Lenovo IdeaPad 3i 15” (Intel) review
Lenovo IdeaPad 3i 15” (Intel) — from 2021, 1.63 kg, performance 50.
Technical specifications
| Type | Laptop |
| Release year | 2021 |
| Screen | 15.6" · 1920x1080 |
| Processor | Intel Pentium Gold 7505 , Intel Core i3 1115G4 , Intel Core i5 1135G7 , Intel Core i5 1155G7 , Intel Core i7 1165G7 , Intel Core i3 1215U , Intel Core i5 1235U , Intel Core i7 1255U |
| Graphics | GeForce MX350 2GB , GeForce MX450 2GB |
| Max. RAM | 16 GB |
| Weight | 1.63 kg |
| Battery | 38 Wh |
Performance scores
Lenovo IdeaPad 3i 15": the $399 machine with a real graphics card
The IdeaPad 3i 15 (2021, Intel) at $399 is the cheapest way into this batch's general-laptop shelf, and it spends its budget oddly but defensibly: an Intel Pentium Gold 7505, a GeForce MX350 with 2GB of VRAM, and 16GB of memory. A discrete card at the bottom of the price table is the whole story.
Where it holds up
The graphics score of 44.73 stands 64% above the general-laptop median of 27.24 — a different reference frame than business machines face, and still a clear win, mainstream-tier. Photo design posts 83 (high) and value at 81.4 (high) is the sheet's loudest endorsement: capability per dollar is excellent. The recommended-bar checks pass for Overwatch and Rainbow Six Siege, GTA V is judged by its pass flag alone, and Far Cry 5 logs a plausible 34 frames at its recommended bar; Photoshop and Visual Studio Code clear their minimums.
Where it falls short
Memory is the named weakness — 16GB against a 32GB median. Battery is the structural one: 38Wh against a 48Wh class norm, a "small" 20.8% shortfall that shows up on any day away from the outlet. Office at 68.43 (high) survives the Pentium CPU better than expected, but nothing on the sheet hides that this is bottom-tier compute wearing a competent graphics card.
Price and depreciation
At $399 the class rate reads 11.13% per year with no cohort anchor for a projection — rate-only framing for the general segment. Depreciation arithmetic favors the buyer here: the price is already near the floor, so the percentage applies to almost nothing.
Alternatives to consider
The IdeaPad 3i Gen 6 14 at the same $399 carries the same platform in a smaller frame with higher portability — size preference should decide. The IdeaPad 5 15 AMD at the same price swaps the MX350 for Vega 6 integrated graphics and adds a mobility advantage, the pick if endurance outranks the discrete card.
Bottom line
Fairly priced for the class. The IdeaPad 3i 15 is a value play: high-band photo design and a passing game bar at $399, paid for with a small battery, a 16GB ceiling and Pentium-class CPU — a machine for buyers who know exactly why they want a GPU on a budget.
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⭐ What stands out
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graphics performance is higher than typical general laptop class (+64.2%) (mainstream tier).
above class average -
memory capacity is lower than typical general laptop class (+50%) (comfort).
below class average -
battery capacity is lower than typical general laptop class (+20.8%) (small tier).
budget segment of category
🎮 What it can run
⚙️ Configuration analysis
Top configuration suits everyday productivity, light photo editing, and esports titles.
🤔 How to choose
Universal advice for any use case.
- Reliability vs price: reliability (median 54) ↔ price (median 247.9).
- Weight vs CPU: mobility (median 50) ↔ overall performance (median 43.1).
- Upgradeability vs battery: upgradability (median 50) ↔ battery life (median 2.3).
IdeaPad 3i 15” (Intel): verdict
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