Lenovo Flex 5i Chromebook Plus review: A luxurious, affordable 2-in-1

Price When Reviewed

$499

Best Prices Today: Lenovo Flex 5i Chromebook Plus

$349

Chromebooks have actually gone by means of an evolution. They’ve damaged by means of the schooling market and gone straight into the mainstream. The Plus models, which promise higher efficiency in addition to new AI capabilities, have actually raised the bar for Chromebook units this 12 months. Among these fashions, there’s one which stands out from the remainder. With its the zippy efficiency, versatile 2-in-1 design, and wonderful show, the Lenovo Flex 5i Chromebook Plus left fairly the impression on me. Let’s get proper into it.

Looking for extra choices? Check out PCWorld’s roundup of the best Chromebooks immediately.

Lenovo Flex 5i Chromebook Plus: Specifications

Our overview unit got here with an Intel Core i3-1315U CPU, Intel UHD graphics, 8GB of RAM, and 128GB of SSD. It’s the one configuration so far as I’m conscious of. Aside from the touchscreen and convertible design, it has the very same specs as the opposite Plus fashions I’ve reviewed.

• CPU: Intel Core i3-1315U
• GPU: Intel UHD graphics
• RAM: 8GB
• Storage: 128GB SSD
• Display: 14-inches, 1920×1080, touch-enabled
• Refresh Rate: 60Hz
• Weight: 3.52 lbs
• Wireless: Wi-Fi 6E
• Price: $499

Lenovo Flex 5i Chromebook Plus: Design and construct high quality

IDG / Ashley Biancuzzo

When I lifted the Lenovo Flex 5i Chromebook Plus out of the field, I couldn’t assist however let loose a low whistle. This factor seems to be and feels fancy, actual fancy. The storm grey coloured lid has an aluminum end, which feels as clean as glass if you brush your fingers throughout it. While I actually dig this delicate but subtle design, it’s nothing eye-catching, which can bore the oldsters preferring extra aptitude. If you’re a kind of individuals, it’s best to try the Asus Chromebook Plus CX34, which has a beautiful stark white coloration scheme.

As for building, the Lenovo Flex 5i Chromebook Plus is fairly darn sturdy if I do say so myself. When you flip open the lid, the 360-degree hinge is agency and comparatively unyielding, which is precisely what you need in a laptop computer hinge. It additionally feels sturdy in each tent and pill modes. It positively has some heft to it, nevertheless it’s not backbreaking by any means. It’s simply heavier than I anticipated. According to the producer, it weighs simply over three kilos, which continues to be thought of light-weight so far as laptops go. In truth, three kilos is the candy spot in terms of ultraportables. You can simply tuck this factor in a messenger bag or backpack and be in your merry manner.

Lenovo Flex 5i Chromebook Plus: Display, webcam, audio

IDG / Ashley Biancuzzo

The Flex 5i’s 1200p contact show may be very crisp and vibrant. When I watched an episode of the unique Dragon Ball, Goku’s orange Turtle School uniform actually popped. It additionally has a facet ratio of 16:10, which is taller than the usual 16:9 fare. The taller display makes it simpler to scroll by means of paperwork and web sites, significantly in pill mode. This machine even has USI pen help, though it doesn’t include the suitable stylus. That’s a bummer, however not sudden, particularly for a $500 Chromebook. Still, it’s one thing I’d’ve preferred to have seen.

The 1080p webcam is a welcome addition. As somebody who works from house and video conferences now and again, a 1080p webcam is a must have in my ebook. This is the brand new customary throughout all Chromebook Plus units, which pleases me as a result of 720p webcams are absolute rubbish. There’s additionally a bodily digital camera shutter on the webcam itself, guaranteeing that your privateness shall be protected. Nowadays, you may’t be too cautious. As for the way I seemed on video, I seemed like an precise residing human being with pinkish cheeks and never some sun-starved creature from the deep. In different phrases, I didn’t seem washed out or grainy.

The upwards-firing audio system flank the keyboard, which is the very same setup because the Acer Chromebook Plus 515. The audio high quality is sort of good for a laptop computer. You’re not going to get cinema-level audio (clearly), however I used to be capable of clearly hear the Home Alone film soundtrack from throughout my kitchen and eating room. That soundtrack nonetheless slaps, by the best way. Mid-range sounds are extra distinguished than bass sounds, however once more that’s typical for laptop computer audio.

