Lenovo Legion 9i review: impressive gaming laptop with a drawback

As gaming laptops continue to evolve, the Lenovo Legion 9i emerges as a standout contender, boasting a striking design and impressive specifications. However, with every high-performance machine, there often comes a trade-off. Let’s delve into the details of this gaming powerhouse to understand where it excels and where it might fall short.

Lenovo Legion 9i: Specs and features overview

The Lenovo Legion 9i is equipped with top-tier hardware, making it a compelling choice for gamers and professionals alike. My review unit featured the following specifications:

• Model number: 18IAX10
• CPU: Intel Core Ultra 9 275HX
• Memory: 64GB SO-DIMM DDR5-5200
• Graphics: Nvidia RTX 5080 16GB (175W TGP)
• NPU: Intel AI Boost up to 13 TOPS
• Display: 18-inch 3840×2400 glossy IPS with 240Hz refresh rate, G-Sync
• Storage: 2TB PCIe 5.0 M.2 SSD
• Webcam: 5MP with electronic privacy shutter
• Connectivity: HDMI 2.1, USB-C with Thunderbolt 5, USB-A, Ethernet, and more
• Networking: Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.4
• Battery capacity: 99 watt-hours
• Dimensions: 15.87 x 11.69 x 1.1 inches
• Weight: 7.72 pounds
• Operating System: Windows 11 Home
• Price: $3,695.49 MSRP

While the Legion 9i excels in terms of hardware, it does face criticism for its display quality. The IPS-LCD panel, while sharp, does not quite hold up against competitors that offer OLED or Mini-LED options. However, the laptop does provide an option for a "Naked-Eye 3D" display in some models, offering a unique viewing experience without glasses.

Design and build quality of the Lenovo Legion 9i

The Legion 9i stands out with its eye-catching "forged carbon" design. This aesthetic choice is not only visually appealing but also enhances the laptop's overall durability. The chassis is constructed from recycled aluminum, contributing to its robust build quality. The laptop's dimensions are substantial, measuring over 15 inches wide and weighing nearly eight pounds, which may not be the most portable option, but it certainly feels solid.

Key aspects of the design include:

• Unique lid design: The "forged carbon" look gives it a modern and sophisticated appearance.
• Rigid construction: The aluminum chassis ensures high durability, with minimal flexing in the display lid and keyboard deck.
• Premium feel: Compared to competitors like Alienware, the Legion 9i feels more contemporary and stylish.

In summary, while the Legion 9i may be a bit bulkier than some laptops, it more than compensates with its aesthetic appeal and build quality.

Keyboard, trackpad, and mouse features

The typing experience on the Lenovo Legion 9i is commendable. The keyboard features good key travel and a satisfying tactile feedback, allowing for comfortable and precise typing. Additional highlights include:

• RGB-LED backlighting: The per-key lighting customization can be adjusted through Lenovo's Legion Space software, enhancing the aesthetic during gaming sessions.
• Large touchpad: Measuring approximately six inches wide, it provides ample space for multi-touch gestures and is responsive to inputs.
• Good layout: Although the numpad shifts the keyboard slightly to the left, it remains user-friendly.

While the keyboard and touchpad may not be flawless, they outperform many competitors, offering a nice balance of functionality and style.

Display and audio performance

Though the Legion 9i excels in many areas, its display is a notable weakness. The laptop supports refresh rates of up to 240Hz at 3840×2400 resolution or 440Hz at 1920×1200, but the user experience is hampered by a convoluted BIOS setting to switch modes. The IPS-LCD display, while bright and color-accurate, lacks the contrast and richness offered by OLED displays.

Key points regarding the display include:

• Resolution: Sharp 3840×2400, but lacks the vibrancy of higher-end panels.
• Brightness: A maximum of 520 nits, suitable for indoor use but glossy, leading to glare in bright settings.
• Color accuracy: 100% sRGB and 99% DCI-P3 coverage, though contrast levels are limited.

On the audio front, the Legion 9i provides a satisfactory experience with its dual speakers, tweeters, and woofers. The sound quality is clear and immersive, making it suitable for a variety of media consumption.

Webcam, microphone, and biometrics

The 5MP webcam on the Legion 9i features an electronic privacy shutter, allowing for secure use during video calls. It delivers decent image quality, handling mixed lighting reasonably well, though it’s not exceptional compared to standalone cameras. The laptop also includes:

• IR Camera: Supports Windows Hello facial recognition for quick logins.
• Microphone: Good voice capture capabilities without needing to raise your voice significantly.
• No fingerprint reader: This omission may disappoint some users looking for added security features.

Connectivity options on the Lenovo Legion 9i

One of the standout features of the Lenovo Legion 9i is its extensive connectivity options. This laptop is designed for versatility and includes:

• Two USB-C ports: Supporting Thunderbolt 5, allowing for high-speed data transfer, power delivery, and video output.
• HDMI 2.1: Perfect for connecting to external displays or TVs.
• Multiple USB-A ports: Three USB-A ports ensure compatibility with various peripherals.
• SD Card reader: Convenient for photographers and content creators.
• Ethernet and audio jack: Additional options for wired connections and audio output.

In addition, the laptop supports Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 5.4, ensuring solid wireless connectivity.

Performance in gaming and productivity

Powering the Legion 9i is an Intel Core Ultra 9 275HX CPU, paired with an Nvidia RTX 5080 GPU. This combination delivers impressive gaming performance, especially in graphically demanding titles. Benchmark tests have shown:

• PCMark: A score of 8,417, indicating strong overall system performance.
• Cinebench: A score of 1,511, which, while respectable, lags behind some competitors.
• Gaming tests: The Legion 9i achieves high frame rates in popular games like Cyberpunk 2077 and Shadow of the Tomb Raider, showcasing its gaming prowess.

However, the CPU performance does not match the high expectations set by the GPU capabilities, which might disappoint users who plan to engage in CPU-intensive tasks.

Battery life and portability considerations

With a 99 watt-hour battery, the Legion 9i offers a range of battery life between two and six hours, depending on usage. This is typical for high-performance gaming laptops, which often prioritize power over longevity. Key aspects include:

• High-capacity battery: The largest allowed in consumer laptops, providing decent endurance for everyday tasks.
• Nvidia Optimus support: This feature allows the laptop to switch from the dedicated GPU to the integrated graphics to save power when high performance is not needed.
• Trade-offs: Users should be prepared for shorter battery life when engaging in demanding gaming sessions.

Is the Lenovo Legion 9i suitable for gaming?

Absolutely. The Legion 9i is designed with gamers in mind, offering a powerful GPU, a solid cooling system, and a responsive keyboard. The laptop performs exceptionally well in most gaming scenarios, making it a viable option for serious gamers looking for a stylish machine.

Potential issues with the Lenovo Legion 9i

While the Legion 9i has numerous strengths, it is essential to consider some of the areas where it may fall short:

• Display quality: The IPS-LCD panel does not match the vibrancy of OLED alternatives.
• CPU performance: May not meet the expectations of those needing high processing power.
• Battery life: Limited compared to more productivity-oriented laptops.

Overall, these factors should be weighed against the laptop's many advantages.

Why choose the Lenovo Legion 9i?

The Legion 9i is an appealing choice for gamers seeking a stylish, high-performance laptop. It combines striking aesthetics, powerful hardware, and a wealth of connectivity options. Despite some drawbacks in display and CPU performance, it excels in gaming and general usability, making it a solid contender in the gaming laptop market.

For those interested in a more visual overview of the Lenovo Legion 9i, check out this review video:

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