Lenovo IdeaPad Pro 5i (2023)

Lenovo IdeaPad Pro 5i (2023)

Manufacturer	Lenovo
Product family	IdeaPad
Release date	January 2023 (2023-01)
Introductory price	USD 1000 to 1500
Discontinued	No
Operating system	Windows 11 Home Windows 11 Pro Windows 11 Home Single Language No preload operating system
CPU	Intel Core i5-13500H Intel Core i7-13700H Intel Core Ultra 5 125H Intel Core Ultra 7 155H Intel Core Ultra 9 185H
Memory	16 or 32 GB LPDDR5-5200 MHz (onboard)
Memory slots	None (soldered)
Storage	512 GB, 1 TB PCIe Gen 4.0 x4 NVMe TLC M.2 SSD
Storage slots	2 user accessible
Removable storage	SD card reader
Display	Screen size: 16 inch Panel type: IPS or OLED Coating: Anti-glare or Glossy Resolution: 2560 x 1600 or 2048 x 1280 PPI: 189 Aspect ratio: 16:10 Refresh rate: 120 Hz Brightness: 350 nits (IPS), 400 nits (OLED) sRGB: 100 % VRR: Yes Screen-to-body ratio: 90 %
Graphics	Intel Iris Xe Graphics Intel Arc Graphics Nvidia GeForce RTX 3050 Laptop 6 GB GDDR6 Nvidia GeForce RTX 4050 Laptop 6 GB GDDR6 80 W
Sound	Stereo speakers, 2W x2, optimized with Dolby Atmos®
Camera	Front: 1080p FHD IR camera with privacy shutter and ToF sensor
Touchpad	Buttonless glass surface multi-touch touchpad, 80 by 135 millimetres (3.1 in × 5.3 in)
Connectivity	Intel Wi-Fi 6, 802.11ax 2x2 Wi-Fi + Bluetooth 5.2 Intel Wi-Fi 6E, 802.11ax 2x2 Wi-Fi + Bluetooth 5.2 1 x USB 3.2 Gen 1 1 x USB 3.2 Gen 1 (Always On) 1 x USB-C 3.2 Gen 2 (support data transfer, Power Delivery 3.0 and DisplayPort 1.4) 1 x Thunderbolt 4 / USB4 40Gbps (support data transfer, Power Delivery 3.0 and DisplayPort 1.4) 1 x HDMI 2.1 1 x Headphone / microphone combo jack (3.5mm) 1 x Power connector
Dimensions	W: 356 millimetres (14.0 in) D: 251 millimetres (9.9 in) H: 17.5 millimetres (0.69 in)
Mass	1.95 kilograms (4.3 lb)
Power brick	100W USB-C slim (3-pin) AC adapter or 170W slim tip (3-pin) AC adapter
Battery	Integrated Li-Polymer 75Wh or 84Wh battery
Keyboard	LED backlight
Chassis	Color: Arctic grey Materials: Aluminium (top and bottom) Surface Treatment: Aluminium stamping (anodized with sandblasting)
Number pad	Yes
Fingerprint reader	No
Facial recognition	Yes (Windows Hello)
Special features	Eyesafe® Certified 2.0, VESA DisplayHDR™ True Black 500
Website	Lenovo

All statements attributed to reviews are the reviewer's own opinion. Note that these claims were accurate at the time of publication and may be dated when you are reading this article. Read more.

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The Lenovo IdeaPad Pro 5i (2023) is a versatile and high-performance laptop designed for both productivity and light gaming. It features a range of Intel processors, including the Core i5-13500H, Core i7-13700H, and the Core Ultra series, making it suitable for various computing needs. The laptop is available in Arctic Grey and boasts a sleek aluminum unibody chassis.

