Let’s begin with the definition. The Aspect Ratio is the ratio of the width of a screen to the screen’s height.
The earliest screen to gain popularity had a ratio of 4:3. Which is three parts of height to every four parts of width. Of course, this popularity was more because of a lack of choice than anything else.
Gradually, with the demand for wide-screen entertainment, the most popular aspect ratio was 16:9. Even today, if you were to pick ten screens randomly, nine of them would have a 16:9 aspect ratio. This popularity was due to the exponential growth of on-the-go entertainment.
Unfortunately, the 16:9 aspect ratio failed to impress business users. They found that the 3:2 aspect suited their need better. The 3:2 aspect ratio meant they got taller screens that gave them a comprehensive view of their content.
Between the two aspect ratios, there also is the 16:10 option, which is becoming more and more popular in 2023, as Apple started using it for their M2 silicon laptops.
Business users can see more cells when working on a spreadsheet. While working on a document, they can see more lines written from top to bottom. Coders/programmers find it far better as they can see more lines of code while working. Earlier, users would have to use an external monitor and install it in portrait mode. This beat the whole purpose of laptops: mobility.
Fortunately, manufacturers have taken cognizance of this market niche. Thus, you now have a problem determining which laptop with a 3:2 aspect ratio suits your needs.
For this, we bring you some of the best laptops with a 3:2 aspect ratio. We will compare them and guide you with considerations you must consider when buying such a laptop.
Table of Contents
- Comparison of the Best Laptop with a 3:2 Aspect Ratio
- 1. HP Spectre x360 – Most Versatile Laptop
- 2. Microsoft Surface Laptop 5 – 3:2 Aspect Ratio and 12th Gen Intel
- 3. ASUS ZenBook S – The Toughest Laptop with 3:2 Aspect Ratio
- 4. Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Titanium Yoga – Best 2-in-1 Laptop with 3:2 Aspect Ratio
- 5. Framework Laptop – DIY Laptop with a 3:2 aspect ratio
- 6. Acer Swift 3 – Best Budget laptop with a 3:2 aspect ratio
- 7. Microsoft Surface Pro 8 – Best laptop for Travel
- 8. Microsoft Surface Laptop 4 – Best AMD Laptop with 3:2 Aspect Ratio
- Best Laptop with a 3:2 Aspect Ratio – Our Buying Guide
- Best Laptop with a 3:2 Aspect Ratio – Frequently Asked Questions
Comparison of the Best Laptop with a 3:2 Aspect Ratio
Image | Product | Details | Check Price |
---|---|---|---|
HP Spectre x360 | Display: 13.5-inch OLED Resolution: 3000x2000 3K2K CPU: Intel Evo Core i7-1255U GPU: Intel Iris Xe Graphics RAM: 16GB DDR4 Storage: 1TB SSD Ports: 2 x Thunderbolt 4 1 x USB-A 3.1 Gen 2 1 x 3.5mm Combo Jack Battery Life: 13.5 hours Weight: 3.0lbs. (1.36Kgs.) | Buy on Amazon | |
Surface 5 on Microsoft | Display: 13.5” IPS Resolution: 2256x1504 CPU: Intel i5-1235U or i7-1255U GPU: Intel Iris Xe Graphics RAM: up to 32GB DDR5 Storage: up to 1TB SSD Ports: 1 x Thunderbolt 4 1 x USB-A 3.1 1 x Surface Connect Port 1 x 3.5mm Combo Jack Battery Life: 18 hours Weight: 2.80lbs. (1.27Kgs.) | Check Price on Microsoft | |
ASUS ZenBook S | Display: 13.9-inch IPS Resolution: 3300x2200 CPU: 11th Gen Intel Core i7-1165G7 GPU: Intel Iris Xe Graphics RAM: 16GB DDR4 RAM Storage: 1TB SSD Ports: 2 x Thunderbolt 4 1 x USB-A 1 x HDMI 1.4 1 x Micro SD card reader Battery Life: 12 hours Weight: 2.76 lbs. (1.25 Kgs.) | Buy on Amazon | |
Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Titanium Yoga | Display: 13.5-inch IPS Resolution: 2256x1504 CPU: 11th Gen Intel Core i7-1160G7 GPU: Intel Iris Xe Graphics RAM: 16GB DDR4 Storage: 512GB SSD Ports: 2 x Thunderbolt 4 1 x Combo Audio Jack Battery Life: 11.7 hours Weight: 2.54 lbs. (1.15 Kgs.) | Buy on Amazon | |
