Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3i: Two-minute evaluation

When reviewing a laptop computer just like the Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3i, it may be a bit robust deciding what sort of normal to set it in opposition to. Regardless of its considerably stylish look, this isn’t an Ultrabook. And, you’re not going to run any high-end gaming or modifying applications on it, both.

As an alternative, it matches the factors for the very best laptop computer for these on a funds. In truth, my focus right here is on whether or not it really is among the many finest low-cost laptops obtainable proper now, as its value to efficiency ratio is the barometer of whether or not it’s profitable for what it’s alleged to do.

Since this can be a funds mannequin from Lenovo, you possibly can make sure you see it on sale commonly – it’s discounted by about $200 on the time of writing – and that may most likely have an effect on how good of a purchase order this laptop computer is. It does have a couple of options I don’t typically see on funds laptops, specifically a privateness shutter and fingerprint reader, to not point out Wi-Fi 6 help. For higher or worse although, that is primarily the Honda Civic of laptops with an Abyss Blue sheen.

Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3i: Value and availability

•  How a lot does it value? Beginning at £400 (about $550 / AU$746) 
•  When is it obtainable? Obtainable now 
•  The place are you able to get it? Obtainable within the US, UK, and Australia 

The evaluation configuration of the Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3i, the one Intel-equipped mannequin within the states goes for a comparatively cheap $659.99 / £518 (about AU$970). Nonetheless, that is the type of laptop computer that I want to see at a barely lower cost tag, contemplating its compromises (mentioned under). After all, being a Lenovo, you need to see it commonly on sale – it’s at present discounted to $464.99 within the US for instance.

For comparability’s sake, the bottom configuration of the Acer Aspire 5 Spin 14 (2023) goes for $749.99 / AU$1,399 (about £600). For that small enhance in value, you get a bit extra energy, an hour extra of battery life, and a lighter weight. After all, its display, regardless of the upper decision, can be middling.

Should you’re within the UK or Australia, there are cheaper configurations, however they’re additionally weaker. For £400 (about $550 / AU$745), you’ll find yourself with an Intel U300 CPU and solely 128GB flash storage. In Australia, you’ll get a good weaker CPU within the Intel Processor N100, simply 4GB RAM, however extra storage with a 256GB SSD. That may all value AU$799.00 (about $545 / £430.

Worth: 4 / 5

Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3i: Specs

Evaluating the completely different configurations could be a bit tough for the reason that US, UK, and Australia all have completely different fashions obtainable to them. 

The USA simply has the evaluation configuration obtainable, whereas the UK has it as nicely together with some weaker and stronger variations obtainable. 

These UK configurations vary from an Intel U300 CPU to a 13th-Gen Intel Core i7 and a spread of 4GB –16GB of RAM and 256GB – 1TB SSD. You’ll pay accordingly, however you might have alternative. And, these in Australia can solely select between an Intel N100, N200, or N305 CPU and Four or 8GB of RAM. 

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A number of the premium options that I appreciated Lenovo together with are usually not obtainable within the base configurations – no privateness shutter, no fingerprint reader, and no touchscreen performance. After all, you don’t have to fret about that within the US as you solely have the one configuration obtainable. 

Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3i: Design

• Has a smooth look hiding funds stage elements 
• Privateness shutter on webcam and fingerprint reader appreciated 
• Trackpad is simply too far left 

I don’t imply to stay an excessive amount of to evaluating the Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3i to automobiles, nevertheless it jogs my memory of after I drove a Toyota Celica. It regarded snazzy and for a break up second made me really feel like I may sustain with anybody. However, after that break up second, I’d come again to the fact that I used to be driving what is basically an economic system automotive.

And, it looks like an acceptable comparability right here because it has a sure smooth look, particularly in its Abyss Blue colorway, that harkens to the elegant, status-symbol design of Ultrabooks just like the Dell XPS’ of the world. It even has an aluminum lid and prime plate.

Nonetheless, the undercarriage is made from plastic, the interior specs include a 13th-Gen Intel Core i3, 8GB of RAM which is the naked minimal as of late, and a 512GB SSD. And, there are weaker variations of this laptop computer in Australia and the UK.

That’s to not disparage the Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3i. I really just like the look. It’s only a reminder that appears might be deceiving and this can be a funds laptop computer. Even the 1080p display is a bit of underwhelming in areas. When examined, it has 60.5% sRGB and 42.9% DCI-P3 shade protection, which not solely makes it the final laptop computer you’d need to do any photograph modifying on, however retains these colours from popping when simply pulling up a present on Netflix.

On the brighter facet, the serviceable 720p webcam comes with a privateness shutter. A fingerprint reader can be included within the energy button – a function I’d have anticipated on a barely dearer laptop computer. And, it has Wi-Fi 6 help, additionally a pleasant inclusion.

The keyboard is good to make use of as nicely. And, although there’s nothing significantly exceptional about it, I didn’t discover it cramped or uncomfortable to make use of. The trackpad is first rate as nicely, although its far left placement is a bit uncomfortable, particularly since my resting left palm generally bought in the way in which of it monitoring precisely.

