The Lenovo Yoga 720-15 is a dynamic 2-in-1 laptop that promises to deliver on performance, versatility, and style. Aimed at both professionals and casual users who seek a balance between productivity and entertainment, this device has made its mark in the convertible laptop segment. Let’s explore its features, build quality, performance, and overall user experience to see how it stands up to the competition.
TheTechBasic Verdict
The Lenovo Yoga 720-15 offers exceptional value considering its features. Despite having just, a 1080p display, the model we reviewed stands out with its superior design and impressive power, surpassing its nearest competitors while still maintaining commendable battery life.
Pros
- Outstanding performance for a 2-in-1 device
- Impressive battery longevity
- Responsive trackpad and keyboard
- Robust hinge construction
Cons
- Lacks USB-C charging capability
- Missing HDMI and SD card slots
- Speakers positioned on the bottom
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Technical Specification
Lenovo Yoga 720 (15-inch) Review Configuration for TheTechBasic
| Component | Specification |
| Model | Lenovo Yoga 720 (15-inch) Review Configuration for TheTechBasic |
| CPU | Intel Core i7-7700HQ 2.8GHz (quad-core, up to 3.8GHz, 6MB cache) |
| Graphics | NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1050 (2GB GDDR5), Intel HD Graphics 630 |
| RAM | 8GB |
| Screen | 15.6-inch Full HD (1920 x 1080) IPS LED multitouch |
| Storage | 256GB PCIe SSD |
| Ports | 1 x USB 3.1 Type-C with Thunderbolt, 2 x USB 3.0, headphone jack |
| Connectivity | 802.11ac Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 4.1 |
| Camera | 720p HD webcam |
| Weight | 4.4 pounds (2 kg) |
| Dimensions (W x D x H) | 14.3 x 9.5 x 0.75 inches (36.3 x 24.1 x 1.9 cm) |
Overview of Lenovo Yoga 720-15
Lenovo has been a leading force in the convertible notebook market ever since it introduced its Yoga series back in 2012. Each year, the company releases new 2-in-1 notebooks featuring 360-degree hinges that allow the devices to be used in four modes: Laptop, Tent, Stand, and Tablet. The Yoga 710 line from last year was a critical and commercial success, though it did face some criticism regarding the keyboard layout, screen flicker, and port selection.
With the new Yoga 720 line, Lenovo has addressed these concerns by making design tweaks and upgrading components. Today, we’re reviewing the 15-inch model, which stands as Lenovo’s largest and most powerful Yoga yet. Like many Lenovo notebooks, the Lenovo Yoga 720-15 can be customized at the time of purchase, offering a wide range of choices.
Our review model is equipped with an Intel Core i7-7700HQ, a 2 GB NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1050, and a Full HD (1920×1080) IPS touchscreen. It also comes with 8 GB of RAM and a 256 GB NVMe SSD, both standard on the line but upgradable to 16 GB and 1 TB, respectively. This particular configuration is priced around $1,260 from Lenovo, although the company often runs sales (at the time of this review, it was available for $1,049 on their site).
The Lenovo Yoga 720-15 fits into multiple categories. It’s a convertible notebook, but the inclusion of the i7-7700HQ processor and GTX 1050 graphics card also makes it suitable for multimedia use. The moderate power of the GTX 1050 allows for some gaming capabilities, although at lower settings. We will evaluate how our unit performs across these different categories.
For this review, we will compare it with other convertibles like the HP Spectre x360 15 and Dell XPS 13 9365 2-in-1, both of which are excellent in their class. Additionally, we’ll compare it to multimedia notebooks such as the Dell XPS 15 9560 (UHD) and HP Pavilion 15t-bc200. Lastly, to assess the capabilities of its gaming, we’ll include entry-level gaming notebooks like the Samsung Odyssey and Lenovo Legion Y520. Let’s dive in and see how the Lenovo Yoga 720-15 stacks up against its competition.
