Acer Nitro 5 vs. HP Omen 15: Battle of the Budget Gaming Laptops

In the thrilling world of gaming, having the right laptop makes all the difference. Your computer’s speed, graphics, and overall performance can significantly impact your gaming experience.

Despite a rather saturated market, the Acer Nitro 5 and HP Omen 15 stand out for their affordable price tag. Whether you’re a casual gamer looking for a laptop to handle your favorite titles or a hardcore gamer seeking a machine that can keep up with your intense gaming sessions, these lines have got you covered.

But how do they stack up against each other? Each has its unique strengths, and depending on your specific needs, one may be a better fit for you than the other.

In the following comparison, we’ll dive deeper into these two remarkable gaming laptops’ specifications, performance, design, and value for money.

If you’re drawn to a more traditional design, the Acer Nitro 5’s black chassis with red accents may be the way to go. However, the HP Omen 15 may be the better choice if a sleeker chassis is more your style. Both laptops are made of plastic, but the HP Omen 15 feels more premium. So, this comes down to personal preference.

The Acer Nitro 5 features a robust and sporty design with a matte black finish that perfectly complements the red accents on the keyboard and touchpad. The plastic body has a brushed metal finish, giving the laptop a durable feel.

The keyboard is backlit, providing a gaming-centered ambiance and ensuring you never miss a key in dim light. Its display hinge is firm yet flexible, allowing for easy adjustment of viewing angles. However, it’s worth noting that this model is a bit bulky and heavy, which could limit its portability.

On the other hand, the HP Omen 15 boasts a refined design with a matte black chassis and a holographic logo on the lid. The laptop feels solid and gives a higher-end impression thanks to a brushed metal finish on the lid.

The white backlit keyboard stands out against the black body, providing a visually striking contrast. It’s thinner and lighter than the Acer Nitro 5, making it a more portable choice for gamers on the go. Despite its slim build, the HP Omen 15 doesn’t sacrifice durability or quality, maintaining a robust frame for long-lasting use.

Ultimately, if you want a more immersive gaming experience, the HP Omen 15 is the way to go. (Yes, Acer loses some points in the Acer Nitro 5 vs. HP Omen 15 screen quality stand-off.)

The Acer Nitro 5’s 15.6-inch Full HD display provides crisp and vibrant visuals with decent color accuracy. The IPS technology ensures wide viewing angles without color shifts. However, with a 60Hz refresh rate, it may not satisfy the needs of gamers who prefer fast-paced, high-action games. The absence of screen tearing and ghosting is a plus, but it’s worth noting that the display could have been brighter.

The HP Omen 15 takes the lead with its 15.6-inch Full HD display in terms of the refresh rate options. Omen’s higher refresh rates translate into smoother, more fluid visuals, which is particularly beneficial in fast-paced gaming scenarios. The IPS panel offers excellent color reproduction and viewing angles. Equipped with an anti-glare technology, the HP Omen’s screen ensures visibility even under bright lights, offering an overall more immersive gaming experience.

Both the Acer Nitro 5 and HP Omen 15 are powered by Intel Core i-family processors and NVIDIA GeForce GTX/RTX graphics. These computers can handle most video games, but the HP Omen 15 may have a slight edge in performance.

Let’s take a look at one of the 2019 Acer Nitro 5 models. It came out equipped with the powerful (at the time) Intel Core i5–9300H processor and an NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650 graphics card. Even today, this configuration ensures smooth gameplay for most contemporary games in medium settings.

However, an upgrade to the Intel Core i7–9750H was also an option for those desiring a bit more power. The laptop has 8GB of RAM, which is expandable up to 32GB, and a decent storage capacity, offering a 256GB SSD.

The Nitro 5 also supports CoolBoost technology, which increases fan speed by 10% and CPU/GPU cooling by 9% compared to auto mode. However, it is worth noting that some users have reported overheating issues during extensive gaming sessions.

The HP Omen 15 is no slouch in the performance department either. It’s powered by an Intel Core i5–9300H processor and an NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650 graphics card, similar to the Nitro 5.

But the Omen 15 seems to manage heat better than the Nitro 5, thanks to its larger fan and three-sided venting, which allows for five-way airflow. This excellent cooling system results in smoother gameplay even under heavy loads. The Omen 15 comes with 8GB of RAM, which can be upgraded to 32GB, and a 256GB SSD for storage.

In terms of performance, both laptops are quite similar, offering satisfactory gameplay experiences for most users.

However, the HP Omen 15’s superior cooling system and the Acer Nitro 5’s option for a processor upgrade set them apart. The choice between the two will depend on the individual user’s gaming needs and preferences.

Related: 2021 HP Omen 15 Laptop Gets Major Upgrades.

When it comes to battery life, the Acer Nitro 5 has a slight advantage with up to 7 hours of use. The HP Omen 15 has a battery life of up to 6 hours.

While neither laptop is great for long gaming sessions, the Acer Nitro 5 may offer a bit more flexibility for users who want to use their laptop on the go.

Price can be a major factor in any purchasing decision. The Nitro 5 line starts at around $700, while the HP Omen 15 at around $800. However, you could buy a used HP Omen 15 for under $400. While this isn’t a huge difference, it may be enough to sway some buyers.

We should also note that the Omen line holds better resale value over time compared to Nitro 5 series gaming laptops. Still, if you decide to sell your Acer Nitro 5 down the line, expect to receive some cashback, depending on the model, overall working, and cosmetic condition.

Both the Acer Nitro 5 and HP Omen 15 are good gaming laptops, but they have different strengths and features that may appeal to different users. The HP Omen 15 has a slightly better design, display, and performance, but it’s more expensive. The Acer Nitro 5 is the better value, with a longer battery life and a lower price point. Ultimately, the decision comes down to personal preferences and budget, so consider your needs and do your research before making a final decision.

Originally published at https://www.gadgetsalvation.com on August 30, 2023.