The 2025 Lenovo Legion Pro 5i has finally arrived, and it's bringing some serious upgrades to the table. But with a starting price around $1,600 (₹1.6 lakh), you might be wondering if it's worth the premium over cheaper RTX 5060 laptops. After extensive testing including gaming, productivity workloads, and AI tasks, here's everything you need to know.
This review is brought to you in collaboration with Lenovo and Intel.
Understanding the Legion Lineup: Where Does Pro 5i Fit?
Before we dive in, let's clear up Lenovo's 2025 Legion hierarchy because it can get confusing:
- Legion 5i - Entry-level gaming
- Legion 7i - Mid-tier performance
- Legion Pro 5i - Performance-focused (this review)
- Legion Pro 7i - High-end gaming (RTX 5070 Ti to 5090)
- Legion 9i - Ultimate flagship (rumored 3D display coming)
The Pro 5i sits in that sweet spot between mainstream gaming and enthusiast-grade performance, making it a compelling option for gamers who want serious power without breaking into flagship territory.
What's New in 2025? Major Design Changes
Lenovo made some significant changes from the 2024 model, and not all of them are obvious at first glance.
The Biggest Changes:
Port relocation: All ports have moved from the back to the left and right sides. This is more convenient for desktop setups where you're not constantly reaching behind the laptop.
Display upgrade: The IPS panel is gone, replaced by a gorgeous OLED screen. Welcome to 2025, where premium laptops are going all-in on OLED.
RGB lighting upgrade: The four-zone RGB keyboard has been upgraded to 24-zone RGB, giving you much finer control over your lighting setup.
New processors and GPUs: Intel Core Ultra Series 2 (HX variants) paired with Nvidia RTX 50-series graphics.
Build Quality: Solid but Not Flashy
The top lid features metal construction with Legion branding, while the interior and bottom are polycarbonate. It's a practical choice that keeps weight reasonable at 2.25kg (about 5 pounds) without the chassis feeling cheap.
The 25.95mm thickness makes this a chunky laptop—no getting around it. But that thickness houses serious cooling hardware and performance components. If you want thin and light, Lenovo's new 5i and 7i non-Pro models are supposedly much slimmer.
Hinge quality is excellent. One-handed opening works smoothly, and it opens a full 180 degrees. The hinge feels sturdy with minimal wobble—exactly what you want in a gaming laptop you'll be moving around.
Keyboard flex is minimal, and top lid flex is also minor. The build feels premium where it matters.
Performance Hardware: Desktop-Class Power
Intel Core Ultra 7 255HX: The Brain
This is where things get interesting. The Core Ultra 7 255HX packs 20 cores and 20 threads: 8 P-cores (performance) and 12 E-cores (efficiency).
P-cores handle heavy workloads—gaming, rendering, compilation. E-cores manage background tasks and light browsing, preserving battery life.
This HX variant is essentially a desktop replacement CPU. It's not the thin-and-light H-series or ultra-portable V-series. This is the full-fat enthusiast chip.
The NPU Question
Yes, there's a dedicated NPU (Neural Processing Unit), but it's the same 13 TOPS unit from Core Ultra Series 1. For heavy AI workloads, the powerful CPU and GPU combination matters far more than the NPU, which is mainly for power-efficient light AI tasks in thin-and-light laptops.
RTX 5060: More Capable Than You Think
The RTX 5060 with 8GB VRAM and 115W TGP is a significant upgrade over previous generations. In many scenarios, it performs close to or better than last-gen's RTX 4070.
Paired with 32GB DDR5-5600 RAM in dual-channel (upgradable to 64GB), this system has plenty of headroom for multitasking, content creation, and modern gaming.
Storage: Fast and Expandable
The 1TB Gen 4 SSD delivers excellent read/write speeds. But here's the kicker—there are two dedicated SSD slots: one full-size 2280 slot and one smaller 2242 slot. Each slot supports up to 2TB, giving you potential for 4TB total internal storage.
