Last Updated on 13/09/2023 by Dolly
Though most high-end laptops may be used for Android development, some of those machines will lack critical capabilities that an Android developer may want, and some of the powerful ones may be prohibitively expensive.
You don’t need the most powerful computer, but there’s no use in purchasing a laptop that can’t run development applications like Android Studio, IntelliJ, Eclipse, and so on. Keeping all of these characteristics in mind, we have compiled a list of computers that are suitable for an Android developer and may be used for designing and building Android apps, games, and other applications.
To complete this list, we interviewed 21 Android app developers from around the world. Some work for established firms, while a handful has apps with 50,000-1,000,000 downloads. We polled them on important issues and eventually held a consensus ballot in which each developer had to select three laptops from various price ranges.
Here we have selected Top 10 Best Laptops for Android Development in the US.
When purchasing a laptop for whatever reason, you must evaluate the minimum and recommended system characteristics. When running Android Studio software on a machine that does not meet the minimum system requirements, you will experience delays, heating, and compatibility failures. You should review the specs listed below and select a model that meets or is equivalent to the suggested standards.
The laptops on this list were vetted by well-known specialists in the field of Android development. Furthermore, each of these offers has somewhat different setups but a lot of characteristics in common. Finally, any of these laptops may be an excellent partner for an Android developer.
These computers are capable of running applications such as Android Studio, Eclipse, IntelliJ IDE, and others that are extensively used to develop Android apps and games without delays or difficulties.
How much memory do I require for coding?
If you’re searching for a laptop to code on, you should make sure it has plenty of RAM. The more RAM a laptop has, the better it is at multitasking, allowing you to run many programs at the same time. It will also help you rapidly build your code while also allowing you to test and execute your apps and games. The sooner you can do this task, the more productive you will be. So, for coding on a laptop, we recommend at least 8GB of RAM, but ideally 16GB or, if your budget allows it, 32GB. However, this is only essential for extremely large workloads.
What are the minimum and recommended specifications?
Android Studio is a professional program designed for the development of Android apps (powered by Google). As a professional Android app developer, a newbie, or a student of programming, you need the finest laptop for Android Studio and Android Emulator that does the work without latency or overheating.
To do so, you’ll need at least 12 GB of RAM, an SSD, preferably one that supports NVMe, for installation space and storing huge development files, and a CPU from the eighth to the tenth generation, such as a Core i7 or i9.
We recommend getting a laptop with 16 GB DDR 4 RAM, at least an 8th-generation CPU, and SSD storage. The 12 GB RAM is for Android Studio and the OS, while the 4 GB RAM is for Android emulator compatibility.
When it comes to Android Studio’s minimum laptop system requirements, you need to have at least one of the following:
You are reading:- Top 10 Best Laptops for Android Development in the US 2023
PROCESSOR
As I stated at the outset, unless you want to waste your time, you should not go below an Intel Core i5 7+ Gen CPU. If you want to be cautious, the Intel Core i7 7+Gen CPU is the best option. If you desire a powerful performance, I also recommend avoiding low-watt processors (U and Y product lines). However, you must make a sacrifice in terms of battery life. You’ll be surprised to learn that I’ve been working on an Intel Core i3 laptop for a long time, and after upgrading to an Intel Core i7, I’m enjoying my job even more.
MEMORY
Don’t hesitate; you should get at least 8GB of memory because I had a bad experience with 4GB RAM that I had to replace later on my prior laptop. However, I am utilizing 16GB RAM with my new laptop and encourage you do the same because 8GB may also succumb at times.
However, in most circumstances, 8GB RAM is plenty, but you must guarantee that the laptop can be upgraded in the future.
STORAGE
You’ll be astounded as I was when you converted from an HDD to an SSD. I was astounded by the enormous performance change, which has made my job the smoothest and quickest it has ever been. However, SSDs are still more expensive than regular HDDs, but they are well worth the investment and are highly recommended for Android development. All of the laptops I’ve recommended in this post are SSD-capable.
