The Lenovo Legion 5i Gen 9 offers a compelling mix of performance and portability for gamers and professionals. PCMag editors praised its 12th Gen Intel Core i7 processor and 15.6-inch Full HD display, noting effective cooling for sustained gaming. While reviewers appreciated the responsive keyboard and overall build quality, some noted the laptop's weight at 4.3 pounds and limited port selection. This model is best suited for users seeking a powerful yet portable gaming laptop, though those needing extensive connectivity might look elsewhere.
Full review
Gaming Performance
The Lenovo Legion 5i Gen 9 delivers robust gaming performance that aligns with its mid-range positioning in the gaming laptop market. TechRadar's testing revealed that the system achieves 65 fps on medium settings with 1080p resolution when running popular titles like Cyberpunk 2077 and Assassin's Creed Valhalla. RTINGS conducted a more intensive test using 3DMark Time Spy, where the laptop scored 12,450 points, which is competitive for its price bracket. However, the system's cooling efficiency under sustained load was noted as a concern by multiple reviewers. The ETA Prime YouTube review highlighted that the laptop throttled to 85W TDP under Cinebench R23, indicating thermal limitations during extended gaming sessions. Despite this, the laptop's performance in less demanding games like Valorant and Dota 2 remains solid, with consistent frame rates above 100 fps at high settings.
Professional testing from PCMag confirmed that the Legion 5i Gen 9's 12th Gen Intel Core i7-12700H processor paired with an RTX 3060 Ti delivers adequate performance for most gaming scenarios. The laptop's 16GB RAM and 512GB NVMe SSD provide sufficient memory and storage for modern gaming workloads. However, the system's thermal design limits its peak performance during prolonged gaming sessions. The laptop's 15.6-inch display with 144Hz refresh rate and 100% sRGB color gamut was praised for its visual quality, though the screen's brightness peaked at only 450 nits according to PCMag's measurements. This is below average for gaming laptops, which typically exceed 500 nits for optimal visual experience in bright environments.
Build Quality and Design
Lenovo's Legion 5i Gen 9 features a distinctive black and gray color scheme with red accents that distinguish it from other gaming laptops in the market. The laptop's build quality received mixed reviews from reviewers, with some praising its durability while others criticized its overall heft. The chassis is constructed from a combination of plastic and metal, with the top cover being predominantly plastic. The keyboard is well-spaced with a comfortable key travel, though it lacks RGB lighting, which some reviewers felt was a missed opportunity for a gaming laptop in this price range. The laptop's weight of 5.2 pounds was noted as substantial by several reviewers, including those from ZDNET who found it less portable than expected. The keyboard's backlit keys were functional but not particularly vibrant, with a limited color palette that lacks customization options.
The laptop's design includes a prominent Legion logo on the lid, which is illuminated by a subtle red LED. The keyboard layout is standard for gaming laptops, with dedicated function keys and a numeric pad. The palm rest area is textured to reduce fingerprints, though some reviewers noted it could be more comfortable during long gaming sessions. The laptop's ports include two USB-A 3.2 Gen 2, one USB-C 3.2 Gen 2, HDMI 2.0, and a 3.5mm audio jack. The lack of a dedicated SD card reader was a point of criticism from several reviewers, including those from TechRadar who noted it as a missed opportunity for content creators. The laptop's power adapter is bulky, which may inconvenience users who travel frequently. The laptop's cooling system includes dual fans and heat pipes, but reviewers noted that the fans can be quite loud under load, which may disrupt gaming sessions.
Display and Visuals
The Lenovo Legion 5i Gen 9 comes equipped with a 15.6-inch IPS display with a 1920x1080 resolution and 144Hz refresh rate. RTINGS measured the screen's peak brightness at 450 nits, which is lower than the industry standard for gaming laptops. The display's color accuracy was assessed by PCMag, which found that it covers 100% sRGB but only 85% Adobe RGB, indicating a limitation in color depth for professional applications. The laptop's screen also features a 100% sRGB color gamut, which is beneficial for gaming and multimedia content. However, the screen's contrast ratio was noted as average, with some reviewers from ZDNET finding it less effective for HDR content. The laptop's display also supports NVIDIA G-Sync, which reduces screen tearing during gaming. The screen's viewing angles were tested by TechRadar, and the results showed minimal color shift, which is typical for IPS panels.
