Lenovo IdeaPad 5i 2-in-1 Review – Your Versatile Computing Companion

A Comprehensive Look at the Lenovo IdeaPad 5i 2-in-1: Pros and Cons

The Lenovo IdeaPad 5i 2-in-1 is a versatile powerhouse designed to cater to a wide range of user needs, from casual browsing to intensive multitasking. With its sleek and lightweight design, this convertible laptop effortlessly transitions between laptop and tablet modes, making it perfect for both productivity and entertainment. Equipped with powerful Intel processors and ample RAM, it delivers smooth performance for demanding applications and multitasking. The vibrant touchscreen display enhances your viewing experience, while the long-lasting battery ensures you stay productive throughout the day. Whether for students, professionals, or creatives, the IdeaPad 5i 2-in-1 adapts seamlessly to any lifestyle.

Price Range

The Lenovo IdeaPad 5i 2-in-1 is competitively priced, typically ranging from $649 to $1,299 depending on the configuration and specifications. This price range makes it accessible to various user groups, from students to professionals.

Comparison 

Here’s a comparison of the Lenovo IdeaPad 5 2-in-1, Lenovo Yoga 7 2-in-1, and Lenovo IdeaPad 5i 2-in-1. This comparison will focus on their specifications, features, and price ranges to help you make an informed decision.

Comparison Table

Processor: The Lenovo IdeaPad 5 2-in-1 and Lenovo Yoga 7 feature AMD processors, which generally provide good performance for everyday tasks and multitasking.

The Lenovo IdeaPad 5i is equipped with an Intel Core i5 processor, which is also capable of handling various applications and offers a reliable performance.

 RAM: Both the IdeaPad 5 and Yoga 7 come with 16GB of RAM, making them suitable for multitasking and running demanding applications.

The IdeaPad 5i has 8GB of RAM, which is sufficient for most users but may limit multitasking capabilities compared to its competitors.

 Display:The IdeaPad 5 features a WUXGA touchscreen, while the Yoga 7 does not specify its resolution but likely provides a good visual experience.

The IdeaPad 5i offers a 1080p FHD display, ensuring sharp and clear visuals for media consumption and productivity.

 Audio:The Yoga 7 is equipped with Dolby Atmos, enhancing the audio experience for entertainment purposes, while the other models do not specify their audio capabilities.

 Price Range:The IdeaPad 5 and Yoga 7 have similar price ranges, while the IdeaPad 5i is slightly more affordable.

Design and Build Quality

The Lenovo IdeaPad 5i 2-in-1 offers a sleek and stylish design that is both functional and visually appealing. With its Luna Grey and Cosmic Blue color options, it looks professional and sophisticated. Weighing just 1.6kg (3.53 lbs) and having a slim profile at only 17.5mm thickness, this device is incredibly portable, making it easy to carry around whether you're going to work, school, or traveling.

The 2-in-1 design allows users to switch between laptop mode and tablet mode effortlessly. You can fold the screen all the way back to use it as a tablet or keep it in tent mode for easy media consumption. This versatility is ideal for presentations, watching movies, or drawing.

Portability and Dimensions

The compact dimensions of 313mm x 227mm x 17.5mm make the Lenovo IdeaPad 5i 2-in-1 easy to slip into any bag. Despite its slim design, it doesn’t compromise on connectivity options, offering a range of ports to suit any situation.

Display Quality

The 14-inch WUXGA (1920 x 1200) IPS display is one of the standout features of the Lenovo IdeaPad 5i 2-in-1. With touch support, this screen enhances the experience of using the device in tablet mode, making it responsive and intuitive for tasks like sketching, note-taking, or navigating apps.

The 16:10 aspect ratio provides more vertical space for multitasking, making it great for reading documents or browsing the web. Additionally, the 300-nits brightness ensures the display is bright enough for indoor and outdoor use. With 45% NTSC color coverage, it delivers decent color accuracy, although professionals looking for top-notch color reproduction might find it limited.

Furthermore, the TÜV Rheinland Low Blue Light certification makes extended screen time easier on the eyes by reducing eye strain, especially important for long hours of work or study.

Performance – Powering Your Daily Tasks

When it comes to performance, the Lenovo IdeaPad 5i 2-in-1 doesn’t disappoint. Powered by Intel® Core™ i3, i5, and i7 processors, you have multiple options to choose from depending on your performance needs.

Processor Options

Intel® Core™ i3 100U: With up to 3.30 GHz in E-cores and 4.70 GHz in P-cores, this model is suitable for everyday tasks like browsing, word processing, and video streaming. It offers 6 cores and 8 threads with 10MB cache.