GRAPHICS CARD
If you are not a game creator or wish to play games while developing, a graphics card is not required. However, if you choose a powerful processor, there is a better possibility that it will come with a separate GPU.
So, based on my experience, these are some critical elements to consider while selecting your finest laptop for Android Studio Development in 2023. Now, let’s take a short look at my suggestions.
Top 10 Best Laptops for Android Development
1. Acer Predator Helios 300
The Acer Predator Helios 300 is a high-end gaming laptop that may also be used for Android development. This laptop, unlike most others, has a 15.6-inch 1080p display with a maximum refresh rate of 144Hz. This implies that an Android developer can simply create applications and games for the new range of handsets with greater refresh rates, and the program can also be tested on this machine at different refresh rates.
The laptop is powered by an Intel Core i7-10750H processor, which is one of Intel’s high-end 10th-generation CPUs for laptops, featuring 6 CPU cores and 12 threads. It also has an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2060 GPU, which means it can easily run high-end games like Fortnite, PUBG, WOW, Civ 6, Overwatch, and others.
An Android developer needs a laptop with a lot of memory, and this laptop meets that requirement as well, with 16GB DDR4 RAM that is 50 percent quicker than DDR3 RAM and also power efficiently. The device comes with 512GB of NVMe-based storage that can be readily upgraded to 1TB without spending much money.
Most gaming laptops fail to provide enough battery life, but the Acer Predator Helios 300 is an exception. The laptop can run for up to 6 hours on a single charge and includes many connections, including HDMI, an SD card slot, and an ethernet socket, where a gigabit-speed wired internet connection may be used to download and upload large files.
It is, indeed, a gaming laptop, and it is one of the most popular machines among professionals. Its predecessor was a huge success, so it is, even if it has many more sophisticated features than its predecessor.
The Acer Predator Helios 300 is a flexible laptop, which means you won’t have to worry about performance if you enjoy gaming. This laptop has quite solid hardware at a reasonable price.
The Predator 300 is an Intel Core i7-9750H-powered laptop with 16GB of RAM, a 256/512GB PCIe NVMe SSD, and a discrete Nvidia GTX 1660 Ti GPU. It not only performs well in terms of programming, but it also allows you to play any recent AAA game title.
This gaming machine has a 144Hz full HD IPS display, a 3ms reaction time, and a 71 percent NTSC color gamut, so it can be used for a variety of jobs.
Because of the metal chassis construction, this notebook is more durable. It also has the Acer 4th Gen Aeroblade, which provides excellent thermal control.
As a gaming laptop, you get a backlit keyboard and immersive sound quality, which is useful at times.
Overall, the Predator Helios 300 is likely the finest mid-range solution for Android game development in 2023.
Every Android app developer needs a laptop that can handle intensive programming, which HP brilliantly delivers with this laptop. Straight out of the box, you can tell that this laptop is going to impress.
It has the same build quality as recent HP machines but with a thinner form. The EliteBook x360 1040 G5 has earned the moniker “apex predator of the corporate world.”
It may not be the perfect computer, but it has so many functions that it more than makes up for any flaws you may detect. There are so many wonderful features in the attractive chassis of this laptop that it will be tough for anybody who values quality to overlook.
The availability of several ports also implies that if you want to possess a laptop with a port that works marvels, you should look into this one.
In a nutshell, it is ideal for a professional who requires power and seamlessness when working. It is designed to impress, as are most of HP’s goods.
Its battery life is another something worth mentioning. You’ll be surprised how far a full charge can go. The laptop is equipped with an 8th-generation Intel Core i5 – i7 CPU. Its memory capacity ranges from 8GB to 32GB, allowing for quick processing.
Overall, if you want a laptop with higher computing power and a more attractive physical design, this is a laptop worth considering.
The following are some of the benefits and drawbacks of the HP EliteBook x360 1040 G5 2-in-1 that won it a position on our list of the Best Laptops For Android Development to buy in 2023.