Price and availability of Lenovo Yoga 720-15
The Lenovo Yoga 720-15 configuration we evaluated in the United States is priced at $1,199. Interestingly, this specific model, or any variant of this convertible, isn’t available in the UK. Meanwhile, in Australia, there is only one configuration available at AU$2,699.
For $1,199, you get a Lenovo Yoga 720 featuring a 15.6-inch Full HD (1920 x 1080) multitouch display, a quad-core Intel Core i7 processor, a 2GB Nvidia GeForce GTX 1050 graphics card, 8GB of RAM, and a 256GB SSD. However, for $999, you can get the same specifications minus the discrete graphics card.
In the US, the highest-priced configuration of the Lenovo Yoga 720 costs $1,699, which includes the same processor and GTX 1050 graphics card but upgrades to a 4K (3840 x 2160) display, 16GB of RAM, and a 1TB SSD.
Lastly, the sole AU$2,699 model available in Australia offers an Intel Core i7 processor, 256GB SSD storage, 16GB of RAM, a 1080p screen, and an unusual inclusion of a GTX 1050 graphics card with doubled video memory.
Design of Lenovo Yoga 720-15
Overall, the Lenovo Yoga 720 boasts a superb build quality. Its aluminum finish and six-row backlit keyboard exude comfort and elegance.
The key travel is significantly better than the butterfly mechanism found in the MacBook Pro, with each key rounded at the bottom for enhanced ergonomics. This design makes it less likely to hit the wrong key, as each is shaped to fit your fingers perfectly.
Although the trackpad isn’t as satisfying or precise as Apple’s Force Touch trackpad, it remains one of the best we’ve encountered on a Windows laptop. The stylish silvery border around the clicker further enhances the prestige of the Lenovo Yoga 720.
The Lenovo Yoga 720-15 effectively manages airflow with a single vent at the device’s rear. While it’s not entirely silent, the fan placement ensures they aren’t distracting.
It’s impressive that Lenovo achieved this with standard voltages by Intel’s, quad-core series of “H” processor by Core i7-7700HQ, the 1st of its type in a 2-in-1. Given the inclusion of a GTX 1050, one might expect the Lenovo Yoga 720 to be noisy, especially during intense gaming, but it generally remains quiet.
Despite its power, the 15-inch Lenovo Yoga 720 has a compact frame, making it perfect for lounging and watching movies in bed on a lazy Sunday. While the 1080p model is adequate, there is also a 4K screen option starting at $1,349.
The full HD version performs well, but for those accustomed to the sharp clarity of QHD and UHD screens, the standard 1920 x 1080 IPS display may seem lackluster. It lacks the brightness enhancements that make it competitive with the Samsung Notebook 9 Pro, leading to a somewhat washed-out appearance.
When it comes to watching movies, you’ll want a good pair of headphones because the down-firing speakers tend to muffle sound regardless of the laptop’s position. It’s a shame, considering the limited number of ports, the speakers could have been better placed on the sides or above the keyboard to avoid the tinny sound.
Speaking of ports, the selection is rather disappointing, just like with the 13-inch Lenovo Yoga 720. You only get two USB ports, one USB-C port, a headphone jack, and a single-pin proprietary Lenovo charging port. If you want to connect an HDMI monitor or an SD card reader, you’ll need to buy an adapter.
Lenovo could have taken a page from HP Spectre x360 or Huawei MateBook X by including the necessary cables for these basic functions, but unfortunately, they did not. Instead, they stuck with their own charging connector and assigned a lot of accessory duties to the USB-C port.
In future models, we hope Lenovo adopts USB charging and eliminates the need for bulky power bricks. For now, that’s sadly not the case.
Read Also: Review of Lenovo IdeaPad L340-15: Power and Performance in Every Click
Connectivity of Lenovo Yoga 720-15
One major issue with the Yoga 710-15 series was its limited port selection, and unfortunately, the Yoga 720 hasn’t improved in this area—in fact, it may have regressed. Connectivity options are sparse, with several essential ports missing entirely. The reliable SD card reader is gone, as is a dedicated video output port, which is particularly disappointing. However, not all is lost, the inclusion of a Thunderbolt 3-enabled USB Type-C port offers significant versatility.
