Lenovo Yoga 9i 2-in-1 (Gen 9) assessment: A implausible convertible laptop computer with stellar options

Desk of Contents

The Lenovo Yoga 9i 2-in-1 (Gen 9) is a premium convertible laptop computer in additional methods than one. My every day driver laptop computer is the Yoga 9i 2-in-1 (Gen 7), so I used to be excited to see how my favourite laptop computer improved within the Gen 9 mannequin — and it didn’t disappoint.

With its beautiful OLED show, full-bodied audio by way of its rotating soundbar, and enjoyably springy keyboard, the Yoga 9i 2-in 1 (Gen 9) is well one of many greatest 2-in-1 laptops you should buy proper now. And regardless of all of the enhancements over my present Gen 7 mannequin, it in some way prices lower than what I paid two years in the past.

Don’t get me mistaken — this laptop computer isn’t good, even whether it is one among my favorites from Lenovo. For me, its premium positives simply outweigh its few unfavorable traits. Learn on to see what I like (and dislike) about Lenovo’s latest Yoga 9i 2-in-1.

Lenovo Yoga 9i 2-in-1 value and specs 

Virtually the whole lot about this laptop computer screams ‘premium,’ and but, the associated fee says in any other case. The Yoga 9i 2-in-1 (Gen 9) configuration I reviewed begins at $1,449 by way of Finest Purchase and gives the next specs: 

• Intel Core Extremely 7 155H

• Built-in Intel Arc graphics 

• 16GB of RAM

• 1TB of SSD storage

• 14-inch, 2.8K (2880 x 1800-pixel), 400-nit, 120Hz OLED show

You can too order the Yoga 9i 2-in-1 with solely 512GB of storage for $1,299 by way of Lenovo. By way of Lenovo’s configurator, you would improve to a 4K OLED show for an additional $80, 32GB of RAM for $57, or 1TB of SSD storage for $32.

Lenovo Yoga 9i 2-in-1 design

Lenovo doesn’t stray too removed from the norm with the Yoga 9i 2-in-1’s design, and it doesn’t should — it’s a smooth, traditional design.

The aluminum-clad chassis exhibits off the laptop computer’s Cosmic Blue colorway, which I all the time like to see in a market dominated by grey laptops. Sadly, one thing about this laptop computer’s chassis makes it not so nice at resisting fingerprint smudges. After just a few weeks of use, the laptop computer appeared prefer it might use cleansing.

That stated, the Yoga 9i’s versatile 2-in-1 performance definitely redeems its lack of fingerprint resistance. With the ability to use a laptop computer in a wide range of modes — conventional laptop computer mode, tent mode, pill mode, and stand mode — is all the time a win in my guide.

This ninth era Yoga 9i drops some weight, so it’s now a sub-three-pound laptop computer — and it stays extremely skinny and well-built, with a powerful hinge and easy, rounded corners.

And in true Yoga trend, the Yoga 9i comes with an identical Cosmic Blue protecting laptop computer sleeve to slide your machine into.

Lenovo Yoga 9i 2-in-1 show

My Lenovo Yoga 9i 2-in-1 assessment unit incorporates a 14-inch, 2.8K (2880 x 1800-pixel) shiny OLED show — and it seems implausible. 

There’s a higher-res 4K OLED show choice, nevertheless it’s not crucial. My every day driver Yoga 9i (Gen 7) has a 4K OLED show, and these two shows facet by facet, the variations are minimal. Should you’re simply going to be streaming media and doing work on-line, a 2.8K res is ideal.

With its 400-nit max brightness, 120Hz refresh fee, and OLED panel, this laptop computer is good for streaming media. Plus, its 2-in-1 flexibility makes watching media even simpler, whether or not you flip the laptop computer into tent or pill mode.

To check the show, I fired up the Depraved trailer starring Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo. I simply needed to see how Elfaba’s inexperienced pores and skin confirmed up on this show — and I wasn’t dissatisfied. The OLED panel exhibits off deep, wealthy blacks and vibrant colours all through the Depraved world with ease. And its 2.8K decision made the whole lot crisp, from advantageous smile strains to strands of hair.

This configuration comes with a Lenovo Slim Pen that magnetically attaches to the laptop computer’s facet, useful for conserving your show freed from smudgy fingerprints.

Lenovo Yoga 9i 2-in-1 ports

I like to see double-sided USB Kind-C ports on each side of a laptop computer, in order that’s positively a win for the Lenovo Yoga 9i. Nonetheless, this laptop computer’s general port selection is considerably missing.

On the best facet, you’ll discover: 

• USB Kind-C (3.2 Gen 2)

• 3.5mm headset jack

• Energy button

And on the left facet: 

• Two USB Kind-C ports (Thunderbolt 4)

• USB Kind-A port (3.2 Gen 2, At all times On)

Whilst you can join shows with Thunderbolt 4 ports or get a Thunderbolt/HDMI adapter, it’d be good to have an HDMI port for extra compatibility. Personally, I’d additionally love an additional USB-A port. 

Lenovo Yoga 9i 2-in-1 audio

The Lenovo Yoga 9i 2-in-1 had me jamming out to my favourite songs with an enormous smile on my face — and it’s all because of the rotating Bowers & Wilkins soundbar.

This laptop computer is provided with a complete of 4 stereo audio system: two 2W woofers on the edges and two 2W front-facing tweeters on the hinge bar. Whether or not you’re utilizing the laptop computer in pill mode, tent mode, or conventional laptop computer mode, your ears might be graced with room-filling, full-bodied sound that permits you to respect each ingredient of your favourite songs.

