Lenovo LOQ Essential 15″ (Gen 9, 15IAX9E) review – One Flaw Away from Budget Gaming Perfection!
In the world of budget gaming laptops, every dollar saved comes with a compromise. The Lenovo LOQ Essential 15″ (Gen 9, 15IAX9E) doesn’t just accept this reality; it embraces it, making calculated sacrifices to excel where it matters most for gamers. It throws all its weight behind raw performance and a surprisingly great screen, creating a high-value machine that punches far above its price tag. But these smart choices come with one baffling, potentially deal-breaking limitation. Is this the budget champion we’ve been waiting for, or a flawed hero?
You can check the prices and configurations in our Specs System: https://laptopmedia.com/series/lenovo-loq-15-15iax9e/
Contents
- Specs, Drivers, What’s in the box
- Design and construction
- Display and Sound Quality, Screen Profiles
- Get our profiles
- Work Performance: CPU, Storage, AI
- GPU and Gaming Performance
- [eBook Guide + Tools] How to MAX OUT Your Laptop
- Temperatures and Comfort, Noise, Stability
- Battery Life
- Disassembly, Upgrade options, and Maintenance
- Verdict
Specs, Drivers, What’s in the box
Lenovo LOQ 15 (15IAX9E) - Specs
- HDD/SSD
- up to 4000GB SSD
- RAM
- up to 64GB
- OS
- Windows 11 Home, Windows 11 Pro, Chrome OS, Windows 10 Home, Windows 10 Pro, No OS, Windows OS
- Battery
- 57Wh
- Dimensions
- 359.3 x 236 x 19.9 - 22.95 mm (14.15" x 9.29" x 0.78")
- Weight
- 1.77 kg (3.9 lbs)
- Ports and connectivity
- 2x USB Type-A
- 3.2 Gen 1 (5 Gbps)
- 1x USB Type-C
- 3.2 Gen 1 (5 Gbps)
- HDMI
- 2.1
- Card reader
- SD (SD, SDHC, SDXC)
- Ethernet LAN
- 10, 100, 1000 Mbit/s
- Wi-Fi
- Wi-Fi 6
- Bluetooth
- 5.2
- Audio jack
- 3.5mm Combo Jack
- Features
- Fingerprint reader
- Web camera
- HD 720p with privacy shutter, fixed focus
- Backlit keyboard
- optional
- Microphone
- Dual-microphone array
- Speakers
- 2x 2W Stereo Speakers, Nahimic Audio
- Security Lock slot
All Lenovo LOQ 15 (15IAX9E) configurations
Drivers
All drivers and utilities for this notebook can be found here: https://pcsupport.lenovo.com/us/en/products/laptops-and-netbooks/gaming-series/loq-15iax9e/downloads
What’s in the box?
Inside the box for the Lenovo LOQ Essential 15, the focus is clearly on getting you powered up.
The only guaranteed accessory alongside the laptop itself is the necessary 135W power adapter.
However, depending on your region, you might also find a Lenovo LOQ M100 RGB Mouse bundled in, so keep an eye out!
Design and construction
Let’s get acquainted with the Lenovo LOQ Essential 15″ (Gen 9, 15IAX9E). Breaking away from the often aggressive aesthetics of gaming laptops, the LOQ 15 opts for a surprisingly elegant and understated look. Available only in “Luna Grey,” a sophisticated dark grey shade, it doesn’t scream “gamer” at first glance. One of its immediate standout features is the finish – thanks to an IMR (in-mold decoration by roller) surface treatment, this machine is remarkably resistant to fingerprints. Seriously, even after considerable handling during our weeks of testing it, the chassis remained impressively clean.
While it convincingly mimics the cool touch of aluminium, the body is actually constructed from PC-ABS plastic for both the top cover and the bottom base. It’s relatively portable for a gaming machine, measuring 359.3 x 236 x 19.9-22.95 mm (14.15 x 9.29 x 0.78-0.90 inches) and starting at an impressive for a gaming laptop 1.77 kg (3.9 lbs).
