What's the deal?
On the eve of Labor Day, the Lenovo IdeaPad Pro 5i is on sale for 38% off the regular price, just $930, on Lenovo’s website. That means you’ll get one of Lenovo’s top-rated IdeaPads with a 16-inch, 120Hz display for under $1,000 — a steal for a device equipped with this kind of hardware.
ZDNET's key findings
- He Lenovo IdeaPad Pro 5i is a versatile 16-inch laptop for the office, home, and everywhere in between, on sale right now for $930 (that's a whopping $570 off the regular price).
- It's equipped with the latest Intel and Nvidia hardware and has a battery that can last all day.
- The laptop has a disappointing webcam and comes loaded with too much bloatware.
When it comes to laptops, business users and students have more in common than you might think. Both groups want a flexible machine that can handle all-day work while also serving as an entertainment hub at night, and both would agree that long battery life is a must.
Well, I've found the perfect laptop for both groups: Lenovo IdeaPad Pro 5i 2024This 16-inch laptop has everything a professional could ask for in a work machine, and it's a solid choice for college students, too.
Lenovo's device is extremely powerful. Inside, you'll find an Intel Core Ultra 9 185H processor paired with an Nvidia GeForce RTX 4050 graphics card, which translates to rock-solid performance. I tested the hardware Simultaneously performing many common workplace tasks, from browsing the web to writing documents to using video conferencing platforms, it handled everything I threw at it without missing a beat.
Additionally, the Lenovo IdeaPad Pro 5i has 32GB of memory, ensuring that loading times are almost non-existent. This hardware configuration even allows the IdeaPad Pro 5i to act as a gaming laptop, perfect for those long days when you want to kick back with a game.
Also: The ThinkPad I recommend for hybrid workers is not Lenovo's newest model
All this power can be fully enjoyed on the IdeaPad Pro’s high-resolution 2K (2048 x 1280) OLED display, which is capable of displaying content in stunning detail. The screen has a fast 120Hz refresh rate, allowing for lifelike movie viewing and smooth, fluid viewing.
Unlike many other laptops with OLED displays, Lenovo’s machine doesn’t include much in the way of picture-enhancing software. It doesn’t have Dolby Vision or 100% coverage of the sRGB color gamut. As a result, colors aren’t as vibrant as on some competing devices. The IdeaPad Pro 5i supports HDR for high contrast, but that’s about it.
I should note that the screen is touch-sensitive, but since this device is not a 2-in-1 convertible, I found the feature to be a bit gimmicky.
Above the OLED display is the device's 1080p webcam. It's acceptable for video calls, though, to be honest, its quality is pretty mediocre. Recordings are grainy, and there's no way to improve streaming without third-party software, either. Basic webcam software can only reposition the camera.
The IdeaPad Pro’s generous weight allows for the use of a full-size keyboard, which, along with the rubberized keys, results in a very comfortable typing experience. I also like that the arrow keys protrude from the bottom, making them easier to access. In my experience, manufacturers tend to make the page up and page down keys on 14-inch laptops too small. Thankfully, the IdeaPad Pro 5i has solved this problem.
Also: Best Lenovo Laptops of 2024: Tested and Reviewed by Experts
Lenovo has also made some interesting design choices. The speakers, for example, are positioned above the keyboard. I'm always glad to see laptops include upward-facing speakers, as I've never liked muffled sound.
The IdeaPad Pro's speakers are notable for their support for Dolby Atmos. The surround sound technology allows the speakers to fill a room with sound. Not bad for a laptop.
Battery life is also excellent. The IdeaPad Pro 5i ran for about 8.5 hours straight in my usual live streaming tests without the battery saver setting turned on. With that option active, rest assured that the device will last you all day and more.
To charge the laptop, you'll need to use Lenovo's proprietary 230W AC adapter. You can't use an additional USB-C charger. Thankfully, the adapter isn't too bulky, so it's easy to carry around, though it would have been nice to have the option.
Also: One of the best business laptops I've tested isn't a Lenovo ThinkPad or MacBook
I should also mention a couple of things that may be a deal breaker for you. First, it is a heavy machine weighing 4.27 pounds. Carrying this device around for an extended period of time can be tiring.
Also, keep in mind that the IdeaPad Pro 5i comes with a ton of bloatware. The laptop's 1TB storage is more like 880GB, if you factor in all the apps Lenovo preinstalled.
ZDNET's buying advice
Lenovo IdeaPad Pro 5i It has all the right hardware components to make it the best laptop for professionals and students. It has a powerful CPU and GPU combo, a 2K OLED display, and a decent keyboard, but its $1500 price tag will put it at the high end of a typical student's budget.
If you are looking for a less expensive 16-inch laptop, Lenovo Yoga 7i is several hundred dollars cheaper, although you're trading the impressive OLED display for a much more discreet one. If you want an OLED laptop in a slightly cheaper package, check out the Acer Swift X 14.
When will this agreement expire?
Deals are subject to sell out or expire at any time, though ZDNET remains committed to finding, sharing, and updating the best product deals so you get the best savings. Our team of experts regularly reviews the deals we share to make sure they are still current and available. We're sorry you missed out on this deal, but don't worry – we're constantly finding new opportunities to save and sharing them with you on ZDNET.com.