The Lenovo Flex 5i Chromebook Plus is a premium Chromebook that boasts a powerful processor, a beautiful display, and a sleek design. It's a great option for users who want a Chromebook that can handle demanding tasks and offer a high-quality user experience. But is it worth the price? Let's dive into a comprehensive review of the Lenovo Flex 5i Chromebook Plus to determine its strengths, weaknesses, and overall value.
Design and Build Quality: A Premium Feel
The Lenovo Flex 5i Chromebook Plus is a visually appealing device, sporting a premium build quality that sets it apart from the average Chromebook. The aluminum lid and magnesium alloy chassis give it a robust and durable feel, while the soft-touch finish on the palm rest adds comfort and sophistication. The Flex 5i's 2-in-1 design lets you effortlessly transform it into a tablet by flipping the 360-degree hinge, allowing you to use it in a variety of modes, including laptop, tent, stand, and tablet mode.
The Chromebook's footprint is surprisingly compact, making it easy to carry around. Despite its slim design, the Flex 5i Chromebook Plus doesn't feel fragile. The build quality is top-notch, and it's clear that Lenovo has paid attention to detail.
Display: A Visual Feast
The Lenovo Flex 5i Chromebook Plus boasts a stunning 13.3-inch OLED touchscreen display with a resolution of 2560 x 1600 pixels, a 16:10 aspect ratio, and a 400-nit brightness rating. The OLED technology delivers deep blacks, vibrant colors, and exceptional contrast, making the display a joy to look at.
Watching movies and playing games is a truly immersive experience on this Chromebook. The display's responsiveness to touch is excellent, and the smooth 60Hz refresh rate ensures a lag-free experience. The screen is also covered with Corning Gorilla Glass, offering excellent protection against scratches and smudges.
Performance: A Powerful Processor
The Lenovo Flex 5i Chromebook Plus is powered by the 12th Gen Intel Core i5-1235U processor, which is more than capable of handling everyday tasks, multitasking, and even some demanding applications. The processor is paired with 8GB of LPDDR4X RAM and 128GB of SSD storage, providing ample space for your files and applications.
We found that the Flex 5i Chromebook Plus could easily handle multiple browser tabs, streaming video, and even running demanding Android apps. The device also boasts a dedicated graphics processor, the Intel Iris Xe, which provides a boost for graphics-intensive applications and games.
Keyboard and Trackpad: A Smooth Typing Experience
The Lenovo Flex 5i Chromebook Plus features a full-sized backlit keyboard that offers a comfortable typing experience. The keys are well-spaced and have a good amount of travel, providing a satisfying tactile feedback. The keyboard also has a comfortable incline, making it easy to type for extended periods.
The trackpad is large and responsive, offering a smooth and accurate gliding experience. The multi-touch gestures are also well-implemented, allowing you to easily navigate through the operating system. The trackpad has a smooth glass surface, making it easy to use your fingers to scroll and zoom.
Ports and Connectivity: Staying Connected
The Lenovo Flex 5i Chromebook Plus is well-equipped with a variety of ports for connecting to external devices. You'll find two USB-C ports, one of which supports Thunderbolt 4 for fast data transfer and external display connectivity, along with a USB-A port for compatibility with legacy devices. It also features a microSD card reader for expanding storage and a headphone jack for your favorite audio accessories.
The Chromebook also boasts a robust wireless connectivity setup with Wi-Fi 6E for blazing-fast internet speeds and Bluetooth 5.2 for pairing with wireless peripherals. The built-in HD webcam provides high-quality video calls, and the dual-array microphones ensure clear audio capture for video conferencing.
Battery Life: All-Day Power
The Lenovo Flex 5i Chromebook Plus is known for its impressive battery life. The 50Wh battery can easily last an entire workday on a single charge, and even more if you're only using it for light tasks. The Chromebook also supports fast charging, allowing you to quickly top up the battery when needed.
We found that the battery life consistently exceeded the advertised 10 hours, even with heavy usage. This is a major advantage for users who are on the go frequently and don't have easy access to power outlets.
Operating System: Chrome OS
The Lenovo Flex 5i Chromebook Plus runs Chrome OS, Google's streamlined and user-friendly operating system. Chrome OS is known for its simplicity, speed, and security. The operating system is based on the Linux kernel, offering excellent stability and compatibility with Android apps.
Chrome OS seamlessly integrates with your Google account, providing access to your Gmail, Drive, Calendar, Photos, and other Google services. The operating system also features a built-in antivirus engine and automatic updates, ensuring that your device is always protected and running smoothly.
Audio: Clear and Crisp Sound
The Lenovo Flex 5i Chromebook Plus features a pair of stereo speakers that offer clear and crisp audio. The speakers are positioned on the bottom of the device, facing forward, providing a decent soundstage. While the audio quality isn't as impressive as some other premium Chromebooks, it's still more than adequate for casual listening and watching videos.
