The Lenovo Yoga Pro 9i is a 16-inch powerhouse designed to blur the lines between work and play. Boasting impressive specs and a premium build, this laptop promises top-tier performance for both productivity and gaming. But does it live up to the hype, and is it worth the premium price tag? Let’s dive in.
Specs and Features: A Premium Package
The Yoga Pro 9i comes in various configurations, allowing you to tailor the specs to your needs and budget. While Lenovo frequently adjusts pricing, expect to pay a premium for this flagship device. The entry-level configuration starts around $1,480, with fully-specced models reaching upwards of $2,100.
Despite the “Yoga” branding, this isn’t a 2-in-1. The 16-inch touchscreen only hinges back 180 degrees. You can choose between a standard IPS LCD or a miniLED display, both with a crisp 3200 x 2000 resolution. Processing power comes courtesy of either a Meteor Lake Core Ultra 7 or Core Ultra 9 processor, paired with either an Nvidia RTX 4050 or 4060 GPU. Our review unit featured the following specifications:
- CPU: Intel Core Ultra 9 185H
- Memory: 32GB
- Graphics/GPU: Nvidia GeForce RTX 4050, 6GB, 100W TDP
- Display: 16-inch 3200 x 2000 IPS, 165Hz, 400 nits
- Storage: 1TB PCIe Gen4 NVMe
- Webcam: 5MP with IR for Windows Hello
- Connectivity: 1x USB-C with Thunderbolt 4, 1x USB-C 3.2 Gen 2, 2x USB-A 3.2 Gen 1, 1x HDMI, 1x 3.5mm audio jack, 1x SD card reader
- Networking: Wi-Fi 6e, Bluetooth 5.3
- Battery: 84Wh, 170W slim tip charger
- Dimensions: 14.28 x 9.99 x 0.70 inches
- Weight: 4.41 lbs
- MSRP as tested: $1,699.99
Lenovo Yoga Pro 9i design
Design and Build: Solid and Stylish
The Yoga Pro 9i is substantial but surprisingly sleek for its size, measuring just 0.7 inches thick and weighing 4.41 pounds. Slim bezels maximize screen real estate, and the distinctive “reverse notch” houses the webcam and microphones while providing a convenient lip for opening the laptop.
The all-aluminum chassis feels incredibly robust, resisting flex and exuding a premium feel. The hinge is firm yet allows for smooth one-handed opening. A dedicated button disables the webcam for enhanced privacy. Port selection is generous, catering to a variety of needs.
Keyboard and Trackpad: A Joy to Use
Lenovo consistently delivers excellent keyboards, and the Yoga Pro 9i is no exception. Generous key spacing and 1.5mm travel provide a comfortable and accurate typing experience. The keys offer satisfying tactility and a solid bottom-out feel. While the backlighting is even, additional brightness levels would be welcome.
Lenovo Yoga Pro 9i keyboard and trackpad
The inclusion of a full number pad is appreciated, though the reduced key size and proximity to modifier keys can lead to accidental presses. The split up and down arrow keys are another minor annoyance. The oversized, glass-covered trackpad is exceptionally smooth and responsive, making mouse use almost optional.
Display and Audio: Immersive Experience
The Yoga Pro 9i’s display is a highlight. Our review unit featured the IPS LCD option, which boasts impressive clarity and vibrant colors. While the 400 nits brightness struggles with outdoor visibility due to screen reflectivity, it’s ample for indoor use. The 165Hz refresh rate, though battery-intensive, provides incredibly smooth visuals.
Lenovo Yoga Pro hero
The six-speaker audio system is a standout feature, delivering loud, clear sound with minimal distortion even at high volumes. The bass response is surprisingly good, enhancing the overall multimedia experience.
Performance: Powerhouse Productivity and Gaming
The Yoga Pro 9i excels in both productivity and gaming. The Core Ultra 9 CPU and RTX 4050 GPU make quick work of demanding tasks and deliver impressive gaming performance. Benchmarks confirm its prowess, outperforming many mainstream laptops and even some gaming notebooks. DLSS upscaling allows for enjoyable gaming experiences at higher resolutions, even with demanding titles.
Lenovo Yoga Pro 9i PCMark results
Lenovo Yoga Pro 9i Cinebench results
Lenovo Yoga Pro 9i Handbrake results
Lenovo Yoga Pro 9i 3DMark Time Spy results
Lenovo Yoga Pro 9i Shadow of the Tomb Raider results
In everyday use, the Yoga Pro 9i feels incredibly responsive. Apps launch quickly, multitasking is seamless, and the system remains stable. Lenovo’s Vantage software provides convenient control over system settings and performance.
Battery Life: A Necessary Trade-off
The 84Wh battery is a bit small for a 16-inch laptop with such powerful hardware. While battery life is acceptable, it’s not exceptional. In our video playback test, the Yoga Pro 9i lasted just under nine hours, which is shorter than many mainstream laptops but on par with gaming notebooks. The 165Hz refresh rate significantly impacts battery life, so switching to 60Hz is recommended when unplugged. The 170W charger provides fast charging, and USB-C charging up to 100W is also supported, albeit with reduced performance.
Lenovo Yoga Pro 9i battery life results
Conclusion: A Premium Performer with a Price
The Lenovo Yoga Pro 9i is undeniably a top-tier Windows laptop, offering exceptional performance, a stunning display, and a premium build. However, its high price is a significant barrier to entry. While frequent sales offer some relief, the value proposition remains a key consideration. If you prioritize performance and are willing to pay a premium, the Yoga Pro 9i is a compelling choice.
