Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3i (15-inch Intel, Gen 11) review

Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3i (15-inch Intel, Gen 11) is the pick for buyers who want a bigger screen and the option to upgrade. Lenovo's US listing for model 83RR003BUS shows an Intel Core 5 315 processor, 8GB of DDR5-5600 memory in a SODIMM slot, a 512GB PCIe Gen4 SSD and a 60Wh battery with Rapid Charge. The 15.3-inch 1920 x 1200 IPS touch display runs at 120Hz and 400 nits with 100% sRGB, the smoothest and one of the brightest panels on this list. A 1080p IR camera supports face sign-in, and Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.3 handle connections. Lenovo says the chassis meets MIL-STD-810H durability standards. Because the memory is a SODIMM module rather than soldered, it can be upgraded later, unlike the Dell 14S. The drawback for this list is pricing: Lenovo's US store shows frequent discounts and the price did not load in a form our checker could confirm, so the price is marked pending. Check Lenovo's page for the current offer.

Who it is for

buyers who want a larger 15-inch screen and room to upgrade

Price

See vendor pricing (USD check pending).

US price check pending. See the vendor pricing page.

Key features

• Intel Core 5 315 processor in model 83RR003BUS
• 15.3-inch 1920 x 1200 IPS touch display, 120Hz, 400 nits, 100% sRGB
• 8GB DDR5-5600 SODIMM memory and a 512GB PCIe Gen4 SSD
• 60Wh battery with Rapid Charge
• 1080p FHD IR camera, Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.3

Strengths and weaknesses

• Strength: 120Hz, 400-nit touch screen is the smoothest panel on this list
• Strength: SODIMM memory slot means RAM can be upgraded later
• Strength: Meets MIL-STD-810H durability standards
• Weakness: Lenovo's US prices change often, so we could not verify a stable starting price
• Weakness: 8GB of memory in the listed model
• Weakness: Lenovo's page gives no battery hours figure

Key facts

• Starting price: USD check pending
• Processor: Intel Core 5 315
• Display: 15.3-inch 1920 x 1200, 120Hz, 400 nits, touch
• Memory: 8GB DDR5-5600 (SODIMM)
• Battery: 60Wh

Where it ranks

Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3i (15-inch Intel, Gen 11) is No. 6 in our Best Budget Laptops verdict.