Finding an affordable laptop that offers optimal value for money remains challenging, and although the Lenovo IdeaPad Flex 5 aimed to fulfill this niche, it ultimately does not succeed.

Priced at $799, the device appears to have a sleek exterior; however, closer inspection reveals that it falls short in several critical areas. The display could be brighter, the keyboard might feel a bit soft, and overall performance is just okay, with battery life that could be better. Hopefully, future updates will improve these aspects! Since its 2022 release, the model has significantly declined in stature.

IdeaPad Flex 5: Specs

IdeaPad Flex 5: Design

The IdeaPad Flex 5 doesn’t look cheap, featuring Lenovo’s Abyss Blue on its metal lid rather than typical black or silver. It features smooth, curved edges and the elegant Lenovo logo in the top left, giving it a modern and stylish look. 

The interior features a plastic deck and a grey keyboard that looks a bit awkward — it probably would have looked better in black. There’s a nice-sized touchpad, and on the right side, you’ll find a fingerprint reader. Around the keyboard, you’ll see top-firing speakers, adding to the overall design. The display features slim bezels, with a slight lip at the top for extra webcam protection.

This is a 2-in-1 device, allowing the Flex to rotate freely up to 360 degrees, thereby providing tent and tablet modes for versatile use.

Weighing in at 3.4 pounds and measuring 12.3 x 8.85 x 0.7 inches, the Flex 5 is quite similar in size to many competitors. The only exception is the 16-inch Lenovo Yoga 7i (Gen 8), which is a bit heavier at 4.5 pounds and larger with dimensions of 14.3 x 9.8 x 0.7 inches. Meanwhile, the Acer Swift Go 14 (2.9 pounds, 12.3 x 8.6 x 0.6 inches) and Asus ZenBook 14 OLED (3.1 pounds, 12.4 x 8.7 x 0.7 inches) are noticeably lighter and more compact.

IdeaPad Flex 5: Ports

The Lenovo IdeaPad Flex 5 offers a good selection of ports to keep your connections versatile. On the left side, you’ll find the power jack, an HDMI port, a Thunderbolt 4 port, and a headphone jack, making it easy to connect your devices. The right side is equipped with two USB Type-A ports, an SD card slot, and a power button, giving you plenty of options to suit your needs.

IdeaPad Flex 5: Display

Even for a laptop priced below $1,000, the Lenovo IdeaPad Flex 5’s 14-inch, 1920 x 1200 display demonstrated subpar performance across all evaluated metrics.

I watched Dimension 20’s A Court of Fey & Flowers, and I noticed the set’s greenery looked a bit dull and muted. When the background shifted to a softly lit scenic view, it almost felt like watching the show in battery-saving mode, especially with its glossy panel. Still, the panel was clear enough to showcase the stunning details in Aabria Iyengar’s beautiful lashes.

Based on our colorimeter tests, the Lenovo IdeaPad Flex 5 covered just 42.2% of the DCI-P3 color gamut, which is quite a bit below the mainstream laptop average of 91.8%. In comparison, the Yoga 7i (45.8%), Swift Go 14 (175.7%), and ZenBook 14 (95.6%) offered much better coverage and outperformed the IdeaPad.

With a brightness of 288 nits, the IdeaPad Flex 5 did not surpass the average of 341 nits. It performed better than the Yoga 7i, which achieved 267 nits, but it fell short of the Swift Go 14 at 395 nits and the ZenBook 14 at 375 nits.

IdeaPad Flex 5: Keyboard & Touchpad

Typing on the Lenovo IdeaPad Flex 5 felt odd — the shallow, mushy keys lacked satisfaction. Despite this, I scored 83 words per minute on the 10fastfingers.com typing test, surpassing my usual 78 wpm. The well-spaced keys, typical of Lenovo keyboards, probably helped my performance, though I still didn’t like them.

The 4.9 x 2.9-inch touchpad demonstrates a smooth surface, though it provides shallow clicks, consistent with the overall design of the laptop. Nevertheless, Windows gestures such as two-finger scrolling and three-finger tabbing functioned correctly.

IdeaPad Flex 5: Performance

Within the chassis of the Lenovo IdeaPad Flex 5 resides an Intel Core i5-1335U processor complemented by 16GB of RAM. It demonstrated seamless performance when managing numerous Google Chrome tabs and multiple YouTube videos.

