Black Friday laptops 2026: why 16GB of RAM matters, and the other specs to check

Laptops are one of the most heavily promoted things in the Black Friday sales, which run up to Friday 27 November and Cyber Monday on 30 November. A big discount is only worth having if the laptop will still be fast enough, and still getting security updates, in four or five years. This guide covers the specs that make the most difference, and how to spot a model that's cheap for a reason.

At a glance

• Memory (RAM): aim for 16GB. On many thin laptops it's soldered on and can't be added later.
• Storage: 512GB if you keep photos or games on the laptop. 256GB is fine if most of your files live in the cloud.
• Windows 10 is finished: Microsoft stopped supporting it on 14 October 2025, so don't buy a laptop that can't run Windows 11.
• Chromebooks: each model gets 10 years of updates from its platform's release date, so an older model has fewer years left.
• Copilot+ PCs: Microsoft's AI features need a chip with a 40+ TOPS NPU, 16GB of RAM and at least 256GB of storage.

The specs to check

1. Memory (RAM). Windows 11's minimum is 4GB, but that's a floor, not a recommendation. With lots of browser tabs, a video call and a few apps open, 8GB fills up quickly. 16GB is the sensible amount for a laptop you want to keep for years. Check whether the memory can be upgraded. Samsung, for example, says the memory in its Galaxy Book6 "cannot be upgraded after purchase", and that's common on slim laptops.

2. Storage. Look for an SSD rather than a slower hard drive or eMMC storage. If you save photos, videos or games on the laptop itself, 512GB gives you room to grow. If you live in Google Drive, iCloud or OneDrive, 256GB is usually enough.

3. The processor, and its age. Older chips get sold off cheaply at Black Friday. Look for the generation, not just "Core i5" or "Core 5". Microsoft's list of chips that qualify for its Copilot+ PC features gives a feel for what's current: AMD Ryzen AI 300 and 400 series, Intel Core Ultra 200V and 300V series, and Snapdragon X series. You don't need a Copilot+ PC, but it's a useful check that a chip is recent.

4. Windows 11, and Windows 10's end. Microsoft's end-of-support page says Windows 10 support ended on 14 October 2025, with no more software updates, security fixes or technical help. Eligible Windows 10 PCs can join its Extended Security Updates programme, which Microsoft says keeps security updates coming until 12 October 2027. Be wary of cheap second-hand listings still running Windows 10.

5. Chromebook update dates. Google says ChromeOS devices get 10 years of updates, counted from the platform's release date rather than the day you buy. A Chromebook that launched several years ago has fewer years of updates left, so check its date on Google's Auto Update policy page before you buy.

6. The screen. On a 14 to 16 inch laptop, 1920 x 1080 (Full HD) or 1920 x 1200 is the minimum we'd accept. Lower resolutions such as 1366 x 768 look grainy.

7. Weight, battery and ports. If it's going to school, college or work every day, every few hundred grams matter. Check the battery size in watt-hours (Wh) as well as the maker's "up to" hours, which are measured in ideal conditions. Check it has the ports you use, such as USB-A or HDMI.

A worked example: what the extra money buys

Samsung's own listings on 8 November 2026 show how much the spec, not the brand, drives the price. All of these have 16GB of memory:

Model	Chip	Storage	Weight	Price
Galaxy Book6 14in	Intel Core Ultra 5	256GB	1.43kg	£699
Galaxy Book6 16in	Intel Core Ultra 5	256GB	1.74kg	£799
Galaxy Book6 14in	Intel Core Ultra 7	512GB	1.43kg	£949
Galaxy Book4 Edge 15.6in	Snapdragon X	256GB	1.5kg	£949
Galaxy Book6 Pro 14in	Intel Core Ultra 5	256GB	1.24kg	£1,549

A few things stand out. The bigger 16in screen costs £100 more and adds 310g. Going from the 14in Core Ultra 5 to the Core Ultra 7 costs £250, and doubles the storage too. The older Galaxy Book4 Edge costs £250 more than the newer 14in Galaxy Book6 with the same memory and storage, so a newer model isn't always the dearer one. And the Pro is £850 more than the basic 14in model with the same memory and storage: you're paying for a lighter body, an AMOLED screen and a bigger battery (67.18Wh against 61.2Wh), not more speed.

How to spot a laptop that's cheap for a reason

• 8GB of memory that can't be upgraded. Fine for light use now, frustrating in three years.
• An old chip generation sold at a "was" price it rarely sold for. Check the price history first; our guide to checking a Black Friday deal is real explains how.
• eMMC storage or 128GB on a Windows laptop, which can fill up with updates alone.
• A Chromebook near the end of its update life.

What to do now

1. Decide what it's for: browsing and homework, photo editing, or gaming. That sets the chip and storage you need.
2. Set a minimum spec: we'd suggest 16GB of memory, a 256GB or 512GB SSD and a Full HD screen.
3. Shortlist two or three models now and note today's price, so you can tell whether a Black Friday price is lower.
4. Check the exact model code on the deal page matches the spec you researched.
5. Pay by credit card for a laptop over £100 if you can clear the bill, for extra protection under section 75 of the Consumer Credit Act.

Questions

Do I need a Copilot+ PC? No. Copilot+ features need a chip with a 40+ TOPS NPU, 16GB of memory and at least 256GB of storage, according to Microsoft. Any Windows 11 laptop runs Office and the usual apps.

Can I return a laptop I bought online? Yes. You have 14 days from delivery to cancel most online purchases under the Consumer Contracts Regulations. If it's faulty, the Consumer Rights Act gives you 30 days to reject it for a refund.

Should I buy now or wait for Black Friday? Prices often fall earlier in November, and many shops' Black Friday sales have already started. If a laptop on your shortlist hits a price you're happy with, there's no need to wait for 27 November.

Ways to save

Samsung is taking £50 off orders over £500 paid for with PayPal on samsung.com/uk between 28 October and 1 December 2026, excluding accessories and memory storage, and offers student, 16 to 26 and key worker discounts. ASUS has 5% off a first order for students and teachers with code EDUWELCOME5, and free shipping over £150. Acer has started its Black Friday sale, with up to 50% off until 26 November. Laptop Outlet has early Black Friday laptop deals, including refurbished models, until 13 November, and Lenovo sells direct too. Check our pages for each for the latest codes.

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Sources: Microsoft, Windows 10 end of support, 8 Nov 2026, Microsoft, Windows 11 and Copilot+ PC specifications, 8 Nov 2026, Google, ChromeOS Auto Update policy, 8 Nov 2026, Samsung UK, all computers and PayPal offer, 8 Nov 2026, Samsung UK, Galaxy Book6 14in Core Ultra 5, 8 Nov 2026, Samsung UK, Galaxy Book4 Edge, 8 Nov 2026, Samsung UK, Galaxy Book6 Pro 14in, 8 Nov 2026, legislation.gov.uk, Consumer Contracts Regulations 2013, regulation 30

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