Let's dive deep into the Lenovo IdeaPad 5 configuration featuring the Intel Core i5-1135G7 processor and the NVIDIA GeForce MX450 graphics card. This combination aims to strike a balance between everyday productivity and some light gaming or content creation. This review will cover various aspects of this laptop, including its performance, design, display, and overall value proposition. Whether you're a student, a professional, or someone who needs a versatile laptop for various tasks, understanding the capabilities of this particular configuration is crucial. We'll break down what makes it tick and whether it's the right choice for you.

Performance

When we talk about performance, the Intel Core i5-1135G7 is a key player. This processor is part of Intel's 11th generation Tiger Lake series, known for its improved efficiency and integrated Iris Xe graphics. However, the IdeaPad 5 we're discussing today comes with a dedicated NVIDIA GeForce MX450, which steps in to handle more graphically intensive tasks. The i5-1135G7 features four cores and eight threads, with a base clock speed of around 2.4 GHz and a boost clock speed that can reach up to 4.2 GHz. This makes it quite capable for handling daily tasks like web browsing, document editing, and video conferencing. The processor's single-core performance is particularly strong, which means snappy responsiveness when opening applications or multitasking.

But what about the MX450? This dedicated GPU offers a significant boost over integrated graphics, allowing for smoother performance in light gaming and content creation applications. It's not a high-end gaming GPU, so don't expect to run the latest AAA titles at maximum settings. However, it can handle many popular games at reasonable settings and resolutions. For content creators, the MX450 can accelerate tasks like video editing and photo processing, making it a valuable addition to the system. In real-world usage, the combination of the i5-1135G7 and MX450 means you can comfortably work on multiple browser tabs, stream videos, and even do some light gaming without experiencing significant slowdowns. The system is also equipped with sufficient RAM (typically 8GB or 16GB) and a fast SSD, which further contributes to its responsiveness.

To get a more concrete idea of its performance, let's look at some benchmark numbers. In Cinebench R23, the i5-1135G7 typically scores around 1200-1300 points in the multi-core test, which is a good indicator of its ability to handle demanding workloads. The MX450, on the other hand, will deliver frame rates in the range of 30-60fps in many modern games at 1080p resolution with medium settings. Games like Fortnite, Rocket League, and Overwatch are easily playable. Keep in mind that these numbers can vary depending on the specific configuration of the IdeaPad 5, including the amount of RAM and the speed of the SSD.

Design and Build Quality

The design of the Lenovo IdeaPad 5 is generally sleek and understated. It's designed to be portable and professional-looking, making it suitable for both work and personal use. The laptop typically features a slim profile and a lightweight chassis, making it easy to carry around in a backpack or briefcase. Lenovo often uses a combination of materials in the construction of the IdeaPad 5, such as aluminum for the lid and keyboard deck, and plastic for the bottom chassis. This helps to keep the weight down while still providing a reasonably sturdy feel.

The build quality is generally good for a laptop in this price range. While it may not feel as premium as some higher-end models, the IdeaPad 5 doesn't feel cheap or flimsy. The keyboard deck is typically solid with minimal flex, and the hinges feel reasonably robust. The display bezels are relatively thin, which gives the laptop a modern look and maximizes the screen real estate. The keyboard is an important aspect of any laptop's design, and the IdeaPad 5 typically features a comfortable and tactile keyboard with decent key travel. The keys are well-spaced and have a nice feel, making it easy to type for extended periods. Backlighting is often included, which is a welcome addition for working in low-light environments.

The touchpad is also generally well-designed, with a smooth surface and accurate tracking. It supports multi-finger gestures, which makes navigation and productivity tasks more efficient. The port selection on the IdeaPad 5 is typically adequate for most users. It usually includes a mix of USB Type-A and Type-C ports, an HDMI port for connecting to external displays, and a headphone jack. Some models may also include an SD card reader, which is a useful feature for photographers and videographers. From an aesthetic standpoint, the IdeaPad 5 is available in a range of colors, allowing users to choose one that suits their personal style. The overall design is clean and minimalist, with subtle Lenovo branding. The laptop looks at home in both a professional office environment and a casual coffee shop setting. One potential downside of the design is that the chassis can be prone to fingerprints and smudges, particularly on darker color options. However, this is a minor issue that can be easily addressed with regular cleaning. In summary, the Lenovo IdeaPad 5 offers a well-designed and well-built package that balances aesthetics, portability, and durability.

Display Quality

The display quality is a critical factor in any laptop, and the Lenovo IdeaPad 5 typically offers a decent viewing experience for its price range. Most configurations come with a 14-inch or 15.6-inch IPS display with a Full HD (1920x1080) resolution. The use of IPS technology ensures wide viewing angles and accurate color reproduction, which is important for both productivity and entertainment purposes. The brightness levels are generally adequate for indoor use, but the display may struggle in direct sunlight. The color accuracy is usually around 60-70% sRGB, which is acceptable for general use but may not be sufficient for professional color-sensitive work. Contrast ratios are typically around 1000:1, which provides decent blacks and good overall image clarity.

