Laptops with 4K displays are among the latest trends in the portable tech industry in 2021. Compared to its predecessor, the 1080p or Full High Definition, 4K display is exactly four times the pixel count.
Backed with powerful CPUs like 10th/11th gen i7 and GPUs, these new laptops can support resolutions of 3840x2160 pixels also known as 4K or 2160p.
The 4K resolution is a great feature for enthusiasts to enjoy or make use of vibrant and detailed colors in Ultra High Definition (UHD). Some of these laptops have touch screen which makes the display even more advanced and powerful.
Combined with gloss finish, a 4K display would feel like a macbook if you like the shine of it.
A 4k display is necessary for users doing graphics or video editing at higher resolutions. So if you are producing 4K videos for your youtube channel or plan to do so on a laptop then having a 4K laptop is essential, to work properly.
The highest resolution currently available in the market is 8K (7680x4320p) but it's not yet available on laptops, but mostly tvs and desktop monitors.
The 8K display is described to be very detailed and accurate; it mirrors reality itself. The technology used for laptops can only support up to 4K, for now.
It should be kept in mind that the laptops we are talking about in this articles have powerful displays, but are not designed to be gaming laptops in any way. A gaming laptop usually has high power gpu like rtx 3060 and a standard 1080p or 1440p display with high refresh rates. Also gaming on 4K would require very high end gpus like rtx 3090 which is not yet available on laptops.
The competitive industry of high-end 4K display laptops does not make things easier for consumers as there are plenty of good options available. To assist you, here's a list of 8 of the best ones we recommend in 2021.
Our Top Picks for Best Laptops with 4K Display
1. HP Envy 13.3" 4K Ultra HD Touch-Screen Laptop
HP, also known as Hewlett-Packard has been in the computer industry since 1966. Mainly based in California, USA, the company develops and manufactures both software and hardware products including high-end laptops.
The HP Envy Series showcases a stacked line-up of 4K display laptops ranging from 13 to 17-inches of touch-enabled screens. This 13-inch model can be the perfect choice for enthusiasts who prefer a smaller frame just as capable as its larger counterparts.
HP Envy 13.3" 4K Ultra HD Touch-Screen Laptop
Features
- Dimensions (W x D x H): 30.7 x 21.15 x 1.47 mm
- 13.3" 4K UHD, IPS, Micro-Edge, WLED-Backlit, MultiTouch-Enabled, BrightView, Corning Gorilla Glass NBT, 400 nits, 72% NTSC (3840x2160)
- Intel Iris Plus Graphics
- 10th-Gen Intel Core i7-1065G7 Processor (1.3GHz-3.9GHz with Intel Turbo Boost Technology, 8MB L3 Cache, 4 cores)
- 8GB DDR4 SDRAM 2444MHz
- 512GB PCIe NVMe M.2 SSD
- MicroSD Slot
- Intel Wi-Fi 6 AX 201 (2x2)
- Bluetooth 5.0
- Audio by Bang & Olufsen, Quad Speakers, HP Audio Boost 2.0
- Fingerprint Reader
- Elevated Keyboard Hinge
- HP Wide Vision 720p HD Webcam with Integrated Dual Array Digital Microphone
- Windows 10 Home
- 4-cell, 53Wh Li-ion Polymer Battery
Review
The HP Envy 13 weighs only 2.88 pounds (1.30kg), making it their lightest laptop yet. Its 4K resolution screen is impressive for its small frame and has features like BrightView and 72% NTSC standard that both bring vivid and true-to-life colors on display.
The Intel i7 CPU paired with the Intel Iris Plus Graphics generally does well enough for casual gaming and even rendering HD-quality media. Additionally, there is an option to upgrade the 8GB RAM up to 16GB for a significant improvement in multimedia performance, if the budget allows.
The 512GB SSD can boot up the Windows 10 Home OS in less than a minute. It can be quite limited in terms of storing 4K media. Built-in storage can be upgraded up to 1TB SSD.
Unique features like the MicroSD slot, elevated keyboard hinge, and fingerprint reader provides innovativeness and user convenience. The design comes in a natural silver color giving off a professional overall look.
2. ASUS ZenBook Flip S 13 Ultra Slim Laptop
The Zenbook Series by Asus was introduced to the tech industry back in 2011. Every Asus ZenBook Laptop is mainly designed to be lightweight but sturdy using high-quality brushed aluminum for its mainframe.
