New 14-inch gaming laptop from Lenovo is a strong OLED machine

Lenovo Legion Slim 5 (14”, 8) Set to Ship in August 2023

Lenovo is gearing up to launch its first-ever 14-inch Legion gaming laptop, aptly named the Legion Slim 5. Despite its compact size and lightweight design, weighing in at 4.19lbs (1.9 kg), this gaming laptop packs a serious punch. While the complete specifications are yet to be released, it’s expected that customers will have the option to equip the machine with an AMD Ryzen 9 7940HS CPU and an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4060 GPU. What’s even more impressive is the integration of Lenovo’s AI Engine Plus, powered by the laptop’s LA1 AI chip, which enables the Legion Slim 5 to learn a user’s gaming habits, thereby optimizing performance and battery life based on their usage patterns.

A Powerful Gaming Machine

Lenovo has unveiled its latest offering, the Legion Slim 5, with powerful specifications for gaming enthusiasts. The laptop is powered by an AMD Ryzen 9 7940HS processor, complemented by an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4060 GPU with a performance release of 105 W. This configuration includes 8 GB of GDDR6 VRAM and supports up to 64 GB of LPDDR5X-6400 RAM and 1 TB of PCIe 4.0 storage.

The display features a 14-inch OLED panel with a resolution of 2,880 x 1,800 pixels. With a peak brightness of 400 nits and a 120 Hz refresh rate, users can expect a visually immersive gaming experience. Furthermore, the Legion Slim 5 boasts a 73.6 Wh battery that supports 140W fast charging, enabling a quick charge from 0% to 70% in just 30 minutes.

Connectivity options are plentiful, with two USB Type-A ports, two USB Type-C ports, an SD card reader, and an HDMI 2.1 port, providing convenience and versatility to gamers.

Impressive Features and Unique Display

Notably, the Legion Slim 5 is not only Lenovo’s first 14-inch Legion model but also the first in its series to feature a “16:10 WQXGA Plus OLED display” covering the entire DCI-P3 color gamut. Boasting a resolution of 2880 x 1800 pixels, this display offers stunning visuals. The integration of “AI-powered DLSS 3” technology and full ray tracing for realistic in-game lighting enhances the monitor’s quality. The 120Hz variable refresh rate ensures smooth and responsive gameplay, allowing the RTX 4060 GPU to truly shine.

The laptop also comes with up to 64GB of memory and up to 1TB of storage, providing ample space for gamers to store their favorite titles and media. The inclusion of a “73.6Whr battery with Super Rapid Charge Pro technology” ensures fast charging capabilities, further enhancing the overall gaming experience.

Pricing and Availability

Lenovo is planning to launch the 14-inch Legion Slim 5 gaming laptop in September 2023, and it will be available in the stylish Storm Grey color. Prices for the base model are expected to start at $1,439.99 USD. However, the company’s announcement regarding its shipping date conflicts with the availability seen on the official storefront. Further clarification from Lenovo is needed to confirm the launch date and international availability.

Analysis: Riding the 14-inch Gaming Laptop Trend

The introduction of the Legion Slim 5 comes at an opportune time, as there is a growing trend of companies adopting 14-inch displays for gaming laptops. The demand for lightweight options is on the rise, making the Legion Slim 5 an attractive choice for consumers. What sets this laptop apart is the combination of a slim and compact design, an OLED screen, and an RTX 40 series GPU, all at a competitive price point.

Although the Razer Blade 14 emerges as its closest competitor, it comes with a significantly higher price tag of nearly $2,500. Meanwhile, the Alienware x14 R2, which is in a similar price range, lacks the advantage of an OLED display.

However, it’s essential to keep an eye on potential concerns like OLED burn-in, as it could affect the appeal and long-term performance of the Legion Slim 5.

In conclusion, the Lenovo Legion Slim 5 presents a promising gaming laptop option that could potentially make a significant impact in the industry. Gamers looking for a portable, powerful, and visually stunning experience might find the Legion Slim 5 to be an ideal choice. As the launch date approaches, it will be interesting to witness how this gaming laptop performs and competes with other offerings in the market.