Introduction

The Lenovo Ideapad Gaming 3 (82K202BJAX) promises a compelling blend of performance and affordability. Equipped with an AMD Ryzen 5-5500H processor, 8GB of RAM, a 512GB SSD, and an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2050 graphics card, this 15.6-inch laptop aims to deliver a smooth gaming experience without breaking the bank. Over the past few weeks, I’ve put this machine through its paces, testing its capabilities in various scenarios. This in-depth review will cover everything from its performance in demanding games to its everyday usability.

Features

The Ideapad Gaming 3 boasts a sleek, understated design, avoiding the aggressive aesthetic often associated with gaming laptops. The Shadow Black finish is subtle yet stylish. The keyboard is comfortable for extended use, and the trackpad provides accurate and responsive navigation. The inclusion of a dedicated number pad is a welcome addition for those who work with spreadsheets or need precise numerical input. The screen quality is adequate for gaming and everyday use, delivering crisp visuals, although it is not the most vibrant panel in the market. The sound quality is satisfactory for most gaming purposes, but for the audiophile this laptop will likely disappoint. A key feature worth mentioning is the mute button that Lenovo has incorporated, adding an important security measure in these times of online meetings.

Performance

The AMD Ryzen 5-5500H processor and the NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2050 graphics card provide a decent level of performance for its price point. I tested the laptop with a range of games, including titles like Fortnite, Overwatch 2, and Rocket League. At lower settings, these games ran smoothly, delivering a consistently enjoyable gaming experience. However, at higher settings, I observed some frame rate dips in more demanding titles. This machine will not be the most powerful on the market and gamers looking for high end performance should look elsewhere. The 8GB of RAM proved sufficient for most tasks, but I did experience some minor slowdowns when running multiple applications simultaneously. The 512GB SSD ensures fast boot times and quick application loading, a significant improvement over traditional HDDs. The battery life is decent and easily lasts through a few hours of moderate gaming sessions.

Pros & Cons

Pros:

• Good performance for the price
• Solid build quality
• Comfortable keyboard
• Fast SSD storage
• Decent battery life
• Dedicated Number Pad

Cons:

• Can struggle with high-end settings in demanding games
• 8GB RAM may be limiting for some users
• Display could be more vibrant
• Sound quality is average

Final Verdict

The Lenovo Ideapad Gaming 3 (82K202BJAX) is a solid entry-level gaming laptop. It offers a good balance of performance and affordability, making it a viable option for casual gamers and students. While it may not compete with high-end gaming machines, it provides a satisfactory experience for those who prioritize value and smooth gameplay in less demanding titles. If you’re looking for a budget-friendly option for gaming and everyday use, then this laptop is a strong contender. However, if you are a serious gamer who plays high-end games, then I would recommend you look at a more powerful machine. The addition of the mute button also makes it quite adaptable for daily business users.