Lenovo Legion 5i review: This gaming laptop cranks the RTX 3060 to 11

Price When Reviewed

$1,549.99

Best Prices Today: Lenovo Legion 5i

Legion, Lenovo’s gaming sub-brand, is celebrating its five-year anniversary and its first half-decade has confirmed successful. Legion laptops are actually sturdy rivals throughout a broad vary of worth factors. The Legion 5i, a 15.6-inch gaming laptop computer, appears to push apart sturdy mid-range rivals reminiscent of Acer’s Nitro 5. Lenovo’s various delivers on efficiency and connectivity however nonetheless feels constructed to suit a good funds. Let’s get proper into it.

Lenovo Legion 5i specs and options

The Lenovo Legion 5i’s specs are typical for a mid-range gaming laptop computer. Intel’s Core i7-12700H processor leads the cost, as is true for almost each gaming laptop computer available on the market proper now. It’s joined by Nvidia’s RTX 3060, 16GB of RAM, and 512GB of strong state storage. The SSD could also be a sore level, as massive funds video games like Destiny 2 and Call of Duty: Modern Warfare II will shortly fill it. 

• CPU: Intel Core i7-12700H
• Memory: 16GB DDR5
• Graphics/GPU: Nvidia RTX 3060
• Display: 2560 x 1440 IPS 165Hz
• Storage: 512GB PCIe Gen4 M.2 strong state drive
• Webcam: 720p
• Connectivity: 3x USB-A 3.2 Gen 1, 1x USB-C 3.2 Gen 2 with 135 watts Power Delivery and DisplayPort 1.4a, 1x USB-C 3.2 Gen 2 with DisplayPort 1.4, 1x Thunderbolt 4 / USB4, 1x HDMI, 1x Ethernet, 1x 3.5mm audio combo, energy connector
• Networking: Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.1
• Biometrics: None
• Battery capability: 80 watt-hours
• Dimensions: 14.13 x 10.33 x 0.79 inches
• Weight: 5.3 kilos
• MSRP: $1,549.99

One essential be aware: the mannequin Lenovo offered for this evaluate is just out there by means of Costco. The predominant distinction is the show, which receives an improve from 1080p to 1440p decision. Similar configurations with a 1080p can be found direct from Lenovo beginning at $1,399.99. The entry-level Legion 5i configuration, with an Intel Core i5-12500H processor and Nvidia RTX 3050 Ti graphics, is simply $1,149.99. 

Design and construct high quality

Lenovo’s Legion 5i embraces a smooth, good-looking fashion that’s widespread amongst quite a few mid-range laptops. It measures about 0.8 inches thick, offering a considerably skinny profile, and weighs in at simply 5.3 kilos. This places it proper consistent with Acer’s Predator Triton 300 SE and Alienware’s X15 R2. The Legion 5i is slimmer than the Lenovo Legion 5 Pro and Acer Predator Helios 300.

The result’s a design that appears skilled and workmanlike. However, the laptop computer’s construct high quality doesn’t dwell as much as expectations set by the design. I discovered flex in each the show lid and the decrease chassis when dealing with the laptop computer roughly. To be clear, it’s not horrible: older gaming laptops had been much more flimsy. Still, the shortage of rigidity is clear subsequent to a premium laptop computer just like the Razer Blade 15 or Lenovo’s personal Legion 5 Pro.

Material high quality can be unexceptional. The Legion 5i has steel panels alongside contact factors however makes use of plastic on the decrease chassis and surrounding the show. This is a superb strategy to reduce prices, but it surely doesn’t really feel luxurious or stand out from rivals.

The internet end result? You get what you pay for. The Legion 5i appears and feels superb for a mid-range gaming laptop computer however doesn’t stand out. There’s a noticeable distinction between this laptop computer and Lenovo’s Legion 5 Pro, which I examined earlier this yr. The Pro mannequin is thicker and heavier but in addition feels extra sturdy and inflexible. 

