However, Lenovo needs to rethink its inclusion of number pads and full-size SD card readers on gaming laptops.
We want a LAN port instead.
Effortless AAA gaming in the 60-120Hz range.
Within the eco-friendly outer box is a sleek yet subtle theme for Legion packaging.
Surprisingly capable performance on battery power.
Subtle ‘non-gamer’ design with a solid chassis.
Gamers want Ethernet LAN, not number pads.
Within the eco-friendly outer box is a sleek yet subtle theme for Legion packaging.
Fans are so loud that headphones are a necessity.
Touchpad could have been much bigger.
Some can deliver, but others miscalculate critical aspects that never appear in advertising.
Disclaimer:This review was made possible by a review unit provided by Lenovo.
The company did not see the contents of the review before publishing.
Packaged only with an AC adapter suitable for your region, it’s available for purchase now.
Booting into Windows without making changes treats you to a slick Legion wallpaper.
There’s also a fingerprint reader built into the power button, no matter which model you choose.
I’m blessed with strong Wi-Fi coverage in my home.
The right side holds only a 4-in-1 SD card reader and a physical webcam shutter.
The rear ‘dock’ is perfect for AC power, but I’d have taken an Ethernet LAN port over the HDMI-out placement.(Image credit: Ben Wilson | Windows Central)
Only 100% sRGB is claimed by Lenovo, which is accurate.
Nevertheless, the screen looks gorgeous in motion at 240Hz, and the colors are vibrant enough for gaming.
Per-key RGB lighting certainly fits that theme and looks fantastic with a few tweaks in the Vantage companion app.
No lack of power delivery on the left side, with USB-C ports clearly labeled.(Image credit: Ben Wilson | Windows Central)
The per-key RGB does most of the heavy lifting for customization options anyway.
As on most Lenovo keyboards, a 1.5mm travel distance feels perfectly tactile.
The touchpad isn’t bad, but Lenovo advertises it as ‘large’ when it’s not.
A full-size SD card slot on the right side is good news for gamers moonligting as photographers(?)(Image credit: Ben Wilson | Windows Central)
Hidden left and right buttons are embedded in the bottom in a typical fashion.
DLSS can upscale a slightly lower resolution in favor of substantial performance gains pushing gameplay over 120Hz.
However, DLSS can upscale a slightly lower resolution in favor of substantial performance gains pushing gameplay over 120Hz.
The Legion Slim 7i screen scored 100% of sRGB, 80% of AdobeRGB, and 80% of P3 with a Datacolor Spyder X Pro colorimeter.(Image credit: Ben Wilson | Windows Central)
I know, it’s not exactly a cutting-edge shooter anymore, withCounter-Strike 2 just around the corner.
Finally, including Tobii Horizon allows for simple head tracking in supported games.
A slim audience, I know, but I’m all for it.
Datacolor SpyderX Pro tone response test results (gamma 2.2)(Image credit: Ben Wilson | Windows Central)
Any titles with less demanding visuals would run even better and drain less power, too.
Still, the setup is good enough for casual use and even some light content creation.
Legion Slim 7i: Should you buy it?
Datacolor SpyderX Pro gray ramp test results(Image credit: Ben Wilson | Windows Central)
You should buy this if …
You should not buy this if …
Missing some key hardware that gamers might lament, but it’s a solid choice for the price.
Cutting out the row of F1-F12 keys could have shifted the keyboard up and allowed for a larger touchpad.
Gamers don’t care about numpads, Lenovo.
Tobii Horizon head tracking isn’t mind-blowing tech, but moving my head to look around in Euro Truck Simulator 2 appeals directly to my heart.
(Image credit: Ben Wilson | Windows Central)
(Image credit: Ben Wilson | Windows Central)
(Image credit: Ben Wilson | Windows Central)
(Image credit: Ben Wilson | Windows Central)
(Image credit: Ben Wilson | Windows Central)
(Image credit: Ben Wilson | Windows Central)
Cyberpunk 2077 ‘Ultra Ray Tracing’ preset at 1600p is the default option on launch, but a tad overkill.(Image credit: Ben Wilson | Windows Central)
Cyberpunk 2077 on ‘High’ settings at 1080p easily pushes past a 120 FPS average.(Image credit: Ben Wilson | Windows Central)
Shadow of the Tomb Raider at ‘High’ 1600p averages over 120 FPS on AC power.(Image credit: Ben Wilson | Windows Central)
Shadow of the Tomb Raider at ‘High’ 1080p pushes up to 175 FPS average, but not quite the max of 240Hz.(Image credit: Ben Wilson | Windows Central)
Fary Cry 6 at ‘High’ 1600p averages well above 60Hz, with a minimum of 83 FPS.(Image credit: Ben Wilson | Windows Central)
Far Cry 6 at ‘High’ 1080p hits the sweet 120Hz average with a minimum 103 FPS.(Image credit: Ben Wilson | Windows Central)
An average FPS north of 120Hz on battery power is beautiful.
ASUS ROG Zephyrus G16 (2023)
It’s the laptop I wish I found before dumping all my cash into PC components.
