Windows laptops are evolving rapidly, with advancements in Windows on Arm, AI-powered chipsets from Intel and AMD, and more. However, these cutting-edge features often come with a hefty price tag, typically exceeding $1,000. For those seeking a more affordable option without sacrificing performance, the Lenovo Yoga 7 14 Gen 9 2-in-1 presents a compelling choice at just $650. Offering solid performance, respectable battery life, and a premium build, this laptop holds its own against pricier competitors. However, one significant flaw warrants careful consideration.
Specifications and Configurations
| Feature | Lenovo Yoga 7 14 2-in-1 Gen 9 |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 12.51 x 8.75 x 0.66 inches |
| Weight | 3.55 pounds |
| Processor | AMD Ryzen 5 8640HS / AMD Ryzen 7 8840HS |
| Graphics | AMD Radeon Graphics 750M / AMD Radeon Graphics 780M |
| RAM | 8GB / 16GB |
| Display | 14.0-inch 16:10 WUXGA (1920 x 1200) IPS Touchscreen |
| Storage | 512GB SSD / 1TB SSD |
| Ports | 1 x USB-A 3.2 Gen 1, 1 x USB4, 1 x USB-C 3.2 Gen 2, 1 x HDMI 2.1, 1 x 3.5mm Audio Jack, 1 x microSD Card Reader |
| Wireless | Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3 |
| Webcam | 1080p with Infrared for Windows Hello Facial Recognition |
| Operating System | Windows 11 |
| Battery | 71 watt-hour |
| Price | Starting at $650 |
Lenovo’s pricing can be somewhat dynamic and occasionally confusing. While the configurator may list higher prices, the same high-end configuration with a Ryzen 7 8840HS, 16GB of RAM, and a 1TB SSD can be found at significantly lower prices from retailers like Best Buy. This competitive pricing makes the Yoga 7 14 Gen 9 an attractive option, though its display ultimately prevents a wholehearted endorsement. Competitors like the Dell Inspiron 14 Plus and Asus Zenbook 14 Q425 offer superior displays within a similar price range.
Design and Build Quality
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The Yoga 7 14 Gen 9 boasts a robust all-aluminum chassis, exhibiting a level of build quality often found in much more expensive laptops. Its rigidity is impressive, with no noticeable bending or flexing. The laptop’s aesthetic appeal also surpasses its price point. The sleek dark gray finish and rounded edges exude a refined elegance, making it suitable for any environment. The 2-in-1 design allows for versatile usage in clamshell, tent, media, and tablet modes.
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Portability is another strong suit. Thin display bezels contribute to a compact footprint, while the overall thinness and reasonable weight enhance its on-the-go appeal. While not the absolute smallest and lightest in its class, it remains highly portable for a 14-inch 2-in-1.
Keyboard and Touchpad
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The keyboard offers a comfortable typing experience with well-sculpted keycaps and ample spacing. The keys are light and responsive, albeit with a slight looseness that might impact precision for some users. The touchpad, however, presents a noticeable downside. While functional in terms of swiping and tapping, the mechanical buttons are excessively loud and stiff.
The touch- and pen-enabled display expands the Yoga’s input options, although a pen is not included with all configurations.
Connectivity and Webcam
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Connectivity is well-rounded, featuring a mix of modern and legacy ports. While Thunderbolt 4 is absent due to the AMD platform, a USB4 port offers some comparable functionality. Wireless connectivity includes Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3.
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The 1080p webcam delivers high-quality video and supports Microsoft Studio Effects AI features thanks to its integrated NPU. The webcam also includes an infrared camera for seamless Windows 11 Hello facial recognition, housed within a convenient reverse notch.
Performance
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Powered by the AMD Ryzen 7 8840HS, an 8-core/16-thread processor, the Yoga 7 14 Gen 9 delivers robust performance for demanding productivity tasks. While not quite matching the speed of higher-end processors, the Ryzen 7 8840HS offers ample power for most users.
| Benchmark | Lenovo Yoga 7 14 Gen 9 (Ryzen 7 8840HS) |
|---|---|
| Geekbench 5 (Single/Multi) | Balanced: 1,800 / 10,125; Performance: 1,802 / 10,631 |
| Handbrake (Seconds) | Balanced: 84; Performance: 73 |
| Cinebench R23 (Single/Multi) | Balanced: 1,665 / 13,058; Performance: 1,648 / 13,162 |
| PCMark 10 Complete | 6,929 |
Battery Life
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The 71 watt-hour battery provides respectable battery life. While not achieving a full day of work on a single charge, the Yoga 7 14 Gen 9 delivers sufficient endurance for typical usage scenarios.
Display and Audio
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The display is the most significant drawback of the Yoga 7 14 Gen 9. The 14.0-inch 16:10 Full HD+ (1920 x 1200) IPS panel suffers from muted colors and limited brightness. While contrast is acceptable, the narrow color gamut and lower accuracy are noticeable shortcomings.
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The audio system is adequate, with four speakers providing decent volume and clarity in the mids and highs. Bass response is lacking, however, making headphones preferable for a richer audio experience.
Conclusion
The Lenovo Yoga 7 14 Gen 9 offers compelling value for its price. Its performance, battery life, and build quality are impressive for a budget-friendly 2-in-1. However, the subpar display quality is a significant trade-off. While sufficient for basic productivity tasks, the display’s limitations are noticeable and may be a deal-breaker for users prioritizing visual fidelity. If display quality isn’t paramount, the Yoga 7 14 Gen 9 represents a solid choice for budget-conscious consumers.
