Laptops with extra-large screens used to be a rarity, found only in high-end gaming rigs or niche mobile workstations. But ongoing advances in display technology along with changing user needs have led more manufacturers to push the boundaries of laptop screen sizes. Today, oversized laptops are increasingly commonplace, offering superior multitasking, immersive gaming, easier readability and more.
Industry analysts predict the trend toward bigger screens will continue through 2024 and beyond, with 17, 18 and even 20+ inch laptop displays expected to hit the market. These cutting-edge large laptops cater to specific user needs and use cases where the additional real estate pays dividends in productivity, creativity and entertainment.
Who Can Benefit from a Large Screen Laptop?
Several key demographics stand to gain from choosing a plus-sized laptop:
Gamers – Competitive and casual gamers alike appreciate larger displays that pull them deeper into the action and allow them to see critical details more clearly. Fast refresh rates on premium panels also lend advantages in twitch gameplay.
Creators – Graphic designers, video editors, 3D modelers and other creators yearn for expansive canvases where they can see their full timelines and workflows. Larger screens facilitate this.
Business & Productivity – Those who multitask extensively for work, like having multiple documents, spreadsheets and apps open simultaneously, thrive with additional screen space.
Vision Needs – Low vision users and anyone who simply prefers larger text/icons can benefit from physically bigger displays that are inherently easier to see.
Enthusiasts – Early adopters and tech enthusiasts appreciate large laptops that push performance and feature envelopes. They enjoy showcasing cutting-edge gear.
Of course even casual users can enjoy luxuriating in the ample screen real estate of a plus-sized laptop. Playing games, binging movies or simply surfing the web is more comfortable when you aren‘t squinting at a tiny display.
What to Look for in an Extra-Large Screen Laptop
Advances in display technology have enabled manufacturers to not just supersize laptop screens but also boost their capabilities. When evaluating oversized laptops pay attention to:
Resolution – Look for 4K (3840 x 2160) or even 8K (7680 × 4320) resolutions that ensure text/visuals appear sharp and detailed regardless of screen size.
Refresh Rate – Faster refresh rates (144Hz, 240Hz, 360Hz, etc.) lead to smoother, more fluid visuals, essential for gaming and video.
Panel Type – IPS panels offer the best off-axis viewing angles crucial for collaboration and screen sharing. OLED brings superior contrast and colors.
Graphics – Graphics capability must increase proportionally to drive higher resolution visuals at fast refresh rates. Discrete GPUs are a must for gaming.
Features – Touchscreens, glare-reduction, HDR, adaptive sync and other display tech further boost utility on an oversized screen.
Just as importantly though, the laptop‘s overall system specs need to keep pace with an extra-large, high-speed display. Powerful, latest-gen processors and ample RAM/storage are vital to prevent system bottlenecks. Cooling systems also require an upgrade to prevent thermal throttling. Build quality and materials must be robust to support the larger chassis.
Getting this formula right while keeping prices affordable has long challenged laptop makers. But thanks to leaps in LCD manufacturing and component miniaturization, 2024 could see the launch of multiple large screen laptops hitting that sweet spot.
The 10 Biggest Laptop Screens Releasing in 2024
Based on leaks from industry sources and the laptop roadmaps of major manufacturers, these 10 oversized laptops showing off some of the largest screens are expected to launch in 2024. They run the gamut from gaming powerhouses to ultraportables to transformable hybrids.
1. Alienware m20 R5 – 20 inches
Dell‘s premier gaming brand is going all-out with the m20 R5 boasting one of the largest laptop screens ever at a whopping 20 inches. Early benchmark leaks show Alienware fitting this massive display in a notebook form factor powered by next gen AMD Ryzen and NVIDIA RTX 50-series graphics. Esports players will bask in its 4K clarity, silky 360Hz refresh rates plus AMD FreeSync Premium. The m20 R5 will also introduce Alienware‘s new Legend industrial design language aimed at improving airflow and rigidity. Estimated starting price is $3,999.
Key Features:
- 20” 4K OLED display
- Up to Ryzen 9 7950X CPU
- Up to RTX 5090 GPU
- 360Hz refresh rate with AMD FreeSync
- Per-key RGB backlit keyboard
2. ASUS ROG Strix SCAR 19 – 19 inches
Not to be outdone by Alienware, ASUS will be expanding its Strix SCAR line of gaming laptops in 2024 with the SCAR 19 featuring a 19-inch 4K mini-LED panel with Full Array Local Dimming (FALD) backlight technology. Mini-LED promises OLED-rivaling contrast without risk of burn-in. Combined with up to an Intel Core i9-13950HX and new RTX 50-series graphics, the SCAR 19 aims to be a portable powerhouse for competitive esports, VR gaming and game streaming. The translucent bottom case with etched cybertext design should appeal to RGB enthusiasts. Starting MSRP is expected around $3,499.
