The convertible version of our favorite IdeaPad 5i, the Lenovo Flex 5i, offers Chromebook enthusiasts a more cost-effective 2-in-1 workstation. The 11th Generation Intel processor, a large battery, and a 1080p display with 360-degree rotation are all contained within this sleek piece of hardware. It competes with Chromebooks priced under $500, such as the Samsung Galaxy Chromebook 2.
In point of fact, this laptop stands out as an outstanding all-around performer that offers decent components at a very affordable price. The highlights begin with a 13-inch touchscreen and an Intel CPU. It offers a Full HD 1,920 by the 1,080-pixel goal and IPS board innovation. Because it is a "Flex" model, the IdeaPad's screen connects to the chassis via a full 360-degree hinge, allowing it to function as a tablet.
At this price, something has to give. According to the review, the most obvious issue is the scant 64GB of storage. Because you will be working on the majority of your tasks in browser tabs, it won't have a big effect on performance. However, if you need to download a lot of files, that could be a problem. In that case, you can store most of your files on an external hard drive, but the 8GB RAM gives you enough power to complete most day-to-day tasks.
Overheating and poor battery life have plagued previous versions of the IdeaPad Flex 5, but the Flex 5i appears to have addressed both of these issues. Presently conveying long battery duration and further developed cooling, nothing can keep down the Lenovo Flex 5i Chromebook. For the price, this is a nice machine.
Lenovo Flex 5i Review: Design
The IdeaPad Flex 5i 13 purposes a similar plan as the past model, with aluminum on the top to give it a sturdier vibe. Even though the rest of the chassis is made of a polymer and polycarbonate combination, it still feels sturdy—even stronger than some premium laptops that use magnesium alloy to reduce weight. Contrasted with the much more reasonable and very bendable Asus VivoBook Flip 14 that involves plastic in the suspension and aluminum combination lining on the top, the Lenovo Flex 5i feels more luxurious.
The hinge of the Flex 5i 13 also feels good and is flexible enough to open with one hand. However, when it reaches an upright position to hold the device in place in clamshell, tent, media, and tablet modes, it becomes a little stiff. Overall, the build quality of this IdeaPad surpasses its budget price.
The 2-in-1 keeps its Abyss Blue design, with just a hint of chrome on the Lenovo logo on the lid and keyboard deck. This follows the minimalist style that Lenovo has used in its budget and midrange designs. The Asus VivoBook Flip 14 is a little provocative in its appearance, yet that means it's worse looking that the Flex 5. I'd say the Lenovo Flex 5i is more appealing than its expenses, and it won't look odd when you take it to a luxurious café.
Like its ancestor, the IdeaPad Flex 5i 13 looks bigger than it ought to be. Its presentation bezels are slender on the sides but enormous at the top and base. That gives it a more in-depth examination than is necessary. It's likewise very meager at 0.67 inches and very light at 2.97 pounds., while the equivalent Asus VivoBook Flip 14 comes in at 0.72 inches and 3.31 pounds.
The variety of ports is excellent. On either side, you get two USB-C 3.1 Gen 1 ports that are compatible with Power Delivery 3.0 and Display Port 1.4. On the left, you get a USB-A 3.1 Gen 1 port. The Flex 5i likewise get a microSD card opening and an earphone/mouthpiece combo jack along the left edge. On the right edge, there is also a Kensington lock, a toggle for the volume, and a power button.
Lenovo Flex 5i Review: Display
When selecting the display panel for the Flex 5i, Lenovo does not attempt to stray from any established guidelines. The Chromebook accompanies a standard screen that takes care of business without isolating itself from the opposition. The 13.3-inch display and 16:9 aspect ratio are typical features of mid-range Chromebooks.
Although I prefer a taller screen, such as the 16:10 aspect ratio screen on the MSI Creator Z16 or the Apple MacBook Pro, both are high-end machines, the screen is large enough for work and the shape is bright enough to watch video content.
The majority of screens in this price range employ the standard Full HD resolution (1,920 x 1,080), which Lenovo uses. Even when working with small fonts, this resolution maintains the readability of documents and spreadsheets while providing sharp-looking detail on websites.
Most of the video content you can find on the internet and in streaming services looks good. The Full HD goal may not be enough for you assuming you'll do complex undertakings like altering photographs or video.
The 13.3-inch IPS LCD screen's 250 nits of brilliance are fine for this class of gadget, however, it very well may be better. The display gives off enough light for working and looking at it indoors, but it will be harder to read outside when the sun is shining brightly.