This port can support displays, high-speed storage, and various other connections, though it does require adapters that are not included with the laptop. Additionally, there are two USB 3.0 Type-A ports, one on each side, for other peripherals. While the port layout is well thought out, the overall lack of connectivity options may be a significant drawback for some users.
Security of Lenovo Yoga 720-15
The Lenovo Yoga 720-15 boasts several impressive security features. Beyond the software-based TPM integrated into the system BIOS, even the base models come with a fingerprint scanner. This scanner is both fast and accurate, consistently recognizing our fingerprint instantly, making logins via Windows Hello quick and convenient.
However, the Yoga 720 lacks a Kensington lock or any other method for physically securing the laptop to a desk. Users should be vigilant to prevent theft and ensure the device is never left unattended.
Maintenance of Lenovo Yoga 720-15
Despite the typically restrictive maintenance options of most convertibles, the Lenovo Yoga 720-15 stands out with its relatively easy access to internals. Users can easily swap out or upgrade the RAM, SSD, and battery. By unscrewing 10 Torx T4 screws and gently prying off the bottom panel (which detaches quite easily), users can access the SSD of M.2 and one RAM slot. The other 8 GB of RAM is likely soldered on or located on the other side of the motherboard.
The accessible RAM slot, found under a metal shield, can accommodate an additional DIMM of DDR4 RAM for a straightforward upgrade. The fans are also easy to reach for cleaning, and the cooling system for both the CPU and GPU can be removed by unscrewing a few Phillips Head screws, allowing users to apply their thermal compound. Considering the Yoga 720’s slim profile and convertible design, the maintenance capabilities are impressively thorough.
Keyboard of Lenovo Yoga 720-15
Lenovo is known for its excellent keyboards, and the Yoga 720 lives up to that reputation. While it might not have the “wow” factor of the ThinkPads, the chiclet keyboard provides firm feedback, ample travel, and a satisfying typing experience. The pressure point is perfect, and the key drop is well-defined. The keys are well-sized and spaced, although the arrow key layout feels a bit cramped. However, Lenovo addressed complaints from the Yoga 710 by redesigning the arrow keys to allow for a full-sized right Shift key, which is a much-appreciated improvement.
The keyboard also features a two-stage white backlight, making it ideal for dark environments without being so bright that it causes eye strain. The backlight is fairly even, though there is some bleed on the keys along the edge of the deck.
Touchpad of Lenovo Yoga 720-15
The touchpad features a silver trim and a smooth finish, providing a pleasant tactile experience. Tracking is smooth and precise with no hiccups or cursor lag, thanks to the Windows Precision drivers. The buttons are integrated into the bottom half of the touchpad, and the hinge mechanism for clicks offers solid feedback and good travel. Left- and right-clicks register accurately on their respective sides. Overall, we found no reason to complain.
Touchscreen of Lenovo Yoga 720-15
The Lenovo Yoga 720-15 features an excellent 10-point touchscreen that registers touch inputs precisely and reliably. The system accurately detected touch points with minimal input lag. The touchscreen also supports Windows Ink, making it a great option for digital artists. With a compatible pen like the Lenovo Active Pen, Lenovo claims the system can detect 4087 levels of pressure, though we couldn’t test this as we didn’t have an Active Pen available. However, the large screen size and weight make the device challenging to use as a tablet, while touch responsiveness is high, navigating the 15.6-inch display can be cumbersome when held in hand.
Performance of Lenovo Yoga 720-15
In terms of performance, the Lenovo Yoga 720-15 surpasses all its competitors. Thanks to its use of an H series processor rather than the typical U series, it outperformed the HP Spectre x360 15 and Samsung Notebook 9 Pro in our benchmarks.
