Lenovo Legion 5i ($1399)

Lenovo Legion 5i – Best overall gaming laptop

REASON TO BUY

• Robust Performance: Equipped with high-end CPUs and GPUs, the Legion 5i handles modern games and multitasking with ease.
• High-Quality Display: Features a 16-inch QHD (2560 x 1600) IPS display with a 165Hz refresh rate, delivering sharp visuals and smooth gameplay.
• Ample Connectivity: Offers a wide range of ports, including USB-C with Thunderbolt 4 support, HDMI 2.1, and Ethernet, accommodating various peripherals and external displays.
• Effective Cooling System: Designed with a dual-fan system and multiple vents, ensuring efficient heat dissipation during intensive gaming sessions.
• Comfortable Keyboard: The full-sized keyboard with 1.5mm key travel provides a satisfying typing experience, complemented by customizable RGB backlighting.

REASON TO AVOID

• Mediocre Battery Life: Under standard usage, the battery lasts approximately 4 to 5 hours, which decreases significantly during gaming sessions.
• Bulky Design: Weighing around 5.4 pounds (2.45 kg) and measuring 14.16 x 10.33 x 0.78-0.99 inches, it may not be ideal for frequent portability.
• Average Audio Performance: The bottom-firing speakers provide adequate sound but lack depth and bass, making external speakers or headphones preferable for an immersive experience.
• Lack of Biometric Features: The absence of a fingerprint reader or facial recognition may be a drawback for users prioritizing quick and secure login methods.

Description

The Lenovo Legion 5i is a powerhouse gaming laptop designed for users who demand high performance without compromising on build quality and design. Featuring Intel’s 12th Gen processors and NVIDIA’s RTX 40-series GPUs, it delivers outstanding gaming and multitasking capabilities. The 16-inch QHD display with a 165Hz refresh rate ensures smooth and immersive gameplay, making it an excellent choice for competitive gamers and content creators alike.

One of the standout features of the Lenovo Legion 5i is its advanced cooling system. With a dual-fan setup and multiple heat pipes, the laptop maintains optimal temperatures even under heavy loads, preventing thermal throttling. The keyboard is also well-designed, offering 1.5mm key travel and customizable RGB lighting, ensuring a comfortable typing experience during long gaming sessions.

In terms of connectivity, the Lenovo Legion 5i is well-equipped with multiple USB-C ports, HDMI 2.1, and an Ethernet port, allowing for seamless integration with external monitors, gaming peripherals, and wired internet connections. The design remains sleek and minimalistic, making it suitable for both gaming and professional environments. However, its weight of around 5.4 pounds (2.45 kg) makes it less ideal for frequent travelers.

Battery life remains one of the weaker points of the Lenovo Legion 5i, with the laptop offering around 4 to 5 hours of usage under normal conditions and significantly less when gaming. Audio performance is also average, with the bottom-firing speakers lacking depth and bass, making external headphones or speakers a better option for an immersive audio experience.

Overall, the Lenovo Legion 5i is a well-rounded gaming laptop that balances performance, build quality, and features. While it has a few drawbacks, such as battery life and portability, it remains an excellent choice for gamers looking for a reliable and powerful machine.

Recommendation

The Lenovo Legion 5i is a solid choice for gamers and professionals seeking a balance between power and affordability. If you need a high-performance laptop for gaming, streaming, or creative workloads, this device is worth considering. The powerful Intel Core i7-12700H processor and RTX 4070 GPU ensure smooth gameplay in the latest titles, while the 165Hz QHD display enhances the overall experience.

If portability is a priority, the Legion 5i might not be the best option due to its weight and battery limitations. Gamers who frequently travel may prefer a lighter, more power-efficient alternative. Additionally, if you rely heavily on built-in speakers, the audio quality might not meet expectations, making an external audio solution a necessity.

For those looking for a premium gaming experience with high-end performance, effective cooling, and strong connectivity options, the Legion 5i is a highly recommended option. However, if you need a laptop with better battery life, a slimmer form factor, or superior audio quality, you may want to explore other alternatives.