Lenovo Yoga Slim 7i review: A solid do-it-all Lunar Lake laptop

Worth When Reviewed

$1,379.99

Finest Costs In the present day: Lenovo Yoga Slim 7i Aura Version

$1299.99

The Lenovo Yoga Slim 7i Aura Editionis among the many first laptops to launch with Intel’s new Lunar Lake chip structure, a major revision that focuses much less on uncooked core rely and extra on offering a well-rounded, environment friendly chip. Lunar Lake is ready to ship in that regard, particularly in IGP efficiency and battery life. The Yoga Slim 7i, in the meantime, is a stable chassis for the brand new chip.

Additional studying: Finest laptops 2024: Premium, funds, gaming, 2-in-1s, and extra

Lenovo Yoga Slim 7i Aura Version: Specs and options

The Lenovo Yoga Slim 7 Aura Version’s most notable specification is the Intel Core Extremely 7 256V processor. This can be a mid-range, mainstream chip in Intel’s line-up. It has eight cores (4 efficiency, and 4 environment friendly) alongside Intel Arc built-in graphics and an NPU that quotes as much as 47 TOPs.

• CPU: Intel Core Extremely 7 256V
• Reminiscence: 16GB LPDDR5x-8533
• Graphics/GPU: Intel Arc 140V built-in graphics
• NPU: Intel AI Enhance (47 TOPs)
• Show: 2880 x 1800 IPS Multi-touch as much as 120Hz, 16:10 side ratio
• Storage: 1TB PCIe 4.0 NVMe M.2 stable state storage
• Webcam: 1080p 30fps digital camera with IR 3D digital camera for Home windows Whats up, digital privateness shutter
• Connectivity: 2x Thunderbolt 4 (with USB-C 4, DisplayPort, Energy Supply), 1x USB-A (5Gbps knowledge), 1x HDMI, 1x 3.5mm audio
• Networking: Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.4
• Biometrics: Home windows Whats up facial recognition
• Battery capability: 70 watt-hours
• Dimensions: 13.54 x 9.27 x 0.55 inches
• Weight: 3.37 kilos
• MSRP: $1,379.99 MSRP 

The Yoga Slim 7i Aura Version’s specs in any other case have a watch on the long run. Lenovo embraces Thunderbolt 4 and the most recent wi-fi requirements, but solely features a single USB-A port. The laptop computer is remarkably skinny, too, at barely greater than half an inch thick.

Lenovo Yoga Slim 7i Aura Version: Design and construct high quality

IDG / Matthew Smith

IDG / Matthew Smith

IDG / Matthew Smith

The Lenovo Yoga Slim 7i Aura Version follows the design language of different current Lenovo laptops, which works to its benefit. It’s extraordinarily slim, measuring solely 0.55 inches thick, and has a compact footprint of 13.5 x 9.25 inches. The laptop computer is produced from aluminum and makes use of a matte end that offers it a glossy and understated look. A design trait I significantly recognize is using rounded edges alongside not over the corners of the chassis, but additionally throughout each the entrance and facet edges, which makes the laptop computer snug to carry.

Regardless of its skinny profile, the Yoga Slim 7i Aura Version feels inflexible and durable. When picked up from one edge, the laptop computer’s chassis reveals no noticeable flex, and the show lid hardly warps when opened. The hinge is well-tuned, as effectively, so I discovered it attainable to open the lid with a single free hand. Lenovo’s construct high quality compares favorably with most super-thins Home windows laptops, like Acer’s Swift sequence and LG’s Gram sequence, although Samsung’s Galaxy Book3 Professional 360 is shut.

Unusually, regardless of the phrase “Yoga” in its title, the Yoga Slim 7i Aura Version isn’t a 2-in-1. The hinge solely rotates again 180 levels to lie flat on a floor. Whereas that’s a great vary for the standard laptop computer, the Yoga title has historically signaled a 2-in-1 design. I’m not a fan of this shift in path for the Yoga sequence, because it makes Lenovo’s lineup extra complicated. That oddity apart, although, the Yoga Slim 7i’s design is among the many finest in its class.