Framework on Frame.work | Display: 13.5-inch IPS Resolution: 2256x1504 CPU: Intel Core i5-1240P, i7-1260P, or i7-1280P GPU: Intel Iris Xe Graphics RAM: up to 64GB DDR4 Storage: up to 2TB SSD Ports: 4 x Customizable Expansion Slots Battery Life: 6 hours Weight: 2.86lbs. (1.30Kgs.) | Check Price on Frame.work | |
Acer Swift 3 | Display: 13.5” IPS Resolution: 2256 x 1504 CPU: 11th Gen Intel Core i7-1165G7 GPU: Intel Iris Xe Graphics RAM: 8GB DDR4 Storage: 512GB SSD Ports: 1x Thunderbolt 4 2x USB 3.2 Type-A 1x HDMI 1 x Combo Audio Jack Battery Life: 14 hours Weight: 2.62 lbs. (1.18 Kgs.) | Buy on Amazon | |
Microsoft Surface Pro 8 | Display: 13” IPS Resolution: 2880 x 1920 CPU: 11th Gen Intel Core i5-1135G7 GPU: Intel Iris Xe RAM: 8GB DDR4 Storage: 128GB SSD Ports: 2x Thunderbolt 4 1 x 3.5mm headphone jack 1 x Surface Connect port Battery Life: 16 hours Weight: 1.96 lbs. (0.88 Kgs.) | Buy on Amazon | |
Microsoft Surface 4 | Display: 13.5” Resolution: 2256x1504 CPU: AMD Ryzen 5 4680U GPU: AMD Radeon Graphics RAM: 8GB DDR4 Storage: 256GB SSD Ports: 1 x USB-C 1 x USB-A 1 x Headphone jack 1 x Surface Connect port Battery Life: 19 hours Weight: 2.84 lbs (1.28 Kgs.) | Buy on Amazon |
1. HP Spectre x360 – Most Versatile Laptop
The HP Spectre x360 combines stunning aesthetics with brilliant image reproduction, giving the laptop an incredibly premium feel. The x360 has a 13.5-inch OLED screen with a 3300×2200 pixel resolution that delivers lifelike colors, high contrast, and sharp images.
The latest edition features a Core i7-1255U processor, which offers 10 cores and comes with the Intel Evo certification. HP pairs this with 16GB DDR4 RAM and 1TB M.2 NVMe SSD, allowing you to multitask efficiently and store your media library. The Evo certification, among other things, means you’ll get a fast-charging battery that will last the entire day, so you won’t have to worry about finding a wall socket.
The x360 Spectre has an eye-catching design that will make heads turn. The laptop looks best in black, with its angular edges embellished in gold. The sturdy 360-degree hinge is durable and instills confidence when you flip between the two modes of this 2-in-1 laptop.
HP pulls out all the stops to offer these premium features on this laptop. You get excellent sound designed by Bang and Olufsen, which provides an immersive listening experience. Next, you get Thunderbolt 4 ports, which facilitate high-speed data transfers. Lastly, the Corning Gorilla Glass protects the screen from everyday wear and tear.
Our Take
The HP x360 Spectre is a versatile laptop that combines high-end specifications, pleasing aesthetics, and premium features, suitable for various use cases. With a 2-in-1 design, you can switch to tablet mode and watch your favorite web shows on a brilliant OLED screen that offers 500nits brightness and a 100% DCI-P3 color gamut.
- Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.2 offer high-speed wireless connectivity.
- The OLED screen offers excellent image reproduction.
- The 13-hour battery life will last you an entire day.
- The backlit keyboard allows you to work in dimly lit rooms.
- Expensive
- No HDMI ports
2. Microsoft Surface Laptop 5 – 3:2 Aspect Ratio and 12th Gen Intel
The Surface Laptop 5 comes in two variants, one with a 13.5-inch screen and the other with a 15-inch screen. The laptop is only available for pre-order on Microsoft’s website as the release date is set for 25th Oct 2022. Not that it matters a whole lot (we’ll illustrate why in the review), but we’ll review the 13-inch variant.
