Lenovo Legion 5i Review: A Powerful Gaming Machine Hampered by Pricing Puzzles

Excellent Display and Performance Marred by Confusing Value Proposition

The Lenovo Legion 5i 15IRX10 presents a compelling package for gamers seeking strong performance without venturing into the premium price bracket. With a standout OLED display, robust internals, and surprisingly quiet operation, it offers a great gaming experience. However, navigating Lenovo’s own pricing structure can be a labyrinthine endeavor, making it difficult for consumers to ascertain genuine value. This review delves into the intricacies of the Legion 5i 15IRX10, exploring its strengths, weaknesses, and the overall market position it occupies, particularly when considering its retail availability through partners like Walmart.

(Source: pcworld.com)

Context & Background

Lenovo’s Legion series has established itself as a significant player in the gaming laptop market, aiming to balance performance with affordability. The Legion 5i 15IRX10, in particular, is positioned at the more accessible end of Lenovo’s gaming laptop spectrum. It aims to deliver powerful processing and graphics capabilities, suitable for a range of modern titles, without the eye-watering price tags often associated with top-tier gaming machines. The review unit, while not an exact match for readily available consumer configurations, serves as a benchmark for evaluating the model’s potential. The core challenge for consumers often lies not in the hardware itself, but in deciphering Lenovo’s diverse and sometimes opaque pricing strategies across different platforms and customization options.

The laptop features Intel’s 13th or 14th Gen Core processors, with the option to upgrade to 2nd Gen Intel Core Ultra processors in a separate configurator. Graphics are typically handled by NVIDIA’s RTX 50-series GPUs, with configurations ranging up to the RTX 5070. The specific model reviewed boasted an Intel Core i7-14700HX CPU and an NVIDIA RTX 5060 GPU with a 40-watt TGP, paired with a 15.1-inch 1600p OLED display, 165Hz refresh rate, and support for Dolby Vision and VESA Trueblack 600. Storage is provided by a 1TB PCIe Gen4 SSD, and it includes a 5MP webcam, Wi-Fi 7, and Bluetooth 5.4 connectivity.

(Source: pcworld.com)

Lenovo’s configurator tool allows for a degree of customization, enabling users to select different processors and GPUs. However, the review highlights a significant discrepancy between the “Estimated Value” presented by Lenovo’s configurator and the actual prices listed. For instance, a configuration with a Core i7-13650HX, 16GB of memory, 512GB of storage, and an RTX 5050 was listed with an “Est Value” of $1,634 but an actual price of $1,299 at the time of review. Similarly, Core Ultra configurations, while potentially offering superior single-core performance and battery life, are often priced higher through the custom configuration tool, diminishing their overall value proposition.

The review points to a specific configuration available at Walmart as a more value-oriented option. This Walmart model, priced at $1,199, closely matches the reviewed unit’s specifications, with the notable exception of having 16GB of memory instead of 32GB. The review also mentions that the DDR5 memory is user-upgradeable, allowing for a cost-effective upgrade to 32GB should users desire it.

(Source: pcworld.com)

In-Depth Analysis

Design and Build Quality

The Lenovo Legion 5i 15IRX10 adopts a predominantly black aesthetic, accented by the Legion logo power button, white keyboard legends, and RGB lighting. While the all-black design offers a clean look, it is prone to showing finger oils. The chassis features rounded corners and chamfered edges, which, while not exceptionally ergonomic, are more comfortable than sharp angles. The base is constructed from a smooth polycarbonate upper and a rougher ABS plastic bottom, providing a sturdy feel with minimal flex. The display is framed by modest plastic bezels, and the lid is crafted from aluminum with an embossed Legion logo, adding a touch of premium feel.

The laptop’s design incorporates functional elements for thermal management. The display’s back features an enlarged section for the camera and a lip for easy lid opening. The hinges are slightly forward-shifted, creating a thermal shelf at the rear for heatsinks and exhaust vents. There are no side exhaust vents. The underside is equipped with three large rubber feet that ensure stability and lift the laptop for adequate airflow to the bottom-mounted fans. The intake grille is substantial, though only a portion is actively used by the fans, which helps minimize dust ingress.

At 4.3 pounds, the Legion 5i 15IRX10 is reasonably portable for a gaming laptop. Its overall thickness is also kept in check by the thin display and modest base. The overall impression is one of a well-built, functional, and unfussy gaming laptop.

(Source: pcworld.com)

Keyboard, Trackpad, and RGB Lighting

The keyboard on the Legion 5i 15IRX10 offers a mixed experience. The keys are commendably stabilized and feature a slight dish, aiding in tactile feedback. However, the key travel is described as “rubbery,” with a return spring that can feel slightly unusual. Despite this, the reviewer achieved a respectable typing speed of 114 WPM with 97% accuracy. A notable positive is the inclusion of full-size arrow keys, which significantly enhance navigation. The number pad on the right, however, features slim keys that feel somewhat cramped.

