Lenovo Yoga Book 9i (2025) Review: The Dual-Screen Laptop That Changes Everything

 

Imagine opening your laptop and finding not one, but two stunning 14-inch OLED displays staring back at you. No keyboard. No trackpad. Just pure screen real estate that transforms how you work. That's the Lenovo Yoga Book 9i (2025), and after weeks of testing this unconventional machine, I have thoughts—lots of them.

This isn't your typical laptop review because this isn't a typical laptop. At ₹2,29,990 (approximately $2,750), the Yoga Book 9i asks you to reconsider everything you know about portable computing. And honestly? For the right person, it delivers.

Unboxing: When Premium Meets Practical

The moment you lift the Yoga Book 9i's box, you realize Lenovo means business. This isn't just a laptop—it's an ecosystem.

Inside the substantial packaging, you'll find:

  • The dual-screen laptop wrapped in protective cloth
  • A detachable Bluetooth keyboard with single-color white backlighting
  • A wireless mouse (basic, but functional)
  • Multiple attachment accessories for different use modes
  • A stylus with 4,096 pressure sensitivity levels
  • A premium leather-textured folio case that doubles as a stand
  • A 65W USB-C charger
  • A padded carrying case for all accessories

The attention to detail is remarkable. Everything has a designated spot. The folio case alone feels luxurious—it's sturdy, well-designed, and holds the laptop securely whether you're using it as a stand or transporting it.

Design: Beauty With Purpose

Dimensions & Build:

  • Thickness: Just 15.5mm (thinner than a MacBook Pro with M5)
  • Weight: 1.2kg laptop only, 1.4kg with charger
  • Total package weight: 2.4kg (still 100g lighter than many gaming laptops)
  • Color: Tidal Teal (the only available option)
  • Material: Stainless magnesium alloy construction

The first thing that strikes you is how impossibly thin this laptop is. At 15.5mm thick with two displays inside, the engineering is genuinely impressive. The tidal teal color is sophisticated—professional enough for boardrooms, distinctive enough to turn heads at coffee shops.

The Lenovo branding on the top lid is subtle, and the matte finish resists fingerprints remarkably well. Unlike glossy laptops that look like crime scenes after a day of use, the Yoga Book 9i maintains its elegance.

But here's what sets it apart: the dual displays are connected seamlessly with a speaker bar running between them. When closed, it feels like a premium notebook. When open, it's a productivity powerhouse.

The Dual-Display Experience: Revolutionary or Gimmicky?

Let's address the elephant in the room: Do you actually need two screens?

After extensive testing, my answer is nuanced. For certain workflows, this setup is transformative. For others, it's overkill. Let me break down the real-world applications.

Display Specifications

Both 14-inch panels share identical specs:

  • Resolution: 2880 x 1800 (2.8K WQXGA+)
  • Refresh Rate: 120Hz adaptive
  • Technology: Pure Sight OLED
  • Brightness: 500 nits typical, 750 nits peak HDR
  • Color Gamut: 100% sRGB, 100% DCI-P3
  • Touch: 10-point multi-touch support
  • Finish: Glossy (reflections are noticeable)
  • Certification: DisplayHDR True Black 600, Dolby Vision, TÜV Eye Care 2.0

The color accuracy is spectacular. As someone who does color grading work, I can confidently say these displays rival professional monitors in vibrancy and accuracy. HDR content looks stunning, with deep blacks and bright highlights that OLED delivers so well.

Use Cases That Actually Make Sense

1. Multitasking Heaven

You can run up to 8 windows simultaneously—4 on each display. Stock trading? Have multiple charts open. Research? Reference materials on one screen, writing on the other. Video calls? Keep your meeting on top while taking notes below.

The Windows Snap feature works beautifully. Simply drag any window and flick it slightly, and it snaps to the other display instantly. You can dedicate entire screens to specific tasks without constantly alt-tabbing.

2. Content Creation Workflows

For video editors, the dual-screen setup shines:

  • Timeline on the bottom screen
  • Preview window on the top screen
  • Tools and effects accessible without overlap

Photo editors benefit similarly:

  • Main editing area on one screen
  • Library and adjustment panels on the other

The color-accurate displays mean what you see is what you'll get when exporting.

3. Presentations That Impress

Connect to an external display and use the laptop's screens for:

  • Presenter notes on the bottom
  • Audience view preview on top
  • Real-time collaboration tools

For teachers conducting online classes, having the lesson on one screen and student thumbnails on another is genuinely useful.

4. Coding and Development

Developers will appreciate:

  • Code editor on one screen
  • Documentation or terminal on the other
  • No need for external monitors when traveling

5. Stock Trading and Financial Analysis

Multiple charts, news feeds, trading platforms—all visible simultaneously without crowding. Traders specifically requested this functionality, and Lenovo delivered.

