.
On the other hand, the Ryzen 3 3300U is also as powerful as Intel i3 10th gen.
But the GPU performance of Ryzen 3 is better than the Intel i3.
Can you play games on Intel i3 laptops?
The Intel i3 is an entry-level processor. Yes, you can game on it, but the gaming experience won’t be as good as a gaming laptop.
In simple words, you can only play very light games on this CPU.
If you are a gamer, then we suggest you take a look at these cheap gaming laptops.
Does a laptop with an Intel i3 processor hang?
One of our laptops has an Intel i3 3rd Gen processor, and to our surprise, it still works fine. It handles most of the writing, browsing, multitasking, and other tasks just fine.
So, we can say that the laptop with an i3 processor doesn’t hang.
But, other things also matter, like how the OS is configured with hardware, etc.
If everything is fine, then i3 processors work just fine on laptops.
So these are the best i3 laptops under 30000 in India, as of now.
Do you agree or disagree with this list? Do let us know.
Also Check: Best Laptops Between 15000 to 20000
If you still have any doubt, then feel free to ask us in the comments.
Now we hope you have got what you have been looking for.
