Lenovo Legion 5i gaming laptop review Intel i9 power with RTX 4060 graphics

Description

Design and Build Quality

The Lenovo Legion 5i Gaming Laptop immediately impresses with its sleek, modern design. The black matte finish exudes a professional yet edgy vibe, making it ideal for both gamers and professionals who appreciate aesthetics. Its 16-inch WQXGA display, boasting a resolution of 2560 x 1600 pixels, is sharp and vibrant, delivering excellent color accuracy with 100% sRGB coverage. As someone who spends hours gaming and working, I found the anti-glare coating particularly helpful in reducing eye strain. Despite its 5.28-pound weight, the laptop feels sturdy and durable, though not the most portable option out there. The dimensions (10.25 x 0.98 x 14.31 inches) strike a balance between a compact yet substantial build, and the RGB-backlit keyboard adds a nice touch for nighttime gaming sessions.

Performance and Speed

This machine is a powerhouse. Equipped with the Intel Core i9-14900HX processor, it effortlessly handled everything I threw at it. Whether multitasking with multiple Chrome tabs, editing videos, or playing demanding games like Cyberpunk 2077, the combination of 24 cores (8 performance and 16 efficiency) worked seamlessly to deliver optimal performance. The 32GB DDR5 RAM (running at 5600 MHz) ensures smooth operation, even with resource-heavy applications. I tested it with some of the most demanding AAA games, and thanks to the NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4060 graphics card (8GB GDDR6), the visuals were stunning, with no noticeable lag or stuttering. The 165Hz refresh rate on the display elevates the gaming experience, ensuring buttery-smooth motion during fast-paced sequences.

Key Benefits

• Top-notch performance thanks to the Intel i9 CPU and RTX 4060 GPU.
• High refresh rate (165Hz) perfect for gaming enthusiasts.
• Ample storage with a 1TB PCIe NVMe SSD.
• Vivid, crisp visuals with 100% sRGB on a 500-nit screen.

Cooling and Noise Levels

I was curious about how well this laptop would manage heat during extended sessions. The Legion Coldfront 5.0 cooling system kept the machine surprisingly cool, even under heavy load. The fans do get loud during intense gaming, but it’s a trade-off I’m willing to accept for the efficient heat dissipation. One thing that stood out was how it maintained stable performance without thermal throttling, something I’ve encountered in other gaming laptops in the past.

Connectivity and Ports

The range of ports on this laptop is impressive. With 1x USB-C 3.1/3.2 Gen 2 supporting Video Alt Mode and Power Delivery, an additional USB-C 3.1/3.2 Gen 2, and 3x USB-A 3.0/3.1/3.2 Gen 1 ports, I could connect multiple peripherals without any hassle. The Bluetooth and 802.11ax wireless connectivity provided a reliable connection for both my wireless mouse and online gaming sessions. However, I did notice that the lack of an SD card slot could be inconvenient for photographers or video editors who frequently transfer files.

Areas for Improvement

• Fan noise during high performance can be distracting.
• Portability is limited due to its weight and size.
• No SD card slot, which might be a dealbreaker for creative professionals.

Battery Life

Battery life on gaming laptops is often a weak point, and this one is no exception. While the Legion 5i delivers fantastic performance, the battery drains quickly during gaming or heavy workloads. I managed to get around 4-5 hours on moderate use, which is decent but not exceptional. If you’re planning to game or work on this laptop away from a power outlet, you’ll want to keep the charger handy.

Product Comparisons

Comparing the Legion 5i to competitors like the ASUS ROG Strix G16 and MSI Katana 15, it clearly holds its ground. Both of those alternatives offer similar specs at comparable price points, but the Legion 5i’s display stands out as a major advantage. The 500-nit brightness and 16:10 aspect ratio make it superior for both gaming and productivity. However, the ROG Strix G16’s design feels slightly more portable, and its battery life edges out the Legion. On the other hand, the MSI Katana 15 lacks the same level of color accuracy and build quality, giving the Legion 5i a leg up for content creators.

Quality for Price

Given its premium specs, the Legion 5i Gaming Laptop offers solid value for money. While it’s not the cheapest option in its class, the combination of performance, display quality, and robust build make it worth the investment. If you’re someone who prioritizes gaming, multitasking, or visual work, this machine is absolutely worth every penny. However, casual users or those looking for a lightweight, everyday laptop might find it a bit overkill.

Overall, this laptop is an excellent choice for gamers, professionals, and anyone in between who needs high performance and stunning visuals.

Additional information