ZDNET Highlights
- The Lenovo IdeaPad 5i 2-in-1 is currently on sale for $699.
- This is a midrange laptop that’s great for work due to its solid hardware and clear audio.
- However, the display isn’t very vibrant and the keyboard is weak.
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When buying a 2-in-1 laptop, you need to pay attention to several features: versatility, performance, and price. lenovo ideapad 5i There’s a device that checks those boxes for budget-conscious buyers. It’s designed to maximize its value, delivering solid everyday performance across the board while remaining affordable.
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That said, it doesn’t excel in any particular category, delivering satisfactory performance across the board. In that sense, the model is no different from its competitors. However, I would still recommend it to those looking for a 2-in-1 with a good price. let’s take a closer look.
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practicality over style
Like many IdeaPads before it, this laptop practically prioritizes flash. It has a simple, all-gray chassis that fits into most office spaces. In terms of looks, the device is quite reminiscent of the recently released Acer Aspire 16, although Lenovo’s PC is slightly larger, measuring 14.02 x 10.04 x 0.77 inches and weighing 4.18 pounds. For comparison, the Aspire measures 14 x 9.85 x 0.63 inches and weighs 3.42 pounds.
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The difference isn’t huge, although the extra space allows for a larger number pad that doesn’t compress the keys. It’s a small touch, but I think spreadsheet writers after hours of entering numbers will appreciate it.
Typing on the IdeaPad was a mixed experience. The keyboard is comfortable to work on as there is ample space between the keys. But the keys themselves feel mushy, lacking the tactile feel that makes long typing sessions easy on the hands. It also took me some time to get used to the trackpad. It is aligned to the left, leaving a considerable amount of empty space on the right side.
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The purpose of this layout is to give your wrist a place to rest, which Lenovo has thought through. However, the trackpad is small, so it limits the range of motion. To move the cursor on the screen you have to lift your finger repeatedly and repeat the movements again and again.
mixed media
For a 2-in-1 laptop, the touchscreen is a standout feature. Unfortunately, Lenovo’s IdeaPad 5i fails here; This is not good. Color accuracy is the first issue. The display looked quite dull with washed out tones and weak saturation. The red color, in particular, was much less bright.
I noticed this while looking at the Google Chrome logo and noticed that the red part at the top was looking orange. On the bright side, the color contrast is great with deep blacks and vibrant whites.
Another problem was the glossy finish on the glass. It reflects a ton of light, making it difficult to see content even at maximum brightness. Photographing the IdeaPad 5i for this review proved more challenging than previous laptops I’ve reviewed, primarily because of this problem. With a maximum brightness of 300 nits, it’s almost impossible to see the screen in anything but ideal conditions and settings. Most of the time, you’ll be staring at yourself.
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The 16-inch screen has a 16:10 aspect ratio, providing users with ample screen real estate for work. The pixel resolution is set at 1900 x 1200, ensuring that text and videos look clear, and the 60Hz refresh rate is good enough for on-screen animations while browsing and movie streaming. Plus, the 1080p webcam is serviceable. You’ll look good on a video call, although that’s not unprecedented.
The audio performance surprised me from the laptop. The IdeaPad 5i has a pair of 2-watt speakers that support Dolby Audio. This allows them to deliver clean sound with an astonishing soundstage. You can clearly select vocals, guitar riffs, bass lines and drums.
There is one problem: low volume ceiling. These speakers will not fill the entire room. Still, the clarity is impressive. In my experience, most speakers opt for louder audio to mask flat output. Lenovo did the opposite, and it paid off.
light display
When it comes to performance, Lenovo laptops hold their own. The IdeaPad 5i runs on an Intel Core Ultra 7 255U processor, an integrated Intel graphics card, and 16GB of storage. It’s not a powerhouse, but it’s suitable for everyday productivity rather than raw power.
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In testing, the hardware handled my typical workload (which included more than 50 Chrome tabs, multiple video livestreams, Google Docs writing, Slack, Spotify, and some light editing) without any major hiccups. The 2-in-1 hinge also adds a lot of value. Navigating editing apps feels more natural in tablet mode.
I want the stylus to be a part of the overall package. Instead, accessories are a separate purchase. Another surprise came from the device’s benchmarking results in Cinebench 2024; Specifically testing a computer’s ability to handle complex 3D rendering.
According to hardware comparison platform NanoReview, the Intel Core Ultra 7 255U has an average Cinebench 2024 score of 568. In my tests, the IdeaPad 5i achieved a score of 674, which shows it’s more capable of handling heavy workloads than originally thought.
That said, I still wouldn’t trust this Lenovo PC for extremely demanding workloads. It’s more that users pushing it to its limits in everyday tasks will be surprised at its ability to hold its own.
The lead hardware helps with battery life, as it lasted about 12 hours on a single charge during my testing. Not quite the marathon battery life I saw on the Aspire 16, but it can definitely last a full workday – and then some – quite comfortably.
ZDNET’s shopping advice
Lenovo IdeaPad 5i 2-in-1 Currently on sale for $699. I’d recommend it to anyone looking for a convertible laptop with a 16-inch screen for work, but wants to keep things firmly in the low to mid-range price.
It claims above average performance, but the visual output may be too poor for users looking for a vivid display. If you value versatility, you’ll be more likely to enjoy this convertible PC, even if it wasn’t a must-have for me.
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If you’re looking for something a little more sophisticated, the Acer Aspire 16 offers similar performance with significantly better battery life. I also recommend the Dell 14 Plus. It’s a small PC with a fast display.
