Overview
The review compares two Lenovo Yoga 14-inch ultra-portable laptops: the versatile Yoga 7 2-in-1 and the premium Yoga Slim 9, highlighting key similarities and primary differences in display, build, performance, and user experience.
Shared Features
- Both models feature 14-inch OLED touchscreens, lightweight designs (1.2–1.4 kg), and the same Intel Core Ultra 7258V processor with 32GB non-upgradeable RAM.
- Each offers advanced wireless (Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.4) and charges via 65W USB-C ports on both sides.
- The Lenovo Vantage app is included for monitoring and configuring device settings.
Lenovo Yoga 7 2-in-1 Details
- Functions as both a laptop and a tablet via 360° hinges, with a side power button for easy access in tablet mode.
- Constructed with aluminum and synthetic leather; some flexing and creaking noted on the chassis.
- Slightly throttled performance due to limited cooling; scores around 9100 in Cinebench R23 multi-core.
- OLED Pure Sight display with 2880x1800 resolution, 120Hz, and high brightness; supports Dolby Vision and anti-burn-in options.
- Supports a Lenovo pen (4,000 pressure levels, AI features via Capilot) after initial setup.
- Keyboard praised for typing comfort and travel; large touchpad and touch support available.
- Audio system includes Dolby Atmos and a separated woofer-tweeter setup for superior quality.
- Extensive ports: two Thunderbolt 4 USB-C, USB-A, HDMI, 3.5mm jack, and microSD card reader.
- Real-world battery: ~9 hours video playback at full brightness, extendable with lower settings.
Lenovo Yoga Slim 9 Details
- Premium build with a blue collar and glass back; very slim chassis, though prone to fingerprint marks.
- Slightly better performance due to larger, unobstructed cooling system.
- Pure Sight Pro OLED panel: 4K, 120Hz, 600 nits, Dolby Vision, near-perfect color accuracy.
- Ultra-narrow bezels and an under-display camera for a clean look, though image quality suffers minor fogginess.
- Camera privacy slider included on chassis side; white LED indicator for camera activity.
- Keyboard offers good travel and backlit fade effect, though typing preference lags behind Yoga 7.
- Four downward-firing speakers deliver impressive, detailed sound.
- Fewer physical ports (lacks USB-A and card reader) for a sleeker design.
- 75Wh battery: ~8 hours video playback at max brightness, up to 10 with reduced settings.
Comparative Assessment
- Yoga Slim 9 excels in user experience, display quality, compactness, and elegance.
- Yoga 7 is more versatile, offers better port selection, and provides higher value for its price-to-performance ratio.
- Personal preference leans toward models with a metal back over synthetic leather for durability.
Recommendations / Advice
- Choose Yoga Slim 9 for the best display, performance, and a premium, compact design if budget permits.
- Select Yoga 7 2-in-1 for maximum versatility, superior port variety, and better price-to-capability value, especially if 2-in-1 functionality is desired.