Lenovo Yoga Slim 7i Aura Version: Keyboard, trackpad

IDG / Matthew Smith

IDG / Matthew Smith

IDG / Matthew Smith

I completely loved typing on the Lenovo Yoga Slim 7i Aura Version’s keyboard. That may be notable for any laptop computer, but it surely’s particularly spectacular given this laptop computer’s skinny profile. Regardless of its measurement, the Yoga Slim 7i offers a satisfying key journey with a crisp, tactile, and springy rebound. I discovered it immediately snug and was capable of sort shortly from the second I opened the laptop computer.

The spacious structure contributes to the convenience of typing, as effectively. Though the laptop computer has a 15.3-inch display, the Yoga Slim 7i doesn’t attempt to squeeze in a quantity pad, which permits for bigger keys and ample house between every one. Even the perform keys are barely bigger than typical for this class of laptop computer.

Whereas the keyboard is superb, the touchpad is mediocre. It’s clean and responsive in each easy duties (like clicking an icon) and extra advanced multi-touch gestures (like Home windows’ five-finger pinch to scale back or maximize all home windows). Additionally, because it’s centered, it avoids unintended enter whereas typing. 

Nevertheless, the touchpad is small for a laptop computer of this measurement, measuring roughly 5 inches broad and three inches deep. Due to that, it might probably really feel a bit cramped, particularly when scrolling vertically by way of net pages and paperwork. Rivals just like the Microsoft Floor Laptop computer 15 and Samsung Galaxy Book4 Edge supply a a lot bigger touchpad floor.

Lenovo Yoga Slim 7i Aura Version: Show, audio

IDG / Matthew Smith

IDG / Matthew Smith

IDG / Matthew Smith

The Lenovo Yoga Slim 7i Aura Version’s show is sweet but considerably disappointing. Many current Lenovo laptops use OLED touchscreens that supply glorious shade efficiency and class-leading distinction. Nevertheless, this laptop computer has an IPS show panel, which, although enticing, can’t match the standard of OLED.

Beginning with the positives, the show is extraordinarily sharp, with a decision of 2880 x 1800. With a 15.3-inch display, this interprets to roughly 221 pixels per inch (PPI). It additionally helps a refresh fee of as much as 120Hz and consists of variable refresh fee, which might cut back energy consumption or present smoother body pacing in video games. Lastly, it’s a multi-touch show and offers clean, responsive enter.

Nevertheless, the display has limitations typical of IPS-LCD panels. It will probably’t obtain deep, inky blacks in darkish scenes, which ends up in “IPS glow,” an issue the place darkish areas of the display seem grey and appear to shimmer or glow. This isn’t readily noticeable in a well-lit room, however when you watch a film in a dimly lit room, it turns into obvious.

Additionally, whereas the show’s shade efficiency offers a vibrant and punchy picture, it nonetheless falls wanting OLED. It’s not a problem in most conditions, however when you’re taken with picture enhancing or digital artwork, you would possibly miss the broader shade gamut an OLED panel can supply.

The Yoga Slim 7i Aura Version’s audio system, however, are really unbelievable. They supply sturdy, crisp audio with glorious bass. But, regardless of that, they largely keep away from the distorted, muddy sound most laptops audio system undergo at greater volumes. The bass is so sturdy, actually, that it causes a noticeable vibrant throughout the touchpad and keyboard, which may be distracting when you’re typing whereas listening to tunes. As an added bonus, the audio system are upwards-firing, so the floor the laptop computer is positioned on doesn’t drastically change the laptop computer’s audio presentation. The Yoga Slim 7i’s audio high quality is top-notch for a Home windows laptop computer and adequate that much less essential listeners will hear no purpose to make use of exterior audio system. 

Lenovo Yoga Slim 7i Aura Version: Webcam, microphone, biometrics

The Lenovo Yoga Slim 7i Aura Version comes with a 1080p webcam that gives crisp and colourful video for Zoom calls and different informal makes use of. As with most laptop computer webcams, the picture can look a bit grainy, and it might wrestle with publicity in rooms with combined lighting. 

Lenovo consists of an digital privateness shutter which is activated by a swap on the facet of the laptop computer. The privateness shutter doesn’t disable the microphone, nonetheless. That’s additionally true for different privateness shutters (phyiscal or digital), however one thing to bear in mind.