Now, about that plastic construction – while the main deck and palm rest area feel quite solid with no discernible flex, the lid gives us some pause. When pressing down on the centre of the lid, particularly around the logo area, there’s noticeable give. We’d definitely advise against placing heavy objects on top of the closed laptop. This rigidity difference between the lid and base is quite apparent. Opening the laptop requires two hands; the hinges are quite stiff, preventing a smooth one-handed lift. They allow the screen to tilt back to about 140 degrees, which is sufficient for most use cases, but it won’t lay flat at 180 degrees. Unlike some designs that lift the rear of the laptop as the screen opens, the LOQ 15 doesn’t need to; it already sits fairly high on its feet, a deliberate choice to ensure ample airflow underneath – crucial for keeping gaming temperatures in check.
Once open, you’re greeted by a display framed with relatively thin bezels on the left and right sides. The top bezel is a bit thicker, making room for the HD 720p webcam. While the camera resolution is basic, Lenovo has thankfully included a physical privacy shutter, offering that essential peace of mind with a simple slide.
Moving down to the keyboard deck, you’ll find a familiar and comfortable typing experience characteristic of Lenovo keyboards. It includes a NumPad, though the keys are slightly smaller than the main QWERTY keys, they remain perfectly usable. A critical point for potential buyers: keyboard backlighting is *optional* on the LOQ Essential 15. Our unit has it, so if this feature is important for your late-night sessions, be certain to check the specific configuration you’re purchasing. Like many modern laptops, the Up and Down arrow keys are half-height. While adaptable for general use, this isn’t always ideal for gaming where precise directional input is key, but it’s a common compromise.
There’s no fingerprint sensor option available for biometric login. Below the keyboard sits the trackpad. It’s on the smaller side compared to most of the new laptops, but we found it to be precise, smooth, and perfectly comfortable for everyday navigation tasks when a mouse isn’t plugged in.
Ports and Connectivity
The Lenovo LOQ Essential 15″ (Gen 9, 15IAX9E) provides a practical assortment of ports geared towards gaming and general use, including some welcome legacy connections. On the left side, power is supplied via a dedicated DC-in connector. You’ll find a USB-A port operating at 5Gbps (USB 3.2 Gen 1) speeds, suitable for peripherals. Alongside it sits a single USB-C port, also running at 5Gbps (USB 3.2 Gen 1), but it’s crucial to note that this port is specified for data transfer only – it does not support DisplayPort Alt Mode for video output or Power Delivery for charging the laptop or other devices, limiting its versatility compared to typical USB-C implementations.
For display connectivity, there’s a powerful HDMI 2.1 port capable of driving external displays up to 8K resolution at 60Hz, a significant advantage for high-resolution gaming or content creation. A standard 3.5mm headphone/microphone combo jack and a welcome Ethernet (RJ-45) port for stable wired network connections complete the left-side I/O.
Moving to the right side, the laptop offers another USB-A port, also at 5Gbps (USB 3.2 Gen 1) speeds. A notable inclusion here is a full-size SD card reader, which is convenient for photographers and videographers or anyone needing to transfer files from standard SD cards. Overall, while the port selection includes useful features like HDMI 2.1, Ethernet, and an SD card reader, users should be aware that all USB ports (Type-A and Type-C) operate at the base 5Gbps speed, and the USB-C port lacks video output and power delivery capabilities.
Wireless connectivity is handled by a Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) module using a 2×2 antenna configuration, providing reliable and fast connections on compatible networks. Bluetooth 5.2 is also included for connecting wireless peripherals such as mice, keyboards, or headphones.
Display and Sound Quality, Screen Profiles
You don’t have a choice here, there’s only one display option being offered for the LOQ 15IAX9E.
| Lenovo LOQ 15IAX9E | AUO B156HAN15.K (AUO7EAD) |
| Diagonal | 15.6 inches (39.6 cm) |
| Panel Type | IPS |
| Resolution | 1920 x 1080 pixels |
| Max Refresh Rate | 144 Hz |
| Aspect Ratio | 16:9 |
| Pixel Density | 142 PPI |
| ‘Retina’ Distance | Greater than or equal to 60 cm |
Lenovo LOQ 15IAX9E’s AUO B156HAN15.K (1080p, 144Hz IPS) panel under our microscrope
Viewing Angles
Viewing angles are good. We take photos from different angles to evaluate the quality.
Also, a video with locked focus and exposure.
Color Coverage
The whole “sail-shaped” map below (Fig. 1) consists of all the colors we can see, while the black crooked line shows all the colors from real-world scenes and nature around us.
