In this article, we reviewing the Lenovo Yoga 7i, a 16-inch two-in-one convertible laptop, sporting a Full HD Plus resolution, it’s worth noting that there’s also an option for a QHD Plus resolution, particularly recommended for those engaged in content creation. Furthermore, the laptop boasts commendable battery life. We’ll delve deeper into these features and explore the reasons behind my assertion that this is among the superior and more budget-friendly convertible laptops of 2023.
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Table of Contents
Design and Ports
The Yoga 7i 16 Gen 8, featuring an exquisite all-metal premium design and accompanied by a 65-watt USB Type-C charger. Notably compact, the charger’s design is particularly appealing. Inside the package, you’ll also discover documentation and warranty cards. The 8th generation of the Yoga 7i laptop showcases a stunning all-metal build with a sleek storm gray finish, embodying an aesthetic modernity that is highly appealing. The laptop weighs 2.059 kilograms (4.539 pounds), and with the power adapter included, the weight totals 2.235 kilograms (4.927 pounds).
Regarding the ports on the Lenovo Yoga 7i Gen 8, the left side features an HDMI 1.4 B port, two USB Type-C Thunderbolt 4 ports supporting data transfer, charging, and display output, and a 3.5-millimeter microphone/headphone combo jack. On the right side, you’ll find the power button, a full-size SD card reader (with the inclusion of a microSD card reader being a notable plus), and two USB-A ports—a welcome addition. While having an HDMI 2.0 or higher would have been preferable, the overall port selection is quite satisfactory.
User Upgradeability
Inside the laptop you’ll find a single fan for cooling, which we’ll discuss in detail regarding thermal performance later in this review. Additionally, there’s a 71 watt-hour battery, which we’ll also cover in terms of battery life later on. Spoiler alert: it performs really well, but we’ll delve into that further in the review.
Regarding the ram of yoga 7i gen 8 can be configured with up to 16 gigabytes of LPDDR5 RAM running in dual-channel mode. The RAM is soldered onto the motherboard and cannot be upgraded by the user. This may be a bit disappointing, especially for a 16-inch laptop in 2023.
The Yoga 7i 16 features a PCIe Gen 4 SSD, which delivers excellent read and write speeds. The SSD is user-upgradable, providing you the flexibility to expand your storage if your needs in the future.
In terms of wireless connectivity, the Lenovo yoga 7i 16 gen 8 supports Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.1 with a combo card And the card is slotted, which means you can replace it if needed in the future. Wi-Fi and Bluetooth functionalities both have been works flawless, and I haven’t encountered any issues with them.
Display and Speakers
In terms of display options, there are two available for Lenovo Yoga 7i Gen 8. 2.5K IPS display with a resolution of 2560 by 1600 and a 16:10 aspect ratio. However, I don’t have that specific display this time as it was sent over for review last year. Instead, the unit provided for this review features a Full HD Plus display with a resolution of 1920 by 1200, also IPS with a 16:10 aspect ratio.
But if you’re a content creator who works with Lightroom, Photoshop, or video editing, I recommend the higher resolution display. A higher resolution option will provide better color gamut coverage. When I measured the coverage on this display, it wasn’t the best, achieving only 67% sRGB, 50% Adobe RGB, 50% DCI P3, and 48% NTSC. And for most people, these percentages will be more than sufficient, But if you engage in high-end video editing or color grading, consider the higher-end display option.
Yoga 7i 16″ display offers excellent contrast, black levels, and white point, and It has a brightness of 300 nits. The QHD Plus model, however, does offer 400 nits, so keep that in mind. Nonetheless, for media consumption such as watching Netflix, Amazon, or YouTube, this display has been more than satisfactory. I haven’t encountered any issues with it, it has performed really well. Display is an excellent choice for those seeking long-lasting performance.
Lenovo Yoga 7i Display is set at 60 hertz, without an option for a higher refresh rate. This is not surprising considering the price point. There is no OLED or 4K+ display option available, as those are reserved for Lenovo’s higher-end and more expensive models. Considering the price point, the Full HD Plus display on Yoga 7i Gen 8 is really impressive, and I don’t have much to complain about. The display is glossy, you may experience some glare and reflections depending on your lighting conditions, but it’s not overly problematic.
