Every laptop is not capable enough to run large business applications. such as Android Studio, MySQL Server Management Studio, and powerful Android emulators.
When selecting a mobile app development laptop for Android or iOS, you need more RAM and SSD storage. It will run Android Studio as light as air.
In this article, we will list the top 10 best laptops for Android development and programming that you can buy now. Please read the minimum and recommended specifications for running the applications on the same laptop.
We’ll try to address these questions:
- What are some key features to look for in a laptop for Android development?
- How can a laptop’s hardware specifications, such as the processor and RAM, affect the performance of Android development tools and emulator?
If you don’t have enough time and just interested to know which laptops are in for this topic, then have a look on following.
Recommendations for Best Laptops For Android Development
Don’t have time to read the whole article (well, read it later for deep understanding), then here is a list of the best laptops for Android phone users & App Developers.
You can choose the best one that suits your requirements well.
| IMAGE | PRODUCTS | FEATURES | PRICE |
|---|---|---|---|
 | Acer Predator Helios 300 | Display: 15.6 inch FHD (1920 x 1080) RAM: 16GB Storage: 512GB SSD Battery: Up to 6 hours | |
 | ASUS ZenBook 14 | Display: 14 inch FHD (1920 x 1080) RAM: 16GB Storage: 512GB SSD | |
 | New Apple MacBook Pro | Display: 16 inch RAM: 16GB Storage: 512GB SSD Battery: Up to 11 hours | |
 | Lenovo ThinkPad E590 | Display: 15.6 inch FHD (1920 x 1080) RAM: 16GB Storage: 512GB SSD Battery: Up to 12 hours | |
 | Microsoft Surface Pro 6 | Display: 12.3 inch RAM: 16GB Storage: 1TB SSD Battery: Up to 13.5 hours | |
 | HP Spectre x360 | Display: 13.3 inch FHD (1920 x 1080) RAM: 16GB Storage: 512GB SSD | |
 | New Dell XPS 13 | Display: 13.3 inch FHD (3840 x 2160) RAM: 16GB Storage: 512GB SSD | |
 | Acer Swift 3 | Display: 14 inch FHD (1920 x 1080) RAM: 8GB Storage: 256GB SSD Battery: Up to 12 hours |
What Minimum and Recommended Specifications are Required?
Android Studio is professional software developed for Android app development (powered by Google).
Being a professional Android app developer, a beginner, a student of programming, you need the best laptop for Android Studio and Android Emulator that does the job without any lag or overheating.
In order to accomplish it, you should have at least 12 GB of memory, a SSD, especially NVMe supported storage.
The installation space and to store large development files, and the latest-generation processors like Core i7 and i9 of the 8th -12th generations.
We recommend you go for a laptop with 16 GB of DDR4 RAM, at least an 8th generation processor, and SSD storage. 12 GB of RAM is for Android Studio and OS, whereas 4 GB RAM is for Android emulator support.
While talking about the basic laptop system requirements of Android Studio have a look at the following.
| Hardware Specification | Minimum Requirements | Recommended System Requirements |
| RAM | 8 GB | 16 GB |
| Processor | x86_64 CPU architecture, Intel Core CPU of 2nd Gen or AMD CPU | Intel Core i5 – i9 11th Gen Or AMD Ryzen |
| Resolution | 1280 x 800 | 1280 x 1024 |
| OS | Microsoft Windows 8/10/11 (64-bit) Linux – 64-bit Distributions GNOME or KDE |
same |
| Free Disk Space | 8 GB | 16 GB |
How do hardware specifications affect Android development performance?
When it comes to hardware specifications, the processor and RAM are two key components to consider for Android development.
A laptop with a fast processor, such as an Intel Core i5 or i7, can help to ensure smooth and efficient performance when running Android development tools and emulator.
Similarly, having a sufficient amount of RAM (at least 8GB) can help to improve the overall speed and responsiveness of the laptop when running multiple apps and processes simultaneously.
While a laptop with a slower processor or insufficient RAM may struggle to handle the demands of Android development and result in a slower, less efficient workflow.
1. Acer Predator Helios 300 – Best Laptop For Android Game Development
Acer Predator Helios 300 is all in one latest gaming best laptop for android developers, ultimate gamers, and graphics designing.
Yet, you can run android development, iOS development software such as Android Studio, Emulator, SQL Server Management Studio on it.
From the features, Acer Predator has the latest Intel Core i7 10th generation powerful processor capable of running all types of games and software. Initially, the laptop has 16 GB of DDR4 RAM, but it can be upgraded up to 32 GB in the future.
The laptop has 512 GB of SSD storage for fast boot-up, ultimate gaming, and it’s the best laptop for android x86.
