Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 7i Pro (2021)
| Manufacturer | Lenovo |
|---|---|
| Product family | IdeaPad |
| Release date | January 2021 |
| Introductory price | USD 1000 to 1200 |
| Discontinued | No |
| Operating system | Windows 11 Home |
| CPU | Intel Core i5-11300H Intel Core i7-11370H |
| Memory | 16 GB LPDDR4x-4266 MHz (onboard) |
| Memory slots | None (soldered) |
| Storage | 512 GB, 1 TB PCIe Gen 3.0 x4 NVMe TLC M.2 SSD |
| Storage slots | 1 user accessible |
| Removable storage | None |
| Display | Screen size: 14 inch Panel type: IPS Coating: Glossy, Glass Resolution: 2880 x 1800 PPI: 243 Aspect ratio: 16:10 Refresh rate: 90 Hz Brightness: 400 nits sRGB: 100 % VRR: No Screen-to-body ratio: |
| Graphics | Intel Iris Xe Graphics |
| Sound | Stereo speakers, 2W x2, optimized with Dolby Atmos®, audio by Harman |
| Camera | Front: HD 720p + IR, ToF Sensor |
| Touchpad | Large clickpad with integrated click keys |
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi® 6, 11ax 2x2 + BT5.1 1 x Headphone / microphone combo jack (3.5mm) 2 x Thunderbolt™ 4 (support data transfer, Power Delivery 3.0 and DisplayPort™ 1.4) 1 x USB 3.2 Gen 1 (Always On) |
| Power | 65W USB-C® Slim (3-pin) |
| Battery | 61 Wh Li-ion Polymer |
| Keyboard | Backlit, English (US) |
| Chassis | Color: Slate Grey Materials: Aluminium (Top), Aluminium (Bottom) |
| Number pad | No |
| Fingerprint reader | No |
| Facial recognition | Yes (Windows Hello) |
| Special features | Intel® Evo™ Platform, ENERGY STAR® 8.0, RoHS compliant, ErP Lot 3 |
| Website | Lenovo |
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The Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 7i Pro (2021) is a high-performance ultraportable laptop designed for general use and productivity tasks. It features Intel's 11th generation Core processors and integrated Iris Xe graphics, making it suitable for everyday tasks and light gaming. The laptop is available in a sleek Slate Grey finish and offers a lightweight, premium design.
Primary Hardware
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Processor
The Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 7i Pro (2021) can be configured with the following processors[1]:
- Intel Core i5-11300H with 4 cores and 8 threads, 8 MB cache, and a max frequency of 4.4 GHz.
- Intel Core i7-11370H with 4 cores and 8 threads, 12 MB cache, and a max frequency of 4.8 GHz.
The Intel Core i7-11370H processor offers more processing power than typical U-series CPUs, making it capable of handling demanding applications and multitasking efficiently. The Core i5-11300H is also a strong performer for general use and productivity tasks.[2]
Reviewers have praised the processors for their performance in both single-threaded and multi-threaded tasks. The Core i7-11370H, in particular, shows improved performance over the i7-1165G7 but is not significantly faster than the U-series counterparts. It performs well in single-threaded tasks but lags in multi-threaded performance compared to higher-core CPUs.[3]
Benchmarks:
- Cinebench R23:
- Core i7-11370H: ~6646 points (multi-core), ~1553 points (single-core)[2]
- Cinebench R20:
- Core i7-11370H: ~2548 points (multi-core), ~592 points (single-core)[2]
- PCMark 10: Slim 7i easily bested the comparison systems, with a score almost 30% higher than the Dell and XPG, and 25% higher than the ThinkPad 14s Yoga.[3]
- HandBrake: Slim 7i Pro did better than the others, almost twice as fast on this benchmark than the Dell, indicating strong video transcoding capabilities.[3]
Graphics
The Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 7i Pro (2021) offers the following GPU configuration[1]:
The integrated Intel Iris Xe Graphics provides solid performance for casual gaming and multimedia tasks. It is about 15% faster than the average for laptops with the same GPU, making it suitable for light gaming and some more demanding titles at lower settings.[2][3]
Reviewers have noted that the GPU performance is good for casual gaming and multimedia tasks, with the Slim 7i turning in better scores on both 3DMark tests than its competitors.[3]
Benchmarks:
- 3DMark Fire Strike: ~5188 points[2]
- 3DMark Time Spy: ~1911 points[2]
- 3DMark Night Raid: Higher score than competitors, suitable for laptops with integrated graphics.[3]
- GFXBench Aztec Ruins (1440p): Higher numbers are impressive, indicating good performance in graphics rendering.[3]
Memory
The Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 7i Pro (2021) supports dual-channel memory and comes with the following configuration[1]:
- 16 GB LPDDR4x-4266 MHz RAM (onboard)
The memory is soldered, making it non-upgradeable. The RAM is fast and adequate for multitasking and demanding applications. The dual-channel configuration enhances performance in memory-intensive applications.[2][3]
Benchmarks:
- AIDA64 Memory Copy: ~64524 MB/s[2]
- AIDA64 Memory Read: ~62417 MB/s[2]
- AIDA64 Memory Write: ~65610 MB/s[2]
Storage
The Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 7i Pro (2021) offers the following storage options[1]:
- 512 GB PCIe Gen 3.0 x4 NVMe TLC M.2 SSD
- 1 TB PCIe Gen 3.0 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, with high read and write speeds, making it suitable for fast data access and application loading.[2][3]
Benchmarks:
- CrystalDiskMark:
- AS SSD:
Input Devices
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Keyboard
The Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 7i Pro (2021) features a backlit keyboard with adjustable light intensity between two settings or off completely[1]. The keyboard is comfortable and lends itself to fast typing, a hallmark of Lenovo's design, though it lacks the little red joystick found in ThinkBooks and ThinkPads.[3]
Reviewers have noted that the keyboard provides spongy feedback, which may not be as satisfying as other premium keyboards. The layout is standard, and the backlighting is useful in low-light conditions.[2]
Touchpad
The Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 7i Pro (2021) features a large clickpad with integrated click keys. The touchpad is responsive but the integrated click keys are shallow, leading to unsatisfactory feedback. The surface is smooth, allowing for easy navigation.[2][3]
Webcam
The Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 7i Pro (2021) comes with a 720p HD webcam with an IR sensor for Windows Hello face recognition. The webcam provides decent quality for video calls but lacks advanced features like a shutter. It performs adequately in well-lit environments.[2][3]
Microphone
The Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 7i Pro (2021) includes integrated dual array digital microphones. Reviewers have noted that the microphone quality is average for video calls and voice commands, suitable for casual use but may not meet professional standards.[2]
Output Devices
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Display
The Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 7i Pro (2021) features a 14-inch IPS display with a resolution of 2880 x 1800 and a refresh rate of 90 Hz. The display offers vibrant colors and a high refresh rate, enhancing the overall user experience. The 90 Hz refresh rate provides smoother scrolling and animations compared to standard 60 Hz displays.[1][2]
The display is praised for its brightness and color accuracy, with a measured brightness of 395.3 nits and 99.8% sRGB color gamut. The touch screen's brightness is easily viewed in bright daylight, and the 16:10 ratio reduces the letterbox effect on widescreen movies, enhancing the viewing experience.[3][2]
Benchmarks:
- Maximum Brightness: ~395.3 cd/m²[2]
- Contrast: ~1414:1[2]
- Color Gamut: ~99.8% sRGB[2]
- Response Times: ~22.4 ms (Black to White), ~36.4 ms (50% Grey to 80% Grey)[2]
Audio
The Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 7i Pro (2021) comes with stereo speakers, 2W x2, optimized with Dolby Atmos®, audio by Harman. The speakers are positioned near the front corners, providing average sound output. The audio quality is passable for multimedia playback but lacks bass.[2][3]
Connectivity
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WiFi
The Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 7i Pro (2021) offers Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) and Bluetooth 5.1 as wireless connectivity options. The Wi-Fi performance is reliable with good speeds and connectivity, supporting the latest standards for fast internet access.[1][2]
Bluetooth
The Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 7i Pro (2021) includes Bluetooth 5.1, providing fast and reliable wireless connectivity.[1]
SD Card Reader
The Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 7i Pro (2021) does not include an SD card reader.[1]
USB
The Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 7i Pro (2021) is equipped with the following USB ports[1]:
- 1 x Headphone / microphone combo jack (3.5mm)
- 2 x Thunderbolt™ 4 (support data transfer, Power Delivery 3.0 and DisplayPort™ 1.4)
- 1 x USB 3.2 Gen 1 (Always On)
Reviewers have noted that the USB-C ports can output video with the right cable or adapter, but the overall number of ports is limited.[3][2]
Display Outputs
The Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 7i Pro (2021) includes the following display outputs[1]:
- 2 x Thunderbolt 4 with DisplayPort 1.4
The display outputs are versatile, supporting multiple external displays and high-speed data transfer.[2][3]
Case
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The Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 7i Pro (2021) features an aluminum alloy chassis available in Slate Grey. The laptop is lightweight and designed for portability, providing a premium feel. The case is sturdy with minimal flexing, suitable for professional environments.[1][2]
The design is sleek and modern, standing out from many similarly configured laptops. However, reviewers have noted that the laptop isn’t hefty at all, providing a premium feel.[3]
Maintenance
