The Best 12-Inch Laptops for 2023
12-inch laptops offer a perfect blend of portability and power. They're small enough to slip into your bag and take with you anywhere, but still provide enough screen real estate and processing power for everyday tasks. Whether you're a student, professional, or just looking for a reliable and compact machine, there's a 12-inch laptop out there for you. Here are some of the best options on the market:
1. Apple MacBook Air (M2, 2022)
The Apple MacBook Air (M2, 2022) is a powerhouse in a compact design. With its powerful M2 chip, you can breeze through demanding tasks like video editing and gaming. The 13.6-inch Liquid Retina display is stunningly sharp and bright, perfect for enjoying movies and shows on the go. The all-day battery life lets you work and play without constantly worrying about power.
Pros:
- Powerful M2 chip
- Stunning Liquid Retina display
- Long battery life
- Lightweight and portable
Cons:
- Expensive
- No touchscreen
2. Microsoft Surface Laptop 5 (13.5-inch)
The Microsoft Surface Laptop 5 (13.5-inch) is a versatile and stylish laptop. Its gorgeous 13.5-inch PixelSense display with touchscreen functionality provides an intuitive user experience. It comes with a variety of powerful processors, including the Intel Core i5 and i7, ensuring smooth performance for all your tasks. The sleek and compact design makes it perfect for on-the-go professionals.
Pros:
- Stylish and sleek design
- Touchscreen display
- Powerful processor options
- Versatile and comfortable keyboard
Cons:
- Relatively expensive
- Battery life could be better
3. Dell XPS 13 Plus (2022)
The Dell XPS 13 Plus (2022) is a premium laptop that packs a punch. It boasts a 13.4-inch OLED touchscreen display that delivers vibrant and rich colors. The 12th Gen Intel Core i5 and i7 processors ensure lightning-fast performance for even the most demanding applications. The sleek and modern design with a haptic touchpad adds to the overall user experience.
Pros:
- Stunning OLED touchscreen display
- Powerful Intel Core i5 and i7 processors
- Sleek and modern design
- Excellent build quality
Cons:
- Expensive
- Battery life could be better
4. Lenovo Yoga 9i (14-inch)
The Lenovo Yoga 9i (14-inch) is a powerful and versatile laptop with a 14-inch 2.8K OLED touchscreen display. It's a perfect blend of performance and portability. The 12th Gen Intel Core i7 processor and Intel Iris Xe graphics handle demanding tasks with ease. The 360-degree hinge allows you to use it in multiple modes, including laptop, tablet, and tent mode.
Pros:
- Powerful 12th Gen Intel Core i7 processor
- Stunning 2.8K OLED touchscreen display
- 360-degree hinge for multiple modes
- Excellent battery life
Cons:
- Relatively expensive
- Slightly bulky compared to other 12-inch laptops
5. Acer Swift 3 SF314-512 (14-inch)
The Acer Swift 3 SF314-512 (14-inch) is an affordable and stylish laptop that offers great value for money. It comes with a 14-inch Full HD display, 12th Gen Intel Core i5 processor, and 8GB of RAM, providing sufficient performance for daily tasks. The lightweight and slim design makes it easy to carry around.
Pros:
- Affordable
- Lightweight and slim design
- 12th Gen Intel Core i5 processor
- Good battery life
Cons:
- Basic display
- Not as powerful as some other options
6. HP Envy x360 13 (2022)
The HP Envy x360 13 (2022) is a versatile and stylish laptop with a 13.3-inch touchscreen display. It offers powerful AMD Ryzen 5 and Ryzen 7 processors, making it suitable for both work and entertainment. The 360-degree hinge allows you to use it in various modes, including laptop, tablet, and tent mode.
Pros:
- Powerful AMD Ryzen processors
- 360-degree hinge for multiple modes
- Stylish and modern design
- Good battery life
Cons:
- Relatively expensive
- Touchscreen responsiveness could be better
7. ASUS ZenBook 13 UX325 (2020)
The ASUS ZenBook 13 UX325 (2020) is a lightweight and portable laptop that offers great value for money. It features a 13.3-inch Full HD display, 11th Gen Intel Core i5 processor, and 8GB of RAM, making it perfect for everyday tasks. The compact design makes it easy to slip into your bag and take it with you anywhere.
Pros:
- Lightweight and portable
- Affordable
- 11th Gen Intel Core i5 processor
- Long battery life
Cons:
- Basic display
- Not as powerful as some other options
8. Samsung Galaxy Book2 Pro 360 (13.3-inch)
The Samsung Galaxy Book2 Pro 360 (13.3-inch) is a versatile and stylish laptop with a 13.3-inch AMOLED touchscreen display. It offers powerful Intel Core i5 and i7 processors, and 12 hours of battery life. The 360-degree hinge allows you to use it in multiple modes, including laptop, tablet, and tent mode.
Pros:
- Stunning AMOLED touchscreen display
- Powerful Intel Core i5 and i7 processors
- Long battery life
- Versatile and comfortable keyboard
Cons:
- Expensive
- Not as powerful as some other options
9. LG Gram 14 (2023)
The LG Gram 14 (2023) is an incredibly lightweight laptop that offers exceptional performance. It features a 14-inch IPS display, 13th Gen Intel Core i7 processor, and 16GB of RAM, making it suitable for demanding tasks. The incredibly lightweight design makes it perfect for travelers.
Pros:
- Ultra-lightweight
- Powerful 13th Gen Intel Core i7 processor
- Excellent battery life
- Sleek and modern design
Cons:
- Expensive
- Basic display
10. Huawei MateBook 13s (2021)
The Huawei MateBook 13s (2021) is a stylish and compact laptop that offers a premium experience. It features a 13.3-inch 2K touchscreen display, 11th Gen Intel Core i7 processor, and 16GB of RAM, making it suitable for both work and entertainment. The sleek and compact design makes it easy to carry around.
Pros:
- Stunning 2K touchscreen display
- Powerful 11th Gen Intel Core i7 processor
- Sleek and compact design
- Excellent battery life
Cons:
- Expensive
- Not as powerful as some other options
11. Acer Aspire 5 A515-47-R79Z (15.6-inch)
The Acer Aspire 5 A515-47-R79Z (15.6-inch) is a budget-friendly laptop that offers good performance. It features a 15.6-inch Full HD display, AMD Ryzen 7 5700U processor, and 8GB of RAM, making it perfect for everyday tasks. The affordable price makes it an attractive option for students and budget-conscious users.
Pros:
- Affordable
- Powerful AMD Ryzen 7 processor
- Good battery life
- Solid build quality
Cons:
- Basic display
- Not as lightweight as some other options
12. Lenovo IdeaPad Flex 5 (14-inch)
The Lenovo IdeaPad Flex 5 (14-inch) is a versatile and stylish laptop with a 14-inch Full HD touchscreen display. It offers powerful AMD Ryzen 5 and Ryzen 7 processors, and 360-degree hinge, making it suitable for both work and entertainment. The affordable price makes it an attractive option for students and budget-conscious users.
Pros:
- Affordable
- Powerful AMD Ryzen processors
- 360-degree hinge for multiple modes
- Stylish and modern design
Cons:
- Basic display
- Not as powerful as some other options
Conclusion:
Choosing the best 12-inch laptop for your needs depends on your budget, priorities, and intended use. Consider the processor, display, battery life, and design when making your decision. Whether you need a powerful machine for demanding tasks or a portable laptop for everyday use, there's a 12-inch laptop on this list that's perfect for you.