Then, we’ve drawn some of the most important and interesting color spaces, compared to the colors the panel of Lenovo LOQ 15IAX9E can show:
Standard/For Web: sRGB – widely used color space for most consumer devices, ideal for Web design and development
For Print: AdobeRGB – used in professional photo editing, graphic design, and print
For Photographers/Video Editors: DCI-P3 – used in high-end film production, post-production, and digital cinema
Premium HDR: Rec.2020 – the widest consumer ITU color standard, covering a massive 75.8% of the visible spectrum, a benchmark for premium HDR content
Lenovo LOQ 15IAX9E: the yellow dashed triangle (– – – – – –) represents the range of colors this monitor can display.
In our tests, we calculated the total color coverage of the display at 95% of the sRGB color gamut and 77% of the DCI-P3 color gamut.
(Fig.1) Lenovo LOQ 15IAX9E covers 94% of the sRGB gamut
Brightness and Contrast
The maximum brightness in SDR mode is 305 cd/m² in the center of the screen and 300 cd/m² averaged across the surface with a maximum deviation of 4%.
The Correlated Color Temperature (CCT) on a white screen at maximum brightness is 6270K.
The contrast ratio is 1280:1.
Uniformity: Luminance, Contrast, and Color Deviation
The figure below shows the results from our uniformity test across different sections of the screen. It’s measured at 182 nits (Windows slider = 77%) — a brightness level we consider typical for standard working conditions.
DeltaE values below 4.0 are acceptable for regular users. For those working with colors, screens with DeltaE values no higher than 2.0 are recommended.
Color Accuracy
Let’s check the difference between real colors and those you’ll see on the Lenovo LOQ 15IAX9E. We measure that distance in DeltaE – the higher the number, the more different they look.
Values below 4.0 are acceptable for regular users, while values below 2.0 are suitable for color-sensitive work. A value below 1.0 means the difference is indistinguishable to the naked eye.
For the next graph, we’ve selected 24 common colors, including dark/light skin, blue sky, green grass, etc.
Before our calibration of the Lenovo LOQ 15IAX9E, the Average color accuracy was 3.8 dE (Fig. 2), and with our Design and Gaming profile, it lowered to 1.1 dE (Fig. 3). This is an exceptional achievement by our lab team as it makes the screen colors almost perfect and indistinguishable from the real ones for the human eye!
(Fig. 2) Lenovo LOQ 15IAX9E in its factory condition
(Fig. 3) Lenovo LOQ 15IAX9E with our display profile
Comparison in the sRGB color space (primaries and D65 white point specified in ITU-R BT.709, sRGB encoding curve).
Here’s an illustration of what the Design and Office profile aims to deliver:
Left: No Profile | Drag the slider to see the difference | Right: Design & Office Profile
Visibility in dark scenes
Have you ever watched a movie with dark scenes where you could barely see anything? This often happens because many display panels struggle to differentiate the darkest nuances, making them appear the same.
The next figure illustrates how well the display reproduces these dark nuances. The left side of the image shows the display with stock settings, and the right side shows it with our Gaming and movies profile activated.
On the horizontal axis are the grayscale levels, and on the vertical axis – the corresponding display brightness.
You can also check how your display handles the darkest nuances but keep in mind that this also depends on the settings of your current display and the surrounding light conditions.
Response time (Gaming capabilities)
We test the reaction time of the pixels with the usual “black-to-white” and “white-to-black” method from 10% to 90% and vice versa.
We recorded Fall Time + Rise Time = 17.1 ms. Short pixel response time is a prerequisite for a smooth picture in dynamic scenes.
After that, we test the reaction time of the pixels with the usual “Gray-to-Gray” method from 50% White to 80% White and vice versa between 10% and 90% of the amplitude.
Health Impact: PWM (Screen flickering)
Some use PWM to regulate their brightness, which means that instead of reducing the light intensity, they pulse or flicker. Our brain merges the image, so it appears darker, but this strains both it and our vision, especially when the frequency of the pulses is low. You can read more about that in our dedicated article on PWM.
In the graph below, you see the intensity of light at different brightness levels—on the vertical axis is the brightness of the emitted light, and on the horizontal axis—time.
The light from the backlight of the Lenovo LOQ 15IAX9E display is not pulse-width modulated, providing visual comfort in the discussed aspect.