In the overall performance assessment conducted using Geekbench 5.5, the IdeaPad Flex 5 achieved a score of 8,440, which is below the average for mainstream laptops (9,064). It lagged behind the Yoga 7i equipped with a Core i7-1355U processor (8,663), the Swift Go 14 featuring a Core iH processor (11,815), and the ZenBook 14 powered by a Core i5-1240P processor (8,590).

The IdeaPad Flex 5 took 11 minutes and 41 seconds to transcode a 4K video to 1080p, thereby falling short of the category average of 8 minutes and 10 seconds. It ranked lowest in comparison to the Yoga 7i (10 minutes and 12 seconds), Swift Go 14 (5 minutes and 35 seconds), and ZenBook 14 (8 minutes and 40 seconds).

Lenovo’s 512GB SSD offers a transfer rate of 788 Mbps, close to the typical mainstream laptop average of 833 Mbps. It significantly outperforms the ZenBook 14’s 256GB SSD at 246 MBps but falls short of the Yoga 7’s 512 GB SSD at 1,380 MBps and the Swift Go 14′s at 1,481 MBps.

IdeaPad Flex 5: Graphics

The Flex 5 does not provide any exceptional features concerning graphics, as it remains equipped with the standard Intel Iris Xe Graphics chip, in line with its competitors. 

Nevertheless, it ultimately ranked last again on the 3DMark Fire Strike synthetic graphics benchmark. The IdeaPad Flex 5 achieved a score of 3,936, which is below the average for mainstream laptops (5,073), as well as below the scores of the Yoga 7i (5,027), Swift Go 14 (5,533), and ZenBook 14 (4,048).

In the benchmark for Sid Meier’s Civilization VI: Gathering Storm (Medium, 1080p), the system achieved a frame rate of 28 frames per second. Although this may not meet the standard 30 fps, it surpasses the performance of the Yoga 7i (25 fps), Swift Go 14 (27 fps), and ZenBook 14 (21 fps).

IdeaPad Flex 5: Battery Life

While things could be worse, there’s definitely room for some positive changes. The Lenovo IdeaPad Flex 5 lasted for 8 hours and 22 minutes during our battery test. Although this is a bit below the average for mainstream laptops, which is around 9 hours and 54 minutes, it still performed better than the Swift Go 14 with its 8 hours and 5 minutes. On the brighter side, it was outpaced by the Yoga 7i, clocking in at a fantastic 12 hours and 4 minutes, and the ZenBook 14, which lasted an impressive 10 hours and 52 minutes.

IdeaPad Flex 5: Verdict

The Lenovo IdeaPad Flex 5 exhibits several shortcomings. Despite its economical pricing and sleek design, all aspects of its internal components and external build fell substantially short of the quality standards anticipated for a laptop within this price range.

For example, the Asus Zenbook 14 (Q409ZA) OLED is priced at $749 and provides a luminous, high-resolution display, enhanced battery life, and superior performance despite its limited components.

We are unable to, in good conscience, endorse the acquisition of the Lenovo IdeaPad Flex 5. There are more suitable alternatives available at more competitive prices.

Is the Lenovo Yoga Slim 7x the most suitable Copilot+ PC for the majority of users? After evaluating it over the past several weeks, I can confidently assert that it is a strong candidate for the optimal choice. 

The Yoga Slim 7x features a slim, lightweight design, excellent battery life, and a vivid OLED display. It is among the first models in the new Copilot+ series, leading the way for AI-enhanced laptops aimed at transforming user interaction. The initial lineup of Copilot+ PCs features Qualcomm’s Snapdragon X Elite and X Plus chips, equipped with neural processing units (NPU) that enable on-device AI, specifically Microsoft Copilot. 

Yoga Silm 7x: Specs

Yoga Silm 7x: Design

The Lenovo Yoga Slim 7x features a sleek and slender design, distinguished by a distinctive cosmic blue exterior. Its aesthetic bears a resemblance to the MacBook Air, particularly in the font used on the keycaps and the repositioning of the Lenovo logo centrally on the lid. This design choice is not inherently unfavourable. The new aesthetic is notably stylish, complemented by a metallic blue finish that enhances its visual appeal. 

