RTX 5070 vs RTX 4070 in Laptops: Is It Worth Paying More in 2026?
On laptops, the RTX 5070 doesn't perform as differently from the RTX 4070 as it does on desktop. We explain when paying more is actually worth it, and when it isn't.
This article may include affiliate links to Amazon. If you buy through them, we may earn a commission at no additional cost to you. This doesn't affect which laptops we recommend or how we describe them.
Quick answer
On desktop, the RTX 5070 pulls a clear lead over the RTX 4070. But on laptops the real difference is much smaller: independent tests show only 1-3% more gaming performance. If the extra cost for the 5070 is high, you're often better off sticking with the 4070 and putting that difference toward more RAM or storage.
Quick comparison: RTX 4070 vs RTX 5070 (2026)
| Model | CPU | RAM | VRAM | SSD | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
MSI Katana 15 B13VGK | Intel Core i7-13620H | 16 GB | 8 GB | 1 TB | $1,460 | View on Amazon |
Lenovo Legion 5 15IRX10 | Intel Core i9-14900HX | 32 GB | 8 GB | 1 TB | $2,099 | View on Amazon |
Lenovo Legion 5i | Intel Core i7-14700HX | 16 GB | 8 GB | 1 TB | $1,900 | View on Amazon |
Every time a new GPU generation launches, the same question comes up: is it worth paying more for the newer one? With the RTX 5070 and RTX 4070 on laptops, the answer isn't as obvious as it seems — and most comparisons you'll find online compare the desktop versions, where the difference really is noticeable. On laptops, the story changes quite a bit.
The real laptop difference is smaller than you'd think
On desktop, the RTX 5070 performs between 15% and 20% better than the RTX 4070, depending on resolution. That's a real, noticeable improvement.
On laptops, however, independent tests show the RTX 5070 Laptop is only 1-3% faster than the RTX 4070 Laptop in games, and up to 5% in some synthetic benchmarks. The reason: both mobile versions are much more limited by power draw and chassis cooling than their desktop counterparts, so the architecture jump shows up a lot less.
Specs side by side
| RTX 4070 Laptop | RTX 5070 Laptop | |
|---|---|---|
| Architecture | Ada Lovelace | Blackwell |
| VRAM | 8 GB GDDR6 | 8 GB GDDR7 |
| DLSS | DLSS 3 | DLSS 4 (Multi Frame Generation) |
| Gaming difference | Comparison baseline | +1-3% |
Where the difference does show: DLSS 4
The RTX 5070's real advantage isn't so much raw performance as it is DLSS 4 with Multi Frame Generation — technology that generates extra frames with AI to improve smoothness in supported games. If you play recent titles that support this technology, the experience can feel noticeably better even if base performance is similar.
If your favorite games don't support DLSS 4 yet, that advantage doesn't apply for you today, though it does give you more headroom going forward.
When is it worth paying more for the RTX 5070?
- If you play titles that already support DLSS 4 Multi Frame Generation.
- If you plan to keep the laptop for several years and want the newer architecture for better future software support.
- If the price difference between the two configurations is under $150-200 — at that point the upgrade is nearly free.
When are you better off sticking with the RTX 4070?
- If the RTX 5070 costs $300 or more extra on the same laptop model.
- If your games don't take advantage of DLSS 4 yet.
- If you'd rather put that price difference toward more RAM, more storage, or a better display — upgrades you actually notice every day.
How to fairly compare two laptops with different GPUs
A common mistake is comparing RTX 4070 and RTX 5070 laptops that also have different RAM, processors, or displays — at that point you no longer know if the price difference comes from the GPU or the rest of the machine.
The right way is to compare configurations that are as similar as possible in everything else, and look only at how much extra you're paying specifically for the GPU jump.
Find your next laptop
Already know what GPU and configuration you need?
Compare the laptops available on GPULaptops and find the machine that best fits your budget and your workflow.
Frequently asked questions
Does the RTX 5070 Laptop have more VRAM than the RTX 4070 Laptop?+
No, both come with 8GB — the difference is in the memory type (GDDR7 on the 5070 vs GDDR6 on the 4070), which adds a bit more bandwidth, but not more capacity.
Is the RTX 5070 Laptop as good as the desktop RTX 5070?+
No. The desktop version is notably more powerful, because it doesn't have the same power and thermal-space limitations as a laptop. If you want real desktop performance, a laptop will never match it, no matter the GPU.
Is it worth waiting for the next generation instead of buying now?+
It depends on how urgently you need one. If you need a laptop now, both the RTX 4070 and RTX 5070 are solid options for 1440p. Waiting for the next generation always brings improvements, but it also means indefinitely postponing the purchase.
Sources
Written by
YC Ramos
Founder of GPULaptops
Developer and founder of GPULaptops. Builds and maintains the site independently — from comparing specs to selecting every laptop in the catalog — focused on helping buyers choose the right GPU for their budget and actual use case.
View LinkedInKeep reading
You might also like
The Best Gaming Laptops of 2026
Which GPU, VRAM, processor, display, and power you need based on your budget and the kind of gaming you want to enjoy.
Read articleComparativaThe 3 Best RTX 4060 Laptops with 16GB RAM in 2026
We compare 3 laptops with RTX 4060 and 16GB of RAM, from $1,399.99 to $1,639, so you can choose without getting lost in specs. Price, pros, cons, and a clear winner.
Read article