The mid-range laptop market is always exciting, offering a potential balance between price and performance. The Lenovo Flex 5i 14 (2023) 2-in-1 convertible laptop enters this arena with a tempting entry-level price, especially considering its storage capacity. However, does it truly deliver? This review delves into its strengths and weaknesses to determine if it’s a worthwhile purchase.
Lenovo Flex 5i 14: Specifications and Configurations
Here’s a breakdown of the Lenovo Flex 5i 14’s technical specifications:
| Feature | Lenovo Flex 5i 14 2023 |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 12.32 x 8.85 x 0.69 inches |
| Weight | 3.31 pounds |
| Processor | Intel Core i5-1335U |
| Graphics | Intel Iris Xe |
| RAM | 8GB/16GB |
| Display | 14.0-inch 16:10 FHD+ (1920 x 1200) IPS |
| Storage | 512GB SSD |
| Touchscreen | Yes |
| Ports | 1 x USB-C with Thunderbolt 4, 2 x USB-A 3.2 Gen 2, 1 x HDMI 1.4b, 1 x 3.5mm audio jack, 1 x microSD card reader |
| Wireless | Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.1, Optional 5G WWAN |
| Webcam | 1080p |
| Operating System | Windows 11 |
| Battery | 52.5 watt-hours |
| Price | $550+ |
Lenovo’s pricing and configurations are subject to change. At the time of writing, two primary configurations are available. The entry-level model, priced at $550 (originally $850), features a Core i5-1335U processor, 8GB of RAM, a 512GB SSD, and a 14-inch FHD+ IPS display. The higher-end configuration, retailing around $800-$900, upgrades the RAM to 16GB. This review focuses primarily on the entry-level model.
Design and Build Quality: A Mixed Bag
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The Flex 5i 14 boasts a minimalist design with simple lines and color options like Abyss Blue, Arctic Grey, and Stone Blue. The dark grey keyboard provides a nice contrast. However, the somewhat large display bezels detract from its modern look. At 0.69 inches thick and 3.31 pounds, it’s portable but not the most compact option available.
The build quality presents a mixed bag. The aluminum lid, while relatively rigid, exhibits some LED backlight distortion under pressure, which is a concern. The plastic chassis with 40% glass fiber feels slightly flexible in the keyboard deck. The stiff hinge is excellent for maintaining various 2-in-1 modes but requires two hands to open the lid.
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The keyboard offers Lenovo’s signature large, sculpted keycaps and ample spacing. While comfortable enough for extended typing, the key switches lack the satisfying feedback and precision found in some competitors. The touchpad is adequately sized but has clicky buttons and a slightly rough surface.
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Connectivity is a strong point, featuring a good selection of ports. Wireless connectivity is modern with Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.1, and 5G WWAN is optional. The 1080p webcam delivers decent image quality for video conferencing. While it lacks infrared for facial recognition, the fingerprint reader works reliably.
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Performance and Battery Life: A Disappointing Combination
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Powered by the 13th-gen Intel Core i5-1335U, the Flex 5i 14 delivers decent productivity performance. Benchmark results show it’s competitive with similar 15-watt CPUs, making it suitable for everyday tasks. However, it’s not ideal for demanding workloads like video editing or gaming, given its integrated Intel Iris Xe graphics.
Battery life, unfortunately, is a significant weakness. Despite the low-power CPU and FHD+ display, the 52.5 watt-hour battery falls short of expectations. In various tests, it lasted considerably less than competitors, making it difficult to get through a full workday on a single charge.
| Benchmark Test | Lenovo Flex 5i 14 |
|---|---|
| Geekbench 5 (Single/Multi) | Bal: 1,671 / 7,935 Perf: 1,679 / 8,268 |
| Handbrake (seconds) | Bal: 181 Perf: 133 |
| Cinebench R23 (Single/Multi) | Bal: 1,634 / 6,918 Perf: 1,724 / 7,890 |
| PCMark 10 Complete | 5,513 |
| Battery Test | Lenovo Flex 5i 14 |
|---|---|
| Web Browsing | 6 hours, 29 minutes |
| Video Playback | 11 hours, 43 minutes |
| PCMark 10 Applications | 10 hours, 47 minutes |
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Display and Audio: Mediocre at Best
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The Flex 5i 14’s display is a letdown. While sufficiently bright with good contrast for an IPS panel, the color reproduction is subpar. Testing reveals limited color gamut coverage and accuracy, making it unsuitable for color-critical tasks.
The upward-firing speakers provide average audio quality. While clear at moderate volumes, they lack bass and distort at higher levels.
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Conclusion: A Budget Option With Compromises
The Lenovo Flex 5i 14 offers adequate performance for everyday productivity at a competitive price, particularly the entry-level model at its discounted price. However, significant drawbacks like poor battery life and a subpar display make it difficult to recommend wholeheartedly. While the $550 price point might be tempting for budget-conscious buyers, other options in the same price range offer a more well-rounded experience.
