Is the Lenovo Legion 5i Gen 10 the Ultimate Dual-Purpose Laptop for Gaming and Work?

The Lenovo Legion 5i Gen 10 is a high-performance gaming laptop that also doubles as a versatile general-use device, making it a strong contender for those seeking both power and portability. With an impressive Intel Core i7 processor, Nvidia GeForce RTX graphics, and a stunning OLED display, it caters to gamers and creators alike. Though its price tag is over £1,279, the value becomes clear when considering its dual functionality and exceptional features.

Last updated: 28 October 2023 (BST)

Key Takeaways

• Powerful Intel Core i7-14700HX processor and Nvidia GeForce RTX 5060 graphics.
• Outstanding 15.1-inch 2.5K OLED display with 165Hz refresh rate.
• Thin and lightweight design makes it portable, weighing 4.3 pounds.
• Short battery life of less than 5.5 hours, necessitating frequent charging.
• Multiple configurations available, including options for RAM and storage upgrades.

Performance Overview

The Lenovo Legion 5i Gen 10 stands out in the competitive gaming laptop market, particularly for its impressive performance metrics. This device is a powerhouse, designed to handle intensive gaming sessions as well as demanding creative workloads. Equipped with the Intel Core i7-14700HX and Nvidia GeForce RTX 5060, it delivers solid performance across various tasks.

Comparative Performance

In testing, the Legion 5i Gen 10 has outperformed several competitors, including the Acer Nitro V 16S AI and MSI Katana 15 HX. The RTX 5060 graphics card operates at full wattage (115 watts) compared to the Acer model which throttles its GPU to 85 watts. This capability allows for superior frame rates in games, ensuring a smoother gaming experience overall.

Benchmark Results

In benchmark tests, the Legion 5i Gen 10 excelled across multiple performance metrics. It consistently outperformed its rivals in 3D graphics and gaming benchmarks, with the exception of a couple of recent gaming tests where it slightly lagged behind. For instance, in the built-in benchmark of Assassin's Creed: Shadows, it recorded an average frame rate above 60fps, demonstrating its gaming prowess.

Battery Life Concerns

While the performance is commendable, it comes at the cost of battery life. The Legion 5i Gen 10 has an 80-watt-hour battery that lasts less than 5.5 hours on a typical use case, which is subpar for gaming laptops. This limitation means users may need to remain close to a power outlet, making it less ideal for students or those who travel frequently.

Design and Build Quality

One of the standout features of the Legion 5i Gen 10 is its design. Weighing in at just 4.3 pounds, it is among the lightest gaming laptops on the market. This portability is enhanced by its compact 15.1-inch display, which strikes a balance between usability and ease of transport.

Display Quality

The laptop boasts a remarkable 2.5K OLED display, which is a significant selling point. The high resolution ensures crisp visuals, while the 165Hz refresh rate allows for smooth gameplay. The OLED technology provides excellent contrast and vibrant colours, making it a great choice for both gaming and creative work.

Keyboard and Touchpad

The keyboard features RGB backlighting, offering a wide range of customisation options. Although the keyboard is responsive and firm, some users may prefer a softer feel. The touchpad, while slightly smaller than average, is reliable with a firm click response. Notably, the Legion 5i includes a number pad, which is a convenient addition for productivity tasks.

Upgradability and Storage Options

Storage flexibility is a strong point for the Legion 5i Gen 10. It comes equipped with a 1TB SSD, which is ample for most users, but the inclusion of a free M.2 slot allows for easy upgrades. This feature is particularly advantageous given the large file sizes often associated with modern games.

Connectivity and Ports

In terms of connectivity, the Legion 5i Gen 10 offers a fair selection of ports, although they aren't the fastest available. The two USB-C ports support transfer speeds of 10Gbps, which is useful but not as rapid as the 40Gbps that Thunderbolt 4 offers. This might limit options for users needing high-speed data transfer capabilities.

Audio and Webcam Quality

Audio quality on the Legion 5i Gen 10 is decent but not exceptional. The 2-watt stereo speakers provide satisfactory sound for casual use but fall short for gaming or media consumption. Users may prefer to rely on headphones for a better audio experience.

The laptop features a 1440p webcam, delivering clearer images than many of its competitors. However, it lacks biometric features such as Windows Hello facial recognition, which could enhance user security and convenience.

Is the Lenovo Legion 5i Gen 10 Worth Buying?

Absolutely! The Lenovo Legion 5i Gen 10 combines high performance with an outstanding display, making it suitable for both gamers and content creators. While its battery life is a downside, the overall value it offers at a price point under £1,600 makes it a compelling choice for those seeking a versatile laptop.

What to Consider Before Purchasing

When considering the Lenovo Legion 5i Gen 10, potential buyers should weigh their need for portability against battery life. It is an excellent option for individuals who primarily game at home or in environments where charging is readily available. If you frequently require a laptop for on-the-go use, you might want to explore other options or consider how often you'll have access to power outlets.

FAQs

What is the price of the Lenovo Legion 5i Gen 10?

The starting price for the Lenovo Legion 5i Gen 10 is approximately £1,279 in the UK, but prices may vary based on configurations and available discounts.

What are the specifications of the Lenovo Legion 5i Gen 10?

The Legion 5i Gen 10 features an Intel Core i7-14700HX processor, Nvidia GeForce RTX 5060 graphics, 16GB RAM, and a 512GB SSD, with options for upgrades.

Is the battery life good for the Lenovo Legion 5i Gen 10?

The battery life of the Legion 5i Gen 10 is below average for gaming laptops, lasting less than 5.5 hours in typical use, necessitating frequent charging.

Can I upgrade the storage on the Lenovo Legion 5i Gen 10?

Yes, the Legion 5i Gen 10 features a free M.2 slot, allowing users to upgrade storage without replacing the existing SSD.

How does the display perform?

The 15.1-inch OLED display offers a 2.5K resolution with a 165Hz refresh rate, providing excellent contrast, vibrant colours, and sharp images, making it ideal for gaming and creative work.