I performed my go-to track, “Real ft. Polyphia’s Tim Henson & Clay Gober” by Unprocessed. I might hear each bass string pluck, crystal clear vocals, drum thumps, and extra — all creating this atmospheric, well-combined soundstage that I’d count on from a pair of luxurious headphones.

This Gen 9 mannequin can also be louder than my every day driver Yoga 9i Gen 7. When the Gen 9 Yoga 9i was at round 30 quantity, my Gen 7 laptop computer wanted to be round 40 to match. And but, at max quantity, the Yoga 9i Gen 9 wasn’t distorted in any respect.

Lenovo Yoga 9i 2-in-1 keyboard and trackpad

The Yoga 9i 2-in-1 Gen 9 will get an enchancment I’ve seen in lots of Lenovo laptops lately: an up to date dish keyboard with 1.5mm key journey.

In comparison with my every day driver Yoga 9i Gen 7 — which options thinner keys with much less journey in a extra subtly recessed keyboard — typing on this laptop computer’s keyboard is a way more gratifying expertise. The keys really feel springy and responsive, permitting me to kind barely sooner and with extra accuracy.

This era’s keyboard positive aspects a Copilot key and a macro key with a star icon, which you’ll be able to customise to do something you need. By default, urgent the important thing will open Lenovo Vantage, however you may set it to open purposes or web sites, insert customized textual content, or invoke a particular key sequence.

The Yoga 9i 2-in-1’s massive, buttonless trackpad incorporates a glass floor that’s easy to the contact and extremely conscious of finger gestures for scrolling and navigating again and ahead in-browser.

Lenovo Yoga 9i 2-in-1 benchmarks and efficiency

On paper, Lenovo’s Yoga 9i 2-in-1 is a wonderful performer. 

To check this laptop computer’s CPU efficiency, we ran Geekbench 6. The Yoga 9i 2-in-1, outfitted with Intel’s new Core Extremely 7 155H chip, earned a formidable multi-core rating of 12,345.

I discovered that the Yoga 9i 2-in-1 was definitely able to dealing with high-performance duties with ease, however not with out fairly a bit of warmth and noise from the followers.

Whereas working from the laptop computer with solely 12 open Chrome tabs, it sounded prefer it was preparing for takeoff. Granted, the laptop computer was plugged in and charging, however that is one thing I haven’t skilled from different Lenovo laptops lately.

I examined the laptop computer’s efficiency with it unplugged, and located it to be barely much less noisy. With 25 open Chrome tabs, Spotify enjoying within the background, and the laptop computer’s stopwatch counting down, there was a gradual hum from the followers, however no lag when typing in Google docs or loading a brand new web page.

After solely a half hour of use, the laptop computer’s chassis could be very scorching above the keyboard. It’s not scorching sufficient to the touch, and even maintain your finger on the realm, however with sustained or extra intense use, it will get a lot hotter.

Lenovo Yoga 9i 2-in-1 battery life

Should you’re in search of a Home windows laptop computer with lengthy battery life, that’s not this laptop computer.

The Lenovo Yoga 9i 2-in-1 solely lasted 7 hours and 21 minutes on a single cost throughout our battery take a look at, which consists of looping a 1080p video at 50% brightness. That stated, with this laptop computer’s shiny OLED panel, I typically felt comfy utilizing it at solely 30% brightness, which positively extends the battery life.

Its battery life is shockingly solely 16 minutes longer than the dual-display Lenovo Yoga Ebook 9i (7 hours and 5 minutes) and half that of Lenovo’s ThinkPad X1 2-in-1 (14 hours and 21 minutes), the most effective battery life instances we’ve seen from Home windows laptops thus far.

Lenovo Yoga 9i 2-in-1 webcam

In contrast to most laptops, the Yoga 9i 2-in-1 delivers a top quality webcam that’ll really seize crisp, advantageous particulars reasonably than make you appear like a watercolor portray.

It incorporates a 5-megapixel digital camera with infrared and a privateness shutter, an enchancment from its predecessor’s 2-megapixel digital camera. My pale, but flushed complexion and light-weight inexperienced eyes each come by clearly and precisely, and I can spot particular person strands of frizzy hair.

Is the Lenovo Yoga 9i 2-in-1 (Gen 9) price it?

The Lenovo Yoga 9i 2-in-1 (Gen 9) is provided with a beautiful 2.8K OLED show, Intel’s new Core Extremely 7 155H processor, and a rotating soundbar that offers your favourite tunes a full-bodied, atmospheric sound you received’t discover on most different laptops — all for simply $1,449! In my guide, that’s a wonderful deal, particularly should you’re looking for a laptop computer with versatile 2-in-1 performance.

My every day driver laptop computer is the Yoga 9i (Gen 7), and I can attest to its capacity to run smaller, much less demanding video games like Stardew Valley and Forager. With the Yoga 9i (Gen 9)’s extra highly effective CPU, these video games will run even higher — albeit with fairly a little bit of noise from the followers.

You’ll need to be sure to have a charging cable close by as a result of battery life isn’t one thing the Yoga 9i 2-in-1 excels at. That stated, no less than this laptop computer options double-sided USB Kind-C ports for handy charging.

At $1,449, the Yoga 9i 2-in-1’s barely noisy followers and poor battery life are simply overshadowed by its vibrant OLED show, high-quality rotating soundbar, distinctive webcam, and powerful efficiency. However should you’re in search of an excellent cheaper 2-in-1, take a look at our Lenovo Yoga 7i 2-in-1 14 (Gen 9) assessment.