Lenovo IdeaPad Flex 5i

Updated on January 11, 2026

The Lenovo IdeaPad Flex 5i Chromebook is a versatile, budget-friendly laptop that promises performance and style. With its Intel Core i3-1115G4 processor, 360-degree hinge, and a wide range of ports, it is an excellent option for students, freelancers, or anyone looking for a reliable laptop that won’t break the bank. Named “Best Chromebook of 2023” by Tech Advisor and earning 9/10 from Android Authority, this 14-inch convertible has earned its place as one of the most recommended Chromebooks for everyday use.

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Lenovo IdeaPad Flex 5i Comparison Chart

	Lenovo IdeaPad Flex 5i	Lenovo IdeaPad Flex 5i
Price	List Price: $469.99 Amazon Prices: Loading prices...	List Price: $429.99 Amazon Prices: Loading prices...
Model number	82M7004HUX	82M7004CUX
Perfomance Rating	5.7	5.7
Chromebook Plus	No	No
Processor	Dual-core 3.00 Ghz (max 4.10 Ghz) Intel Core i3-1115G4 Processor	Dual-core 3.00 Ghz (max 4.10 Ghz) Intel Core i3-1115G4 Processor
RAM	8 GB	8 GB
Internal Storage	256 GB SSD	128 GB SSD
Screen Size	13.3"	13.3"
Screen Resolution	1920x1080	1920x1080
Screen Type	IPS	IPS
Touch Screen	Yes	Yes
Stylus / Pen	No Stylus Support	No Stylus Support
Dimensions width x length x thickness	12.2 x 8.42 x 0.66 inches (309.88 x 213.87 x 16.76 mm)	12.2 x 8.42 x 0.66 inches (309.88 x 213.87 x 16.76 mm)
Weight	2.98 lbs (1.35 kg)	2.98 lbs (1.35 kg)
Backlit Keyboard	No	No
Webcam	720p HD	720p HD
WiFi	Wi-Fi 6E (802.11ax)	Wi-Fi 6E (802.11ax)
Bluetooth	Bluetooth 5.1	Bluetooth 5.1
Ethernet	No	No
Cellular Modem	No	No
HDMI	No HDMI	No HDMI
USB Ports	1 USB 3, 2 USB-C	1 USB 3, 2 USB-C
Thunderbolt Ports	No	No
Card Reader	microSD Card Reader	microSD Card Reader
Battery	51 Wh, Li-ion	51 Wh, Li-ion
Battery Life	10.0 hours	10.0 hours
Fanless	No	No
Auto Update Expiration Date	June, 2032	June, 2032

Detailed Insights into the Lenovo IdeaPad Flex 5i

The Lenovo IdeaPad Flex 5i features a 14-inch IPS touchscreen with a resolution of 1920x1200 in a taller 16:10 aspect ratio, providing more vertical screen real estate for documents and web browsing. The display delivers around 300 nits of brightness, which is adequate for indoor use but may struggle in bright outdoor environments. With dimensions of 12.2 x 8.42 x 0.66 inches and a weight of 2.98 lbs (1.35 kg), it strikes a balance between portability and durability, though it’s on the heavier side compared to some ultra-slim Chromebooks.

The build quality represents Lenovo’s attention to detail, with a brushed aluminum lid giving the device a premium feel. The 360-degree hinge is the centerpiece of the design, enabling four modes: laptop, tent, stand, and tablet. While the keyboard deck has some flex under pressure as noted by Chrome Unboxed, the hinges are sturdy and the overall construction feels solid for the price point. Lenovo’s keyboard continues its tradition of excellence, providing comfortable, responsive keys with adequate travel that reviewers consistently praise.

Connectivity is well-covered with two USB-C ports that support charging and data transfer, one USB-A 3.0 port, a microSD card slot, and a 3.5mm audio jack. The lack of a full-size HDMI port means you’ll need a dongle for presentations, but the USB-C ports can handle video output. Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.1 ensure fast, reliable wireless connections for modern networking needs. Users who prefer a wired connection for lower latency during cloud gaming or video calls can connect a USB Ethernet adapter to the USB-A port. The 1080p webcam is a notable upgrade from the typical 720p cameras found on budget Chromebooks, with AI-enhanced features including better low-light performance and noise cancellation on the dual-array microphones.

