Lenovo IdeaPad 5 review
The Lenovo Lenovo IdeaPad 5 ranks as the #748 laptops globally, achieving a LibraScore of 64. Across all metrics, this product stands out most for its #518-ranked features among 520 laptops. Consider the Lenovo V14 Gen 4 or HP ProBook 450 G8, which offer higher scores while staying in the same price range.
Is it Worth it?
Lenovo IdeaPad 5 is a standout in the budget laptop market. With its excellent build quality, good keyboard, and decent trackpad, this laptop is a great value for its price (around $500-$600). Its performance is also impressive, thanks to the Intel Core i5-1235U CPU and MX 550 GPU. While it may not be perfect, with some minor flaws like a low-travel keyboard and a single-point hinge, it's still one of the best budget laptops available. Overall, I'd give it a solid 8 out of 10 for its price. It's definitely worth considering if you're in the market for a reliable and affordable laptop.
Build
The Lenovo IdeaPad 5 boasts an impressive build quality at an affordable price point. The laptop features a sleek all-metal finish that's uncommon in this range. The keyboard offers good travel and the trackpad is clicky, although some may prefer a glass trackpad. One concern lies with the hinge, which can be prone to damage if not opened correctly. A one-point hinge is also used, which may reduce durability compared to two-point hinges found on other laptops. Despite this, the IdeaPad 5's build quality earns it a solid score of 9 out of 10 for its price range. If you’re after a better build, Lenovo IdeaPad Flex 5i could be the ideal option.
Display
The Lenovo IdeaPad 5 boasts a 13.3-inch FHD (300 n) display with a 65% sRGB color coverage. While it may not be the most color-accurate display, it is suitable for everyday use, such as browsing, emailing, and typing. The screen's performance is commendable at this price point, making it one of the best displays available in this budget range. I would give it a solid 7 or 8 out of 10 score. For those seeking a more accurate display, there are better options available in higher-end laptops. However, for its intended purpose and price, the IdeaPad 5's display is more than adequate. Lenovo V14 Gen 3 might be a smarter choice, offering an upgraded display.
Performance
The Lenovo IdeaPad 5 is a powerhouse in its price range, boasting an Intel Core i5-1235U CPU with MX 550 GPU from NVIDIA. This combo delivers impressive performance for everyday tasks and business use. With 2GB of vram, it can handle demanding apps like Photoshop without breaking a sweat. In Cinebench, it scored 6,800 points, while in Time Spy, it reached 20,600 scores - respectable numbers for a budget laptop. Overheating was not an issue during testing, making it suitable for both work and play. Overall, the IdeaPad 5's performance earns it a solid 7 out of 10 score. For an improved performance, Lenovo V14 Gen 3 is worth considering.
Battery and Charging
The Lenovo IdeaPad 5 boasts impressive battery life, lasting around 6-7 hours on a single charge. This is more than sufficient for a day's use, making it an excellent choice for students or professionals on-the-go. The laptop also features USB-C charging, allowing users to quickly top up their device using any compatible charger. Overall, the IdeaPad 5's battery and charging capabilities make it a reliable and convenient option for those who need a hassle-free computing experience.
Connectivity
The Lenovo IdeaPad 5 boasts an impressive port selection, with two Type-C ports, a HDMI port, audio combo jack, SD card slot, and two USB Type-A ports. This is a standout feature for a budget laptop, offering ample connectivity options without sacrificing build quality or performance. Take a look at Lenovo V14 Gen 4 - its improved connectivity sets a new standard.
Features
The Lenovo IdeaPad 5 boasts an impressive build quality and performance at an affordable price. It features a sleek aluminum finish, good keyboard, and clicky trackpad. The laptop has a 300n 1080p screen with 65% sRGB color coverage, Intel Core i5-1235U CPU, and MX 550 GPU, making it suitable for work and basic gaming needs. If you're after top-notch features, consider Lenovo ThinkPad T14 Gen 3.
Support and Maintenance
The Lenovo IdeaPad 5 is a well-built laptop that offers impressive performance at an affordable price. The Intel Core i5 processor and MX 550 GPU provide smooth multitasking, while the battery life of up to 7 hours is sufficient for daily use. The webcam and microphone are also decent, making it suitable for video calls and online meetings. Overall, this budget laptop deserves a solid 8 out of 10 score for its reliability and performance.
Pros
1. The laptop has a good build quality and a sturdy hinge, deserving a 9 out of 10 score at this price range.
2. It has a great display with 65% sRGB color coverage which is perfect for students or those who just want to check emails and type something on the laptop.
3. Performance-wise, it's powered by Intel Core i5 1235U CPU with MX 550 GPU from m video, making it suitable for business or work laptops and can perform well enough for a business laptop.
4. It has good battery life, getting around 6-7 hours of battery life which is sufficient for daily use.
5. The webcam quality is also impressive, having a 1080p resolution at this price range, with a nice blocker for added privacy.
Cons
1. One concern about the hinge is that if you open your laptop by holding it on both sides of the screen, you may damage the hinge too easily.
2. It only has one point hinge instead of two, which can make it last less than other laptops.
3. The port selection could be improved, as some users might find it lacking in terms of USB ports or other connectivity options.
4. The speakers are good but not powerful enough to play music or watch videos without an external speaker.
5. It doesn't have a glass trackpad, which is a minor drawback considering the price point.
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