The Modes: Versatility In Practice

The Yoga Book 9i offers multiple usage configurations:

Laptop Mode (Traditional): Attach the Bluetooth keyboard to the bottom screen magnetically. The top screen becomes your primary display. A trackpad appears digitally on the bottom screen beside the keyboard.

The haptic feedback on the virtual trackpad is surprisingly good—not as precise as a physical trackpad, but functional. Palm rejection works well to prevent accidental touches while typing.

Tent Mode: Fold the laptop into a V-shape with both screens facing outward. Perfect for:

  • Collaborative work where multiple people need to see screens
  • Using as a tablet on both sides
  • Media consumption with the keyboard detached

Tablet Mode: Use either screen as a standalone tablet with the stylus. Detach the keyboard, fold the laptop flat, and you have a large drawing surface.

Book Mode: Place the laptop vertically like a book. Useful for reading long documents or coding with vertical space.

Stand Mode: Use the folio case to prop the laptop at an angle. Attach the keyboard below, and you have a desktop-like setup with excellent screen positioning.

The keyboard can be positioned above or below the secondary screen, giving you flexibility based on your ergonomic preferences.

The Keyboard: Better Than Expected

Last year's Yoga Book keyboard was functional but forgettable. This year, Lenovo upgraded significantly.

Key Improvements:

  • Single-color white backlighting (better visibility in dark environments)
  • Rubberized texture keys that feel premium
  • Improved key travel and tactile feedback
  • Magnetic attachment with strong hold
  • Rechargeable via USB-C (charges in 2 hours 15 minutes)
  • Can be used wirelessly or attached

The typing experience is comparable to standard Yoga keyboards. It's not mechanical keyboard territory, but for a portable solution, it's genuinely pleasant. I wrote portions of this review on it without fatigue.

Function Keys Include:

  • Settings access
  • Screen trackpad toggle
  • Volume and brightness controls
  • Power modes
  • AI Care modes
  • Screen/keyboard combination shortcuts

The digital keyboard that appears on-screen when needed is also well-implemented. Multiple themes, adjustable opacity, sound effects, and vibration feedback make it surprisingly usable when you don't have the physical keyboard attached.

Gesture Controls:

  • Five-finger tap brings up the digital keyboard
  • Pinch in/out adjusts keyboard size
  • Swipe from right opens Smart Note app
  • Swipe from left captures screenshots
  • Air gestures for window management (still in beta, somewhat unreliable)

The Stylus: Creative Freedom

The included stylus supports 4,096 pressure sensitivity levels, palm rejection, and tilt detection. For digital artists, note-takers, and creative professionals, it's a genuine productivity tool.

Stylus Features:

  • Two programmable buttons
  • Converts handwriting to text
  • Works across both displays
  • No charging required (battery-powered)
  • Stored securely in the folio case

Taking quick notes on the lock screen by simply tapping with the stylus is incredibly convenient. The palm rejection works well enough that you can rest your hand naturally while writing.

For professional illustration, you'll want a dedicated drawing tablet. But for sketching, annotating documents, and note-taking, the stylus is more than capable.

Performance: Powerful But With Caveats

Specifications:

  • Processor: Intel Core Ultra 9 285H (Series 2, H-series)
    • 16 cores, 16 threads
    • 6 P-cores (Performance)
    • 8 E-cores (Efficiency)
    • 2 LP-cores (Low Power)
  • RAM: 32GB LPDDR5x (8400 MT/s, non-upgradeable)
  • Storage: 1TB Gen 4 SSD (single slot, swappable)
  • Graphics: Intel Arc 140T iGPU
  • Connectivity: Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.4
  • Ports: 3x Thunderbolt 4, 1x USB-A, power button, camera shutter
  • Webcam: 1440p 30fps with Windows Hello support
  • Audio: Quad-speaker setup (2x 2W woofers, 2x 2W tweeters)
  • Battery: 88Wh (upgraded from 80Wh)
  • Certifications: Intel Evo (sub-1-second wake), Dolby Atmos

Benchmark Results

Cinebench R23:

  • Multi-core: 15,000+
  • Single-core: 1,800+

Geekbench 6 CPU:

  • Multi-core: Strong performance for productivity
  • Single-core: Excellent responsiveness

3DMark Time Spy:

  • Graphics score indicates entry-level gaming capability
  • Good for thin-and-light category

PCMark 10:

  • Overall productivity score excellent
  • Document creation, video conferencing all handled smoothly

Real-World Performance

AI Workloads: Using LLM Studio with DeepSeek's 7-billion parameter model, the Yoga Book 9i completed inference in 1 minute 18 seconds with respectable token generation rates. For on-device AI tasks, the Intel Core Ultra 9 delivers.

