Lenovo IdeaPad 1 15IAU7 Laptop Review: Budget-Friendly Performance
Lenovo IdeaPad 1 15IAU7 Laptop Review
The Lenovo IdeaPad 1 15IAU7 is a budget-friendly laptop that aims to provide a balanced experience for everyday tasks, light gaming, and multimedia consumption. Equipped with an Intel Core i7-1255U processor, 8GB RAM, and a 512GB SSD, this laptop promises snappy performance and ample storage. But is it really a good value for your money? In this review, we dive deep into the features, performance, and overall user experience of the IdeaPad 1 15IAU7 to help you decide if it’s the right laptop for you.
Table of Contents
Introduction
The Lenovo IdeaPad 1 15IAU7 is a 15.6-inch laptop designed for users who prioritize affordability without compromising on essential performance. It boasts a modern design, a comfortable keyboard, and a decent display, making it suitable for students, professionals, and casual users. Let’s delve into its key features and see how it performs in real-world scenarios.
Key Features
The IdeaPad 1 15IAU7 packs a punch with its core specifications. It comes with a 12th generation Intel Core i7-1255U processor, which provides ample power for multitasking and everyday tasks. Coupled with 8GB of DDR4 RAM, the system runs smoothly even with multiple applications open simultaneously. The 512GB SSD ensures quick boot times and fast application loading. The laptop also features a 15.6-inch FHD display with anti-glare technology for a comfortable viewing experience.
Specifications
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Processor | Intel® Core™ i7-1255U, 10C (2P + 8E) / 12T, P-core 1.7 / 4.7GHz, E-core 1.2 / 3.5GHz, 12MB |
| Graphics | Integrated Intel® Iris® Xe Graphics Functions as UHD Graphics |
| Chipset | Intel® SoC Platform |
| Memory | 8GB Soldered DDR4-3200 |
| Memory Slots | One memory soldered to system board, one DDR4 SO-DIMM slot, dual-channel capable |
| Max Memory | Up to 16GB (8GB soldered + 8GB SO-DIMM) DDR4-3200 offering |
| Storage | 512GB SSD M.2 2242 PCIe® 4.0×4 NVMe® |
| Storage Support | One drive, up to 1TB M.2 2242 SSD or 512GB M.2 2280 SSD |
| Storage Slot | One M.2 2280 PCIe® 4.0 x4 slot |
| Card Reader | SD Card Reader |
| Optical | None |
| Audio Chip | High Definition (HD) Audio |
| Speakers | Stereo speakers, 1.5W x2, Dolby® Audio™ |
| Camera | HD 720p with Privacy Shutter |
| Microphone | 2x, Array |
| Battery | Integrated 42Wh |
| Power Adapter | 65W Round Tip (3-pin) |
| Display | 15.6″ FHD (1920×1080) TN 220nits Anti-glare |
| Touchscreen | None |
| Keyboard | Non-backlit, Arabic |
| Touchpad | Buttonless Mylar® surface multi-touch touchpad, supports Precision TouchPad (PTP), 69 x 104 mm (2.72 x 4.09 inches) |
| Case Color | Cloud Grey |
| Surface Treatment | IMR (In-Mold Decoration by Roller) |
| Case Material | PC-ABS (Top), PC-ABS (Bottom) |
| Dimensions (WxDxH) | 360.2 x 236 x 17.9 mm (14.18 x 9.29 x 0.70 inches) |
| Weight | Starting at 1.63 kg (3.59 lbs) |
| Operating System | None |
| Bundled Software | None |
| Ethernet | No Onboard Ethernet |
| WLAN + Bluetooth | Wi-Fi® 6, 11ax 2×2 + BT5.2 |
| Standard Ports | 1x USB 2.0 |
| Security Chip | Firmware TPM 2.0 Enabled |
| Fingerprint Reader | None |
| Other Security | Camera privacy shutter |
Performance
In terms of performance, the IdeaPad 1 15IAU7 delivers as expected. The Intel Core i7-1255U processor is capable of handling demanding tasks such as video editing, web browsing, and light gaming. The laptop effortlessly multitasks between several applications, making it a suitable choice for students and professionals. The 512GB SSD ensures a snappy and responsive user experience. While the integrated Intel Iris Xe graphics aren’t meant for high-end gaming, they handle casual titles and basic graphics tasks well.
I found the laptop to be quite capable for everyday tasks. Web browsing, document editing, and streaming video were all smooth and responsive. The system handled several applications open at the same time without any noticeable lag. I also tested the laptop with some light games like League of Legends and Rocket League. While I wouldn’t recommend it for high-end gaming, the IdeaPad 1 15IAU7 managed to run these games at playable settings.
The battery life is a bit of a mixed bag. On average, I got about 5-6 hours of battery life while browsing the web and working on documents. This is decent for a budget laptop, but heavy use such as gaming or video editing will drain the battery much faster.
Pros & Cons
Here’s a quick summary of the pros and cons of the Lenovo IdeaPad 1 15IAU7:
Pros
- Powerful Intel Core i7-1255U processor for everyday tasks and light gaming.
- Spacious 512GB SSD for quick boot times and fast application loading.
- Comfortable keyboard with decent typing experience.
- Decent display with anti-glare technology for comfortable viewing.
- Lightweight and portable design for easy transport.
- Affordable price point makes it a budget-friendly option.
Cons
- Average battery life that won’t last through a full workday.
- Integrated graphics not suitable for demanding gaming.
- Limited port selection with only one USB 2.0 port.
- No fingerprint reader for added security.
Final Verdict
The Lenovo IdeaPad 1 15IAU7 is a solid choice for users looking for a budget-friendly laptop that can handle everyday tasks and some light gaming. The combination of a powerful Intel Core i7 processor, a spacious SSD, and a comfortable keyboard makes it a compelling option for students, professionals, and casual users. While the battery life could be better, and the lack of a fingerprint reader may be a drawback for some, the overall performance and affordability of the IdeaPad 1 15IAU7 make it a great value for the price.
If you’re looking for a budget-friendly laptop that can handle your daily needs without breaking the bank, the Lenovo IdeaPad 1 15IAU7 is worth considering.
