The Lenovo LOQ 15 enters a crowded gaming laptop market, offering various configurations and sizes. This review focuses on the 15-inch Intel-based model with an Nvidia GeForce RTX 4060 GPU, a 13th-Gen Intel CPU, and a 144Hz 1080p display. While not capable of 4K gaming, it aims to deliver smooth 1080p performance at an affordable price. But how does it stack up against the competition?
Lenovo LOQ 15 open and running Mark Pickavance
Design and Build
Lenovo has opted for a sci-fi aesthetic with the LOQ 15, featuring a distinctive rear vent design. The hinge placement allows easy access to the rear ports, but the all-plastic construction, while sturdy, contributes to a surprisingly heavy weight of 2.4kg. Port selection is limited, with only a single USB-C port (lacking USB 4.0 or Thunderbolt support) and two USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A ports on the back. The inclusion of HDMI 2.1 and a Gigabit Ethernet port is welcome, but a second USB-C port for charging and docking would have been preferable.
Lenovo LOQ 15 rear ports Mark Pickavance
Keyboard and Trackpad
The LOQ 15 features a membrane keyboard with well-spaced keys and a full numeric keypad. The offset cursor keys are easy to locate, but the trackpad can be unresponsive. Gamers will likely prefer an external mouse, especially given the right-side USB 2.0 port placement. The RGB backlighting adds a touch of customization.
Lenovo LOQ 15 left side keyboard and ports Mark Pickavance
Display and Audio
The 144Hz IPS display offers a peak brightness of 350 nits, but color accuracy and saturation are lacking, covering only around 70% of the sRGB color space. The down-firing 2W speakers are underwhelming, with limited volume and bass response. External speakers or headphones are recommended for a better audio experience.
Lenovo LOQ 15 closed Mark Pickavance
Performance
The RTX 4060, paired with the 12-core Intel Core i5-13500H processor, delivers solid 1080p gaming performance. While the mobile version of the RTX 4060 has slightly lower specifications than its desktop counterpart, the performance difference is minimal. The LOQ 15 achieved playable frame rates in demanding titles like Cyberpunk 2077 at ultra settings, and can even handle 1440p gaming with adjusted settings. The included 16GB of RAM is sufficient, but the 512GB SSD might feel limiting for some users. Fortunately, an additional M.2 slot is available for expansion.
Battery Life
The powerful components take their toll on battery life. In our testing, the LOQ 15 lasted just under four hours on a single charge, falling short of Lenovo’s claimed five-hour battery life. While the battery recharges quickly, the limited runtime restricts portability for extended gaming sessions.
Lenovo LOQ 15 left ports and vents Mark Pickavance
Price and Availability
The Lenovo LOQ 15 offers various configurations starting at $949 for AMD Ryzen models and $1,209.99 for Intel-based systems with an RTX 3050. Models with the RTX 4060 start at $1,319.99.
Conclusion
The Lenovo LOQ 15 provides a compelling balance of performance and affordability for 1080p gaming. The powerful CPU and GPU combination delivers smooth gameplay, and the option to upgrade storage is a plus. However, the short battery life, limited port selection, and subpar display and audio are notable drawbacks. If portability and premium features are a priority, other options might be worth considering. But for budget-conscious gamers seeking solid 1080p performance, the LOQ 15 is a viable option.