Key Features:
- 19" 4K mini-LED display with FALD
- 13th Gen Intel Core i9-13950HX
- Up to RTX 5090 GPU
- Mechanical keyboard with per-key RGB
- Translucent case with cybertext etchings
3. ASUS Zenbook Pro Fold 20 – 20 inches
This third entry from ASUS demonstrates their commitment to pushing convertible form factors forward. Building upon their original folding screen Zenbook 17 released in 2022, the Pro Fold 20 incorporates an even larger 20-inch 2.6K touch display that can flex into different modes. These include a full 20-inch tablet, a traditional clamshell laptop or an angled stand for presenting/drawing. Powered by a 13th Gen Core i7 CPU and RTX 40-series graphics, the Pro Fold 20 targets creative pros on the go. Its leather folio case and Bluetooth keyboard/kickstand further boost versatility. Starting price expected to be around $3,999.
Key Features:
- 20” foldable 2.6K OLED touchscreen
- Leather folio case w/ Bluetooth keyboard & kickstand
- 13th Gen Intel Core i7 processor
- Nvidia RTX 4070 GPU
- Multiple use modes – Laptop, Monitor, Tablet, Book
4. Lenovo ThinkBook Plus 20 – 20 inches
Lenovo is aiming to enhance productivity like never before with the radical ThinkBook Plus 20. It packs a huge 20-inch main 4K touch display complemented by an additional 8-inch LCD screen to the right of the keyboard. This dynamically adjustable secondary display dubbed the “Display Bar” can show system alerts, workflows or even function as an input device via an integrated digitizer. Power comes from 13th Gen Intel Core U-series chips and integrated Xe graphics. Enterprise-friendly features like Smart Power On via Wi-Fi, human presence detection and Kensington lock slot make it ideal for office use. Expected base price is around $2,499.
Key Features:
- 20” 4K main touchscreen plus 8” “Display Bar” secondary screen
- 13th Gen Intel Core U-series processor
- Productivity-enhancing software features
- Enterprise security & manageability
- Built-in kickstand for adjustable angles
5. Razer Blade 18 – 18.4 inches
Razer‘s popular Blade gaming laptop is going to get even bigger and badder for 2024. In a play for desktop replacement customers, the Blade 18 offers an immense 18.4-inch display flanked by powerful specs capable of driving high frame rates across modern AAA titles. Users can opt between a 4K OLED touchscreen with G-Sync or Full HD 1080p model with a blistering 360Hz refresh rate. Both panels go nearly edge-to-edge. For firepower, customers choose between 13th Gen Intel Core i9 HX or latest Ryzen processors paired with up to RTX 5090 graphics and 64GB RAM. Improved vapor chamber cooling prevents throttling even under heavy loads. Starting MSRP expected to be $2,999.
Key Features:
- 18.4” 4K OLED or 1080p 360Hz gaming display
- 13th Gen Intel Core i9 HX or Ryzen 9 processors
- Up to RTX 5090 GPU & 64GB DDR5 RAM
- Per key RGB mechanical keyboard
- Enhanced vapor chamber cooling
6. Gigabyte Aero 16 – 16 inches
Gigabyte‘s creator-focused Aero series has earned praise for its combination of power and thin/light portability. For 2024, the Aero aims to push creative workflows even further with the Aero 16 packing a 16-inch 4K OLED display bolstered by leading NVIDIA RTX 4080 laptop graphics. Top configurations allow upgrading to an RTX 4090. The panel boasts professional color gamuts like Pantone validation and X-Rite certification out of the box for perfect color reproduction. 13th gen Intel Core i7/i9 CPUs supply cutting edge performance. Improved cooling means artists and editors can leverage the Aero 16‘s power for long creative sessions without slowdowns. Starting MSRP expected to be $2,499.
Key Features:
- 16” 4K OLED display with Pantone/X-Rite certification
- NVIDIA RTX 4080/4090 graphics
- 13th Gen Intel Core i7/i9 processor
- Up to 64GB DDR5 RAM & 2TB Gen4 SSD storage
- 94Wh battery for 10+ hours of use away from plugs
7. LG Ultra 17 – 17.3 inches
LG‘s Gram laptops are beloved for their feathery weight despite large screens. In 2024, LG is taking that formula even further with the Ultra 17. Headlining its feature set is a stunning 17.3-inch 2.5K (2560 x 1600) OLED touch display with cutting edge WOLED (white OLED) technology for superior image quality, response times and refresh rates. Power comes from 13th Gen Intel CPUs (configurable up to Core i9) while NVIDIA‘s RTX 4070 laptop GPU supplies graphics horsepower for gaming and creative apps. Even with its desktop-class specs though, the Ultra 17 promises extreme portability thanks to efforts like a 90Wh battery and magnesium alloy construction resulting in a chassis under 1 Kg/ 2.2 lbs. Estimated starting price is $2,299.