The Zenbook Flip is the latest innovation from the Asus Zenbook Series. The Flip S 13" is a 2-in-1 convertible 360° flappable display laptop that has been praised for its luxurious design and versatile performance.
ASUS ZenBook Flip S 13 UX371EA-XH77T Ultra Slim Laptop
Features
- Dimensions (W x D x H): 12 x 8.3 x 0.55 inches
- 13.3" OLED 4K UHD Touch Screen with Stylus Support, 400 nits, Vesa Certified HDR Display, Pantone Validated Display, Ultra-Slim 4-Sided NanoEdge Bezels
- Intel Iris Plus Graphics
- 11th-Gen Intel Core i7-1165G7 Quad-Core Processor (12M Cache, up to 4.70 GHz, with IPU)
- 16GB LPDDR4X SDRAM
- 1TB M.2 PCIe NVMe 3.0 SSD
- Thunderbolt 4
- 360° ErgoLift Hinge with Backlit Keyboard
- ASUS NumberPad 2.0
- Harman Kardon Certified Audio System
- MyASUS App Compatible
- Intel Wi-Fi 6
- ASUS Wi-Fi Stabilizer and ASUS Wi-FI SmartConnect
- Bluetooth 5.0
- Sleeve Stylus 2 Adapters
- Jade Black and Subtle Red Copper Finish
- Windows 10 Pro
- 67 WHr Battery
Review
The Zenbook Flip S 13" weighs only 2.87 pounds (1.30kg), and it is considered to be the world's thinnest OLED convertible laptop. Its 4K touch display has a Vesa Certified HDR and is Pantone Validated, ensuring accuracy and preciseness of the colors.
The Intel Iris GPU is not recommended for highly competitive FPS games. It can withstand casual AAA games at minimal settings although it's not recommended to use for extended periods of time since it is not mainly built for gaming.
Paired up with the Intel i7-1165G7 CPU, this model is designed for content creators out there who prefer to work on the go. Its performance in multimedia tasks like video and photo editing is notably smooth and efficient.
The Thunderbolt 4 technology allows fast transfer of data from your external devices and this model has 2 ports. The handy MyASUS App creates a seamless connection of your mobile devices to your laptop and vice versa.
The 2-in-1 laptop has a 360° ErgoLift hinge, which helps typing in its backlit keyboard more comfortably. It comes with an Asus Sleeve Stylus Pen, which offers a more convenient experience for activities like drawing, designing, and editing 4K media.
3. ASUS ZenBook Pro Duo UX581 Laptop
This laptop is a 2020 Reddot Winner and it is Asus' largest 4K display ZenBook laptop yet. The ZenBook Pro Duo UX581 is the flagship model from Asus' ZenBook Pro Series.
ASUS ZenBook Pro Duo UX581 Laptop
Features
- Dimensions (W x D x H): 14.1 x 9.7 x 0.9 inches
- 15.6" 4K UHD OLED HDR, 4 Way NanoEdge Touch Display, 100% DCI-P3, 133% sRGB, Pantone Validated Display, Vesa Certified Display HDR
- ASUS ScreenPad Plus
- ASUS NumberPad 6
- 10th-Gen Intel Core i7-10750H Processor (12MB Cache, up to 5.0 GHz)
- NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2060 6GB
- 16GB DDR4 2666MHz RAM
- 1TB PCIe NVMe M.2 SSD
- ASUS Active Stylus Pen
- Thunderbolt 3
- Amazon Alexa 5
- Intel Wi-Fi 6
- Bluetooth 5.0
- Harmon Kardon Certified Audio System
- Windows 10 Pro
- Celestial Blue
- US Military Grade MIL-STD 810G
- Battery: 71WHrs, 4S2P, 8-cell Li-ion
Review
The ZenBook Pro Duo UX581 weighs impressively light at 5.5 pounds (2.49kg) for a 15" laptop. It has 15.6 inches of Vesa Certified HDR and Pantone Validated 4K OLED Touch Display with the unique feature of Asus' ScreenPad Plus.
The ScreenPad Plus is a secondary screen seamlessly connected to the main 4K touchscreen. It provides ample room for multitasking and other activities to maximize productivity. The laptop is also bundled with an active stylus pen for writing, sketching, and projects that require extreme precision.