It equipped with a total of two two-watt speakers, and it boasts Dolby Atmos technology, enhancing the spatial audio experience. Furthermore, it’s set to the dynamic mode, which I find offers the best sound quality. As I often compare it to the MacBook Pro 14, considering the Yoga 16″ as the standard and top choice in its class, this allows for an effective assessment of its audio performance. In my opinion, for a Windows laptop, the audio quality is quite impressive.
The Modes and Pen
The touch layer on Yoga 7i 16″ is highly responsive, making it easy to perform actions like pinch-to-zoom, and navigate the system using your finger. And, you can use the pen for tasks. Please note that it does not come with a pen, so you’ll need to purchase separately.
Speaking of the pen, it functions well for note-taking and sketching. It didn’t present any notable issues, and I found it to be a valuable addition. As this is a two-in-one convertible, you can utilize it in different modes. The tent mode is great for following recipes in the kitchen or watching Netflix, Amazon, or YouTube.
Similarly, the stand mode, or what I refer to as presentation mode, works well for media consumption. And, you have the tablet mode, which is perfect for using the pen. However, due to 16″ size and weight, it can be a bit heavy when using as a tablet. You can use it on a desk or table for note-taking or sketching, as the weight can become cumbersome. In terms of form factor, it’s just a little too heavy to be ideal for tablet use.
You may like this: Lenovo ThinkPad P16 Gen 1 REVIEW
FHD IR Webcam and Fingerprint
The front-facing camera on the Lenovo Yoga 7i two-in-one convertible, specifically the 16-inch version, which features a 1080p camera. This camera supports face recognition login via Windows Hello, making it convenient and secure. Additionally, there’s a fingerprint scanner located below the keyboard, which works seamlessly, registering my finger accurately each time I’ve used it. Another great feature is the physical shutter switch, providing added privacy and security by allowing you to easily disable the camera when not in use.
Performance, Benchmarks and Gaming
| Platforms | Scores |
|---|---|
| PCMARK 10 | 6,000 |
| GEEKBENCH 6 (Single-Coe) | 2,384 |
| GEEKBENCH 6 (Multi-Core) | 9,351 |
| CINEBENCH R20 | 3,075 |
| CINEBENCH R15 | 1,264 CB | 115.66 FPS |
| CINEBENCH R23 | 1,859 Single-Core | 8,022 Multi-Core |
| 3DMARK Fire Strike | 4,986 |
| 3DMARK Time Spy | 1,833 |
It boasts Intel 13th Gen processor, specifically the Core i7 1355U with integrated Iris XE graphics. As seen from the benchmarks, it delivers decent numbers, especially considering it’s a U-series processor with a power consumption of 15 watts. Last year, we examined the 1260P, a 28-watt CPU that provided slightly more power. Both models demonstrate respectable single and multi-core scores, making this laptop perfect for tasks like Microsoft Office, email, and web browsing without any issues.
When comparing it to last year’s model, the Core i7 1260P, we can actually see an improvement in the PC Mark 10 score. The Geekbench 6 results also show better single-core score compared to last year’s model, despite the fact that this is a U-series processor versus a P-series processor. The multi-core score is better on last year’s model due to the higher wattage and more cores (28 watts and 12 cores versus 15 watts and 10 cores in this year’s U-series model).
In terms of the single-core score of 1859, Lenovo Yoga 7i holds its own among others in its category. It performs great for everyday tasks, as mentioned earlier. However, when it comes to multi-core performance and comparing it to other 16-inch laptops in this category, the score of 8022 falls slightly behind. This is mainly because this laptop doesn’t have a discrete GPU and relies solely on the integrated Iris XE graphics. Therefore, it’s not suitable for playing AAA titles at their highest settings. If you lower the graphics settings, you can achieve playable frame rates depending on the specific game.
If need to connect an external GPU then there are two USB Type-C Thunderbolt 4 ports available, and this will increase the overall cost of the unit, making it less appealing in terms of value proposition. For the same amount of money, you could consider dedicated gaming laptops or other laptops with discrete GPUs. That’s where this laptop falls short in terms of being a graphics powerhouse.
