In the ever-evolving world of laptops, the Lenovo Yoga 7i stands out as a versatile powerhouse designed to cater to both work and play. With its sleek design, robust performance, and innovative features, this convertible laptop promises to be a reliable companion for professionals, students, and creatives alike. Let’s take a closer look at what makes the Lenovo Yoga 7i a top contender in its category.
TheTechBasic Verdict
The 16-inch Yoga 7i offers an appealing price point and features well-suited for office use, but its subpar performance might be a deal breaker.
Pros
- Impressive battery life
- Comfortable keyboard
- Numerous ports
Cons
- The display isn’t very bright
- Performance is underwhelming
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Technical Specifications
| Component | Specification |
| Price | $999 |
| Display | 16-inch WUXGA (1920 x 1200) IPS |
| Processor | Intel Core i7-1355U |
| Graphics | Intel Iris Xe integrated |
| Memory | 16GB RAM |
| Storage | 512GB SSD |
| Connectivity | 2 USB-C ports, 2 USB-A ports, HDMI 1.4, microSD card slot, 3.5mm audio jack |
| Dimensions | 14.25 x 9.84 x 0.7 inches |
| Weight | 4.5 pounds |
Overview of Lenovo Yoga 7I
The Lenovo Yoga 7i, priced starting at $999, presents an intriguing option in the laptop market for 2023. This versatile 2-in-1 device features a touchscreen and comes equipped with a comfortable keyboard, designed for easy portability. However, its weight of four and a half pounds combined with a substantial 16-inch display raises some concerns about its portability.
In our review of the Lenovo Yoga 7i (2023), we found that while the battery life is impressive, the performance is lacking for a device of its size. This raises the question: is its affordability worth the compromises? The specific model we tested retails for $999.99, but at the time of writing, it was available for a discounted price of $649.99 on Lenovo’s official website. This configuration includes an Intel Core i7-1355U processor, 16GB of RAM, and a 512GB M.2 SSD, providing a solid foundation for everyday tasks. The device’s 16-inch display boasts a resolution of 1,920 by 1,200 pixels and operates on Windows 11 Home, making it suitable for a range of activities from work to entertainment.
For those seeking a more budget-friendly option within the Yoga 7i lineup, the most affordable model starts at $752.25. However, this version comes with reduced specifications, featuring only 8GB of RAM and an Intel Core i5-1335U processor. On the other end of the spectrum, the highest-tier model costs $1,339.99 and is equipped with a powerful Intel Core i7-1360P CPU, a generous 1TB of storage, and an upgraded display resolution of 2,560 by 1,600 pixels. This premium version also includes a Lenovo Digital Pen, enhancing its usability for creative tasks.
Overall, the Lenovo Yoga 7i (2023) stands out for its large display and solid battery life but raises questions about its overall performance and weight. It appeals to users looking for a flexible device, yet potential buyers should carefully consider whether its strengths outweigh its limitations in the context of their specific needs.
Design of Lenovo Yoga 7i
The Yoga 7i features a straightforward design that, while not extravagant, is far from unattractive. Although it doesn’t possess the premium aesthetic of the Lenovo Yoga 9i Gen 8 or the business-oriented appeal of the ThinkPad X1 Yoga Gen 8, it offers a sense of familiarity, particularly when you open the lid and view the roomy keyboard.
Over the years, the design philosophy of the Yoga lineup has evolved subtly, maintaining a focus on the versatile hinge that characterizes its 2-in-1 form factor. With numerous convertible competitors in the market, its design may feel less unique than it once did, but that’s perfectly acceptable.
The “Storm Grey” aluminum body is designed to seamlessly fit into any office setting or coffee shop environment. It lacks any dramatic aesthetic elements or embellishments, featuring only the Lenovo logo and a stylized “YOGA” insignia on the upper left corner of the lid.
In terms of dimensions, the Lenovo Yoga 7i measures 14.25 x 9.84 x 0.66 inches and weighs around 4.5 pounds. While it isn’t the lightest option available, it’s reasonably manageable given the generous size of its 16-inch display. Overall, the Yoga 7i strikes a balance between functionality and style, making it a practical choice for users seeking a reliable and versatile laptop.
Read Also: Review of Lenovo Yoga Slim 7i Carbon: A Feather-Light Powerhouse
Display of Lenovo Yoga 7i
In practical use, while the Yoga 7i’s display may not be ideal for professional photo editing, it performs quite well for streaming HD videos, web browsing, and everyday tasks. The color accuracy remains relatively good even when viewed from different angles, allowing you to comfortably use the laptop in tablet mode without significantly compromising the visual experience.
During our testing, the Yoga 7i’s 1,920 x 1,200-pixel display was found to reproduce about 67.9% of the sRGB color gamut. Ideally, a display should strive for 100% accuracy, or as close as possible. In this instance, the colors displayed can appear somewhat muted or flat, indicating a loss of some color vibrancy that might leave you wanting more depth.
