If you're prioritizing cost savings, the Lenovo IdeaPad 1 14" is significantly less expensive and offers decent performance for basic tasks. However, it has lower storage and memory, lesser build quality, and a lower resolution screen compared to the Lenovo IdeaPad 5 15". The IdeaPad 5 15", although more costly, provides higher performance with better processor, more memory for efficient multitasking, and a higher quality, larger display. It's better suited for more demanding tasks and multimedia consumption. The decision depends on your balance between financial considerations and computing needs. If everyday use and savings are key, go with the IdeaPad 1. For increased power and a better overall experience at a higher price, choose the IdeaPad 5. Give Feedback
this description is based on the product variant with some specs and product variant with some specs. At the time of writing, the variant with some specs cost some dollars and the variant with some specs cost some dollars.
Advantages of the Lenovo IdeaPad 1 14"
Very good portability
Advantages of the Lenovo IdeaPad 5 15"
Good for general use
Good for software development
Good for content creation
Good overall build quality
Very good battery life
Very good keyboard
Key differences
General Use
6.1/10
7.4/10
1366 x 768
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1080
TN
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
239.0 nits
DISPLAY BRIGHTNESS
341.0 nits
9.0 Hours
BATTERY LIFE
11.0 Hours
6.5/10
KEYBOARD QUALITY SCORE
8.0/10
8.3/10
PORTABILITY SCORE
7.8/10
The Lenovo IdeaPad 5 15" is good for general use, while the Lenovo IdeaPad 1 14" is only fair.
The Lenovo IdeaPad 1 14" has a less powerful CPU and half the RAM of the Lenovo IdeaPad 5 15", which can significantly restrict performance for general use tasks. Additionally, the IdeaPad 5 boasts a better quality IPS display with higher resolution, providing a clearer and more vibrant viewing experience, alongside more storage capacity and a slightly longer battery life.
Gaming and AI
5.5/10
6.2/10
3.5/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
3.6/10
1366 x 768
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1080
60Hz
REFRESH RATE
60Hz
No
SUPPORTS DLSS
No
No
MUX SWITCH / ADVANCED OPTIMUS
No
10.0/10
FAN NOISE SCORE
7.5/10
The Lenovo IdeaPad 5 15" is only fair for gaming and AI, while the Lenovo IdeaPad 1 14" is poor.
The Lenovo IdeaPad 1 14" offers only basic Intel UHD Graphics suitable for very light tasks, leading to its poor performance for gaming and 3D applications, whereas the Lenovo IdeaPad 5 15" includes a more capable AMD Ryzen 7 CPU with Vega 8 Graphics, contributing to its fair performance in those areas. Both laptops have similar screen refresh rates, but the superior GPU in the IdeaPad 5 provides better handling of graphic-intensive tasks needed for gaming and 3D rendering.
Engineering and Design
5.5/10
6.7/10
3.3/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
6.8/10
3.5/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
3.6/10
4.0 GB
RAM
8.0 GB
The Lenovo IdeaPad 5 15" is only fair for engineering and design, while the Lenovo IdeaPad 1 14" is poor.
PerfectRec’s Engineering and Design Score takes into account the many different features of the laptop that make it more or less suitable for graphic design and 3D rendering work.
Content Creation
6.2/10
7.3/10
3.3/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
6.8/10
1366 x 768
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1080
4.0 GB
RAM
8.0 GB
TN
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
The Lenovo IdeaPad 5 15" is good for content creation, while the Lenovo IdeaPad 1 14" is only fair.
PerfectRec’s Content Creation Score takes into account the many different features of the laptop that make it more or less suitable for photo editing, video editing and other content creation tasks.
Software Development
6.4/10
7.3/10
3.3/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
6.8/10
4.0 GB
RAM
8.0 GB
1366 x 768
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1080
6.5/10
KEYBOARD QUALITY SCORE
8.0/10
The Lenovo IdeaPad 5 15" is good for software development, while the Lenovo IdeaPad 1 14" is only fair.
PerfectRec’s Software Development Score takes into account the many different features of the laptop that make it more or less suitable for software developers.
Screen Quality
5.3/10
6.5/10
14.0in
SIZE
15.6in
1366 x 768
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1080
TN
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
60Hz
REFRESH RATE
60Hz
239.0 nits
BRIGHTNESS
341.0 nits
The Lenovo IdeaPad 5 15" has a better screen than the Lenovo IdeaPad 1 14" for general use, gaming and AI, engineering and design, content creation, and software development.
The Lenovo IdeaPad 1's screen quality is deemed poor for general use due to its likely lower resolution and dim display, making text less sharp and videos less vibrant. For engineering and design, the limited color gamut on this model means colors won't be as accurate or vivid, which is crucial for detailed graphics work. When it comes to gaming and 3D, the slower refresh rate could result in less smooth visuals, which is especially noticeable in fast-paced games and animations, while the lower resolution and basic panel type could affect image clarity and depth.
Battery
9.0 Hours
11.0 Hours
The Lenovo IdeaPad 1 14" has 9 hours of battery life. The Lenovo IdeaPad 5 15" has 11 hours of battery life.
Battery life estimate is based on a mix of common use patterns. More portable and higher performing laptops tend to have less battery life.
Build Quality
6.0/10
7.6/10
The Lenovo IdeaPad 5 15" has good build quality, while the Lenovo IdeaPad 1 14" has only fair build quality.
PerfectRec’s Build Quality Score incorporates case materials, display and keyboard flex, hinge quality, and overall reliability.
Cost
$153
$771
$0
$200
$400
$600
$800
$1,000
$1,200
The Lenovo IdeaPad 1 14" has a price of $153 and the Lenovo IdeaPad 5 15" costs $771.
Although they have very similar scores, PerfectRec considers Lenovo IdeaPad 1 14" to have very good portability, while the Lenovo IdeaPad 5 15" has good portability.
The most portable laptops are small, thin, and light.
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How the Lenovo IdeaPad 1 14" and the Lenovo IdeaPad 5 15" compare to other laptops
"The IdeaPad 1 14 is a simple machine, but it’s well-designed and has nearly everything you’d expect from a no-nonsense laptop that allows you to check emails and get schoolwork or other light tasks done with relative ease. A "true" 128GB SSD (as opposed to an eMMC drive) and a roomy 14-inch full HD display are arguably the star attractions, with the comfortable keyboard and reasonably modern styling playing important backup roles."
"The Lenovo IdeaPad 5 is convincing due to its long battery life. The device scores points especially with its large battery and long battery runtimes combined with its low consumption. The CPU and GPU perform in the test as one would expect, and in line with what was familiar from the somewhat smaller 14-inch sister model, the Lenovo IdeaPad 5 14."
Get a great deal on the Lenovo IdeaPad 1 14" or the Lenovo IdeaPad 5 15"
About Lenovo
Lenovo is a Chinese technology company, and one of the largest personal computer vendor. They are well known for a variety of technology products, including laptops. Their consumer series include their entry level IdeaPad and LOQ series and mid-to-high-end Yoga and Legion series. On the business-oriented side, their series include their entry-level ThinkBook series and mid-to-high-end ThinkPad series. Lenovo laptops offer strong performance for reasonable prices, and are often on sale.
This information was produced and vetted by the PerfectRec laptops team. We are a product research and recommendation organization that meticulously reviews and evaluates the latest laptop information and makes it digestible for you.
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