Surface Temps and Fan Noise
When it comes to thermal throttling, I didn’t detect any issues during the Time Spy stress test. It achieved a passing score of 98.9, which is quite impressive. As for surface temperatures under heavy load, while running in performance mode, I didn’t observe excessive heat or notable hotspots. It remained relatively cool, making it suitable for lap use without any major concerns. The noise level was also reasonable, reaching around 44-45 decibels in performance mode under heavy load. In balance mode, the fans are hardly noticeable, and in quiet mode, they are virtually silent. Overall, the fan noise is relatively good for everyday tasks.
Battery Life
| Laptops | PCMARK 10 Modern Office | PCMARK 10 Video Playback |
|---|---|---|
| Lenovo Yoga 7i 16″ Gen 8| 71Wh, FHD+, Core i7-1355U | 14 Hours 40 Minutes | 17 Hours 49 Minutes |
| Lenovo Yoga 7i 16″ Gen 7 71Wh, QHD+, Core i7-1260P | 12 Hours 52 Minutes | 11 hours 01 Minutes |
The standout feature of this convertible laptop lies in its remarkable battery performance. During the PC Mark 10 Modern Office battery test, it impressively clocked in at 14 hours and 40 minutes a commendable feat. Equally notable is its outstanding endurance in the video playback test, boasting an impressive runtime of 17 hours and 49 minutes.
A noteworthy comparison to last year’s model reveals a significant improvement. Despite sharing the same 71 watt-hour battery, the current model, with its Full HD Plus display and a less powerful Core i7-1260p processor, outshines its predecessor. Last year’s version managed 12 hours and 52 minutes on the Modern Office battery test and 11 hours and one minute on the PC Mark 10 video playback test.
This enhancement underscores the overall improvement in battery life with the Full HD Plus model. For those seeking the highest-end configuration, the QHD Plus model is available, equipped with a Core i7 13th Gen processor. However, even with the Full HD Plus variant, users can expect excellent battery life that seamlessly lasts throughout the day and beyond.
Keyboard and Touchpad
You can effortlessly open the Yoga 7i Gen 8 with just one finger, which is a convenience not commonly found in convertible laptops. Moving on to the keyboard, the key travel’s tactility is perfectly satisfactory. It retains the familiar smile-shaped keys characteristic of the Yoga line, so there are no major surprises in this aspect. The inclusion of a numpad is a standout feature for those who frequently work with numbers. However, one trade-off is that it slightly shifts the touchpad off-center.
Personally, I didn’t find this to be a significant issue, as preferences for numpads can vary among users. Overall, the keyboard performs admirably, offering a multi-stage backlight with white illumination, which proves beneficial for working in dimly lit environments.
The touchpad is generously sized and of commendable quality, featuring a diving board-style design. Two-finger scrolling is responsive, and all gestures function as expected, providing a seamless user experience.
Overall, both the keyboard and touchpad perform exceptionally well, delivering exactly what one would expect without any unexpected surprises.
Conclusion
The Lenovo Yoga 7i 16-inch convertible laptop, specifically the Gen 8 model for 2023, has some notable features worth considering. Firstly, there’s the option for a QHD Plus IPS display, although the Full HD Plus version, which I reviewed, should suffice for most users. One standout aspect of this laptop is its exceptional battery life, which is truly impressive. In terms of productivity, both single and multiple core performance meet the demands of everyday use quite well.
The laptop also offers a good selection of ports, and the 1080p IR webcam performs admirably, especially with its face recognition feature for convenient login. Plus, with a starting price of $549.99, it’s a highly affordable option considering its all-metal build and solid convertible design.
However, the Full HD Plus option may fall short in terms of color gamut coverage, so content creators should consider opting for the QHD Plus version. Yet, for most users who aren’t focused on color accuracy, the Full HD Plus display should be perfectly adequate. Another downside is its slightly hefty weight when used as a tablet, as mentioned earlier.
If you opt for the Best Buy model, do note that it doesn’t include a stylus, and the RAM isn’t user-upgradeable as it’s soldered onto the motherboard. Despite these limitations, I believe Lenovo has done an impressive job with the Yoga 7i laptop overall, making it a solid choice for many users.
The Lenovo Yoga 7i 16-inch laptop offers excellent battery life, solid performance, and convenient facial recognition login at an affordable price. However, the display lacks color accuracy for content creators.
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Design8
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Hardware9
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Ports9
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Keyboard and Touchpad8
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Thermals / Fan Noise8
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Audio8
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Display6
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Performance9
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Battery10
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Webcam9
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Price Point10