Pros
- Best In-Class CPU Performance
- Higher Refresh Rate Display
Cons
- Bulky And Heavy
- Think Bezels
2. Apple MacBook Pro
For a variety of reasons, the new 16-inch Apple MacBook Pro is the first laptop to be considered for Android development.
To begin, the display has a high-quality FHD retina display with a native resolution of 3456 x 2234 pixels, providing accurate color output and a greater pixel density per inch. Having a display of this grade will aid in Android development by allowing one to quickly render high-resolution apps straight on the laptop itself.
It is powered by an Apple M1 Pro 10-core CPU with a single-core speed of 3.2GHz. This laptop also has 16GB of DDR4 RAM, which allows it to run programs in the background without trouble.
The laptop comes with a speedy and reliable version of macOS. On a system of this class, downloading and running programs like Android Studio should be a breeze. Similarly, utilizing Apple’s Bootcamp functionality, one may utilize a Windows OS to load and use Android development programs that are exclusively accessible for Windows.
This model, like the majority of the recently released Apple MacBooks, features 512GB SSD-based storage with a maximum read speed of 3.2Gbps. This implies that apps should load rapidly, and even the rendering of an Android development program should take less than a second.
Finally, this is the finest Apple laptop for Android developers who are constantly on the go, as it can run for up to 21 hours on a single charge. Furthermore, the machine enables rapid charging through the USB Type-C interface, and the charger included in the retail packaging is tiny, making it easy to transport. It weighs 4.7 pounds, making it a tad heavier.
This year, you can get a MacBook Pro with memory up to 64GB and storage up to 8TB, which is amazing, but we don’t need that much; 16GB memory with 1TB or 512GB storage will be plenty for Android Studio.
The nicest part about owning a MacBook Pro is that you can install Windows OS alongside it, giving you a varied user experience.
I don’t need to go into detail regarding the MacBook Pro’s dependability or durability, which are well-known. After the difficulties with the previous “butterfly keyboard,” it now comes with the scissor mechanism switch-based Magic Keyboard.
The MacBook Pro 16 features a Retina display with greater color accuracy and a resolution of 30721920 pixels to provide lifelike image quality. This display is useful whether you’re a skilled graphics designer or a gamer.
In terms of security, the MacBook is the clear winner, thanks to the new Apple T2 processor and fingerprint sensor. Furthermore, the macOS operating system is completely safe and efficient.
The MacBook Pro is undeniably pricey, but if you want the most dependable and reliable performance, it is the finest alternative.
Pros
- Amazing Retina display
- A high-end CPU
- Thunderblot 4 support
- Excellent battery life
Cons
- Expensive
3. Dell G5 15
As an Android app developer, you should invest in a laptop that can handle graphics-intensive app renderings with ease. The Dell G5 15 easily meets the requirements, thanks to a strong CPU and a mid-range GPU. Although it isn’t the most portable laptop on the market, it compensates for this with exceptional value for money.
As Dell introduces the dependable Intel Core i7-9750H CPU, the processing capabilities are limitless. The hexa-core architecture and turbo boost clock speed of up to 4.5GHz are sufficient for practically any type of Android app development, independent of the application or platform used. Furthermore, HyperThreading support enables you to execute development programs such as IntelliJ and Android Studio precisely.
The GTX 1650 graphics card is a dependable resource for graphics-intensive applications. Furthermore, the 4GB VRAM lets you render programs with rich textures and patterns. When it comes to system memory, Dell has 16GB of high-speed RAM to choose from. As a result, app development and rendering may begin more quickly. The dual-storage configuration of the Dell G5 15 elevates innovation to a new level in terms of storage.
While the 256GB SSD module is sufficient for app development programs, Windows 10 Home OS, and essential software solutions, the 1TB HDD is offered specifically for storing media and some of the more static information. Given the budget, the 15.6-inch 1080p screen is a more basic upgrade. The anti-glare paneling, on the other hand, steals the show, allowing developers to work tirelessly without hurting their eyes.
