Lenovo recently introduced the 2023 Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 5 and IdeaPad Slim 5i laptops, aimed at mainstream users who want compact and affordable laptops. These laptops come in 14-inch and 16-inch sizes and offer good performance and portability. All this information catches my eye, and I have thought of testing this laptop. After testing this, I found this device pretty amazing. The Lenovo Slim 5 laptops use AMD processors, while the Slim 5i models use Intel processors. This gives users a choice based on their preferences. These laptops are designed to handle everyday tasks like work, watching videos, and playing light games. Lenovo also offers the IdeaPad Pro 5/5i series for users who need even better performance and quality. These laptops have premium metal designs and more advanced hardware. I feel pretty good after handling this, and it feels pretty premium. After testing these, IdeaPad Slim 5/5i laptops are made to be reliable and practical for various uses.
Processor of Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 5:
Lenovo offers a variety of options with their Slim 5 and Slim 5i laptops. The Slim 5 models run on AMD processors, while the Slim 5i ones use Intel processors. This means users can pick the platform that suits their needs best, whether they want to do lots of tasks at once or enjoy entertainment. The AMD-powered Slim 5 14-inch models use AMD Barcelo-Refresh platforms, while the Slim 5i ones boast 13th-gen Raptor Lake specs from Intel. Both platforms offer strong performance and options for DDR4 or LPDDR5 memory and gen4 M.2 storage. This ensures that everything runs smoothly and quickly, whether multitasking or using your laptop normally.
Display and Chassis Options:
Users have plenty of options when it comes to the display of these laptops. They can choose from standard FHD+ panels, which offer good quality and display colors well. This display reminds me of another best-quality Oled display, The Lenovo Slim 7i. Moreover, you also get to choose between plastic and metal chassis options. This lets you personalize your laptop based on what you like regarding looks and how durable you need it to be.
Input and IO Features:
Lenovo ensures users have a great experience with the IdeaPad Slim 5/5i laptops. They come with a standard IdeaPad keyboard layout that’s easy to use and a large clickpad for smooth navigation. Plus, many connectivity options are available, so you can easily connect your devices. These laptops also feature a finger sensor and an optional FHD+IR camera for added convenience and security. You can log in securely using your fingerprint and enjoy enhanced security features. Overall, Lenovo aims to provide users with a smooth and intuitive computing experience.
Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 5 Battery & Charging:
The IdeaPad Slim 5 comes with a strong 76Wh battery, giving you plenty of power for using it for a long time. If you keep the brightness at 90%, you can expect about 7 hours of screen time before recharging. And if you lower the brightness to 50% or less, you can squeeze out an extra hour or two of usage. Charging the IdeaPad Slim 5 is quick and easy with the included 65W Type-C charger. It can fully recharge the battery in less than two hours. Plus, you can use any 65W PD-compatible charger if necessary, adding even more convenience.
Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 5 Specifications:
| Screen | 14.0 inch, 16:10 format, touch FHD+ IPS 60Hz, 300-nits with 45% NTSC coverage (14.0 inch) QHD+ 2.5K IPS 60Hz, 350-nits with 100% sRGB coverage (16.0 inch) |
| Processor | AMD Barcelo Refresh, up to Ryzen 7 7730U, 8C/16T Or, Intel Raptor Lake H, up to Core i7-13700H, 6C+8E/20T Intel Raptor Lake P, up to Core i7-1260P, 4C+8E/16T Intel Raptor Lake U, up to Core i7-1255U, 2C+8E/12T |
| Graphics | Radeon Vega or Intel Iris Xe |
| Memory | up to 16 GB LPDDR5 or LPDDR5x |
| Storage | 1x M.2 PCIe gen4 SSD |
| Connectivity | Wireless 6 or 6E, Bluetooth 5.1 |
| Ports | 2x USB-C 3.2 gen1 (video, charging), 2x USB-A 3.2 gen1, HDMI 1.4b, microSD card reader, audio jack |
| Battery | 47, 56, or 75 Wh ??, USB-C charger with rapid charge |
| Size | 356 mm or 14” (w) x 251 mm or 9.88” (d) x 16.9 mm or 0.67” (h) – metal version 312 mm or 14” (w) x 221 mm or 9.88” (d) x 17.9 mm or 0.7” (h) – plastic version |
| Weight | from 3.95 lbs (1.79 kg) for metal version + charger from 4.4 lbs (1.99 kg) for plastic version + charger |
| Extras | white backlit keyboard, FHD webcam with IR and privacy Shutter, up-firing stereo 2x 2W speakers, Cloud Grey and Abyss Blue variants |
Performance of Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 5:
The Ideapad Slim 5 is good for everyday stuff. It can handle lots of things at a time without getting slow. You can surf the web with lots of tabs, listen to music, or edit photos, and it stays smooth. It has 16GB of RAM so you can easily switch between tasks without any delays. It comes with a 1TB SSD, which is fast. It’s supposed to be PCIe Gen 4.0, but it works like PCIe Gen 3.0 because of some limits. But don’t worry; it’s still fast and lets you access files and apps quickly. For gaming, it’s not the best, but it’s okay. Games like CS: GO and Valorant run decently, averaging around 104 fps and 131 fps on low settings. It’s good enough for casual gaming.
Launch date and pricing:
The 14-inch models of the IdeaPad Slim 5 are expected to be available in Europe and other regions around May 2023. Meanwhile, the 16-inch variants will be available worldwide in the second quarter of 2023. Regarding pricing, the IdeaPad Slim 5/5i series offers competitive prices, starting at $649 for AMD models and $749 for Intel models in the US. This makes them a great value for users who are looking for reliable, versatile, and affordable computing solutions.
My overall experience:
After testing it for a while, I think this is a laptop for official and productive work. Its slim design and stunning look will give your workspace an elegant touch. Its premium build quality will also provide you with a premium feel while working on this device. Lastly, I love this device, and if you like this, you may also like the Lenovo Slim 7 review.