laptop legion 5i review 2024
LENOVO LEGION 5I 2024 REVIEW!
Lenovo Legion 5i 2024 Review: Core i7 14650HX & RTX 4050 – Should You Buy?
Introduction
Welcome to our in-depth review of the Lenovo Legion 5i 2024 edition, featuring the Core i7 14650HX and RTX 4050. In this post, we’ll break down everything you need to know about this powerhouse laptop, from build quality to performance benchmarks, and help you decide if it’s the right choice for you.
Build Quality and Design
The Lenovo Legion 5i boasts a solid build quality that is typical of the Legion series. The lid is crafted from aluminum, giving it a premium feel, while the base is made of sturdy plastic. This combination ensures durability while keeping the weight manageable. The laptop has a sleek, understated design with a black aesthetic, making it suitable for both professional and casual settings.
Display and Keyboard
The Legion 5i features a 16-inch, 2560 x 1600 IPS panel with a 165Hz refresh rate. This WQXGA display delivers vibrant colors and sharp images, making it ideal for both gaming and content creation. The keyboard offers 1.5mm key travel, providing a comfortable typing experience, and includes a four-zone RGB backlight for a customizable look.
Performance
Powered by the latest Intel Core i7 14650HX, the Legion 5i excels in both single-core and multi-core tasks. This 14th generation processor, paired with 16GB of DDR5 RAM and a 1TB M.2 SSD, ensures smooth performance for gaming, video editing, and 3D rendering. The RTX 4050 GPU, while not the highest-end option, still delivers solid gaming performance and supports ray tracing and AI-enhanced graphics.
Thermals and Noise
The Legion 5i features an advanced cooling system with multiple heat pipes and fans, keeping the laptop cool under heavy loads. However, the fans can get quite loud, reaching up to 55dB in performance mode. For a quieter experience, you can switch to quiet mode, which reduces fan noise to around 35dB.
Battery Life
Battery life has always been a challenge for gaming laptops, and the Legion 5i is no exception. Under heavy loads, the 80Wh battery lasts around 2 hours. For lighter tasks like web browsing at 115 nits brightness, you can expect up to 6.4 hours of battery life. While this isn’t exceptional, it’s typical for a laptop with such powerful hardware.
Connectivity and Ports
One notable change in this year’s model is the relocation of most ports from the back to the sides. This includes three USB ports on the left and two on the right, along with an HDMI port and power connection on the back. However, the absence of a Thunderbolt 4 port may be a downside for some users, especially given the laptop’s price point.
Gaming Performance
In our gaming benchmarks, the Legion 5i performed well, running Cyberpunk 2077 at 1080p Ultra settings with an average of 46 FPS. While the RTX 4050 is capable, it’s worth noting that there are other laptops in the same price range that offer better gaming performance with GPUs like the RTX 4060 or 4070.
Audio and Webcam
The laptop includes two 2W stereo speakers that deliver decent sound for casual use. However, the fan noise can overshadow the audio during gaming sessions. The webcam provides adequate image quality and includes an IR sensor for Windows Hello facial recognition, along with an electronic shutter for privacy.
Final Thoughts
The Lenovo Legion 5i 2024 edition is a robust and well-built gaming laptop with strong performance capabilities. It’s perfect for those who need a versatile machine for both gaming and professional use. However, its weight and lack of Thunderbolt 4 may be drawbacks for some users. Additionally, while it offers good gaming performance, there are other options in the same price range that might deliver better value.
Pros:
- High build quality
- Strong CPU and GPU performance
- Excellent display for gaming and content creation
- Comfortable keyboard with RGB backlighting
Cons:
- Heavy and bulky for frequent travel
- Loud fans under load
- No Thunderbolt 4 port
- Mediocre battery life
If you’re in the market for a new gaming laptop, the Lenovo Legion 5i is definitely worth considering, especially if you prioritize build quality and overall performance. However, if gaming is your primary focus, you might find better options with higher-end GPUs at a similar price.
