If you’ve been shopping for a laptop lately, you’ve probably seen the word “generation” thrown around quite a bit. An HP ProBook 440 G11 here, a 13th Gen Intel processor there, maybe a Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 13 for good measure. It’s enough to make your head spin.
Here’s the thing: when people ask “does generation matter when buying a laptop?”, they’re usually asking about two completely different things without realising it. And yes, one of them matters quite a bit more than the other.
Let me clear this up for you, because understanding the difference can save you from buying outdated tech or paying extra for something that doesn’t actually give you better performance.
The Two Types of “Generation” You’ll See
When you’re looking at laptops, you’ll come across generation numbers in two places:
1. Laptop Model Generation (like ProBook 440 G11, ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 13) This is basically the laptop’s model year or design iteration. Think of it like how Apple releases the iPhone 15, then iPhone 16, then iPhone 17 – each generation brings updates to the design, camera, features, and usually a new processor. Laptop manufacturers do the same thing, particularly with business models. The “generation” tells you which version of that particular laptop model you’re looking at.
2. CPU Generation (like 13th Gen Intel, AMD Ryzen 7000 Series) This refers to the processor inside the laptop – the brain that actually does all the computing work. This is separate from the laptop’s model generation.
Here’s where it gets interesting: you can have a brand new laptop model generation with an old CPU generation inside it. Or vice versa. They’re not always in sync.
With iPhones, Apple controls both – each new iPhone generation gets a new processor generation (A17, A18, A19). But in the laptop world, manufacturers like HP, Lenovo, and Dell are buying processors from Intel or AMD (and Qualcomm these days), so they don’t always line up perfectly. You might find a brand new G12 laptop still using last year’s processor if that’s what was available or cost-effective when they designed it.
Why CPU Generation Matters More (Usually)
Let’s be straight about this – the processor generation is what you should really pay attention to. The CPU is the heart of your laptop’s performance, and newer generations typically bring:
- Better performance and speed
- Improved power efficiency (longer battery life)
- Support for newer features and technologies
- Better integrated graphics
For example, take the HP ProBook 4 G1i that’s currently available. It’s running an Intel Core Ultra 5 125U processor. Now, if you found an older HP ProBook 440 G11 with the same processor, you’d essentially be getting the same performance – the G1i designation just means it’s a newer chassis or design iteration.
The CPU generation makes a real, measurable difference to how your laptop performs day-to-day. Opening applications, multitasking, battery life, even how hot the laptop runs – it’s all tied to the processor.
When Laptop Model Generation Does Matter
That said, laptop model generations aren’t completely meaningless. When manufacturers update to a new generation, they often include:
- Improved build quality or materials
- Better keyboard or trackpad designs
- Updated port selection (newer USB standards, Thunderbolt, etc.)
- Screen improvements (higher resolution, better brightness)
- Enhanced cooling systems
- Lighter or thinner designs
Business laptops from brands like HP, Lenovo, and Dell tend to use generation numbers more prominently (ProBook G11, ThinkPad Gen 5, Latitude 5000 Series). Consumer laptops from Asus, Acer, or MSI usually don’t bother with generation numbers in their model names – they just release new models with different names altogether.
How to Tell What Generation You’re Actually Looking At
Here’s a practical tip from someone who’s been in computer sales for over 25 years: always check the actual specs, not just the model name.
Look for the processor details in the specifications list. You’ll see something like:
- “Intel Core i5-1335U” (13th generation Intel)
- “Intel Core Ultra 5 125U” (first generation Intel Core Ultra)
- “AMD Ryzen 7 7840U” (7000 series AMD)
The generation is usually indicated by the first number or two after the processor name. An Intel Core i7-13700H is 13th generation. An AMD Ryzen 5 7600X is 7000 series (which is newer than 5000 series).
What This Means for Your Buying Decision
When you’re comparing laptops, here’s what to prioritise:
- Check the CPU generation first – This has the biggest impact on actual performance. Generally, you want to be within 1-2 generations of the current latest for good value and longevity.
- Consider the laptop model generation second – If two laptops have the same CPU but different model generations, look at what’s actually different. Is it just a cosmetic refresh, or are there meaningful improvements like better ports, screen, or build quality?
- Don’t get hung up on having the absolute latest – The newest generation of everything commands a premium price. Often, last year’s laptop with last year’s processor is perfectly capable and significantly cheaper.
A Real-World Example
Let’s say you’re looking at business laptops. You find:
- HP ProBook 440 G11 with Intel Core Ultra 5 125U – around $1,300
- HP ProBook 4 G1i with Intel Core Ultra 5 225U – around $1,350
- HP ProBook 4 G1i with Intel Core i5-1334U – around $1,300
Here’s where it gets interesting. The G1i is the newer laptop model generation (replacing the G11), but it’s available with different processor options.
The first comparison is straightforward: the G1i with Core Ultra 5 225U gives you both a newer design and a newer CPU for just $50 more. This is quite common with business laptop lines – when HP or Lenovo refresh their ProBook or ThinkPad models, they typically update to the latest available processors at the same time.
But look at that third option – a brand new ProBook 4 G1i with an older Intel Core i5-1334U (13th Gen) processor. This perfectly illustrates my point: you can have the latest laptop model generation with an older CPU generation inside it. HP is offering this configuration, likely to hit a lower price point or because some buyers specifically want that processor for compatibility reasons.
In this case, I’d argue the older ProBook 440 G11 with the newer Core Ultra 5 125U is actually the better buy than the newer G1i with the older i5-1334U, despite the G1i being the newer laptop model. The CPU generation matters more than the laptop model generation.
But if you saw:
- HP ProBook 440 G11 with Intel Core Ultra 5 125U – $1,300
- Dell Latitude 5450 with Intel Core Ultra 5 125U – $1,280
These have the same CPU generation, so now you’re comparing other factors like build quality, screen, keyboard, ports, and warranty support. The laptop model differences become more important because the performance will be similar..
The Bottom Line
Does generation matter when buying a laptop? Yes, but make sure you’re looking at the right generation.
The CPU generation is what really impacts your laptop’s performance and longevity. The laptop model generation can bring nice improvements, but it’s secondary to having a current, capable processor inside.
When you’re shopping, always dig into the specs list. Don’t just rely on whether something is called “G11” or “Gen 5” – check what processor is actually under the hood. That’s where the real story is.
And remember, you don’t always need the absolute latest generation of everything. Sometimes last year’s tech at a better price is the smarter buy, especially if you’re using the laptop for everyday tasks like web browsing, office work, and streaming.
Make your decision based on what you actually need the laptop to do, not just which generation number sounds more impressive.
