9.2/ 10 SCORE Lenovo Yoga 9i 2-in-1 Aura Edition Pros
Beautiful OLED show
Compact bundle with smooth aesthetics
Record-setting battery life
Great audio and webcam
Cons
Mechanical moderately than haptic trackpad
No HDMI port or SIM card reader
The Lenovo Yoga 9i 2-in-1 Aura Edition is bigger than the sum of its elements. Based on a standard Intel Core Ultra Series 2 processor, its part lineup just isn’t all that uncommon. But positioned inside a smooth and compact enclosure and outfitted with a lovely 2.8K OLED show, the Yoga 9i is completely tailor-made for distant or workplace staff — or actually anybody who desires a contemporary laptop computer that may additionally rotate right into a pill. The Yoga 9i gives modestly highly effective efficiency and distinctive battery life. It’s the longest-running laptop computer that CNET has ever examined, edging final yr’s HP OmniBook X 14 with battery lifetime of practically 26 hours. And even and not using a haptic touchpad, it charges greater than the HP Spectre x360 14, our earlier favourite premium two-in-one and earned itself an Editors’ Choice award within the course of. At its usually discounted worth of $1,400, the Yoga 9i 2-in-1 Aura Edition is a superb OLED convertible and an incredible worth.Don’t miss any of our unbiased tech content material and lab-based evaluations. Add CNET as a most well-liked Google supply.Lenovo Yoga 9i 2-in-1 Aura Edition Price as reviewed $1,400Show dimension/decision 14-inch 2880×1800 contact OLEDCPU Intel Core Ultra 7 258VMemory 32GB LPDDR5X-8533Graphics Intel Arc 140VStorage 1TB SSDPorts 2x Thunderbolt 4, USB-C, USB Type-A 3.2 Gen 2, combo audioNetworking Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 5.4Operating system Windows 11 ProWeight 2.91 lbs (1.32 kg) The Yoga 9i 2-in-1 Aura Edition is Lenovo’s premium Yoga sequence, one notch above the mainstream Yoga 7 sequence. The “i” signifies this mannequin has an Intel CPU (no “i” means it is an AMD config), and Aura Edition refers to Lenovo’s AI initiative. In partnership with Intel, the corporate has launched a sequence of machines constructed across the newest Intel Core Ultra processors with neural processing models designed to deal with native AI processing.Aura Edition fashions embody a lot of good modes designed to adapt to person habits. There’s Shield Mode to blur the display if the unit detects somebody peeking over your shoulder, Collaboration Mode to optimize digicam, microphone, and background results for video calls, Wellness Mode to encourage you to relaxation your eyes throughout marathon classes, and Attention Mode to mute notifications and limit entry to distracting websites and apps.There are a handful of preset Yoga 9i 2-in-1 Aura Edition configurations in addition to the choice to customise a handful of settings your self, however the variety of choices are restricted. That stated, the pricing mannequin is sort of beneficiant, if barely complicated, at the least the way in which the fashions are listed on Lenovo’s website on the time of this writing. Matt Elliott/CNETFor occasion, my check mannequin with an Intel Core Ultra 7 258V, 32GB of RAM, a 1TB SSD and 14-inch, 2,880×1,800-pixel OLED is at present out there at Lenovo for $1,400, which represents a 22% low cost in response to Lenovo. Then there’s a mannequin with the lower-spec Core Ultra 7 256V processor, 16GB of RAM, 512GB SSD and the identical show for $1,440, which is greater as a result of it is discounted by solely 10%. Regardless, $1,400 for this bundle is a implausible worth, significantly when you think about the standard of the show and the beneficiant allotment of RAM and storage. Contrast this with Lenovo’s personal ThinkPad X1 2-in-1 Gen 10 Aura Edition, which encompasses a disappointing 1,920×1,200 IPS show, the identical processor and RAM however much less storage (a 512GB SSD) and is at present listed at $1,874.The Yoga 9i 2-in-1 Aura Edition begins at £1,800 within the UK and AU$2,399.00 in Australia.Lenovo Yoga 9i 2-in-1 Aura Edition efficiencyThe Yoga 9i was punchy and snappy in on a regular basis use, and I used to be particularly impressed with the touchscreen, particularly at the side of the included Lenovo Linear Pen. The pen felt exceptionally responsive when in comparison with different 2-in-1s and tablets, and makes a robust case for utilizing it as the first enter. The Core Ultra 7 processor on the coronary heart of the machine offers loads of horsepower to maintain up with looking, phrase processing or Windows Copilot native AI options, in addition to the built-in AI software program. As you possibly can see from our benchmark outcomes, it carried out roughly in addition to (or in some instances higher than) equally specced two-in-ones. Most spectacular was its endurance in our battery life check the place it lasted a outstanding 25 hours and 45 minutes. This is a testomony to the effectivity of Intel’s newest Core Ultra chips but additionally to this particular design, provided that it outlasted the ThinkPad X1 Gen 10 Aura Edition, which packs the identical CPU, by greater than eight hours. Matt Elliott/CNETRigid and rounded enclosureAs somebody who spends quite a lot of time reviewing bland black and gray laptops, I used to be optimistic in regards to the Yoga 9i’s Cosmic Blue end. Unfortunately, the blue ended up being such a darkish navy it was practically