The Chromebook Plus series provides an enhancement over conventional Chromebooks, and the Lenovo Flex 5i Chromebook Plus distinguishes itself even among other Plus models. This laptop appears more upscale than its budget-friendly price indicates and comes with robust internals.
Although it has its imperfections, the Flex 5i’s slick performance, clear audio output, remarkable battery longevity, and plentiful ports outweigh minor issues such as its screen and webcam.
All in all, this laptop ranks among the finest Chromebooks on the market, albeit at a higher price point than standard budget models.
Lenovo Flex 5i Chromebook Plus pricing and specifications
Chromebooks have progressed since their inception in 2011, extending beyond simple web browsing. Chromebook Plus variations ensure the inclusion of certain powerful specifications, such as:
– A minimum of a 12th-generation Intel Core i3 or AMD Ryzen 3 7000 series processor
– At least 8GB of RAM
– A minimum of 128GB of storage
– A 1080p webcam with noise suppression
– An IPS display featuring at least 1080p resolution
The Lenovo Flex 5i Chromebook Plus goes beyond these requirements, providing a dependable Chrome OS device wrapped in a chic design. Our review unit retails for $599 at Costco, featuring:
– Intel Core i5-1334U
– Integrated Intel Iris Xe graphics
– 8GB RAM
– 256GB SSD storage
– 14-inch, 1920 x 1200, IPS touchscreen display
For a Chromebook Plus, $599 is on the pricier side, but it delivers a robust, portable device with outstanding battery longevity along with a diverse selection of ports, speakers, and build quality.
I appreciate when a laptop appears more premium than its price
Had I not known the price, I would have assumed the Lenovo Flex 5i Chromebook Plus was a $1,000 device. Its build quality is top-notch, showcasing solid construction, durable hinges, and a fingerprint-resistant aluminum lid.
The aluminum lid features a two-tone gray aesthetic, combining a light gray and the darker Storm Grey shade. The plastic chassis may not resist fingerprints like the lid, yet still maintains a great look and feel.
Weighing 3.5 pounds, the Flex 5i isn’t the lightest Chromebook available, but its compact form and 2-in-1 features render it a portable choice for remote workers and students alike.
A moderately decent display
The Lenovo Flex 5i Chromebook Plus sports a 14-inch, 1920 x 1200-pixel IPS glossy display. It’s sharp, though there’s room for improvement in color vibrancy and contrast. Blacks appear more gray, and colors seem muted. The display tops out at 60Hz, which suffices for casual media consumption.
The touchscreen is responsive, although scrolling could be smoother.
An excellent selection of ports
While most Chromebooks offer limited connectivity options, the Flex 5i Chromebook Plus does not fall into this category.
On the left:
– 3.5mm audio jack
– microSD card slot
– USB-A 3.2 Gen 1 port
– USB-C 3.2 Gen 2
On the right:
– USB-C 3.2 Gen 2
– Power button
– Volume controls
– Kensington lock slot
The only port missing is HDMI, but at this price point, it’s not a major concern. The Flex 5i features double-sided USB-C ports for hassle-free charging.
Refreshingly clear, full-bodied sound
Laptop speakers often leave much to be desired, yet the Flex 5i Chromebook Plus breaks this mold. Its top-mounted stereo speakers, enhanced by Waves MaxxAudio, provide impressive sound quality.
Listening to MGK’s “Lost Americana” album, I found the vocals to be crisp, bass notes robust, and all instruments distinctly clear.
The only downside is that at 30 percent volume or lower, the speakers are quite quiet. They become loud at maximum volume, but 40 percent can feel like 20 percent.
A well-distanced, comfortable keyboard
I appreciate the Flex 5i’s keyboard. It offers decent travel, comfortable spacing, and a pleasant typing experience. As a writer, I valued the minimal errors and enjoyable typing sensation. I would prefer slightly clickier keys for enhanced audio feedback.
The trackpad does not impress as much. It’s a mylar trackpad, which doesn’t compare to glass, but it’s reasonable given the price. It may be unresponsive unless a light touch is applied. Using a wireless mouse is advisable.
The Flex 5i’s webcam is akin to most laptop webcams
The Flex 5i Chromebook Plus is equipped with a standard 1080p webcam that delivers a somewhat grainy image. It remains sharp and color-accurate under good lighting and comes with a privacy shutter, a thoughtful feature for a $599 device.
Lenovo Flex 5i Chromebook Plus benchmarks and performance
The Flex 5i Chromebook Plus may not dominate the performance charts among all laptops, but it achieved impressive Geekbench 6 scores and real-world performance for a Chromebook.
It recorded a multi-core Geekbench 6 score of 7,024, ranking just behind the