The microphone is sweet, although not distinctive. It captured my voice clearly, even after I spoke softly, and did an honest job of filtering out low-volume background noise. Nevertheless, it nonetheless had the marginally hole, distant sound typical of laptop computer microphones. I’d suggest it for video calls, however not for podcasting.

Biometric login is offered by way of Home windows Whats up facial recognition, and as common, it really works effectively. As soon as arrange, the laptop computer unlocks virtually immediately when it detects your face after the lid is opened or when resumed from sleep. A fingerprint reader isn’t included.

Lenovo Yoga Slim 7i Aura Version: Connectivity

IDG / Matthew Smith

IDG / Matthew Smith

IDG / Matthew Smith

Slim laptops are sometimes restricted in connectivity, and the Lenovo Yoga Slim 7i Aura Version is not any exception, although it does present a pair of Thunderbolt 4 ports. Every Thunderbolt port additionally helps USB-C 4, DisplayPort, and Energy Supply, which means you should utilize every to attach a monitor and/or cost the laptop computer.

Connectivity choices are in any other case restricted, because the laptop computer has only one USB-A port. It’s joined by an HDMI port and a 3.5 mm combo audio jack. To be truthful, the inclusion of an HDMI port isn’t typical for a super-thin laptop computer, however having just one USB-A port might be inconvenient for many who nonetheless use a number of legacy USB units. Ethernet can be absent, although that is primarily commonplace for a Home windows laptop computer in 2024 (a couple of gaming and enterprise-focused laptops apart).

Wi-fi connectivity is powerful, because the laptop computer helps Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 5.4 (the most recent model of every commonplace). Meaning the laptop computer is suitable with all the latest wi-fi options and helps the quickest wi-fi speeds accessible.

Lenovo Yoga Slim 7i Aura Version: Efficiency

The Lenovo Yoga Slim 7i Aura Version is powered by Intel’s Core Extremely 7 256V processor, and makes use of the corporate’s new “Lunar Lake” structure. PC World’s Mark Hachman dove deep into the processor at launch, so I like to recommend his evaluate of Lunar Lake in order for you the small print. Normally, nonetheless, Lunar Lake is supposed to ship vital features in energy effectivity whereas retaining or enhancing CPU, GPU, and AI efficiency. In relation to efficiency, although, the brand new Yoga Slim 7i isn’t a lot completely different from its predecessors. 

IDG / Matthew Smith

IDG / Matthew Smith

IDG / Matthew Smith

First up is PC Mark 10, an artificial check that stands in for combined productiveness and day-to-day use.

Right here, the Intel Core Extremely 7 256V hit a rating of 6,995 proper on the nostril, which is a stable outcome for a skinny, mild laptop computer. The Yoga Slim 7i is the second-quickest of the laptops used for comparability, all of that are fashions launched in the previous few months. Notably, the Core Extremely 7 256V scores win over AMD Ryzen AI 9 HX 365 within the Asus Zenbook S 16, in addition to AMD Ryzen 7 8840U within the Acer Swift Edge 16. The Ryzen AI 9 HX 375 within the HP OmniBook Extremely 14, nonetheless, guidelines the roost.

IDG / Matthew Smith

IDG / Matthew Smith

IDG / Matthew Smith

PC World is amid a transition to the most recent model of Cinebench R24, which implies the variety of outcomes we’ve got for comparability is extra restricted. What’s accessible, although, places the Yoga Slim 7i in a much less favorable mild. Its multi-threaded rating of 600 just about tied to the Core Extremely 7 155H within the Yoga 9i 14 Gen 9, and manner behind the HP and Samsung laptops with AMD Ryzen AI 9 HX 375 and Qualcomm Snapdragon X Elite, respectively. 

This isn’t essentially a shock, nonetheless. This can be a multi-threaded check, and Intel is behind on thread rely. The Intel Core Extremely 7 256V has eight cores, which is a modest rely in 2024, and so they’re cut up evenly between “efficiency” and “environment friendly” cores. AMD’s newest Ryzen AI processors take an identical strategy, however have a tendency to incorporate extra “environment friendly” cores. The AMD Ryzen 9 AI HX 375 has 4 “Zen” cores and eight “ZenC” cores, for a complete of 12. Qualcomm, in the meantime, doesn’t use various kinds of cores and gives 12 cores in whole. 

