When choosing between the Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 5i and the Lenovo ThinkBook 13x, consider that the IdeaPad may offer good value and satisfactory performance for everyday tasks like web browsing, document editing, and media consumption at a lower price point. On the other hand, the ThinkBook typically provides a sleeker design, lighter weight, and potentially better build quality, making it more suitable for business professionals who prioritize portability and a premium feel. If you're using demanding software or multitask frequently, the ThinkBook may offer better performance and reliability, justifying the higher cost. 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 Slim 5i
Very good keyboard
Advantages of the Lenovo ThinkBook 13x
Very good for content creation
Very good overall display quality
Excellent portability
Very good speakers
Key differences
Engineering and Design
7.0/10
7.9/10
6.9/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
8.6/10
3.7/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
3.7/10
16.0 GB
RAM
16.0 GB
The Lenovo ThinkBook 13x and Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 5i are both good for engineering and design, though the Lenovo ThinkBook 13x is somewhat better.
The Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 5i typically offers strong processing power, ample memory, and a capable graphics card along with a high-quality screen, making it suitable for demanding engineering and design software. In contrast, the Lenovo ThinkBook 13x, while also providing good CPU and RAM, focuses on enhanced portability and a sleek design, potentially sacrificing some screen real estate and graphical performance, but with the advantage of a lightweight build and a quality keyboard, appealing to professionals on the move.
Content Creation
7.4/10
8.0/10
6.9/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
8.6/10
1920 x 1200
RESOLUTION
2880 x 1920
16.0 GB
RAM
16.0 GB
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
The Lenovo ThinkBook 13x is very good for content creation, while the Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 5i is good.
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.
Screen Quality
6.4/10
8.2/10
16.0in
SIZE
13.5in
1920 x 1200
RESOLUTION
2880 x 1920
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
60Hz
REFRESH RATE
120Hz
315.0 nits
BRIGHTNESS
500.0 nits
The Lenovo ThinkBook 13x has a better screen than the Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 5i for general use, gaming and AI, engineering and design, content creation, and software development.
The Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 5i's fair screen quality for general use reflects limited brightness and resolution that may not provide the most comfortable everyday experience, whereas the ThinkBook 13x's very good screen quality with higher brightness and resolution offers a sharper and more vibrant viewing for documents and media. For engineering and design, the ThinkBook 13x excels with a wider color gamut coverage, making colors more accurate and detailed for professional creative work, unlike the Slim 5i, which has a narrower color range. However, for gaming and 3D applications, both laptops lack in refresh rate, which is crucial for smooth motion and responsiveness, though their resolution and panel type might suffice for casual gaming or less demanding 3D tasks.
Portability
Good
Excellent
16.0in
SIZE
13.5in
4.1 lbs
WEIGHT
2.7 lbs
0.7in
THICKNESS
0.5in
The Lenovo ThinkBook 13x has excellent portability, while the Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 5i has good portability.
The most portable laptops are small, thin, and light.
Cost
$828
$1,399
$0
$500
$1,000
$1,500
$2,000
$2,500
The Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 5i has a price of $828 and the Lenovo ThinkBook 13x costs $1,399.
The Lenovo ThinkBook 13x and Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 5i are both good for general use.
The Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 5i, with a solid CPU and RAM setup, offers reliable performance for everyday tasks, a nice screen, and a balance between portability and battery life that suits most users. The Lenovo ThinkBook 13x, on the other hand, steps up with even greater portability due to its lightweight design and higher screen quality, making it an excellent choice for those who prioritize mobility and display sharpness, though this might come at a higher cost.
Gaming and AI
6.3/10
6.6/10
3.7/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
3.7/10
1920 x 1200
RESOLUTION
2880 x 1920
60Hz
REFRESH RATE
120Hz
No
SUPPORTS DLSS
No
No
MUX SWITCH / ADVANCED OPTIMUS
No
7.5/10
FAN NOISE SCORE
8.3/10
The Lenovo ThinkBook 13x and Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 5i are both only fair for gaming and AI.
The Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 5i and the Lenovo ThinkBook 13x have GPUs that provide adequate graphics performance for casual gaming and basic 3D tasks but won't deliver the high frame rates or detailed visuals needed for more intense gaming or professional 3D work. Both laptops offer decent screen refresh rates and quality as well as capable CPUs, but they can't match the higher-end laptops designed specifically for gaming or 3D applications.
Software Development
7.4/10
7.9/10
6.9/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
8.6/10
16.0 GB
RAM
16.0 GB
1920 x 1200
RESOLUTION
2880 x 1920
8.0/10
KEYBOARD QUALITY SCORE
7.5/10
The Lenovo ThinkBook 13x and Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 5i are both good for software development.
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.
Battery
8.0 Hours
8.0 Hours
The Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 5i has 8 hours of battery life. The Lenovo ThinkBook 13x has 8 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
7.6/10
7.6/10
The Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 5i and Lenovo ThinkBook 13x both have good build quality.
PerfectRec’s Build Quality Score incorporates case materials, display and keyboard flex, hinge quality, and overall reliability.
Give feedback
We’re constantly working to improve.
How the Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 5i and the Lenovo ThinkBook 13x compare to other laptops
"The device is made for average work loads and if your work has a lot to do with online browsing, using apps that are not power-hungry and streaming videos. The looks are really good and the device in itself is not a heavy one. And with Intel 11th-gen Core processor, you might sail through most of your work without complaints."
Get a great deal on the Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 5i or the Lenovo ThinkBook 13x
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.
By the numbers
380
Laptops evaluated
48,640
Laptops stats compiled
13
Proprietary Laptops ratings developed
132,195
Recommendations made
28,643
Consumer hours saved
About the laptop team
Joe Golden, Ph.D
CEO and Laptops Editor
Joe is an entrepreneur and lifelong electronics enthusiast with a Ph.D in Economics from the University of Michigan.
Jason Lew
Staff Expert & Software Engineer
Jason is a staff expert and software engineer that has been making laptop recommendations for 7 years and moderates one of the largest laptop subreddits.
Chandradeep Chowdhury
Staff Expert & Software Engineer
Chandradeep is a staff expert and software engineer and expert in televisions and monitors. He’s been making monitor recommendations for ten years.
Craig Russell
Laptops Expert
Craig is a UK-based laptops expert. Craig works in IT, where he recommends and supports laptops and PCs for clients and has been recommending laptops on Reddit for five years.