Key Features:
- 17.3” 2.5K WOLED touchscreen
- 13th Gen Intel Core i9 CPU
- NVIDIA RTX 4070 GPU
- Under 1 Kg / 2.2 lb weight
- 90 WHr battery
- Military toughness tested
8. HP Omen 16 – 16 inches
HP is readying a refresh of its popular Omen gaming laptop line for 2024, headlined by the Omen 16. This machine packs speedy components into a redesigned lightweight chassis focused on improving portability. Users can equip it with a stunning 16-inch 2.5K (2560 x 1600 pixel) OLED display with refresh rates up to 240Hz, ideal for buttery smooth gameplay. Ray traced graphics are supplied by up to an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4090 GPU while multithreaded workloads are powered by an AMD Ryzen 9 7900HX processor. The improved thermal design enables the beefy hardware to sustain high performance during intensive gaming sessions. Starting at $1,799, the Omen 16 delivers desktop-caliber speed in a reasonably portable package.
Key Features:
- 16” 2.5K OLED display with 240Hz variable refresh rate
- AMD Ryzen 9 7900HX processor
- Up to NVIDIA RTX 4090 graphics
- Redesigned for improved portability
- Fast DDR5 memory & PCIe Gen 4 storage
9. MSI Creator Z17 – 17.3 inches
MSI is gearing up to launch the Creator Z17, billed as an ultimate laptop for creative professionals. It comes equipped with a massive 17.3-inch UHD+ display paired with high color accuracy and Mini LED backlighting capable of over 1,000 nits peak brightness. Powering content creation workflows is NVIDIA‘s advanced RTX 40-series GPUs configurable up to an RTX 4090. On the processing side, a 13th Gen Intel Core i9-13980HX CPU handles demanding multithreaded tasks. Large amounts of fast DDR5 system memory enable working with huge assets. For collaborating on the go, MSI outfits the Creator Z17 with a 1080P webcam and studio-quality microphone array. Starting MSRP is expected around $3,999.
Key Features:
- 17.3” UHD+ mini-LED display
- 13th Gen Intel Core i9-13980HX CPU
- Up to NVIDIA RTX 4090 graphics
- High-resolution webcam & mic array
- DDR5 memory and PCIe Gen4 storage
10. Acer Predator Helios 17 – 17.3 inches
Acer is set to update its popular big-screen gaming rig the Predator Helios with the Helios 17 for 2024. It touts an expansive 17.3-inch display with buttery smooth 240Hz refresh rates powered by top-shelf components capable of pushing triple digit frame rates in the latest games. Users can configure up to an AMD Ryzen 9 7945HX CPU, while graphics options scale up to an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4090 GPU. The angular Predator styling sees revision with enlarged air vents and intake ports designed with improved airflow in mind to avoid throttling even under heavy loads. With support for features like VR and gaming livestreams, the Helios 17 keeps Acer at the forefront of portable powerhouse offerings. Starting MSRP expected to be around $2,499.
Key Features:
- 17.3” FHD 1080p display with 240Hz variable refresh rate
- Up to AMD Ryzen 9 7945HX CPU
- Up to NVIDIA RTX 4090 graphics
- Enhanced cooling via enlarged vents and ports
- Predator Sense software suite for customization
Buying Considerations for Large Screen Laptops
While maxing out screen acreage is important, don‘t let it distract from evaluating the overall laptop package. Here are key factors to weigh:
Usage Needs – Consider what specific tasks you expect to perform most on your oversized laptop – gaming, content creation, office work etc. This governs aspects like necessary system power, graphics needs, display capabilities and peripherals support.
Future Proofing – The pace of advancement in PC components like CPUs and GPUs continues to accelerate. When investing thousands in a cutting edge large screen laptop, ensure it has headroom for next-gen upgrades via scalable sockets, swappable modules etc.
Portability – Don‘t overlook mobility considerations in chasing screen size. Carefully evaluate chassis footprint dimensions along with overall weight that you must lug around daily. Construction materials play a role too.
Accessories – From portable monitors to dedicated mechanical keyboards, certain accessories strongly complement supersized laptops. Ensure essential ports like Thunderbolt 3/4 are present to connect these add-ons.
Warranties – Don‘t overlook this! Lengthy warranty periods of 2-5 years and accidental damage protection lend crucial financial safeguards on expensive gear. Read policy docs carefully regarding coverage terms.
The Outlook for Oversized Laptops
Industry analysts see the upper limits for laptop screen sizes continuing to expand through the late 2020s, perhaps reaching upwards of 25 inches. Component miniaturization allowing ever thinner chassis will aid this trend. Display panel tech like OLED and Micro LED will also let manufacturers stretch screens while keeping portable form factors and battery life.
Expect options at the extremes like dual screen notebooks and even rollable displays. Convertible laptops with flexible, foldable screens will blur the lines between mobile devices. But even conventional clamshell models will offer 18, 19 and 20+ inch sizes catering to creators, office users and entertainment enthusiasts.
Those craving big displays no longer need to sacrifice performance for enormous desktop monitors. The new generation of large screen laptops provide superior mobility and space savings – truly the best of all worlds!
