Lenovo Flex 5i Chromebook Plus
This versatile convertible delivers above-average ChromeOS performance, a bright touchscreen, and solid build quality at an accessible price point, though hinge durability and battery life present compromises.
Updated January 28, 2026
The Lenovo Flex 5i Chromebook Plus represents a compelling entry in Google's Chromebook Plus tier, delivering hardware specifications that exceed baseline Chromebook standards while maintaining affordability. This 2-in-1 convertible features a 14-inch touchscreen with a productivity-friendly 16:10 aspect ratio, Intel Core i3-1315U processor, 8GB of RAM, and 128GB of storage, qualifying it for Google's enhanced AI features. The device balances performance, versatility, and build quality, earning recognition from multiple reviewers as an ideal choice for students, remote workers, and budget-conscious consumers seeking a flexible computing platform. While the Flex 5i excels in everyday productivity tasks and offers a comfortable typing experience, it makes deliberate compromises in areas such as battery longevity, material construction, and accessory inclusion to achieve its competitive positioning.[^1][^2][^3][^4][^5]
Pros
- Above-average ChromeOS performance with Intel Core i3-1315U processor handling multitasking and web-based applications efficiently
- Bright 14-inch touchscreen with 16:10 aspect ratio providing 300+ nits brightness and responsive touch input
- Versatile 2-in-1 design with 360-degree hinge enabling laptop, tablet, tent, and stand modes
- Comfortable backlit keyboard with spacious, responsive keys suitable for extended typing sessions
- Comprehensive port selection including two USB-C ports, USB-A, microSD card reader, and headphone jack
Cons
- Hinge durability issues reported by multiple users, with failures occurring within 6-9 months of typical use
- Modest battery life averaging 6-8 hours under normal use, falling short of all-day performance expectations
- Budget-oriented plastic construction on keyboard deck contrasts with aluminum lid, creating inconsistent premium feel
- No stylus included despite pen support capability, requiring separate USI stylus purchase
- Limited color gamut coverage at 45% NTSC (approximately 64% sRGB), unsuitable for color-critical creative work
The Lenovo Flex 5i Chromebook Plus represents a compelling entry in Google's Chromebook Plus tier, delivering hardware specifications that exceed baseline Chromebook standards while maintaining affordability. This 2-in-1 convertible features a 14-inch touchscreen with a productivity-friendly 16:10 aspect ratio, Intel Core i3-1315U processor, 8GB of RAM, and 128GB of storage, qualifying it for Google's enhanced AI features. The device balances performance, versatility, and build quality, earning recognition from multiple reviewers as an ideal choice for students, remote workers, and budget-conscious consumers seeking a flexible computing platform. While the Flex 5i excels in everyday productivity tasks and offers a comfortable typing experience, it makes deliberate compromises in areas such as battery longevity, material construction, and accessory inclusion to achieve its competitive positioning.[^1][^2][^3][^4][^5]
- Exceptional keyboard quality with large key caps, clear font, comfortable typing feel, and optional backlighting that rivals premium laptops like Dell XPS and MacBook Pro[^5][^1]
- Strong everyday productivity performance handling office applications, 20+ browser tabs, video conferencing, and multitasking without hiccups[^2][^6]
- Solid build quality with aluminum chassis showing reduced flex compared to previous generations and premium feel despite mid-range positioning[^7][^2]
- Good thermal management maintaining comfortable temperatures during extended use without overheating issues[^6][^8]
- Competitive value proposition offering generous RAM and storage configurations for the price point in business-friendly packages[^9][^2]
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Display | 14-inch WUXGA (1920 x 1200) IPS touchscreen, 16:10 aspect ratio, 300 nits brightness, 45% NTSC color gamut [^3][^8] |
| Processor | Intel Core i3-1315U (13th Generation, up to 4.5 GHz) [^3][^14] |
| Memory | 8GB LPDDR4x-4266 MHz RAM [^3][^15] |
| Storage | 128GB eMMC (some configurations offer SSD upgrades) [^3][^15] |
| Graphics | Intel UHD integrated graphics [^3][^15] |
| Ports | 2x USB-C 3.2 (Gen 1 and Gen 2), 1x USB-A 3.2 Gen 1, microSD card slot, 3.5mm audio jack [^3][^14] |
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi 6E (802.11ax), Bluetooth 5.0/5.3 [^14][^15] |
| Camera | 1080p FHD webcam with privacy shutter [^14][^15] |
| Battery | 51WHr lithium polymer, up to 10 hours rated (6-8 hours typical use) [^4][^11] |
| Dimensions | 12.4 x 9 x 0.78 inches [^3][^15] |
| Weight | 3.57 pounds (1.62 kg) [^3][^4] |
| Operating System | ChromeOS with automatic updates through June 2032 [^4] |
| Keyboard | Backlit, full-size with comfortable key travel [^1][^14] |
| Audio | Upward-facing stereo speakers [^12] |
| Material | Aluminum and glass lid, plastic keyboard deck [^12][^5] |
Buy
- You need a flexible 2-in-1 form factor for varied use cases including note-taking, media consumption, and traditional laptop work[^1][^7]
- Your primary workflow centers on Google Workspace applications, web browsing, and cloud-based productivity tools[^4][^6]
- You want Chromebook Plus features including guaranteed access to Google AI capabilities and enhanced performance standards[^3][^5]
- Budget constraints require balancing performance with cost, and you value capability over premium materials[^2][^13]
- You're a student or remote worker seeking a lightweight, portable device with solid everyday performance[^4][^7]
Skip
- You require all-day battery life exceeding 10 hours without access to charging opportunities[^11][^7]
- Hinge durability concerns are problematic given reports of frequent failures on 2-in-1 Lenovo models[^10][^9]
- Color-accurate display is essential for photo editing, graphic design, or video production workflows[^8][^7]
- You need Windows or macOS compatibility for specific professional applications unavailable on ChromeOS[^8]
- Premium build quality with minimal flex and high-end materials justifies additional spending in your budget[^12][^5]
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