Some configurations of the IdeaPad 5 may offer brighter displays or better color accuracy, so it's worth checking the specifications carefully before making a purchase. The bezels around the display are relatively thin, which gives the laptop a modern look and maximizes the screen real estate. This also helps to create a more immersive viewing experience. The display is typically matte, which helps to reduce glare and reflections. This is particularly useful when working in brightly lit environments. The viewing angles are generally good, thanks to the IPS panel. This means that the image quality remains consistent even when viewing the display from different angles. However, there may be some slight color shifting at extreme angles.

The resolution of 1920x1080 is adequate for most users, providing a sharp and detailed image. However, some users may prefer a higher resolution display, such as 1440p or 4K, for even greater detail and clarity. The refresh rate of the display is typically 60Hz, which is standard for most laptops. While this is sufficient for general use, gamers may prefer a higher refresh rate display, such as 120Hz or 144Hz, for smoother and more responsive gameplay. Overall, the display quality of the Lenovo IdeaPad 5 is decent for its price range. It offers good viewing angles, accurate color reproduction, and a matte finish to reduce glare. However, it may not be the best choice for professional color-sensitive work or for gamers who demand the highest refresh rates.

Battery Life

Battery life is a crucial consideration for anyone who needs a laptop for on-the-go productivity. The Lenovo IdeaPad 5 typically offers decent battery life, but it can vary depending on the specific configuration and usage patterns. Lenovo usually equips the IdeaPad 5 with a battery ranging from 45Wh to 57Wh. With the i5-1135G7 processor, known for its efficiency, and the MX450 only kicking in when needed, you can expect a reasonable amount of unplugged time.

Under typical usage conditions, such as web browsing, document editing, and video streaming, the IdeaPad 5 can last anywhere from 6 to 9 hours on a single charge. This is generally sufficient for a full day of work or school. However, more demanding tasks, such as gaming or video editing, will drain the battery more quickly. When gaming, you can expect the battery to last around 2 to 3 hours. The MX450 graphics card consumes more power than the integrated graphics, so the battery life will be shorter when it's in use. The display brightness also affects battery life. Lowering the brightness can significantly extend the amount of time you can use the laptop without plugging it in. Lenovo often includes power-saving modes that can further extend battery life by limiting performance and reducing background activity.

The charging time is also an important factor to consider. The IdeaPad 5 typically comes with a relatively fast charger that can replenish the battery to 80% in about an hour. This is convenient for those who need to quickly top up the battery before heading out. The actual battery life you experience will depend on your specific usage patterns. If you're constantly running demanding applications or gaming, you'll need to charge the laptop more frequently. However, if you're primarily using it for light tasks, you can expect it to last for a full day on a single charge. In summary, the Lenovo IdeaPad 5 offers decent battery life that is sufficient for most users. It's not the longest-lasting laptop on the market, but it provides a good balance between performance and battery life.

Value Proposition

The value proposition of the Lenovo IdeaPad 5 with the i5-1135G7 and MX450 configuration lies in its ability to offer a balance of performance, features, and affordability. It's not the cheapest laptop on the market, but it provides a good set of specifications for the price. The i5-1135G7 processor offers excellent performance for everyday tasks, while the MX450 graphics card provides a boost for light gaming and content creation. This makes it a versatile laptop that can handle a wide range of tasks. The design is sleek and professional, making it suitable for both work and personal use. The build quality is generally good, and the keyboard and touchpad are comfortable to use.

The display quality is decent, with good viewing angles and accurate color reproduction. The battery life is also reasonable, allowing you to use the laptop for a full day on a single charge. One of the key strengths of the IdeaPad 5 is its versatility. It can be used for everything from web browsing and document editing to light gaming and video editing. This makes it a great choice for students, professionals, and anyone who needs a laptop that can handle a variety of tasks. The price of the IdeaPad 5 varies depending on the specific configuration and retailer, but it's generally priced in the mid-range category. This makes it an attractive option for those who want a good laptop without breaking the bank.

Compared to other laptops in its price range, the IdeaPad 5 offers a competitive set of features. Some competitors may offer slightly better performance or battery life, but the IdeaPad 5 typically provides a better overall package. It's also worth considering the Lenovo brand reputation. Lenovo is a well-known and respected brand that is known for producing reliable and durable laptops. This can give you peace of mind knowing that you're investing in a product that will last. In conclusion, the Lenovo IdeaPad 5 with the i5-1135G7 and MX450 configuration offers a good value proposition. It provides a balance of performance, features, and affordability that makes it a great choice for a wide range of users.