Productivity: Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Photoshop, Illustrator—all run smoothly. Even with 8 windows open across both displays, the system remained responsive. The 32GB RAM helps immensely here.

Video Editing:

  • 1080p editing: Smooth with good playback
  • 4K editing: Manageable with 2-4 layers
  • Complex timelines: Reduce preview resolution to 720p or 1080p for smooth scrubbing

Premiere Pro scored well on the Fusion Bench (3,200+), Photoshop (7,100+), and DaVinci Resolve (3,100+). For casual video editing and content creation, it's more than capable.

Photo Editing: The accurate displays and good processing power make this excellent for photography work. Lightroom and Photoshop run without issues.

The Graphics Reality: The Intel Arc 140T iGPU is entry-level. Think 20-50 level graphics capability. It's fine for:

  • Graphic design
  • Basic 3D modeling
  • Video playback
  • Casual gaming

It's NOT suitable for:

  • Heavy 3D rendering
  • Professional motion graphics in After Effects
  • Gaming at high settings
  • GPU-intensive creative work

This is not a gaming laptop, and Lenovo doesn't pretend it is.

Gaming: Surprisingly Playable (Within Limits)

I tested several games at 1200p resolution (not native 2880x1800, as the iGPU can't handle that):

Valorant: 250-260 FPS (completely playable)

CS2: 65-70 FPS on medium settings (smooth competitive gaming)

GTA V Enhanced: 65-70 FPS on minimum settings (very playable)

Elden Ring: 55-60 FPS on low settings (acceptable experience)

Red Dead Redemption 2:

  • Low settings: 40 FPS (playable)
  • XeSS enabled: 80+ FPS (much better)

Cyberpunk 2077:

  • Low settings: 30-32 FPS (barely playable)
  • XeSS Quality mode: 45-50 FPS (acceptable)

Hogwarts Legacy:

  • Low settings: 25-30 FPS
  • XeSS enabled: 50 FPS (playable)

Ghost of Tsushima:

  • Low settings, XeSS off: 30-32 FPS
  • XeSS Quality: 45-50 FPS (good experience)

The Intel XeSS frame generation technology significantly improves gaming performance on the Arc iGPU. While this isn't a gaming-focused machine, casual gaming at reasonable settings is definitely possible.

Thermal Performance Under Gaming Load:

  • Power draw: 30-35W average, peaks at 61W
  • CPU temps: Average 80°C, max 106°C
  • Clock speeds: Dropped from 5GHz to 2GHz under sustained load (thermal throttling expected in thin chassis)
  • Stability: No crashes or forced shutdowns during 1-hour stress test

Battery Life: Depends Entirely On Usage

With an 88Wh battery powering two high-resolution OLED displays, battery life varies dramatically based on usage:

My Test Conditions:

  • Native 3K resolution on both screens
  • 50% brightness
  • 100% speaker volume
  • Best Power Efficiency mode
  • Battery Saver mode enabled
  • Office work + YouTube playing in background with speakers on

Result: 4 hours 40 minutes

This will fluctuate wildly based on your usage:

  • Single screen usage: 7-10 hours possible
  • Light web browsing: 6-8 hours
  • Video playback: 5-7 hours
  • Heavy multitasking with both screens: 4-6 hours
  • Gaming or rendering: 2-3 hours

The 65W charger brings the laptop from 0-100% in about 2 hours 15 minutes.

Bottom Line: This isn't an all-day laptop for power users with both displays active. Plan for midday charging or strategic single-screen usage to extend battery life.

Audio: Surprisingly Excellent

The quad-speaker setup delivers a sound bar-like experience. With two 2W woofers and two 2W user-facing tweeters, the audio has depth and stereo separation that puts most laptops to shame.

Watching movies with Dolby Atmos content is genuinely enjoyable. The speakers get loud enough for small room presentations without distortion. There's actual bass response, which is rare in laptops this thin.

For video calls, the microphone quality is excellent, and the 1440p webcam produces sharp images even in moderate lighting.

The E-Shutter Button: Privacy First

The physical camera shutter button electrically disconnects the webcam, not just covering the lens. This hardware-level privacy feature prevents any software-based camera access. For security-conscious professionals, it's a thoughtful inclusion.

Software & AI Features

Lenovo AI Now (Beta): The included AI application currently offers:

  • Local chat with AI assistant
  • PC-specific queries and settings adjustments
  • Document summarization (up to 2,000 characters in current beta)
  • Cloud and local functionality

It's still in beta with limited conversations before requiring a subscription. The feature set will expand, but currently, it's more of a preview than a killer feature.

User Center Application: Unified control for:

  • Live wallpapers (animated butterflies, landscapes, etc.)
  • Static wallpapers optimized for dual displays
  • Display settings and configurations
  • Gesture shortcuts
  • Air gesture controls (beta)

Studio Effects (Windows 11):

  • Background effects for video calls
  • Eye contact correction
  • Auto framing

Windows Hello: Face unlock works flawlessly and quickly.

