Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 5 review
The Lenovo Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 5 ranks as the #271 laptops globally, achieving a LibraScore of 76. Across all metrics, this product stands out most for its #182-ranked connectivity among 473 laptops. Consider the HP OMEN 17 or HP ENVY 16, which offer higher scores while staying in the same price range.
Is it Worth it?
The Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 5 Light is an excellent choice for those who need a reliable laptop for work or school without breaking the bank. At $700, it's a great value considering its performance and battery life. The Zen 3 chip ensures efficient power consumption, while the 65W USB-C charger provides quick top-ups. While the screen may not be perfect, it's passable for most users. What really makes this laptop shine is its ability to balance work and play without compromising on performance or price. Overall, the IdeaPad Slim 5 Light is a solid choice for those who want a no-frills laptop that gets the job done.
Build
The Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 5 Light boasts a sturdy build quality, with minimal screen flex and a solid keyboard deck. The top and bottom panels are made of durable plastic, while the interior is constructed from a robust magnesium alloy. Weighing in at just 1.2kg, this ultraportable laptop is designed to be carried around with ease. Despite its slim profile, the IdeaPad Slim 5 Light's build is surprisingly solid and feels less fragile than some other lightweight laptops on the market. Overall, Lenovo has done a great job with the build quality of the Slim 5 Light, making it an excellent choice for anyone looking for a reliable and portable laptop. You may find Intel NUC X15 a better fit, thanks to its superior build.
Display
The display on the Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 5 Light is a 14in matte screen with a resolution of 1920x1080 pixels. It's not a bad screen, but it doesn't excel in any area either. The colors are somewhat muted and lack vibrancy, which may be a disappointment for those who value color accuracy. The brightness is sufficient for indoor use, but may struggle in very bright environments. The viewing angles are decent, but you'll still experience some color shift if you're not directly in front of the screen. Overall, it's an average display that gets the job done, but doesn't impress in any particular way. If you’re after a better display, Lenovo ThinkPad Z13 Gen 2 could be the ideal option.
Performance
The Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 5 Light is a capable laptop for everyday work and school use. Its Zen 3 chip provides excellent power efficiency, with a base TDP of 15 watts, resulting in up to 8 hours and 10 minutes of video playback and 11 hours and 20 minutes of web surfing on a single charge. In terms of performance, the laptop's Ryzen 7 processor handles productivity workloads and casual gaming well, although intense gaming requires switching to Extreme Performance mode, which can get loud and hot. The laptop stays quiet in Intelligent Cooling or Battery Saving modes. Overall, the IdeaPad Slim 5 Light offers impressive performance for its price. Lenovo Yoga Slim 7i might be a smarter choice, offering an upgraded performance.
Battery and Charging
The Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 5 Light's battery life is impressive, lasting around 8 hours and 10 minutes of video playback and 11 hours and 20 minutes of web surfing. The 47Wh battery is efficient, and the included 65W USB-C charger is portable and convenient. Stress testing showed reasonable temperatures and quiet operation, making it suitable for productivity workloads.
Connectivity
The Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 5 Light features three USB 3.2 Gen One ports, providing ample connectivity options. It also includes an HDMI port for use with external displays or projectors in settings where USB-C is not available. The laptop's lightweight design and compact size make it easy to carry around, making the multiple ports a convenient feature for users who need to stay connected on-the-go. You might want to check out Lenovo ThinkPad X13 Yoga Gen 3, featuring an upgraded connectivity for a superior experience.
Features
The Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 5 Light is a slim and lightweight laptop, weighing only 1.24kg. It features an 8th Gen Intel Core i3 processor, 8GB RAM, and 512GB SSD storage. The laptop boasts a 13.3-inch Full HD display with narrow bezels, making it perfect for on-the-go use. Other notable features include a backlit keyboard, fingerprint reader, and a 1080p webcam. It also comes with a 47Wh battery that provides up to 8 hours of video playback. Take a look at Lenovo ThinkPad X13 Gen 1 - its improved features sets a new standard.
Support and Maintenance
The Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 5 Light boasts impressive battery life, with up to 8 hours and 10 minutes of video playback and 11 hours and 20 minutes of web surfing. The laptop stays quiet during regular use, but can get loud in Extreme Performance mode. Overall, a reliable and efficient device for everyday needs.
Pros
1. Lightweight, weighing less than my water bottle
2. Long battery life (8 hours and 10 minutes of video playback and 11 hours and 20 minutes of web surfing)
3. Power efficient Zen 3 chip with a base TDP of 15 watts
4. 65W USB-C charger is portable and convenient
5. Quiet operation (except when Extreme Performance mode is enabled)
6. Affordable price (RM3299 or around $700)
Cons
1. The screen could be better, especially for those with OCD like the reviewer
2. HDMI port is a bit of an outdated feature in this day and age
3. GPU performance is not ideal for gaming (can only casually play AAA titles at low settings)
4. CPU can get hot (reaching 90°C during Extreme Performance mode)
5. Bottom of laptop can get slightly uncomfortable to touch when CPU is under load
6. Laptop's design might not be ideal for those who want a workhorse that can handle demanding tasks
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