Which laptop should I pick?

The first one is OK for The sims 4 So depending on what other needs you have it may be enough. Number 2 has both better CPU and much better graphics but is a bit pricey. Number 3 and 4 you simply do not get enough for your money. So the choice would be between number 1 and 2. Perhaps @puzzlezaddict  can find some better options for you.

@jpkarlsenthanks so much!

So I just found out I can get these for the below prices...

Not sure if that changes your view at all?  What sort of issues/problems might I experience with the first HP (Option 1)?    

Option 1 - £549

https://www.currys.co.uk/gbuk/computing/laptops/laptops/hp-pavilion-15-bc550na-15-6-gaming-laptop-in...

Option 2 - £670

https://store.hp.com/UKStore/Merch/Product.aspx?id=7DZ22EA&opt=ABU&sel=NTB

Option 3 - £595

https://uk-store.acer.com/acer-aspire-3-laptop-a317-51g-black

Option 4 - £630 (for the ready to ship)

https://www.lenovo.com/gb/en/laptops/ideapad/l-series/IdeaPad-L340-15IRH-Gaming/p/88IPL301161

@lwebster26 

With the reduced price for number 2 the better hardware makes it worth it.

As for number 1 it is sufficient for the Sims 4 and all current packs That may change with future packs but if you do not use the laptop for anything heavy (other games, video editing or other heavy programs) then it will likely do fine for the Sims 4 and future packs. If there is a Sims 5 the requirements may have increased so you will find it hard to run that at the highest settings but this is really hard to predict at this time.

@lwebster26  I agree with jpkarlsen, the second option is the best one, if you're willing to pay.  As for the Lenovo, if you're looking at the one with a 128 GB hard drive, that's not nearly enough storage.  You could add a second hard drive yourself, but that might cost £50, and at that point, you could do better for the price.

If you do like the Lenovo, this one is £700 but comes with a 10% off discount code.  It has the same hardware as the HP, and it's the same as the Lenovo other than its 256 GB solid state drive.

https://www.box.co.uk/81LK010TUK-Lenovo-IdeaPad-Gaming-L340-15_2834990.html

If you want more storage, this one is £730.  It has a slightly weaker processor than the Lenovo or the HP, but it has a 512 GB SSD.

https://www.box.co.uk/FX505DT-AL087T-ASUS-FX505DT-AL087T_2791825.html

I'm still seeing the HP listed at £730, but if you can get a discount to £670, that's a great price.

And jp is right as well that it's worth thinking about futureproofing your laptop for later Sims 4 packs, or a possible Sims 5.  If you're planning on having it for a while, the higher price of the Nvidia 1650, as opposed to the 1050, will give you significantly better performance in the long run.

@jpkarlsen @puzzlezaddict  Thank you both so much for your help! It is very much appreciated!

@puzzlezaddict  The Lenovo you suggested below seems like a really good option? It would be £630 with the discount code, so cheaper than the HP (£670)?  Would there be a reason to go for the HP instead?

With regards to storage, is 256GB sufficient?  I will only be using it for Sims 4, possibly another couple of games, and potentially some leisurely photo editing/word processing, etc.

@lwebster26 

Gaming wise they are the same. The HP has a dedicated Charging USB port so one more USB port than the Lenovo Plus it has Bluetooth 5 (Lenovo 4.2) so are more future proof in that area and it has both Displayport and HDMI. Whether you think that is enough of a reason to spend a little more is up to you.

@lwebster26  I don't see any performance-related reason to go with the HP.  It does have extra ports, as jpkarlsen mentioned, but unless you know you'd be using them (several USB devices simultaneously, an external monitor or streaming to an HDMI TV), that doesn't seem like enough reason to get the HP.  It's your money though, and if those options are worth it to you, then go for it.  Either laptop should be perfectly fine for Sims 4 though.

Thanks everyone for all the help! So useful!

I went to buy the Lenovo @puzzlezaddict suggested and they have just put the price up!  Making it pretty much the same as the HP ☹️  TYPICAL!

I think I will go for the HP - and enjoy my extra USB port!  Haha!