15.6 vs 17.3-Inch Laptop Size Comparison | Pick Your Perfect Size

If you’re in the market for a new pc, deciding between a 15.6″ and a 17.3″ screen size may be tricky. Both are two different sizes of computer monitors that are common with both gamers as well as non-gamers. Although two inches might not seem much, the differences in display size may greatly affect your experience, so it’s vital to think about all of the factors before making a purchasing decision.

It is dependent on the individual! The size of the screen is mostly a matter of personal preference. However, if you want to use your laptop primarily at home rather not on the road, we believe the 17.3 should be a no, particularly if you intend to use that for gaming purposes.

For those who travel frequently or will be transporting their laptops from home to office, the 15.6-inch model is probably a better decision because it is considerably lighter as well convenient to carry than the 17.3-inch model.

15.6 vs 17.3-Inch Laptop Size Comparison – Notable Differences

The following are the most essential factors to consider when deciding between a 15.6″ and a 17.3″ computer in terms of size and weight. 

Among these considerations are what you intend to use the computer for, where you intend to use the laptop, your schedule, and level of travel, and also what devices you are willing to spend money to acquire. Based on your responses, each laptop type may be superior to the other according to your preferences.

Why You Want to Use This Laptop

One of its primary considerations to make when choosing your computer is what you intend to use it for the majority of the time. However, while the differences in overall effectiveness between 15.6″ and 17.3″ laptops are usually not large, the 17.3″ will provide a significant boost in screen resolution. 

First, have a look at the pros and cons of 15.6” vs 17.3” laptops below –

	15.6”	17.3”
Pros	• Easy to carry due to lightweight• Good for travelers• Easily fit inside backpacks• Needs less space on the desk	• Increase immersive experience• Have a full keyboard• Good for gaming or editing
Cons	• Not good for gaming or editing• Hard to get the immersive experience	• Uncomfortable to carry around• Heavy Weigh (7+ pounds) • Not good for travelers

Increased screen resolution is a significant advantage, particularly when you’re using the device for gaming as well as photo and video editing. You would be able to work more efficiently and have a more enjoyable experience thanks to the bigger display. A 17.3-inch laptop would also include a full keyboard, and it’s something that some people value. 

If you aren’t planning on using the device for gaming as well as photo and video editing, the screen size isn’t as important, and a 15.6-inch screen may be more appropriate for your requirements.

When it comes to gaming and perhaps photo/video editing, a 17.3″ display provides unmatched productivity and immersive gameplay.

Where You Want to Use This

The location in which you intend to use the laptop is perhaps the most essential consideration when deciding between a 15.6″ and a 17.3″ laptop.

For Carrying Around

In exchange for the greater screen resolution, the 17.3″ models are bulky, ungainly, and hard to carry outside with you. 

Even while some of the thinnest 17.3-inch laptops weigh below five pounds, the ordinary 17.3-inch laptop will weigh more than seven pounds. That’s mass without the charger brick. The fact that they have to be carried around in a No product found. or briefcase is a major nuisance. 

It is possible that the 15.6″ model would be preferable if you intend to carry this laptop between home to the office, class, or other vacation destinations. The 15.6″ model is usually substantially lighter. 

In the same way, if you like to work in cafés, a 17.3-inch laptop will not even go on a standard-sized table. If one does fit, there will be little space left for papers, drinks, or appetizers if it cannot. Browsing in a café will be much more pleasant if you have a 15.6-inch screen.

In exchange for the greater screen resolution, the 17.3″ models are bulky, ungainly, and hard to carry outside with you. 

Even while some of the thinnest 17.3-inch laptops weigh below five pounds, the ordinary 17.3-inch laptop will weigh more than seven pounds. 

That’s the mass without the charger brick. The fact that they have to be carried around in a backpack or briefcase is a major nuisance. 

It is possible that the 15.6″ model would be preferable if you intend to carry this laptop between home to the office, class, or other vacation destinations. The 15.6″ model is usually substantially lighter. 

In the same way, if you like to work in cafés, a 17.3-inch laptop will not even go on a standard-sized table. 

If one does fit, there will be little space left for papers, drinks, or appetizers if it can not. Browsing in a café will be much more pleasant if you have a 15.6-inch screen.

For Gaming and Editing

A 17.3″ screen is perfect for usage at home or as part of a permanent workstation setup. As a result, it will be most useful as a home pc for gaming, editing software, and photo editing. 

If, on the other hand, you work in your home and even have a computer or two, the display size of it isn’t that important. A 15.6-inch laptop may be preferable if you intend to connect your system to an external display while playing, editing, or doing other common tasks. This is because a 15.6-inch laptop will use up less room on your workstation.

For Travel

Sometimes when you travel frequently, either for business or leisure, carrying a 17-inch laptop is just awkward and ineffective. If you’re traveling by airline or train, don’t expect to be able to perform any work throughout your journey! When traveling by plane or train, the tables offered are typical of restricted size, and a 17.3-inch laptop would simply become too huge to go with these little compartments. You’ll likely be infringing on the area of the person who sits next to you, even though you squeeze it in some way. 

Meanwhile, a 15.6-inch laptop is frequently the largest size that may be accommodated that can be used on airplanes or even trains.

If you’re a regular traveler who has to bring your laptop along, the 15.6″ model is the best choice.

For Accessories

If you intend to carry your device with you at any point in time, even for brief travels once or sometimes a year, you’ll have to get a bag that is big enough to fit it. Covers for a 17.3″ are more difficult to come by and are typically more pricey as well. 

Meanwhile, a 15.6-inch screen should be able to fit into most standard backpacks. 

You most likely still have a couple of bags that will accommodate a 15.6-inch laptop. 

This is a minor but critical aspect, particularly if you’re working with a limited budget. Alternatively, if you’re ready to spend between $50 and $100 on a large bag for your 17.3″,  you will find several stylish and functional solutions available.

If you need to save the additional price of buying a brand new laptop case or backpack, opt for the 15.6-inch model.

Frequently Asked Questions

How to Measure the Display?

Laptop displays are measured in terms of the diagonal length, which is the distance between the bottom edge of the screen with one side and the upper edge of the display. Consequently, a 15.6″ laptop has such a screen that measures 15.6″ across from one side to another on its diagonal measurement.

How to Measure the Actual Size of the Screen?

We don’t always get a complete image of the screen’s measurements and entire laptop size when we measure the display’s diagonal length across the screen’s diagonal width. This is due to the fact that two distinct displays with the same diagonal size of 15.6 can have vastly varied lengths & widths. The question then becomes, how do you determine the overall width and length of a display and if you only know the horizontal length? 

You’ll now have to figure out what the aspect ratio of the screen is. 

The aspect ratio of such a screen is calculated as the proportion of its width to its height. This should be indicated on a laptop’s specifications page, as well as on the screen’s aspect ratio. When it comes to computer monitors, 16:9 is perhaps the most popular aspect ratio, which implies that the display’s width is sixteenth time and one-ninth of your display’s length. However, manufacturers have recently tested with alternative aspect ratios, including 16:10 and 3:2, to see how they might perform.

Conclusion

The best laptop display size is a matter of personal preference. Overall, I believe the 15.6-inch laptop offers an excellent balance of mobility and display real estate, making it an excellent pick no matter what you plan to use it for or how frequently you travel. However, if you are looking for the finest laptop for something like a gaming configuration at home, the 17.3″ will bring the benefits of having the most display space possible for a smoother gaming experience. If you haven’t already decided between the 15.6″ and the 17.3″, maybe this guide has guided you make your decision.