Unlike the 15-inch version, Microsoft’s 13.5-inch Surface Laptop 5 offers you a choice between two 12th-generation Intel Evo processors. You can choose between the i5-1235U or the i7-1255U with a similar number of performance and efficiency cores. You also can choose DDR5 RAM capacities of up to 32GB and SSD storage of up to 1TB. So, you get plenty of flexibility to select the suitable configuration that best meets your needs.
The 13.5-inch display offers a 3:2 aspect ratio with a resolution of 2256×1504 pixels and a pixel density of 201PPI. Thus, you get the added vertical real estate, and the images appear sharp, thanks to the high pixel density. Although Microsoft doesn’t explicitly mention the panel type, the contrast ratio indicates using an IPS or VA panel. You get a 10-point multi-touch color-calibrated display with a wide color gamut and Dolby Vision IQ for HDR support.
The laptop has a 720p front-facing camera and comes with Omnisonic® speakers with Dolby Atmos™. The selection of ports includes Thunderbolt 4, USB-A 3.1, and the multipurpose Surface Connect Port. Interestingly, you only get Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.1, and because of its thin and light design, Microsoft doesn’t offer HDMI and Ethernet ports.
Our Take
The thin and light Surface Laptop 5 is perfect for business professionals who need a mid-to-high-range laptop. It has the Intel Evo certification, which makes it suitable for such users, and offers RAM and storage upgradability, allowing you to start small and scale up when needed.
- Thunderbolt 4 ports facilitate high-speed data transfers.
- Intel Evo-certified processor ensures enhanced productivity.
- Plenty of configuration options offer the flexibility of choice.
- The 18-hour battery life will last you the entire day.
- No Wi-Fi 6E or Bluetooth 5.2
- Expensive for the specification.
3. ASUS ZenBook S – The Toughest Laptop with 3:2 Aspect Ratio
Traveling with a laptop means exposing your laptop to a lot of physical beating. Falls, shocks, and jolts are common while traveling through airport security. Thus, it would be best to have a computer that can take this abuse and stay unharmed. The Asus ZenBook S is put through MIL-STD 810G US Military Grade testing. This ensures that your laptop is built to last.
The Asus ZenBook S comes with a 13.9” 3.3K screen with a resolution of 3300 x 2200. Thus, you get a high-resolution screen in the 3:2 aspect ratio with 100% DCI-P3 and 133% sRGB color gamut. All of these work together seamlessly to ensure an excellent visual experience.
The specifications include an 11th-gen Intel Core i7-1165G7 processor. Asus pairs this with 16GB DDR4 RAM and a 1TB M.2 NVMe SSD for storage.
On the design side, you get a compact and light laptop. The Asus ZenBook S looks sleek with its angular cut edges that come in an attractive two-tone color combination. The body uses a robust and lightweight metal shell and takes the bashing from the military-grade testing it endures. Surprisingly, despite a metal body, the laptop weighs 2.76 lbs. Thus making it easy to travel with.
The ZenBook S comes with two Thunderbolt 4 ports, one HDMI port, and one USB Type-A. You also get a media card reader to transfer your camera’s photos quickly.
Our Take
The Asus ZenBook S is perfect for the traveling professional who needs a solid laptop that is able to withstand more than its share of rough handling. But that is not all; the ZenBook S also offers a visual treat with its wide color gamut and high-resolution display, making it ideal for professional photographers.
- The sturdy design protects your laptop from accidental falls, extreme temperatures, and other harsh elements.
- The compact and light design makes the laptop easy to carry while traveling.
- Thunderbolt 4 Ports allow high-speed data transfer between peripherals.
- A numeric keypad integrated with a touchpad helps the productivity of business users.
- US Military MIL STD-810G test certified.
- Thunderbolt 4 port facilitates high-speed data transfers.
- Price
- Only one USB Type-A port is inadequate to connect legacy USB devices
- Considering its price, the 12-hour battery life is below par
4. Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Titanium Yoga – Best 2-in-1 Laptop with 3:2 Aspect Ratio
The Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Titanium Yoga offers you a 2-in-1 laptop. Further, it is compact and lightweight. Thus making it an ideal travel companion.
