A comparison of specs, key information, reviews, and best pricing from top retailers
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What we think
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Updated January 10, 2024·
For general use, the Gateway 15.6" laptop is budget-friendly with adequate performance and a sizable screen; it's also relatively light for carrying around. If you require a machine for more intensive tasks such as 3D rendering, machine learning, or gaming, the Lenovo IdeaPad Gaming 3 may be the better fit due to its advanced graphics card and processor designed for higher performance, although it has half the RAM of the Gateway. Both have similar battery life and are comparably priced, with the Lenovo offering a higher screen refresh rate, suited for fast-paced gaming, and additional features like a backlit keyboard and hardware for ray tracing in games. Give Feedback
this description is based on the product variant with some specs and product variant with some specs. At the time of writing, the variant with some specs cost some dollars and the variant with some specs cost some dollars.
Advantages of the Gateway 15.6"
- The Gateway 15.6" has no clear advantages over the Lenovo IdeaPad Gaming 3.
Advantages of the Lenovo IdeaPad Gaming 3
- Good for engineering and design
- Good for software development
- Good overall display quality
- Good overall build quality
- Very good keyboard
Key differences
Engineering and Design
6.2
7.2
4.9/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
7.9/10
3.6/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
4.2/10
16.0 GB
RAM
8.0 GB
The Lenovo IdeaPad Gaming 3 is good for engineering and design, while the Gateway 15.6" is only fair.
The Lenovo IdeaPad Gaming 3 is better suited for engineering and design due to its AMD Ryzen 7 processor and Nvidia RTX 2050 graphics, which offer higher performance for computing and rendering tasks compared to the Gateway 15.6" with an Intel i5 processor and Iris Xe graphics. Additionally, the Lenovo has a higher quality display with better brightness and color coverage, which is crucial for design work, while the Gateway compromises on screen and GPU capabilities, making it fair for such tasks.
Software Development
6.7
7.3
4.9/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
7.9/10
16.0 GB
RAM
8.0 GB
1920 x 1080
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1080
5.3/10
KEYBOARD QUALITY SCORE
8.0/10
The Lenovo IdeaPad Gaming 3 is good for software development, while the Gateway 15.6" is only fair.
PerfectRec’s Software Development Score takes into account the many different features of the laptop that make it more or less suitable for software developers.
Screen Quality
6.1
7.2
15.6in
SIZE
15.6in
1920 x 1080
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1080
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
60Hz
REFRESH RATE
120Hz
250.0 nits
BRIGHTNESS
329.0 nits
The Lenovo IdeaPad Gaming 3 has a better screen than the Gateway 15.6" for general use, gaming and AI, engineering and design, content creation, and software development.
If you prioritize a clear and bright display for everyday tasks such as browsing the web or working on documents, both the Gateway and Lenovo IdeaPad have adequate screens, with the Lenovo edging ahead with better overall quality. For engineering and design work where color accuracy is key, the Lenovo IdeaPad would be preferable due to its better color gamut, allowing for more precise color work. However, if you're into 3D gaming, neither laptop is ideal as their screens don't offer high refresh rates, which are essential for smooth and immersive gameplay.
Build Quality
5.1
7.2
The Lenovo IdeaPad Gaming 3 has good build quality, while the Gateway 15.6" has poor build quality.
PerfectRec’s Build Quality Score incorporates case materials, display and keyboard flex, hinge quality, and overall reliability.
Cost
$600
$549
$200
$300
$400
$500
$600
$700
$800
$900
The Gateway 15.6" has a price of $600 and the Lenovo IdeaPad Gaming 3 costs $549.
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Key similarities
General Use
7.0
7.4
1920 x 1080
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1080
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
250.0 nits
DISPLAY BRIGHTNESS
329.0 nits
8.0 Hours
BATTERY LIFE
8.0 Hours
5.3/10
KEYBOARD QUALITY SCORE
8.0/10
7.3/10
PORTABILITY SCORE
7.0/10
The Lenovo IdeaPad Gaming 3 and Gateway 15.6" are both good for general use.
The Gateway 15.6" is equipped with solid RAM and a capable Intel i5 processor, making it good for general use with its lightweight design contributing to portability. The Lenovo IdeaPad Gaming 3, while also good for general use, offers a more powerful AMD Ryzen processor and higher-quality speakers and keyboard, but it is slightly heavier and may have reduced battery life due to its gaming-oriented hardware..
Gaming and AI
6.0
6.5
3.6/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
4.2/10
1920 x 1080
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1080
60Hz
REFRESH RATE
120Hz
No
SUPPORTS DLSS
Yes
No
MUX SWITCH / ADVANCED OPTIMUS
No
7.0/10
FAN NOISE SCORE
7.0/10
The Lenovo IdeaPad Gaming 3 and Gateway 15.6" are both only fair for gaming and AI.
The Gateway 15.6" with its Intel Iris Xe graphics is less capable for gaming compared to the Lenovo IdeaPad Gaming 3 which has a more powerful Nvidia RTX 2050 GPU suitable for gaming and 3D applications. Moreover, the IdeaPad offers a higher screen refresh rate, providing a smoother visual experience during gaming than the Gateway laptop.
Content Creation
7.0
7.4
4.9/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
7.9/10
1920 x 1080
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1080
16.0 GB
RAM
8.0 GB
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
The Lenovo IdeaPad Gaming 3 and Gateway 15.6" are both good for content creation.
PerfectRec’s Content Creation Score takes into account the many different features of the laptop that make it more or less suitable for photo editing, video editing and other content creation tasks.