Primary Hardware

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Processor

The Lenovo IdeaPad Pro 5i (2023) can be configured with the following processors:

• Intel Core i5-13500H with 12 cores (4 P-cores + 8 E-cores) and 16 threads, 18 MB cache, and a max frequency of 4.7 GHz.
• Intel Core i7-13700H with 14 cores (6 P-cores + 8 E-cores) and 20 threads, 24 MB cache, and a max frequency of 5.0 GHz.
• Intel Core Ultra 5 125H with 14 cores (4 P-cores + 8 E-cores + 2 LPE-cores) and 18 threads, 18 MB cache, and a max frequency of 4.5 GHz.
• Intel Core Ultra 7 155H with 16 cores (6 P-cores + 8 E-cores + 2 LPE-cores) and 22 threads, 24 MB cache, and a max frequency of 4.8 GHz.
• Intel Core Ultra 9 185H with 16 cores (6 P-cores + 8 E-cores + 2 LPE-cores) and 22 threads, 24 MB cache, and a max frequency of 5.1 GHz.

The Intel Core i5-13500H and Core i7-13700H processors are designed to handle demanding tasks such as video editing, programming, and 3D animation. The Core Ultra series, particularly the Core Ultra 9 185H, is noted for its strong single-core performance, making it suitable for applications that require high clock speeds.

Reviewers have praised the processors for their performance in multi-core tasks, though single-core performance is slightly less than previous generations. The Core Ultra 5 125H performed admirably across benchmark tests, achieving a single-core score of 2,267 and a multi-core score of 11,678 in Geekbench 6. It completed a 4K to 1080p transcoding task in 5:02, outperforming competitors like the Swift Edge 16 and MacBook Air.

Benchmarks:

• Geekbench 6:
  • Core Ultra 5 125H: ~2,267 points (single-core), ~11,678 points (multi-core)
• Cinebench R23:
  • Core Ultra 5 125H: ~14,000 points (multi-core)

Graphics

The Lenovo IdeaPad Pro 5i (2023) offers the following GPU configurations:

• Intel Iris Xe Graphics (integrated)
• Intel Arc Graphics (integrated)
• Nvidia GeForce RTX 3050 Laptop GPU with 6 GB GDDR6 memory, 80 W TGP.
• Nvidia GeForce RTX 4050 Laptop GPU with 6 GB GDDR6 memory, 80 W TGP.

The Nvidia GeForce RTX 3050 and RTX 4050 GPUs are designed for gaming and content creation, with the RTX 4050 being the better option for higher resolution gaming. The integrated Intel Iris Xe and Arc Graphics are suitable for everyday tasks and light gaming but may not meet the demands of high-end gaming.

Reviewers have noted that the GPU performance is good for gaming and content creation, though it is not the most powerful option available. The RTX 4050 provides good performance for 1080p and 1440p gaming.

Benchmarks:

• 3DMark Fire Strike Graphics:
  • RTX 4050: ~20867 points
• 3DMark Time Spy Graphics:
  • RTX 4050: ~7758 points

Memory

The Lenovo IdeaPad Pro 5i (2023) supports dual-channel memory and comes with the following configurations:

• 16 GB LPDDR5-5200 MHz RAM (onboard)
• 32 GB LPDDR5-5200 MHz RAM (onboard)

The memory is soldered, making it non-upgradeable. The RAM is fast and adequate for multitasking and demanding applications.

Benchmarks:

• Not specified.

Storage

The Lenovo IdeaPad Pro 5i (2023) offers the following storage options:

• 512 GB PCIe Gen 4.0 x4 NVMe TLC M.2 SSD
• 1 TB PCIe Gen 4.0 x4 NVMe TLC M.2 SSD

The storage is user-replaceable, and the SSD offers fast read and write speeds. Reviewers have noted that the SSD provides excellent performance, capable of fitting a double-sided 4TB drive.

Benchmarks:

• File transfer: 25GB at 1,714.04 MBps

Co-processors

The Lenovo IdeaPad Pro 5i (2023) includes Intel AI Boost integrated in Intel Core Ultra processors, providing up to 11 TOPS for AI-based tasks.

Input Devices

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Keyboard

The Lenovo IdeaPad Pro 5i (2023) offers a full-size keyboard with the following features:

• 6-row, multimedia Fn keys, numeric keypad
• LED backlight

Reviewers have noted that the keyboard is comfortable for typing and gaming, with a good overall typing experience. The keys have a crisp feel, though the key travel is shallow.

