Lenovo Legion 7i Review – Best 16” Gaming Laptop in 2024?
When it comes to gaming laptops, Lenovo has consistently delivered high-quality, performance-driven machines. This year, the Lenovo Legion 7i stands out as a prime contender for the title of best 16” gaming laptop of 2024. With a refined design, powerful internals, and thoughtful improvements over its predecessor, the Legion 7i has set a new standard in the gaming laptop market. In this review, we’ll delve into the key aspects that make the Legion 7i a top choice for gamers and power users alike.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Design | Anodized aluminum top and bottom, available in eclipse black and glacier white, minimal flex, smooth and sturdy hinges, slightly sharp front edge |
| Weight | 5lb (2.3kg) laptop only, 7.2lb (3.3kg) with 230-watt charger |
| Processor | Intel Core i9-14900HX |
| Graphics | Nvidia RTX 4070 |
| RAM | 32GB (expandable) |
| Storage | PCIe Gen 4 M.2 SSD, dual slots available |
| Display Options | 2560×1600 240Hz (gaming), 3200×2000 165Hz (creators) |
| Keyboard | Per-key RGB lighting, 1.5mm key travel, customizable via Vantage software |
| Touchpad | Smooth glass touchpad, clickable anywhere, loud but satisfying click |
| Power Button | Doubles as a fingerprint scanner |
| Ports (Left) | USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A, USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C, Thunderbolt 4 Type-C, 3.5mm audio combo jack |
| Ports (Right) | Full-size SD card slot, USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C, camera disconnect switch, USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A |
| Ports (Back) | HDMI 2.1, power input, illuminated port icons |
| Battery | 99.9Wh, up to 6 hours video playback |
| Cooling | Rear exhaust system, customizable cooling modes via Vantage software |
| Software | Lenovo Vantage for performance modes, lighting presets, battery settings |
| Gaming Performance | Excellent performance in titles like Cyberpunk 2077 and Control, customizable cooling, stable frame rates |
| Display Features | Minimal backlight bleed, vibrant colors, good brightness levels, E-Sport dynamic response time (7ms average grey-to-grey response time) |
| Connectivity Features | Illuminated port icons, two Type-C ports with DisplayPort support, MUX switch, advanced optimus for switching between integrated and discrete graphics |
| Audio | Above-average speakers with some bass, clear at higher volumes |
| Price | Approximately $2000 USD on Best Buy, cheaper on Lenovo’s website during sales |
Design and Build Quality
The Lenovo Legion 7i is available in two sleek finishes: eclipse black and glacier white. Its anodized aluminum top and bottom panels exude a premium feel, making it a pleasure to handle. While the front edge can feel slightly sharp, the overall build quality is robust and reliable. The keyboard and lid exhibit minimal flex, ensuring durability during intense gaming sessions.
One standout feature is the lid design, which protrudes slightly to make opening the laptop a breeze. The screen can lay flat at a 180-degree angle, facilitating easy content sharing. The smooth and sturdy hinges further enhance the user experience, making quick lid adjustments effortless.
Performance and Specifications
Under the hood, the Legion 7i is a powerhouse. My review unit came equipped with Intel’s Core i9-14900HX processor, Nvidia RTX 4070 graphics, and 32GB of RAM. This configuration ensures top-tier performance across a wide range of demanding applications and games. The laptop’s weight, at 5lb (2.3kg) without the charger and 7.2lb (3.3kg) with the 230-watt charger, is manageable considering the performance it delivers.
One of the most notable improvements this year is the cooling design. Lenovo has eliminated side air exhaust vents, opting instead for a rear exhaust system that enhances thermal efficiency. The result is a cooler and quieter operation, even under heavy loads.
Display Options
The Legion 7i offers two compelling display choices. Gamers will appreciate the 2560×1600 240Hz panel for its high refresh rate and excellent responsiveness. For creators and users who prioritize resolution and color accuracy, the 3200×2000 165Hz panel is an excellent option. Both displays boast vibrant colors, good brightness levels, and minimal backlight bleed, ensuring an immersive visual experience.
Keyboard and Touchpad
The per-key RGB keyboard on the Legion 7i is a delight to use. With 1.5mm of key travel, it offers a satisfying typing experience, complemented by customizable lighting options via Lenovo’s Vantage software. The glass touchpad is smooth and responsive, with a satisfying click mechanism that works anywhere on its surface. Additionally, the power button doubles as a fingerprint scanner, providing fast and secure login.
Connectivity and Ports
Lenovo has equipped the Legion 7i with a versatile array of ports. On the left, you’ll find a USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A port, a USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C port, a Thunderbolt 4 Type-C port, and a 3.5mm audio jack. The right side houses a full-size SD card slot, another USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C port, and a camera disconnect switch. The back features HDMI 2.1 and the power input.
One thoughtful addition is the illuminated port icons, which make it easy to connect peripherals without turning the laptop around. However, the placement of some ports towards the front could be improved to avoid cable clutter.
Battery Life and Software
Powered by a 99.9Wh battery, the Legion 7i offers impressive battery life for a gaming laptop. It lasted nearly 6 hours in video playback tests, surpassing many competitors in its class. Lenovo’s Vantage software enhances the user experience by providing detailed control over performance modes, lighting presets, and battery settings.
Gaming and Thermal Performance
In real-world gaming tests, the Legion 7i excelled. It handled demanding titles like Cyberpunk 2077 and Control with ease, delivering smooth frame rates and maintaining stable performance. The customizable cooling modes and efficient thermal design kept temperatures in check, ensuring the laptop remained cool to the touch even during extended gaming sessions.
The Lenovo Legion 7i is a formidable contender in the 16” gaming laptop category for 2024. Its combination of robust build quality, powerful performance, versatile display options, and thoughtful design improvements make it a top choice for gamers and power users. Whether you’re seeking a high-refresh-rate screen for gaming or a high-resolution panel for creative work, the Legion 7i has you covered. With its competitive pricing and superior feature set, the Lenovo Legion 7i is undoubtedly one of the best gaming laptops available this year.
In the ever-evolving world of gaming laptops, the Lenovo Legion 7i stands out as a true champion. If you’re in the market for a new gaming laptop, the Legion 7i deserves serious consideration