Battery
8.0 Hours
8.0 Hours
The Gateway 15.6" has 8 hours of battery life. The Lenovo IdeaPad Gaming 3 has 8 hours of battery life.
Battery life estimate is based on a mix of common use patterns. More portable and higher performing laptops tend to have less battery life.
Portability
Good
Good
15.6in
SIZE
15.6in
4.8 lbs
WEIGHT
5.1 lbs
0.7in
THICKNESS
0.8in
The Gateway 15.6" and Lenovo IdeaPad Gaming 3 both have good portability.
The most portable laptops are small, thin, and light.
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How the Gateway 15.6" and the Lenovo IdeaPad Gaming 3 compare to other laptops
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Gateway 15.6" | Lenovo IdeaPad Gaming 3 |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$600 | $549 | ||
Release Date | |||
Release Date | August 1, 2021 | May 1, 2023 | |
Overall Dimensions | |||
Overall Dimensions | 14.8'' x 9.5'' x 0.77'' | 14.2'' x 10.5'' x 0.86'' | |
Weight | |||
Weight | 4.8 lbs | 5.1 lbs | |
Width | |||
Width | 14.75" | 14.16" | |
Depth | |||
Depth | 9.5" | 10.49" | |
INTERNAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Processor | |||
Processor | Intel i5-1135G7 | AMD Ryzen 7 7735HS | |
RAM | |||
RAM | 16 GB | 8 GB | |
DDR Memory Version | |||
DDR Memory Version | 4 | 5 | |
RAM Slots | |||
RAM Slots | 0 | 2 | |
Storage | |||
Storage | 512 GB | 512 GB | |
BATTERY | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Battery Life | |||
Battery Life | 8 Hours | 8 Hours | |
Battery Capacity | |||
Battery Capacity | Unknown | 60 Wh | |
SCREEN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Diagonal Size | |||
Diagonal Size | 15.6" | 15.6" | |
Display Technology | |||
Display Technology | IPS | IPS | |
Resolution | |||
Resolution | 1920 x 1080 | 1920 x 1080 | |
Refresh Rate | |||
Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 120Hz | |
Display Brightness | |||
Display Brightness | 250 nits | 329 nits | |
RELIABILITY, APPEARANCE & ACOUSTICS | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality Score | |||
Build Quality Score | 5.1/10 | 7.2/10 | |
Portability Score | |||
Portability Score | 7.3/10 | 7.1/10 | |
Gaming Laptop Appearance | |||
Gaming Laptop Appearance | No | Yes | |
Premium Business Laptop | |||
Premium Business Laptop | No | No | |
Fan Noise Score | |||
Fan Noise Score | 7/10 | 7/10 | |
HARDWARE FEATURES | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Keyboard Quality Score | |||
Keyboard Quality Score | 5.3/10 | 8/10 | |
Speaker Quality Score | |||
Speaker Quality Score | 6/10 | 6.8/10 | |
Webcam | |||
Webcam | 720p | 720p | |
Fingerprint Reader | |||
Fingerprint Reader | Yes | No | |
Backlit Keyboard | |||
Backlit Keyboard | No | Yes | |
Number Pad | |||
Number Pad | Yes | Yes | |
CONNECTIVITY | |||
|---|---|---|---|
USB Type-A | |||
USB Type-A | 2 | 2 | |
USB-C ports | |||
USB-C ports | 1 | 1 | |
USB-C Charging | |||
USB-C Charging | No | Yes | |
Display Outputs | |||
Display Outputs | 1 | 2 | |
Thunderbolt Ports | |||
Thunderbolt Ports | 0 | 0 | |
Shopping
Gateway 15.6"
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Dig into reviews and images
PCMag
Francisco Lahoz | July 2022
"Some concessions have to be made when shopping for a budget laptop. Walmart's Gateway Ultra Slim laptops succeeds on the affordability front and delivers serviceable specs and good battery life, though it's hard to claim it's the best (or even particularly good) at any particular aspect. Its build quality, especially the touchpad, is mediocre, and its performance is decent but doesn't lead the way. The Gateway does undercut the cost of some competitors and offers ample storage with good connectivity, so it's not to be ignored."
Lenovo IdeaPad Gaming 3
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Dig into reviews and images
NotebookCheck
Florian Glaser | October 2022
"The Lenovo IdeaPad Gaming 3 is one of the most powerful RTX 3050 Ti laptops. If you disregard the mediocre quality of the case in terms of the material and workmanship, Lenovo has created a successful budget gaming laptop with the IdeaPad Gaming. Thanks to high TDPs and constant performance development, the Core i5-12500H and GeForce RTX 3050 Ti are able to show their full power, while in contrast, the (mostly slower) competitors deliver a better battery life. However, hardly any of the alternative laptops are able to reach the image quality of the Gaming 3. Most of the competitors are left behind in terms of the color space and brightness."
Get a great deal on the Gateway 15.6" or the Lenovo IdeaPad Gaming 3
About Gateway
Gateway is a laptop and tablet brand owned by Acer which sells budget-friendly laptops exclusively through Walmart. It was previously an American computer company until its acquisition by Acer in 2007, who then revived the brand in 2020. Gateway laptops are manufactured by Chinese company Shenzhen Bmorn Technology, which also makes EVOO-branded models.
About Lenovo
Lenovo is a Chinese technology company, and one of the largest personal computer vendor. They are well known for a variety of technology products, including laptops. Their consumer series include their entry level IdeaPad and LOQ series and mid-to-high-end Yoga and Legion series. On the business-oriented side, their series include their entry-level ThinkBook series and mid-to-high-end ThinkPad series. Lenovo laptops offer strong performance for reasonable prices, and are often on sale.
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