Reviewer Insights on the Lenovo IdeaPad Flex 5i

9to5Google’s Perspective

9to5Google delivered one of the most comprehensive reviews, noting that the Flex 5i completely changed their view of Chromebooks. The reviewer observed that “for this $499 starting price, this was more than enough to handle my basic productivity tasks” and that “a $400 Chromebook will last much longer and be a much better value than a $400 Windows laptop depending on your use case.” They praised the premium aluminum lid and great Android ecosystem integration, while noting weaknesses in the 2W speakers (particularly frustrating in tablet mode when they fire away from you) and some keyboard deck flex. The reviewer specifically highlighted the strong performance for cloud gaming on GeForce Now and solid 8-10 hour battery life for mixed use.

Engadget’s Perspective

Engadget called the Flex 5i “the ideal Chromebook for most people,” praising the solid build quality and the combination of price, specs, and design. Their testing revealed a notable gap between Lenovo’s claimed 10-hour battery life and real-world results of around 7 hours, with the reviewer noting “I was yet again disappointed at the gap between what manufacturers claim and the reality of actually using the device.” However, they emphasized the high-quality keyboard and trackpad, reliable multitasking performance, and the 1080p webcam with AI lighting tools as standout features.

Chrome Unboxed’s Perspective

Chrome Unboxed, a Chromebook-focused channel, described the Flex 5i as “fantastic, imperfect, but a very enjoyable Chromebook experience.” They highlighted the bright 16:10 display exceeding 300 nits, the high-quality 1080p webcam with temporal noise reduction, and upward-facing stereo speakers. Build quality was rated as “good, not great,” with the plastic keyboard deck feeling average and some minor keycap wobble observed. The reviewer concluded that “there’s just nothing to complain about” regarding performance, making it one of their top Chromebook Plus recommendations for the convertible form factor.

Android Authority’s Perspective

Android Authority awarded the Flex 5i a 9/10 and Editor’s Choice status, describing it as “the sweet spot for Chromebook specs.” The reviewer noted that after extended use, “I forgot I was on a Chromebook” due to the smooth performance for productivity tasks. Battery life matched Lenovo’s claims in their testing, consistently achieving 8-11 hours of use. They particularly praised the 1080p webcam as “a significant improvement over the standard 720p cameras found on most Chromebooks” and the quick, seamless Google Account integration.

Tom’s Guide’s Perspective

Tom’s Guide recommends the Flex 5i as the “best Chromebook for most people,” emphasizing that it “gives you everything you need at an affordable price, without feeling cheap.” The Intel Core i3-1315U provides enough speed to run basically any Chrome OS app without feeling slow. They praised the bright touchscreen and comfy keyboard while noting the middling battery life and lack of included stylus as the only real drawbacks.

Thurrott’s Perspective

Thurrott provided an interesting perspective from a traditionally Windows-focused reviewer, finding that “you really do get more than you pay for” and emphasizing that “there’s no version of this story where an identically configured Windows PC could handle these workloads.” The reviewer successfully used the Flex 5i for professional work including Notion, Photoshop, and video editing through a combination of web, Linux, and Android apps, praising the secure, simple platform with no bloatware.

Customer Reviews of the Lenovo IdeaPad Flex 5i

Amazon customers consistently praise the Flex 5i for its attractive design, responsive keyboard, and overall value. The touchscreen responsiveness and 360-degree hinge draw particular appreciation from users who use the device in multiple configurations. Common criticisms include requests for a brighter display and smoother trackpad surface. Battery life generally meets expectations at 7-10 hours depending on usage, and the build quality is noted as feeling premium for a budget Chromebook. Several customers specifically mention that the device exceeded their expectations for the price point, with the keyboard comfort and convertible flexibility being the most-appreciated features.

Conclusion

The Lenovo IdeaPad Flex 5i Chromebook stands as one of the most well-rounded Chromebooks on the market, earning accolades from major tech publications and consistently positive reviews from users. Its Intel Core i3-1115G4 processor delivers reliable performance for productivity, web browsing, and even light gaming through cloud services. While the display brightness and speaker quality fall short of premium laptops, these compromises are reasonable given the sub-$500 price point. For students, remote workers, or anyone seeking a versatile 2-in-1 that handles everyday tasks with ease, the Flex 5i represents excellent value with its comfortable keyboard, solid build quality, and comprehensive feature set. With an Auto Update Expiration date of June 2032, buyers can expect nearly a decade of security updates and ChromeOS improvements.

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