The 2-in-1 laptop allows it to be used as a tablet. Usually there are some compromises made such as a thicker design, lack of additional features and not having enough power. The Lenovo Yoga 7i 14″ Gen 8 that we are reviewing today goes against the grain because not only is it a powerful 2-in-1 laptop but it still comes with a variety of features that are now becoming extinct on regular work laptops.
Lenovo Yoga 7i 14″ Gen 8
Screen 14″ WUXGA (1920×1200) OLED, 400nits, 60Hz, DisplayHDR True Black 500, Dolby Vision, Touch
Intel Core i7-1360P CPU
Intel Iris Xe GPU
RAM 16GB LPDDR5-5200
Internal Storage up to 1TB M.2 2242 PCIe Gen4
Main Camera 1080p + IR ThinkShutter
I/O 1x USB-A 3.2 Gen 1
2x Thunderbolt 4 USB-C
1x HDMI 1.4b
1x MicroSD card reader
Battery 71 Wh (4 Cells)
65W charging
SIM/Telephony None
WiFi 802.11a/b/g/n/ac/6e
Audio Jack Yes
Waterproof None
Scan System Windows Hello face scan
Sale Price Starts at RM4599 (Intel Core-i5)
SCREEN
The large 14″ OLED screen supports WUXGA resolution with a refresh rate of up to 60Hz and supports touch. The OLED panel used is bright and offers excellent viewing angles. This is especially important for a Yoga device with a screen that can be rotated up to 360 degrees to enjoy tablet mode. There is Dolby Vision support for HDR content from platforms such as YouTube, Prime Video and Netflix.
The resolution of 1920 x 1200 pixels is not the highest but for a screen of only 14″ we feel it is sufficient. The 16:10 ratio also ensures that it is ideal for use on software such as Photoshop and for work such as Microsoft Words. We have to admit that lately we prefer the 16:19 screen because it provides more vertical space than the 16:9 which is more friendly for multimedia content.
Touch is detected well as the screen can track up to 10 fingers. The only issue is that the screen gets dirty easily and needs to be cleaned frequently because it traps oil on the fingers quite easily.
A Lenovo Digital Pen is included with every purchase allowing for direct on-screen sketching via this stylus. The stylus is of the type that requires a battery. We are not very talented at creating digital works, but after testing this stylus on the screen it operates smoothly. Lines are detected smoothly and there is support for detecting up to 4096 pressure levels.
SHAPE
As a Yoga laptop, it can be used in four modes namely laptop, tablet, "Tent" and "Stand". In normal laptop mode there is no issue using it on a desk or on a lap. The screen can easily be changed to get the best viewing angle for the user.
The screen hinge is sturdy enough to ensure it doesn't wobble while typing. As a human who types "roughly" the screen of the Yoga 7i does not shake with an unpleasant amplitude. This is a normal issue for a 2-in-1 computer and not just on the Yoga 7i. With more prudent typing techniques, this shaky screen issue can be avoided.
The body of the Yoga 7i is thin for a 2-in-1 laptop. Even so, the body still feels sturdy and passes MIL-STD 810H durability standards. This means that it is shock resistant in the event of a fall.
A thin body is not Lenovo's excuse for not including a variety of important I/O. On the left side there is a full-sized HDMI 1.4, 2x Thunderbolt 4 USB-C and a 3.5mm audio jack. Then on the right side there is 1x USB-A 3.2 Gen 1, micro SD card reader and power button. Complete enough for those who hate carrying adapters. All these ports are offered with a body that is only 5mm thicker than a MacBook Air M2.
No physical fingerprint scanner is provided. Instead it relies entirely on the Windows Hello face scanner via a 1080p webcam with infrared. We prefer the fingerprint scanner because it's faster. In the two-week test this facial scanning system was inconsistent and quite slow.
Talking about the camera, it has a built-in physical camera barrier. A red dot can be clearly seen on the webcam so that the user is aware that the camera lens has been blocked.
Air vents for cooling are placed on the back and bottom. The size of the air hole that blows hot air at the back is quite large. Its position ensures that hot air is not directed to the user's face or hands.
There is a pair of 2W speakers at the top of the keyboard. This speaker also supports Dolby Atmos audio to provide a compatible combination with a screen that supports Dolby Vision. All of this is packed into a compact frame that fits into all backpacks, and regular sized laptop bags. Carrying it is also not burdensome because it only weighs around 1.5 kilograms.
KEYBOARD
The keyboard is of the Smiley type that is commonly found on Lenovo products. It is comfortable to use but from the type of membrane that makes it feel a little soft when pressed with a finger. Not that it's a big sin considering membrane keys are standard on other laptops on the market.