Health Impact: Blue light emissions
Installing our Health-Guard profile not only eliminates harmful PWM when the laptop uses it to control brightness but also reduces harmful Blue Light emissions while keeping the colors of the screen perceptually accurate.
If you’re not familiar with the Blue light, the TL;DR version is – emissions that negatively affect your eyes, skin, and your whole body. You can find more information about that in our dedicated article on Blue Light.
Health Impact: Screen Reflectance
Glossy-coated displays can cause eye fatigue in high ambient light conditions due to reflections. We measure the level of screen reflection with the display turned off, at a 60° angle.
The reflectance of the Lenovo LOQ 15IAX9E’s screen is 51.2 GU. This is a good result!
High Gloss: >70 GU
Medium Gloss: 30 – 70 GU
Low Gloss: <30 GU
Get our profiles
Since our profiles are tailored for each individual display model, this article and its respective profile package are meant for Lenovo LOQ 15IAX9E configurations with B156HAN15.K (AUO7EAD), 1920 х 1080, IPS panel.
*Should you have problems with downloading the purchased file, try using a different browser to open the link you’ll receive via e-mail. If the download target is a .php file instead of an archive, change the file extension to .zip or contact us at [email protected].
Read more about the profiles HERE.
In addition to receiving efficient and health-friendly profiles, by buying LaptopMedia's products you also support the development of our labs, where we test devices in order to produce the most objective reviews possible.
Design and Office
The Design and Office profile makes display colors as close to real as possible.Ideal not only for professionals but also for everyday users, it meets sRGB standards (D65 white point, sRGB gamma) with minimal DeltaE for precise color reproduction on your panel.
Gaming and Movies
Have you ever watched a movie where, during dark scenes, you can barely see anything? Many displays fail to distinguish dark tones properly. Our Gaming and Movies profile enhances low-light performance, like HDR tech, using a gamma curve tailored to human perception — ideal for gamers seeking faster reactions and clearer visuals.
Health-Guard
Our Health-Guard profile protects your eyes by eliminating PWM flickering, reducing strain and fatigue, and minimizing harmful Blue light exposure that can disrupt sleep and health. It uses software dimming and a gamma curve tailored to human perception for comfort and safety during screen use.
Get All The Profiles With 33% Discount!
Sound
The sound quality of the Lenovo LOQ 15IAX9E, emitted by the built-in speakers, is very good. The low, mid, and high frequencies are clear.
Work Performance: CPU, Storage, AI
All performance and temperature tests are conducted with Performance / Hybrid Mode activated in Lenovo Vantage + the default GPU overclock:
CPU and Work Performance
We ordered a configuration with Intel Core i5-12450HX but you can also opt for a Core i7-12650HX which has 50% more performance cores (4 vs 6), and double the cache (12MB vs 24MB).
Single-core performance ensures smooth operation and responsiveness in operating systems, providing a better user experience.
Results are from the Geekbench 6 Single-Core test (higher is better)
Multi-core performance is essential for handling complex and demanding tasks, such as Video editing, CAD, and Scientific simulations.
Results are from the Geekbench 6 Multi-Core test (higher is better)
Here, we evaluate the CPU's performance using a real-world 3D rendering task, assessing its ability to handle complex computations and rendering workloads efficiently.
Results are from the Cinebench 2024 Multi-Core test (higher is better)
Storage Performance
Here’s a little disappointment – we ordered the LOQ 15 with 512GB of storage and it turns out that the SSD is a budget model – Samsung MZAMX512CLV-00BL2. The sequential read speed is good – 4.7GB/sec, but the sequential writing is very limited – just 2.4 GB/sec.
AI Performance
Here you can see the position of the GPUs and CPUs (NPUs) found within the Lenovo LOQ 15 (15IAX9E) in our AI Hardware Performance Rankings based on their AI processing power, measured in TOPS (Tera Operations Per Second) - a critical metric indicating the computational throughput, particularly for AI tasks.
The first column shows peak performance for INT8/FP8 precision, which is the most widespread metric for evaluating AI inference capabilities. We exclude Sparsity to provide a more accurate reflection of AI performance in dense computation scenarios where sparsity optimizations may not be applicable. The second and third columns show the performance with Sparsity, and FP4 TFLOPS, when supported.
