Review  Laptop  October 22, 2023  Reading time: 2 Minute(s)

Max (RS editor)

The Lenovo Flex 5i Chromebook Plus is a noteworthy addition to the Chromebook market, offering a range of improvements over its predecessors. The Chromebook Plus line represents a significant upgrade, with faster CPUs, increased RAM and storage, better displays, and improved cameras. These enhancements are paired with new software features that aim to make your Chromebook experience even more versatile.

One of the notable aspects of the Lenovo Flex 5i is its pricing. Priced at $499, it's a 25 percent increase over its predecessor, the Acer 515, but still stands as an excellent value when compared to Windows and macOS laptops. The device shares many under-the-hood specifications with the Acer 515, including an Intel Core i3-1315U CPU, 8 GB of RAM, and 128 GB of flash storage. Notably, Lenovo replaces the HDMI output with a microSD card slot, which can be a significant advantage for users who rely on expandable storage.

The most noticeable difference is the screen. The Flex 5i features a smaller 14-inch touchscreen, unlike the Acer 515's 15.6-inch nontouch display. The 2-in-1 design allows the Flex 5i to bend backward, making it versatile for various use cases, like media streaming or entertaining children. Both laptops offer similar screen resolutions and mid-level brightness.

In terms of design, the Flex 5i is reasonably slim and lightweight, although it won't win awards for portability. Its plastic all-gray design is functional, though not particularly eye-catching. The keyboard and trackpad follow the standard Chromebook design.

Performance-wise, the Flex 5i stands out as one of the fastest Chromebooks, with quick boot times and responsiveness. However, it's worth noting that its battery life is slightly less impressive, likely due to the enhanced speed. The machine manages approximately seven hours and 20 minutes of video playback, which is a bit less than the Acer 515. Considering its smaller display, this difference might be more noticeable than expected.

The Chromebook Plus platform introduces several new apps and features, such as animated wallpapers, Google's Magic Eraser from Pixel phones, and video enhancements for webcam images. Google promises more AI-driven extras in the future, making this platform even more appealing.

Ultimately, the Lenovo Flex 5i Chromebook Plus offers solid performance, a touchscreen, and a 2-in-1 design, all for a reasonable price of $500. If these features are important to you, it's an excellent choice. However, if you can do without them, the cheaper Acer 515 Chromebook Plus might be a better fit. In summary, the Lenovo Flex 5i is a noteworthy addition to the Chromebook market, with a few unique features and competitive performance at a reasonable price point.