Acer Predator Helis has a unique, beautiful, and stylish design with RGB backlit keyboard designed for professional gamers. Unlike other laptops, it has a 144 Hz screen refresh rate. Which is very good for playing online multiplayer games with a fast response time.
The laptop comes with various variations and addons for professional android developers such as
- RTX 2060 (6GB) model or RTX 2060 Max-Q model
- Backpack with laptop bundle
- Headphone Bundle
- Mouse bundle or Mousepad bundle
- Laptop only
2. ASUS ZenBook 14 – Best Laptop For Android Studio
Asus ZenBook 14 a modern style powerful laptop with a Core i7, 8th generation processor (8 Physical processor cores) is capable of running business and development applications such as Android Studio, SQL Server Management Studio, etc.
The laptop has 16 GB of memory that is upgradable to 32 GB or more later on and a 512 GB SSD storage is sufficient for all android IDEs. The ZenBook 14 has a beautiful design with an innovative smart screen pad 2.0 that can switch windows and tasks easily.
The new screen pad 2.0 can work as a calculator, quick app navigator, and shortcut to various features on the laptop (can be customized).
With the MX 150/250 graphics, you can enjoy a non-stop full HD gaming experience on the ZenBook 14.
This specific model is specifically designed for gamers who have low FPS, lag, or heating problems. The battery longs last for 4 hours during gaming, and 8-12 hours on general use.
Asus ZenBook 14 comes with the following variations:
- i7 Processor, 16 GB RAM, 512 GB SSD
- OR
- i7 Processor, 16 GB RAM, 512 GB SSD with MX 150 or MX 250 Gaming Graphics
3. New Apple MacBook Pro – Best MacBookFor Android Development
New Apple MacBook Pro delivers a powerful core i7 & core i9 (8 cores) processor (2 different variations), model. It is one of the best MacBooks for android development with 16 GB of RAM & 512 GB to 1 TB SSD storage (2 different variations).
Apple’s MacBook Pro has some unique features such as TrueTone technology, Touch Bar, Touch ID, and Blue light filtered screen. From the display point of view, it has the brightest 16-inch retina display screen.
It has a 35% larger heat sink system that can increase the airflow up to 28%. Which makes it deliver 12 hrs of battery performance on multimedia.
Many programming educational institutes, companies, and Youtubers use Apple MacBook Pro for Android & IOS App Development. Yet, it is the best laptop for android users due to its uncompromised performance and reliability.
What users loved the most about the MacBook Pro is its RAM, SSD, which can be upgraded anytime. Apple MacBook Pro supports up to 64 GB of RAM, and 8 TB of massive SSD storage.
Along with the above-mentioned features, it is the best laptop for android development.
4. Lenovo ThinkPad E590 – Best Laptop For Android x86
Lenovo is a top-rated brand for business-class laptops. The new ThinkPad E590 is an amazing business laptop with an intel core i5 8th generation (4 cores) processor.
This laptop is specially designed for running a development studio, web development, and other graphic designing applications.
From the hardware features point of view, the laptop has 16 GB of RAM (can be upgraded up to 32 GB), Integrated Intel UHD graphics 620, and 512 GB of PCIe NVMe SSD which is faster in small size.
The new ThinkPad E590 has a great keyboard for fast typing and a synaptic touchpad system. It has an elegant new look with the old features such as Ethernet, HDMI, Multiple USB Ports, etc.
Lenovo ThinkPad E590 is yet the most durable, high-performance, and best laptop for android app development with both-sided cooling fans.
5. Microsoft Surface Pro 6 – Best Laptop For Android Phone Users
Microsoft surface pro 6 is an ultra-slim, unique and stylish laptop built for professionals, students, and graphics designers. It is a lightweight laptop (only 1.7 pounds weight) with a high-tech and latest-gen CPU i.e i7 8th generation power and 1 TB SSD storage.
If you attend your laptop for long hours, then it has a long-lasting battery capacity of 13.5 hours on average use. The laptop’s body is just behind the screen with the stand. Which makes it more stylish and the fans avoid overheating.
The Surface Pro 6 has built-in pre-install and Activated Windows 10 Pro with malware, ransomware, and spyware protection.
The surface pro 6 has 3 different working modes
- Laptop Mode
- Tablet mode (De-attached keyboard and tablet mode with apps from Windows 10)
- Studio Mode (Lower 15 degree angle stand)
Surface Pro 6 is specially designed for graphics designing, 3D artwork, writing some office documents, photos, and video editing. However, you can use it for any other purpose such as android app development, web designing, and development, etc.
So, simply it is the best laptop for android development.
6. HP Spectre x360 – Best Laptop For Android PC Users
Hp Spectre x360 is a full HD touch screen laptop with intel core i7 8th generation processor, 16 GB DDR4 RAM, and 512 GB SSD storage. It has a 360-degree rotatable screen with tablet mode support.