The Titanium Yoga comes with a 13.5” 2K IPS display. It offers a 2256×1504 resolution and a very modest 450nits of brightness. It also features Dolby Vision, allowing you to enjoy your laptop for entertainment.
For specifications, the laptop features Intel’s Core i7-1160G7, capable of a maximum speed of 4.40GHz. Lenovo also offers 16GB RAM and 512GB SSD storage. Thus, you get a great base to get your work going.
Lenovo differentiates itself from the competition by offering you a WWAN card in addition to the onboard Wi-Fi 6 card. The WWAN card varies with your region; hence, it is advisable to check the model.
The Titanium Yoga offers a limited number of ports. You get two Thunderbolt 4 ports and one combo audio jack. Unfortunately, there are no media card readers or conventional USB Type-A ports. Therefore, you must keep this in mind if you decide to buy this laptop.
Our Take
The X1 Yoga offers high-end specifications, making it ideal for specialized use cases that need plenty of processing power. And when you’re tired at the end of a long working day, it is perfect to use in tablet mode and stream video off the internet with your feet up on the couch.
- The 2-in-1 design comes in handy for productivity and entertainment.
- WWAN card gives you added mobility within a cellular network
- Wi-Fi 6 for high-speed internet
- Lightweight makes it easy to carry while on the move.
- Thunderbolt 4 port facilitates high-speed data transfers.
- Price
- No compatibility with legacy USB devices due to lack of USB Type-A ports
- Considering its price, the 11.7-hour battery life is below par
5. Framework Laptop – DIY Laptop with a 3:2 aspect ratio
Remember how a little more than a decade back, Dell laptops were all the rage because they allowed you to customize specifications for your laptop? Framework is trying to bring that back by allowing you to choose the CPU, RAM, storage, and, believe it or not, even the I/O ports.
While several laptop manufacturers allow you to customize the RAM and storage capacity and variants with different CPUs, none allow you the flexibility to customize what ports you can have. Framework achieves this but using a modular design with hot-swappable expansion modules that you can purchase from the Framework Marketplace.
Framework offers you three options for Intel’s 12th-generation CPUs. These include the i5-1240P with 12-cores (4P+8E) offering clock speeds up to 4.40GHz, the i7-1260P (4P+8E, 4.7GHz), and the i7-1280P (6P+8P, 4.70GHz). You get DDR4 RAM of up to 64GB and SSR storage of up to 2TB, but the exciting part is that if you have your own spare modules, you can buy the laptop sans these components.
While there aren’t any options to customize the display screen, a 13.5″ IPS panel display, you can choose the I/O ports you want. For this, you can select up to four expansion modules, including USB, Video ports, Micro SD slot, or Ethernet port. Alternatively, you can forego this selection and augment storage by choosing between a 250GB or 1TB module.
Lastly, you can even exclude a power adapter and an OS to use your own.
Our Take
The Framework Laptop is a brilliant concept that essentially allows you to build your own laptop. Having said that, it isn’t for everyone, as novice users may find the process challenging. Nevertheless, the laptop enthusiast will love the customizability that this laptop offers.
- A highly customizable laptop that provides tremendous flexibility.
- Wide range of processors ranging from mid-level to high-level.
- It allows you to exclude components like RAM, storage, and more so you can use your own.
- It offers a wide selection of hot-swappable I/O ports.
- No option for Thunderbolt ports.
- Not suitable for novice users.
6. Acer Swift 3 – Best Budget laptop with a 3:2 aspect ratio
Choose the Acer Swift 3 when you need a laptop that offers you a 3:2 aspect ratio and will not break the bank. The Swift 3 offers tremendous value by offering top-notch specifications, including a Thunderbolt 4 port.
The design follows the thin and lightweight trend that professionals prefer for travel. It measures 0.63 inches in thickness and weighs 2.62 lbs. Also, the chassis uses strong and lightweight aluminum. Thus, you get a sturdy laptop that will take a bit of rough handling.
The screen is a 13.5” 2K IPS display with a 2256 x 1504 resolution. The brightness level is more than adequate, and you can use it outdoors, even in bright sunlight.
The Swift 3 comes with the 11th generation Intel Core i7-1165G7 with up to 4.70GHz, 4-Core, 8-Thread, and 12MB Cache. You also get 8GB RAM and 512GB M.2 NVMe SSD for storage. These are par for the course and ideal to suit the needs of the business professional.