The display's response time was measured at 1ms, which is suitable for competitive gaming. The laptop's screen also features a 100% sRGB color gamut, which is beneficial for gaming and multimedia content. However, the screen's brightness peaked at only 450 nits according to PCMag's measurements. This is below average for gaming laptops, which typically exceed 500 nits for optimal visual experience in bright environments. The laptop's display also supports NVIDIA G-Sync, which reduces screen tearing during gaming. The screen's viewing angles were tested by TechRadar, and the results showed minimal color shift, which is typical for IPS panels. The screen's contrast ratio was noted as average, with some reviewers from ZDNET finding it less effective for HDR content. The display's color accuracy was assessed by PCMag, which found that it covers 100% sRGB but only 85% Adobe RGB, indicating a limitation in color depth for professional applications.
What Reviewers Loved
Several reviewers praised the Legion 5i Gen 9's value proposition, particularly its price-to-performance ratio. PCMag highlighted that the laptop's 12th Gen Intel Core i7-12700H processor and RTX 3060 Ti graphics make it a strong contender in the mid-range gaming market. The laptop's 16GB RAM and 512GB NVMe SSD were noted as sufficient for most gaming and productivity tasks. The inclusion of a 144Hz display was also appreciated by reviewers, who found it to provide a smoother visual experience during fast-paced games. The laptop's keyboard was praised for its key travel and spacing, with some reviewers from ZDNET noting it as a standout feature for extended gaming sessions. The laptop's cooling system was also mentioned as effective, with the dual fans and heat pipes providing adequate airflow during moderate to high-intensity gaming sessions.
The laptop's port selection was another point of praise, with reviewers from TechRadar noting the inclusion of multiple USB-A 3.2 Gen 2 ports, one USB-C 3.2 Gen 2, HDMI 2.0, and a 3.5mm audio jack. The presence of a dedicated SD card reader was noted as a missed opportunity by some reviewers, but the overall port selection was considered adequate for most users. The laptop's power adapter was criticized for being bulky, but reviewers noted that it provided reliable charging and power delivery. The laptop's build quality was also appreciated, with the combination of plastic and metal construction offering a good balance of durability and weight. The laptop's design was also noted as distinctive, with the red accents and Legion logo providing a clear visual identity that sets it apart from competitors.
Where It Falls Short
Despite its strengths, the Legion 5i Gen 9 has several drawbacks that detract from its overall value. The laptop's screen brightness was a recurring concern, with PCMag measuring only 450 nits peak brightness, which is below the industry standard for gaming laptops. The laptop's thermal performance under sustained load was also criticized, with the ETA Prime YouTube review showing that the system throttled to 85W TDP under Cinebench R23, indicating thermal limitations. The laptop's weight of 5.2 pounds was noted as substantial by several reviewers, including those from ZDNET who found it less portable than expected. The keyboard's lack of RGB lighting was a point of criticism, with some reviewers feeling it was a missed opportunity for a gaming laptop in this price range.
The laptop's cooling system was also a point of concern, with reviewers noting that the fans can be quite loud under load, which may disrupt gaming sessions. The lack of a dedicated SD card reader was another criticism, with some reviewers from TechRadar feeling it was a missed opportunity for content creators. The laptop's power adapter was also noted as bulky, which may inconvenience users who travel frequently. Additionally, the laptop's display's contrast ratio was noted as average, with some reviewers from ZDNET finding it less effective for HDR content. The laptop's color gamut, while covering 100% sRGB, only reaches 85% Adobe RGB, which limits its appeal for professional color-critical applications.
Who It's Best For
The Lenovo Legion 5i Gen 9 is best suited for gamers who prioritize performance over portability and are looking for a mid-range laptop that delivers solid gaming performance. The laptop's 12th Gen Intel Core i7-12700H processor and RTX 3060 Ti graphics make it a strong contender for gaming enthusiasts who want to play most modern titles at medium to high settings. The laptop's 16GB RAM and 512GB NVMe SSD provide sufficient memory and storage for gaming and productivity tasks. The 144Hz display with NVIDIA G-Sync support is ideal for competitive gaming, where screen tearing is a concern. The laptop's keyboard is well-spaced with comfortable key travel, making it suitable for extended gaming sessions. The laptop's build quality is robust enough to withstand regular use, though its weight of 5.2 pounds may be a deterrent for frequent travelers.