The Intel i9 CPU and RTX 2060 GPU combo for this model can run the most complex of workloads with ease. This beast of a laptop can handle high-resolution photo and video editing, 3D model rendering, and even competitive FPS gaming from time to time.
Face unlock is made possible with the Windows Hello feature. Voice recognition can also be applied with Amazon Alexa. Most importantly, this laptop passed multiple stress tests and is granted the US Military Grade recognition for its reliability and durability.
4. Dell XPS 7590 Laptop
Founded in 1984, Dell is an American multinational computer tech company that produces several computer products, including laptops. Dell consistently updates its roster of quality high-end laptops every year.
The Dell XPS 15" 7590 model is a 2021 updated version of its original predecessor, which was first released in 2019. This upgraded portable PC has improved specs that allow it to compete with Dell's new generation of laptops.
Dell XPS 7590 Laptop
Features
- Dimensions (W x D x H): 14.06 x 9.7 x 0.66 inches
- 15.6" 4K UHD OLED, InfinityEdge, Anti-Reflective Non-Touch, 100% DCI-P3, 400-Nits Display
- 9th-Gen Intel Core i7-9750H (12MB Cache, 2.6 GHz up to 4.5 GHz, 6 cores)
- NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650 4GB GDDR5
- 64GB DDR4 2666MHz SDRAM
- 2TB M.2 PCIe NVMe SSD
- Backlit Keyboard
- Fingerprint Reader
- Thunderbolt 3
- Integrated 720p HD Webcam
- Killer Wi-Fi 6 AX1650 (2x2)
- Bluetooth 5.0
- 6-Cell, 97WHr Integrated Battery
- Platinum Silver Color
- Windows 10 Home 64-bit
Review
Weighing at only 4 pounds (1.8kg), the XPS 15" 7590 is Dell's smallest 15" laptop yet. Its 4K UHD OLED screen features the InfinityEdge display which maximizes screen space through thin bezels, making it virtually borderless.
This new 2021 model now has the NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650, a significant improvement compared to the first model which only had Intel Integrated Graphics. Partnered with the updated CPU, the 9th-Gen Intel i7, this laptop smoothly manages demanding tasks like editing 4K media, rendering 3D models, and even competitive FPS gaming.
The Killer Wi-Fi 6 technology helps improve the laptop's bandwidth speeds up to 2.4Gbps, which is perfect for streaming 4K videos online. This updated version also includes a 2TB SSD, and it provides more than enough storage for 4K media.
The battery life is surprisingly long for a 15" 4K laptop with a backlit keyboard. The carbon fiber palm rest is a cool touch to the laptop's overall platinum silver look.
5. Dell XPS 13 7390 4K UHD InfinityEdge Touchscreen Laptop
The XPS 13 7390 from Dell gained recognition from the CES 2019 Innovation Awards for its progressive technology in the computer hardware and components category. This 13" model has similar features to the other XPS 13 models except for its 4K Touch Display.
Dell XPS 13 7390 4K UHD InfinityEdge Touchscreen Laptop
Features
- Dimensions (L x W x H): 11.7 x 8.2 x 0.5 inches
- 13.3" 4K UHD, InfinityEdge Touch Display, 100% sRGB, 400-nits
- 10th Gen Intel Core i7-10710U Quad-Core (12MB Cache, up to 4.6 GHz)
- 16GB 2133MHz LPDDR4 SDRAM
- 1TB PCIe NVMe M.2 NVMe SSD
- Thunderbolt 3
- Microsoft Cortana
- Fingerprint Reader
- Waves MaxxAudio Pro
- 2.25mm 720p Webcam
- Killer Wi-Fi 6 AX1650 (2x2)
- Bluetooth 5.0
- Seamless PC/Smartphone Integration
- ENERGY STAR Certified Energy Efficiency
- Windows 10 Home Advance
Review
The Dell XPS 13” 7390 weighs only about 2.93 pounds (1.3kg), making its way among the lightest laptops on this list. It is the only laptop in the XPS 13 series with a 4K Touch Display screen.
It may not be most recommended for gaming since it is only equipped with Intel’s UHD Graphics but its CPU makes up for the disadvantage. This upgraded model features the 10th-Gen Intel i7 chipset, giving the laptop an extra boost in performance for streaming, creating, and editing 4K content.