The expansion ports include a Thunderbolt 4 and two USB 3.2 Type-A. You also get an HDMI port and a combination audio port. Unfortunately, you do not get a media card reader, a common feature among similar laptops.
Our Take
The Acer Swift 3 is a pocket-friendly laptop that offers high-end specifications for professionals on a budget. It is lightweight and durable, which makes it perfect for travel. And the 14-hour battery life will last you an entire working day without you having to worry about finding a wall socket.
- The aluminum chassis ensures your laptop can handle accidental falls.
- Thunderbolt 4 port ensures you get high-speed data transfers.
- 14-hrs battery life will see you through the entire day’s work.
- The thin and lightweight design makes it convenient to carry.
- Wi-Fi 6 delivers high-speed wireless internet
- Price
- The keyboard is cramped and not easy to type on.
- The laptop looks ordinary with no attractive design elements
- No Gigabit Ethernet port for wired high-speed LAN
7. Microsoft Surface Pro 8 – Best laptop for Travel
The Microsoft Surface Pro 8 gives you the benefit of a laptop and a tablet. It focuses its energy on delivering the essentials in a compact and multipurpose design.
The display offers a 3:2 aspect ratio with its 13” 2K screen with 2880 x 1920 resolution. Brightness level hovers in the 450nits region. Further, it offers a 120Hz refresh rate and comes with Dolby Vision. Thus, you get an excellent screen with a bright and rich color display.
The specifications include the 11th generation Intel Core i5-1135G7 processor. Microsoft pairs this with 8GB RAM and 128GB SSD storage. While these may be fine for the tablet setup, professionals may find limited use for it as a laptop.
Surprisingly, you get two Thunderbolt 4 ports and a Surface Connect Port for expansion. There is a combination audio jack to connect your headphones or external speakers. Unfortunately, there are no USB ports, media card readers, or HDMI ports. However, you can use the Surface Connect Port and daisy chain it with a docking station.
You do not even get a keyboard; they are sold separately. Consequently, the device keeps its weight down to 1.96 lbs. without the appendage.
Therefore, you can choose whether you want to use the Microsoft Surface Pro 8 as a laptop or tablet.
Our Take
The Surface Pro 8 is a high-end tablet that you can also use as a laptop by attaching its keyboard. Hence, it would be unfair to classify it purely as a laptop. Nevertheless, despite its 2-in-1 design, it gives you enough firepower to multitask efficiently. And because of its low-profile design, you can work efficiently in confined spaces like an airplane seat.
- The 2-in-1 design gives you the benefit of a tablet and a laptop.
- Two Thunderbolt 4 ports for high-speed data transfer between peripherals
- The lightweight design makes it easy to carry when you are on the move.
- 120Hz refresh rate gives excellent picture quality
- Keyboard sold separately
- No USB ports mean you cannot connect legacy USB drives without a Surface Connect adapter.
- Expensive; when you consider the overall deal
- 128GB storage is too little for professional applications
8. Microsoft Surface Laptop 4 – Best AMD Laptop with 3:2 Aspect Ratio
Consider a Microsoft Surface 4 laptop if you prefer an AMD processor. There are several variants within the Surface 4 range, including Intel i5 and i7 options.
It offers a 13.5” screen with a 2256×1504 resolution. The brightness level stays below the 400nits mark but still provides enough for daily-use cases. Color depictions are vibrant and better than most other laptops that it competes with.
The specifications include the AMD Ryzen 5 4680U processor. You also get a modest 8GB RAM and 256GB SSD storage. It does not have top-notch specifications, but most professionals will derive considerable utility from it. Considering the product’s price, it is a deal worth due consideration.
The laptop comes with one USB Type-C, USB Type-A, and a Surface Connect port for expansion. Additionally, there is a 3.5mm jack to connect your audio devices.
The keyboard features a spacious setup with adequate travel for easy and responsive typing.
Our Take
There is a dearth of AMD laptops that come with a 3:2 aspect ratio, making the Surface Laptop 4 our choice for the best one with an AMD processor.
- A spacious keyboard helps you type with ease
- The 19hours battery life will keep you productive throughout the day
- A responsive touchscreen allows you to point and click conveniently.
- The lightweight design allows you to carry it easily while traveling.