Who Should Buy The Lenovo Yoga Book 9i?

After weeks of testing, here's my honest assessment:

PERFECT FOR:

Corporate Executives and C-Suite: If you want a distinctive laptop that doesn't look like everyone else's MacBook and need to multitask heavily, this delivers. Video calls on one screen, notes and references on another—it's productivity gold.

Stock Traders and Financial Analysts: Multiple charts, real-time data feeds, news, and trading platforms all visible simultaneously. This was designed with you in mind.

Content Creators (Specific Types):

  • Photographers who need color-accurate editing displays
  • YouTubers editing 1080p or moderate 4K content
  • Graphic designers working in Photoshop/Illustrator
  • Social media managers juggling multiple platforms

Researchers and Academics: Reading research papers on one screen while taking notes on another, or comparing multiple documents simultaneously, is genuinely transformative.

Traveling Professionals: Business travelers who don't want to carry external monitors but still want productivity. The complete package (laptop, keyboard, mouse, accessories) weighs less than many gaming laptops.

NOT RECOMMENDED FOR:

  • Gamers: The iGPU is entry-level at best
  • 3D artists/animators: Need dedicated GPU power
  • Video editors working with 4K 60fps or higher: Will struggle with complex timelines
  • Anyone on a tight budget: At ₹2.3 lakh, this is a luxury device
  • Traditional laptop users: If you're happy with one screen and don't multitask heavily, this is overkill
  • Anyone who needs all-day battery: Dual displays drain power quickly

Pricing & Value Proposition

Indian Market:

  • Price: ₹2,29,990
  • Cashback: ₹10,000
  • No-cost EMI: 9 months available
  • Exchange bonus: ₹5,000

Available: Lenovo.com (link in description)

The Value Question:

Is the Yoga Book 9i worth ₹2.3 lakh? That depends entirely on your workflow.

For the target audience—executives, traders, researchers, and creative professionals who genuinely benefit from dual displays—the value is clear. You're not just buying a laptop; you're buying an entire portable workspace that eliminates the need for external monitors while traveling.

For everyone else, a traditional laptop + portable monitor setup might be more practical and cost-effective.

Upgrades From 2024 Model

If you owned the previous generation, here's what's new:

  • Larger displays (13.3" → 14")
  • Slimmer bezels
  • Upgraded processor (Intel Core Ultra 9 Series 2)
  • Improved keyboard with better backlighting
  • Larger battery (80Wh → 88Wh)
  • Better speakers
  • Refined folio case design
  • More stable software experience

The improvements are meaningful but evolutionary rather than revolutionary.

The Missing Features

To be balanced, here's what the Yoga Book 9i lacks:

  • No HDMI or USB-A ports: Three Thunderbolt 4 ports are versatile but require dongles for legacy devices
  • No SD card reader: Photographers will need an adapter
  • Single SSD slot: Can't add additional storage without replacing
  • No physical webcam cover: E-shutter is great, but some prefer visual confirmation
  • No Ethernet port: Wi-Fi 7 is fast, but wired connections have advantages
  • Limited port selection overall: With accessories, keyboard, and mouse potentially connected, ports get crowded fast

A hub in the box would have been appreciated given the premium pricing.

Final Verdict: Niche Brilliance

The Lenovo Yoga Book 9i (2025) is a masterclass in specialized design. It knows exactly who it's for and executes that vision beautifully.

What It Gets Right:

  • Stunning dual OLED displays
  • Thoughtful industrial design
  • Comprehensive accessory package
  • Genuinely versatile usage modes
  • Excellent audio for a laptop
  • Powerful enough for productivity work
  • Surprisingly portable for dual displays
  • Premium build quality throughout

What Holds It Back:

  • Price limits audience significantly
  • Battery life with both displays active is mediocre
  • Gaming and GPU-intensive work aren't viable
  • Learning curve for optimal dual-display usage
  • Glossy displays reflect in bright environments

Rating: 4/5 Stars

The Lenovo Yoga Book 9i isn't trying to be everything to everyone. It's a specialized tool for professionals who value productivity, portability, and presentation. If you fall into that niche, this laptop will transform how you work.

If you're not sure you need dual displays, you probably don't. And that's okay. This laptop wasn't made for you.

But for those who've been waiting for a portable dual-display solution that doesn't compromise on quality, your wait is over. The Yoga Book 9i delivers an experience no other laptop can match.

Should you buy it? Ask yourself one question: "Will having two displays genuinely change how I work, or is it just a cool novelty?" If the answer is the former, this laptop will justify every rupee. If the latter, save your money.

Tested unit provided by Lenovo in collaboration with Intel. All opinions are my own based on extensive real-world usage.

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