This portable PC is ENERGY STAR Certified. It can sustain an incredibly long battery life of up to 19 hours using basic productivity apps like Word or Excel. Its 16GB RAM also contributes significantly to its overall efficiency.
The Dell XPS 13 promotes Eco-Friendliness as its components can be easily recycled and reused. It rocks a simple but professional/business type aesthetic design and comes in a smooth silver color-way.
6. Razer Blade 15 Advanced Gaming Laptop
Razer is well-known for producing high-end gaming peripherals and laptops. Their first-ever gaming laptop was introduced in 2011 and their deep roster of portable gaming machines has vastly improved through the years.
This Razer Blade 15 Advanced 2020 Model is a 2020 PC Gamer Editors Pick Award Winner. It is the latest laptop in the Razer Blade RTX 20 Series with a 4K Display that is available in the market today.
Razer Blade 15 Advanced Gaming Laptop
Features
- Dimensions (L x W x H): 13.98 x 0.7 x 9.25 inches
- 15.6" 4K OLED Touch Display, 60Hz, 100% DCI-P3, HDR 400 True Black, Corning Gorilla Glass, Factory Calibrated
- 10th-Gen Intel Core i7-10875H 8-Core Processor (2.3 GHz up to 5.1 GHz Max Turbo)
- NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2080 Super with Max-Q (8GB GDDR6 VRAM) Studio Edition
- 16GB (8GB x 2) DDR4 2933MHz SDRAM
- 1TB PCIe NVMe M.2 SSD
- Per-key RGB powered by Razer Chroma Keyboard
- Thunderbolt 3
- Intel Wi-Fi 6 AX201
- Bluetooth 5.1
- Razer Synapse 3
- Windows Hello Built-in IR 720p HD Webcam
- Windows 10 Home
- Anodized CNC Aluminum Frame
- Razer Care Tech Support
- Vapor Chamber Cooling
Review
This model weighs surprisingly light at 4.9 pounds (2.2kg). Originally designed for professional creators, this model supports a magnificent 4K OLED Touch display at a 60Hz refresh rate and ultra-fast 1ms response time.
The 10th-Gen Intel CPU and the RTX 2080 Super with Max-Q GPU combo amount to high levels of speed and performance. The powerful duo is not only great for editing and rendering 4K media but also for hardcore gaming.
The main chassis of this laptop is made with the highest quality of Anodized CNC Aluminum. Its Razer Chroma RGB keyboard has over 16.8 million colors and various lighting effects for enthusiasts to personalize.
For this beast of a laptop to run smoothly, Razer optimized its Vapor Chamber Cooling system to run quietly and dissipate heat efficiently. With the matte black design, this laptop is a great choice for gamers and creators that prefer a more subtle and professional look.
7. Gigabyte AERO 15 OLED Thin and Light Laptop
Gigabyte Technology is a well-recognized manufacturer and distributor of computer hardware mainly based in Taiwan. Gigabyte has gained a good reputation for producing reliable motherboards and their laptops are recently gaining great reviews as well.
The Gigabyte AERO Series features powerful high-end laptops with ultra-thin screen displays. This Gigabyte AERO 15 model is their 15" 4K display entry with the GTX 16 laptop GPU series.
Gigabyte AERO 15 OLED Thin and Light Laptop
Features
- Dimensions (L x W x H): 14 x 9.8 x 0.8 inches
- 15.6" 4K UHD AMOLED Thin Bezel Display, 144Hz, Vesa Certified Display, HDR 400 True Black Standard, 100% DCI-P3, X-Rite Pantone Certified
- 9th-Gen Intel Core i7-9750H (Up to 4.5 GHz)
- NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1660Ti (6GB DDR6)
- 16GB (8GB x 2) DDR4 3200MHz
- 512GB PCIe NVMe M.2 SSD
- GIGABYTE Fusion Keyboard Technology
- Thunderbolt 3
- Killer Wi-Fi 6 AX 1650
- Bluetooth 5.0
- Supra Cool 2 Cooling System
- Microsoft Azure AI
- Nahimic 3 Surround Sound Tech
- Windows Hello Fingerprint Login
- Windows 10 Home
- 94Wh Battery
Review
Emphasizing their powerful yet thin and light claim, this model barely weighs 5 pounds (2.2kg). The Aero 15 OLED is equipped with a 15.6 inch Samsung AMOLED 4K Display. It supports a 100% DCI-P3 color gamut which means that every range of color is completely visible at Ultra-High Definition.