The aluminum chassis not only possesses an aesthetically pleasing appearance but also exhibits durability. The Yoga Slim 7x has successfully undergone and passed the MIL-STD 810H military-grade durability certification, indicating its ability to endure the demanding conditions associated with daily use and transportation within a laptop bag. 

The top-firing speakers are beautifully positioned along the left and right edges of the keyboard deck, offering a delightful audio experience. On the right edge, you’ll find a convenient switch to activate the webcam shutter, giving you added privacy whenever you need it. 

Yoga Silm 7x: Ports

You’ll find two on the left side, including one dedicated for charging, and a single port on the right, conveniently located above the webcam switch. No USB Type-A ports are available. 

While this setup might work well for some users, it could pose a little trouble if you frequently use tools and accessories like an external hard drive, USB thumb drive, or an external mouse. Another great option is to consider adding a top-quality USB Type-C hub or a laptop docking station, which can give you a wider variety of ports and make your setup even more versatile.

Yoga Silm 7x: Display

The Lenovo Yoga Slim 7x comes with a beautiful 14.5-inch 3K (2994 x 1840) touch display, offering a truly immersive visual experience. Its visual output is sharp and vibrant, demonstrating excellent performance in our display assessments. The device encompasses 155% of the DCI-P3 color gamut, substantially exceeding the coverage of the Microsoft Surface Laptop 7 and the MacBook Air M3. 

The Yoga Slim 7x’s average SDR screen brightness was 464 nits, which is lower than that of its competitors. This is marginally below the MacBook Air M3, which measured 476 nits, and approximately 100 points lower than the Surface Laptop 7, which measured 567 nits. Nevertheless, it remains a commendable performance, surpassing the average of premium laptops, which stands at 457 nits.

The sole significant limitation I observed pertains to reflections. Even when increasing the brightness on the Yoga Slim 7x’s display, reflections are still often visible, except in front of bright white windows. This issue was particularly noticeable during low-light scenes in television shows and movies. An anti-reflective coating on the display would be preferable; otherwise, the display remains sharp and vividly coloured.

Yoga Silm 7x: Keyboard & Touchpad

I truly appreciate the keyboard on the Yoga Slim 7x! The soft touch of the keycaps combined with the smooth 1.5mm key travel and satisfying tactile feedback make typing a pleasure. On the Monkeytype typing test, I achieved a remarkable speed of 105 words per minute with 100% accuracy, representing the highest score I have obtained on any keyboard I have tested, including both laptops and standalone keyboards. 

The Yoga Slim 7x’s touchpad is also impressive. It’s large enough to use comfortably but not so big that it affects typing space. The matte surface feels soft, and it remained cool during testing. Mouse movements across it are smooth and responsive. 

Yoga Silm 7x: Performance

The Lenovo Yoga Slim 7x demonstrated commendable performance in benchmark assessments, achieving scores of 2,448 in single-core and 13,750 in multi-core evaluations.. Nevertheless, the device was outperformed by the Microsoft Surface Laptop 7, which attained scores of 2,809 in single-core and 14,426 in multi-core tests.

The Yoga Slim 7x exceeded the MacBook Air M3 in Geekbench 6 multi-core, but was over 600 points worse in single-core, showing its Qualcomm processor cores are weaker individually but perform better together.  

Yoga Silm 7x: Gaming Performance

The Lenovo Yoga Slim 7x is not designed as a gaming computer; however, it is capable of handling casual gaming effectively. In the benchmark of Sid Meier’s Civilization VI: Gathering Storm at 1080p resolution, it achieved an average of 20.8 frames per second. This performance exceeds that of the Microsoft Surface Laptop 7 (5792), which recorded 20.6 fps, yet it is considerably lower than the MacBook Air M3, which attained an average of 41 fps in the same game. 

Yoga Silm 7x: AI Features

The Lenovo Yoga Slim 7x is a Copilot+ PC, featuring a Neural Processing Unit and locally running Microsoft’s Copilot AI platform. It ranks among the top performers in the initial group of Copilot+ laptops, particularly within the more affordable segment. 

It achieved a score of 2,910 in the CPU segment and 2,312 in the GPU segment of the Geekbench ML benchmark. Both scores outperform the Microsoft Surface Laptop 7 and even the Microsoft Surface Pro 11, which features the more powerful Snapdragon X Elite X1E-80-100   CPU. 

