Best RTX 4050 Laptops UK 2025 – Affordable Power for Gamers and Creators
Gaming laptops used to be bulky and expensive machines reserved for hardcore enthusiasts. Recent advances have brought powerful graphics to mainstream budgets, and the NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4050 mobile GPU represents the sweet spot for 2025. Laptops equipped with this chip deliver substantial performance improvements over previous-generation budget GPUs, such as the RTX 3050 and RTX 3050 Ti, while still being affordable. NVIDIA confirmed that the first RTX 4050 laptops from OEMs like ASUS, Gigabyte, Lenovo, MSI, and Razer went on sale after February 22, 2023, with preorders starting earlier that month.
By mid-2025, the RTX 4050 has become a popular choice for value‑oriented gamers. It employs the latest Ada Lovelace architecture with 2,560 CUDA cores, 6 GB of GDDR6 memory and boost clocks above 2.3 GHz (wepc.com). Compared with the older RTX 3050 (2,048 cores) it offers around 50 % higher performance and roughly 29 % faster than the RTX 3050 Ti, while still using less power than an RTX 3060 laptop card. That makes RTX 4050 laptops great entry‑level gaming rigs and versatile machines for students and creators.
This guide targets UK shoppers looking to buy an RTX 4050 laptop in 2025 on a budget. We’ll explain what to expect from these machines, provide buying criteria, and highlight three of the best value models available in the UK. Each recommended laptop has been researched using manufacturer specifications and independent reviews to ensure accurate, up‑to‑date information.
Why Choose an RTX 4050 Laptop?
The RTX 4050 mobile GPU brings many benefits to affordable gaming laptops:
- Performance leap over previous generation – Benchmarks show that RTX 4050 laptops outperform RTX 3050 models by around 50% and RTX 3050 Ti models by nearly 29%. Although it doesn’t quite match the performance ofRTX 3060 laptops, it offers excellent value.
- Ada Lovelace efficiency – The architecture features improved efficiency and AI features like DLSS 3.0 and Frame Generation that can boost frame rates in supported games without compromising image quality.
- Future‑proofing on a budget – With 2,560 CUDA cores and 6 GB GDDR6 VRAM, RTX 4050 laptops handle modern AAA games at 1080p and can leverage generative AI workloads (streaming, creative software) far better than 30‑series models.
- Reasonable TGP range – NVIDIA allows manufacturers to configure the RTX 4050 between 35 W and 115 Wwepc.com. Many budget laptops use higher TGP values (80‑90 W), delivering better performance than early low‑power RTX 3050 laptops.
In summary, an RTX 4050 laptop offers affordable 1080p gaming, efficient performance for content creation, and AI acceleration features that were previously reserved for pricier machines. For UK buyers in 2025, choosing this GPU strikes the ideal balance between price and capability.
Buying Criteria for Cheap RTX 4050 Laptops
While the GPU is important, a good gaming laptop needs balanced specifications. Here are the main factors to consider:
- Processor (CPU): Aim for an 8‑core Ryzen 7 7735HS or a 12th/13th Gen Intel Core i5/i7. These chips complement the GPU and prevent bottlenecks. Higher‑end Intel Core Ultra chips might appear in 2025 models but usually push the price above budget territory.
- Display: Look for 120 Hz or 144 Hz refresh rates to enjoy smooth gameplay. Some creative‑oriented models offer high‑resolution QHD+ (2880 × 1800) OLED panels at 90 Hz, which trade refresh rate for stunning colour accuracy.
- Memory & Storage: A minimum of 16 GB DDR5 RAM ensures modern games and creative apps run smoothly. Many budget models include 512 GB or 1 TB SSDs; consider user‑upgradeable storage or external drives for large game libraries.
- Battery Life: Gaming laptops consume lots of power. Expect 4‑7 hours of general use, and lower when gaming. Check reviews to understand real‑world endurance.
- Cooling & Build Quality: Effective cooling ensures consistent performance and quieter operation. Look for laptops with good airflow designs and durable chassis.
- Price: In 2025, most RTX 4050 laptops in the UK fall between £600 and £1,100 depending on CPU, display and storage. Deals and sales (e.g., back‑to‑school or Black Friday) can lower prices further.
