Lenovo Chromebook Plus IdeaPad Flex 5 – Review

The best thing about Chromebook Plus is that it is capable of competing with any affordable and mid-range laptop due to its good screen and webcam, excellent performance and fast connectivity. Lenovo has definitely raised the bar with the launch of the Chromebook Plus IdeaPad Flex 5.

Design and Build

Boasting a 14-inch format, the Chromebook Plus IdeaPad Flex 5 is a sturdy device, even though it is heavier than others in the same category. This is mostly because of a sturdy chassis that comes with a brushed metal exterior, providing a high quality feel. Likewise, the screen’s 360 degree flip design and its touchscreen also adds a few grams.

It is smaller in height and width than many other 14-inch devices due to its thin screen edges, but it is a bit thicker. The metal surfaces are cool and smooth, as are the rounded edges.

Screen and Speakers

The IPS panel used for the laptop is very sleek and boasts a resolution of 1080p. It is sharp enough for viewing documents, images and web pages comfortably and is able to handle the various viewing angles easily. The brightness is not exactly noteworthy, but it is acceptable.

The built-in speakers are capable of delivering decent sound. While the maximum volume is on the low side, the sound is well-balanced and detailed. If you are looking for more, you can easily connect analogue headphones, or go with Bluetooth ones. There are two USB-C ports given and one USB-A port and there is also a microSD card slot.

Specs and Performance

The Chromebook Plus IdeaPad Flex 5 comes with the Intel Core i3-1215U that delivers stable performance due to its six cores. In addition, it boasts 8GB RAM memory, even if it is the DDR4 type. Nonetheless, this does not have much of an impact on performance. Storage is also 256GB, which is another advantage. It is not extremely fast, but it handles most tasks well and the fast graphics are certainly a bonus.

Keyboard and Trackpad

The keyboard that Lenovo has incorporated in the device is also well-built, as it comes with backlit keys that automatically light up when you put your hands above them. While the key travel is low, they do give good feedback and have a high quality feel. The mouse pad gives you a budget-side feeling, but the control is decent.

The screen also provides touch control and there is a well-built stylus provided in aluminum. It can be used for scribbling notes, navigating the screen and drawing. The pen has good precision and pressure sensitivity, but the response is a bit sluggish.

Battery Life

You will not have any surprises in terms of battery life, as it can last between 7 to 10 hours, depending on what you are using it for. These devices have low power technology and it rarely requires active cooling.