Lenovo IdeaPad 3 review
The Lenovo Lenovo IdeaPad 3 ranks as the #700 laptops globally, achieving a LibraScore of 66. Across all metrics, this product stands out most for its #202-ranked connectivity among 547 laptops. Consider the Lenovo IdeaPad 3i or Lenovo V14 Gen 3, which offer higher scores while staying in the same price range.
Is it Worth it?
The Lenovo IdeaPad 3 is a solid budget productivity option, offering a reliable U-series i5 processor, 12GB RAM, and decent battery life. However, its dated IO port selection and subpar display might be a letdown for some users. If you're a business student or professional, this laptop's value lies in its affordable price (approximately $650) and feature-rich design. While it may not compete with creative-focused laptops from Acer or HP, the IdeaPad 3 is still a great choice for those prioritizing practicality over performance.
Build
The Lenovo IdeaPad 3's build is a mixed bag. The laptop's design is conservative and utilitarian, with a slim profile and thin bezels. However, the matte finish screen on the non-touch variant adds to its unexciting aesthetic. Unfortunately, the IO port selection is woefully outdated, lacking features like USB-C. The display itself is serviceable for everyday tasks but not color-accurate enough for creative work. The build quality feels solid overall, with a comfortable keyboard and decent trackpad, making it a good option for business users and students on a budget. A better alternative might be Lenovo Yoga Slim 7 Pro, featuring a next-level build.
Display
The Lenovo IdeaPad 3's display is a standard full HD (1920x1080p) IPS panel with a 60Hz refresh rate. Viewing angles are decent, but the screen has a matte finish, which may be a drawback for those who prefer touchscreens. Color accuracy is around 51% sRGB, resulting in bland colors that won't please creative users. Peak brightness reaches 300 nits, making it suitable for indoor and low-light settings. However, in bright outdoor conditions, the screen struggles with glare. The webcam resolution is outdated at 720p, and image quality suffers from distortion. Overall, while functional, the display doesn't excel in any area, making it a mediocre choice for those seeking vibrant visuals. You may find Lenovo ThinkPad T14 Gen 1 a better fit, thanks to its superior display.
Performance
The Lenovo IdeaPad 3 delivers impressive performance considering its budget-friendly price tag. With the U-series i5 processor, day-to-day tasks such as web browsing and watching videos in 4K are seamless experiences. The laptop can also handle demanding tasks like extensive multitasking and 4K video editing without significant issues. In fact, multiple layer video rendering was a smooth experience, likely due to the 12GB of RAM. While not designed for gaming, older titles like GTA 5 can run at steady 30+ FPS on medium settings with DX11 enabled. Overall, the IdeaPad 3's performance is a notable highlight in its overall package. If you’re after a better performance, Lenovo IdeaPad 3i could be the ideal option.
Battery and Charging
The Lenovo IdeaPad 3's battery life is decent, delivering around 8 hours of runtime in our tests. We managed to squeeze out this time by keeping the brightness at 50% and using the device for light tasks like browsing and watching Netflix. The charging speed is average, taking about an hour to reach a 75% charge from empty. Overall, the battery life is sufficient for daily use, but may fall short if you need to use it on-the-go for extended periods.
Connectivity
The Lenovo IdeaPad 3's connectivity is a mixed bag. While it offers USB-A and HDMI ports, the lack of modern standards like USB-C and a newer webcam is noticeable. The 720p webcam is outdated, and the display's color accuracy is subpar, making it less suitable for creative work. For an improved connectivity, Lenovo Yoga Slim 7 Pro is worth considering.
Features
The Lenovo IdeaPad 3 boasts a standard full HD display, an i5 processor, 12GB RAM, and 300 nit peak brightness. It features a high-quality trackpad and keyboard, making it suitable for business students and professionals. The laptop's IO port selection is outdated, but its overall design remains conservative, providing access to essential features like a full-size keypad. You might want to check out Lenovo ThinkPad L14 Gen 3, featuring an upgraded features for a superior experience.
Support and Maintenance
The Lenovo IdeaPad 3 offers decent support and maintenance features, but some aspects are lacking. While the battery life is relatively average, the laptop's design and build quality are reliable. The warranty and customer service also provide a sense of security for users.
Pros
1. Lenovo continues to use the successful design they introduced last year.
2. They provide the same high-quality trackpad and keyboard we've come to love with Lenovo products.
3. The laptop provides a lot of items professional business users alike would need, like having access again to a full-size 10 keypad.
4. It's a peppy machine that can handle day-to-day tasks like web browsing, watching videos in 4k, etc.
Cons
1. They refused to improve certain areas that now are definitely becoming visibly dated, like the poor IO port selection on this laptop.
2. The display is severely colorless and has a maximum peak brightness of only 300 nits, which can lead to glare in bright outdoor settings.
3. It's not ideal for creative tasks due to its bland colors and inaccurate color representation.
4. The speaker quality is not crisp or clear, with noticeable distortion at higher volume levels.
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