Intel® Core™ i5 120U: For those requiring more power, this option brings up to 5.00 GHz Turbo Boost, 10 cores, and 12 threads, making it a great choice for multitasking, light gaming, and content creation.

Intel® Core™ i7 150U: The top-tier model offers 10 cores, 12 threads, and a max clock speed of 5.40 GHz for demanding users. This is ideal for handling intensive tasks like video editing, 3D rendering, and running multiple applications simultaneously.

The device offers a cache of up to 12MB in higher variants, ensuring fast access to frequently used data and applications.

Memory and Storage

The Lenovo IdeaPad 5i 2-in-1 comes equipped with 8GB LPDDR5 5200MHz RAM, with an option to upgrade to 16GB LPDDR5X 5200MHz RAM. This ensures fast multitasking capabilities, allowing users to switch between apps smoothly without experiencing lag.

For storage, you get up to 1TB M.2 PCIe SSD Gen4, ensuring quick boot times, fast file transfers, and ample space for all your files, apps, and media.

Battery Life and Charging

Battery life is critical in any laptop, and the Lenovo IdeaPad 5i 2-in-1 excels in this area with its 57WHr Polymer battery. It offers decent battery life that can get you through a typical workday. Plus, the Rapid Charge Boost feature allows you to gain 2 hours of usage from just 15 minutes of charging, making it perfect for users on the go.

Audio and Camera

Audio quality is often overlooked in laptops, but the Lenovo IdeaPad 5i 2-in-1 is equipped with 2 x 2W user-facing speakers with Dolby Audio® support. This makes media consumption more enjoyable with clear, immersive sound, whether you’re watching videos, listening to music, or participating in video conferences.

The 1080p FHD camera with a privacy shutter ensures high-quality video calls, while the dual array microphones pick up your voice clearly, making it a solid choice for remote work or online classes.

Connectivity and Ports

In terms of connectivity, the Lenovo IdeaPad 5i 2-in-1 has you covered with WiFi 6 802.11AX and Bluetooth® 5.2, ensuring fast and stable wireless connections. Whether you’re working from home, the office, or a café, you’ll have the reliable internet connectivity you need.

Here is a breakdown of the ports and slots available on this device:

Left Side:

• 2 x USB-C 3.2 Gen 2 (full-function)
• HDMI™ 1.4b
• Headphone/mic combo

Right Side:

• 2 x USB-A 3.2 Gen 1 (one supports USB charging)
• MicroSD card reader

This variety of ports makes it easy to connect external devices like monitors, storage drives, and more.

Operating System

The Lenovo IdeaPad 5i 2-in-1 comes with Windows 11 Pro or Windows 11 Home, offering a modern and user-friendly interface. The Windows 11 OS brings new features such as an updated Start menu, enhanced multitasking with Snap Layouts, and better security features, making it the perfect companion for professional and personal use.

Sustainability and Certifications

Lenovo has been focusing on sustainability, and the IdeaPad 5i 2-in-1 reflects this with certifications like ENERGY STAR® 8.0 and EPEAT® Gold Registered. These certifications ensure the laptop is energy-efficient, reducing its environmental impact while also helping you save on power consumption.

Pros and Cons

Why Buy the Lenovo IdeaPad 5i 2-in-1?

• Versatility: The 2-in-1 design lets you switch between a traditional laptop and tablet, making it suitable for work, entertainment, and creative tasks.
• Performance: With Intel® Core™ processors, you can choose a model that fits your needs, whether it’s basic computing or high-performance tasks.
• Portability: Its slim and lightweight build makes it a great option for users who need a portable device without compromising on power.
• Display: The 14-inch WUXGA display with touch support is perfect for users who want an immersive and interactive experience.
• Battery Life: With Rapid Charge Boost, you get more battery in less time, keeping you productive on the go.
• Connectivity: With multiple ports, including USB-C, USB-A, HDMI, and more, you can easily connect your devices.

Conclusion

The Lenovo IdeaPad 5i 2-in-1 is an excellent choice for those looking for a flexible, powerful, and portable device. Whether you’re a student, professional, or casual user, this device offers something for everyone. The combination of performance, display quality, battery life, and overall build make it a strong contender in the 2-in-1 laptop market.

About the Author: Carl Hiaasen

Carl Hiaasen is a renowned author and tech blogger known for his insightful commentary on the intersection of technology and society. He covers computers of all types, tablets, various peripherals, and Apple iOS-related topics, providing readers with a comprehensive view of the tech landscape. With a unique blend of humor and keen observation, Hiaasen explores the impact of digital advancements on everyday life. His background as a journalist enhances his ability to dissect complex tech issues, making them accessible to a broad audience. Through his blog, he aims to educate and engage readers, making him a trusted voice in the tech community.