Very comfortable to use for typing because the keys are very ergonomic. Comparable to our experience using a MacBook Air. As a writer, comfort when typing is very important because thousands of words need to be composed every working day. The lighting system provided is white and can be turned off if needed. The light can also be changed to two levels by pressing the Fn+Space Bar button simultaneously.
The palm rest is also large enough to offer a satisfying platform for typing either on the desk or on the lap. This keyboard will automatically be deactivated when the Yoga 7i is folded into tablet mode. So there will be no issue of keys being pressed incorrectly when the Yoga 7i is placed on the table in tablet mode.
The keys will be exposed and not of the Lift 'n Lock type we used on the ThinkPad X1 Yoga. Perhaps to save costs but if the Lift 'n Lock system is used damage to the keys can be better avoided.
Because the keyboard is completely disabled in tablet mode, owners cannot use it even with an external monitor attached. It would be great if this keyboard-only feature was given as an option by Lenovo on the next iteration of the Yoga.
TOUCH PAD
The touchpad is a standard size for a Windows 11 laptop. It's quite soft but detects finger movements, touches and clicks well. Windows 11 key gestures are fully supported as it uses Windows Precision Driver. We have to say that for a Windows laptop the Yoga 7i's touchpad accuracy is satisfactory but not as good as the MacBook we use as a daily work laptop. We're still waiting for the time when a Windows laptop can offer a comparable experience.
PERFORMANCE AND USAGE
The reviewed model is equipped with an Intel Core i7-1360P CPU and is offered with up to 16GB LPDDR5-5200 memory and up to 1TB M.2 2242 PCIe Gen4 storage. There is an Intel Core™ i5-1340P CPU option for those who may be looking for a more affordable system. We can't open the back panel to see the internal components but understand the RAM is soldered directly to the motherboard. So the choice of RAM when buying is important. For SSD there is a slot for M.2 but of the 2242 type which is shorter in size.
The storage used reaches a read speed of 4.495 GBps and a write speed of up to 4.36 GBps. Satisfying speed although not the fastest we have ever found in the our lab. However, it is faster than the MacBook M2 storage which reaches a speed of around 3 GBps only for reading and writing.
In the PCMark 10, Night Raid Fire Strike and Time Spy tests, the scores recorded were comparable to the average office laptop in the same class. Throughout the review period, we had no issues. With a large amount of RAM and fast storage, various software can be launched quickly. No stuttering or low memory issues when using software like Adobe Photoshop. As a daily work computer we feel the Yoga 7i operates brilliantly.
The computer only heats up when processing video using Adobe Premiere. It doesn't get so hot that it burns the thighs but it can still cause some discomfort to us. We're still waiting for the moment and when a Windows laptop with an Intel chip offers a heat-free user experience like a MacBook with Apple Silicon. This is our only complaint because it is well known that heating causes reduced performance and battery life is like being sucked in.
AUDIO
2W stereo speakers shoot upwards with Dolby Atmos audio system. The speaker volume is very satisfying as the audio is directed directly to the owner's ears when used in laptop mode. When in Tent mode and the audio tablet is thrown back it makes Atmos mode a bit useless. Overall the audio is loud, clear, dimensional and great for watching movies.
Battery
The 71 Wh battery is advertised to last up to 12.5 hours on this model with the OLED screen. The reality is with daily use for five days the average battery is almost 11 hours. Sufficient battery life for daily tasks in the office. So we can say the battery life of the Yoga 7i is satisfactory. Recharging is through the UBS-C port with a 65W charger. With a 15-minute charge, the computer can operate for up to 3 hours. Battery recharging takes around two hours.
CONCLUSION
The Lenvo Yoga 7i Gen 8 is a nimble and fast career laptop as the specifications offered on the reviewed model are powerful enough for various daily tasks in the office. If you simply need a machine to produce papers and edit short videos the Yoga 7i Gen 8 can do it brilliantly.
It does not end there, it is a very flexible computer as it can be used in various modes depending on the need. The I/O options are also very luxurious for a compact sized laptop.
In Malaysia, the selling price of the Lenovo Yoga 7i Gen 8 starts from RM4,599 with Intel Core-i5. The model we reviewed is sold at a price of RM4,953 which we feel is worth it for the various features offered. Lenovo Yoga 7i Gen 8 is like an agile gymnast because all tasks can be completed quickly.
PROs and Advantages
Very satisfactory performance work laptop.
Can be used in various modes.
Very satisfying I/O options.
Nice keyboard to type on.
Screen with Dolby Vision.
Dolby Atmos audio.
CONS and Cons
The touch pad is a little soft.
Average battery life.
RAM is soldered directly to the motherboard.
Windows Hello scans are inconsistent.