Connectivity: Future-Proofed
Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 5.4 ensure you're ready for next-gen wireless standards. Lenovo also includes their LA1 and LA3 AI chips that learn your usage patterns and optimize CPU/GPU performance accordingly. It's algorithm-based machine learning that adapts whether you're gaming or working.
Benchmarks: How Fast Is It Really?
CPU Performance
Cinebench R23 scores: 33,000+ multi-core, 2,100+ single-core. These numbers beat last year's flagship i9-14900HX in many scenarios.
The Core Ultra 7 255HX positioned itself impressively—above most last-gen flagship chips while sitting just below the Core Ultra 9 275HX.
Geekbench 6 and SH24 scores are available in the detailed review, but the takeaway is simple: this CPU handles high-end programming, large project compilation, music production, and data science workloads without breaking a sweat.
AI Capabilities
I ran DeepSeek R1's 32 billion parameter model using LM Studio with a substantial prompt. The output completed in 8 minutes and 40 seconds with solid token generation rates.
This test uses CPU, GPU, and RAM simultaneously. The 32GB RAM made running a 32-billion parameter model seamless with no issues.
3D Modeling & Rendering
Blender Benchmark: 3,700 score
BMW render: Completed in 19 seconds
For GPU-intensive tasks like 3D modeling, rendering, and game development, the Pro 5i handles everything smoothly. Project complexity varies, but having the RTX 5060 (and optional 5070) means you're not bottlenecked.
Content Creation Benchmarks
- Premiere Pro (Puget Bench): 10,000+
- After Effects: 12,000+
- DaVinci Resolve: 9,100+
- Photoshop: 9,400+
You can edit 4K 60fps footage without issues. The experience is buttery smooth—no stuttering, no dropped frames, just clean editing performance.
Graphics Performance
3DMark Time Spy scores position the 5060 competitively. It sometimes matches or exceeds last-gen's RTX 4070 performance.
VR Mark: 16,000+ score means VR gaming is absolutely viable on this laptop.
The RTX 5060, 5050, and 5070 all come with 8GB VRAM. The 5070 Ti jumps to 12GB, which matters significantly for high-resolution textures and ray tracing.
Thermal Performance: Staying Cool Under Pressure
I ran extensive stability testing to see how the Legion Pro 5i handles sustained loads.
CPU Stress Test (1 Hour)
Prime95 for one hour:
- Maximum temperature: 106°C
- Average temperature: 95°C
- Power draw peaked at 188W
- Average power: 135W
- No thermal throttling occurred
Clock speeds remained stable throughout. The Legion's cooling system is legendary for a reason.
GPU Stress Test (1 Hour)
Furmark for one hour:
- Maximum temperature: 75°C
- Average temperature: 74-75°C
- Power draw: 114W
The system remained stable with no crashes or shutdowns. Thermals are well-managed, and the exhaust is entirely rear-facing—no hot air blowing on your hands during gaming sessions.
Gaming Performance: The Real Test
I tested a comprehensive selection of games at native 1600p resolution. Here's what you can expect:
Competitive Games (High FPS Priority)
Valorant (High settings): 400+ fps average
CS2 (Very High settings): 180-190 fps
These are CPU-bound titles where the Core Ultra 7 shines.
AAA Single-Player Games
GTA V Enhanced Edition (Max settings with ray tracing): 50-55 fps
Sometimes drops below 50, but playable.
Elden Ring (Maximum settings): Stable 60 fps (capped by game)
Call of Duty Warzone (Extreme settings): 90 fps average
You can lower settings for higher refresh rate gaming.
Red Dead Redemption 2 (Favor Quality - highest preset): 70-80 fps
Occasional dips due to DLSS-only support (no frame generation).
Ray Tracing Showcase
Cyberpunk 2077 (Ultra settings):
- Without frame gen: ~50 fps raw performance
- With frame gen: 100+ fps
- Ray tracing Ultra: Unplayable raw, but 50-60 fps with frame gen
- Multi-frame generation (3x/4x): Incredible fps, but input lag matters
The RTX 50-series exclusive multi-frame generation is impressive but best reserved for non-competitive titles where input precision is less critical.