For SoCs, the results reflect the peak performance of the integrated NPU. Additionally, it’s important to note that, according to Microsoft, a NPU must have at least 40 TOPS of AI computing power for the PC to be considered “AI-capable.”
| # | GPU / CPU (NPU) | TOPS INT8/FP8 No Sparsity | TOPS INT8/FP8 Sparsity | TFLOPS FP4 Sparsity |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1305. | NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4050 (Laptop) | 97 | 194 | — |
| 1487. | NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050 (Laptop) | 57 | 114 | — |
| 1563. | NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2050 (Laptop) | 48 | 96 | — |
GPU and Gaming Performance
Тhe Essential variant of LOQ 15 can be ordered with xx50 GPU models – RTX 2050, 3050/3050A, or RTX 4050, all of them with 65W TDP. We chose the RTX 2050 as it’s the best-seller.
As you can see, the LOQ 15’s RTX 2050 is the fastest RTX 2050 we’ve tested.
You can find the performance rating of all the GPUs on the market in our Top Laptop Graphics Ranking.
The results are from 3DMark Time Spy (Graphics). Higher is better.
The results are from 3DMark Wild Life Extreme Unlimited. Higher is better.
Lenovo LOQ 15 (15IAX9E) GPU variants
Here you can see an approximate comparison between the GPUs that can be found in the Lenovo LOQ 15 (15IAX9E) models on the market. This way you can decide for yourself which Lenovo LOQ 15 (15IAX9E) model is the best bang for your buck.
Note: The chart shows the cheapest different GPU configurations so you should check what the other specifications of these laptops are by clicking on the laptop’s name / GPU.
The results are from 3DMark Time Spy (Graphics). Higher is better.
Results are from the 3DMark: Fire Strike (Graphics) benchmark (higher the score, the better)
Results are from the 3DMark: Wild Life (Graphics) benchmark (higher the score, the better)
Results are from the Unigine Superposition benchmark (higher the score, the better)
Gaming tests
The Lenovo LOQ Essential 15″ (Gen 9, 15IAX9E) manages to deliver a solid gaming experience, especially considering its entry-level positioning within the LOQ family. In Counter-Strike 2, one of the most popular competitive shooters, the laptop achieved an impressive average of 85 FPS at 1080p Very High settings. This ensures smooth, responsive gameplay that meets the expectations of even more demanding players.
| Counter Strike 2 | 1080p, Very High (Check settings) |
| Average FPS | 85 FPS |
Moving to a more visually rich title, Shadow of the Tomb Raider, the device maintained an average of 69 FPS at 1080p Medium settings. This shows that the laptop is well-suited for modern action-adventure games, offering a good balance between graphical fidelity and performance.
| Shadow of the Tomb Raider | 1200p, Lowest (Check settings) | 1080p, Medium (Check settings) |
| Average FPS | xxx FPS | 69 FPS |
In a true test of its capabilities, the Lenovo LOQ Essential tackled Metro Exodus Enhanced Edition, a game known for its demanding visuals and heavy ray tracing effects. At 1080p High settings, the system averaged 25 FPS.
| Metro Exodus Enhanced Edition | 1080p, High (Check settings) |
| Average FPS | 25 FPS |
[eBook Guide + Tools] How to MAX OUT Your Laptop
You can make your laptop Faster. LaptopMedia has tested thousands of models in the last 15 years, and we have yet to see a notebook that couldn't be made more powerful through modifications.
That's why we decided to bundle everything we know about how to achieve this in an Easy-to-Follow, Step-by-Step, and Laboratory-Tested, all in one project.
Read more about it here:
[eBook Guide + Tools] How to MAX OUT Your Laptop
🛠️ GPU Modifications: vBIOS, Overclocking, Undervolting
⚙️ Building Fast/Reliable RAID configuration
💻 Hardware upgrade tips for best results
🖼 Display enhancing
💾 OS Optimization for best performance
Temperatures and Comfort, Noise, Stability
At idle, the CPU package of the Lenovo LOQ Essential 15″ maintains a temperature of 45ºC, and the notebook remains completely silent.
