Lenovo Legion Pro 5i Review: It's Mid

Performance & Gaming

In CPU benchmarks, the Legion Pro 5i holds its own against heavy hitters like the Strix G16 with AMD’s HX3D processor and even Apple’s M4 Pro MacBook. Intel’s efficiency gains are clear, delivering strong Cinebench results without excessive power draw.

On the GPU side, the 5i shines. It tops our list of 5070 Ti laptops in 3DMark TimeSpy and Port Royal, only falling behind the RTX 5080-equipped Legion Pro 7i. In real-world gaming, titles like Cyberpunk 2077 and Monster Hunter Wilds showcase the 5i’s edge, consistently placing it at or near the top. However, performance in Final Fantasy XIV Dawntrail lags behind competitors, highlighting occasional inconsistencies.

Creative Workloads

For creators, performance is mixed. In Premiere Pro, it trails slightly behind the AMD-powered Strix G16, but in DaVinci Resolve it surges ahead thanks to Intel’s Quick Sync support. If video editing is your priority, this laptop makes a strong case.

Thermals & Noise

Here’s where the Legion Pro 5i stumbles. While CPU-only tasks keep the deck relatively cool, gaming is another story. Keyboard temperatures climb to 48°C in Balanced mode, with even the WASD keys getting uncomfortably warm. Fan noise is loud but typical for a gaming laptop in Performance mode. Palm rests remain cooler, which helps, but the heat spread across the keyboard can detract from extended gaming sessions.

Battery Life

Battery life is below average at around 5 hours of video playback or office tasks. Unlike the Legion Pro 7i, which benefits from a larger 100Wh battery, the 5i’s 80Wh cell limits longevity. As with most high-performance gaming laptops, expect to stay near an outlet.

Build & Design

The chassis feels sturdy with minimal flex, though it’s not thinner than higher-tier models. Its matte black finish looks sleek but collects fingerprints easily. Ports are abundant but their placement far forward on the chassis can clutter desk space with cables.

The OLED display impresses with a 2560x1600 resolution, 165Hz refresh rate (up to 240Hz in some configs), and over 500 nits brightness. Colors are rich, blacks are deep, and G-Sync is supported. However, it’s reflective, uses PWM dimming at certain brightness levels, and lacks Advanced Optimus, meaning GPU mode changes require a reboot.

Keyboard, Trackpad & Extras

The keyboard is a highlight—comfortable, spacious, and with a numpad included. Multi-zone RGB lighting looks good, though not as customizable as per-key options. Downsides include slightly rattly keys, no fingerprint sensor, and no IR webcam for facial recognition. The trackpad works fine but feels dated compared to modern haptic alternatives.

Speakers are clear but lack volume and bass punch. The webcam is serviceable, but Linux support is limited—our Fedora 42 test showed serious display issues.

Upgradeability

On the plus side, upgradeability is excellent. The Legion Pro 5i offers two full-size SSD slots, upgradeable RAM, a replaceable Wi-Fi 7 card, and easy access to the battery. Lenovo deserves credit for making a high-performance laptop easy to maintain.

Verdict

The Lenovo Legion Pro 5i is a powerhouse with standout CPU and GPU performance, a great keyboard, and a strong OLED display. But persistent heat issues, mediocre battery life, and inconvenient port placement hold it back from true greatness.

If you value a cooler, quieter gaming experience, consider the Asus Strix G16 or HP Omen Max 16. For similar specs at a lower price, the Acer Predator Helios Neo 16S is also worth a look—though it sacrifices some polish and acoustics.

Best for: gamers and creators who prioritize raw performance and upgradeability, and don’t mind extra heat or short battery life.