Touchpad

The Lenovo IdeaPad Pro 5i (2023) features a buttonless glass surface multi-touch touchpad measuring 80 by 135 millimetres (3.1 in × 5.3 in). The touchpad is responsive and supports gestures and two-finger scrolling effectively.

Webcam

The Lenovo IdeaPad Pro 5i (2023) comes with a 1080p FHD IR camera with a privacy shutter and ToF sensor. The webcam supports Windows Hello face recognition and offers decent video quality with AI-powered effects.

Microphone

The Lenovo IdeaPad Pro 5i (2023) includes a dual-microphone array. Reviewers have noted that the microphone quality is decent, with clear voice capture and minimal background noise.

Output Devices

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Display

The Lenovo IdeaPad Pro 5i (2023) features a 16-inch display with the following configurations:

• 2560 x 1600 IPS, 350 nits brightness, Anti-glare, 16:10 Aspect Ratio, 120Hz Refresh Rate, 100% sRGB Color Gamut
• 2048 x 1280 OLED, 400 nits brightness, Glossy, 16:10 Aspect Ratio, 120Hz Refresh Rate, 100% DCI-P3 Color Gamut, VESA DisplayHDR™ True Black 500

The display offers excellent color accuracy, high contrast, and good brightness levels. The IPS display is praised for its vivid and crisp visuals, though it has a very glossy coating, making it reflective in bright rooms. The OLED display provides even better color accuracy and contrast.

Benchmarks:

• Brightness: ~346.2 nits
• DCI-P3 coverage: ~74.2%

Audio

The Lenovo IdeaPad Pro 5i (2023) comes with stereo speakers, 2W x2, optimized with Dolby Atmos®. The speakers provide above-average sound with some bass, though the wrist rest vibration is noticeable.

Benchmarks:

• Not specified.

Connectivity

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WiFi

The Lenovo IdeaPad Pro 5i (2023) offers two Wi-Fi options:

• Intel Wi-Fi 6, 802.11ax 2x2 Wi-Fi + Bluetooth 5.2
• Intel Wi-Fi 6E, 802.11ax 2x2 Wi-Fi + Bluetooth 5.2

Reviewers have noted that the Wi-Fi 6E option provides excellent connectivity, though drivers for Wi-Fi 6E support are expected later.

Benchmarks:

• Not specified.

Bluetooth

The Lenovo IdeaPad Pro 5i (2023) includes Bluetooth 5.2, depending on the Wi-Fi module selected.

SD Card Reader

The Lenovo IdeaPad Pro 5i (2023) includes an SD card reader.

USB

The Lenovo IdeaPad Pro 5i (2023) is equipped with the following USB ports:

• 1 x USB 3.2 Gen 1
• 1 x USB 3.2 Gen 1 (Always On)
• 1 x USB-C 3.2 Gen 2 (support data transfer, Power Delivery 3.0 and DisplayPort 1.4)
• 1 x Thunderbolt 4 / USB4 40Gbps (support data transfer, Power Delivery 3.0 and DisplayPort 1.4)

Reviewers have noted that the port selection is excellent, though the Type-A ports are too close together.

Display Outputs

The Lenovo IdeaPad Pro 5i (2023) includes the following display outputs:

• 1 x HDMI 2.1
• 2 x USB-C with DisplayPort 1.4

The HDMI port connects directly to the dedicated GPU, supporting 4K 60Hz output with G-Sync.

Case

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The Lenovo IdeaPad Pro 5i (2023) features a full-aluminum chassis available in Arctic Grey. The laptop is lightweight and compact, with dimensions of 356 millimetres (14.0 in) x 251 millimetres (9.9 in) x 17.5 millimetres (0.69 in) and a weight starting at 1.95 kilograms (4.3 lb).

The design is sleek and stylish, with a dark color that is fingerprint-resistant. However, reviewers have noted some flex in the chassis and screen wobble, which detracts from the premium feel. The display hinge is not very tight, contributing to the screen wobble.

The bottom part of the chassis is sturdy, but the keyboard deck and display lid have some flex. The laptop's overall build quality is praised, but it is not as robust as some competitors.

