Lenovo IdeaPad Flex 5 (16 AMD, Gen 8) review – well-priced quiet 16-inch transformer

Design and construction

Yep, this one looks like a stretched version of the 14-inch model. It’s fine though, the design language is modern, with an anodized finish, minimal branding, and rounded edges. The notebook is made from aluminum (the lid) and a mix of plastic and fiberglass (the base). The dimensions are normal for a big-screen 2-in-1 laptop – 2.1 kg weight and 18.7 mm thickness.

The lid can’t be opened with a single hand and that’s normal for such a device – the hinges are stiff. Overall, the lid is stable. When it’s closed, the center of it is a bit bendy, and when it’s opened, you can flex it a bit on purpose but that’s all. The base is very rigid when the lid is opened up to a 90-degree angle. We spot some slight bends on the sides of the keyboard (around the left “Ctrl” key and the “Enter” key on the NumPad). If you get past the 90-degree mark, the base is still solid for the most part excluding the zone above the speaker griller between the two hinges.

This is happening due to the fact that the lid has a lever system that is raising the back of the laptop when the lid opening angle is wider than 90 degrees. In this mode, the big rubber foot on the back isn’t making contact with the desk and that’s why this zone feels kind of bendy when you apply some pressure on it. Still, during normal usage, you should not see this. In addition, because of the lever mechanism more fresh air can reach the internal which is enhancing the cooling capabilities of the machine. When the back of the chassis is lifted, this also leads to better ergonomics while typing.

The bezels around the panel are thin and on the upper one, we can see a slight “hump”. Beneath it is hidden a 1080p Web camera with a privacy shutter.

Thanks to the 360-hinge, the device can be used in laptop, tent, stand, and tablet modes. The optional Lenovo Digital Pen has a thick diameter and that’s why it feels solid and comfortable in hand. Using it is a joy because it glides with ease on the screen.

The base houses a full-size backlit keyboard with a NumPad section. The board is comfortable for typing because of the decent key travel and the clicky feedback. The fingerprint reader is positioned below the NumberPad section on the right palm rest zone.

The touchpad size is on the small side for such a large base – 75 x 120 mm. There is so much unused space around it. Never mind, the pad has a Mylar surface, that is smooth, and the tracking is precise.

On the bottom plate, you can see three rubber feet and a big ventilation grille. The hot air is pushed through a vent at the back of the base so the bottom side of the display is getting warm when the CPU is working hard. Unfortunately, that is a common issue regarding most modern transformers.

Ports

The I/O seems normal for the price. On the left side, there is a power plug, an HDMI 1.4b connector (that can handle 4K 30Hz external displays), a USB Type-C 3.2 (Gen. 2) port that supports Power Delivery and DisplayPort extras (you can connect a 4K 60Hz external display), and an Audio jack. On the right, you’ll see spot two USB Type-A 3.2 (Gen. 1) ports (the former supports Always On functionality), an SD card reader, and a power button.

Author: Nikolay Palaozov

Author: eng. Kroum NikolovHead of Engineering at LaptopMedia.com, inventor and innovator with 40+ years of experience in electronics and high technology.

Subscribe

Notify of

new follow-up commentsnew replies to my comments

I allow to use my email address and send notification about new comments and replies (you can unsubscribe at any time).

{} [+]

Name*

Email*

Website

I agree to the Terms and Privacy Policy.

The comment form collects your name, email, and content to allow us keep track of the comments placed on the website. Please read and accept our website Terms and Privacy Policy to post a comment.

{} [+]

Name*

Email*

Website

I agree to the Terms and Privacy Policy.

The comment form collects your name, email, and content to allow us keep track of the comments placed on the website. Please read and accept our website Terms and Privacy Policy to post a comment.

1 Comment

Inline Feedbacks

View all comments

Rafał

2 years ago

Niestety mam Lenovo flex 5 z 14″ wyświetlaczem i od razu odradza zakup, niestety wylamuja się zawiasy z obudowy wyświetlacza bo działają dość ciężko i firma odrzuca taki sprzęt z gwarancji bo jak twierdzą do otwierania została użyta siła, są nawet wpisy na forum Lenovo i znalazłem też info w sieci że stanach uznają takie reklamację A u nas naprawa może sięgnąć 1000 zł

1

Reply