I’ve just returned from an exciting trip to Berlin, Germany, where I attended IFA 2024. The event was packed with a wide range of laptops, most of which were thin and light models. As for the beefy gaming laptops featuring the new CPUs, we can expect to see those later in the year, most likely in October. While thin and light laptops were the stars of the show, there were also a few gaming laptops powered by the HX 370 CPUs, which I’ll touch on as well.
Let’s dive into my top five laptop picks from IFA 2024.
1. Asus Zenbook S14
First up is the Asus Zenbook S14, priced at $1,399. While not the most affordable, it’s a stunning laptop. If you’ve seen my review of the Asus S6, imagine a slightly smaller version of that at 14 inches. Weighing just 2.6 lbs, it comes equipped with four speakers and features Intel’s Lunar Lake CPUs paired with the Intel Arc Xe2 GPU, which is currently the fastest integrated GPU on the market.
You can spec it with a 4K OLED display running at 120Hz, which makes this laptop visually impressive. While I don’t have performance data on Intel Lunar Lake’s processors yet, I anticipate excellent battery life and solid performance—better than X Elite laptops but not as powerful as the HX 370. Overall, this is a beautifully designed machine, with a fingerprint-resistant lid and a portable form factor that will appeal to those who need a powerful, sleek laptop.
2. Lenovo Yoga Slim 7i (15-inch)
Next is the Lenovo Yoga Slim 7i, specifically the 15-inch version. This device is a great middle ground for those who want a bigger screen without the bulk of a 16-inch laptop. Its thin, lightweight design houses a stunning 2.8K 16:10 OLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate. Like the Zenbook S14, it also features four speakers. Though it only has a 70Wh battery, this should be more than sufficient for a device of this size.
The Yoga Slim 7i includes Intel’s Arc Xe2 integrated GPU and comes with Intel’s Aura Edition partnership, which brings additional functionality like Smart Share. Smart Share is a customized version of Intel Unison, allowing users to quickly transfer files by tapping the side of the display. Although it lacks a haptic touchpad, the glass touchpad feels smooth, making this laptop a joy to use. It’s definitely a contender for my upcoming reviews.
3. MSI Stealth A16 AI Plus
For the gamers out there, the MSI Stealth A16 AI Plus is a direct competitor to the Asus Zephyrus G16. Both laptops feature the Asus Ryzen 9 AI HX 370 CPU paired with an RTX 470 GPU. The Stealth A16 also comes with a gorgeous 240Hz OLED display. Its battery capacity is a standout feature, boasting a 99.9Wh battery, the legal limit for air travel.
In terms of weight, it’s comparable to the G16, so your decision will likely come down to which one is more affordable or readily available in your region. But if you’re considering the Zephyrus G16, you should also have the Stealth A16 on your radar.
4. Snapdragon X+ Laptops
The fourth spot is a bit unconventional because I don’t have a specific Snapdragon X+ laptop to recommend. Don’t get me wrong, Qualcomm’s push to introduce more affordable laptops is great for competition. However, many Snapdragon X Elite models, which are Qualcomm’s top-tier laptops, are currently on sale. For example, the VivoBook S15, originally priced at $1,350, is now available for $1,149, and the Galaxy Book Edge has dropped from $1,349 to just $899. With such aggressive pricing, it’s hard to justify buying a Snapdragon X+ laptop when you can get an X Elite for the same price.
5. Asus PZ13
Rounding out my list is the Asus PZ13, a great Surface Pro alternative. Priced at $1,049, it comes with a 1TB storage option, a full-size SD card slot (something rare in tablets), and a beautiful OLED display. The battery life is solid, and it has enough ports, including a couple of fast USB Type-C ports.
The most compelling reason to choose the PZ13 over a Surface Pro is that the keyboard is included in the box. With a Surface Pro, you would need to shell out an additional $150 to $200 for the keyboard, making the PZ13 a better value overall.
That wraps up my top laptop picks from IFA 2024. Most of the laptops featured are thin and light models, but I’ll have a more diverse list once the high-performance gaming laptops are introduced later in the year. Stay tuned for more updates as we move into 2024. Don’t forget to subscribe so you don’t miss future reviews, and feel free to drop any questions in the comments below.