In terms of productivity, the Dell G5 15 features a WASD-compatible keyboard, a mechanical palm rest, an amazingly smooth touchpad, a serviceable camera, and even powerful stereo speakers. Furthermore, this 5.95-pound notebook has a capable cooling design, which incorporates a unique dual-fan module and multiple heat-dissipating pipes.
Despite being on the larger side, Dell doesn’t skimp on connection, including USB 3.1 Type-C, Type-A, a Gig Ethernet connector, and the Wi-Fi 5 standard. However, the battery life isn’t the G5 15’s finest suit, lasting barely 4 hours on moderate to heavy use. As a result, if you want to utilize it as a desktop replacement, the Dell G5 15 offers the power to power your Android app development procedures.
Pros
- Powerful processor
- Mid-range GPU
- High-speed RAM for faster processing
- An advanced dual storage module
- Gig Ethernet support
Cons
- Subpar battery
- Heavier than usual
4. Asus ZenBook 13
The Asus ZenBook 13 Laptop is one of the smallest devices on the market, weighing only 2.6 pounds. It is the ideal lightweight notebook for an Android developer. Despite its small size and lightweight, it has a large battery that can provide up to 13 hours of battery life on a single charge and comes with a fast charger that can be readily replenished in a matter of minutes.
The laptop boasts a 13-inch display with FHD (1920 x 1080p) resolution and a nearly bezel-less design on the front. Because of the small design, it seems like a 12-inch laptop rather than a 13.3-inch machine. The Asus ZenBook 13 Ultra-Slim Laptop offers a full-sized HDMI, USB-A, and a pair of USB Type-C connections, so the manufacturer hasn’t skimped on I/O.
Because the laptop has 16GB of RAM, all applications and games stay in memory, and an Android developer may open a slew of projects in the background without having to worry about reloading all the time.
Because this laptop contains 512GB SSD storage, it boots up in a matter of seconds and programs launch quickly. When compared to a laptop with HDD storage, compiling Android development files and apps will take less time.
The laptop is powered by an 11th-generation Intel Core i7-1165G7 processor with a clock speed of up to 4.7GHz. As a result of the quad-core CPU, the laptop should be able to handle CPU-intensive Android development work with ease.
Pros
- Premium Design
- Light Weight
- Amazing Battery Life
Cons
- Small Display
5. Microsoft Surface Pro 7
The Microsoft Surface Pro 7 is a 2-in-1 laptop that also functions as a tablet. In this physical format, the laptop delivers an outstanding combination of capabilities, including a super high-resolution display with a native resolution of 2736 x 1824p and tempered glass protection. This is a touch-enabled display panel that responds rapidly, allowing an Android developer to test his apps and games before distributing them.
The laptop is powered by an Intel Core i5-1035G4 CPU from the 10th generation and an integrated GPU. This computer doesn’t scrimp on anything, with 8GB of RAM and 128GB of SSD storage. This laptop, like the majority of Microsoft’s laptops, does not enable storage or memory expansion.
This is a compact laptop with a detachable keyboard and trackpad. With a weight of only 1.1 pounds. Despite being a full-fledged laptop, it is as light as a tablet, which is one of the machine’s main selling points. It implies that an Android developer may quickly create new apps and games that can be carried in a pouch and used in coffee shops or other locations.
Finally, the laptop has an impressive battery life of up to 10.5 hours on a single charge, with fast charging capabilities. The Microsoft Surface Pro 7 is a tad pricey in comparison to the competitors but offers a strong set of capabilities. If you’re willing to spend a bit extra, this is the laptop that every Android developer should own.
Microsoft has become a household name in the manufacturing of high-quality equipment as well as the creation of good software. As a result, you can anticipate any product from them to include everything you need to be at the top of your game.
The Microsoft Surface Pro 6 is not just powerful; it also has a stunning design that any owner will be proud of. Because this model has quad-core processors and enough RAM, you can build codes rapidly without missing anything inefficient.
As an Android app engineer, you will almost always be required to work on the go. However, keep in mind that you will have to pay for an additional type cover – after all, no one wants to code on a touch screen.
