Lenovo IdeaPad 5 Pro 16" vs Lenovo Legion Go
The Verdict
These devices serve fundamentally different purposes despite both running Windows 11. The IdeaPad 5 Pro 16 is a traditional laptop with a 16-inch 2560x1600 display, AMD Ryzen 7 8845HS processor, 16GB DDR5 RAM, and 512GB storage priced at $899. It delivers strong productivity performance with up to 12 hours of battery life, making it suitable for daily work and content creation. The Legion Go, at $699, is a handheld gaming device with an 8.8-inch 2560x1600 display, Ryzen Z1 Extreme processor, and impressive 144Hz refresh rate. Its 49.2Wh battery provides only 1.5-6 hours depending on workload, and the detachable controllers limit traditional laptop functionality. The IdeaPad excels for professional work with its larger screen, full keyboard, superior port selection (HDMI, USB-A, SD card), and aluminum construction. The Legion Go prioritizes gaming portability and high frame rates. If you need a laptop for productivity, schoolwork, or creative tasks, the IdeaPad 5 Pro 16 is the clear choice with its extended battery life and proper form factor. The Legion Go makes sense only if handheld gaming is your priority and you accept its severe battery limitations and gaming-only positioning.
Who Should Buy
Buy the Lenovo IdeaPad 5 Pro 16" if…
- →2.5K 120Hz display is exceptional for a sub-$900 laptop
- →Ryzen 7 8845HS with Ryzen AI for local AI processing
- →75 Wh battery delivers genuine all-day use for productivity
Buy the Lenovo Legion Go if…
- →Largest display at 8.8 inches with QHD+ 2560 x 1600 resolution
- →144Hz refresh rate is the highest among gaming handhelds
- →Detachable controllers enable tabletop mode like Nintendo Switch
Category Scores
Pros & Cons
Lenovo IdeaPad 5 Pro 16"
Pros
- 2.5K 120Hz display is exceptional for a sub-$900 laptop
- Ryzen 7 8845HS with Ryzen AI for local AI processing
- 75 Wh battery delivers genuine all-day use for productivity
- Full-size HDMI and SD card reader — no dongles needed
- 16-inch display is ideal for split-screen multitasking
Cons
- 350-nit brightness is dim for outdoor use
- No Thunderbolt — USB-C only for charging and peripherals
- 4.41 lbs is heavier than ultrabook competitors
- No discrete GPU option for light gaming
Lenovo Legion Go
Pros
- Largest display at 8.8 inches with QHD+ 2560 x 1600 resolution
- 144Hz refresh rate is the highest among gaming handhelds
- Detachable controllers enable tabletop mode like Nintendo Switch
- Built-in kickstand for hands-free tabletop gaming
- FPS mode with mouse-like right controller trackball is innovative
Cons
- Very heavy at 854 g with controllers — fatiguing for handheld use
- Battery life is poor at 1.5-6 hours depending on settings
- Windows 11 is clunky for handheld navigation without a mouse
- QHD+ resolution is demanding — most games need to run at 720p/1080p anyway
- Detachable controller latency can occur occasionally
Full Specifications
| Spec | Lenovo IdeaPad 5 Pro 16" | Lenovo Legion Go |
|---|---|---|
| Software | Windows 11 Home | Windows 11 |
| Body | ||
| Weight | 4.41 lbs (2.0 kg) | 854 g (with controllers) |
| Material | Aluminum | Plastic chassis with detachable controllers |
| Dimensions | 14.06 x 9.99 x 0.68 inches | 299 x 131 x 40.7 mm |
| Ports | ||
| HDMI | — | |
| USB-A ports | 1 | — |
| USB-C ports | 2 | 2 |
| SD card | — | |
| Microsd | — | |
| Headphone Jack | — | |
| Battery | ||
| Battery life | Up to 12 hours | 1.5-6 hours (game dependent) |
| Capacity | 75 Wh | 49.2 Wh |
| Display | ||
| Size | 16 inches | 8.8 inches |
| Type | IPS | IPS LCD |
| Resolution | 2560 x 1600 | 2560 x 1600 |
| Refresh rate | 120Hz | 144Hz |
| Brightness (nits) | 350 | 500 |
| Storage | ||
| SSD | 512 GB PCIe Gen 4 NVMe | — |
| Expandable storage | — | |
| Keyboard | ||
| Backlit | — | |
| Processor | ||
| RAM | 16 GB DDR5 | 16 GB LPDDR5x (7500 MT/s) |
| Cores | 8 cores / 16 threads | 8-core CPU, RDNA 3 (12 CUs) integrated GPU |
| Chipset | AMD Ryzen 7 8845HS | AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme (Zen 4, 8-core / 16-thread, up to 5.1 GHz) |
| Memory | ||
| Storage options | — | 512 GB PCIe Gen 4 NVMe SSD, 1 TB PCIe Gen 4 NVMe SSD |
| Connectivity | ||
| Wi-Fi | — | Wi-Fi 6E |
| Bluetooth | — | 5.2 |
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This comparison is based on verified manufacturer specifications covering display, performance, camera, battery, and build quality. Scores are generated by analyzing specs across weighted categories on a 10-point scale. Learn more about our methodology.
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