The Lenovo Legion Slim 5 stands out as a gaming laptop that attempts to strike a delicate balance between form and function. Despite its name suggesting a more compact form factor, this device doesn’t shy away from offering a substantial build that accommodates a comfortable keyboard, a generously sized trackpad, and a luxurious 16-inch display. The design choices suggest a machine that’s as much at home on a desk as it is on the go, with ample room for a robust cooling system and, theoretically, a sizeable battery. However, the true test of its portability comes down to battery performance, especially when untethered from a power source during gaming sessions.
(Image credit: Future)
Our Verdict
The Lenovo Legion Slim 5 offers an impressive blend of affordability and performance, making it a very attractive option for gamers. However, its gaming prowess on battery power is somewhat limited, which is a notable drawback for those looking to game on the go.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Good balance of price and performance | Short gaming battery life |
| Trackpad feels good | 512GB SSDs are getting a little small |
| Not too much RGB |
Design and Features
The Lenovo Legion Slim 5 boasts a design that is both robust and practical, with a focus on providing a comfortable user experience. The laptop’s substantial size allows for a full keyboard with a numpad, a spacious trackpad, and a 16-inch screen that enhances the gaming and productivity experience. Despite its ‘Slim’ designation, the laptop’s build is more substantial than what the name might imply, hinting at a device that’s designed for stability and performance rather than ultra-portability.
| Pros | Cons |
| Comfortable keyboard with numpad | Heavier and bulkier than some ‘slim’ models |
| Spacious trackpad | |
| 16-inch display for an immersive experience |
Performance
The Lenovo Legion Slim 5 is powered by an AMD Ryzen 7 7840HS CPU, an eight-core processor that provides a solid foundation for gaming and multitasking. The inclusion of an Nvidia GeForce RTX 4060 GPU means that this laptop is well-equipped to handle modern games at high settings. With 16GB of DDR5-5600 RAM, the system is poised to offer smooth performance, and the 512GB PCIe 4 SSD, while on the smaller side, delivers fast load times and quick data transfers.
Connectivity and Ports
The Lenovo Legion Slim 5 offers a comprehensive range of connectivity options to cater to various user needs. It features two USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C ports with DisplayPort capabilities, two USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A ports, an Ethernet jack for stable wired internet connections, and an HDMI 2.1 port for external displays. Additionally, there’s an SD Card reader for easy access to storage media and a headset combo jack, ensuring that the laptop can connect to a wide array of devices and peripherals.
Display and Audio
The Lenovo Legion Slim 5 is equipped with a 16-inch IPS display that offers a resolution of 2560×1600 pixels and a refresh rate of 165Hz, providing crisp and fluid visuals for gaming and video playback. While the display doesn’t boast the deep colors of an OLED panel, it compensates with less reflectivity, making it more versatile in various lighting conditions. However, it’s worth noting that the screen could be brighter, and some users might notice the backlight in darker scenes. As for audio, the laptop has a pair of speakers that deliver sound, but their placement and size might not satisfy users looking for an immersive audio experience.
Keyboard and Trackpad
The Lenovo Legion Slim 5 features a keyboard that is well-regarded for its comfortable key travel and full-size keys, which include a numpad. The backlighting is adjustable, allowing for visibility without being overbearing. The trackpad is noteworthy for its responsive surface, providing a tactile experience that enhances usability. The trackpad’s size and texture contribute to a user-friendly experience, making it a standout feature for those who rely on the built-in pointing device.
Battery Life
When it comes to battery life, the Lenovo Legion Slim 5 presents a bit of a mixed bag. While general usage such as web browsing or light productivity tasks can see the battery lasting for several hours, gaming is a different story. Under gaming conditions, the battery life can dwindle to just about an hour, which is less than ideal for those looking to game without being tethered to a power outlet. This limitation means that while the Legion Slim 5 offers great performance, it’s best used near a power source if gaming is on the agenda.
In conclusion, the Lenovo Legion Slim 5 is a compelling choice for gamers looking for a balance between cost and performance. It boasts a robust design, a comfortable keyboard and trackpad, and a display that’s more than adequate for gaming and media consumption. The connectivity options are plentiful, ensuring that users can easily connect a variety of peripherals and external displays. However, the laptop’s gaming battery life is a significant limitation, and the storage capacity may feel restrictive for those with extensive game libraries. Overall, the Legion Slim 5 is a strong contender in its price bracket, provided that users can accommodate its few shortcomings.
