Lenovo Legion 5i review
The Lenovo Lenovo Legion 5i ranks as the #181 laptops globally, achieving a LibraScore of 78. Across all metrics, this product stands out most for its #53-ranked performance among 558 laptops. Consider the Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 5i or Lenovo ThinkPad L14 Gen 5, which offer higher scores while staying in the same price range.
Is it Worth it?
The Lenovo Legion 5i is a well-rounded gaming laptop that checks all the right boxes. While it may not be flashy or expensive, its performance numbers are impressive. The mid-range Intel Core i7-14650H and NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4060 GPU provide seamless gaming experiences in QHD resolution. With up to 115W of power, this combo can handle demanding titles with ease. Add a generous port selection and above-average battery life (up to 7.5 hours), and the Legion 5i becomes an attractive option for those seeking a balance between performance and affordability. Worth considering? Absolutely.
Build
The Lenovo Legion 5i's build is a pleasant surprise. Despite its mid-range price tag, the laptop boasts a sleek chassis that eschews flashy gaming styling in favor of understated design. The plastic body may not be as rigid as some might like, but it's still well-made and resistant to flex. The keyboard area is slightly more prone to bend, but it's not a major issue during everyday use. Overall, the Legion 5i feels reassuringly solid, making it a great choice for those seeking a reliable gaming notebook that won't break the bank. If you’re after a better build, Lenovo Legion 5 could be the ideal option.
Display
The display on the Lenovo Legion 5i is a highlight of the device. The QHD+ panel offers excellent image quality with vibrant colors and high contrast. While it may not be the most advanced display technology available, it's more than sufficient for a mid-range gaming machine. The screen's brightness is above average, but does result in some subtle halos when cranked to maximum settings. Overall, the Legion 5i's display is well-suited for both gaming and everyday use. It may not offer anything new or particularly exciting, but it gets the job done without issue. Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3x might be a smarter choice, offering an upgraded display.
Performance
The Lenovo Legion 5i delivers impressive performance, courtesy of Intel's mid-range Raptor Lake refresh CPU and NVIDIA's GeForce RTX 4060 GPU. In our testing, the system excelled in CPU-bound titles, providing a significant advantage over competitors. The GPU also performed well, with up to 115W power draw and strong showing in 3D Mark ratings, rivaling some RTX 4070s. While not ideal for demanding games at high resolutions, DLSS and frame generation helped maintain smooth performance. However, the price of this prowess is high fan noise, which may be a concern for those seeking quiet operation. For an improved performance, Lenovo ThinkPad E14 Gen 5 is worth considering.
Battery and Charging
The Lenovo Legion 5i's battery life is a pleasant surprise, with a runtime of around 7.5 hours despite its power-hungry CPU. This is impressive for a gaming machine of this caliber, and it makes the laptop suitable for extended use away from the wall. The charging time is also reasonable, although specific details are not provided in the review. Overall, the Legion 5i's battery life is a notable strength in an otherwise well-rounded package.
Connectivity
The Lenovo Legion 5i boasts an impressive array of ports, including two USB-C 3.2 gen 2s with power delivery, a gigabit Ethernet port, and an HDMI 2.1 output. However, the slower USB-A variants may be disappointing to some users. The IO placement is scattered, but overall, the Legion's connectivity options are generous, making it well-suited for gamers and content creators alike. Take a look at Lenovo Yoga Pro 7i - its improved connectivity sets a new standard.
Features
The Lenovo Legion 5i boasts a mid-range price with a sleek chassis, omittance of gamery styling, and RGB elements. It features a 16-inch QHD+ display, up to 115W RTX 4060 GPU, Intel's Raptor Lake refresh CPU (i7-14650H), 16GB RAM, and 1TB SSD. If you're after top-notch features, consider Lenovo Legion Slim 5.
Support and Maintenance
The Lenovo Legion 5i's support and maintenance are satisfactory, but not exceptional. The laptop's relatively short battery life is a concern, despite its impressive endurance. However, the system's performance numbers and display quality make up for these drawbacks. Overall, the Legion 5i is a solid mid-range gaming machine with average upkeep requirements.
Pros
1. The Lenovo Legion 5i offers impressive performance numbers, making it a clear recommendation for those looking for a gaming notebook that can do it all without breaking the bank.
2. The laptop has a great port selection, with a generous IO setup including USB-A, USB-C, and an HDMI 2.1 connector.
3. The keyboard is well-suited for both games and work, with a generous 1.5 mm of travel and satisfying tactility.
4. The Legion 5i's snappy QHD+ display is well-suited for a mid-range gaming machine, offering above-average brightness and pretty all-right contrast.
5. The laptop has impressive battery life, especially considering the power-hungry CPU, lasting around 7.5 hours.
Cons
1. The Lenovo Legion 5i can be quite loud, with fan noise being a significant issue, even in balance mode.
2. The placement of IO ports is somewhat of an issue, as it's scattered all over the place, which might make for a cluttered setup.
3. The webcam is not particularly special and may cause issues during Zoom calls.
4. The SSD can throttle quite significantly during torture tests, but performs well in everyday use.
5. The keyboard area has a bit more flex due to the chosen materials, although this is only an issue if you apply force.
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