IdeaPad 5i: Solid Value, Dull Display on Lenovo's 2-in-1

The Lenovo IdeaPad 5i emerges as a practical 2-in-1 laptop aimed at budget-conscious users, balancing versatility, performance, and price. Its all-gray chassis prioritizes functionality over aesthetics, featuring a larger number pad beneficial for data entry. While the keyboard offers ample spacing, the keys have a mushy feel, and the left-aligned trackpad, though intended for wrist comfort, feels small and limits motion.

The 16-inch, 1900 x 1200 resolution touchscreen is a mixed bag. Despite sharp text and a 16:10 aspect ratio, the display suffers from poor color accuracy, appearing dull with washed-out tones and a noticeable glossy finish that reflects ambient light. Audio performance is a surprising high point, with Dolby Audio-enhanced speakers delivering clear sound and a respectable soundstage, though limited by a low volume ceiling.

Under the hood, the IdeaPad 5i, powered by an Intel Core Ultra 7 255U processor and 16GB of RAM, handles everyday workloads efficiently, even exceeding expectations in benchmarks for complex tasks. It offers approximately 12 hours of battery life, sufficient for a full workday. Priced at $649, it's a recommended choice for those seeking a 16-inch convertible for work within a mid-range budget, though alternatives like the Acer Aspire 16 or Dell 14 Plus may offer better displays or battery life.