Lenovo IdeaPad 5 is another shining jewel in the Lenovo Ideapad series that is a complete package in itself. This is an ideal pick among large screen Lenovo laptops and packs enough firepower. The CPU on this Lenovo Ideapad is 10th generation i3-1005G1U which is paired with an 8GB fast memory and SSD storage.
For a user with basic computer needs, the IdeaPad 5 is a “jack of all trades.” It can help you accomplish everyday tasks including casual gaming and media editing software. In this review, we have written about the greatest benefits of Lenovo IdeaPad 5.
Specs sheet
Processor: Intel Dual Core i3-1005G1U (10th Gen.) / 1.2GHz Max. Turbo Speed 3.4GHz
Display: 15.6-inch FHD (1920 x 1080) Resolution
RAM: 8GB Storage: 128GB SSD
Graphics: Intel UHD Integrated
Battery Life: Up to 12 hours
Weight: Around 4.45lbs (2.02kg)
Operating System: Windows 10 S (64-bit)
Let’s see what the strong points of Lenovo IdeaPad 5 are and where it shows weaknesses.
Design – Sleek, elegant and sturdy
Most budget Lenovo laptops have an all-plastic body but the IdeaPad 5 is clearly an exception. It is one of those core i3 laptops that Lenovo has built with a mixture of materials. The lid on this laptop is metallic while the rest of the chassis including the keyboard deck is plastic.
Lenovo has designed it well and the workmanship is up to the mark for a budget Core i3 laptop. You can lift the lid with a single hand while the bezels around the display are narrow. There is no overhanging material and the gap dimensions on this 15-inch laptop are even.
The hinges are sturdy which allows the user to move the display easily yet resilient enough to keep the lid in position. The surface below the keyboard deck is slightly rubberized which ensures a pleasant user experience.
Display – IPS technology with high-resolution
Unlike other affordable laptops, Lenovo laptops excel in display quality and visuals. The IdeaPad 5 has not broken the trend and it comes with a wide 15.6-inch display that features a 1080p FHD panel. The contrast ratio on this Lenovo IdeaPad is 1259:1 with a screen brightness of 324 nits.
The bright side of this display is that it does not use PWM to control screen brightness. So, you would get crispy visuals, bright images and lively colours with details.
Keyboard – backlighting with flat keys
Lenovo IdeaPad 5 had a chicklet keyboard that features backlighting and flat keys with decent actuation force. Thanks to its large display, the distance between keys is appropriate and it comes with a Numpad. This is a typical Lenovo keyboard with a clear pressure point and short key travel.
For better visibility and user experience, Lenovo has added two-level backlighting that can be controlled. You can adjust the illuminations depending on your needs and lighting in the room via a function key. In a nutshell, this is a user-friendly keyboard that is ideal for typing and everyday use.
Connectivity – covers the basics with USB-C port
Lenovo IdeaPad 5 has a moderate port selection that could cover the basics well. The best thing is that ports are distributed on both sides (right and left) and are placed towards the back. So, you would have more space around your wrists areas and won’t find yourself cluttered with peripherals.
There is a Type-C Gen. 2 USB 3.2 port that supports both Power Delivery and DisplayPort, so you can enjoy the fast-charging feature. Moreover, there are two Type-A USB ports which are USB 3.2 Gen. 1 standard. This selection offers two video outputs to the user in addition to an original HDMI connector.
Performance – An all-rounder with gaming potential
Lenovo IdeaPad 5 features a 10th generation i3-1005G1U processor which is paired with an 8GB memory and SSD storage. This is a dual-core CPU that runs on the Windows 10 S operating system and could offer a clock speed between 1.2GHz and 3.4GHz.
The IdeaPad 5 is one of all-rounder core i3 laptops by Lenovo that could deliver solid performance. Whether you are a home user with basic computing needs or an IT professional who works on heavy programs, it can serve you well. It delivers in terms of performance and is capable of running casual internet applications and office programs.
We evaluated its performance by opening an office suite and more than a dozen Chrome tabs. Lenovo IdeaPad 5 didn’t show any lags and we were able to switch between apps smoothly. The presence of 128GB SSD storage ensures that you get quick access to data files. So, you could accomplish your tasks quickly without losing focus. You won’t experience any stuttering whether you are playing games, working on a task or streaming high-resolution videos.
On the bright side, you can enjoy basic games with a bright display and smooth performance. However, you might want to get a dedicated GPU if you are an avid gamer.
Battery life – Above industry standard
Lenovo makes a bold claim of up to 12 hours of battery life, which is not normal for core i3 laptops. Of course, the claimed performance is an ideal figure even with the lowest settings and reduced screen brightness level. However, we found this battery mark to be somewhat true as we were able to get more than 11 hours of battery life.
Verdict – Multimedia all-rounder with solid performance
Lenovo IdeaPad 5 is an ideal choice for professionals and office workers who are looking for reliable Lenovo laptops. A large display, high-speed 8GB memory, long battery life and all-rounder performance are its main advantages. So, if you are in search of a formidable yet affordable laptop, go with the IdeaPad 5. In case you are short on budget, you can buy it at Laptop Outlet at a reasonable price.