Are you a creator and sometimes find yourself in very agile working environments? Do you use a tablet or a laptop? Present something or go creative with pen input? Hopefully, this review can help a little. Lenovo has long been a pioneer in creating flexible, high-performance laptops, and the Yoga 9i 2-in-1 (we tested model 83AC0011GE) is no exception. We received a test unit from Lenovo to try it out in realistic conditions and are now ready to present you with the results.
Designed for users who need a versatile yet powerful device, this 2-in-1 laptop stands out for its sleek aesthetics and ability to transform seamlessly between laptop, tent, and tablet modes. During our hands-on testing, we explored its abilities to serve as a touchscreen device and a productivity powerhouse. Does it deliver on all fronts? Here’s our detailed review.
A closer look at the display
The Yoga 9i’s 14-inch OLED panel is much better than I initially expected. It offers a 4K UHD resolution, vibrant colors, sharp imagery, and deep blacks, making it an excellent choice for creatives and media enthusiasts. The touchscreen is incredibly responsive, supporting smooth gestures and precision when using a stylus. Lenovo includes the Slim Pen, making it easy for artists, designers, or even note-takers to put the touchscreen to great use.
An added highlight is its 360-degree hinge, which lets you flip the screen to tent mode or fold it completely into tablet mode. Tent mode works wonderfully for presentations or watching videos in tight spaces, while tablet mode transforms the device into a large slate for reading or drawing. However, depending on the configuration, starting as low as 1.32 kg (2.91 lbs), the laptop’s weight can make extended tablet use a bit cumbersome, especially if you’re holding it in your hands rather than resting it on a surface.
Performance and productivity
Under the hood, the Yoga 9i is built to impress. Powered by the Intel Core Ultra 7 155H processor with 16 cores (6P + 8E + 2LPE) and a turbo boost of up to 4.8GHz, it easily handles tasks. Integrated Intel Arc Graphics and Intel AI Boost (delivering up to 11 TOPS) make it ideal for AI-driven applications, casual gaming, and light creative work. Paired with 16GB of soldered LPDDR5x-7467 memory and a 1TB PCIe 4.0 SSD, this laptop ensures smooth multitasking, quick file access, and ample storage for most users.
Looking for a more traditional laptop? Lenovo Yoga Pro 9 Review: A High-Performance Laptop for Creators
While the device isn’t built for heavy-duty 3D rendering or hardcore gaming, it can do day-to-day creative tasks, video editing, and basic design work. The Yoga 9i also delivers an exceptional multimedia experience with its audio system: 4 stereo speakers (2 woofers and two front-facing tweeters) tuned by Bowers & Wilkins with Dolby Atmos. A 5.0MP and IR camera with a privacy shutter and dual-array microphones ensures crisp video calls, while the 75Wh battery keeps you powered throughout the day. For those seeking a sleek AI-powered laptop optimized for productivity and entertainment, the Yoga 9i is a solid choice.
Usability and versatility
One of the Yoga 9i 2-in-1’s standout features is its dual usability as a laptop and a tablet. The sturdy hinge holds up well through repeated adjustments, allowing smooth transitions between modes. Lenovo’s intuitive software optimizes each mode, keyboard, tent, or tablet for the best experience.
Comfortable keys and a large, glass touchpad elevate the laptop mode. Typing is effortless for long sessions, and the backlit keyboard ensures you’re never left squinting in dim light. Tent mode, on the other hand, is fantastic for tabletop use, making presentations and media consumption a breeze. The only drawback? Folding the screen into tablet mode exposes the keyboard on the underside, which feels awkward even though Lenovo has cleverly disabled key inputs.
Another feature worth discussing is audio quality. Sporting a Dolby Atmos speaker system integrated into the hinge, the Yoga 9i delivers premium sound quality with rich bass and clear highs. Before turning the speakers on, we questioned how much sound a compact device like this could realistically produce. Once powered up, though, the loudness and clarity quickly exceeded expectations. These speakers are far more powerful and immersive than you typically encounter on a laptop this size. This setup complements its display perfectly, making it a capable media consumption device.
Design and build quality
The Yoga 9i flaunts a polished aluminum chassis that radiates an understated elegance. Available in Storm Gray, the laptop feels premium to the touch while maintaining excellent durability. We particularly appreciated the attention to detail in the rounded edges and smooth finish. Starting as a 1.32 kg (2.91 lbs) and 15.9 mm thick laptop, the device is portable enough for day-to-day travel without sacrificing sturdiness.
Lenovo’s engineers also included a reliable fingerprint scanner and an infrared camera for face recognition, adding layers of biometric security, which isn’t imperative but is a nice thing to have. The slim design, however, limits the selection of ports, which includes: one USB-A (USB 10Gbps / USB 3.2 Gen 2, Always On), one USB-C (USB 10Gbps / USB 3.2 Gen 2, with USB PD 3.0 and DisplayPort 1.4), two USB-C (Thunderbolt 4 / USB4 40Gbps, with USB PD 3.0 and DisplayPort 1.4), and a headphone/microphone combo jack (3.5mm). While these options provide modern connectivity, users who rely on legacy ports, HDMI, or SD card slots may find the absence of these features inconvenient.
Battery life and value for money
With an optimized battery capacity of 75Wh, Lenovo claims up to 10 hours of use on a single charge. Real-world testing showed the device lasted not entirely that long, during a mix of streaming, document editing, and light browsing, but it critically depends on how you use the device. While respectable, travel-heavy users might want to carry the fast charger, especially for high-performance tasks that drain the battery faster.
The Yoga 9i doesn’t come cheap, sitting firmly in the premium category. With its standout display, versatile functionality, and high-quality build, the price feels justified but leaves little room for compromises. Creative professionals and hybrid workers will likely find it worthwhile, but budget-conscious buyers may struggle to justify the cost.
Is the Lenovo Yoga 9i 2-in-1 laptop worth it?
The Lenovo Yoga 9i 2-in-1 is an impressive amalgamation of form and function. Whether you’re sketching in tablet-mode, sharing ideas in tent-mode, or crunching numbers in laptop-mode, the device adapts effortlessly to your needs. Lenovo earns high marks for its innovative 360-degree hinge, vibrant display, and robust build quality. However, its weight as a tablet and limited port selection are areas for consideration.
While those looking for peak gaming or processing power may want to explore alternatives, the Yoga 9i remains a top contender for anyone valuing flexibility, premium build, and a beautiful touchscreen display. Prices of laptops vary based on the configuration of parts and how much time has passed since the original release of the solution, but as of the time of writing this article, you could find this model in various configurations starting at 1267.99 USD on Amazon. Given the brand reputation for reliability, quality, durability, and user experience, the price seems justified for the target group.
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Photo credit: All photos shown have been taken by Pupu Liang for TechAcute.
Editorial notice: We received a press test unit of the laptop from Lenovo to prepare this test and review, but were not paid anything to cover the solution on TechAcute.
