15.6 vs 17.3 Inches: Which Screen Size Stands Out

The 15.6 vs 17.3 inches comparison seems to be a bit tricky as apparently there is a difference of only two inches.

But the two laptop screen sizes can be easily differentiated based on certain aspects, which have been discussed in detail in this post.

Read on to see which screen size stands out and why.

Comparison Table for 15.6 vs 17.3

Features	15.6	17.3
Weight	Light	Usually, more than seven pounds
Gaming Experience	Average	Best
Photo or Video Editing	Average	Best
Portability	Yes	No
Screen Resolution	Good	Perfect
Fits in Regular Backpack	Yes	No

What Are the Differences Between 15.6 and 17.3?

The main difference between a 15.6 and 17.3 inches screen size is that a 15.6-inch laptop has a lower screen resolution than a 17.3-inch screen. Moreover, a 15.6-inch screen is lighter than a 17.3-inch screen. Plus, a 15.6-inch laptop will occupy less space than a 17.3-inch laptop.

– Comparing the Cost of 15.6 vs 17.3 Laptop

It would be good to note that a 15.6-inch laptop is portable, while a 17.3-inch laptop isn’t. So, the former can be a better travel partner than the latter. Furthermore, you can adjust the former in a regular backpack, while the latter won’t fit it.

The cost of a laptop depends on the pricing criteria of different brands. You might see a smaller laptop being sold at a higher price than the larger one. Similarly, a competitive brand might exchange the prices of the two by selling the larger one at a higher price than the smaller one.

What Is 15.6 Best For?

A 15.6-inch screen is the best for carrying out regular computer tasks that don’t include a photo and video editing or gaming. It’s very portable and easy to move everywhere but isn’t suitable for time-consuming tasks.

– Portability

The given screen size is the best for traveling as it is easy to carry due to its lightweight. You won’t feel tired while carrying the same from one place to another. Also, it would be easier to place the same in your car or in the upper compartment of a bus.

So, a 15.6-inch screen is a right choice for you if you work from cafes or malls, travel often, and carry the laptop around your home until you find a quiet space.

– Approximate Weight

A 15-inch laptop will have an approximate weight of four to five and a half pounds.

– The Backpack Expense

The said laptop will fit perfectly in your regular backpack. You won’t need to buy a new larger bag to carry it. Note that the large laptop bags are often more expensive than the regular ones. So, it’ll save your money and allow you to use your old backpack.

– The Space Saver

A 15.6 laptop is a space saver. You will be able to use the same on a small desk or a table with less space. The regular size of the given laptop saves your space and eliminates the need to buy a larger desk.

– Gaming Experience

Although the stated screen size is good enough for daily computer tasks or regular working, you’ll have an average gaming experience on the same. You won’t be able to enjoy the high-quality graphics in your game on the said “laptop” size.

So, if you are planning to play games, then it would be better to buy a bigger laptop.

– Photo or Video Editing

The 15.6 size isn’t an ideal choice for editing photos and videos. The given tasks are better performed on screens that are larger than the one being discussed here.

– Drawbacks of 15.6 Inch Laptops

The only drawback of a 15.6-inch laptop size is its not-so-high screen resolution. It doesn’t allow the laptop to be used for video or photo editing. Also, the average screen resolution makes the overall experience less immersive for the users.

– 15.6 Inch Screen Laptops

The following laptops have a 15.6-inch screen:

• Dell XPS 15 OLED
• Lenovo Legion
• ASUS Rog Strix
• Acer ConceptD 7 Ezel
• Samsung Galaxy Book 2 Pro 360

What Is 17.3 Best For?

A 17.3-inch laptop is the best for time-consuming tasks like gaming, photo, and video editing, but it’s not portable. It’s quite heavy and takes a lot of space but enhances the gaming experience and is perfect for the home office.

– Portability

The 17.3-inch size of the laptop is not ideal for traveling due to its heavy weight. You won’t be able to carry the same while you move from one place to another. Moreover, it would be quite difficult to adjust such a large-sized laptop in your car or in a bus compartment.