Keyboard and trackpad

IDG / Matthew Smith

The Lenovo Legion 5i packs in a keyboard with numpad that makes aggressive use of the laptop computer’s inside house. Almost each inch of width is full of keys, offering a spacious format. Most keys are full sized although a number of, such because the Backspace, are on the small aspect. The numpad keys are additionally undersized, which is regular for all 15.6-inch (and most 16- and 17-inch laptops) that embrace a numpad. I discovered the format comfy and simple to make use of.

Key really feel is suitable however doesn’t stand out. Travel is suitable however not lengthy and keys backside with a considerably obscure really feel. Key motion stays easy, nonetheless, and rebounds properly. Nitpicks apart, it’s a usable keyboard and on par with most gaming laptops. 

An RGB keyboard backlight is included and permits coloration customization throughout 4 keyboard zones. Its settings are managed by means of Lenovo’s Vantage software program, which appears engaging and is simple to make use of. Backlight coloration is a matter, nonetheless, as a result of some colours (crimson and yellow) seem too white or pastel. I observed the identical difficulty on Lenovo’s Legion 5 Pro. 

The touchpad gives loads of house, because it measures about 5 inches throughout and three inches deep. It’s a lot smaller than class leaders just like the Corsair Voyager a1600 however on par with the Acer Predator Triton 300 SE and far bigger than the Alienware X15 R2. Windows multi-touch gestures work properly, making it simple to flip by means of open tabs or clear open home windows from the desktop. 

Display, audio

IDG / Matthew Smith

The Lenovo Legion 5i I examined had a 2560×1440 165Hz IPS LCD show with a most refresh charge of 165Hz. Shoppers take be aware: this show is probably not out there on the mannequin you’re contemplating, because the configuration I examined is just out there by means of Costco. Most Legion 5i fashions have a 1920×1080 IPS LCD with the identical 165Hz refresh charge. 

This is a 16:9 facet ratio show which, just some years in the past, was widespread. However, many laptops have switched to the taller 16:10 facet ratio. The Legion 5i’s show feels a bit tight by comparability as a result of it has much less vertical show house. This could also be disappointing if you wish to use the laptop computer for content material creation. It’s much less essential when gaming since most video games goal a 16:9 facet ratio because the default. 

Image high quality has some strengths. The IPS LCD gives good coloration accuracy and appears vivid at its most brightness of 381 nits, which is way increased than its claimed most of 300 nits. Color accuracy is excessive and the colour gamut covers the complete sRGB coloration house, although solely 80 p.c of the bigger DCI-P3 coloration house. The show’s 1440p decision, which packs 188 pixels per inch, ensures the picture appears sharp and crisp. These traits make for a lifelike and attention-grabbing picture when displaying vibrant and colourful titles like Overwatch 2. 

However, the show lacks distinction in comparison with laptops with OLED and Mini-LED shows such because the Asus Vivobook Pro OLED or Apple MacBook Pro. The Legion 5i can battle with low-light particulars and shadows in darkish video games, like Diablo II: Resurrected, in addition to gritty movies like The Batman. With that mentioned, most gaming laptops stay caught on IPS LCD screens as a result of they provide the very best refresh charges, so the Legion 5i’s show high quality is on par with rivals. 

The refresh charge can attain as excessive as 165Hz and, due to the laptop computer’s efficiency and 1440p decision, that refresh charge is achievable in so-called “esports” titles like Counter-Strike and League of Legends. Motion readability is sweet at excessive refresh charges however doesn’t stand out when framerates are decrease. The laptop computer helps each G-Sync and Nvidia Optimus, offering easy body pacing in video games and bettering battery life (although Optimus runs into some points, which I’ll talk about within the battery life part of this evaluate).

The Legion 5i’s audio system aren’t nice. They are downward-firing, which implies audio high quality and quantity will change relying on the floor the laptop computer is on. Maximum quantity is loud sufficient to offer some punch but in addition muddies the standard as skinny bass creeps into the midrange and highs flip shrill. Audio high quality is suitable for gameplay or music at modest quantity, however headphones might be fascinating for extra critical use. 