Hogwarts Legacy (Ultra settings with RT Ultra): 40-45 fps raw, 100+ with frame gen
Assassin's Creed Shadows (Very High + RT High): Not playable raw, 45-50 fps with frame gen
The Last of Us Part II (Very High settings): 45-50 fps raw, 85-90 fps with frame gen
Fallout 76 (Very High): 45-50 fps raw, but frame gen doesn't boost as much (only ~20 fps gain)
Ghost of Tsushima (Quality settings): 50-55 fps raw, 110+ fps with frame gen
Black Myth: Wukong (Cinematic settings): ~25 fps average
Ray tracing Very High: Nearly unplayable raw (1-2 fps), ~30 fps with frame gen
Multi-frame generation helps significantly, but I don't recommend it for precision-focused games.
Spider-Man 2: 40-45 fps raw, 80+ fps with frame gen
Ray tracing Very High struggles even with frame gen.
Alan Wake 2 (High settings): 30 fps raw, 80 fps with frame gen
Ray tracing Ultra: Unplayable raw, ~30 fps with frame gen
Multi-frame gen significantly improves RT Ultra performance.
Temperature During Gaming
After 3-4 hours of gaming:
- Left side: 28°C
- Center: 30-31°C
- Right side: 26-27°C
- Bottom area: Cool at 20-22°C
The laptop doesn't get uncomfortably warm even during extended gaming sessions. The keyboard remains cool, and with winter temperatures, room temp also helps.
Display: OLED Excellence
The 16-inch OLED display is a massive upgrade from IPS. Being OLED, it's glossy, which means reflections are visible in bright environments. If you're in a lit room and a game loads with a black screen, you'll see yourself staring back.
But the advantages far outweigh this minor annoyance:
Color & Brightness
- 100% sRGB coverage
- 100% DCI-P3 coverage
- Up to 500 nits brightness (SDR)
- 165Hz refresh rate with dynamic refresh rate support for battery saving
- HDR TrueBlack 1000 certified (up to 1,000 nits in 10% window for HDR content)
Certifications
Nvidia G-Sync, Dolby Vision, TรV Low Blue Light, High Gaming Performance, Eyesafe, and Flicker-Free. This display checks every box.
Gaming and content consumption on this screen is pure joy. The contrast, colors, and HDR support create an immersive experience.
Burn-In Protection
Lenovo includes built-in anti-burn-in technology, but I still recommend:
- Using screen savers
- Refreshing static elements every 2-3 hours
- Avoiding leaving static images displayed for extended periods
OLED burn-in is real, so take basic precautions.
Webcam: Solid for Video Calls
The 1440p 30fps webcam maintains 30fps consistently and delivers decent quality. You look good in OLED reflection, but how you appear on others' screens is what matters—let me know in the comments!
Windows Studio Effects are built-in: auto framing, eye contact correction, and background effects. Perfect for video calls and streaming.
Audio: Harman-Tuned Excellence
Two 2W downward-firing speakers deliver balanced audio. They're not crazy loud, but they're not quiet either—just right for a laptop this size.
Tuning comes from Harman, and the included Nahimic app lets you adjust EQ settings for music, movies, communication, and gaming. The effects are more noticeable with headphones or external speakers than the built-in speakers.
Ports: Comprehensive Connectivity
Right Side:
- RJ45 Ethernet port
- E-shutter switch for webcam privacy
- 2x USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A ports
- 3.5mm headphone/mic combo jack
Left Side:
- Power input
- HDMI 2.1 (up to 4K 240Hz via RTX 5060)
- USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-C with DisplayPort output (4K 240Hz via 5060) + PD 3.1 (up to 140W charging)
- Thunderbolt 4 port (4K 240Hz via Intel graphics, no PD support)
- USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C (Always-On for device charging)
No rear ports since everything moved to the sides.