Design: 3.5 / 5

Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3i: Efficiency

• Good searching efficiency 
• Speedy and correct touchscreen 
• Sound high quality is mediocre 

In relation to the Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3i’s efficiency, it’s fairly good for a funds stage laptop. You’re not going to do any gaming on it – simply think about the  sub-18 fps it achieves working Civilization VI. That’s fairly abysmal.

However, for those who’re contemplating this laptop, you’re most likely not considering by way of gaming. As an alternative, you’re it to get on the web, sort up some emails, and possibly watch Netflix. And, it could possibly do a whole lot of that simply effective.

In truth, it did effective with 20 tabs open on Google Chrome, which as a browser takes up a whole lot of RAM. These 20 tabs embody three movies streaming by means of Youtube, the google doc used to write down up this evaluation, and quite a lot of TechRadar pages. Whereas a few of them took a second to load, switching between tabs was quick even when taking part in video.

I discussed earlier than the poor shade protection of the show however I don’t need to dissuade the common person an excessive amount of. The display is colourful sufficient for most individuals and also you most likely received’t care that it doesn’t fairly pop as a lot as screens with higher shade protection. It’s type of just like the distinction between a funds and high-end flat display TV. You may inform fairly the distinction within the retailer. Nonetheless, you don’t need to pay the massive value differential, and also you most likely received’t care if you’re house. Extra importantly, the touchscreen performance is correct and fast.

The sound high quality just isn’t nice, however I’ve but to return throughout a funds laptop computer that sounds significantly spectacular. There’s little or no soundstage so every thing sounds prefer it’s coming from the middle. There’s additionally little or no low finish so the standard is finest described as nasal. It’s effective in a pinch, however I counsel utilizing headphones or earbuds to your audio wants.

Efficiency: 4.5 / 5

Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3i: Battery life

• Respectable battery life for a funds laptop computer 
• Battery runs down when the lid is closed 

Although loads of computer systems as of late can attain upwards of 15 hours on the subject of battery life, the Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3i just isn’t a type of. Lasting simply over 9 hours in our battery informant benchmark, the battery life right here is definitely first rate for funds laptops. A minimum of, it’s sufficient to get by means of a day with out having to cost.

The one actual criticism in regards to the battery life, nonetheless, is the truth that it tends to run down the battery when in sleep mode with the lid closed. Some laptops have this concern whereas others are in a position to preserve that battery life for when it’s in use. Possibly I’ve been spoiled by MacBooks, however extra premium fashions received’t dissipate the identical quantity of battery in sleep mode as throughout use.

Battery life: 4 / 5

Must you purchase the Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3i?

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Purchase it if…

You don’t want a whole lot of energy
Whereas not essentially the most highly effective laptop computer on the market, this Lenovo mannequin has greater than sufficient efficiency on faucet for day-to-day work.

You’re on a funds
There are higher laptops on the market, however the value is correct with out making you want you had spent a bit of extra. Plus, it’s commonly on sale.

Do not buy it if…

You want a whole lot of energy
Should you want one thing able to gaming or any type of modifying, this isn’t the pc for you. Spend a bit of extra and get one thing with extra highly effective elements.

You want a 2-in-1
Although this can be a touchscreen laptop computer, it doesn’t fold. The worth level and efficiency of this laptop computer makes the funds 2-in-1’s on the market prime competitors.

Additionally think about

If our Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3i evaluation has you contemplating different choices, listed below are two laptops to think about…   

Acer Aspire 5 Spin 14 (2023)
The show is probably not the best and it’s a bit heavy for its measurement, however the Acer Aspire 5 Spin 14 (2023) is highly effective for the value and strong feeling. The keyboard is superb as nicely. Plus, you don’t should spend over $1,000 for the pleasure of getting one.

Learn our full Acer Aspire 5 Spin 14 (2023) evaluation 

Acer Aspire Vero 15 (2023)
The Aspire Vero 15 (2023) not solely has a singular look even when it’s a bit on the boxy facet, and is among the many most eco-friendly laptops on the market. It’s additionally pretty highly effective for day-after-day use with loads of battery life, although the keyboard and trackpad are simply okay.

Learn our full Acer Aspire Vero 15 (2023) evaluation  

How I examined the Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3i (15″ Intel)

•  Examined for a pair weeks 
•  Used for all types of searching wants 
•  Used commonly unplugged 

I used the Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3i for a pair weeks as a piece laptop. I did an honest quantity of writing on right here, in addition to loads of net searching together with streaming video. I took a have a look at all of the options, to not point out used it commonly to see the way it does unplugged.

After spending time with the Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3i, it’s clear that that is meant to be a budget-conscious mannequin for people who simply desire a day-to-day laptop computer that may get on-line with out points.

I’ve spent the previous few years reviewing tech gear for gaming and in any other case, the place I’ve gotten a really feel for what to search for and find out how to put a bit of equipment by means of its paces to see whether or not it’s definitely worth the suggestion.

First reviewed January 2024