Webcam, microphone, biometrics

The Lenovo Legion 5i has a 720p webcam. Video high quality is grainy, smooth, and boring, although superb for many video calls. An digital privateness shutter is included and activated utilizing a bodily change on the laptop computer’s proper flank. Microphone high quality can be mediocre. It gives good quantity, however my voice was distant and hole in recordings. The result’s usable for video calls, nonetheless, so it does the job. 

The Legion 5i doesn’t supply biometric choices. Though a bit disappointing, this cut-costing measure is typical for a mid-range laptop computer.

Connectivity

IDG / Matthew Smith

The Lenovo Legion 5i gives a wholesome dose of future-proof connectivity spanning two USB-C ports and one Thunderbolt 4/USB-C ports. The rear USB-C port helps DisplayPort Alternate Mode and 135 watts of Power Delivery, whereas left-flank USB-C and Thunderbolt 4 ports solely supply DisplayPort Alternate Mode. 

The rear USB-C port’s Power Delivery is notable as a result of its most of 135 watts is way increased than rivals, which usually have a most of 90 to 95 watts (if they’ve it in any respect). This nonetheless isn’t sufficient to totally energy the laptop computer beneath heavy load, because it comes with a 300-watt energy adapter. However, it may possibly present affordable charging pace and preserve the laptop computer charged throughout mild to medium use. 

Lenovo doesn’t skimp on USB-A, both, offering three USB-A ports: one on the best flank and two round rear. The rear factors are joined by HDMI-out, Ethernet, and the laptop computer’s energy connector. The wholesome collection of rear-facing port choices will assist with cable administration when the laptop computer is docked on a desk.

Wireless connectivity is offered by Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.1. Support for Wi-Fi 6E, which is the most recent Wi-Fi commonplace, ensures the laptop computer can present nice wi-fi efficiency when used with a Wi-Fi 6E router. Bluetooth 5.1 is a step behind the most recent Bluetooth 5.2, and it’s a bit odd to see 5.2 will not be supported. However, the options in Bluetooth 5.2 are minor and largely apply to Bluetooth audio. 

Performance

The Lenovo Legion 5i I examined had an Intel Core i7-12700H. This is a 14-core, 20-thread processor that’s successfully commonplace difficulty for all new mid-range and a few premium gaming laptops. It’s supported by an Nvidia RTX 3060 with a beefy most energy of 140 watts. 16GB of DDR5 RAM and a 512GB PCIe strong state drive spherical out the spec sheet. The outcomes proven in our graphs had been achieved within the laptop computer’s commonplace “Balanced” energy profile. 

IDG / Matthew Smith

PCMark 10 begins the Lenovo Legion 5i off on the best foot. It achieves a mixed rating of 7,167, which is the third-best of this aggressive set and a bit above the general common for related laptops. With that mentioned, all the laptops proven on this graph obtain typically related outcomes.

IDG / Matthew Smith

Next up is Cinebench R15 multi-thread, a closely threaded, demanding, however short-duration benchmark. The Legion 5i does extraordinarily properly right here, as its rating of two,431 is once more the third-best on this aggressive set. It additionally is sort of far above the typical. It’s spectacular to see the mid-range Legion 5i run far forward of rivals just like the Razer Blade 15, which is way more costly. 

IDG / Matthew Smith

Handbrake, a video encoding device, is a closely threaded, lengthy period benchmark that places a laptop computer’s thermals to the assessments. The Legion 5i dips a bit under the typical on this take a look at and is the fourth-quickest total, however its efficiency stays strong for a mid-range gaming laptop computer. 

Now we transfer onto graphics benchmarks. The Legion 5i’s inclusion of an Nvidia RTX 3060 may appear underwhelming, however the satan is within the particulars. This is a 140-watt incarnation, the very best out there for laptops with an RTX 3060. So, does that result in wonderful efficiency?

IDG / Matthew Smith

The 3DMark Time Spy benchmark reached a rating of 8,335. This is nearly equivalent, although a tad decrease than, the Acer Nitro 5—one other laptop computer with Nvidia RTX 3060 graphics and a 140-watt TGP. Laptops with RTX 3070 and RTX 3070 Ti {hardware} are typically round 20 p.c faster however, in fact, have increased worth tags. 