With AI performance, you can enjoy a range of Copilot AI features such as live captions, Studio Effects, Cocreator, and everyday generative AI and chat tasks. I particularly loved the live captions feature on the Yoga Slim 7x. It’s great for generating subtitles for any audio on your device, and it even offers translation. While the captions might not always be flawless, Copilot does a pretty good job with clear audio. 

Cocreator is an image generation tool accessible locally via the Paint application. Users may initiate the process with a personal doodle or sketch, which Cocreator will then complete. Additionally, for text-based image generation, the Copilot feature operates locally; users need only to press the Copilot key on the keyboard and input their desired prompts. 

Studio Effects is a valuable tool for individuals who regularly participate in video calls or Zoom meetings. It employs artificial intelligence to locally generate various video effects, including automatic framing, eye contact correction, background blurring, and several creative enhancements.

Yoga Silm 7x: Battery Life

The Yoga Slim 7x demonstrates robust battery performance; however, it does not surpass some of its competitors. It achieved an impressive duration of 14 hours and 14 minutes in our battery life assessment, exceeding the standard full-day usage needs and significantly surpassing our average for premium laptops, which is 10 hours and 8 minutes. 

Yoga Silm 7x: Webcam

The Yoga Slim 7x features a convenient Full HD IR camera with Windows Hello Face ID sign-in support, making it easy to unlock your device securely. It also comes with a built-in privacy shutter that you can easily toggle on or off from the right edge of the keyboard deck, giving you peace of mind whenever you need it.

The Yoga Slim 7x’s webcam performs well. While my test video appeared slightly soft, it wasn’t blurry. Using Windows Studio Effects’ “Portrait Lighting” feature enhanced the overall image quality. The microphone quality is satisfactory and suitable for daily video calls.

Yoga Silm 7x: Verdict

The Lenovo Yoga Slim 7x offers seamless performance, robust battery life, and an array of AI functionalities within a lightweight and stylish chassis at an equitable mid-range price. It represents an excellent all-purpose Windows 11 laptop suitable for both students and professionals. Although it does not rival purpose-built gaming laptops, it is capable of supporting casual gaming activities. 

Even if you’re not specifically searching for an AI PC, the Yoga Slim 7x is a worthwhile option. Its Snapdragon X Elite CPU provides reliable, smooth performance for daily activities such as browsing the web or media streaming, complemented by on-device AI features like Microsoft Copilot. Additionally, it offers a top-notch typing experience and a vibrant OLED display. 

If you are seeking a Windows-based alternative to the MacBook Air, the Lenovo Yoga Slim 7x merits consideration on your shortlist. It competes closely with the MacBook Air M3 in overall performance, with minor limitations such as graphics processing. In summary, at a price point of $1,300, the Lenovo Yoga Slim 7x presents an excellent option, offering a compelling introduction to the innovative realm of AI personal computers.

The Lenovo Yoga 9i Gen 8 ($1,399 starting price) is a refined evolution, making subtle yet significant improvements over its predecessor and reinforcing its position as one of the top 2-in-1 laptops available.

This premium convertible features a 14-inch OLED touchscreen display, the performance of Intel’s 13th Generation Raptor Lake processors, and sufficient battery life to sustain a full day of work or academic activities. Additionally, it includes a stylus and carrying sleeve, rendering it an attractive option for mobile creative professionals. However, the stylus is now more prone to misplacement, as the Yoga 9i no longer possesses an integrated charging compartment for convenient storage when not in use.

Yoga 9i Gen 8: Price 

The Lenovo Yoga 9i Gen 8 was released in 2023, with an initial price point of $1,399. You can choose between the stylish Storm Grey or the warm Oatmeal color options. As a special bonus, each unit includes a black active stylus and a grey fabric sleeve at no extra cost, making it an even more exciting purchase!

Yoga 9i Gen 8: Design

Our Lenovo Yoga 9i Gen 8 review unit possesses a sleek and smooth surface, characterised by rounded corners that contribute to the premium feel of the machined aluminium chassis. Lenovo highlights that rounded edges improve tablet comfort, which is accurate. When the screen is flipped back to lay flat, the Yoga 9i Gen 8 proves to be exceptionally comfortable to hold, considering it is a 14-inch laptop.

