Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 5 16 (2024) vs Lenovo Legion Go
The Verdict
Comparing these devices requires understanding they serve different purposes entirely. IdeaPad Slim 5 16 is a traditional laptop with a 16-inch 1920x1200 IPS display, Intel Core Ultra 5 125H processor, 16GB RAM, and 512GB storage, delivering 11 hours of battery life for productivity work. Legion Go is a portable gaming handheld featuring an 8.8-inch 2560x1600 144Hz display, AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme processor, and RDNA 3 integrated GPU, but manages only 1.5-6 hours depending on game load. At $799, the IdeaPad offers superior everyday usability with better keyboard, larger screen, and connectivity options including HDMI and multiple USB ports. Legion Go at $699 excels for gaming portability and display quality but sacrifices battery endurance and general computing comfort. Choose IdeaPad for work, writing, and general use; select Legion Go only if portable AAA gaming is your priority.
Who Should Buy
Buy the Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 5 16 (2024) if…
- →Large 16-inch screen great for productivity and multitasking
- →Strong port selection including HDMI and SD card
- →Excellent value for the spec sheet
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 Slim 5 16 (2024)
Pros
- Large 16-inch screen great for productivity and multitasking
- Strong port selection including HDMI and SD card
- Excellent value for the spec sheet
- Comfortable full-size keyboard with numpad
Cons
- 1920x1200 panel is low resolution for a 16-inch display
- Heavier and bulkier than 14-inch ultrabooks
- Display brightness only 300 nits, dim outdoors
- Plastic base feels less premium than competitors
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 Slim 5 16 (2024) | Lenovo Legion Go |
|---|---|---|
| Software | Windows 11 Home | Windows 11 |
| Body | ||
| Weight | 1.95 kg | 854 g (with controllers) |
| Material | Aluminum top, plastic base | Plastic chassis with detachable controllers |
| Dimensions | 356.5 x 251.8 x 16.9 mm | 299 x 131 x 40.7 mm |
| Ports | ||
| HDMI | 1 | — |
| USB-A ports | 2 | — |
| USB-C ports | 2 | 2 |
| SD card | — | |
| Thunderbolt ports | 1 | — |
| Microsd | — | |
| Headphone Jack | — | |
| Battery | ||
| Battery life | Up to 11 hours | 1.5-6 hours (game dependent) |
| Capacity | 65 Wh | 49.2 Wh |
| Display | ||
| Size | 16 inches | 8.8 inches |
| Type | IPS, anti-glare | IPS LCD |
| Resolution | 1920 x 1200 | 2560 x 1600 |
| Brightness (nits) | 300 | 500 |
| Refresh rate | — | 144Hz |
| Storage | ||
| SSD | 512 GB | — |
| Expandable storage | — | |
| Keyboard | ||
| Backlit | — | |
| Processor | ||
| RAM | 16 GB LPDDR5X | 16 GB LPDDR5x (7500 MT/s) |
| Cores | 14 cores | 8-core CPU, RDNA 3 (12 CUs) integrated GPU |
| Chipset | Intel Core Ultra 5 125H | 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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