The RGB lighting, divided into 24 zones, is considered by the reviewer to be somewhat excessive for a system not offering per-key customization. While it allows for smoother lighting effects and audio response, the vertical column zones are not functionally distinct. Customization options are limited, and the blending of colors between zones can detract from precise visual effects. Backlighting presets can be cycled via Fn+Space, but brightness adjustments require Lenovo’s Legion Space software. The lighting does effectively illuminate the key legends.

The trackpad is described as unremarkable. It is relatively small for the laptop’s size but offers sufficient space for multi-finger gestures and general navigation. Its placement, far to the left, can be awkward for right-handed users. The Mylar surface also lacks the smoothness found on some other laptops.

(Source: pcworld.com)

Display and Audio

The display is a significant highlight of the Legion 5i 15IRX10. The 2560×1600 OLED panel is sharp and boasts excellent contrast and ultra-fast pixel response times, complemented by a 165Hz refresh rate for smooth visuals. The panel achieves a brightness of 523 nits and exhibits impressive color accuracy, with an average dE1976 of 0.51 and a maximum of 1.33, making it suitable for both gaming and color-sensitive creative tasks.

The audio performance is decent but not exceptional. The Nahimic app enhances the sound, providing sufficient volume for games and movies. However, some spoken word content was found to be surprisingly quiet in the default “Music” mode. The bottom-firing speakers, positioned at the outer edges, offer limited stereo separation, which can detract from immersive gaming audio experiences.

(Source: pcworld.com)

Webcam, Microphone, and Biometrics

The 5MP webcam provides sharp images but can appear soft and grainy in modest lighting conditions, despite managing natural exposure. The laptop lacks infrared technology for Windows facial recognition and also omits a fingerprint scanner, leaving users without biometric login options.

The microphone array is a weak point, struggling to capture voice clearly in busy environments. While it attempts to eliminate background noise, this comes at the cost of vocal clarity, rendering speech unintelligible when background noise is present. Even in quiet settings, the microphone sounds distant with noticeable room echo.

(Source: pcworld.com)

Connectivity

The port selection on the Legion 5i 15IRX10 is functional but not particularly generous. It includes two USB-C ports on the left, one with DisplayPort 2.1 and Power Delivery, and the other with DisplayPort 1.4. Also on the left are a USB-A port and an Ethernet port. The right side features two more USB-A ports, a 3.5mm audio jack, and a camera kill switch. The charging port and an HDMI 2.1 port are located on the rear.

The spacing of the side ports is noted as awkward, with the USB-A ports on the right being separated by the full height of the keyboard. The data transfer speeds of the ports are also not cutting-edge, with USB-A ports topping out at 5Gbps and USB-C ports at 10Gbps. While the HDMI 2.1 port is a positive, the absence of faster USB-C standards like Thunderbolt 4 on all configurations is a missed opportunity. The wireless connectivity is handled by a MediaTek card supporting Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 5.4, which proved fast and reliable in testing, though a slight delay in network reconnection after sleep was observed.

(Source: pcworld.com)

Performance

The Legion 5i 15IRX10 is equipped to handle demanding tasks, including gaming and light creative workloads. In PCMark 10, which assesses holistic system performance, the laptop performed admirably. However, when compared to some competing gaming laptops, including older Lenovo Legion models and machines with lower-tier CPUs and prior-generation GPUs, it lagged slightly in this specific benchmark. This suggests that while the overall operation is smooth and responsive, the raw benchmark scores don’t always tell the complete story.

Despite the PCMark 10 performance, the CPU, an Intel Core i7-14700HX, demonstrates substantial power in multi-core testing, outperforming most competitors except for previous-generation Legion models with a Core i9-14900HX. The review also touches upon the choice of CPU, noting that newer Intel Core 7 240H processors, while technically more recent, fall short in both single-core and overall performance compared to the Core i7-14700HX. It’s clarified that the Core 7 240H is a re-branded Raptor Lake CPU, not a newer Lunar Lake or Arrow Lake architecture.

The combination of the powerful CPU and the RTX 5060 GPU translates well into graphics performance. In 3DMark’s Port Royal test, the Legion 5i 15IRX10 significantly outperformed a previous-generation Legion model with a similar GPU, demonstrating the generational uplift. It also showcased how a strong CPU can prevent bottlenecks, as evidenced by its superior performance over an Alienware 16 Aurora equipped with the same GPU but a less potent CPU.

Real-world gaming performance further validates these findings. In Shadow of the Tomb Raider, the Legion 5i 15IRX10 averaged 153 fps, outperforming machines with the same GPU but weaker CPUs. Similarly, in Metro Exodus, it maintained a lead over competitors struggling with CPU limitations. The laptop achieved an average of 82 fps in Cyberpunk 2077 at 1080p Ultra settings. Performance was consistently maintained across multiple benchmark runs, with CPU and GPU temperatures stabilizing quickly and fans operating at surprisingly low noise levels.

