Lenovo ThinkPad T16 Gen 3vsLenovo IdeaPad Flex 5i

We compare these two popular phones to help you decide which one fits your needs and budget better.

Lenovo
Lenovo ThinkPad T16 Gen 3
ThinkPad T16 Gen 3

Quick Stats

The Lenovo ThinkPad T16 Gen 3 delivers improved performance with seamless multitasking capabilities effortlessly.
The ThinkPad's build quality is satisfactory, but the matte finish is surprisingly prone to fingerprints and smudges.
The Lenovo ThinkPad T16 Gen 3's display offers a more efficient use of space with its 16:10 panel.
The Lenovo ThinkPad T16 Gen 3 boasts impressive features that offer a solid balance of performance.
Lenovo
Lenovo IdeaPad Flex 5i
IdeaPad Flex 5i

Quick Stats

The Lenovo IdeaPad Flex 5i offers reliable and responsive performance for everyday tasks with great value.
The Lenovo IdeaPad Flex 5i's build quality is a highlight, offering excellent performance and design at a budget-friendly price.
The Lenovo IdeaPad Flex 5i's excellent display offers sharp, vibrant visuals and quick touch response at an affordable price.
The Lenovo IdeaPad Flex 5i boasts a 360-degree hinge and an Intel Core i3 processor among its features.
Key Differences

No significant specification differences found between these devices.

Rank
Lenovo ThinkPad T16 Gen 3
#325
Lenovo IdeaPad Flex 5i
Winner
#320
Scores by Category
Rankings
Connectivity
Lenovo ThinkPad T16 Gen 3
#556
Lenovo IdeaPad Flex 5i
#194
Winner
Display
Lenovo ThinkPad T16 Gen 3
#268
Lenovo IdeaPad Flex 5i
#111
Winner
Performance
Lenovo ThinkPad T16 Gen 3
#355
Winner
Lenovo IdeaPad Flex 5i
#533
Build
Lenovo ThinkPad T16 Gen 3
#733
Lenovo IdeaPad Flex 5i
#691
Winner
Features
Lenovo ThinkPad T16 Gen 3
#558
Lenovo IdeaPad Flex 5i
#514
Winner

Note: Lower rank number indicates a better position in category.

Specifications Comparison
Specification
Lenovo Lenovo ThinkPad T16 Gen 3
Lenovo Lenovo IdeaPad Flex 5i
up to 64GB
up to 16GB
up to 4000GB SSD
up to 4000GB SSD
Intel Core Ultra 7 165U
Intel Core i7-1355U
Intel Graphics (4-Cores)
Intel Iris Xe Graphics G7 (96EU)
1x 2280 M.2 NVMe PCIe 4.0 x4 See photo
N/A

Note: Highlighted specifications show differences between the two devices.

Pros and Cons

Lenovo ThinkPad T16 Gen 3

Strengths

I've been very happy with this laptop, and now that I've upgraded it to 64 gigabytes of Ram, I'm even happier.
It gets your need for general stuff like email, web browsing, and office work covered.
16 by 10 aspect ratio is a nice feature.
Lenovo seems to be moving to 16 by 10 aspect ratio across their lineup.
Having used now 16 by 10 and 3X2, I definitely prefer those to 16 by 9.
This laptop gets recommended from me for general stuff and some photo editing or something on the side.
I love the feel of this laptop.

Weaknesses

The screen cleaner link in show notes is a reminder that cleaning the laptop requires more than just a microfiber cloth.
It might be a bit of a pain in the ass to have to whole thing with the screen cleaner case for a laptop.
16 by 9 aspect ratio can be preferred over 16 by 10, but I personally prefer the latter.
Lenovo's lead on making laptops user repairable is good, but not perfect.
The screen cleaner might need improvement in terms of design.
Cleaning the laptop requires wiping it down before use, which might not be ideal for all users.
Wiping the laptop frequently can become a hassle.

Lenovo IdeaPad Flex 5i

Strengths

The touchscreen and display quality are excellent, with sharp colors that work great for watching content and interacting with apps.
The fingerprint sensor is fast, reliable, and even after accidental spills, it still works perfectly, indicating good build quality.
For day-to-day tasks like teaching, browsing, writing, and light gaming, the laptop performs really well, being quick and responsive.
It's a very budget-friendly two-in-1 laptop that delivers on performance and design, making it a great value for its price.
The 14-inch model is super comfortable and easy to carry around, especially in situations where you need to move between workplaces.

Weaknesses

The tablet mode can be too heavy to use comfortably in one hand, which defeats the purpose of having a two-in-one device.
Switching between laptop and tablet modes can be glitchy, requiring closing and reopening the lid to get it to respond properly.
Battery life is limited, lasting only 4-6 hours for light work and dropping to 3 hours or less during more demanding tasks like editing.
The laptop can heat up occasionally, especially during longer sessions, which may be a concern for some users.
It doesn't come with a stylus, which would have made the tablet mode more useful, but is expected at this price point.
Read Full Reviews

Lenovo ThinkPad T16 Gen 3

The Lenovo ThinkPad T16 Gen 3 is a business laptop that packs a punch with its 16:10 display, 64GB of RAM, and user-repairable design. This versatile machine excels in everyday tasks, while also offering enough power for photo editing and other creative pursuits. With its matte finish, the laptop may require more frequent cleaning than expected. In this review, we'll delve into the T16 Gen 3's strengths and weaknesses, exploring whether it's a great choice for those seeking a reliable and upgradable business companion.

Lenovo IdeaPad Flex 5i

I've had my hands on the Lenovo IdeaPad Flex 5i for over three months now, putting its versatility to the test as I teach online, edit videos, and relax with streaming shows. This budget-friendly two-in-one device promises to deliver a laptop and tablet experience without breaking the bank. With decent specs, a touchscreen display, and a 360-degree hinge, it's the perfect middle ground for those seeking flexibility without financial stress. In this review, I'll delve into its performance, pros, and cons, giving you an honest, everyday person's take on whether it's still worth buying in 2025.

Need help choosing?

Read our detailed reviews to understand which device is better for your specific needs and budget.

Read Lenovo ThinkPad T16 Gen 3 ReviewRead Lenovo IdeaPad Flex 5i Review

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