indistinguishable from black in most lighting, which was a little bit of a letdown. Otherwise, the outside design of the chassis is agreeable, if understated. I just like the rounded edges and useful however not too obtrusive digicam notch (which doubles as a deal with for opening the lid, and is well executed with one hand). I additionally admire the all-aluminum construct, which is sort of inflexible and permits for nearly no flex in any respect. Matt Elliott/CNETThe speaker design is one other constructive a part of the Yoga 9i’s sturdy construct. Tucked right into a mini soundbar that is constructed instantly into the hinge are a pair of 2-watt tweeters and two 2-watt woofers. Not solely do I just like the visible design of the soundbar, however the ensuing sound high quality is impressively excessive for such a slender pocket book. It is a slim little bundle, too, at simply 0.65 inches thick and weighing a slight 2.91 kilos. It’s small, straightforward to deal with, and people aforementioned rounded edges make it a pleasure to hold, and virtually unnoticeable in a backpack. Matt Elliott/CNETThe star of the present is undoubtedly the two.8K OLED touchscreen panel. It options vivid, vibrant colours, bleached whites and deep blacks, and the 120Hz refresh fee delivers liquid easy movement. For me, the two.8K decision is simply in regards to the candy spot for sharpness in a 14-inch laptop computer. Some higher-end fashions within the Yoga 9i function a 4K OLED, however I do not suppose it is value the additional cash or the hit to battery life.While you will not seemingly be doing loads of high-end gaming on a machine that lacks a discrete GPU, it is a beautiful display to look at movies or stream movies on, and the Core Ultra 7 and Arc 140V built-in graphics are succesful sufficient to deal with some fashionable video games on decrease settings, or simply run older or much less demanding titles.The touchpad is a little bit of a letdown. It was expansive sufficient to accommodate my swipes, but it surely’s mechanical, which means it requires bodily clicks in particular areas to set off mouse inputs moderately than a haptic various that simulates clicks with vibration and may be clicked wherever. The fundamental touchpad is a robust argument for primarily utilizing the wonderful touchscreen and included pen. Matt Elliott/CNETThe keyboard is barely higher, although not distinctive. While it has first rate key journey and is spacious, taking on the complete width of the deck, the keys are a bit rubbery. There’s no numpad, however I appreciated the column of perform keys on the far proper of the deck that provides one-touch choices like mute and efficiency mode, in addition to a customizable key. There’s additionally a fingerprint sensor positioned neatly slightly below that perform row.The webcam is one other standout function, additional proof of the Yoga 9i’s welcome consideration to element. It’s a 5-megapixel digicam alongside a twin microphone, and it features a privateness shutter. The webcam offered sharp pictures and first rate colour accuracy, with minimal bloom or blurring round even very vibrant gentle sources. The uptick in high quality when capturing reside video with Collaboration Mode enabled was noticeable, if not mindblowing.Port choice is a bit underwhelming. While there are two Thunderbolt 4 slots, as properly a further USB-C and one USB-A, the Yoga 9i lacks an HDMI port and in addition would not embody a SIM card reader. I’ve gotten used to newer laptops largely omitting a SIM card slot, for higher or worse, however the lack of an HDMI opening is basically disappointing for many who often prefer to hook their pocket book as much as a TV or exterior show.Is the Lenovo Yoga 9i 2-in-1 Aura Edition a great laptop computer?The Lenovo Yoga 9i 2-in-1 Aura Edition is a well-crafted, well-specced two-in-one that is remarkably well-priced. It’s a gorgeous machine and, whereas the two.8K OLED panel and AI options might seize headlines (and deservedly so, at the least within the show’s case), they’re backed by a lot of good and helpful options and equipment that elevate it from an incredible worth to a really distinctive laptop computer. Its record-setting battery life will allow you to go away the charger at dwelling for days at a time and makes up for the truth that this premium two-in-one lacks a premium haptic touchpad. For anybody available in the market for a two-in-one ultraportable to turn out to be their on a regular basis driver, the Yoga 9i is a simple suggestion.
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The evaluate course of for laptops, desktops, tablets and different computerlike units consists of two elements: efficiency testing beneath managed circumstances within the CNET Labs and in depth hands-on use by our professional reviewers. This consists of evaluating a tool’s aesthetics, ergonomics and options. A ultimate evaluate verdict is a mixture of each goal and subjective judgments. The record of benchmarking software program we use adjustments over time because the units we check evolve. The most essential core checks we’re at present operating on each appropriate laptop embody Primate Labs Geekbench 6, Cinebench R23, PCMark 10 and 3DMark Fire Strike Ultra. A extra detailed description of every benchmark and the way we use it may be discovered on our How We Test Computers web page.