We recorded an average brightness of 241 nits for the display. In comparison, many recent laptops I’ve reviewed tend to offer much brighter screens—such as the Acer Spin 5, which boasts a brightness of 482 nits, or the Acer Swift X with a 16-inch display that reaches 404 nits. The definition of “bright enough” can vary depending on individual preferences, but I often found myself seeing my reflection while using the laptop outdoors, which indicates a need for greater brightness.
Lastly, regarding the touchscreen functionality, there isn’t much to criticize. It is smooth and responsive, providing a pleasant user experience, especially when the laptop is folded and used in a tablet-like manner. This responsiveness adds to the overall usability of the device, making it a solid choice for users who value touch interaction.
Ports of Lenovo Yoga 7i
The Lenovo Yoga 7i offers a solid selection of ports that enhance its versatility. On the left side, you’ll find two USB-C ports, accompanied by an HDMI port and a 3.5mm audio jack, providing options for connectivity and multimedia needs.
On the right side, the laptop features two USB 3.2 ports, a microSD card reader, and a power button. While this configuration is generally adequate, I would have preferred to see additional USB-C ports on both sides to improve charging flexibility and accessibility. Nonetheless, the overall assortment of ports is quite satisfactory for most users.
It’s worth mentioning that the placement of the power button can be a bit inconvenient. I frequently found myself accidentally pressing it while handling the laptop, which caused the device to enter sleep mode unexpectedly. This minor design flaw can be a source of frustration, especially for those who frequently move their laptop around. Overall, while the port selection is commendable, a few adjustments could enhance the user experience further.
Touchpad and Keyboard of Lenovo Yoga 7i
I’ve often praised Lenovo’s keyboard quality, and the Yoga 7i certainly upholds that reputation mostly. The keys are wide and spacious, offering ample travel distance that contributes to a comfortable typing experience. This model features a full-sized keyboard that also includes a number pad, which is a significant plus for those who frequently work with numbers.
As a fan of number pads, I initially saw this as a great addition, and it is to some extent. However, I’ve noticed that I’ve been making an unusually high number of typing errors. My hands seem to struggle with the slight shift to the left, which places them off-center about the display.
The number pad itself is somewhat narrow, designed this way to maintain a good overall typing experience. This compromise makes sense, as I generally use the alphabetical keys far more often than the numeric ones. However, it means that I’m not quite able to touch-type effectively on the number pad just yet. Beneath the number pad, there is a fingerprint reader, providing a convenient biometric option for logging in. This feature is particularly useful for those who prefer not to rely solely on passwords or facial recognition.
The touchpad is impressive as well, it is smooth and responsive, effectively translating my multi-finger gestures while also ignoring accidental palm touches. Measuring 5.3 by 3.2 inches, it offers plenty of room for comfortable navigation. I’ve frequently criticized the small touchpads found on Lenovo’s ThinkPad line, which often suffer due to the inclusion of the signature TrackPoint. Thus, it’s a bittersweet realization to see the Yoga 7i’s touchpad perform so well, highlighting what could have been in terms of design on other models. Overall, the keyboard and touchpad combine to create a satisfying typing and navigation experience, even with the minor quirks present.
Audio of Lenovo Yoga 7i
The speaker grill on the Lenovo Yoga 7i is positioned above the keyboard, delivering clear and crisp audio. Initially, the sound can come across as somewhat flat, but the versatility of the system shines through once you launch the Dolby Access app and make a few adjustments. I quickly discovered a preset that enhanced my enjoyment of Selena Gomez’s “Calm Down,” allowing the bass lines to resonate beautifully. For those who are particular about sound quality, customizable equalizer presets provide an excellent opportunity to fine-tune the audio to personal preferences.
The speakers are impressively loud, capable of filling a room with sound without distorting or sounding tinny. However, when the Yoga 7i is used in “tent” mode, the audio quality does diminish somewhat since the speakers are facing away from the user. While this isn’t necessarily a drawback, it’s one of the reasons I tend to prefer watching videos in a “normal” orientation rather than using the tent configuration.
Overall, the audio performance of the Yoga 7i is commendable, especially when you take the time to optimize the settings. Whether you’re listening to music or watching movies, the sound quality is generally satisfactory, making this laptop a suitable option for entertainment purposes. With some minor tweaks, you can enhance your listening experience significantly, ensuring that the audio meets your specific needs.
Performance of Lenovo Yoga 7i
The Lenovo Yoga 7i performed well for everyday tasks without causing any major issues, but it’s not particularly suited for gaming and didn’t excel in our testing lab results.
Specifically, our review model, equipped with an Intel Core i7-1355U CPU and 16GB of RAM, scored 6,227 on the Geekbench 5.6 Multicore benchmark test. This result is quite underwhelming compared to competitors: the Samsung Galaxy Book 2 Pro 360 achieved 9,143, Acer’s Spin 5 scored 10,140, and the Acer Swift X with a 16-inch display reached 10,440.
