Bypass the Dell 16 Plus 2-in-1; check out these 3 budget-friendly 2-in-1 laptops boasting outstanding battery life instead.
In search of an affordable laptop, compromises are inevitable, but battery life should never be one of them. I recently encountered this issue with the Dell 16 Plus 2-in-1, a budget-friendly device that impressed in several aspects, yet fell short in battery life, offering merely 7 hours and 37 minutes.
While the Dell might have won me over in other regards, its battery life, falling short of the 8-hour mark, cannot be overlooked. Even on a limited budget, there are more fitting choices that offer both necessary features and all-day battery life.
The Dell 16 Plus 2-in-1, priced at $1,200 or less, excels in certain areas, such as its striking display, a 16-inch, 2560 x 1600, mini-LED panel boasting 446 nits of brightness and reproducing 87% of the DCI-P3 color gamut. The laptop also surprised with its performance on graphics tests, considering it runs on Intel's integrated graphics, averaging 58 fps in Sid Meier's Civilization VI: Gathering Storm—enough for casual gaming or lightweight indie titles.
Regrettably, these strengths cannot compensate for the Dell 16 Plus 2-in-1's critical flaw: its battery life. boasting less than 8 hours of battery, this laptop is not prudent for long workdays or extended school hours (additionally, its weight makes it less suitable for commuting).
Essentially, while some compromises can be considered when searching for an affordable laptop, battery life should not be one of them—especially for power users or those who frequently utilize resource-intense applications like photo or video editing software, which deplete the battery even faster.
Fortunately, there are better budget-friendly 2-in-1 laptops available with impressive battery life, such as:
1. Asus Vivobook 16 Flip (TP3607)
Starting at $1,199 at Best Buy, this competitor offers impressive battery life, lasting up to 13 hours and 47 minutes. In addition to its impressive longevity, it delivers an outstanding OLED display, solid integrated graphics performance, and versatile 2-in-1 design.
2. Lenovo Yoga 7i 2-in-1 16-inch (2025)
Another alternative, priced at $1,199, boasts twice the storage of the base Asus Vivobook 16 Flip, making it an excellent choice for users with extensive file collections. Although it scored lower in overall performance and display tests compared to the Dell 16 Plus 2-in-1, it offers nearly twice the battery life at 13 hours and 19 minutes.
3. Lenovo IdeaPad Flex 5i Chromebook Plus
While its battery life could be improved (lasting approximately 9 hours and 43 minutes), it's still long enough for a full workday and is considerably more affordable, costing less than $600. Ideal for students and users with lightweight needs, the IdeaPad is a great budget choice that ranks as the best budget 2-in-1 laptop on various review sites.
All these models provide robust performance, long battery life, and flexible form factors, making them preferable alternatives to the Dell 16 Plus 2-in-1 for both productivity and multimedia use.
- For those concerned about battery life, the Dell 16 Plus 2-in-1, despite its alluring display and performance, may not be the best choice, providing only 7 hours and 37 minutes.
- In the realm of affordable laptops, compromises are necessary, but battery life should not be one of them, especially for power users and those with demanding applications.
- The Asus Vivobook 16 Flip (TP3607), priced at $1,199, offers an outstanding 13 hours and 47 minutes of battery life, making it a competitor worth considering.
- For those who require extensive storage, the Lenovo Yoga 7i 2-in-1 16-inch (2025) at $1,199 offers twice the storage of the base Asus Vivobook 16 Flip, along with nearly twice the battery life.
- The Lenovo IdeaPad Flex 5i Chromebook Plus, though its battery life could be improved, comes in under $600, making it a budget-friendly choice for students and users with lighter needs.
- Though the Dell 16 Plus 2-in-1 boasts a striking display and impressive performance, its battery life is less suitable for long workdays or extended school hours.
- When shopping for a laptop, it's essential to consider battery life, as it significantly impacts one's lifestyle and home-and-garden setting, especially when working or studying from various locations.
- In the realm of technology, it's crucial to strike a balance between features, performance, and battery life, ensuring a device that fits one's lifestyle and meets their needs, whether for work, school, or entertainment.