Lenovo IdeaPad Gaming 3 vs Lenovo Legion Go
The Verdict
Comparing these devices reveals fundamentally different use cases. IdeaPad Gaming 3 is a traditional 15.6-inch laptop with AMD Ryzen 5 7535HS, 8GB DDR5 RAM, 256GB SSD, and 120Hz display, delivering solid productivity and light gaming at budget pricing. Legion Go is a portable gaming handheld featuring the superior Ryzen Z1 Extreme, 16GB LPDDR5x memory, 512GB+ storage, and an exceptional 8.8-inch 2560x1600 display at 144Hz with 500 nits brightness. Battery life favors the IdeaPad for general use (6 hours), while Legion Go manages 1.5-6 hours depending on gaming intensity. Performance-wise, Z1 Extreme significantly outpaces the Ryzen 5 for gaming. IdeaPad suits students needing everyday computing and casual gaming; Legion Go targets dedicated portable gamers prioritizing performance and display quality. For versatility and value, IdeaPad wins. For gaming-centric users, Legion Go justifies its premium specs despite higher price.
Who Should Buy
Buy the Lenovo IdeaPad Gaming 3 if…
- →RTX 4050 at $799 is excellent value for entry-level gaming
- →120Hz display is a noticeable upgrade over 60Hz
- →Upgradeable RAM and storage via accessible panels
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 Gaming 3
Pros
- RTX 4050 at $799 is excellent value for entry-level gaming
- 120Hz display is a noticeable upgrade over 60Hz
- Upgradeable RAM and storage via accessible panels
- Ryzen 5 7535HS handles both gaming and schoolwork
- Decent thermals for a budget chassis with dual-fan cooling
Cons
- 250-nit display is too dim for well-lit rooms
- 8 GB base RAM needs upgrading for modern games
- 256 GB SSD fills up fast — plan to add a second drive
- All-plastic build feels flimsy and creaks
- Speaker quality is poor — headphones are recommended
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 Gaming 3 | Lenovo Legion Go |
|---|---|---|
| Software | Windows 11 Home | Windows 11 |
| Body | ||
| Weight | 5.07 lbs (2.3 kg) | 854 g (with controllers) |
| Material | Plastic | Plastic chassis with detachable controllers |
| Dimensions | 14.19 x 10.14 x 0.91 inches | 299 x 131 x 40.7 mm |
| Ports | ||
| HDMI | — | |
| USB-A ports | 2 | — |
| USB-C ports | 1 | 2 |
| SD card | — | |
| Microsd | — | |
| Headphone Jack | — | |
| Battery | ||
| Battery life | Up to 6 hours | 1.5-6 hours (game dependent) |
| Capacity | 60 Wh | 49.2 Wh |
| Display | ||
| Size | 15.6 inches | 8.8 inches |
| Type | IPS anti-glare | IPS LCD |
| Resolution | 1920 x 1080 | 2560 x 1600 |
| Refresh rate | 120Hz | 144Hz |
| Brightness (nits) | 250 | 500 |
| Storage | ||
| SSD | 256 GB PCIe Gen 4 NVMe | — |
| Expandable storage | — | |
| Keyboard | ||
| Backlit | — | |
| Processor | ||
| RAM | 8 GB DDR5 | 16 GB LPDDR5x (7500 MT/s) |
| Cores | 6 cores / 12 threads | 8-core CPU, RDNA 3 (12 CUs) integrated GPU |
| Chipset | AMD Ryzen 5 7535HS | 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 |
Related Comparisons
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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