Lenovo has unveiled its new Legion Slim 7i and 5i models for 2023, alongside an all-new Lenovo LOQ range for gamers. We were able to handle them.
When Lenovo entered the PC gaming market in 2015, not everything was in its favor. Historical gaming brands like Asus and its Republic of Gamers label, high-end ones like Razer or Alienware and even more accessible players like Acer already occupied the space strongly. And yet, it is clear that in 2023, Lenovo’s Legion range has established itself thanks to competitive prices for terribly well-designed gaming PCs.
Invited to discover the new Legion Slim 7i and 5i as a bonus to a brand new Lenovo LOQ range, we were able to observe the brand’s new configurations and ambitions for this year 2023. The Legion Pro 7 and 5 announced at CES 2023 do not will not be alone in conquering the market, and the Chinese manufacturer seems to be on a very favorable path.
The Lenovo Legion Slim 7 and 5 of 2023, solid and portable
The hottest PC for Lenovo in 2023 is none other than the new Legion Slim 7. A nickname it acquires by measuring only 1.79 cm at its thinnest point and 1.99 cm at its thickest. . However, we are still on a 16-inch chassis, which allows us to integrate a powerful gaming configuration based on the 13th generation Intel H category platform. A chassis, moreover, entirely in aluminum, brushed on the frame and very angular. Thanks to this, this Slim range does not lack personality in the face of competitors increasingly inspired by Apple’s lines, which is not to displease us. All this while remaining below the important 2 kilogram mark, which makes the Lenovo Slim 7 a gaming PC that can be easily transported in any bag.
As always, the Slim 5 will be the more accessible proposition of the two. We keep exactly the same lines, the same personality, the same technical capabilities, but the chassis has calmed down somewhat by taking over our good friend, plastic. Seeing the Slim 7 and the Slim 5 side by side, we must admit that this change is drastic. Particularly on the edges where the textured plastic isn’t as appealing.
At least, we will continue to benefit from the 13th generation Intel Core and the GeForce RTX 40 series (up to the 4070 with a TGP of 140W). And a 16-inch screen in 2560 x 1600 pixel definition (or 3.2k as an option) with a refresh rate of 165 or 240 Hz depending on the configuration.
On paper, these 2023 Lenovo Legion Slim 7 and Slim 5 are still just as attractive, although in line with what we have already enjoyed in 2022. The Chinese brand is not drastically attacking its formula, and that’s is so much better. We will even have the right to slightly less expensive versions under AMD architecture, and a 14-inch version of the Slim 5, which is always more accessible. The conquest of the manufacturer continues its merry way.
Lenovo Legion Slim 7 and 5 2023 release date and price
- Lenovo Legion Slim 7i (Intel): from 1,999 euros, May 2023
- Lenovo Legion Slim 5i (Intel): from 1,399 euros, May 2023
- Lenovo Legion Slim 7 (AMD): from 1899 euros, July 2023
- Lenovo Legion Slim 5 (AMD): from 1349 euros, July 2023
- Lenovo Legion Slim 5 (AMD) 14 inches: from 1499 euros, September 2023
The Lenovo LOQ, the gaming PC for everyone
The most interesting product presented by Lenovo remains a brand new range for 2023: the Lenovo LOQ. While the Legions are intended for “hardcore gamers”, these new PCs are intended to conquer new players and become their first machine designed for gaming. The proposal is reminiscent of Acer’s Nitro range, which is today one of the most easily recommended at the entry level. Lenovo very clearly poses as a new competitor in this field.
The PC itself is quite simple to explain. The Lenovo LOQ is available in two diagonals, 15 and 16 inches. For the rest, the configuration is capable of integrating up to an Intel Core i7-13700H and a GeForce RTX 4060. The brand’s product manager told us that in certain markets, the manufacturer goes down to the GTX 1650 for optimize the entry price of the configurations as much as possible. But over here, it looks like the Lenovo LOQs will start with an RTX 4050, which is solid for most titles.
We must admit that the Lenovo LOQ that we took in hand, 16 inches diagonally, is not particularly charismatic. Its all-plastic chassis is combined with a slightly soft keyboard and a touchpad that isn’t super slippery. The 16-inch panel presented, noted in IPS LCD, also seemed a little dull. Connectivity side, we will also forget everything that is Thunderbolt for good old USB-C families.
This being underlined, the sacrifices accepted by Lenovo to lower the bill for these machines all seem consistent. If the performances follow, the Lenovo LOQ could become real serious competitors on the entry level. The only question remaining in this segment is above all whether Lenovo’s brand image is sufficient today to allow it an entry ticket. Because it is generally the sinews of war in this sector: take advantage of a strong brand to attract the curious. We can’t wait to test these configurations and see how far they can be pushed despite their limitations.
Lenovo LOQ release date and price
- The Lenovo LOQ 16IRH8 with Intel Core processor will start from 1,119 euros
and should be available from June 2023. - The Lenovo LOQ 16APH8 with AMD Ryzen processor will start from 1,149 euros
and should be available from June 2023. - The Lenovo LOQ 15IRH8 with Intel Core processor will start from 1,099 euros
and should be available from May 2023. - The Lenovo LOQ 15APH8 with AMD Ryzen processor will start from 1,099 euros
and should be available from July 2023.