Before choosing your next gaming machine, check out our 7 Smart Strategies for Buying Gaming Laptops to understand what truly matters beyond GPU specs.
Top Cheap RTX 4050 Laptops in the UK (2025)
The following models provide the best balance of performance, features and affordability based on available data and reviews. For each laptop we summarise key specifications, advantages and potential drawbacks.
1. Lenovo IdeaPad Gaming 3 (Ryzen 7 7735HS + RTX 4050)
Why it stands out: Many reviewers consider the Lenovo IdeaPad Gaming 3 with Ryzen 7 7735HS the best overall RTX 4050 gaming laptop thanks to its high TGP GPU and strong CPU performance. The WePC buyer’s guide notes that this machine comes with 16 GB DDR5 RAM and a 1 TB SSD, offering excellent value for a budget gaming system
Key specifications
- CPU: AMD Ryzen 7 7735HS (8 cores/16 threads)
- GPU: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4050 (Laptop, 85 W)
- Display: 15.6 inch Full HD (1920 × 1080) IPS, 120 Hz refresh rate
- Memory: 32 GB RAM (review unit) but retail units typically have 16 GB DDR5.
- Storage: 1000 GB (1 TB) SSD.
- Weight: 2.32 kg (5.1 lb)
Strengths:
- High TGP GPU: The WePC review notes that Lenovo configures the RTX 4050 at one of the highest power levels seen in budget laptops, offering above‑expected frame rates for this price class.
- Powerful CPU: The Ryzen 7 7735HS provides ample power for both gaming and productivity workloads and is more energy‑efficient than similar Intel chips.
- Generous RAM and storage: With at least 16 GB DDR5 RAM and a 1 TB SSD, it can multitask and hold a large game library without immediate upgrades.
- Decent battery life: Reviewers measured around 6 hours of general use (web browsing) from the 60 Wh battery, which is respectable for a gaming notebook.
Drawbacks:
- Dim display: The 120 Hz panel lacks brightness and covers only about 50 % of the sRGB colour space, making it less appealing for content creators.
- Portability: At over 2.3 kg, the IdeaPad Gaming 3 is heavier than other budget models and may not be ideal for frequent travel.
Ideal for: budget‑conscious gamers who prioritise performance over portability and display quality.
2. Acer Nitro 5 (Intel Core i5‑12500H + RTX 4050)
Why it stands out: Acer’s Nitro series has long been a go‑to for entry‑level gaming. The Nitro 5 with an Intel Core i5‑12500H and RTX 4050 is praised by reviewers for delivering good performance at a very low price. The WePC guide lists it as the second‑best RTX 4050 laptop for gaming with an Intel CPU. A separate review on TechTeamGB emphasises that it retails for around £729 in the UK and includes an 8‑core CPU, RTX GPU and a 144 Hz display
techteamgb.co.uk.
Key specifications:
- CPU: Intel Core i5‑12500H (12th Gen, 12 cores)
- GPU: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4050 (high‑TGP variant)
- Display: 15.6 inch Full HD (1920 × 1080) 144 Hz IPS panel
- Memory: 16 GB DDR5 RAM
- Storage: 512 GB SSD
Strengths:
- Competitive price: The TechTeamGB review highlights that this model costs about £729 in the UK – one of the cheapest gaming laptops available with an RTX 4050techteamgb.co.uk.
- High refresh‑rate display: The 144 Hz screen provides smoother gameplay than the 120 Hz panel on the Lenovo IdeaPad.
- Good build quality and contrast: WePC notes superior build quality and a high contrast ratio (1700:1) for its price class.
- Adequate performance: With a high‑TGP RTX 4050 and 16 GB RAM, the Nitro 5 can run modern games at 1080p with medium or high settings.
Drawbacks:
- Limited battery life: WePC measured only ~4 hours of general usage on a single charge, so carrying the charger is essential.
- Dim colours: Like many budget laptops, the display is somewhat dim and struggles with colour accuracy, making it less suited for creative work.
- Base configuration includes just 512 GB storage. You may need to add a second SSD or external drive for larger game libraries.