Maintenance

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The Lenovo IdeaPad Pro 5i (2023) is designed to be user-serviceable to some extent. The bottom panel is secured by Torx screws, making it relatively easy to open. However, the panel is tightly attached and can be difficult to pry open without breaking the clips.

Upgradeable components:

• M.2 2280 PCIe4 x4 SSD (user-replaceable)
• Battery (user-replaceable)

The RAM is soldered and not upgradeable, so users must choose their desired memory configuration at the time of purchase. The Wi-Fi module is also not user-replaceable.

Cooling System

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The Lenovo IdeaPad Pro 5i (2023) features a dual-fan cooling system with air intake above the fans and exhaust out the back. The cooling system is co-engineered with Intel Dual Channel Flow Technology to enhance airflow and cooling efficiency.

Heat

The cooling system is effective, keeping surface temperatures manageable even under heavy load. The warmest area is the keyboard center, but it remains cooler than expected for a small chassis.

Benchmarks:

• Surface temperatures during Cinebench R23 stress test:
  • Between G and H keys: ~28.1 °C (82.6 °F)
  • Underside: ~34 °C (93.2 °F)

Noise

The Lenovo IdeaPad Pro 5i (2023) is praised for its relatively quiet operation. The laptop is effectively silent during light tasks, and even under load, the fan noise is not overly distracting. It is considered one of the quieter laptops in its category.

Benchmarks:

• Not specified.

Energy Management

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Power Consumption

The Lenovo IdeaPad Pro 5i (2023) ships with either a 100W USB-C slim (3-pin) AC adapter or a 170W slim tip (3-pin) AC adapter. The laptop is efficient in its power usage, contributing to overall battery life.

Benchmarks:

• Not specified.

Battery Life

The Lenovo IdeaPad Pro 5i (2023) comes with either a 75Wh or 84Wh Li-Polymer battery. The battery supports Rapid Charge Express, allowing for 3 hours of runtime with a 15-minute charge. Reviewers have noted that the battery life is impressive for a Windows ultrabook, with the laptop lasting 11 hours and 37 minutes in tests, outperforming competitors like the Swift Edge 16.

Benchmarks:

• MobileMark® 25@250nits: ~10 hours (integrated graphics models), ~6 hours (discrete graphics models)
• Local video (1080p) playback@150nits: ~21.5 hours (integrated graphics models), ~15 hours (discrete graphics models)

Biometrics

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The Lenovo IdeaPad Pro 5i (2023) supports Windows Hello face recognition through its 1080p IR camera. The facial recognition is quick and reliable for logging in and authorizing purchases.

Software

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The Lenovo IdeaPad Pro 5i (2023) ships with Windows 11 Home, Windows 11 Pro, Windows 11 Home Single Language, or no preload operating system, depending on the configuration. The laptop comes with several preinstalled Lenovo apps and software.

Preinstalled Software

• Lenovo Hotkeys
• Lenovo Vantage (provides system vitals and warranty status)
• McAfee antivirus
• Dolby Access (for sound customization)
• Intel Unison (for file transfer between devices)

The software package is relatively light on third-party applications.

Linux Support

The Lenovo IdeaPad Pro 5i (2023) has limited Linux support. Specific details about Linux compatibility were not provided in the reviews.

Accessories & Warranty

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The Lenovo IdeaPad Pro 5i (2023) comes with either a 100W USB-C slim (3-pin) AC adapter or a 170W slim tip (3-pin) AC adapter and paperwork. The laptop includes a one-year limited manufacturer warranty if purchased in the US.

Reviews Summary

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Overall Sentiment

The Lenovo IdeaPad Pro 5i (2023) is considered a strong contender in the ultraportable laptop market. It is praised for its performance, display quality, and overall build. The laptop is suitable for both productivity and light gaming, offering a balance between performance and price. However, it has some drawbacks, such as chassis flex, limited upgradeability, and a non-standard SSD form factor.

Problems Summary

• Chassis flex and screen wobble.
• Limited upgradeability (soldered RAM, non-standard SSD form factor).
• Mediocre webcam quality.
• Glossy and reflective display coating.
• Top-hinged touchpad clicking mechanism requiring more pressure.
• Noticeable fan noise under load.

Links

• TomsHardware Review