Introduction, design, and features
Behold, Lenovo’s new flagship
Lenovo Yoga 9i: The New Flagship Riddle
So, Lenovo drops the Yoga 9i as the newest flagship, and suddenly you’re scratching your head because the Yoga Slim 7 Carbon already feels like a top‑tier machine. Why bother, you ask?
What Makes the 9i Stand Out?
- Chipset & Power – The 9i rides on the latest Intel or AMD CPUs, boosting speeds that feel smoother than a jam session.
- Display Brilliance – Think 4K or OLED options that make your photos and videos pop like a fresh paint splash.
- Battery Life – Extended hours for heavy multitasking—so your laptop lasts from morning call to late‑night binge.
- Dragon‑level Thermal Management – Keeps heat under control even when you’re playing games or rendering videos.
Design & Feel: The Premium Touch
The 9i isn’t just about chips; it’s a good look too. Slender chassis, matte finish, magnetic hinge—pulls prestige vibes. If the 7 Carbon feels like solid but the 9i feels like a 5‑star hotel, the difference is in the bezel and weight distribution.
Extra Features That “Add Flavor”
- Precision Touchpad – With pressure sensitivity for a more natural typing & scrolling feel.
- Libre Wifi 6E – Glides on faster, less congested bands for that silky streaming experience.
- Multiple USB‑C Ports – True “future proof” with Power Delivery and DisplayPort support.
- Software Suite – Comes with privacy tools like a built‑in webcam shutter and enhanced encryption.
Worth the Premium?
Here’s the quick gear‑check: If you’re a creative pro, gamer, or someone who hates mid‑night battery death, the 9i’s specs are a solid upgrade. However, if you mainly browse, stream, or use office apps, the 7 Carbon already offers most high‑end features at a lower price point.
Bottom line: The 9i’s extra cost is justified only if the extra comfort, power, and cooling are your non‑negotiables. Otherwise, the 7 Carbon or even a mid‑range model will save you cash without sacrificing much.
Bottom Line
Lenovo’s new flagship feels like a flashy upgrade, and it might be worth it if you’re chasing that “top‑class” operating feel. For the everyday user who just needs performance, keep it lean and sweet with the 7 Carbon or a cheaper sibling.
Design, features, and specs
Meet the Yoga 9i – a Notebook that Kinda Looks Like a Fancy iPhone
When you first lay eyes on the Lenovo Yoga 9i, you’ll notice it’s got finishes that make you think, “Is this a phone or a laptop?” The sides are super-polished and gently rounded, a stylish nod that even the iPhone 11 Pro would envy.
Behind the Sleek Armor
Lenovo dishes out a 10‑step wizardry for those elegant edges: CNC milling for flawless cuts, sandblasting to smooth the surface, anodisation for that durable shine, and finally a meticulous polish that brings the gleam. Think of it as a spa day for a computer.
Stylish Detailing for the Curious Hands
Mid‑top, you’ll spot a tiny notch—easy‑grip magic that lets you lift the screen without splattering your coffee. It’s like a subtle wink from Lenovo, saying “Trust us, we care about every detail.”
Choose Your See‑ey Role
- Oatmeal – a Champagne‑gold hue that’s soft but sophisticated.
- Storm Grey – a “Space Grey” mash‑up that’s timelessly cool.
In my hands, the Oatmeal variant feels like a warm hug wrapped in gold. If you’re feeling more “I’m a night‑time ninja,” Storm Grey might be your vibe. Either way, Lenovo’s got you covered.
<img alt="" data-caption="The polished and curved sides remind me of the iPhone 11 Pro.
PHOTO: Hardware Zone” data-entity-type=”file” data-entity-uuid=”192dc3f9-aac2-4fe2-8b87-7b2163aa90e7″ src=”/sites/default/files/inline-images/lenovo1.jpg”/>
Lenovo’s All‑Aluminium Yoga 9i: Fancy Looks, Heavy Touches
Why Go Aluminium?
Lenovo thought you deserve a notebook that feels like it’s built from a luxury car, so it swapped the sleek magnesium‑carbon fibre combo of the Yoga Slim 7 Carbon for a solid aluminium chassis. It looks and feels premium, but guess what… you’re practically carrying a small drone.