The Thunderbolt 4 addition is interesting—Legion Pro 7i didn't have Thunderbolt 4 at all. Now the Pro 5i includes it, despite being positioned lower. Did Lenovo mix up the product board? Either way, it's a win for Pro 5i buyers.
My main video editor swears by Legion's port selection—it's genuinely one of the best in the business.
Software: Lenovo Vantage & Legion Space
Lenovo Vantage handles system-wide settings and updates.
Legion Space is the gaming hub with multiple GPU working modes:
- Hybrid mode: Switches between iGPU and dGPU automatically (best for most users)
- dGPU only: Maximum performance, lower battery life
- iGPU only: Best battery life, dGPU disabled
- Auto mode: Advanced Optimus—the sweet spot
Keep it on Auto mode. It automatically switches to dGPU when gaming starts.
Legion Space also includes:
- 24-zone RGB keyboard customization
- Performance mode switching
- Game library management
- Gaming zone with optimization tools
Keyboard: TrueStrike Excellence
The Legion TrueStrike keyboard has been refined over years. It's excellent for both typing and gaming.
- Full-size layout with numpad
- 1.6mm key travel
- 24-zone RGB lighting (customizable)
- Dedicated Copilot key
Typing and gaming feel responsive and comfortable.
Battery Life: Gaming Laptop Reality
The 80Wh battery provides 2 to 2.5 hours of basic usage (50% brightness, iGPU mode, speakers on, YouTube and multitasking).
This is a gaming laptop with a power-hungry CPU and GPU. Don't expect all-day battery life. The included 245W power adapter charges it fully in about 1 hour and 6 minutes, which is reasonable.
Pricing & Value Proposition
Base configuration starts around $1,600 (₹1.6 lakh) with Core Ultra 7. From there, you can customize:
- CPU: Ultra 7 or Ultra 9
- OS: Windows 11 Home or Pro
- Office: Add MS Office for ~$27 (₹2,000)
- RAM: 16GB, 32GB, or 32GB (higher speed)
- Storage: Various SSD options
- GPU: Up to RTX 5070
- Keyboard: 24-zone RGB or white backlit
- Wi-Fi: Wi-Fi 6 or Wi-Fi 7
Plus, all Lenovo laptops include 3 months of Xbox Game Pass, so you can play games from day one without buying titles.
The $1,600 Question
Why does the Pro 5i cost $1,600 when other RTX 5060 laptops start at $1,400-1,500?
You're paying for:
- Core Ultra HX processor (desktop-class performance)
- OLED display upgrade
- Comprehensive port selection
- Premium build quality
- Superior cooling system
- Lenovo's AI optimization chips
If these features matter to you, the premium is justified. If you just need raw GPU power and don't care about the extras, cheaper alternatives exist.
Final Verdict: Who Should Buy This?
The Lenovo Legion Pro 5i (2025) excels as a performance-focused gaming laptop that doubles as a content creation powerhouse.
Buy if you:
- Want desktop-class CPU performance in a laptop
- Need excellent thermals for sustained workloads
- Value display quality (OLED is glorious)
- Require comprehensive port selection
- Game at 1600p and want high-refresh competitive performance
- Create content (video editing, 3D work, development)
Skip if you:
- Need maximum portability (it's 2.25kg and thick)
- Want all-day battery life away from a charger
- Only care about raw GPU power at the lowest price
- Prefer matte displays (OLED is glossy)
For gamers and creators who want a well-rounded, powerful machine that can handle anything thrown at it, the Legion Pro 5i delivers. The OLED display alone transforms the experience, and the Core Ultra 7 255HX ensures you're not CPU-bottlenecked for years.
Rating: 8.5/10
The premium pricing is the only thing keeping this from a higher score. At sale prices or with student discounts, it becomes even more compelling.
What laptop would you like to see compared against the Legion Pro 5i? Let me know in the comments, and I'll try to make it happen!