Security: Built-in Protection
The Lenovo Flex 5i Chromebook Plus is a secure device right out of the box. Chrome OS has a robust security model that includes automatic updates, built-in antivirus protection, and sandboxing for each web application. This helps prevent malware from infecting your device and keeps your personal data safe.
The Chromebook also features a fingerprint reader for added security, allowing you to unlock your device with just a touch of your finger.
Software and Apps: A Rich Ecosystem
Chrome OS offers access to a vast library of apps and extensions through the Google Play Store. You can download your favorite Android apps, games, and productivity tools directly from the Play Store, expanding the Chromebook's functionality significantly.
The Chromebook also includes a wide range of built-in apps, including Google Docs, Sheets, Slides, and Meet. These apps are seamlessly integrated into Chrome OS and provide a smooth and productive experience.
Target Audience: Who Is This Chromebook For?
The Lenovo Flex 5i Chromebook Plus is an excellent choice for a wide range of users. Here are some key demographics that would benefit from this Chromebook:
- Students: With its powerful performance, long battery life, and versatile 2-in-1 design, the Flex 5i Chromebook Plus is ideal for students who need a device that can handle their academic workload, from note-taking and research to multimedia projects and presentations.
- Professionals: The Chromebook's sleek design, comfortable keyboard, and powerful processor make it suitable for professionals who want a reliable device for handling work tasks, such as email, document editing, video conferencing, and light graphic design.
- Casual Users: For those who primarily use their Chromebook for browsing the web, watching videos, and casual gaming, the Flex 5i Chromebook Plus offers a premium experience with its vibrant display, great audio, and fast performance.
- Travelers: The Chromebook's lightweight design, compact footprint, and long battery life make it perfect for travelers who want a device that can keep them entertained and productive while on the go.
Pros and Cons: Weighing the Options
Pros:
- Premium design and build quality
- Stunning OLED display
- Powerful 12th Gen Intel Core i5 processor
- Comfortable keyboard and trackpad
- Long battery life
- Chrome OS with access to Android apps
- Robust security features
- Excellent connectivity options
Cons:
- Relatively high price
- No built-in stylus support
- Audio quality is not as impressive as some other premium Chromebooks
The Verdict: A Premium Chromebook That Delivers
The Lenovo Flex 5i Chromebook Plus is an excellent Chromebook that delivers a premium user experience with its stunning display, powerful performance, and versatile design. It's well-suited for a wide range of users, from students and professionals to casual users and travelers.
However, the Chromebook's relatively high price tag might be a deterrent for some users. If you're looking for a premium Chromebook that offers a balance of performance, features, and design, the Flex 5i Chromebook Plus is a solid choice.
FAQs
1. What are the main differences between the Lenovo Flex 5i Chromebook and the Lenovo Flex 5i Chromebook Plus?
The Lenovo Flex 5i Chromebook Plus is the premium version of the Flex 5i Chromebook. It features a stunning OLED display, a more powerful 12th Gen Intel Core i5 processor, and a premium aluminum lid and magnesium alloy chassis. The Flex 5i Chromebook offers a more affordable option with a traditional LCD display, a 11th Gen Intel Core i3 processor, and a plastic chassis.
2. Can I use a stylus with the Lenovo Flex 5i Chromebook Plus?
Unfortunately, the Lenovo Flex 5i Chromebook Plus does not have built-in stylus support. However, you can use a third-party stylus that uses Bluetooth or USB-C to connect to the Chromebook.
3. Does the Lenovo Flex 5i Chromebook Plus support Android apps?
Yes, the Lenovo Flex 5i Chromebook Plus supports Android apps through the Google Play Store. You can download and install millions of Android apps directly on the Chromebook, expanding its functionality significantly.
4. What are the security features of the Lenovo Flex 5i Chromebook Plus?
The Lenovo Flex 5i Chromebook Plus features a robust security model that includes automatic updates, built-in antivirus protection, sandboxing for each web application, and a fingerprint reader for added security. This helps prevent malware from infecting your device and keeps your personal data safe.
5. How long is the battery life of the Lenovo Flex 5i Chromebook Plus?
Lenovo claims a battery life of up to 10 hours on a single charge. In our testing, the battery life consistently exceeded the advertised duration, even with heavy usage.
6. Is the Lenovo Flex 5i Chromebook Plus worth the price?
The Lenovo Flex 5i Chromebook Plus is a premium Chromebook that offers a compelling combination of performance, features, and design. Its high price tag might be a deterrent for some users, but if you're looking for a premium Chromebook that can handle demanding tasks and provide a high-quality user experience, the Flex 5i Chromebook Plus is worth considering.