Lenovo Flex 5i Chromebook Plus: Connectivity

IDG / Ashley Biancuzzo

The port choice is respectable on the Flex 5i. On the suitable facet, you’ll discover one USB-C and one Kensington lock in addition to the ability button and quantity management. On the left there’s one microSD card reader, one 3.5mm audio jack, one USB-A, and one USB-C. Only one USB-C port can be utilized for charging. While I’d’ve most popular an HDMI port as a substitute of a microSD card reader, it’s actually not the worst factor on the earth. Hooking as much as an exterior monitor will simply require the suitable adapter.

Lenovo Flex 5i Chromebook Plus: Keyboard, trackpad

IDG / Ashley Biancuzzo

The Lenovo Flex 5i Chromebook Plus has a backlit chiclet-style keyboard, which implies the keys are flat and have solely a little bit house between them. Personally, I like utilizing chiclet keyboards, so I discovered typing on this one satisfying. The keys are responsive and have a enjoyable springiness to them. It didn’t take me too lengthy to get accustomed to the keys, both. Sure, there have been a couple of typos, however that’s to be anticipated with any new keyboard no matter type.

The trackpad is a pleasure to make use of as effectively. It measures 4.8-inches and it sits in the midst of the keyboard deck. If you’ve learn my earlier opinions, you’re in all probability conscious of my private vendetta in opposition to off-center trackpads. As for the Flex 5i’s trackpad, I discovered it each responsive and correct, particularly when scrolling by means of social media feeds and navigating varied web sites.

Lenovo Flex 5i Chromebook Plus: Performance

The Lenovo Flex 5i Chromebook Plus is sort of quick. It booted up inside seconds and I used to be capable of soar from tab to tab with none noticeable lag. When I ran CrXPRT’s efficiency benchmark, which measures how shortly a machine can run on a regular basis duties, it completed sturdy with a rating of 177. It really scored greater than the Acer Chromebook Plus 515, which has an Intel Core i3-1215U processor, a era behind the Flex 5i’s Intel Core i3-1315U processor.

The Plus fashions have the sting over some older (non-Plus) Chromebooks, as effectively, just like the Acer Chromebook Vero 514. The Flex 5i’s 177 rating CrXPRT bested the Vero 514’s 150 rating. There’s positively a lift in processing efficiency occurring right here. It needs to be famous that each Plus mannequin I’ve examined is quick and responsive, so I didn’t discover a lot distinction between them performance-wise. One machine didn’t really feel any quicker than the opposite, particularly in real-world use. That mentioned, the Flex 5i continues to be snappy for a Chromebook and is extra favorable in my eyes as a result of it features a touchscreen and a 2-in-1 design.

Although the Lenovo Flex 5i Chromebook Plus outperforms some non-Plus fashions, it could possibly’t beat all of them. The Acer Chromebook Spin 514, which earned the highest spot in our best Chromebooks roundup, scored 199 in CrXPRT’s efficiency benchmark. The Spin 514 is costlier and has an Intel Core i5 processor, which is designed for gaming, multitasking, and different extra advanced duties. That’s to not say the Flex 5i under-performs. The Flex 5i’s Intel Core i3 processor is designed for day-to-day use and that’s precisely what it does and it does it effectively.

Here’s how the Lenovo Flex 5i Chromebook Plus fared within the 5 browser-based benchmarks:

• CrXPRT 2: 177
• Speedometer: 286
• Basemark Web 3.0: 1371.95
• Kraken: 475.0ms
• Jetstream 2: 279.276

Lenovo Flex 5i Chromebook Plus: Battery life

The Lenovo Flex 5i Chromebook Plus lasted a little bit over 9 hours on a single cost, which is a good all-day consequence. However, for a Chromebook, it’s a little bit brief. The Asus Chromebook CM34 Flip, for instance, lasted a whopping 19 hours on a single cost. Chromebooks are likely to have ridiculously lengthy battery lives. That mentioned, with the Flex 5i, you gained’t must go on the lookout for an outlet fairly often. You might be able to squeeze out one other hour or two in case you decrease the brightness.

Should you purchase the Lenovo Flex 5i Chromebook Plus?

Heck yeah! The Lenovo Flex 5i Chromebook Plus is a step above the remainder with its sturdy building, speedy efficiency, convertible design, and vibrant touchscreen. While the battery life is about common for a Chromebook, it’s nonetheless a improbable all-day consequence. The touchscreen and 2-in-1 design actually give it the sting over the opposite Chromebook Plus fashions, particularly for simply $500. Those extra options actually do make a distinction. The solely actual draw back is that the stylus isn’t included, so that you’d must pay further for it. That’s probably not a deal-breaker for me, although. It’s only a normal bummer. If you may dwell with these minor compromises, then the Lenovo Flex 5i Chromebook Plus is an outstanding laptop computer for almost anyone.