Game vs Makro: Which Retailer Offers the Most Affordable Laptop?

Affordable Laptops South Africa 2025 – Comparing Game & Makro Prices

Game vs Makro: When you’re in the market for a budget-friendly laptop in South Africa, Game and Makro are two big-box contenders worth eyeing. Both retailers flaunt a wide selection—from basic Celeron models to mid-range Core i3/Core i5 machines. But which one truly offers the best bang for your buck? Let’s dive into their pricing, specs, and deals to see which retailer emerges victorious.

Game vs Makro

📦 Price Comparison: Who’s Cheaper for Entry-Level Laptops?

Makro’s Cheapest:

• Proline 14.1″ Thinline (Intel Celeron, 4 GB RAM, 128 GB SSD) – R 2 999
• HP Celeron 8 GB/256 GB – R 5 399–R 5 499, often discounted from ~R 7 999

Game’s Cheapest:

• HP AMD Athlon 8 GB/256 GB – R 5 499 (03–23 June 2025 promo)
• Acer Aspire Lite Core i3, 8 GB/512 GB – R 7 499–R 7 999

Verdict: Despite similar mid-range price points (R 5 399–R 5 499), Makro wins on entry-level with the R 2,999 Proline—fully half the cost of Game’s lowest-tier offering.

👍 Mid-Range and Value Picks

• Makro: Acer Core i3 business laptop (8 GB/512 GB) – R 7 999
• Game: Same spec Acer found around R 7 499–R 7 999 during promos

Here, pricing aligns—both hover around R 7.5k–R 8k. But Makro’s frequent 14–33% discounts tip the scales slightly in their favour.

🚀 Performance-Tier Laptops (i5/i7/Ryzen 5)

• Game:
  • Lenovo Ryzen 5 (8 GB/512 GB) – R 8 999 (save R 1 000)
  • MSI gaming i5 – R 10 999
• Makro:
  • Acer i5 business (8 GB/512 GB) – R 8 999
  • Dell i5 refurbished (16 GB/512 GB) – R 8 999

At R 8,999, both retailers offer solid mid-high specs (8 GB RAM+, large SSD). Game’s edge: Ryzen 5 laptop. Makro counters with greater variety—Acer business and a refurbished Dell.

⚙️ Feature Comparison & Extras

• Makro:
  • Dips into refurbished Dell units (~R 8,999)
  • Frequently holds 14–33% discounts
• Game:
  • Clears out Ryzen machines (Lenovo) at sharp prices
  • Runs short promo windows (e.g., 03–23 June), requiring timing

Makro’s broader discount coverage offers better value if you’re browsing outside limited promo periods.

CHECK OUT: Game vs Makro – Can R2000 Get You Good Smartphone?

🎯 Best Buy Recommendations

Here are standout deals you can snag now:

• Entry-level champion:
  Proline Thinline 14″ HD (Celeron, 4 GB/128 GB) – Just R 2,999 at Makro. Great for students or basic use.
• Sweet spot pick:
  Acer Aspire Lite 14″ i3 (8 GB/512 GB) – R 7,499 during Game’s promo. Balance of price and performance.
• Mid-tier winner:
  Lenovo V15 G4 Ryzen 5 (8 GB/512 GB) – About R 8,800 online. Compare across retailers for best total deal.

💡 Summary Table: Quick Comparison

Makro offers unbeatable low-end value. For mid- and high-tier models, both retailers tie—with Game showcasing Ryzen deals and Makro offering refurbished gems and better discount consistency.

✔️ Final Verdict

If you’re hunting for the cheapest laptop in South Africa right now, Makro takes the title, especially with that R 2,999 Proline. For solid mid- and higher-spec laptops, both retailers compete closely—watch for Game’s short promos and Makro’s steady discount trends. Always double-check stock and promos in-store or online.

Also read: Takealot vs Amazon: Which is Better for Shopping in 2025?