Lenovo IdeaPad Flex 5i Chromebook Plus

The Lenovo IdeaPad Flex 5i Chromebook Plus brings Google’s Chromebook Plus certification to a versatile 14-inch convertible that targets users who want more than a basic Chromebook without paying premium prices. Powered by Intel’s 13th Gen Core i3-1315U processor with 6 cores and 8 threads, this 2-in-1 handles productivity tasks, light creative work, and cloud gaming with ease. The 16:10 aspect ratio display provides extra vertical space for documents and web browsing, while the 360-degree hinge enables laptop, tent, stand, and tablet modes. For students, remote workers, or anyone seeking a capable ChromeOS device with long software support through June 2032, the Flex 5i Chromebook Plus offers a compelling balance of performance, features, and value.

Pros and Cons of the Lenovo IdeaPad Flex 5i Chromebook Plus

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Lenovo IdeaPad Flex 5i Chromebook Plus Comparison Chart

	Lenovo IdeaPad Flex 5i Chromebook Plus
Price	List Price: $499 Amazon Prices: Loading prices...
Model number	83EK0000UX
Perfomance Rating	8.9
Chromebook Plus	Yes
Processor	Hexa-core 1.20 Ghz (max 4.50 Ghz) Intel Core i3-1315U
RAM	8 GB
Internal Storage	128 GB eMMC
Screen Size	14"
Screen Resolution	1920x1200
Screen Type	IPS
Touch Screen	Yes
Stylus / Pen	Supported
Dimensions width x length x thickness	12.42 x 9.02 x 0.78 inches (315.47 x 229.11 x 19.81 mm)
Weight	3.48 lbs (1.58 kg)
Backlit Keyboard	Yes
Webcam	1080p
WiFi	Wi-Fi 6E (802.11ax)
Bluetooth	Bluetooth 5.3
Ethernet	No
Cellular Modem	No
HDMI	No HDMI
USB Ports	1 USB 3, 2 USB-C 2x USB-C 3.2 (10Gbps) with Power Delivery 3.0 and DisplayPort 1.4, 1x USB-A 3.2 (5Gbps)
Thunderbolt Ports	No
Card Reader	microSD Card Reader
Battery	51Wh, Li-ion
Battery Life	10 hours
Fanless	No
Auto Update Expiration Date	June, 2032

Detailed Insights into the Lenovo IdeaPad Flex 5i Chromebook Plus

The Lenovo IdeaPad Flex 5i Chromebook Plus measures 12.42 x 9.02 x 0.78 inches and weighs 3.48 pounds, making it reasonably portable though not the lightest in its class. The build quality presents a premium aluminum lid that creates an elegant first impression, though the plastic keyboard deck reveals the mid-range positioning when you apply pressure. Two USB-C 3.2 ports with 10Gbps speeds support Power Delivery 3.0 for charging and DisplayPort 1.4 for external displays, with one on each side for flexible connectivity. A single USB-A 3.2 port at 5Gbps, a microSD card slot, and a combo audio jack round out the port selection.

At the heart of this Chromebook Plus lies the Intel Core i3-1315U processor featuring 6 cores (2 performance, 4 efficiency) and 8 threads with boost speeds up to 4.5GHz. This 13th Gen chip provides the processing power required for Chromebook Plus certification, handling heavy Chrome tab loads, Linux containers, Android apps, and web-based creative tools without hesitation. The 8GB of LPDDR5 RAM ensures smooth multitasking, though being soldered means you cannot upgrade later. Storage comes from 128GB of eMMC, which is adequate but noticeably slower than NVMe SSDs for large file operations.

Connectivity options include WiFi 6E (802.11ax) for the latest wireless standards and Bluetooth 5.3 for peripherals and accessories. The lack of a dedicated HDMI port means you will need a USB-C dongle or dock for presentations, though the USB-C ports handle video output well. The 14-inch IPS display features a 1920x1200 resolution in a productive 16:10 aspect ratio, delivering over 300 nits of brightness that reviewers praise as sufficient for indoor use. The touchscreen supports USI stylus input for note-taking and sketching, though Lenovo does not include a pen in the box.

Reviewer Insights on the Lenovo IdeaPad Flex 5i Chromebook Plus

Lon Seidman’s Perspective

Lon Seidman delivered a comprehensive hands-on review of Lenovo’s entry into the Chromebook Plus category. He praised the device as “a pretty good value for the price point,” highlighting the excellent 16:10 display, high-quality backlit keyboard, and full-service USB-C ports on both sides. He noted that “for the best image quality, especially on a nice 1080p display like this one, you want to run it on the browser which can deliver to you the 1080p quality video that you can’t get in the app” due to Android streaming limitations.

