Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Extreme 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 X1 Extreme Gen 3
ThinkPad X1 Extreme Gen 3

Quick Stats

The ThinkPad X1 Extreme Gen 3 delivers impressive performance, suitable for demanding tasks and multitasking seamlessly.
The ThinkPad X1 Extreme Gen 3 boasts impressive build quality, top-notch and rivaling its competitors' standards overall.
The OLED 4K display is a highlight, offering vibrant colors and deep blacks, but impacts battery life significantly.
The Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Extreme Gen 3 offers two Thunderbolt 3 ports and impressive connectivity features overall.
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 X1 Extreme Gen 3
#323
Lenovo IdeaPad Flex 5i
Winner
#320
Scores by Category
Rankings
Connectivity
Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Extreme Gen 3
#552
Lenovo IdeaPad Flex 5i
#194
Winner
Display
Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Extreme Gen 3
#527
Lenovo IdeaPad Flex 5i
#111
Winner
Performance
Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Extreme Gen 3
#351
Winner
Lenovo IdeaPad Flex 5i
#533
Build
Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Extreme Gen 3
#724
Lenovo IdeaPad Flex 5i
#691
Winner
Features
Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Extreme Gen 3
#114
Winner
Lenovo IdeaPad Flex 5i
#514

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

Specifications Comparison
Specification
Lenovo Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Extreme Gen 3
Lenovo Lenovo IdeaPad Flex 5i
up to 128GB
up to 16GB
up to 6000GB SSD
up to 4000GB SSD
Intel Core i5-10300H
Intel Core i7-1355U
NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650 Ti Max-Q
Intel Iris Xe Graphics G7 (96EU)

Note: Highlighted specifications show differences between the two devices.

Pros and Cons

Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Extreme Gen 3

Strengths

The ThinkPad still has a better keyboard, no surprise.
It's extremely light and powerful, one of my favorite mobile workstations.
Battery life is decent, especially with the IPS Full HD options (5-6 hours).
Ventilation is good and speaker grills are present.

Weaknesses

The Core i7 v Pro configuration with OLED display might not have super duper battery life.
CPU core temperatures can go up into the 90s when pushing hard, making it toasty.
There's no surprise that ThinkPad has better keyboards, but XPS 15 is still a great option for those who want metal cladding and good aesthetics.
The bottom cover requires some effort to remove (Phillips head screws), which might be frustrating for some users.

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 X1 Extreme Gen 3

The Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Extreme Gen 3 is an update to the previous generation, boasting slightly improved specs within its compact and lightweight design. This mobile workstation promises to deliver impressive performance in a sleek package, making it an ideal choice for professionals on-the-go. With its robust feature set, including advanced display options and connectivity features, this device aims to tackle demanding tasks with ease. In this review, we'll delve into the specifics of what makes the ThinkPad X1 Extreme Gen 3 tick, and whether it lives up to its promise as a top-notch mobile workstation.

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 X1 Extreme Gen 3 ReviewRead Lenovo IdeaPad Flex 5i Review

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