The device may not resemble an iPad at first glance; nonetheless, with dimensions of 12.52 x 9.06 x 0.6 inches and a weight exceeding 3.09 pounds, it remains relatively slim and lightweight. The Yoga 9i is marginally lighter than the previous 13.3-inch Samsung Galaxy Book2 Pro 360, a consistent frontrunner in the category of premier 2-in-1 laptops. Nonetheless, Lenovo’s high-end 2-in-1 remains slightly thicker and/or heavier compared to competing 14-inch models such as the Acer Swift 5 and the Acer Spin 5.

Excluding measurements in ounces and inches, the Yoga 9i represents an excellent selection for individuals seeking a Windows laptop that can be utilised as a tablet with comparable ease. The provision of the stylus and carrying sleeve enhances the value of the device for users who plan to use it on the go.

Nevertheless, the fabric loop on the laptop sleeve, designed to hold the stylus, does not replace a dedicated built-in charging compartment. Previous iterations of the Yoga 9i featured a designated garage for the stylus integrated within the laptop, allowing for secure storage and charging when not in use.

The garage was dismantled several iterations ago, and the laptop is less valued for its absence. While the stylus remains included at no additional cost and can still be charged via a USB-C cable, what was once a sleek feature that enhanced the device’s value has now become a convenience that may be overlooked and forgotten.

Yoga 9i Gen 8: Ports

The Yoga 9i Gen 8 is equipped with multiple USB-C ports, a single USB-A port, and a headphone jack, but lacks additional features. This setup represents the basic connectivity expected from a contemporary ultraportable, sufficient for an average workday. However, unlike the Swift 5 and Spin 5, it doesn’t include HDMI ports.

Nevertheless, the Lenovo Yoga 9i Gen 8’s port array is sufficient for most needs. On the left side of the device, there is 1x USB-A port and 2x USB4 ports. On the right side, there is a 1x 3.5mm headphone jack, 1x USB-C port, and the power button.

Positioning the power button on the side of the laptop, akin to a large tablet, is a logical design choice considering it is intended to be held similarly on occasion. However, it is important to note that the location of the power button on the side of the laptop may require a period of adjustment, as there exists a potential risk of inadvertently putting the Yoga laptop to sleep or powering it off while manipulating a USB-C cable or folding the device.

Yoga 9i Gen 8: Display

The 14-inch 2.8K 90Hz OLED touchscreen on our Lenovo Yoga 9i Gen 8 looks vivid and vibrant, with striking colours that might tempt touch them. Nonetheless, I was hesitant to contact the Lenovo Yoga 9i’s display, apprehensive that my unclean fingers might damage its aesthetically pleasing surface.

I quickly moved past this concern and found that using a simple microfiber cloth along with avoiding finger foods helped keep the reflective display clean. The result was fantastic: movies, images, and games looked stunning on our Yoga 9i Gen 8 review unit’s 2.8K OLED touchscreen, thanks to its vibrant colors and sharp contrasts.

The display promptly detects inputs from Lenovo’s included stylus, and I appreciated utilising it for gaming and movie navigation after work, particularly when the laptop was configured in a tent-like position on my desk.

Display Testing

The outcomes of our laboratory examinations corroborate my personal experience. When you use a Klein 10-A colorimeter on the Lenovo Yoga 9i’s display, it shows an average brightness of 353 nits, reaching a peak of 356 nits in the upper-left corner of the screen. This is below Lenovo’s specified peak brightness of 400 nits, and also inferior in luminance to its predecessor, the Lenovo Yoga 9i Gen 7 (364 nits), which was tested with a comparable 2.8K OLED touchscreen.

Regarding color accuracy, the review unit of our Yoga 9i Gen 8 exhibits highly saturated visuals for specific reasons. It attained 200.6% of the sRGB color gamut and 142.1% of the DCI-P3 color gamut (where 100% denotes the most accurate reproduction, and higher values indicate more vivid colours), with a Delta-E score of 0.39 (where values closer to 0 signify greater accuracy).