Office Work, Web Development, Design
Short periods (0:00 – 0:10 s) of 100 % CPU load
This test shows the CPU behavior during short periods of serious load. It’s important for users who are looking for laptops suitable for tasks like Web Design and Programming.
| Intel Core i5-12450HX | Avg. P-Core Clock | Avg. CPU Temp. | Avg. CPU Power |
| Lenovo LOQ 15 (15IAX9E) | 3422 MHz | 78 °C | 62 W |
During short bursts of demanding tasks, such as initial loads in web design or programming, the Intel Core i5-12450HX in the Lenovo LOQ 15 demonstrates strong responsiveness. In the first 10 seconds of 100% CPU load, the average clock speed reached 3422 MHz, supported by an average power draw of 62 W. The CPU temperature remained well-controlled, averaging 78 °C, which is good. Even at its peak during the initial 5 seconds, the CPU maintained a clock speed of 3511 MHz with a peak power of 66 W, reaching an acceptable peak temperature of 88 °C. This indicates solid performance for brief, intensive operations.
Video editing, Scientific computing, Software compilation, 3D rendering
Long periods (0:00 – 30:00 min) of 100 % CPU load
This test shows the CPU behavior during long periods of serious load. It’s important for users who are looking for laptops suitable for tasks like Video Editing and 3D Rendering.
| Intel Core i5-12450HX | Avg. P-Core Clock | Avg. CPU Temp. | Avg. CPU Power |
| Lenovo LOQ 15 (15IAX9E) | 3239 MHz | 74 °C | 55 W |
For prolonged heavy workloads like video editing or 3D rendering, the Lenovo LOQ 15 with the Intel Core i5-12450HX maintains consistent performance. Over a 30-minute period of 100% CPU load, the processor sustained an average clock speed of 3239 MHz. The average CPU temperature remained impressively low at 74 °C, indicating excellent thermal management for extended operations. The average power consumption settled at 55 W. While there was a clock speed reduction of 435 MHz from initial peak to sustained minimum (3076 MHz), the overall average demonstrates robust and stable performance for tasks requiring sustained computational power.
Gaming Stability
Continuous gaming (1-hour test)
This test evaluates the laptop’s performance under sustained GPU load and high CPU usage.
| 0:00 – 60:00 min | Avg. GPU Clock | Avg. GPU Temp. | Avg. Memory Clock | Avg. GPU Mem Temp. | Avg. GPU Power |
| Lenovo LOQ 15 (15IAX9E) | 1274 MHz | 66 °C | 1781 MHz | 73 °C | 50 W |
The 60-minute gaming test reveals solid average GPU performance and excellent thermal management. The GPU maintains an average clock of 1274 MHz at an average power draw of 50 W. Both the average and peak GPU core temperatures are very low, reaching only 66 °C and 68 °C respectively, well within the good range. GPU memory temperatures are also very good, averaging 73 °C and peaking at 76 °C, well below the critical threshold. However, the minimum GPU clock dropped significantly to 100 MHz during the test, suggesting potential brief performance dips despite the high averages and stable temperatures.
Battery Life
We tested the battery life of Lenovo LOQ Essential 15″ (Gen 9, 15IAX9E) with the Balance mode activated in Lenovo Vantage.
The battery unit has a capacity of 57 Wh.
The battery life is not a strong feature for the LOQ Essential 15 as it lasts for just 4 hours on a single charge. The Dell Inspiron reaches over 11 hours but its RTX 2050 is limited to just 30W, so almost every gamer would sacrifice the battery life for the 30+% performance boost.
Brightness: 180 nits; Display Mode: SDR
Time to Full Discharge: Higher is Better
Disassembly, Upgrade options, and Maintenance
The Lenovo LOQ Essential 15 opens up after removing nine Torx T5 screws – three short 4 mm ones and six longer 6 mm units. Popping the plastic clips with a pry tool, revealing a clean internal layout.
A single fan draws air across two flattened heat pipes that span the CPU and GPU area before exhausting at the rear.
System memory lives in one DDR5 SO-DIMM slot; our sample carries a 16 GB Samsung PC5-5600B module, and you can swap it for a 32 GB stick if you want the platform’s practical maximum.
Primary storage is handled by a 512 GB Samsung PCIe 4.0 NVMe drive in the first M.2 2242 bay, secured with a single Phillips screw – there is a second 2242 slot nearby for easy capacity bumps, so keep shorter drives in mind when shopping for upgrades.