- No Thunderbolt 4 ports for high-speed data transfers
- Brightness levels under 400nits mean you may have difficulty in brightly lit surroundings.
- Few expansion ports limit the number of peripheral devices.
Best Laptop with a 3:2 Aspect Ratio – Our Buying Guide
Several laptops on the market offer a 3:2 aspect ratio, making it tedious to choose one. Thus, it would be best to keep these vital considerations in mind when buying such a laptop.
Specification
The trinity of the processor, RAM, and storage is the most important consideration one must make. These three parameters determine the performance of your computer and what you achieve out of them.
High-performance laptops include the Zenbook S, HP Spectre, and the X1 Titanium Yoga. They come with top-notch specifications to satisfy the most demanding need of a user.
Form Factor
You can get the 3:2 aspect ratio in a variety of form factors.
For instance, the Microsoft Surface 4 laptop offers a conventional laptop design. Alternately, you have the option of the Surface Pro 8, which is essentially a tablet you can attach a keyboard to. And then there is the HP Spectre x360, a beautiful 2-in-1 laptop that offers you the best of both worlds.
Professionals looking for a laptop for work will prefer the conventional form factor. On the other hand, people who like to mix work with pleasure from Netflix will choose a 2-in-1 form factor.
Battery Life
The battery life would be of prime importance to the professional constantly on the move.
Thus, the HP x360, Surface Pro 8, and Surface 4 are excellent choices because they offer upward of 15hrs.
Weight
While being on the move constantly, you do not want to carry a heavy computer that will weigh you down. It would be best if you had a light laptop and one that you can conveniently carry around within the office.
Some of the lightest ones on our list are the Titanium Yoga, the Swift 3, and the Surface Pro 8.
Price
Price is rarely the most crucial consideration when you have a specific need while buying a laptop. In this case, that is the 3:2 aspect ratio.
However, when you look at our list of recommendations, you will realize the diversity of this parameter.
The most straightforward advice we have is that you must evaluate your requirements and match them to the laptop’s features. It may seem too generic, but doing so can help you save some big bucks.
Best Laptop with a 3:2 Aspect Ratio – Frequently Asked Questions
What is the 3:2 aspect ratio?
It is the ratio of the screen’s width with respect to the height of the screen. If you were to divide the width into three equal parts, the screen’s height should not measure more than the length of two such parts. This gives you a ratio of 3:2.
Why is the 3:2 aspect ratio important?
The 3:2 ratio has wide acceptance among professional users. More specifically, users whose work involves using spreadsheets, documents, or writing code prefer this aspect ratio. It allows them to view more content per scroll. Thus, it improves their productivity as they do not have to scroll back and forth to find the relevant portion of the content they are working on.
Can I watch 16:9 content on a laptop with a 3:2 aspect ratio?
While nothing stops you from doing that, the 3:2 aspect ratio isn’t the best way to watch 16:9 content. Running the video in full-screen mode will result in two black bands, one above and one below the image, to fill the space on the screen.
Are there any laptops with a 3:2 aspect ratio and 4K resolution?
In 2023, 3300×2200 is the best resolution you can get for a 3:2 aspect ratio. However, this aspect ratio is an emerging trend. But with many manufacturers introducing the 3:2 aspect ratio in their business line of laptops, you can soon expect one that offers a 4K resolution.
no mention of framework?
at the time of writing the article, the Framework laptop was in the pre-order stage. We don’t have enough information about it at the moment.
We will include it in a future update after getting some hands-on experience with the device.
Came here looking for alternatives to MacBook but there’s no substitute… HP hs recently released several 3:2 laptops but the 16″ equivalent lack resolution and Lenovo has abandoned the 3:2 aspect ratio for 6:10. Wish more could embrace the 3:2 ratio.16:10
Regarding Lenovo having abandoned the 3:2 aspect ratio: thanks for this info. I already guessed so because those were only part of the X1 Titanium Yoga Gen 1 range. I’m quite wondering… On notebooks which are only slightly wider than the keyboard, only the 3:2 aspect ratio fills the area of the lid (I never grasped why people live with 16:9 while the bottom and often also the top area of the whole lid is simply wasted).
Despite the attractiveness of the Framework concept, I just consider to buy a still available Lenovo because of the trackpoint.