The good-looking IPS display will amaze you with the colors and styles on Windows 10 Pro. HP Spectre is the best laptop for android programming and web application development tools such as Android studio, My SQL, Android, etc.
Additionally, It has a fingerprint scanner, HP Stylus, and 3 years of McAfee Antivirus protection software. The antivirus software is good enough to block any malware, spyware, unwanted programs such as Ransomware, and web tracking.
The Spectre x360 is the best laptop for android game development on Unity 3D & Unreal engine. After you have completed the development, you can easily publish it on the Google Play store.
7. New Dell XPS 13 – Best Laptop to Run Android Emulator
The new Dell XPS 13 laptop has Core i7 of 8th generation (Quad-core) able to run Android Studio and many app development software without hanging.
Generally, Android Studio requires 12 GB of RAM for software and emulators to run smoothly. So this laptop has sufficient RAM of 16 GB DDR4 and 512 GB NVMe supported SSD storage to boost up your system and apps.
From the display point of view, the laptop has an excellent 4K full HD touch screen display and built-in graphics for low to medium gaming and rendering for game developers.
However, there is no variation for dedicated gaming performance as ASUS ZenBook and Acer Predator have.
The new Dell XPS 13 is good in terms of features, app programming, ease of upgrade, performance, and support, but the cost is a little bit high.
As compared to other 8th generation laptops, it has the same features but with more price. So it is the best laptop for android development.
8. Acer Swift 3 – Best Budget Laptop For Android Developers
Acer Swift 3 is the best budget laptop for android development with almost all the features you need in a laptop except the SSD storage capacity.
This laptop is packaged with an intel core i5 of 8th generation which is a powerful processor that supports gaming and game apps development, rendering, graphics designing, and all the educational tools required for your college and training institute assignments.
When you look at the features, it has a full HD IPS display (1920×1080) and long battery timing of 12 hours (on multimedia). It has a backlit keyboard and a fingerprint reader on the body.
The Acer Swift 3 has only 8 GB of DDR4 memory which can run Android studio for android development (but no emulator or SQL server management studio at the same time).
Pro Tip: In order to run Android development with less memory, you can attach your mobile phone to the laptop in USB debugging mode and test the live apps directly on your mobile device.
Pro Tip for Android Developers
The Swift 3 has a normal weight of 3.20 lbs (it may not be the slim laptop but does the job on a low budget).
FAQs
Which laptop is best for Android development?
We have listed the top 10 best laptops for android developers, you can pick one that suits best to your requirements. We recommend Acer ACER PREDATOR HELIOS 300, it is best for game and app development of Android.
Safely it is the best laptop for android development for all kinds of android programmers.
Which is the best laptop for the Android emulator?
We have found New Dell XPS 13 useful and best for Android Emulator. You should give it a try and share your experience in comments.
Which laptop has more RAM & SSD Storage for Android App Developers?
All of the above laptops except Acer Swift 3 offers 16 GB of DDR4 RAM and at least 512 GB SSD.
Which is more than enough for running Android Studio, SSMS (SQL Server Management Studio), and Android Emulator at the same time.
How much RAM is needed for Android Studio?
According to the Android official documentation and Quora, it can run on 8 GB of RAM without any problem but when you start the emulator to test applications, the system will get hanged.
So, go for at least 16 GB of RAM for Android application development.
Can I upgrade the RAM after purchasing the laptop?
Yes, you can easily upgrade the RAM after purchasing the laptop. However, most of the laptops come with sufficient RAM required to run Android Studio and larger development applications.
In some cases you can check different upgrade options while purchasing from Amazon.
Do all laptops have a guarantee and service after the sale?
All laptops come with a standard guarantee (except burning or damage, breakage, etc) for the official distributors such as Amazon. Please read the amazon return policy before you order any product from the store.
Can I learn Android programming without Java?
No, Java is the core part of Android programming. So, without learning Java programming, you cannot start Android development. Java is used to develop the logic of the application in Android and other languages.
Conclusion
For the best of Android software development, consider buying a laptop with more RAM and SSD and with the latest generation processor, such as the Dell XPS 13 & Apple MacBook Pro.
The laptop must have at least 12 GB of RAM and 128 GB of storage for Android Studio, 64 GB for the operating system, and other important files. RAM and SSD can also be upgraded in both models for the future.
If you’re tight on budget and cannot afford these expensive laptops, try Acer Swift 3 laptop. You can run Android Studio on this notebook but in this budget, you have to compromise emulator support.
Alternatively, you can attach your phone to the laptop in “USB debugging” mode to test the code directly on your phone.
All the above list contains the best laptop for android app development. It’s upon you to choose one based on your budget. Please give us feedback and do comment below and share your best choice with us.