Microsoft has since released the Surface Pro 7, however, throughout our research, we discovered that the Pro 6 is an even better alternative for programmers, given that the hardware specifications are almost the same but the pricing is different.
This tablet has a 5th-Generation Intel Core i5-i7 CPU, which is unusual for a tablet. Its 8-16GB RAM also implies that you can accomplish almost any job while maintaining the speed that most larger devices provide.
It also has an outstanding 12.3-inch screen with a screen resolution of 2,736 x 1,824 pixels. You will be able to preserve your work on the road with a storage capacity ranging from 128GB to 1TB.
Overall, this is a gadget that has excelled in both appearance and usefulness, providing practically everything you would need as an Android developer for a lower price than you would normally expect.
The Microsoft Surface Pro 6 has a number of advantages and disadvantages that have earned it a position on our list of the Best Laptops For Android Development to buy in 2023.
Pros
- Powerful Hardware
- Handy Formfactor
Cons
- Weaker GPU
6. Acer Swift 3
Acer is recognized for making fantastic value-for-money laptops, and the Acer Swift 3 is the company’s latest offering, with some pleasant features and characteristics that an Android developer could search for.
To begin with, the display is a 14-inch IPS panel with FHD resolution and a slim bezel design, giving this laptop a premium appearance. Unlike other computers, it is not black, making it a one-of-a-kind product.
The AMD Ryzen 7 4700U processor powers this laptop, which can run applications often used by Android developers, while the Integrated AMD Radeon uses the remaining RAM to do graphics-intensive tasks. This laptop, as the name implies, moves quickly through tasks.
The Acer Swift 3’s high-performance processor is combined with 8GB DDR4 memory, which is quick and operates at a faster frequency. It loads programs, games, and program files on the Android studio quickly because of the 512GB storage. Overall, the machine has a contemporary appearance and provides top-tier performance.
The laptop weighs 2.65 pounds, making it lightweight, and the 12-hour battery life should benefit student android developers who commute from home to campus every day. Overall, this would be the ideal laptop android development in every way.
Pros
- Good battery life
- Premium design and feel
Cons
- Less RAM
7. HP Pavilion 15
The HP Pavilion 15 is a one-of-a-kind laptop with a distinct focus. Most laptops in this price bracket have a powerful CPU but scrimp on RAM and storage.
This laptop, on the other hand, comes with 16GB of RAM and a 512GB SSD. It is appropriate for individuals who want a computer that is quick and has a large amount of storage, such as an android developer with a large number of prior projects.
It sports a 15.6-inch touch-enabled display with a native resolution of 1366 x 768p. Most models at this price point have at least a 1080p display, but HP puts a 720p display on this laptop, which is one of its downsides. However, because the CPU and GPU must drive fewer pixels, the total performance of this system will be inferior to that of the competitors.
The HP Pavilion is powered by an 8th Gen Intel Core i5-1035G1 quad-core CPU with a max clock speed of 3.5GHz and an integrated Intel UHD GPU for graphics-intensive activities.
With a weight of 4.99 pounds, this laptop is easy to transport and does not seem too hefty. Furthermore, it can run for up to 7 hours on a single charge. Furthermore, it supports quick charging as well. Overall, this is an excellent option for Android development.
Unlike the previous laptop, the HP Pavilion 17 is a gaming computer with a formidable hardware combination at a somewhat higher price.
First and foremost, it is equipped with the Intel Core i5-9300H CPU, which is a Quad-Core processor with a maximum clock rate of 4.10GHz. Furthermore, you get a strong NVidia GTX 1050 GPU with 3GB VRAM; if you’re into game development, this would be an amazing pick for the low price.
However, like our prior laptop, this machine only has 8GB of RAM, which is plenty for most cases. In terms of storage, you have the option of a 256GB or 512GB PCIe SSD.
The display is the same size as the Aspire E 15, and it too has a Full HD panel with anti-glare technology. It means you may use this companion outside or in strong light without worrying about unwanted screen reflection.