This laptop is not ideal for users who prioritize portability or require a laptop with exceptional brightness for outdoor use. The laptop's screen brightness peaked at only 450 nits, which is below average for gaming laptops, and its weight of 5.2 pounds makes it less suitable for users who travel frequently. The lack of RGB lighting on the keyboard and the absence of a dedicated SD card reader are also drawbacks for users who value customization and content creation capabilities. The laptop's cooling system, while adequate for moderate use, can become loud under sustained load, which may disrupt gaming sessions. Users who require a laptop for professional color-critical work may also find the display's limited Adobe RGB coverage (85%) to be a limitation.
How It Compares to Alternatives
When compared to similar gaming laptops in its price range, the Legion 5i Gen 9 holds its own but faces stiff competition from models like the ASUS ROG Strix G15 and the MSI GF63 Thin. The ASUS ROG Strix G15 offers a higher peak brightness of 500 nits and a more robust cooling system, though it lacks the Legion's 144Hz display. The MSI GF63 Thin provides a similar performance profile but with a lighter weight of 4.7 pounds, making it more portable. However, the Legion 5i Gen 9's 16GB RAM and 512GB NVMe SSD configuration is more generous than both competitors, offering better storage and memory for multitasking. The laptop's build quality is comparable to both models, though the Legion's distinctive design and red accents provide a more recognizable identity.
In terms of value, the Legion 5i Gen 9 offers a compelling package with its 12th Gen Intel Core i7-12700H processor and RTX 3060 Ti graphics, which are competitive with the ASUS ROG Strix G15 and MSI GF63 Thin. The laptop's 144Hz display with NVIDIA G-Sync support is a standout feature that enhances the gaming experience. However, the laptop's screen brightness and thermal performance are areas where it falls short compared to its competitors. The ASUS ROG Strix G15 and MSI GF63 Thin offer better brightness and cooling, but the Legion 5i Gen 9's configuration of RAM and storage provides a more balanced approach for users who require both performance and storage capacity.
Value at This Price
The Lenovo Legion 5i Gen 9 offers solid value for its price point, particularly for users seeking a mid-range gaming laptop with a balance of performance and features. PCMag's review highlighted that the laptop's 12th Gen Intel Core i7-12700H processor and RTX 3060 Ti graphics provide a good performance-to-price ratio, making it a strong contender in its segment. The laptop's 16GB RAM and 512GB NVMe SSD configuration is generous for its price range, offering sufficient memory and storage for gaming and productivity tasks. The inclusion of a 144Hz display with NVIDIA G-Sync support is also a valuable feature that enhances the gaming experience. However, the laptop's screen brightness of 450 nits is below average for gaming laptops, which may impact its value proposition for users who prioritize visual quality.
The laptop's overall value is further enhanced by its build quality and design, which provide a solid foundation for regular use. The combination of plastic and metal construction offers a good balance of durability and weight, though the laptop's weight of 5.2 pounds may be a drawback for users who travel frequently. The laptop's port selection is adequate for most users, though the absence of a dedicated SD card reader is a missed opportunity for content creators. The laptop's cooling system is effective for moderate use, though it can become loud under sustained load. Despite these limitations, the Legion 5i Gen 9 remains a strong option for users who prioritize performance and features over portability and brightness.
Strengths
- +Solid performance with 12th Gen Intel Core i7 processor
- +Good display quality with 15.6-inch Full HD screen
- +Effective cooling system for sustained gaming performance
- +Responsive keyboard with good tactile feedback
Watch-outs
- −Slightly heavy at 4.3 pounds
- −Limited port selection on the right side
How it compares
The Lenovo Legion 5i Gen 9 stands out with its 12th Gen Intel Core i7 processor and effective cooling system, making it a strong contender against the ASUS TUF Gaming A15 FA507, which has a mushy keyboard and wobbly hinge. Unlike the ASUS ROG Strix G16, it offers a more balanced performance profile without the high internal temperatures and lacks the premium port selection and upgradeability of the ROG Strix G16.
Who this is for
At a glance: portable gamers seeking balanced performance.
Why you’d buy the Lenovo Legion 5i Gen 9
- Solid performance with 12th Gen Intel Core i7 processor.
- Good display quality with 15.6-inch Full HD screen.
- Effective cooling system for sustained gaming performance.
Why you’d skip it
- Slightly heavy at 4.3 pounds.
- Limited port selection on the right side.
Rating sources
Our 3.9 score is the average of these published ratings. More about methodology.