When gaming at the native 2560×1600 resolution, performance varied. While lighter titles like Shadow of the Tomb Raider achieved 98 fps, more demanding games like Cyberpunk 2077 dropped to 48 fps. For optimal experience at native resolution in graphically intensive games, the use of upscaling technologies like DLSS and frame generation is recommended.

(Source: pcworld.com)

Battery Life

As is often the case with high-performance gaming laptops, the Legion 5i 15IRX10’s battery life is a notable compromise. In a local video playback test, the laptop managed just under four hours of runtime. This performance is considered poor, especially when compared to some competitors, such as the Alienware 16 Aurora, which offered a significantly longer 10-hour runtime in the same test.

In typical usage scenarios, such as streaming a movie with the display at 50% brightness, the laptop provided about an hour of battery life after two hours of playback. Web browsing and general productivity tasks consumed the battery at a similar rate, yielding just over three hours of use. This limited battery endurance means that users planning to utilize the laptop away from a power outlet will likely need to carry the charger.

(Source: pcworld.com)

Pros and Cons

• Pros:
• Respectable 1080p gaming performance due to a strong CPU-GPU balance.
• Excellent 1600p OLED display with high refresh rate and accurate colors.
• Fans operate quietly, contributing to a more pleasant user experience.
• Reasonably portable at 4.3 pounds and not excessively thick for a gaming laptop.
• Sturdy build quality with a premium aluminum lid.
• User-upgradeable RAM offers flexibility.
• Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 5.4 connectivity.
• Cons:
• Lenovo’s pricing strategy is described as “all over the place” and confusing.
• Short battery life, limiting untethered usage.
• Keyboard feel is subjective and may not appeal to all users.
• Trackpad is small, awkwardly placed for right-handed users, and lacks smoothness.
• Webcam performance is soft and grainy in less-than-ideal lighting.
• Microphone quality is poor, struggling in noisy environments and sounding distant in quiet ones.
• Limited USB-C port speeds (up to 10Gbps) and lack of Thunderbolt 4 on all configurations.
• RGB lighting customization is basic and not per-key.

Key Takeaways

• The Lenovo Legion 5i 15IRX10 offers a strong gaming performance profile, largely due to its capable CPU and GPU combination, which effectively leverages the RTX 5060.
• The 1600p OLED display is a standout feature, providing excellent visual quality for both gaming and general use.
• Lenovo’s pricing for the Legion 5i 15IRX10 can be inconsistent and confusing, making it difficult to determine the best value.
• The Walmart configuration at $1,199 is highlighted as a particularly good deal, offering a configuration close to the reviewed unit, with the potential for RAM upgrade.
• While performance is strong, battery life is a significant drawback, typically lasting less than four hours in demanding scenarios.
• Build quality is solid, and fan noise is surprisingly low, contributing to a positive user experience.
• Minor drawbacks include a subjective keyboard feel, a less-than-ideal trackpad, mediocre webcam and microphone performance, and limited USB-C port speeds.

Future Outlook

The Lenovo Legion 5i 15IRX10, particularly the configuration found at retailers like Walmart, represents a compelling entry-level to mid-range gaming laptop. Its strong performance in gaming and the exceptional OLED display make it a desirable option for many. However, the critical factor for its continued success will be Lenovo’s ability to streamline its pricing and offer clearer value propositions across its various configurations and platforms. As new CPU and GPU architectures emerge, Lenovo will need to adapt its offerings to remain competitive. The short battery life remains a consistent challenge for gaming laptops, and while improvements are being made, users will likely continue to prioritize performance and display quality over extended unplugged usage for this class of device.

Potential buyers are encouraged to diligently compare pricing across different retailers and Lenovo’s own configurator, looking for deals that align closely with their performance needs and budget. The user-upgradeable RAM also presents an opportunity for cost savings by purchasing a base model with 16GB and upgrading it later.

Call to Action

For gamers seeking a potent and visually impressive machine without breaking the bank, the Lenovo Legion 5i 15IRX10, especially the Walmart configuration, warrants serious consideration. Before making a purchase, it is strongly advised to:

• Compare current pricing: Check prices across Lenovo’s website, Walmart, and other major electronics retailers to find the best available deal.
• Verify specifications: Ensure the specific configuration meets your gaming and productivity needs, paying close attention to CPU, GPU, RAM, and storage.
• Consider RAM upgrades: If a lower-spec RAM configuration is significantly cheaper, factor in the cost and ease of upgrading to 32GB.
• Manage expectations for battery life: Be prepared to use the laptop near a power source for extended gaming sessions or heavy workloads.

By navigating the pricing landscape carefully, the Lenovo Legion 5i 15IRX10 can deliver a highly satisfying gaming experience.