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The Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 7i Pro (2021) is designed to be user-serviceable to some extent. The bottom panel can be easily removed with a T5 Torx wrench. However, the RAM is soldered and not upgradeable, so users must choose their desired memory configuration at the time of purchase. The battery, M.2 storage slot, and WLAN module are serviceable.[2]
Cooling System
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The Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 7i Pro (2021) features a dual rear exhaust with twin 40 mm fans. 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.[2]
Heat
The cooling system is effective, keeping surface temperatures manageable even under heavy load. The laptop can reach high temperatures under load, but the hot spots are located away from the keyboard, ensuring a comfortable user experience.[2]
Benchmarks:
Noise
The Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 7i Pro (2021) is praised for its 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 quietest gaming laptops tested.[2]
Benchmarks:
Energy Management
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Power Consumption
The Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 7i Pro (2021) ships with a 65W USB-C® Slim (3-pin) power adapter. The laptop is efficient in its power usage, but it has specific charging requirements, making it picky about chargers. It requires 100-watt or higher chargers for proper charging.[2]
Benchmarks:
Battery Life
The Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 7i Pro (2021) comes with a 61 Wh Li-ion Polymer battery. The battery supports fast charging, with Lenovo claiming it can charge up to 50% in 30 minutes. Reviewers have noted that the battery life is decent for an ultraportable laptop, with around seven to eight hours of light use.[1][2]
Benchmarks:
Biometrics
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The Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 7i Pro (2021) supports Windows Hello face recognition through its1080p IR camera. The facial recognition is quick and reliable for logging in and authorizing purchases. The Flip to Boot feature powers up the laptop automatically when you open the lid, coupled with Windows Hello for quick access.[3][2]
Software
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The Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 7i Pro (2021) ships with Windows 11 Home as the operating system. The laptop comes with several preinstalled Lenovo apps and software.
Preinstalled Software
- Lenovo Vantage: Provides system monitoring and performance tuning options.
- Office Trial: A trial version of Microsoft Office.
- McAfee LiveSafe™ (30-day trial version)
- Dolby Atmos®: For audio enhancement.
- Lenovo Utility
- Lenovo System Update
Linux Support
The Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 7i Pro (2021) has limited Linux support. While some distributions may work, users may encounter issues with drivers and hardware compatibility, as is common with many Windows-based laptops.[2]
Accessories & Warranty
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The Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 7i Pro (2021) comes with a 65W USB-C® Slim (3-pin) power adapter and paperwork. The laptop includes a one-year limited manufacturer warranty, with an upgrade to 1Y Premium Care with Onsite service.[1]
Reviews Summary
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Overall Sentiment
The Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 7i Pro (2021) is considered a strong contender in the ultraportable laptop market. It is praised for its lightweight design, display quality, and overall performance. The laptop is suitable for both general use and productivity tasks, offering a balance between performance and price. However, it has some drawbacks, such as limited port selection and non-upgradeable RAM.[3][2]
Problems Summary
- Limited port selection.
- Non-upgradeable RAM (soldered).
- Average microphone quality.
- No SD card reader.
- Shallow integrated click keys on the touchpad.
- Higher power consumption under load.
- Mediocre battery life for an ultraportable laptop.
Links
Community Reception
Overall Sentiment
Problems Summary
References
- ↑ 1.00 1.01 1.02 1.03 1.04 1.05 1.06 1.07 1.08 1.09 1.10 1.11 1.12 1.13 "Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 7i Pro (2021) Specifications". Lenovo.
- ↑ 2.00 2.01 2.02 2.03 2.04 2.05 2.06 2.07 2.08 2.09 2.10 2.11 2.12 2.13 2.14 2.15 2.16 2.17 2.18 2.19 2.20 2.21 2.22 2.23 2.24 2.25 2.26 2.27 2.28 2.29 2.30 2.31 2.32 2.33 2.34 2.35 2.36 2.37 2.38 2.39 2.40 2.41 2.42 2.43 2.44 2.45 2.46 2.47 "Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 7i Pro laptop review: 90 Hz makes all the difference". Notebookcheck.
- ↑ 3.00 3.01 3.02 3.03 3.04 3.05 3.06 3.07 3.08 3.09 3.10 3.11 3.12 3.13 3.14 3.15 3.16 3.17 3.18 3.19 "Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 7i Pro Review". PCMag.