IDG / Matthew Smith

IDG / Matthew Smith

IDG / Matthew Smith

The Yoga Slim 7i produced a greater rating in Handbrake 1.5.1, the place it managed to beat all comers apart from the HP Omnibook Extremely 14 with AMD Ryzen AI 9 HX 375 which, as in different exams, displayed a major lead. With the HP faraway from consideration, although, the Yoga Slim 7 appears to edge out a variety of comparable Intel, AMD, and Qualcomm {hardware}.

IDG / Matthew Smith

IDG / Matthew Smith

IDG / Matthew Smith

Our evaluate of Lunar Lake confirmed it might probably present a major leap in built-in graphics efficiency. The Yoga Slim 7i doesn’t ship the complete potential our Lunar Lake evaluate discovered attainable, but it surely’s nonetheless fairly good. 

The Yoga Slim 7i achieved a stable however not spectacular 3DMark Time Spy rating of 3677, in addition to a robust rating of 31,682 within the much less demanding 3DMark Night time Raid benchmark. Each scores are stable outcomes for built-in graphics, falling behind solely the HP OmniBook Extremely 14 with AMD Radeon 890M graphics. Normally, the Yoga Slim 7i can ship acceptable efficiency in much less demanding 3D video games, and may play most trendy titles at sub-native resolutions and element settings. It’s undoubtedly not perfect for video games like Cyberpunk 2077 or House Marine 2, but it surely’s satisfactory when you’re okay taking part in at a low decision, low element settings, and with drops beneath 30 FPS.

On the entire, the Yoga Slim 7i’s efficiency outcomes are good for this class of laptop computer. It’s bit faster than aggressive laptops in some benchmarks, comparable to PCMark 10 and Handbrake, however falls behind in others, like Cinebench. Intel’s Arc 140V additionally does effectively, offering competent IGP efficiency regardless of the laptop computer’s skinny measurement. Lastly, I seen that the Yoga Slim 7i wasn’t unusually loud or heat in my testing. I had fairly the alternative expertise with Asus’ Zenbook S 16, a 16-inch laptop computer of comparable measurement and weight.

Lenovo Yoga Slim 7i Aura Version: Battery life

Battery life is all the time necessary for a slim, transportable laptop computer, but it surely’s particularly necessary for the Lenovo Yoga Slim 7i Aura Version. The brand new Intel processor guarantees higher effectivity which, in idea, might shut the hole between Intel’s Core Extremely line and Qualcomm’s new, power-sipping Snapdragon X chips. The Yoga Slim 7i is ready to shut the hole, although it doesn’t come out the victor.

IDG / Matthew Smith

IDG / Matthew Smith

IDG / Matthew Smith

The Yoga Slim 7i endured our battery check, which loops a 4K file of the quick movie Tears of Metal, for 16 hours and 45 minutes. That’s not a record-setting outcome, but it surely’s fairly good, and signifies the laptop computer ought to have greater than sufficient battery life for an eight-hour workday—offered your work doesn’t embrace particularly demanding apps, after all. 

Lenovo Yoga Slim 7i Aura Version: Conclusion

The Lenovo Yoga Slim 7i Aura Version is one other stable addition in Lenovo’s typically sturdy line-up of mid-range and premium Home windows PCs. It suffers a couple of flaws, like a comparatively small touchpad and a mediocre show, however makes up for its shortcomings with enticing design, a terrific keyboard, and class-leading audio system.

Intel’s new “Lunar Lake” Core Extremely 7 256V, in the meantime, delivers a good efficiency uplift over prior Intel laptops, packs a terrific IGP, and brings battery life into competitors with Qualcomm Snapdragon X laptops. That makes the Yoga Slim 7i Aura Version a wonderful selection in order for you a skinny, transportable Home windows laptop computer that’s nonetheless versatile sufficient to deal with productiveness and leisure with equal ease.