Lenovo Legion Pro 5i Review: Performance and Portability in a Mid-Range Package
Gamers today seek the perfect blend of power and portability. The Lenovo Legion Pro 5i, a mid-range gaming laptop, aims to deliver this balance with its potent RTX 4060 graphics card and a 16-inch QHD+ display boasting a 165Hz refresh rate. But how does it fare in the competitive gaming laptop market? This review delves into the details.
Lenovo Legion Pro 5i Review: Performance: A Gaming Powerhouse
RTX 4060 Power Unleashed
Let’s start with the star of the show – the Nvidia GeForce RTX 4060 graphics card. This mid-range GPU packs 8GB of GDDR6 VRAM and is ready to tackle the latest AAA titles. In our testing, the Legion Pro 5i delivered impressive results. In Cyberpunk 2077, for instance, we saw a respectable 45 fps at the native 1600p resolution with maxed-out settings, including ray tracing. Bump it down to 1200p, and the frame rate jumps up to a butter-smooth 63 fps.
When it comes to fast-paced action games, the Legion Pro 5i really shines. In Fortnite, we saw an impressive 130 fps at 1200p Ultra settings, ensuring a smooth and responsive gaming experience whether you’re dodging bullets in a battle royale or exploring vast open worlds.
Benchmarking the Beast
To further showcase the Legion Pro 5i’s prowess, we ran a series of benchmark tests using 3DMark and Cinebench R23. The results were nothing short of impressive, with the laptop scoring over 20,773 points in Cinebench R23, demonstrating its capabilities for demanding tasks beyond gaming.
Compared to competitors like the Alienware m16 and Asus ROG Strix G16, the Legion Pro 5i holds its own, often outperforming similar models in its price range. It’s clear that this laptop is a true gaming powerhouse.
Beyond Gaming: A Capable Multitasker
But the Legion Pro 5i isn’t just a one-trick pony. The Intel Core i7-13700HX processor, with its 16 cores and 24 threads, makes this laptop an excellent choice for multitasking and productivity tasks like video editing and 3D rendering. Whether you’re gaming for hours or tackling heavy-duty content creation, the Legion Pro 5i can handle it all without breaking a sweat.
Cooling: Keeping the Heat Under Control
A Robust Thermal Solution
One of the standout features of the Lenovo Legion Pro 5i is its cooling system. Equipped with a robust thermal module, multiple heat pipes, and large fans, this laptop is designed to keep temperatures in check during intense gaming sessions. The four air vents work together to effectively dissipate heat, allowing you to game for hours without worrying about overheating.
Temperature and Noise Levels
During our testing, we monitored the CPU and GPU temperatures under sustained loads, and the cooling system proved to be up to the task. On the Performance mode, fan noise reached around 45 dBA, which is quite reasonable considering the power being drawn. If you’re looking for maximum cooling, the Custom mode allows you to crank up the fan speeds, though this does come with a noticeable increase in noise.
One thing to note is that the Legion Pro 5i tends to run a bit hot when used on flat surfaces, with the chassis reaching temperatures in the mid-40s Celsius. Elevating the laptop on a stand or using a cooling pad can help improve airflow and keep internal temperatures down.
Design and Build: A No-Frills Approach
Sturdy and Functional
The Lenovo Legion Pro 5i takes a no-frills approach to its design, prioritizing functionality over flashy aesthetics. The chassis is primarily constructed from plastic, while the aluminum lid adds a touch of sturdiness without making the laptop feel too heavy. While it may not win any beauty contests, the design is mature and practical, making it suitable for both gaming and professional environments.
Keyboard and Trackpad
The keyboard on the Legion Pro 5i is a highlight, featuring four-zone RGB backlighting and a satisfying typing experience. The key travel and tactile feedback are well-balanced, making it a joy to use whether you’re gaming or working. The inclusion of a dedicated numeric keypad is also a handy addition for those who frequently deal with numbers.
As for the trackpad, it’s responsive and offers a smooth navigation experience. It supports multi-touch gestures, making it easy to switch between tasks without relying on an external mouse.