The Aero 15 OLED is dubbed as a "creator's laptop". It has the NVIDIA GTX 1660Ti GPU. The GPU is compatible with the NVIDIA Studio driver which brings the best experience out of apps like Adobe, Unity, and Autodesk.
The laptop received the Microsoft Modern PC Certification approval. Features like the Cortana voice command, Windows Hello Fingerprint login, and the Microsoft Azure AI sum up to provide a convenient user experience.
With the 94Wh Battery, the run time is expected to last at least 5 hours even when gaming at 4K. The Gigabyte Fusion Keyboard completes the modern experience as it allows full macro and color customization functions.
8. HP Spectre X360 15.6 Inch 4K UHD Touch-Screen Laptop
The HP Spectre x360 Series consists of laptops with 13, 14, and 15-inch screens and 360° hinges. The Spectre x360 15 is considered to be HP's most powerful Spectre laptop in 2021 so far.
HP Spectre X360 15.6 Inch 4K UHD Touch-Screen Laptop
Features
- Dimensions (L x W x H): 14.2 x 0.8 x 8.9 inches
- 15.6" 4K UHD WLED Touch Display, 340-nits, HDR True Black Standard, 90% Screen-to-body ratio, 360° Flip-and-Fold Design
- 10th-Gen Intel Core i7-10510U Quad-Core (1.8GHz up to 4.9GHz)
- NVIDIA GeForce MX330 Graphics 2GB
- 16GB DDR4 SDRAM
- 512GB PCIe NVMe M.2 SSD + 32GB Intel Optane
- Backlit Keyboard with Numeric Keypad
- SD Card Reader
- Bang & Olufsen Quad Speakers Audio System
- Intel Wi-Fi 6 AX 201 (2x2)
- Bluetooth 5.0
- Fingerprint Reader
- Thunderbolt 3
- Windows Hello
- Windows 10 Home
- HP Command Center
- Nightfall Black Color
- Webcam Kill Switch
Review
The HP Spectre x360 15 weighs 4.23 pounds (1.9kg), impressively light for a laptop with a 15" screen. The 2-in-1 laptop can be converted to tablet mode, which is convenient for streaming ultra-high definition 4K media.
The 9th-Gen Intel i7 CPU allows multitasking and editing 4K media to perform smoother and faster. The GeForce MX330 GPU is an entry-level GPU for laptops and it performs surprisingly well on content creation apps, rendering, and even casual gaming.
The gold accents blend really well with the Nightfall Black color-way. The Backlit Keyboard completes the luxurious overall look. An HP Command Center app is installed to customize the laptop's performance, fan speed, and other features.
Additional features like the Webcam Kill Switch and the Mic Mute Button are included for security and privacy purposes. Most importantly, the battery life can last up to 10 hours when streaming HD media.
Conclusion
All of the laptops in this list have decent specs, but some are definitely more adept in handling highly demanding tasks. Choosing the perfect 4K laptop heavily relies on what you’re going to use it for.
For tasks like video rendering and 3D modeling, a better CPU and GPU spec can allow a smoother performance. Competitive multiplayer online games also require high-end specs to maintain frame rates and keep up with the 4K display.
For content creation, streaming, and playing casual AAA games, you can get away with a 4K display laptop at a cheaper price. Evidently, the best specs always come with the highest price tags.
Links and Resources
For more information about the products, check out their official site at the following links:
#1. HP Envy 13.3" 4K Ultra HD Touch-Screen Laptop
#2. ASUS ZenBook Flip S 13 Ultra Slim Laptop
#3. ASUS ZenBook Pro Duo UX581 Laptop
#4. Dell XPS 7590 Laptop
#5. Dell XPS 13 7390 4K UHD InfinityEdge Touchscreen Laptop
#6. Razer Blade 15 Advanced Gaming Laptop
#7. Gigabyte AERO 15 OLED Thin and Light Laptop
#8. HP Spectre X360 15.6 Inch 4K UHD Touch-Screen Laptop