These numbers are surprisingly high compared to most laptops we’ve tested, but they’re exactly what I’d expect from the Lenovo Yoga 9i, especially since last year’s model scored similarly (194.9% sRGB, 138.1% DCI-P3). To give you a better idea, these results are significantly better than what we saw on the less saturated screens of competitors like the Swift 5 (131.7% sRGB, 93.3% DCI-P3) and Spin 5 (130.1% sRGB, 92.1% DCI-P3).

In summary, the new Yoga 9i features a vibrant OLED display that looks impressive but is hard to read in direct sunlight. It’s ideal for watching movies or browsing online, but for tasks requiring precise color accuracy, options like the Swift 5 or MacBook Pro 14-inch are better suited. 

Yoga 9i Gen 8: Performance

The 13th Gen Intel CPU in our Lenovo Yoga 9i review unit provides ample power for my daily tasks, which include switching between numerous Chrome tabs, streaming music, and occasionally watching videos. It also handles light gaming well, although more demanding, graphics-intensive games will challenge its capabilities.

In the Geekbench 5.6 multi-core CPU benchmark, it achieved a score of 9,954, surpassing its predecessor’s score of 7,150. Additionally, it is closely comparable to the Acer Swift 5 (9,859) and Spin 5 (10,040), which is noteworthy considering that both utilise the same, albeit somewhat outdated, 12th Generation Intel Core i7 processor as the previous Yoga 9i Gen 7.

Throughout the remaining test results, a consistent pattern appears: the Lenovo Yoga 9i Gen 8 is a notable upgrade from its previous version, yet it struggles to match the competitors’ performance. 

Yoga 9i Gen 8: Gaming Performance

While the Yoga 9i lacks a dedicated graphics card and the additional power associated with premium gaming laptops, it is still capable of providing some entertainment.

We typically test nearly every laptop with the Sid Meier’s Civilization VI: Gathering Storm benchmark because it’s compatible with most systems, including Macs and PCs. The Yoga 9i Gen 8 scored a respectable 25 frames per second, outperforming many ultraportables and its predecessor, which scored 22 fps. Nevertheless, both the Acer Spin 5 (28 fps) and Swift 5 (25 fps) achieved performance levels equal to or better than the Yoga 9i.

Yoga 9i Gen 8: Keyboard & Touchpad

The keyboard on the Lenovo Yoga 9i Gen 8 is ergonomically designed for comfortable typing, featuring well-spaced keys that span the entire width of the device. While the key travel of the Yoga 9i is similar to what you might expect from a 14-inch laptop, the keys themselves offer a delightful and responsive tactile feel that makes typing more enjoyable.

Below the keyboard, there’s a generously sized trackpad that functions smoothly. In my testing, it reliably registered every swipe, enabling seamless navigation of Windows 11 through gesture controls. Additionally, it consistently recognised all click presses, no matter where I tapped on the surface. 

Yoga 9i Gen 8: Verdict

The Lenovo Yoga 9i Gen 8 is a top-tier 2-in-1 laptop that radiates high-end quality. Its smooth, rounded aluminium edges, combined with the bright OLED screen above the punchy speaker grille, give this device a refined and stylish appearance.

This convertible not only appears aesthetically pleasing on a desk; it is sufficiently swift for everyday tasks conducted at home, in a coffee shop, or within an academic setting. Priced starting at $1,399, it is competitively positioned against laptops and 2-in-1 devices that lack comparable visual and auditory appeal. Additionally, the inclusion of a stylus and carrying sleeve with every Yoga 9i enhances its value.

Nevertheless, the fact that Lenovo no longer integrates a charging dock into this laptop diminishes the utility of the stylus and elevates the likelihood of its loss. Although our Yoga 9i review unit is comprehensive and attractive, it still lags behind competitors in several key areas.

The display is notably dimmer but much richer in colour compared to other similarly priced and sized rivals like the Acer Spin 5 and the Acer Swift 5. Interestingly, both of these models also outperform our Yoga 9i in both raw CPU performance and video editing tasks, even though they are priced competitively and feature older CPUs than the 13th Gen Intel Core i7 in our review unit. Additionally, they both lasted longer than the Yoga 9i during our battery rundown test, reflecting a trend among many of the ultraportables we evaluate today.

If you’re looking for a sleek Windows 2-in-1 with an included stylus that performs well in both class and conference settings. In that case, I highly suggest the Lenovo Yoga 9i — just be aware of its drawbacks along with its advantages.