I don’t give out perfect scores easily, but the Lenovo Legion 9i truly deserves it. Lenovo has consistently delivered some of the best gaming laptops, but initially, the Legion 9i’s liquid cooling system sounded like a gimmick, not a feature worth thousands of dollars. I was wrong. The Legion 9i’s brilliance isn’t solely dependent on its cooling system. While it certainly contributes, the true strength of this laptop lies in its masterful balance between desktop-level power and practical portability. Unlike many gaming laptops that lean towards one extreme or the other, the Legion 9i occupies a perfect middle ground, delivering exceptional performance without compromise.
Badge on the Lenovo Legion 9i laptop.
Lenovo Legion 9i (2023): Specifications and Pricing
The Lenovo Legion 9i is a premium gaming laptop with a focused, high-end configuration. The base model, priced at $3,420, features a 1TB PCIe Gen4 SSD, an Intel Core i9-13980HX processor, an Nvidia RTX 4080 GPU, and 32GB of DDR5-5600 RAM. While this is slightly more expensive than similarly configured competitors like the Alienware x16, the Legion 9i justifies its price with unique features and unparalleled performance.
For the top-tier configuration, priced at $4,090, you get a 3TB SSD (split into 2TB and 1TB drives), 64GB of RAM, and an upgraded Nvidia RTX 4090 GPU. This configuration rivals the Razer Blade 16 in price but offers double the memory. While other laptops like the Razer Blade 16 and MSI GT77 Titan exceed the Legion 9i in price, few can match its performance and innovative features.
| Feature | Lenovo Legion 9i (2023) |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 0.75 x 14.08 x 10.93 inches |
| Weight | 5.51 pounds |
| Processor | Intel Core i9-13980HX |
| Graphics | Nvidia RTX 4090 (150W) |
| RAM | 32GB DDR5-5600 |
| Display | 16-inch, 3,200 x 2,000, 1,200 nits, mini-LED, 165Hz |
| Storage | 2TB |
| Touchscreen | N/A |
| Ports | 2x Thunderbolt 4 (140W, DisplayPort), 2x USB-A 3.2 Gen 1, 1x HDMI 2.1, 1x Ethernet, 1x SD card reader, 1x 3.5mm headphone jack |
| Wireless | Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.1 |
| Webcam | 1080p |
| Operating System | Windows 11 Home |
| Battery | 99.99 Whr |
| Price (as configured) | $3,970 |
Innovative Cooling and Portable Design
One key differentiating factor is the Legion 9i’s liquid cooling system, co-engineered with Cooler Master. This system targets the GPU VRAM, activating only when the GPU temperature reaches 84 degrees Celsius. This design choice prioritizes maintaining a slim profile rather than simply minimizing fan noise. The result is a surprisingly portable machine for its power, a stark contrast to bulkier gaming laptops like the MSI GT77 Titan.
Ports on the Lenovo Legion 9i.
Design and Aesthetics
The Legion 9i’s design is striking, featuring a unique top cover with a textured, abstract gray pattern. The RGB lighting on the keyboard, surrounding LED strips, and even the lid logo adds a customizable flair. Despite its high-end components, the Legion 9i maintains a remarkably portable form factor at just 0.75 inches thick and 5.51 pounds. This makes it significantly lighter and thinner than many competing desktop replacement laptops, enhancing its portability.
Comprehensive Port Selection
Lenovo continues its tradition of providing a comprehensive array of ports. Located at the back are two Thunderbolt 4 ports (supporting DisplayPort 1.4 and 140W power delivery), Ethernet, USB-A 3.2 Gen 1, HDMI 2.1, and the power connector. Additional ports on the sides include another USB-A 3.2 Gen 1 port, a 3.5mm headphone jack, and a full-size SD card reader. This extensive connectivity ensures compatibility with a wide range of peripherals and displays.
Keyboard on the Lenovo Legion 9i laptop.
Keyboard and Trackpad
The Legion 9i features Lenovo’s renowned gaming keyboard, offering snappy responsiveness, optimal key travel, and comfortable spacing. A unique addition is a set of eight replaceable keycaps, allowing for personalized customization. However, the trackpad is a relative weak point, being smaller than ideal due to the placement of vents above the keyboard. This can lead to accidental cursor movements, a minor inconvenience in an otherwise excellent design.
Key cap set for the Lenovo Legion 9i.
Stunning Visual Experience
The Legion 9i boasts a remarkable 16-inch, 3.2K (3,200 x 2,000) mini-LED display with a 165Hz refresh rate. With a peak brightness of 1,200 nits and VESA DisplayHDR 1000 certification, it delivers vibrant visuals and exceptional HDR performance. While color accuracy out-of-the-box could be improved, the display’s high contrast ratio and mini-LED backlighting contribute to an immersive gaming and media consumption experience.
An HDR demo on the Lenovo Legion 9i laptop.
Unrivaled Performance
Powered by the Intel Core i9-13980HX and Nvidia RTX 4090, the Legion 9i delivers exceptional gaming performance. Benchmarks show it outperforming even the Asus Scar 17 with the Ryzen 9 7945HX3D in 3DMark Time Spy. This impressive performance, coupled with the 3.2K display, allows for smooth gameplay at high resolutions with demanding settings, including ray tracing and DLSS 3.
An HDR demo running on the Lenovo Legion 9i.
Battery Life and Charging
As expected with such powerful components and a bright display, battery life is a trade-off. The Legion 9i lasts around two and a half hours in web browsing tests, comparable to other high-performance gaming laptops. However, the inclusion of both a 330W GaN charger and a portable 140W USB-C charger provides flexibility for both gaming and on-the-go charging.
Final Verdict
Cyberpunk 2077 running on the Lenovo Legion 9i.
The Lenovo Legion 9i is a true desktop replacement, offering a remarkable combination of power, portability, and innovative features. While the trackpad could be larger and color accuracy slightly improved, these minor drawbacks are overshadowed by the laptop’s exceptional performance, stunning display, and thoughtful design. For those seeking a premium gaming experience without compromise, the Legion 9i is a worthy investment.
The back of the Lenovo Legion 9i laptop.
