Lenovo Yoga Slim 7i 9th Gen Review: Affordable Power with Impressive Features

When it comes to choosing a new laptop, finding the right balance between performance, design, and price can be a tough task. But after getting my hands on the Lenovo Yoga Slim 7i 9th Gen, I’m convinced it’s one of the best value-for-money laptops available today.

At first glance, the price tag seemed too good to be true – around $1,000 USD for a 15-inch laptop with a 9th Gen Intel Core i7 processor, 32GB of RAM, and a 2.8K IPS touch display with a 120Hz refresh rate. I thought there had to be a catch, but after using it for a few weeks, I’ve been pleasantly surprised by its performance and overall quality. In this review, I’ll break down what I love about the Lenovo Yoga Slim 7i, as well as a few areas where it could be improved.

Key Specifications of the Lenovo Yoga Slim 7i (9th Gen)

• CPU: 9th Gen Intel Core i7 (Luna Lake, 28W)
• RAM: 32GB (LPDDR4x)
• Storage: 512GB SSD (Expandable)
• Display: 15.3-inch 2.8K IPS touch display, 120Hz refresh rate
• Graphics: Intel Iris Xe
• Battery: 70Wh
• Ports: USB Type-C, USB 3.2, HDMI 2.1, Thunderbolt 4
• Operating System: Windows 11 Home

Performance: A Powerful, Efficient Laptop

The Yoga Slim 7i performs exceptionally well for daily tasks, multimedia, and even some light gaming. Benchmarks show it holds up in terms of performance with scores like:

• Geekbench: Single-Core: 2650, Multi-Core: 11,256
• Cinebench R23: Single-Core: 1890, Multi-Core: 9989
• 3DMark Time Spy: 47 FPS
• 3DMark Night Raid: 3684 points

Thanks to the low-power architecture of the Luna Lake processor, this laptop handles tasks efficiently with minimal heat generation. You won’t experience significant throttling or heat issues, making it ideal for long work sessions. For comparison, other laptops in the same price range might suffer from performance degradation due to poor cooling.

Design and Build Quality: Sleek, Premium Feel

For a laptop in this price range, the Yoga Slim 7i feels incredibly solid. The materials are high-quality, and there’s no cheap, flimsy feel to it. When you open the lid, it doesn’t wobble like cheaper laptops, giving it a premium vibe. Despite being 15 inches, it’s relatively compact and easy to carry in a standard-sized briefcase.

One of the standout features is the build. The hinge area feels robust, and the keyboard deck doesn’t bend under pressure, which is a common issue with other thin laptops.

Display and Touchscreen: Sharp, Vibrant, and Responsive

The 15.3-inch 2.8K IPS touchscreen display is stunning for the price. Colors are vibrant, and the 120Hz refresh rate makes scrolling and video playback incredibly smooth. As someone who frequently watches content or edits photos, I was impressed by the clarity and responsiveness of the touchscreen. If you’ve been using non-touchscreen laptops, this feature makes a world of difference for productivity.

However, the display does have some downsides. It lacks proper anti-glare coating, making it somewhat reflective under bright light. It’s not a deal-breaker, but it’s worth noting if you plan to use the laptop outdoors frequently.

Keyboard and Trackpad: Comfortable and Quiet

The typing experience on the Yoga Slim 7i is one of its strongest points. Unlike the MacBook, which often has a clicky keyboard, the Yoga Slim offers a quieter, more tactile typing experience. The key travel is surprisingly deep for a thin laptop, making it comfortable for extended typing sessions.

The trackpad is decent but not extraordinary. It’s large and responsive, though it lacks the haptic feedback seen in higher-end laptops. If you’re used to using a mouse, this won’t be an issue for you.

Audio: Surprisingly Good for the Price

Another area where the Yoga Slim 7i exceeds expectations is in its audio. The 2W speakers, while not as powerful as MacBook Pro’s, offer clear, crisp sound. They deliver decent bass and overall balanced audio, which is a rarity in this price range. While there’s a slight hollow sound in the mids, it’s still very usable for casual video watching or listening to music.

Battery Life: All-Day Productivity

Thanks to the 70Wh battery, the Yoga Slim 7i easily lasts through a full workday. On average, you can expect around 8-10 hours of usage on a single charge, depending on the tasks you’re doing. It’s a solid battery life, making this laptop a great option for those who need to work on the go.

Webcam and Privacy Features: Peace of Mind

One neat feature that stands out is the webcam’s physical privacy switch. Located on the side of the laptop, this toggle allows you to quickly disable or enable the camera. This is a handy feature for anyone who values privacy and security, and it’s something that’s missing from many modern laptops.

Port Selection: Excellent for Connectivity

The Yoga Slim 7i has a solid selection of ports for such a thin laptop. On the left, you’ll find HDMI 2.1, a USB-C Thunderbolt 4 port, and an audio jack. On the right side, there’s another USB-C Thunderbolt 4 port, USB-A 3.2, and the power button, along with the camera toggle. This comprehensive port selection means you won’t need to carry around a bunch of adapters for daily use.

Cons: Areas for Improvement

While the Yoga Slim 7i has a lot going for it, there are a few areas where it could be better:

1. Design: The design is functional but not stunning. The rear of the laptop has a slightly bulky, awkward shape that doesn’t appeal to everyone. The charger is also a bit bulky compared to the trend of USB-C chargers.
2. Reflective Display: As mentioned earlier, the screen’s reflective nature can be annoying in bright environments, and it’s a clear area where Lenovo could have done better.
3. Weight Distribution: The laptop’s weight distribution feels off when opening the lid, requiring you to hold it with one hand while opening it with the other. This is a small issue, but it does impact the overall user experience.
4. No Anti-Glare Coating: The lack of proper anti-glare treatment on the screen can make it difficult to use in brightly lit environments.
5. Speakers Vibrate at High Volumes: The speakers, while good for the price, tend to vibrate and create distortion at higher volumes. This is more noticeable during music or video playback.

Conclusion: Should You Buy the Lenovo Yoga Slim 7i?

At its current price point, the Lenovo Yoga Slim 7i offers exceptional value. With its solid performance, great display, and comfortable design, it’s a fantastic option for anyone who needs a reliable laptop for work, entertainment, or casual gaming. However, there are a few quirks like the reflective screen and weight distribution issues that might not appeal to everyone.

If you’re looking for a laptop that combines performance, design, and affordability, the Lenovo Yoga Slim 7i is definitely worth considering.

With the upcoming release of the 10th Gen model, if you’re someone who wants even more power and features like an OLED display, it might be worth waiting for that upgrade.