Lenovo Legion Slim 7i (2023): The Perfect Gaming Laptop for Power and Performance
The Lenovo Legion Slim 7i (2023) has gained a reputation for its exceptional performance capabilities in a lightweight chassis. In our review last year, we praised the laptop for its power, weighing just over five pounds. While there were some compromises in its design, the latest version of the Legion Slim 7i offers significant updates in both power and performance. Despite some drawbacks like a bulky power brick, this gaming laptop is even lighter than its predecessor, weighing in at under five pounds.
One area where the Legion Slim 7i truly shines is in the 1440p range. While it may struggle with native 4K resolutions, it handles graphically intensive games like Cyberpunk 2077 and Starfield with ease. However, it’s important to note that these demanding tasks can cause the cooling system fans to become noticeably louder than when performing simpler tasks like web browsing. The laptop’s battery life is slightly above average, lasting around seven hours, making it suitable for shorter trips. It’s important to have the power supply handy for extended gaming sessions or games with high visual fidelity.
Equipped with a 14 core 13th gen Intel i9, 16GB DDR5 RAM, Nvidia RTX 4070, and 1TB SSD storage, the Legion Slim 7i packs a powerful punch. Additionally, it features an impressive audio/visual package with a beautiful 16-inch 2560 x 1600 display offering a 240Hz refresh rate and high-quality Harman speakers. The RGB keyboard, a carryover from the previous version, is individually per-key lit, and the laptop includes a generous selection of ports. While apps like Lenovo Vantage provide customization options, some of the pre-installed apps like Legion Arena and WebAdviser feel unnecessary.
The latest Legion Slim 7i may not have seen significant improvements, but that doesn’t diminish its overall performance. It remains one of the best thin and light gaming laptops released this year, offering incremental increases in power and a lighter design.
Lenovo Legion Slim 7i (2023): Price & Availability
The price and availability of the Lenovo Legion Slim 7i (2023) vary depending on the region. In the United States, there are three configurations available, starting at $1,499.99. The review unit I received is priced at $1,749. For a more affordable option, you can get a configuration with a 13th gen Intel i7, Nvidia RTX 4060, 16GB DDR5 RAM, and 1TB SSD storage for around $1,499. The highest-tier customizable build costs $2,211 and includes all the features of the review unit, with the option to upgrade to 32GB of RAM and a better display with a 3200 x 2000 resolution and a 165Hz refresh rate.
In the UK, the pre-built option is priced at £1,980 and features a 13th Gen Intel i9, 32GB RAM, Nvidia RTX 4070, 1TB SSD storage, and a 3200 x 2000 display. The customizable configurations range from £1,820 to £2,300, offering similar CPU, RAM, storage, GPU, and display options. Regardless of the configuration, all models come with a 3200 x 2000 display with a 165Hz refresh rate. The pre-built option in Australia is priced at AU$2,719 and includes an Intel i7, 32GB RAM, Nvidia RTX 4060, and 1TB SSD.
Compared to other gaming laptops like the Razer Blade 14 or MSI Stealth GS66, the Legion Slim 7i offers similar power at a more affordable price. It’s one of the best options in terms of price for slim gaming laptops.
Lenovo Legion Slim 7i (2023): Specs
The review configuration of the Lenovo Legion Slim 7i (2023) is priced at $1,749 and features an Intel i9 CPU, Nvidia RTX 4070 GPU, 16GB DDR5 RAM, 1TB SSD storage, and a 16-inch WQXGA display with a 240Hz refresh rate. The cheapest configuration, priced at $1,459, includes an Intel i7 CPU, Nvidia RTX 4060 GPU, 16GB DDR5 RAM, 512GB SSD storage, and the same 16-inch display as the review unit. For those looking for more customization options, a configuration costing around $2,211 is available. It includes all the features of the review configuration, along with 32GB DDR RAM and a 16-inch 3.2K display with a 165Hz refresh rate.
The Lenovo Legion Slim 7i (2023) offers a range of options in terms of CPU, GPU, RAM, and SSD storage. One notable difference is the choice between two 16-inch displays, with different resolutions and refresh rates. Legion provides a configuration tool to help buyers create the perfect setup.
Lenovo Legion Slim 7i (2023): Design
The Lenovo Legion Slim 7i (2023) maintains the perfect balance between form and function in terms of design. The all-metal chassis, made from sandblasted aluminum and magnesium, gives the laptop a sleek and sturdy feel. The chassis doesn’t smudge and stands up well to everyday use.
The port selection has been slightly updated, but it still retains the familiar layout from the previous model. The laptop features an HDMI port and three USB-A ports at the lower rear, along with a power port that connects to a large, slightly unwieldy power brick. The laptop’s bottom boasts light-up icons for the rear ports, located at the top of the laptop’s bottom as the display.
Overall, the Lenovo Legion Slim 7i (2023) offers improved power in a lightweight design. Its performance, price, and sleek design make it one of the top choices for gamers looking for a portable gaming laptop.
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