However, if you are planning to create a work-from-home setup, then the said size will be perfect for you.

– Approximate Weight

A 17.3-inch laptop will have an approximate weight of more than seven pounds.

– The Backpack Expense

The huge size of the laptop will make you spend a good amount of money to buy a large reliable backpack for the same. It is because the given “laptop” size won’t fit in an ordinary backpack.

– Takes Up a Lot of Space

You will need a proper space to keep such a large laptop. So, you might run out of space for keeping your coffee mug or notebooks. In the other case, you’ll need to purchase a larger desk to organize all of your stuff along with the laptop.

– Gaming Experience

The super large screen is a perfect choice for gaming areas. You’ll love to play games and enjoy the quality graphics on the said screen. It will improve your focus on the game, and skipping your turn will become something that you never want to do. Hence, it is safe to say that 17.3 inches laptops are gaming laptops.

– Photo or Video Editing

The 17.3-inch size is ideal for photo and video editing. You’ll be able to focus on the details and have a closer and clearer view of your work.

The large screen will make it possible for you to continue the editing process for long hours.

– Drawbacks of 17.3 Inch Laptops

The drawbacks of a 17.3-inch laptop size include its heavyweight and large size. The given drawbacks make it difficult to carry the laptop from one place to another. Also, you can’t adjust it in a regular backpack, and a large backpack is quite expensive. Moreover, the large size of the laptop doesn’t let it fit on a small table or desk.

– 17.3 Inch Screen Laptops

The following laptops have a 17.3-inch screen:

• LG Gram17
• Razer Blade Pro 17
• Gigabyte Aero 17 HDR
• Acer Aspire 5
• HP Omen 17

FAQ

1. How Is the Size of a Laptop Screen Measured?

The size of a laptop screen is measured diagonally, from an upper corner of one side to the lower corner of another side.

13.3, 15.4, and 17 inches are the most common sizes for a screen.

2. Which Size of the Screen Is Good for Programming?

The size of the screen doesn’t affect programming. You can create programs on almost any laptop. The programmers only look for a quiet environment that helps them create better logic and, eventually, better programs.

3. Is a 15.6 Laptop Too Big for a College Student?

Yes, a 15.6 laptop is large enough for a college student as it won’t be easier to carry the same laptop every day from college to home and vice versa. Therefore, it would be better to have a 13-inch screen to solve the everyday portability issue for college students.

4. Are Dell Laptops Better Than the HP Laptops?

If you consider CPU and memory capacity, then Dell laptops are better than HP.

However, if your focus is on the durability of the device, then HP wins against Dell because the former brand of laptops provides a long-lasting battery than the latter.

5. What Would You Choose Between Lenovo and Dell?

Dell laptops are a great choice when your budget is low. On the other hand, Lenovo is expensive, but it offers enough value in the shape of its beautiful design, long battery life, and other specifications. Thus, if you can pay a high price, then bring home Lenovo. You won’t regret buying the said product.

If you want to compare Acer and Dell, you need to know that although Acer is more affordable than Dell, it isn’t better than the latter. Hence, if you choose Acer, then you’ll save money but miss some great laptop features.

6. What Is the Average Lifespan of Acer Laptops?

The Acer laptops come with an average life span of three to five years. Although the said longevity of the laptops is less than the other laptop brands, it’s quite satisfactory according to the low cost of the same.

Conclusion

Both the 15.6 and 17.3 inches screens come with their advantages and disadvantages. The main differences between the two are their different screen resolutions and weights. That being said, 15.6 laptops are lighter than 17.3 laptops.

So, if laptop portability is your priority, then you should opt for 15.6 inches. However, if you want maximum screen resolution, and are in search of gaming laptops, then you should choose a 17.3-inch size. It means that the choice of the size depends on your requirements, and the one that’ll fulfill your needs will eventually stand out.