The Wi-Fi card is an M.2 2230 module, held down by one screw and fed by two antenna leads, making future swaps for faster standards straightforward.
Flat-flex cables for the keyboard and touchpad sit just above the battery; make sure they are fully seated before closing the machine back up.
Here you can also see the empty second M.2 2242 slot tucked right next to the wireless card, waiting for an additional SSD.
Removing the RAM shield leaves the slot completely exposed, so upgrades take only seconds once the back cover is off.
The 57 Wh Li-ion pack is fixed by two screws and a single connector, and slides out without wrestling with adhesive. Lenovo rates it at 4950 mAh (57.5 Wh) with a charging limit of 13.2 V, so sourcing a replacement down the road should be painless.
Overall, the LOQ Essential 15 keeps things refreshingly simple – Torx screws, pop-off clips, one RAM slot, two short M.2 bays, and a screw-secured battery make routine maintenance quick even for first-time tinkerers.
Verdict
The Lenovo LOQ Essential 15″ (Gen 9, 15IAX9E) is a masterclass in smart compromises. As its “Essential” name suggests, this laptop strips away the frills to focus on delivering a core gaming experience that punches well above its weight class. It’s a machine designed for the budget-conscious gamer who prioritizes frames-per-second and a great screen over all-day portability and premium materials.
While it makes some significant cuts to reach its price point, the areas where it excels make it a genuinely compelling and high-value option for anyone taking their first steps into PC gaming or needing a capable secondary machine.
✅ The Good
The standout feature of the LOQ 15 is its exceptional performance-per-dollar. Our RTX 2050 model proved to be the fastest variant we’ve ever tested, thanks to a robust 65W power limit and Lenovo’s excellent thermal management. The laptop runs impressively cool and stable, even during prolonged gaming sessions.
This performance is paired with a surprisingly great display. The 144Hz IPS panel offers good sRGB coverage and becomes incredibly color-accurate with our profile, making it suitable for both gaming and creative work. It’s also PWM-free, which is a fantastic bonus for eye comfort. We also have to applaud the practical, fingerprint-resistant finish and the generous upgrade options, including two M.2 slots for storage.
❌ The Bad
The biggest and most frustrating compromise is the inclusion of only a single RAM slot. This severely limits future memory upgrades and prevents users from taking advantage of a dual-channel configuration. The battery life is also very poor, lasting just 4 hours, which firmly tethers this laptop to a power outlet.
Furthermore, the single USB-C port is severely crippled, offering data transfer only with no support for video output or power delivery. While the main chassis is solid, the display lid has noticeable flex, and buyers should be aware that the keyboard backlight is an optional extra, not a standard feature.
🆚 The Competitors
When placed against a rival like the Dell Inspiron 5630 (detailed review) with a similar GPU, the LOQ 15’s philosophy becomes crystal clear. The Dell may offer more than double the battery life, but it is also severely limiting its GPU to just 30W. The Lenovo LOQ 15 sacrifices unplugged longevity but has a massive 30%+ performance boost.
This makes the decision simple: if you need a machine that can last through a day of classes, the Dell is the better choice. But if you’re a gamer who will be plugged in most of the time and wants the absolute best performance for your money, the Lenovo LOQ 15 is the undisputed winner in its category.
You can check the prices and configurations in our Specs System: https://laptopmedia.com/series/lenovo-loq-15-15iax9e/
Pros
- Excellent gaming performance for its class; fastest RTX 2050 tested
- Superb thermal management keeps the system cool and stable
- Color-accurate (with our profile), 144Hz, PWM-free display is great for the price
- Good upgrade potential with two M.2 storage slots
- Practical fingerprint-resistant finish and useful ports like HDMI 2.1 and an SD card reader
- Easy to service and maintain
Cons
- Only a single SODIMM slot for RAM, limiting upgrades
- Poor battery life
- USB-C port lacks Power Delivery and DisplayPort functionality
- Noticeable flex in the display lid
Author: Simeon NikolovEditor-in-Chief at LaptopMedia.com with 20+ years of experience in testing and analyzing laptops and mobile devices.
Author: Kroum NikolovHead of Engineering at LaptopMedia.com, inventor and innovator with 40+ years of experience in electronics and high technology.TOP 100 GAMING LAPTOPS
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