The Lenovo Flex 5 (14″, AMD Ryzen 5 4500U) is a 2-in-1 laptop that combines functionality, performance, and value in a sleek and modern design. Priced competitively and loaded with features that cater to both casual users and professionals, the Flex 5 is a standout in its category. After weeks of hands-on use, here’s an in-depth look at what this device offers.
Design and Build Quality
The Lenovo Flex 5 boasts a minimalist and professional design. The graphite gray finish gives it a premium appearance, and the sturdy aluminum chassis adds to its durability. At 3.63 pounds (1.65 kg), it’s relatively portable, though not the lightest in its class. The hinge system is a defining feature, allowing the device to transform between laptop, tent, stand, and tablet modes seamlessly. This versatility makes it suitable for work, entertainment, and creative tasks.
The keyboard is one of the highlights of the Flex 5. It’s backlit, with good key travel and tactile feedback, making typing comfortable for long sessions. The touchpad is responsive and supports Windows Precision drivers, ensuring smooth navigation. However, the inclusion of a dedicated number pad would have been a nice addition for users who deal with numbers frequently.
Display
The 14-inch Full HD (1920×1080) IPS touchscreen delivers vibrant and sharp visuals. The color accuracy is decent for a laptop in this price range, though it’s not tailored for professional color work. With a peak brightness of around 250 nits, outdoor usage might be challenging under direct sunlight, but it performs well indoors.
The touchscreen is responsive and works flawlessly with fingers and the included Lenovo Active Pen. The pen adds value for artists and note-takers, offering pressure sensitivity and tilt support for precise input. The 2-in-1 form factor truly shines in tablet mode, where the combination of the touchscreen and pen creates a near-premium tablet experience.
Performance
Powered by the AMD Ryzen 5 4500U processor, the Lenovo Flex 5 excels in performance. This 6-core CPU delivers impressive speeds for multitasking, productivity, and even light gaming. With 16GB of DDR4 RAM and a 256GB SSD, the device handles most tasks with ease, from running multiple browser tabs to editing photos and videos.
For casual gaming, the integrated AMD Radeon graphics are sufficient. Titles like “Minecraft,” “Fortnite,” and “CS:GO” run smoothly at lower settings. However, if you’re looking for a gaming powerhouse, this laptop may not meet your expectations. For productivity-focused users, though, the Flex 5’s performance is more than adequate.
Battery Life
Battery life is another strong point. Lenovo claims up to 10 hours on a single charge, and in real-world usage, it’s close to accurate. During testing, with mixed usage (browsing, video streaming, and light productivity), the Flex 5 lasted around 8-9 hours. For those who need a device that can last through a workday, this is a dependable option.
The included 65W USB-C charger supports fast charging, which Lenovo claims can recharge the laptop up to 80% in just one hour. This feature is incredibly convenient for users on the go.
Connectivity and Ports
The Lenovo Flex 5 offers a decent selection of ports:
- 2 x USB-A 3.1 Gen 1
- 1 x USB-C 3.1 Gen 1 with Power Delivery and DisplayPort support
- HDMI 1.4b
- SD card reader
- 3.5mm headphone/microphone combo jack
The USB-C port’s inclusion adds versatility for modern peripherals, while the HDMI port ensures compatibility with external displays. However, the absence of Thunderbolt support might disappoint some power users.
Audio and Webcam
The dual front-facing speakers, tuned by Dolby Audio, deliver clear and decent sound quality. While they won’t replace a high-quality external speaker setup, they are more than sufficient for casual listening, video calls, and streaming.
The 720p webcam is adequate for video conferencing, though it doesn’t offer exceptional clarity. The inclusion of a physical privacy shutter is a thoughtful touch, addressing security concerns for many users.
Software and User Experience
The Flex 5 runs on Windows 10 out of the box, with a free upgrade path to Windows 11. Lenovo’s pre-installed software is minimal, with useful utilities like Lenovo Vantage for system updates and performance optimization. Bloatware is minimal, ensuring a cleaner user experience.
Pros
- Excellent Performance: The Ryzen 5 4500U provides snappy and efficient multitasking.
- Versatile 2-in-1 Design: The flexible hinge and included pen make it a creative and productive tool.
- Great Battery Life: Reliable all-day usage with fast charging capabilities.
- Value for Money: Combines features and performance at a competitive price point.
- Solid Build Quality: Sturdy design with a premium look and feel.
Cons
- Dim Display: The screen brightness could be higher for outdoor use.
- No Thunderbolt Support: Limits options for high-speed data transfer and external GPUs.
- Weight: Slightly heavier than some competitors in its category.
Final Verdict
The Lenovo Flex 5 is an impressive all-rounder, especially for its price. It excels in performance, build quality, and versatility, making it an ideal choice for students, professionals, and casual users who need a reliable 2-in-1 device. While it may not satisfy hardcore gamers or users needing high-end color accuracy, it offers excellent value for everyday tasks, creative endeavors, and light entertainment.
If you’re looking for a dependable laptop that won’t break the bank, the Lenovo Flex 5 deserves serious consideration.
