We’ve seen smartphones, smartwatches, smart rings, and, of course, smart people. But in this age of ever-evolving tech, Lenovo dares to be SmartER. Enter the Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 5x (14”, Gen 9)—a laptop designed for portability, AI-powered intelligence, and long-lasting efficiency. But how smart is it, really? I put it through its paces for productivity, entertainment, and daily work. Here’s the lowdown.
Design: 3.5/5
If Apple’s MacBook is the trendsetter in a designer suit, then the Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 5x is the business-casual professional—clean, functional, but not necessarily a head-turner. At just 1.48kg and 16.9mm thin, this laptop is built for people who are always on the move. Whether you’re a student dashing between classes, a freelancer bouncing between coffee shops, or a corporate warrior commuting to the office, this laptop won’t weigh you down.
Adding to its appeal is military-grade durability (MIL-STD-810H certification), meaning it can handle daily bumps, shakes, and accidental drops without flinching. The hinge flexes up to 162 degrees, which is great for adjusting in different work settings—whether you’re giving a presentation or just slouching on the couch.
However, if you like your gadgets to double as fashion statements, the IdeaPad Slim 5x might feel a bit too understated. It comes in two professional colors—Cloud Grey and Abyss Blue. Classy? Yes. Eye-catching? Not really.
Hardware: 4.5/5
Don’t let its slim design fool you—this laptop is a powerhouse. Powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon X Plus processor, it offers impressive speed and efficiency with 45 trillion operations per second (TOPS), ensuring tasks are optimized in real-time for a seamless, lag-free experience. Whether you’re handling multiple browser tabs, editing documents, or streaming content, the IdeaPad Slim 5x keeps up without breaking a sweat. That said, there are some challenges with certain Windows apps. For instance, while Adobe Photoshop runs, it can be slow, and some features may be missing. Canva’s web version works smoothly, but the Windows app sometimes struggles. Additionally, streaming apps like Netflix and Disney+ can have playback issues, likely due to performance limitations.
And let me tell you—the 14-inch OLED display is a total showstopper. With 100% DCI-P3 color accuracy, deep blacks, and vivid visuals, it’s an absolute treat for work and play. As someone who loves animated movies bursting with color, I was hooked. Whether you’re watching films, editing photos, or just doomscrolling, everything pops. Plus, low blue light technology means you can binge-watch guilt-free without frying your eyeballs.
Speaking of long hours and eye strain—battery life is solid. Lenovo packed in a 57Whr battery, which lasts an entire workday without hunting for an outlet. There’s a café I adore but avoid because it has no sockets, so I took this laptop there as a test. Verdict? My to-do list was conquered, and the laptop still had juice left. Need a quick boost? Rapid Charge technology, using the 65W USB-C Slim wall adapter, provides a quick power boost for hours of use.
The speakers, though? Meh. Powered by Dolby Audio, they’re decent but lack that deep bass and rich sound for an immersive experience. They’ll get you through Zoom calls and casual YouTube watching, but if you love high-quality audio, invest in headphones.
User Experience: 4.5/5
Every gadget these days brags about AI features, but do they actually help? In the case of the IdeaPad Slim 5x, I’m happy to report that the AI is actually useful. One standout is the dedicated button for Microsoft Copilot, acting like a one-click helper.
For starters, AI optimizes multitasking like a pro. If you constantly juggle tasks, you’ll appreciate how this laptop predicts your usage patterns and boosts performance accordingly. Whether it’s Microsoft Copilot organizing your docs or AI-driven battery management keeping you unplugged longer, the difference is noticeable
For students and remote workers, the AI-enhanced video and audio features are game-changers. The laptop auto-adjusts camera settings for better lighting during video calls, so even if you’re stuck in a dimly lit room, you’ll still look presentable.
Value: 3.5/5
At PHP71,995 the Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 5x offers solid features, but the price-to-performance ratio raises some questions. You’re getting AI-enhanced functionality, a stunning OLED display, and impressive battery life—features typically found in more expensive ultrabooks. However, the overall package doesn’t feel like a significant leap from lower-priced Lenovo models.
Having used Lenovo laptops for a while, I’ve noticed that while they are generally reliable, the pricing differences between models don’t always align with major performance improvements. The IdeaPad Slim 5x is certainly a capable machine, but compared to alternatives in this price range, some competitors offer stronger speakers, more striking designs, or similar specs at a slightly lower cost.
For those prioritizing portability and AI-driven efficiency, this laptop holds its own. But if you’re looking purely at performance per peso, it’s worth exploring other options before committing.
The Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 5x (14, Gen 9) is a fantastic everyday laptop that balances portability, AI-powered performance, and long-lasting battery life. It’s not trying to be a high-end gaming beast or a luxury ultrabook, but what it does, it does exceptionally well. If you need a lightweight, powerful laptop for work, entertainment, and travel, this is one of 2024’s best options.
Bottomline:
The Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 5x (14, Gen 9) is a fantastic everyday laptop that balances portability, AI-powered performance, and long-lasting battery life. It’s not trying to be a high-end gaming beast or a luxury ultrabook, but what it does, it does exceptionally well. If you need a lightweight, powerful laptop for work, entertainment, and travel, this is one of 2024’s best options.
Would I personally use this laptop? Yes—it’s a capable, travel-friendly device that balances performance, efficiency, and smart features. It’s well-suited for work, study, and entertainment, making it a solid choice for everyday use.
What’s Hot:
- Lightweight & durable
- AI-powered performance.
- Stunning OLED display
- Long battery life & Rapid Charge
- WiFi 7 & versatile ports
What’s Not:
- Subtle design
- Speakers lack depth.
- Price-to-performance gap
Specifications:
- Processor: Snapdragon X Plus (8-core, up to 3.4GHz)
- AI: Integrated Qualcomm Hexagon NPU (up to 45 TOPS)1
- Memory: 32GB LPDDR5x (soldered, not upgradable)
- Storage: 1TB SSD M.2 PCIe 4.0
- Display: 14” WUXGA (1920×1200) OLED, 400 nits
- Graphics: Integrated Qualcomm Adreno GPU
- Battery: 57Wh
- Weight: Starting at 1.48 kg (3.26 lbs)
- OS: Windows 11 Home (on ARM)
- Ports: 2x USB-C, 2x USB-A, HDMI 2.1, microSD
- Other: Dolby Audio, 1080p camera, Wi-Fi 7 + Bluetooth 5.4
Reviewed by Aljhelyn Piador
Also published in GADGETS MAGAZINE Volume 25 No. 7 Issue