A sleek and powerful 2-in-1 Chromebook with a 14in touchscreen, long battery life, and fast performance.
Buy on AmazonThe Lenovo IdeaPad Flex 5i Chromebook Plus delivers one of the most balanced experiences available in a Chromebook today. With fast performance, a sturdy build, and a spacious touchscreen, it offers a combination of features and value that make it the best choice for most people. Whether you’re a student, a remote worker, or simply need a capable everyday laptop, this model handles demanding tasks without bogging down.
Powered by Intel’s modern processors, both the 83EK001RUX and 83EK0000UX configurations of the Flex 5i easily keep up with multiple browser tabs, video streaming, video conferencing, and productivity apps. It meets Google’s Chromebook Plus specifications, which unlock features like enhanced video call performance and automatic file syncing for offline access. Even with a Zoom call running alongside other active tabs like Gmail, Google Docs, Slack, and YouTube, the Flex 5i remains responsive.
Battery life is respectable, lasting around 9.5 hours in testing. That’s enough to get through a full school or workday without needing to plug in. However, if extended battery life is a priority, you may want to explore higher-end or lower-powered alternatives. While it does well for a day of use, the battery doesn’t leave much room for evening streaming or multitasking without recharging.
The 14-inch 1920×1200 touchscreen stands out with its 16:10 aspect ratio, which provides more vertical screen space for documents, spreadsheets, and web pages. While not the brightest display, especially in outdoor conditions, it’s sharp and pleasant to use indoors. The glossy finish can cause reflections, but it’s manageable for most indoor lighting. The upward-facing stereo speakers also offer surprisingly rich sound for the price, making it a capable choice for media consumption.
With its 360-degree hinge, the Flex 5i can switch between laptop, tablet, tent, and stand modes. This flexibility is convenient, though its 3.6-pound weight makes it unwieldy in tablet mode for long stretches. The hinge is tight enough to keep the screen stable but can feel a bit stiff when opening the laptop one-handed.
The port selection is practical, featuring both USB-C and USB-A options for compatibility with a wide range of peripherals. This versatility is a plus for users who want to avoid carrying dongles. Additionally, the Flex 5i is slated to receive automatic ChromeOS updates through June 2032, ensuring long-term security and feature support.
Despite its strengths, the Flex 5i does have a few drawbacks. At 3.6 pounds, it’s heavier than most laptops of its size, which may be a concern for those who prioritize portability. Its webcam, while serviceable at 1080p, produces dim images even with software enhancements enabled. It does, however, include a physical privacy shutter for added security.
Overall, the Lenovo IdeaPad Flex 5i Chromebook Plus hits the sweet spot between performance, features, and affordability. Its minor flaws are easily overlooked when weighed against its strong build quality, dependable performance, and long-term support, making it the best Chromebook for most users.