Seidman’s testing revealed strong performance for cloud gaming through GeForce Now, though local Steam gaming showed limitations expected from an integrated GPU. He observed that the cooling fan can be noisy under heavy loads and that the 45% NTSC color gamut makes it unsuitable for color-critical creative work. His overall assessment was positive, recommending it for users who want capable ChromeOS hardware without moving into premium pricing.

Chrome Unboxed’s Perspective

Chrome Unboxed, a channel dedicated to ChromeOS devices, described the Flex 5i Chromebook Plus as “fantastic, imperfect, but a very enjoyable Chromebook experience.” They praised the improved 16:10 display that delivers over 300 nits of brightness and the upward-facing stereo speakers that provide full and loud sound. Performance earned particular praise: “at no point in my work did I ever run into any performance issues.”

Build quality received a more measured assessment, with the reviewer noting that “overall build quality on Chromebook plus devices is well fine I mean for the most part it’s not bad but it’s not standout either.” The plastic keyboard deck with slightly wobbly keys stands in contrast to the premium aluminum lid. Despite these caveats, they found the combination of capable performance, solid battery life of 8-10 hours, and Chromebook Plus features made it a strong contender in its class.

Mike Tech Show’s Perspective

Mike Tech Show reviewed the device after a month of daily use, finding it to be “an easy recommendation for those looking for a laptop that can last a full workday.” He praised the elegant aluminum lid design and the vibrant 14-inch IPS display with its 16:10 aspect ratio. The tactile backlit keyboard and large responsive trackpad earned particular appreciation for extended typing sessions.

However, he noted significant chassis and keyboard flex as the main build quality concerns, along with the unbalanced weight distribution that prevents one-handed opening. He emphasized the long software support with AUE extending to 2032 as a major selling point, concluding that “if you’re looking for an excellent 2-in-1 portable Workhorse that’s well balanced… then the IdeaPad Flex 5i is worth considering.”

NotebookCheck

According to NotebookCheck, the Lenovo IdeaPad Flex 5 Chromebook Plus is “a versatile convertible that impresses with its elegant design, solid workmanship, and flexible 360-degree hinge.” Their testing measured specific display brightness and found the build quality befitting its Chromebook Plus status. They noted that “this 2-in-1 laptop can also be used as a strong replacement for an Android tablet.” Their review awarded an 81% rating while highlighting the reflective display and absence of included stylus as drawbacks.

About Chromebooks

Kevin Tofel at About Chromebooks declared emphatically that “I can confidently say it’s the best $499 Chromebook I’ve ever used.” His extensive testing found that the Flex 5i handles power user tasks including Linux development, heavy multitasking, and coding as well as more expensive Core i5 models. He praised the solid construction with “practically no screen flex” and the better-looking design compared to competitors like the Acer Spin 714. Battery life in his testing ran 6.5-7.5 hours, notably shorter than Lenovo’s 10-hour claim.

Across multiple reviews, the consensus points to the strong Core i3-1315U performance, quality 16:10 display, and excellent keyboard as primary strengths, while the eMMC storage speed, battery life versus claims, and some build flex appear consistently as areas for improvement. Reviewers agree this represents excellent value for Chromebook Plus certification at this price tier.

Customer Reviews of the Lenovo IdeaPad Flex 5i Chromebook Plus

Amazon customers have generally responded positively to the IdeaPad Flex 5i Chromebook Plus, praising its smooth performance for everyday tasks and the premium feel of the aluminum lid. The 360-degree convertible design and responsive touchscreen receive frequent praise from users who switch between laptop and tablet modes. The 1080p webcam quality stands out as a notable improvement over typical Chromebook cameras.

However, some customers note that the battery life does not quite reach the advertised 10 hours under typical use, with many reporting 6-8 hours more realistically. A few users wish for faster storage, finding the eMMC sluggish for large file transfers compared to SSD-equipped alternatives. The weight has drawn mixed feedback, with some finding it heavier than expected for a 14-inch device.

Overall, the customer sentiment is positive, with most buyers finding the IdeaPad Flex 5i Chromebook Plus delivers the Chromebook Plus experience they expected for productivity, media consumption, and general computing tasks.

Conclusion

The Lenovo IdeaPad Flex 5i Chromebook Plus stands out as a compelling mid-range convertible for users who want Chromebook Plus certification and Intel Core i3 performance without stretching to premium price points. Its combination of the productive 16:10 display, versatile 360-degree hinge, and capable Core i3-1315U processor makes it well-suited for students, remote workers, and anyone who values ChromeOS simplicity with added performance headroom. The long AUE date of June 2032 ensures nearly a decade of software support.

That said, users who prioritize storage speed should consider models with NVMe SSDs, and those needing maximum portability might find the 3.48-pound weight limiting for daily commutes. Power users requiring extensive multitasking with large applications might want to look at Core i5 options with 16GB RAM. For those comparing options, see our Chromebook Comparison Chart to find the best match for your needs.

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