Weight Matters (Seriously)
- The Yoga Slim 7 Carbon tip‑to‑toe is a feather‑light 1.04 kg.
- The new Yoga 9i has to add a lil’ extra to its heft, landing at a notable 1.4 kg.
- It isn’t awkward at all, but it’s undeniably heavier – especially if you’re topping it off with a thick bag or two.
Convertible, But Not All‑Glamourous As a Tablet
Sure, the 9i’s hinge lets you fold the display in half like a yoga pose—kitten‑picking its way into tablet territory. But it’s thick and heavy for that role.
- Picture lying on your sofa or bed, trying to carry it: not the most graceful experience.
- Half‑fold it: a “tent” mode that’s handy for desk‑watching or flights.
- So, it’s better for showing videos than for zipping around like a lightweight gadget.
Bottom Line
Take a look at the “luxury” finish; you’ll appreciate the premium feel. If you’re okay with a slightly heavier weight and aren’t planning to use it as a full‑blown tablet, the Yoga 9i will handle your business and entertainment needs with a touch of posh.
<img alt="" data-caption="The OLED display is gorgeous to look at.
PHOTO: Hardware Zone” data-entity-type=”file” data-entity-uuid=”f4e58d21-078e-4508-aca0-b27d426a6114″ src=”/sites/default/files/inline-images/lenovo2_0.jpg”/>
Meet the 14‑inch OLED Dream Machine
The new Lenovo Yoga 9i isn’t just a pretty face; it packs a 14‑inch OLED display that feels like having a personal theater in your laptop. Picture this: 2,880×1,800 pixels, a 90 Hz refresh rate, and a color palette that covers the full DCI‑P3 range. It even nails VESA’s DisplayHDR500 True Black spec, delivering insanely dark blacks and a punch of color that makes every meme pop.
Bottom line: the screen is exactly as good as the specs claim. Whether you’re watching your favorite anime or crunching spreadsheets, it looks good on every occasion.
It’s not all glam
- For the serious enthusiasts: a 4K OLED model is up for grabs.
- On a budget? Get a Full‑HD LCD version for a fraction of the price.
Power Behind the Pixels
Under the hood, the 9i sports Intel’s latest 12th‑gen Alder Lake CPUs. I’ve been testing a model with a Core i7‑1260P processor, 16 GB LPDDR5 RAM, and a 512 GB PCIe 4.0 SSD. The i5 option is also available, and you can bump up the storage to a roomy 1 TB SSD if you need it.
All in all, the Yoga 9i is built for those who demand premium visuals and solid performance without breaking the bank.
<img alt="" data-caption="The keyboard is nice to type on and the trackpad is gargantuan.
PHOTO: Hardware Zone” data-entity-type=”file” data-entity-uuid=”a202c6a4-6085-413d-859e-d40225509125″ src=”/sites/default/files/inline-images/lenovo3.jpg”/>
The Ports on the Notebook: A Hot‑Spot for Connectivity
- Two USB‑C Thunderbolt 4 ports – lightning‑fast data + power + video.
- Two USB 3.2 Gen 2 ports – one classic USB‑A and one sleek USB‑C.
- 3.5mm audio combo jack – sing at the top or hook up the headset of your dreams.
- No memory‑card slot reader – sorry, you’ll need an adapter or external drive to bring those extra photos.
With this lineup you can hook up almost anything – from monitors to external SSDs – and you’ll still have a spare port for that office mystery gadget.
The Keyboard and Trackpad: Smooth Sailing
The trackpad is an explosion of space. Measuring 13.5 cm by 8 cm, it practically has its own zone for your fingers. It’s smooth, responsive, and has the feel of a polished marble table – you’ll never miss a swipe or tap again.
The keyboard doesn’t embarrass itself either. Its layout is intuitive, and a special column of shortcut keys lets you:
- Switch performance modes on a single click.
- Toggle between dark and light themes with the flick of a key.
- Login fast with a built‑in fingerprint scanner.
- Try facial recognition thanks to a IR camera – why not give your front door a new style?
All in all, the combined keyboard and trackpad package feels like having a friendly assistant that never complains when you tilt your head weirdly. It’s a win‑win for comfort, speed, and a touch of futuristic flair.
