Lenovo Yoga 7i Review

Overview

A detailed, hands-on review of the Lenovo Yoga 7i 16-inch 2-in-1 laptop, covering build quality, value, features, and key issues, especially Wi-Fi performance, compared with Dell business-class laptops.

Build Quality and Design

• Exceptional build quality with a full metal case, resistant to scratches and fingerprints.
• Attractive, well-engineered design with premium materials and aesthetics.
• Remains firm and free of marks after heavy use; casing is impressively sturdy and robust.
• Heavier and longer than typical laptops (16-inch size, >4 lbs).
• Ports include USB 3.2, HDMI, 2x Thunderbolt, headphone out, card reader; charging port has a slight wobble.

Value and Features

• Outstanding value under $1,000: includes modern i7 CPU, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD, 2K screen.
• Screen is bright, vivid, and colorful, though reflective in sunlight or at night.
• Backlit keyboard with full numpad; comfortable typing experience.
• Touchpad performs well; speakers are adequate but lack bass.
• 2MP webcam is standard but underwhelming.

Performance and Usability

• Ideal for Microsoft Office apps and general home/business use; not suitable for performance-intensive tasks.
• Benchmark scores underperform compared to similarly specced Dell models.
• Consistent but unremarkable performance; failed 3DMark stability loop.

Wi-Fi and Connectivity Issues

• Severe Wi-Fi performance issues: speeds between 5–50 Mbps despite high-speed connections; persists across multiple networks.
• Replacing drivers, reinstalling OS, and using Intel drivers improved stability but speeds still capped at 100–200 Mbps.
• Bluetooth issues reportedly affect other users.
• Suggest exploring Lenovo support or warranty for unresolved connectivity problems.

Battery and Thermals

• Battery originally lasted 8-10 hours; dropped to ~6 hours after 221 cycles in one year.
• Battery degradation in line with frequent use; battery replacements or warranty extensions are affordable.
• Only one SSD slot and no RAM upgrades; all memory is soldered.
• Cooling system has only one fan with large open vents but no mesh, risking dust intake; no secondary fan slot.

Durability Compared to Dell Vostro

• Dell Vostro's build quality criticized: plastic construction, keyboard flex, and poor durability.
• Despite higher specs, Vostro with lower i7 outperformed the Yoga 7i in benchmarks.
• Lenovo’s internal reinforcement less robust than business-class ThinkPads but still acceptable for its price.

Notable Extra Features

• Includes a physical reset pinhole for easier troubleshooting; works only part of the time.
• All ports and features are functional, though some (like the charger fit) could be improved.
• Cooling design requires users not to block bottom vents, especially on laps.

Final Thoughts

• Excellent value and top-tier build quality for the price; particularly attractive for general productivity and media use.
• Wi-Fi and Bluetooth reliability are major concerns, especially for business users.
• Performance sufficient for standard tasks but not for demanding workloads.
• Recommend purchasing extended warranty for peace of mind due to possible hardware issues.

Recommendations / Advice

• Consider extended warranty for accidental damage/battery coverage given potential Wi-Fi/Bluetooth problems and battery degradation.
• Do not use the laptop on soft surfaces blocking vents to prevent overheating.
• For better connectivity, update Wi-Fi drivers via Intel directly and adjust network card settings if facing issues.

Questions / Follow-Ups

• Is the Wi-Fi issue widespread, or limited to certain batches/models?
• Will future firmware/driver updates address the wireless performance problems?
• How does Lenovo support handle out-of-warranty hardware failures for this model?