Lenovo's Legion series has long been a powerhouse in the gaming world, boasting a well-established reputation among heavy hitters in the field. So, it was with some curiosity that I approached Lenovo's latest offering – the LOQ series. However, before I could delve deeper into the rationale behind this new addition, a Lenovo LOQ gaming laptop arrived for a test run, shedding light on the clear distinctions between the old and new Lenovo gaming brands.
The model under scrutiny is the Lenovo LOQ 15 (IRH8). Before we delve into the specifics, let's establish what sets LOQ apart from Legion. The key difference here is affordability. While Legion laptops offer a wide range of options, including high-end models packed with premium features like mini LED panels with 4K resolution and the most powerful mobile GPUs on the market, the new LOQ laptops are aimed at being budget-friendly, offering only the essential features needed for gaming AAA titles, while making some concessions that may or may not concern the gaming community at large. Think of it as the prime OnePlus of gaming laptops.
With that distinction in mind, let's dive into the star of the show – the Lenovo LOQ 15. Despite its affordability, it caters to consumers seeking a robust gaming laptop for their gaming setup. Here are the pricing and specifications:
Price: ₹99,990
Specifications:
Processor: Intel Core i7-13620H
Graphics: Nvidia GeForce RTX 4050 6GB GDDR6
Memory: 16GB DDR5-5200 (2x 8GB SO-DIMM)
Storage: 512GB SSD M.2 2242 PCIe 4.0×4 NVMe (two M.2 SSD slots)
Speakers: Stereo speakers (2W x 2)
Camera: 1080p with e-shutter
Battery: Integrated 60Wh
Power Adapter: 170W
Display: 15.6-inch WQHD (2560x1440) IPS 350nits anti-glare with 165Hz G-SYNC
Keyboard: 4-Zone RGB Backlit
Weight: 2.4 kg and above
Operating System: Windows 11 Home
The Lenovo LOQ 15 (IRH8) has a familiar look, drawing inspiration from Lenovo's existing premium gaming laptop lineup. While it possesses the unmistakable aesthetics of a gaming machine, it does so with subtlety, making it visually appealing even to those not specifically in the market for a gaming laptop. The premium finish is evident from every angle, with the LOQ logo on the lid adding a touch of charm. The power button confidently sits above the keyboard with its power indicator light, while an array of ports is strategically placed at the back, ensuring practicality and a clutter-free appearance.
However, one drawback is the laptop's size, with a substantial chin and broad bezels surrounding the screen. As indicated by the specifications, this laptop is hefty, weighing over 2.4 kg, making it unsuitable for daily travel. This machine is designed to remain stationed on a desk and requires a constant power supply.
This brings us to the battery life, a notable shortcoming. The 60Wh battery barely manages to last 5 hours under office work conditions, even with just a handful of Chrome tabs open alongside Slack and the native WhatsApp Windows app. The Lenovo LOQ is meant to be tethered to a desk with its high-speed charger plugged in at all times. To its credit, the rear charging port keeps the wires out of sight. While the battery can tide you over during power outages, it can cause some anxiety, especially when you occasionally need to take the laptop on the go. Ultimately, the Lenovo LOQ encourages you to commit to your desk and little else.
In terms of connectivity, this laptop seamlessly fits into a desk setup, offering a range of ports:
1x Ethernet (RJ-45)
1x HDMI 2.1
1x Headphone/microphone combo jack (3.5mm)
1x Power connector
1x USB 3.2 Gen 1
1x USB-C 3.2 Gen 2 (supports data transfer, Power Delivery, and DisplayPort 1.4)
2x USB 3.2 Gen 2
The full-sized keyboard on the Lenovo LOQ is a pleasure to use. While key travel could be slightly improved, the quality of switches, key feedback, and spacing between keys are ideal for efficient typing. The keyboard boasts RGB backlighting, offering three modes – multicolor breathing, multicolor static, or blue static – to suit your preferences, whether for gaming or productivity. The distinctive LOQ-inspired circular power button, placed outside the keyboard, ensures you won't accidentally press it. While there's no fingerprint scanner, the visually appealing power button is a welcome trade-off. For serious gaming, consider an external keyboard – but not because the built-in keyboard falls short. We'll elaborate on this shortly.
Before delving into CPU and GPU performance, let's focus on the Lenovo LOQ's 15.6-inch WQHD screen. While there are laptops with superior displays on the market, the LOQ holds its own within its price range. Its colors and viewing angles are top-notch, and the 165Hz refresh rate is a valuable addition. With a peak brightness of 350 nits, it offers the minimum brightness required for comfortable office work near a window. The laptop's speakers are adequate for content consumption without the need for headphones or external speakers, although an upgrade is recommended for an enhanced experience.
Now, on to performance. The Lenovo LOQ 15IRH8 is equipped with a 13th Gen Intel Core i7-13620H processor, paired with an Nvidia GeForce RTX 4050 6GB GDDR6, 16GB DDR5-5200 RAM, and a 512GB SSD M.2 2242 PCIe 4.0×4 NVMe storage.
The processor boasts 10 cores (6 for performance, 4 for efficiency) and 16 threads, achieving a Geekbench score of 1,544 for single-core performance and 5,179 for multi-core performance. However, these scores fall short of what the 13th Gen Intel Core i9-13900H or AMD Ryzen 9 7940HS processors, paired with 8GB GDDR6 RAM, can achieve. In fact, the 13th Gen Core i7 processor in the LOQ feels more akin to the 12th Gen chipset.
The Lenovo LOQ 15 presents an affordable gaming laptop option with a focus on essential gaming features. While it may not excel in every aspect, it offers a competent gaming experience, a vibrant display, and a stylish design. If you can overlook its bulk and limited battery life, the LOQ 15 is a compelling choice for gamers seeking a budget-friendly option.
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