<img alt="" data-caption="The Bowers & Wilkins speakers are quite good. They are clear, they get loud, and they project a wide soundstage.
PHOTO: Hardware Zone” data-entity-type=”file” data-entity-uuid=”8cc756b4-7711-449e-a336-d1524d24485b” src=”/sites/default/files/inline-images/lenovo4.jpg”/>
Meet the New Notebook that’s Breaking the Sound Barrier
Lenovo’s latest laptop has a surprising audio boost: it’s the first notebook ever to sport Bowers & Wilkins‑branded speakers. If you’re a sound‑hound, this is your new favorite machine.
What Makes These Speakers Stand Out?
- Dual Woofer & Dual Tweeter Design – delivers crystal‑clear highs and punchy lows.
- Clear, Loud, and Room‑Wide – playlists and movies feel like they’re playing in a hall.
- High volume comes with minimal distortion, so the music stays pure even when you crank it up.
Not All Sunshine: The Minor Flaws
- While the bass is deliciously present, it can feel a bit slightly unrestrained—sometimes making the sound a touch “bloated.”
- Battery life drops a notch when playing at high volumes (goodies come with a price).
- For those picky ears, Apple’s MacBook lineup still has an edge in overall audio precision.
All in all, the notebook’s dual‑woofer, dual‑tweeter partnership promises an audio experience that’s clear, powerful, and spacious—perfect for those who want their movies, music, and podcasts to sound as epic as they imagine, even if the bass can sometimes go a little wild. Enjoy the tune!
Performance analysis
<img alt="" data-caption="The Yoga 9i features Intel's latest Alder Lake processors.
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Meet the Yoga 9i: Intel’s Big‑Little Powerhouse
Say hello to the Yoga 9i, a sleek, fanless marvel that packs Intel’s newest 12th‑Gen Alder Lake chip. This isn’t just another laptop—it’s a high‑tech hodgepodge featuring the big‑core + little‑core architecture, a move that even Intel considers a quarter‑century leap.
The Core Inside
- Processor: Core i7-1260P – a powerhouse that balances speed and energy efficiency. Think of it as the MacGuffin in a sci‑fi thriller that keeps the plot moving.
- Memory: 16 GB LPDDR5 – fast as you can get, letting you juggle tabs, games, and those endlessly expanding spreadsheet kingdoms without drooping.
- Storage: 512 GB PCIe 4.0 SSD – lightning‑fast boot times, and a generous playground for your pursuits.
Graphics – No Gaming Vanity
There’s no discrete graphics card in this model; the Intel Iris Xe integrated GPU keeps the screen lit. If you were hoping for “real” gaming on the go, you’ll need to temper those expectations. But for everyday browsing, streaming, and light creative work, it’s more than decent.
How It Compares in the Ultraportable World
When you’re in the market for a truly pocket‑ready notebook, the Yoga 9i stacks up competitively against its peers:
- Quality build: “so smooth you practically slide in your palm.”
- Display: fractionally bright, with color accuracy that won’t make you feel guilty for chewing my popcorn.
- Battery: Lives a full, 9‑hour cycle on an average use‑case, which is literally a lifesaver on those late‑night conference calls.
In short, the Yoga 9i “tells them every other fan‑less model, ‘Hey, I can do better.’” If you’re after a rocket‑speed CPU, a crisp screen, and a weight that’s as light as a feather, this laptop will not only meet your needs—but deliver them with a grin.
New Intel Core i7‑1260P: A Turbo‑charged Leap from 11th‑Gen
Benchmark Showdown – The Numbers Don’t lie
- Cinebench – The 1260P flexes its muscles, outperforming the 11th‑Gen Ice Lake by a tidy margin.
- Geekbench 5 – CPU‑heavy workloads see a jump that makes the old engines sound like stop‑watches.
Packing Speed with PCIe 4.0 SSD
With a lightning‑fast SSD, the PCMark 10 score swings in the right direction, proving that day‑to‑day data handling keeps up with the tech boom.
Real‑World Reality Check
When you drag it through everyday tasks, the performance bump is subtle—there’s no need to jump for applause. However, don’t be surprised if the laptop blushes a bit under heavy use.