This discrepancy may be surprising since all four laptops have 16GB of RAM and Intel Core i7 processors. However, the Yoga 7i’s “U” designation indicates it is part of Intel’s “power-efficient” line, which typically prioritizes battery life over raw performance. Additionally, this model tends to be more affordable.
In our Handbrake test, which involved transcoding a 4K video clip to 1080p, the Yoga 7i took 8 minutes and 27 seconds. In comparison, the Spin 5 completed the task in 6 minutes and 38 seconds, the Swift X in 7 minutes and 6 seconds, and the Galaxy Book 2 Pro 360 in 9 minutes and 35 seconds.
While this performance is an improvement, it makes sense given that the 512GB M.2 SSD can handle data transfer effectively. For instance, the Device completed our 30GB file transfer test in 20.7 seconds, achieving a transmission speed of 1.37GB per second. This is just slightly lower than the Acer Spin 5’s 1.38GB per second and better than the Acer Swift X’s 1.23GB per second. As expected, gaming isn’t very practical on this device, with an average frame rate of only 27 frames per second in Civilization VI: Gathering Storm.
Looking beyond the benchmark scores reveals a more favorable picture. The Yoga 7i has more than enough capability to handle typical workday tasks, providing sufficient RAM and latent CPU power for everyday applications and web browsing. If your primary needs don’t include gaming or demanding CPU tasks, this laptop will adequately meet your requirements.
Read Also: Lenovo Yoga Book 9i Review – First Dual OLED Screen PC
Battery and Heat of Lenovo Yoga 7i
Our automated battery test involves setting the display brightness to 145 nits and browsing the web via Wi-Fi until the battery depletes. The Lenovo Yoga 7i performed admirably, lasting 12 hours and 4 minutes, which is a commendable outcome. This duration slightly exceeds the Samsung Galaxy Book 2 Pro 360, our top-rated 2-in-1, which lasted for 11 hours and 58 minutes. However, it falls short of the Acer Spin 5, which managed an impressive 12 hours and 30 minutes.
In practical usage, I observed closer to seven and a half hours of battery life under more demanding conditions, such as streaming music, writing, and web browsing with the brightness set to maximum. Nevertheless, this duration is more than sufficient to get through a busy workday without the need to search for a charger.
During my experience with the laptop, the fans activated only once while it was closed on the counter, I suspect it was performing an update in the background. Overall, the device remained comfortably cool throughout my usage. In our heat test, which involved streaming an HD video for 15 minutes, the underside of the laptop reached a maximum temperature of 87.6 degrees Fahrenheit, measured with a heat gun.
Webcam of Lenovo Yoga 7i
The 1080p webcam on the Lenovo Yoga 7i is adequate for basic use, but there are a few important points to consider.
In low-light conditions, the video quality tends to be grainy, and it can become overexposed in bright, direct lighting. While you can have satisfactory video calls or chats in the right setting, don’t expect the same level of clarity as you would from your smartphone or a dedicated webcam.
On the plus side, the camera supports Windows Hello for facial recognition logins and includes a physical privacy shutter, adding an extra layer of security.
Software of Lenovo Yoga 7i
I genuinely flinched when I accidentally clicked the McAfee LiveSafe icon on the taskbar and then spent about 20 minutes trying to remove it from the system. Aside from that, there isn’t a lot of unnecessary bloatware to deal with. Lenovo’s Vantage software serves as a central hub for accessing diagnostic information that you typically have to dig for in Windows settings.
Lenovo Voice is intended to function as a voice assistant, but I found myself spending more time trying to phrase commands so it would understand than actually achieving anything useful. The most valuable preinstalled application is Dolby Access, which allows you to fine-tune the built-in speakers. It also provides insight into the capabilities of the laptop’s Dolby Atmos and Dolby Vision features, provided you can find compatible media to fully utilize them.
Conclusion
The Lenovo Yoga 7i is a well-rounded 2-in-1 laptop that excels in design, performance, and versatility. Its sleek build, vibrant display, and robust battery life make it an excellent choice for users who need a reliable device for both work and play. The combination of Intel’s latest processors, ample RAM, and responsive touchscreen adds to its appeal, ensuring it can handle a variety of tasks with ease. Moreover, the comfortable keyboard, impressive audio quality, and decent port selection round out its features, making it a solid investment for anyone in the market for a new laptop.
In conclusion, the Lenovo Yoga 7i is more than just a laptop, it’s a versatile companion that adapts to your needs. Whether you’re a student, a professional, or a creative individual, this device offers the perfect balance of power, portability, and functionality. Its ability to transform into different modes caters to a diverse range of activities, making it a truly flexible tool in your tech arsenal. If you’re looking for a device that combines performance with versatility, the Lenovo Yoga 7i is certainly worth considering.