IDG / Matthew Smith

Shadow of the Tomb Raider averages a blistering 110 frames-per-second, which is a wonderful end result for an RTX 3060 laptop computer. The Legion 5i barely beats the Acer Nitro 5 right here, although solely by 4 frames per second. 

Laptops with higher Nvidia RTX cellular graphics proceed to ship higher outcomes, nonetheless. Some, just like the Lenovo Legion 5 Pro and Alienware X15 R2, are over 30 p.c faster. 

IDG / Matthew Smith

Metro Exodus tells a well-recognized story. The Lenovo Legion 5i averaged 38 frames per second, which is a strong end result for a mid-range laptop computer and just some frames in need of some RTX 3070 and RTX 3080 laptops. However, the Acer Nitro 5 is a bit stronger on this take a look at. 

The Lenovo Legion 5 Pro and Alienware X15 R2 as soon as once more leap manner forward of the pack, so these might be a better option if you’d like most efficiency. 

Even ray-tracing is inside attain. Cyberpunk 2077 averaged 25 frames per second at Ultra settings and 1080p decision with RTX Ray Tracing turned on and DLSS off. Tweaking a number of settings (reminiscent of turning on DLSS or decreasing Ray Tracing high quality to Medium) bumps the typical above 30 frames per second.

All assessments on this evaluate had been carried out with the laptop computer’s Balanced mode turned on. This mode supplied acceptable fan noise and temperatures, although fan noise did begin to develop into annoying in probably the most demanding video games (like Metro Exodus). 

The Lenovo Legion additionally has a Performance mode. It delivered a lot increased efficiency in some conditions. Cinebench R15 returned a rating of two,710, which is a 14 p.c enchancment over the Balanced Mode, and Shadow of the Tomb Raider gained 10 frames per second. Unfortunately, this mode was annoyingly loud. That limits its real-world usefulness, but it surely’s price turning on if you happen to plan to set the laptop computer to a demanding lengthy period process (like encoding an edit of a 4K video) and go away for lunch.

Battery life

The Lenovo Legion 5i comes outfitted with an 80 watt-hour battery. That’s a decent measurement, but it surely falls in need of the efficient most of 99 watt-hours (the results of FAA laws on the scale of batteries allowed in carry-on electronics). 

To offset this, the Legion 5i helps Nvidia Optimus switchable graphics. This can flip off the extra power-hungry Nvidia GPU and fall again to Intel built-in graphics to preserve energy. However, it doesn’t obtain nice outcomes.

IDG / Matthew Smith

The Legion 5i delivered beneath 5 hours of battery life, a determine that places it barely behind the pack. This result’s in line or under some laptops that don’t supply Optimus. That is a disappointing end result. It often is the case that Optimus will not be participating appropriately. With that mentioned, the Nvidia’s GPU exercise monitor didn’t point out the GPU was engaged throughout our battery life take a look at.

It’s clear the Legion 5i isn’t your best option for battery life. It’s a robust and power-hungry laptop computer with a modestly sized battery. Expect to high off the laptop computer continuously.

Conclusion

The Lenovo Legion 5i is a reliable mid-range gaming laptop computer that struggles to throw apart the compromises its inexpensive pricing calls for. It does the job, but it surely’s a bit boring.

Performance is the spotlight. Mid-range gaming laptops typically carry out properly for his or her worth and the Legion 5i appears a bit forward of this already spectacular pack. This is as fast a gaming laptop computer as you’ll discover with out upgrading to RTX 3070 or RTX 3080 {hardware}, one thing you’ll solely discover in laptops which can be not less than a number of hundred {dollars} costlier. However, Acer’s Nitro 5 is a barely higher worth, providing nearly equivalent efficiency for even much less.

The remainder of the laptop computer is an economical shell for the {hardware}. Aside from its connectivity, which is superb, nothing in regards to the laptop computer’s high quality or characteristic set places it forward of the gang. But with an as-tested worth of $1,549.99 and a few nearly equivalent {hardware} configurations dipping to $1,399.99, that’s a compromise many players might be keen to just accept.