Lenovo IdeaPad 1 Laptop Review Affordable Performance with Intel Celeron and 15.6” FHD Display

Description

Design and Build Quality

The Lenovo IdeaPad 1 15IJL7 caught my attention right out of the box with its sleek grey finish and lightweight build. Weighing just 3.48 pounds, it’s incredibly easy to carry around, even during my longest commutes. The 14.03 x 9.6 x 0.75-inch dimensions make it compact without feeling cramped, and the overall design feels modern yet unobtrusive. I also found the numeric keypad to be an excellent addition, especially for someone like me who works with numbers frequently. However, the plastic construction might not scream premium, but it certainly doesn’t feel cheap either.

Performance: A Surprising Punch for Everyday Use

I tested this laptop with multiple browser tabs open, streaming HD videos, and even running light photo editing software. Thanks to the Intel Celeron N4500 processor, which can turbo up to 2.8 GHz, and the whopping 20GB of DDR4 RAM, it handled multitasking like a pro. The 1TB PCIe NVMe SSD ensured blazing-fast boot times and quick file transfers. While this setup isn’t designed for heavy gaming or high-end professional software, it’s more than adequate for students, remote workers, or anyone looking for smooth everyday performance.

The integrated Intel UHD Graphics performed decently for casual gaming and streaming, delivering Full HD (1920 x 1080 pixels) visuals on the 15.6-inch FHD display. The colors are vibrant, and the details are crisp, though the 60Hz refresh rate limits its appeal for hardcore gamers.

Key Benefits

• Generous 20GB RAM allows smooth multitasking, even with demanding applications.
• The 1TB SSD offers ample storage space and significantly faster boot times compared to traditional HDDs.
• The Wi-Fi 6 compatibility ensures rock-solid internet connectivity with faster speeds.
• Windows 11 Home is a fresh OS experience with intuitive design and improved functionality.
• The lightweight design makes it highly portable without sacrificing screen size.

Battery Life and Connectivity

The battery life is another area where this device shines. Lenovo claims 9 hours of average battery life, and during my testing, it came close to that mark under moderate usage, like streaming, browsing, and document editing. However, heavy multitasking with the brightness cranked up did drain it a bit faster. Still, it’s good enough for a full day of work or classes without constantly searching for a power outlet.

Connectivity is a strong suit here with a USB Type-C port, HDMI, SD Card Reader, Bluetooth, and Wi-Fi 6. The inclusion of both USB 3.0 and USB 2.0 ports ensures compatibility with a range of peripherals, and the headphone/microphone combo jack is a thoughtful touch. I found the webcam to be serviceable for video calls, though it’s nothing groundbreaking.

Less Favorable Aspects

• The plastic build feels a little less durable compared to some competitors in this price range.
• Intel Celeron N4500 may struggle with resource-intensive tasks or gaming.
• The display brightness is satisfactory for indoor use but could be better for outdoor visibility.
• Lack of a dedicated GPU limits its capabilities for graphic-heavy applications or gaming.

Competing Brands

Comparing this laptop to others in its category, Acer Aspire 5 and Dell Inspiron 15 stand out as close competitors. The Aspire 5 offers a similar 15.6-inch FHD display but comes with a slightly more powerful processor in some configurations. However, it typically falls short in RAM, making the Lenovo IdeaPad 1 a better multitasking option. On the other hand, the Dell Inspiron 15 often features a more premium build and better display brightness, but at a higher cost and with less storage.

Where this Lenovo model really excels is in its RAM and storage combination, which outshines many devices in its price bracket. However, if a metal chassis or a dedicated GPU is a priority, you might want to consider the alternatives.

Affordable Quality

When evaluating its price-to-quality ratio, I’d say this laptop offers excellent value for its features. The combination of 20GB RAM and 1TB SSD is a standout element, especially considering how much smoother it makes multitasking and data management. While the Intel Celeron N4500 isn’t a powerhouse, it’s perfectly fine for the tasks it’s intended for, like browsing, streaming, and document editing. For students, professionals, or anyone looking for a reliable and portable laptop, this device strikes a good balance between cost and performance.

Ultimately, while it’s not without its limitations, the Lenovo IdeaPad 1 15IJL7 has enough positives to make it a compelling choice in its category.

Additional information