Ideal for: gamers seeking the cheapest possible entry into RTX 4050 performance without sacrificing refresh rate. It also suits students who primarily use it at a desk with access to power.
3. Gigabyte AERO 14 OLED (Intel Core i7 13700H + RTX 4050)
Why it stands out: While marketed toward creators, the Gigabyte AERO 14 OLED is one of the most versatile RTX 4050 laptops. It features a stunning 3K OLED panel and remains relatively light. The WePC guide describes it as a great pick for creatives on a budget, praising its 90 Hz OLED display, strong battery life, and comprehensive port selection. A detailed spec table from High Performance Laptops confirms those features and shows that it weighs just 1.47 kg with a 63 Wh batteryhighperformancelaptops.com.au.
Key specifications (from WePC and High Performance Laptops)highperformancelaptops.com.au:
- CPU: Intel Core i7‑13700H (14 cores, 20 threads) or i5‑12500H (depending on configuration)
- GPU: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4050
- Display: 14 inch 2880 × 1800 OLED panel at 90 Hz
- Memory: 16 GB LPDDR5 RAM
- Storage: 1 TB SSD
- Battery: 63 Wh
- Weight: 1.47 kg
Strengths:
- OLED display: The 3 K OLED screen offers superb contrast and colour reproduction (100 % sRGB and 99 % DCI‑P3) with a 90 Hz refresh rate, ideal for photo/video editing and casual gaming.
- Portability: Weighing just 1.47 kg and measuring 16.9 mm thin, the Aero 14 is easy to carry for commuting or travelhighperformancelaptops.com.au.
- Long battery life: WePC observed ~7 hours of general use, thanks to the 63 Wh battery and efficient components.
- Comprehensive connectivity: The spec sheet lists Wi‑Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.2, HDMI 2.1, USB‑A 3.2 Gen¡ port, two Thunderbolt 4 ports, USB‑C power delivery, a microSD card reader and a 3.5 mm audio jackhighperformancelaptops.com.au.
Drawbacks:
- Lower GPU power: WePC notes that the Aero 14 uses a lower‑TGP RTX 4050, so gaming performance is slightly weaker than the Lenovo or Acer options.
- Colour accuracy drops at high brightness: When you raise the brightness above ~161 cd/m², colour accuracy suffers. This might affect outdoor editing.
Ideal for: creators and students who need a portable laptop with a professional‑quality screen but still want to play games at 1080p/60 Hz on occasion.
Comparison of Recommended RTX 4050 Laptops
Below is a summary table comparing the key specs and pros/cons of the three recommended laptops. Use it to match your priorities with the right model.
| Model | Key Specs | Strengths | Weaknesses |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lenovo IdeaPad Gaming 3 (Ryzen 7 7735HS) | 15.6″ FHD, 120 Hz; AMD Ryzen 7 7735HS; RTX 4050 (85 W); 16 GB DDR5; 1 TB SSD; ~2.32 kg | High TGP GPU and strong CPU deliver best gaming performance; large 1 TB SSD and upgradable RAM; decent 6 h battery life. | Dim display and limited colour gamut; heavy chassis; limited portability |
| Acer Nitro 5 (i5‑12500H) | 15.6″ FHD, 144 Hz; Intel Core i5‑12500H; RTX 4050; 16 GB DDR5; 512 GB SSD; ~£729 price | Very affordable; high 144 Hz refresh rate; good build quality and contrast; decent performance for 1080p gamingtechteamgb.co.uk | Short ~4 h battery life; dimmer screen colours; small 512 GB SSD |
| Gigabyte AERO 14 OLED (i7 13700H) | 14″ 3K OLED, 90 Hz; Intel Core i7‑13700H; RTX 4050; 16 GB LPDDR5; 1 TB SSD; 1.47 kg | Beautiful 3K OLED display with high colour accuracy; very portable and light; strong battery life (~7 h); rich connectivityhighperformancelaptops.com.au | Lower TGP RTX 4050 results in slightly lower gaming performance; colour accuracy drops at high brightness settings |
Additional Options to Consider
If you can stretch your budget or find a good deal, other RTX 4050 laptops worth exploring include:
- Lenovo LOQ 15/17: The LOQ series slots above the IdeaPad Gaming and offers better cooling and build quality. Models with Intel Core i5‑13400H or Ryzen 7 7735HS plus an 85 W RTX 4050 provide similar performance to the IdeaPad but often come with 144 Hz displays and slightly sleeker designs. Keep an eye out for back‑to‑school sales.