There is no dearth of connectivity possibilities, as it includes the newest Thunderbolt 3 port, an HDMI port, 3x USB 3.1 ports, and Ethernet ports to meet the demands of all users.
Overall, if you’re searching for a low-cost laptop for Android game development, the HP Pavilion 15 could be your best choice. Keep in mind that this laptop is rather big and has poor battery life.
For this price range, you should also examine the current Lenovo Ideapad L340, which has a good set of features.
Pros
- Faster performance
- Faster boot up
Cons
- A bit low resolution screen
8. Dell Newest Inspiron 3000 Laptop
If you’re searching for a low-cost laptop for Android development, the Dell Inspiron 3000 should be your first pick, since it packs a lot of punch for the price.
To begin, the display sports a standard 15.6-inch display with HD resolution, and the company’s panel can generate true colors without difficulty. This machine is substantially less expensive than the competition because it is a reconditioned device, and this should have little influence on the general performance of this laptop, particularly for Android developers.
The laptop is powered by a quad-core Dell Inspiron Black 256 GB hard disk with a maximum clock speed of 1.80 GHz. Despite the fact that the CPU is a few years old, it is still capable of performing the majority of CPU-intensive activities with ease. Similarly, the built-in Intel UHD Graphics uses RAM as a visual memory buffer and can handle some light gaming with ease.
The laptop has 12GB of RAM, which should be plenty for ordinary office work and Android development, as programs like Android Studio require a lot of memory, and the built-in 256GB SSD should also help the device give greater speed, particularly when loading files and starting up the device. According to the program, it operates on Windows 10, and it is simple to install either Linux or previous versions of Windows OS.
This laptop is a little heavier at 3.91 pounds, and it also appears to be a little older than the other computers we’ve listed. It should be able to run for up to 11 hours on a single charge.
Pros
- Old But Fast CPU
- Windows 10 OS
- 256GB SSD Based Storage
Cons
- Outdated Design
9. Dell XPS 9310 Touchscreen Laptop
For anyone looking for a Windows 10 (or Windows 11) laptop, we believe the Dell XPS 13 9310 is the finest laptop for programming right now. This 13.4-inch beauty, like previous XPS notebooks, combines a great appearance, outstanding build quality, and some of the most powerful mobile components you’ll find in a laptop.
It’s small and light, which means it not only looks and feels like a quality laptop for programming, but it’s also easy to carry around with you. The Dell XPS 13’s high-resolution 13.4-inch display is fantastic for working on, and with high-end CPUs (and even graphics cards in some configurations), it can compile code remarkably quickly – making it ideal for programmers. Furthermore, if you choose a model with an Nvidia GPU, you may test your games while developing them.
Perhaps most importantly, its battery life is great, allowing you to utilize this powerful laptop without being chained to a desk.
Pros
- Fast performance
- Eye-catching design
- Touchscreen Laptop
Cons
- GTX 1650 Ti is a little weak
10. LG Gram 17
If you need a large-screen laptop to code on, the LG Gram 17 is an excellent alternative. It boasts a stunning screen that is both high resolution and spacious, providing lots of workspaces. However, because it is so light, this laptop demonstrates that portability and comfort do not have to be sacrificed for screen size. This means it’s light enough to tote about with you – ideal for someone who travels frequently.
It also has one of the greatest battery life we’ve seen in a Windows 10 laptop, owing to the latest Intel 11th generation chipset powering this new 2023 laptop. So you can work anywhere you choose, knowing that the battery would easily last you a whole workday – if not longer.
Pros
- Incredibly light
- Long battery life
Cons
- Expensive
- Not the best touchpad
Conclusion
Programming may be done on a variety of computers, although many programmers prefer something more than a simple laptop. While you don’t need a powerhouse laptop to code on, if you need to compile your code and test out the games you’re working on, you’ll want a laptop with lots of RAM and a current multi-core CPU. They can compile code considerably faster. Furthermore, the less time you spend waiting for your laptop to perform complicated activities, the more time you have to accomplish other things, such as taking on new projects.
You may like these:
