Are you searching for the ultimate 16-inch gaming laptop that balances raw power with cutting-edge features? The video above offers an initial look at the new Lenovo Legion Pro 5/5i gaming laptop. This machine aims to be Lenovo’s flagship 16-inch offering. It boasts a refreshed design, the latest specifications, and an impressive OLED display. But beyond the flashy exterior and top-tier components, how does it truly perform in real-world scenarios? This accompanying article will delve deeper into the features, performance metrics, and overall value of the Lenovo Legion Pro 5/5i, expanding on the video’s insights.
Design and Durability of the Lenovo Legion Pro 5/5i
The Lenovo Legion Pro 5/5i gaming laptop presents a stealthy aesthetic. Its black finish minimizes overt gaming cues. Only the distinct exhaust vents hint at its powerful internal components. The top lid, crafted from metal, provides a sturdy feel. However, the internal chassis relies on plastic construction. Despite this, the build quality remains robust.
This laptop is not designed for ultra-portability. Its significant thickness is typical for high-performance gaming machines. The substantial weight, compounded by a massive 300-watt power brick, makes it noticeable in a backpack. While the build is solid, the highly reflective OLED screen is a design oversight. This feature can be quite distracting in bright environments.
Performance Prowess: Unpacking the Hardware
1. **CPU Excellence:** The Lenovo Legion Pro 5/5i comes equipped with an Intel Core Ultra 9 processor. This 24-core CPU is exceptionally fast. In Cinebench R23 benchmarks, it achieves leading scores. This makes it one of the fastest laptop CPUs available today.
2. **GPU Muscle:** Powering the graphics is an NVIDIA RTX 5070 Ti. This GPU operates at its highest possible wattage in this configuration. Such power delivery maximizes graphics performance. In 3DMark TimeSpy, this laptop delivers top-tier results for a 5070 Ti system. This indicates its strong capability in graphically demanding tasks.
3. **Real-World Gaming:** When it comes to actual gaming, this laptop truly excels. It consistently delivers amazing frame rates across various titles. Windows itself feels exceptionally snappy. While slightly slower than the fastest AMD chips in certain CPU-heavy games like CS2 and Rust, its overall gaming experience is outstanding. Gamers will not be disappointed by its raw performance.
The Visual Experience: A Stellar OLED Display
The display is a standout feature of the Lenovo Legion Pro 5/5i gaming laptop. It boasts a 16-inch 2.5K OLED panel. This screen delivers stunning visuals and an ultra-smooth 240 Hertz refresh rate. OLED technology ensures exceptional colors and infinite contrast. Perfect inky blacks are a hallmark of this display type.
This panel also achieves a bright 500 nits of peak brightness. This makes content vibrant and clear. The display hinge is tight and minimizes wobble. It also offers a full 180-degree opening. This allows for versatile viewing angles. However, the glossy finish means reflections are a constant concern. This can significantly impact usability in bright settings. Some manufacturers have anti-reflective OLED solutions, but this model foregoes them.
Connectivity and Charging Options
This laptop offers a comprehensive array of ports. It features multiple USB ports, including Thunderbolt 4. An Ethernet port is also included, crucial for stable online gaming. A physical webcam switch provides added privacy, a thoughtful security feature. Uniquely, specific USB ports can remain powered when the laptop is off. This allows for convenient device charging.
While the selection is broad, the absence of an SD or micro SD card reader is notable. Also, with an Intel Core Ultra chip, the lack of Thunderbolt 5 is a missed opportunity. The included 300-watt power brick is very large and heavy. It supplies ample power for peak performance. However, USB-C charging up to 140 watts offers a portable alternative for lighter use on the go.
Keyboard, Trackpad, and Audio Experience
The keyboard on the Lenovo Legion Pro 5/5i is highly impressive. Keys offer a tactile and clicky response. Full-size arrow keys and a dedicated numpad enhance productivity and gaming. The RGB backlight features 24 individual zones, arranged vertically. While functional, the lighting options are somewhat basic compared to competitors.
The trackpad, while plastic, provides a satisfyingly tactile click. Its size and left-side placement are less than ideal for some users. However, most gamers will use an external mouse. The speakers are bottom-firing and lack significant bass. They don’t get exceptionally loud, which is typical for many gaming laptops. The microphone sounds clear but tinny. Conversely, the integrated webcam provides surprisingly high-quality video, a definite plus for streaming or video calls.
Software and User Experience
The laptop comes pre-installed with various applications. Lenovo’s Legion Space software offers customization options. Users can select between Quiet, Balance, Performance, and Custom profiles. These profiles optimize system behavior based on usage. Performance profiles are often restricted when unplugged, a common limitation.
While Legion Space is functional for general use, its lighting customization options are somewhat limited. The initial setup of the software can be cluttered with advertisements. This detracts from a premium user experience. Despite these minor issues, the customizability within Legion Space is effective. It allows users to fine-tune performance settings when plugged in.
Thermal Management and Upgradability
Running a powerful Intel Core Ultra 9 processor and a full-wattage RTX 5070 Ti generates significant heat. The Lenovo Legion Pro 5/5i manages this heat remarkably well. The CPU reaches a maximum of approximately 89-90 degrees Celsius during heavy loads. The GPU maintains similar temperatures, peaking at 88-89 degrees Celsius. These temperatures are on the warmer side but impressive given the heat output.
The thicker chassis contributes to effective cooling. This allows for sustained high performance. Fan noise is noticeable under load, a consequence of powerful thermal dissipation. Users should plan on wearing headphones during intense gaming sessions. Upgradability is a strong point. The laptop includes two M.2 SSD slots for storage expansion. Crucially, it features fully upgradeable RAM. This enhances longevity and future-proofs the investment.
Value and the Naming Conundrum
The Lenovo Legion Pro 5/5i gaming laptop represents a premium purchase. While cheaper RTX 5070 Ti laptops exist, this model justifies its price with strong build quality and top-tier performance. Lenovo’s product naming scheme, however, is a source of confusion. The Legion 5, 7, 9, Pro 5, Pro 7, Pro 9, and “i” variants are difficult to distinguish. Adding regional spec variations further complicates understanding.
For example, the Legion Pro 5 reviewed here houses an Intel Core Ultra 9. This contradicts what a “5” designation might imply. Despite the confusing branding, the overall package delivers. Users get a great keyboard, an excellent display (despite reflections), and leading performance. The mediocre speakers and software bloat are minor drawbacks. Overall, the Lenovo Legion Pro 5/5i is a highly recommendable gaming laptop for its target audience.