- HP Victus 15: HP’s gaming laptop series features RTX 4050 configurations with AMD Ryzen 7 7735HS or Intel Core i5‑13400H, 16 GB RAM and 512 GB SSD. While the Victus uses a mid‑range 60 Hz or 144 Hz display and simple styling, its thermals and keyboard are generally well‑regarded.
- Asus TUF Gaming F15: Some 2024 TUF models pair an Intel Core i5‑13500H or i7‑13700H with an RTX 4050 at up to 140 W TGP. These laptops have robust cooling and military‑grade durability but may be harder to find under £1,000 due to their high‑power GPU and 90 Wh batteries.
If you’re specifically interested in Asus models, check out our in-depth roundup of the Best Asus Laptop 2025 for Every User – Student, Creator, Gamer, Business to compare the latest TUF, ROG, and ZenBook series in detail.
FAQs About RTX 4050 Laptops
Q1. Can an RTX 4050 laptop run modern games at 1080p?
Yes. Performance tests show RTX 4050 laptops deliver around 50 % higher frame rates than RTX 3050 models and approximately 29 % faster than RTX 3050 Ti laptops. You can expect 60 fps or higher in many eSports titles and medium settings in demanding AAA games at 1080p.
Q2. Does DLSS 3 work on the RTX 4050?
Absolutely. The Ada Lovelace architecture supports DLSS 3 and Frame Generation, which use AI to upscale lower‑resolution frames and generate intermediate frames, improving performance and responsiveness on supported games.
Q3. How long will a cheap RTX 4050 laptop remain relevant?
Given the GPU’s efficiency and 6 GB VRAM, an RTX 4050 laptop should handle upcoming games for several years. It may struggle with high‑end settings in late‑generation titles, but features like DLSS and proper cooling help extend lifespan.
Q4. Is an RTX 4050 laptop better than an RTX 3060 laptop?
The RTX 3060 still outperforms the RTX 4050 by about 15 % but draws more power and costs more. For budget buyers, the RTX 4050 offers a better price‑to‑performance ratio and will likely be more common in affordable laptops.
Q5. Are there any drawbacks to buying cheap gaming laptops?
Yes. Budget gaming laptops often use lower‑quality displays with dim brightness and limited colour gamut, have shorter battery life, and may include smaller SSDs. Paying a bit extra for models with better screens, more storage or higher‑TGP GPUs can greatly improve the experience.
The RTX 4050 opens the door to high‑quality gaming and content creation on a budget. Its 2,560 CUDA cores and 6 GB GDDR6 VRAM represent a huge step up from the previous generation, offering roughly 50 % better performance than the RTX 3050 4 GB and nearly 30 % faster than the RTX 3050, while remaining far cheaper than RTX 3060 laptops.
For UK buyers in 2025, three laptops stand out. Lenovo IdeaPad Gaming 3 delivers the best gaming performance thanks to a high‑power RTX 4050 and strong Ryzen 7 CPU, though it sacrifices display brightness and portability. Acer Nitro 5 provides the lowest entry price with a 144 Hz screen, but you trade battery life and storage capacity. Gigabyte AERO 14 OLED targets creators with a stunning OLED display, long battery life and lightweight design; its lower‑TGP GPU still handles moderate gaming, making it a versatile travel companion.
By applying the buying criteria discussed – evaluating CPU, display, memory, storage, battery and build quality – you can pick the RTX 4050 laptop that best matches your needs. Remember to consider upcoming sales, cross‑check UK retailer prices and read user reviews. With the right choice, you’ll enjoy smooth gaming and productive workloads on a machine that won’t break the bank.
For premium alternatives like HP’s creator line, explore the HP ZBook Ultra 14 G1a Review (2025) — a workstation-class laptop in an ultralight design.