Heat is the New Fashion
Thanks to the all‑metal build, the device tends to get warm when pushed hard. Think of it as a hint of prestige—like a warm, metallic badge of honor.
Graphics performance
Lenovo’s Graphic Showdown: Yoga 9i vs. Yoga Slim 7 Carbon
Let’s break down the visual face‑off between two of Lenovo’s sleek laptops. Think of it as a quick plot of who’s got the better virtual paintbrush.
The Yoga 9i: All‑in‑One, All‑Intel
- Graphics Backbone: Powered by Intel’s Iris Xe integrated graphics.
- Reality Check: Performance is “just okay” – no snazzy edge over the older 11th‑Gen Ice Lake machines.
- Feels Like: It’s a decent everyday display, great for emails and streaming, but not a game‑changer for gamers or heavy design work.
The Yoga Slim 7 Carbon: A Tiny Discrete Edge
- Graphics Backbone: Even with the rather modest NVIDIA GeForce MX450, it takes a small step ahead.
- Why It Matters: That discrete chip gives it a slight boost in rendering, making movies clearer and low‑end gaming a touch smoother.
- Bottom Line: For those who need a tiny extra lift over the standard Intel graphics, the Slim 7 Carbon is a better pick.
Quick Takeaway
While the Yoga 9i keeps it simple with integrated Intel graphics, the Yoga Slim 7 Carbon’s minimal discrete GPU nudges it ahead in the graphics department. If coasting through office apps is all you need, the 9i’s fine. But for a little extra visual oomph without breaking the bank, the Slim 7 Carbon’s MX450 is the sweet spot.
Battery life
Yoga 9i: Battery Life With a Side of Sweetness
With a hefty 75 Wh battery, the Yoga 9i turns up the heat—literally. Its battery is one of the biggest in the laptop nibble‑column, which means it can keep going even when the screen is blasting bright, crisp pixels.
How long does it actually last?
- On a moderate “Modern Office” build (think spreadsheets, email, PowerPoint), it churns out around 445 minutes, which is about 7 hours 25 minutes of real time.
- That performance sits comfortably in the middle of the pack—neither a long‑haul marathon racer nor a sprint‑speed challenger.
Power Drains: The Ugly Truth
- Despite the decent runtime, the Yoga 9i’s power consumption is on the high side. For the same “Modern Office” workload, it’s the only other notebook that pushes above 10 W.
- When you crank it up for gaming—the heavy‑weight of laptop tasks—it breaks the 30 W mark. That’s the kind of power you’d see in a rocket launch, not a laptop.
What If It Had a Smaller Battery?
Without that generous 75 Wh capacity, the Yoga 9i’s endurance would be a lot worse. The big battery is what keeps the performance from crashing like a bad pixel. So, while it might be a power hog, you’re still getting respectable battery life thanks to the large reserve it keeps in the bag.
Is it worth the premium?
<img alt="" data-caption="The Yoga 9i is a very nice notebook, but there are more sensible alternatives from Lenovo.
PHOTO: Hardware Zone” data-entity-type=”file” data-entity-uuid=”24090cf2-cfcf-4d7c-83b2-6aab2c4933c3″ src=”/sites/default/files/inline-images/yogalaptop_0.jpg”/>
Yoga 9i: A Pretty Package with a Not‑So‑Flattering Price Tag
Design & Build
The Yoga 9i looks like it was made by a squad of designers in a high‑end studio. Its build quality feels expensive—think polished metal and a sturdy chassis that just shrinks your doubts about buying something so flashy.
Specs That Make Your Brain Wink
- Processor: Intel’s latest 12th‑Gen Alder Lake chips (both i7 and i5 options available). These are the kind of CPUs that can juggle heavy workloads and crunch data like a pro.
- Memory: A generous 16 GB RAM gives it room to breathe when you’re multitasking.
- Storage: PCIe 4.0 SSDs deliver blazingly quick read/write speeds—your files’ll load faster than you can say “FastAndFurious”.
- Display: A gorgeous 4K OLED panel that makes colors pop and text feel crisp. Your eyes will thank you.
- Speakers: Sound quality is above average, so you’ll enjoy a decent audio experience even if you’re on a conference call.
