The Lenovo Legion 5i offers impressive gaming performance for its price, thanks to a powerful CPU and a well-optimized RTX 4060 GPU. This review explores its design, features, performance, and battery life to determine if it’s the right gaming laptop for you.
Performance that Punches Above its Weight
The Lenovo Legion 5i (Gen 9) boasts a 14th-gen Intel Core i9-14900HX processor, 32GB of DDR5 RAM, a 1TB SSD, and an Nvidia GeForce RTX 4060 GPU. While the RTX 4060 isn’t top-of-the-line, Lenovo’s implementation, with a 140W TGP, allows it to outperform other laptops with the same GPU but lower power limits. This configuration makes it a compelling option for gamers on a budget.
Lenovo Legion 5i PCMark results
Benchmarks reveal the Legion 5i’s strengths. In PCMark 10, it scored an impressive 8,751, highlighting its excellent overall performance. Cinebench R20 further showcases the i9-14900HX’s multi-core prowess with a score of 10,888. The Handbrake encode test, completed in 725 seconds, confirms the sustained performance and efficient cooling system.
Lenovo Legion 5i Cinebench results
While the RTX 4060 might not match higher-tier GPUs, it performs admirably in 3DMark Time Spy with a score of 10,415, outperforming other RTX 4060 laptops. In gaming benchmarks like Shadow of the Tomb Raider and Metro Exodus, the Legion 5i delivers playable frame rates, even at higher settings, further demonstrating its value proposition.
Design and Build: Sturdy and Functional
The Legion 5i features a robust, if somewhat chunky, design. Its metal lid and top casing contribute to a solid build quality, while the plastic bottom helps keep the weight manageable at 5.2 pounds. The design prioritizes functionality, with a well-placed trackpad and a full-size keyboard with four-zone RGB lighting.
Lenovo Legion 5i closed
The cooling system effectively vents hot air out the back, keeping the keyboard cool during intense gaming sessions. The hinge allows the screen to lie flat, providing flexibility for different usage scenarios. While not the sleekest gaming laptop, the Legion 5i prioritizes practicality and durability.
Display and Audio: Decent but Not Dazzling
The 16-inch 2560×1600 IPS display with a 165Hz refresh rate provides smooth visuals for gaming. However, its 300 nits brightness might feel dim in brightly lit environments. While the colors are accurate, they lack the vibrancy of OLED panels found in more premium laptops.
Lenovo Legion 5i display
The speakers are adequate for gaming, with enough volume to overcome fan noise. However, as with many laptop speakers, bass is lacking. For a better audio experience, headphones or external speakers are recommended.
Features and Connectivity: A Well-Rounded Package
The Legion 5i offers a good selection of ports, including three USB-A, two USB-C, HDMI 2.1, Ethernet, and a microSD card reader. The inclusion of Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.2 ensures fast and reliable wireless connectivity. A welcome addition is the physical e-shutter for the 1080p webcam, providing enhanced privacy.
Lenovo Legion 5i right side
One notable omission is the lack of biometric login options like a fingerprint reader or IR camera. The built-in microphone, while effective at noise cancellation, offers average voice quality.
Battery Life: Expectedly Short
With a 80Wh battery, the Legion 5i lasted just over five hours in our video playback test. This is typical for a gaming laptop with a powerful CPU, but it’s something to consider if you need all-day battery life.
Lenovo Legion 5i battery life results
Conclusion: A Value-Driven Gaming Machine
The Lenovo Legion 5i delivers excellent performance for its price, making it a compelling choice for budget-conscious gamers. While it’s not without its compromises, such as a dim display and average battery life, its powerful CPU, well-optimized GPU, and robust build quality make it a strong contender in the mid-range gaming laptop market.
