Imagine a laptop that keeps pace with your creative needs. That’s exactly what Lenovo’s Yoga 7i 2-in-1 (14”, Gen 9) delivers! Powered by the Intel Evo platform, this laptop-tablet hybrid is designed for creators, handling complex tasks with remarkable ease.
Design: 4/5
Unboxing the Lenovo Yoga 7i, I was immediately struck by its sleek Tidal Teal finish—it’s unique, modern, and truly stands out. Though at 1.49kg it’s not the lightest, the added weight adds to its robust build, which I appreciate when switching to tablet mode. Speaking of which, the 360-degree hinge is smooth and folds completely, allowing for a seamless transition between laptop and tablet use, whichever is appropriate for the task at hand.
The 14-inch OLED PureSight display with a resolution of 2800 x 1800 impressed me right away. The high pixel density means sharp and detailed visuals, and the OLED technology enhances color richness and contrast, perfect for design work. Its adaptive refresh rate, from 60Hz to 120Hz, balances performance with energy efficiency, something I noticed while switching between tasks.
Lenovo’s keyboard remains a joy to use, with well-spaced keys that are comfortable for longer typing sessions. I also liked the backlit feature for late-night work. The touchpad’s position and size are well-designed, providing enough space for comfortable typing.
The two 2W Dolby Atmos-powered speakers on the sides of the keyboard deliver surprisingly rich audio for such a compact device.
When closed, the laptop’s rounded edges provide a secure, comfortable grip. The ports are conveniently placed: a USB Type-A, microSD card reader, and power button on the right; and HDMI, two USB Type-C ports, and a headphone jack on the left.
Hardware: 4/5
Under the hood, the Lenovo Yoga 7i 2-in-1 is equipped with the Intel Core Ultra 7 processor, clocking in at 1.40GHz, which has been a dream for my multitasking needs. Paired with the Intel Evo platform, the AI capabilities really enhance my workflow, prioritizing tasks and optimizing power for a long-lasting battery life. I especially enjoyed how responsive it felt when managing several creative applications simultaneously.
The Lenovo AI Engine+ is another feature I enjoyed—it adapts based on my usage patterns, so the laptop seems to get faster the more I use it. The Intel Arc Graphics card handles high-definition streaming, productivity apps, and light gaming with ease. While it’s not meant for intensive gaming, it’s more than capable for my everyday creative work.
After running Geekbench 6, I was impressed by the performance: the CPU scored 2143 for single-core and 7782 for multi-core tasks, demonstrating solid performance for my everyday and creative needs. The OpenCL score of 26,918 for graphics translates to smooth visuals and efficient rendering, which I appreciate during video editing. The 1TB PCIe Gen 4 SSD has been a delight as well, providing fast data transfer speeds and plenty of space for my files. Coupled with 32GB of RAM, this laptop breezes through multitasking without lag.
User Experience: 4/5
As someone who constantly shifts between different tasks, I value a laptop that’s adaptable as my workspace. The Lenovo Yoga 7i shines here with its 2-in-1 flexibility. The 360-degree hinge makes switching to tablet mode surprisingly enjoyable, though I admit it does get heavy if held for long periods. When I place it on a desk or use it with a stylus, it’s a perfect setup for drawing and editing.
The Lenovo AI Engine+ and Intel Core Ultra 7 platform combine to offer smooth, responsive performance. The AI features particularly shine when editing videos—using Wondershare Filmora, I noticed how the AI helped with transitions and color adjustments, making my workflow much easier. I only wish I had full access to the software beyond the trial version. For photo editing, the AI-driven “Edit with Designer” feature in the built-in photo app, powered by Microsoft Designer, was a pleasant surprise, offering tools like background removal and auto-enhancement. Having the pro version of Microsoft Copilot would enhance this experience even more.
One drawback is the heat generated near the keyboard during heavy use, likely due to the single-fan design. As a writer, this can be uncomfortable, so I’d recommend a laptop stand to improve airflow. Interestingly, in tablet mode, the heat issue is less noticeable, making it more comfortable for drawing or casual browsing.
On the entertainment front, the Dolby Vision and Atmos pair well with the 2.8K OLED display, making it a joy to watch movies or animations. Battery life generally supports my day-to-day use, though running power-hungry applications like Luminar Neo and Discord drains it more quickly.
For gaming, I tested Valorant, and it ran smoothly. However, the cooling system does struggle during extended sessions; using a stand or external fan can help prevent overheating. While Shadow of the Tomb Raider caused some lag, the audio quality was excellent, delivering powerful and cinematic sound. Valorant, however, had lower volume, which slightly impacted the experience.
Value: 3/5
The Lenovo Yoga 7i 2-in-1, priced at PHP79,995, offers high-quality components and a stylish, versatile design. The 2.8K OLED PureSight display alone justifies much of the cost. Providing full access to AI-powered applications would allow users to fully leverage the advanced features without any limitation.
Specifications:
- Processor: Intel® Core™ Ultra 7 Processor (H28/U15); 22W
- OS: Windows 11
- Graphics: Intel® Arc®
- Memory: Up to 32 GB LPDDR5X, 6400 MHz
- Storage: PCIe Gen 4 SSD (512 GB / 1 TB)
- Camera & Microphone: 1080p FHD IR RGB Camera with Privacy Shutter and Dual Array Microphone
- Audio: 2 x 2W Speakers, Dolby Atmos®
- Battery: 71WHr, up to 19 hours on local video playback (2.8K OLED)
- Display: 14” 2.8K (2880 x 1800) OLED PureSight, 120 Hz, 16:10, 400 nits, Dolby Vision®
- Dimensions: 317.72 x 222.13 x 16.64mm
- Weight: 1.49kg (OLED); 1.61kg (LCD)
- Colors: Storm Grey, Tidal Teal
- Connectivity: Intel® WiFi 6E, Bluetooth® 5.3
- Ports: USB-A, 2 x USB-C (Thunderbolt™ 4), HDMI 2.1, MicroSD, Audio Combo Jack
What’s Hot:
- Can be flipped at 360-degrees
- Vibrant and high-resolution visuals
- Small and portable stylish build
What’s Not:
- Battery life could use improvement
- Power button placement in tablet mode can be inconvenient
- Heavier to carry in tablet mode
- Limited access to certain AI features
Bottomline:
The Lenovo Yoga 7i excels in visuals, design, and flexibility—ideal for creators on the go.
Reviewed by Alyssa Joji Silva
Also published in GADGETS MAGAZINE November 2024