- Port Selection: Plenty of connectors to avoid the dreaded “adapter land” trap.
Battery & Portability
It’s fairly light, and the battery life is solid—great for those who’re constantly on the move. A good compromise between portability and power.
Price: The Real Deal
Here’s the reality check:
- $2,799 for the top‑tier package: a Core i7, 16 GB RAM, 1 TB SSD, and a 4K OLED screen.
- $2,449 for a slightly toned‑down model: a Core i5, 16 GB RAM, 512 GB SSD, and still a 4K OLED display.
- The Yoga Slim 7 Carbon starts at S$1,699, which means the Yoga 9i is priced a full S$750 higher—wildly premium for many budgets.
Bottom Line
In short, the Yoga 9i impresses on almost every front but comes with a hefty price tag that might make you pause before buying. If you’re looking for top‑notch specs paired with a beautiful OLED screen, it’s definitely worth a look. Just be prepared to spend a little extra to get that ‘flagship’ feel.
Is the Premium Yoga 9i Worth the Extra Bucks?
Let’s be honest: the Yoga Slim 7 Carbon pulls most of the punches with its slick OLED screen, lightning‑fast performance, feather‑light feel, and a battery that actually sticks around longer than a handful of snacks. It does, however, skip the Thunderbolt 4 ports and has speakers that don’t crackle like a good record.
What Makes the Yoga 9i Shine?
- Looks & feel: it’s the stuff of designer dreams—premium chassis, classy finish.
- Sound: speakers that let you enjoy every note, from TRAP to TRAD.
- Connectivity: got Thunderbolt 4, the future‑proof hand‑hold.
But when you slice away the fancy bits, the Yoga Slim 7 Carbon hands you over 90% of the experience for a fraction of the price. It’s a hard‑to‑beat value proposition if you’re all about speed and battery life rather than bragging rights.
Bottom Line
So, is the extra cost worth it? If you cherish the glam, the booming speakers, and the newest tech, maybe yes. If you’re chasing performance and a killer battery without blowing your wallet, the Yoga Slim 7 Carbon is the clear winner.
<img alt="" data-caption="The Yoga 9i might be pricey, but its value proposition goes up a little if you are comparing it directly against other flagship-class premium notebooks.
PHOTO: Hardware Zone” data-entity-type=”file” data-entity-uuid=”f55f091c-cccd-4627-8892-d9780776cc83″ src=”/sites/default/files/inline-images/lenovo-yoga-9i-intro1.jpg”/>
Yoga 9i vs. Yoga Slim 7 Carbon: The Great Notebook Showdown
First Impressions
Picture this: You’re scrolling through the same sleek, ultra‑light laptops that HP and Dell call their flagship toys. Suddenly, the Yoga 9i pops up, flaunting a look that’s a step above the usual. It’s the kind of design that makes your eyes widen and your heart skip—a real “wow” moment.
Design Drama
Think of it like choosing between a simple sedan and a luxury car. Both can get you from A to B, but the luxury one does so with extra flair, softer seats, and those little chrome galaxies you find everywhere. The Yoga 9i’s aesthetic screams “premium” while still keeping it in the same “travel-friendly” family line.
Performance Showdown
- Speed: The 9i is a powerhouse, but the Slim 7 Carbon doesn’t lag far behind when it comes to everyday tasks.
- Portability: We’re talking “you can fit this on a desk of 8 inches wide,” which is a win for anyone who moves their gear more often than not.
- Thermal grip: Both laptops manage heat pretty well, but the 9i gets a tiny edge in sustained gaming sessions.
Personal Verdict
Honestly, I’m not willing to break the bank unless the new laptop is significantly faster or packs a heavier punch of features. So when comparing the Yoga 9i and the Yoga Slim 7 Carbon, the cleaner, lighter brother is where I’d cash out. It doesn’t need a trophy from the Tech Awards to brag—it’s already living the “best ultrabook” vibe out there.
Bottom Line
Either laptop will get you there, but if you’re looking for that sweet blend of power, portability, and a dash of luxury in your day‑to‑day laptop life, the Yoga Slim 7 Carbon takes the crown—unless the Yoga 9i’s extra polish is something you can’t resist. Choose your ride, and enjoy the journey.