Colors look precise and see points liberal with a gleaming completion to it, however, it doesn't accompany irritating reflections or brightness. Lastly, it is a touchscreen that can be used with a Stylus Pen (sold separately) and supports 10-point multi-touch. It responds to finger-based input.
Lenovo Flex 5i Survey: Keyboard And Touchpad
The Flex 5ji has a console with the right feel, and the deck is among the best you will use on a Chromebook. The trackpad is also excellent. The console stands apart outwardly, it has dark keys that supplement the blue shade of the general shade. The keys protrude just enough from the polycarbonate deck to cover the recessed surface of the keyboard.
A laptop keyboard should have the size and shape of each individual key. Importantly, the feedback and key travel are excellent. Even though the light beneath the keys could be brighter, it is still sufficient to ensure that the keys are visible regardless of the surrounding lighting.
The trackpad, it's likewise on the great side, yet we've seen it better on Chromebooks. The size is fine, and it never feels like you're moving the cursor around the presentation. Even though it almost feels like glass, Lenovo uses mylar instead of glass. True glass trackpads are our very favorite, especially at this price point. Despite this, it still feels solid and responsive.
Lenovo Flex 5i Review: Performance
For a gadget planned exclusively for content utilization, the Lenovo Flex 5i takes care of business. This Chromebook provides a responsive experience within certain limitations thanks to the Intel Core i3-1115G4 chip, 8GB of RAM, and 64GB of storage. In the event that you keep a couple of tabs open in a program and alter a text record, for example, all runs well.
Be that as it may, up the number of tabs and run some picture altering all the while, and all that will crush to a relative stop. Even though having 8GB of RAM makes things easier, you can only do so many complicated tasks on this Chromebook.
By different measurements, execution is a hodgepodge, not unexpected in this market situation. The colors are good on the 13.3-inch 1080p IPS display, but it could be brighter. Waves Audio tuned the speakers on the Flex 5i, which are mounted on either side of the keyboard and provide balanced sound. Likewise, the webcam is evaluated at 720p, which is basically insufficient pixels but rather it actually looks fine and accompanies an actual shade that can cover the camera when you're not utilizing it.
Review the Lenovo Flex 5i: Battery Life
According to Lenovo, a single charge of the Flex 5i should last well over 10 hours. The organization doesn't explain assuming those numbers apply to the Center i3 or i5, or the LCD or OLED variations of the machine. Regardless, you are not seeing those outcomes. The Flex will give you close to nine hours of runtime reliably, and nine and a half hours on certain occasions. The majority of users should be able to complete a full work or school day with this, but if you have to work late at night, it might not be enough.
The Flex 5i can be fully charged in about three hours using the supplied 47W charger, which can be plugged into either USB-C port. The competing Chromebooks consume power much more quickly.
Lenovo Flex 5i Review | Verdict
As valued, the Intel Center i3 variant of the Lenovo Flex 5i (82M7000SUX) is a well-performing deal. It takes a lot to compete in the $500-$600 range, and Lenovo did its homework well. This market is dominated by many of the best Chromebooks, and getting the specs, design, and everyday performance right requires some industry experience.
As a result, I believe Lenovo has produced a quality product in the Flex 5i. While this Chromebook isn't necessarily the best in any one area, taken as a whole, it performs well for the price. Where it loses on capacity, it makes up with a screen and battery duration that match a large part of the opposition.
Although the webcam could be better, the privacy shade is greatly appreciated, and the speakers are as good as they can be, the keyboard, trackpad, and ports are all helpful. The attractive design of the Lenovo Flex 5i, which features an appealing Abyss Blue color scheme, maybe one feature that distinguishes it from competitors of a similar price range. The nearest contender is the Samsung World Chromebook 2, and keeping in mind that this Samsung smooth can be arranged with a similar Full HD, Center i3, Smash, and better stockpiling, its cost will be excessively hot.
The Acer Spin 514 is a good place to start if you need something a little bigger and tougher. It has a 14-inch display and is MIL-STD certified, but its processor and battery are inferior to those of the Flex 5i.
Have a budget that isn't fixed? The best Chromebook we've tested this year is the Acer Spin 713. The Spin 713 is another full convertible with a taller 3:2 display and processor options up to the 11th Gen Core i7. Our Editor's Pick for 2-in-1 Chromebooks is still it.