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Geekbench 6 CPU (multi-core) HP OmniBook X Flip 14 12,747Lenovo Yoga Slim 9i 14 Gen 10 11,029HP OmniBook X Flip 16 10,919Dell 14 Plus 2-in-1 10,554Lenovo Yoga 9i 2-in-1 Aura Edition 10,458Lenovo ThinkPad X1 2-in-1 Gen 10 Aura Edition 10,169Lenovo ThinkPad X9 14 Aura Edition 9,844 Note: Longer bars point out higher efficiency
Geekbench 6 CPU (single-core) HP OmniBook X Flip 14 2,823Dell 14 Plus 2-in-1 2,792Lenovo Yoga Slim 9i 14 Gen 10 2,728HP OmniBook X Flip 16 2,727Lenovo ThinkPad X1 2-in-1 Gen 10 Aura Edition 2,600Lenovo ThinkPad X9 14 Aura Edition 2,563Lenovo Yoga 9i 2-in-1 Aura Edition 2,510 Note: Longer bars point out higher efficiency
Cinebench 2024 CPU (multi-core) HP OmniBook X Flip 14 636Lenovo Yoga Slim 9i 14 Gen 10 583Lenovo Yoga 9i 2-in-1 Aura Edition 551Lenovo ThinkPad X1 2-in-1 Gen 10 Aura Edition 542Dell 14 Plus 2-in-1 537Lenovo ThinkPad X9 14 Aura Edition 532HP OmniBook X Flip 16 509 Note: Longer bars point out higher efficiency
Cinebench 2024 CPU (single-core) Lenovo Yoga Slim 9i 14 Gen 10 121Lenovo Yoga 9i 2-in-1 Aura Edition 120HP OmniBook X Flip 16 120Lenovo ThinkPad X1 2-in-1 Gen 10 Aura Edition 119HP OmniBook X Flip 14 114Lenovo ThinkPad X9 14 Aura Edition 113Dell 14 Plus 2-in-1 111 Note: Longer bars point out higher efficiency
PCMark 10 Pro Edition Lenovo ThinkPad X1 2-in-1 Gen 10 Aura Edition 7,330HP OmniBook X Flip 14 7,199Lenovo Yoga 9i 2-in-1 Aura Edition 7,192Lenovo Yoga Slim 9i 14 Gen 10 6,812Dell 14 Plus 2-in-1 6,752HP OmniBook X Flip 16 6,723Lenovo ThinkPad X9 14 Aura Edition 6,589 Note: Longer bars point out higher efficiency
3DMark Time Spy HP OmniBook X Flip 16 4,409Lenovo Yoga Slim 9i 14 Gen 10 4,393Lenovo Yoga 9i 2-in-1 Aura Edition 4,358Lenovo ThinkPad X1 2-in-1 Gen 10 Aura Edition 4,229Lenovo ThinkPad X9 14 Aura Edition 3,718HP OmniBook X Flip 14 2,902Dell 14 Plus 2-in-1 2,011 Note: Longer bars point out higher efficiency
Online streaming battery drain check Lenovo Yoga 9i 2-in-1 Aura Edition 25 hr 45 minLenovo ThinkPad X1 2-in-1 Gen 10 Aura Edition 17 hr 40 minLenovo ThinkPad X9 14 Aura Edition 17 hr 18 minDell 14 Plus 2-in-1 14 hr 55 minHP OmniBook X Flip 16 14 hr 38 minLenovo Yoga Slim 9i 14 Gen 10 13 hr 27 minHP OmniBook X Flip 14 9 hr 1 min Note: Longer bars point out higher efficiency
System configurations Lenovo Yoga 9i 2-in-1 Aura Edition Microsoft Windows 11 Home; Intel Core Ultra 7 258V; 32GB DDR5 RAM; Intel Arc 140V Graphics; 1TB SSDLenovo ThinkPad X1 2-in-1 Gen 10 Aura Edition Microsoft Windows 11 Home; Intel Core Ultra 7 258V; 32GB DDR5 RAM; Intel Arc 140V Graphics; 512GB SSDLenovo ThinkPad X9 14 Aura Edition Microsoft Windows 11 Home; Intel Core Ultra 5 226V; 16GB DDR5 RAM; Intel Arc 130V Graphics; 512GB SSDLenovo Yoga Slim 9i 14 Gen 10 Microsoft Windows 11 Home; Intel Core Ultra 7 258V; 32GB DDR5 RAM; Intel Arc 140V Graphics; 1TB SSDDell 14 Plus 2-in-1 Microsoft Windows 11 Home; AMD Ryzen AI 5 340; 16GB DDR5 RAM; AMD Radeon 840M Graphics; 512GB SSDHP OmniBook X Flip 14 Microsoft Windows 11 Home; AMD Ryzen AI 7 350; 32GB DDR5 RAM; AMD Radeon 860M Graphics; 1TB SSDHP OmniBook X Flip 16 Microsoft Windows 11 Home; Intel Core Ultra 7 258V; 32GB DDR5 RAM; Intel Arc 140V; 2TB SSD