Battery Life: A Major Drawback
Limited Endurance
Now, let’s address the elephant in the room: battery life. The Lenovo Legion Pro 5i comes equipped with an 80Wh battery, but during our web browsing test, it managed only 2 hours and 43 minutes. This is significantly below the average for modern gaming laptops, meaning you’ll likely find yourself tethered to a power outlet during gaming sessions and even some productivity tasks.
Battery Life in Different Scenarios
In other usage scenarios, the battery life remains a concern. While gaming, you can expect even shorter runtimes, leaving you with little flexibility for unplugged use. If you’re planning on using this laptop for long periods away from a power source, you might want to explore alternatives that offer better battery performance, even if they come at a higher price.
Connectivity and Expansion
Robust Connectivity Options
The Lenovo Legion Pro 5i offers a comprehensive array of connectivity options, ensuring you can easily connect all your peripherals and external devices. On the left side, you’ll find two USB-A 3.2 Gen 1 ports, an HDMI 2.1 port, and a USB-C port with DisplayPort and Power Delivery support. The right side houses another USB-A 3.2 Gen 1 port, a 3.5mm audio jack, and the power input.
Additionally, the laptop features WiFi 6E and Bluetooth 5.1 for fast and reliable wireless connectivity, making it a versatile choice for both gaming and productivity.
Customization and Upgradability
One of the standout features of the Legion Pro 5i is its customization and upgrade potential. The laptop offers two M.2 slots for SSDs and two slots for DDR5 RAM, allowing you to easily expand the storage and memory to suit your needs. This level of flexibility is particularly appealing for users who want to future-proof their investment or tailor the system to their specific requirements.
Price and Value: A Competitive Option
Competitive Pricing
The Lenovo Legion Pro 5i is competitively priced, with the configuration we tested retailing for around $1,699, and often available for $1,299 on sale. This positions it well within the mid-range gaming laptop market, offering impressive performance for the price.
When compared to other laptops in this category, the Legion Pro 5i stands out thanks to its RTX 4060 graphics card and high-performance Intel processor. While its battery life and design may not be top-tier, the overall value proposition is compelling for gamers who prioritize performance.
Value for Gamers on a Budget
For budget-conscious gamers, the Legion Pro 5i offers excellent value. It balances performance with price, making it a strong contender in the gaming laptop arena. While it does have its drawbacks, such as battery life and design aesthetics, the performance and customization options make it worth considering.
FAQ
Q: What is the difference between the Lenovo Legion Pro 5i and the Legion Pro 7i?
A: The Legion Pro 7i is a higher-end model that features a premium design, improved cooling, and a brighter display. It also includes Thunderbolt support and a more powerful RTX 4070 graphics card.
Q: Can I upgrade the RAM and storage on the Legion Pro 5i?
A: Yes, the Legion Pro 5i includes two M.2 slots for SSDs and two slots for DDR5 RAM, allowing for easy upgrades.
Q: Is the Legion Pro 5i good for content creation?
A: While the Legion Pro 5i is a powerful laptop, its limited battery life and lack of a high-color gamut display may not make it the best choice for demanding content creation tasks.
Conclusion
The Lenovo Legion Pro 5i is a compelling mid-range gaming laptop that delivers impressive performance for its price. With its RTX 4060 graphics card and high-end Intel processor, it can handle the latest games at high settings while also excelling in productivity tasks. The effective cooling system ensures consistent performance, even under heavy loads.
However, the poor battery life may be a dealbreaker for some users. If you’re searching for a gaming laptop that can serve as a desktop replacement, the Legion Pro 5i is a strong contender. But if you need something more portable with better battery life, you might want to explore other options.
Overall, the Lenovo Legion Pro 5i is a well-rounded gaming laptop that offers excellent value for money. It’s an ideal choice for gamers who prioritize performance over portability, and its understated design makes it suitable for both gaming and professional settings. With its customization options, robust connectivity, and impressive performance, the Legion Pro 5i is a compelling mid-range offering that shouldn’t be overlooked.