Lenovo’s IdeaPad Flex 5i 2-in-1 Laptop: A Budget-Friendly Option with Trade-offs
The Lenovo IdeaPad Flex 5i is currently on sale for $500, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious consumers seeking a versatile 2-in-1 laptop. This price point, however, necessitates certain compromises. While the device offers a surprisingly good display and a comfortable keyboard, its performance and, particularly, its battery life leave much to be desired.
Design and Build Quality
The IdeaPad Flex 5i features a plastic chassis reinforced with glass fiber, which is standard for laptops in this price range. While not as premium as metal, it feels sturdy enough, with minimal flex in the base and lid. The design is minimalist, in a simple gray colorway, making it unobtrusive yet acceptable. Its 2-in-1 functionality allows for use in various modes – clamshell, tent, media, and tablet – though the weight (3.42 pounds) and thickness (0.70 inches) should be considered.
Display and Audio
The 14-inch FHD+ (1920 x 1200) IPS display is arguably the highlight. It boasts impressive brightness (370 nits) and contrast (1710:1), surpassing expectations for a budget laptop. Although color gamut isn’t top-tier, it’s perfectly adequate for most tasks and media consumption. The audio is adequate but not remarkable.
Keyboard, Touchpad, and Connectivity
The keyboard provides a comfortable typing experience with well-spaced, sculpted keys. The touchpad, while functional, is slightly small and produces somewhat loud clicks. Connectivity is a mix of modern (USB-C with Thunderbolt 4) and legacy ports; the power adapter uses a proprietary connector. Wireless connectivity uses an older standard, representing a noticeable drawback.
Performance and Battery Life
The IdeaPad Flex 5i’s performance is where the limitations are clearest. Its Intel Core i5-1235U processor, while sufficient for basic tasks like web browsing and document editing, lags behind more modern chipsets. Gaming and demanding applications will be problematic. The device’s most significant weakness is the abysmal battery life. Even under light workloads, it struggles to last through half a workday, highlighting the trade-off for the budget price point.
Alternatives
At $564, the Asus Zenbook 14 OLED offers superior performance, display (OLED), and battery life, creating a challenging comparison. While the IdeaPad Flex 5i is not a bad laptop for $500, the value proposition offered by the Zenbook arguably makes it the superior choice.
Conclusion
The Lenovo IdeaPad Flex 5i presents a mixed bag. Its excellent display and comfortable keyboard are positives; however, poor battery life and less-than-stellar performance weigh heavily against it. Consumers on a tight budget might find it acceptable for basic tasks, but the Asus Zenbook 14 OLED serves as a compelling alternative, justifying the slightly higher cost with significantly better overall performance and significantly longer battery life.
