Key points of ZDNET
- The Lenovo IdeaPad Pro 5i is a 16-inch all-in-one laptop for the office, home, and everywhere for $1,500.
- It’s equipped with the latest Intel and Nvidia hardware and has a battery that can last all day.
- However, the device has a disappointing webcam and contains too much bloatware.
When it comes to laptops, professionals and students have more in common than you might think. Both groups wanted a versatile machine that could handle work all day, while also serving as an entertainment center at night. And both agree that a long-lasting battery is a must.
Well, I found the perfect laptop for both groups: Lenovo’s IdeaPad Pro 5i 2024. This 16-inch laptop has everything a professional could ask for in a work machine, and is a solid choice for college students.
Also: One of the most powerful laptops I tested isn’t a MacBook (but it looks like one)
Lenovo’s device is nothing short of powerful. Inside, you’ll find an Intel Core Ultra 9 185H processor along with an Nvidia GeForce RTX 4050 graphics card, delivering solid performance. I tested the hardware by simultaneously running a variety of common workplace tasks from web browsing to writing documents and video conferencing platforms. It handled everything I threw at it without missing a beat.
Additionally, it has 32GB of memory, ensuring partially non-existent loading times. This hardware configuration even allows the IdeaPad Pro 5i to serve as a capable gaming laptop, perfect for when you have long days and want to unwind with a game.
You can enjoy all this power on IdeaPad Pro’s high-resolution 2K (2,048 x 1,280) OLED display, capable of displaying content in stunning detail. Thanks to the hardware, the screen has a fast refresh rate of 120Hz, allowing for realistic movie viewing and smooth image display.
However, unlike many other laptops with OLED screens, Lenovo’s machine does not have much image enhancement software. There’s no Dolby Vision and it also doesn’t cover 100% of the sRGB color gamut. As a result, colors aren’t as vibrant as some competitors. It supports HDR for high contrast, but that’s it.
I should point out that the display is a touchscreen, but since this isn’t a 2-in-1 convertible, I find this feature a bit gimmicky.
Above the OLED screen is the device’s 1080p webcam. It’s usable for video calls, though to be honest, its quality is pretty lackluster. The recordings are grainy and there is no way to improve the feed without third-party software. All the webcam features do is reposition the camera.
The IdeaPad Pro’s large weight allows for a full-sized keyboard, which when combined with the rubber-like keycaps provides a very comfortable typing experience. I also appreciate how the arrow keys protrude from the bottom, making them easy to access. In my experience, manufacturers tend to make the Page Up and Page Down keys on 14-inch laptops too small. Luckily, IdeaPad Pro 5i solves this problem.
Also: Lenovo’s new ThinkPad 2-in-1 improves an important feature that professional users will love
When it comes to other design aspects, Lenovo has made interesting choices here. For example, the speakers are located above the keyboard. I’m always glad to see laptops with upward-facing speakers, as I’ve never been a fan of muffled sound. However, what makes the IdeaPad Pro’s speakers stand out is their support for Dolby Atmos, a surround sound technology. It allows the drivers to be powerful enough to fill the room with sound. Not bad for a laptop.
Battery life is good. The IdeaPad Pro 5i ran continuously for about 8.5 hours while running my usual streaming tests without the battery saver settings enabled. With that feature enabled, rest assured that the device will serve you all day and beyond. However, to charge the laptop, you will have to use Lenovo’s proprietary 230W AC adapter. You cannot use a spare USB-C charger. Luckily, the adapter isn’t too bulky so it’s easy to carry around, although it would have been nice to have the option.
Also: How we test laptops at ZDNET in 2024
I also need to mention a few things that may be difficult for some people. First of all, it’s a 4.27-pound behemoth. Carrying this device around for long periods of time may cause fatigue for some people. Also, note that the IdeaPad Pro 5i comes with a lot of bloatware. The laptop’s 1TB storage is more like 880GB, taking into account all the apps Lenovo has pre-installed.
ZDNET Buying Tips
Lenovo’s IdeaPad Pro 5i has all the right hardware components to make it a top-notch laptop for professionals and students. It has a strong CPU/GPU pairing, a 2K OLED display, and a good keyboard, but its $1,500 price tag will put it on the higher end of the typical student’s budget.
If you’re looking for a cheaper 16-inch laptop, Lenovo’s Yoga 7i will be a few hundred dollars cheaper, even though you’re trading the OLED screen for a much cheaper one. If you want an OLED laptop at a slightly cheaper price, take a look Acer Swift X 14.