Despite having half the RAM, the Lenovo Yoga 720-15 model we tested delivered superior results compared to the HP Spectre x360 in every test. Moreover, except for the Geekbench 4 single-core, PCMark 8 Home, and TheTechBasic movie tests, it also significantly outperformed the Samsung Notebook 9 Pro.
This system isn’t designed to run games like Nier: Automata at a stable 1080p and 60 fps with maximum graphics settings. However, with its specifications, you can still play modern triple-A games at medium settings and a standard HD resolution of 1366 x 768, as suggested by Nvidia’s GeForce Experience software.
Read Also: Review of Lenovo Flex 5: The Flexible, Affordable, All-in-One Laptop for Modern Multitaskers
Benchmark Results
Here’s how the Lenovo Yoga 720-15 fared in our benchmark tests:
3DMark
- Fire Strike: 5,421
- Sky Diver: 15,465
- Time Spy: 1,773
Cinebench
- Graphics:74 fps
- CPU: 594 points
Geekbench 4
- Multi-Core: 12,378
- Single-Core: 4,344
PCMark 8
- Battery Life: 4 hours and 36 minutes
- Home Test: 3,087 points
Battery Life (TheTechBasic movie test)
7 hours and 9 minutes
We spent some time playing Fallout 3 on the Lenovo Yoga 720-15. Despite being just an updated version of a decade-old game, it ran perfectly with all graphics settings, including the resolution, set to maximum.
Therefore, if you intend to use the Lenovo Yoga 720-15 for light or older games, it’s an unexpectedly solid choice.
Battery life of Lenovo Yoga 720-15
Although it fell short in our movie test, where we looped Guardians of the Galaxy until the battery died, compared to the Samsung Notebook 9 Pro, the Lenovo Yoga 720 still boasts impressive battery life.
Clocking in at 7 hours and 9 minutes, it significantly outperformed the HP Spectre x360 15, which lasted 5 hours and 32 minutes, despite the Yoga 720’s higher voltage requirements. While it didn’t quite reach the Samsung Notebook 9 Pro’s 8 hours and 24 minutes, it came close to Lenovo’s promise of up to 9 hours—a rare achievement in the laptop market.
What we liked in Lenovo Yoga 720-15
The Lenovo Yoga 720-15 strikes an exceptional balance, offering everything you could desire in a 2-in-1 laptop. With its stunning and comfortable design, surprisingly robust hinge, and impressive blend of processing power and graphics performance, it outshines the competition in numerous aspects.
What we Disliked in Lenovo Yoga 720-15
However, in some respects, the Lenovo Yoga 720-15 feels outdated. The proprietary charging system, reminiscent of much older laptops, is tied to a bulky power brick that should be replaced by USB-C charging. Moreover, it lacks useful ports such as HDMI and an SD card slot.
Lastly, like its 13-inch predecessor, the speakers are down-firing, resulting in mediocre sound quality depending on the laptop’s position. Unfortunately, most 2-in-1 laptops, including this one, tend to deliver a better audio experience with headphones.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Lenovo Yoga 720-15 is a versatile and powerful 2-in-1 laptop that caters to a wide range of users. Its robust design, vibrant display options, and strong performance make it a compelling choice for those in need of a reliable device for both work and play. The build quality is impressive, and the 360-degree hinge system allows for seamless transitions between different modes, enhancing usability in various contexts. The display options, particularly the optional 4K UHD screen, provide excellent visual experiences, though they may impact battery life.
Performance-wise, the Yoga 720-15 handles demanding tasks with ease, thanks to its powerful processor, ample RAM, and dedicated GPU. While it may not be a gaming powerhouse, it excels in multitasking and productivity scenarios. Battery life is decent, offering around 8 hours of use, though this can vary based on display settings and usage intensity.
The Yoga 720-15’s range of connectivity options further enhances its versatility, ensuring compatibility with a variety of peripherals and external displays. Overall, it is a well-rounded device that offers flexibility, power, and style in a portable package, making it an excellent choice for professionals, students, and casual users alike.