Lenovo Duet 5 Chromebook Review

The Lenovo Duet 5 Chromebook is a vital departure from remaining yr’s inexpensive Chromebook Duet. Even supposing the better ticket might pressure some away, the substantial {hardware} upgrades make this 2-in-1 simply as compelling. 

The Duet 5 nonetheless includes a cloth rear case and keyboard cover like the former style, however open it up and the 13.3-inch OLED show will make you take a look at that sub-$500 value once more. The adjustments run deeper than that with a dramatically progressed Qualcomm Snapdragon 7c Gen 2 processor, whilst additionally handing over over 13 hours on a unmarried rate.

Whilst it is probably not the scrappy finances champ that the unique Chromebook Duet used to be, the Duet 5 has bulked up and is able to tackle some heavyweight pageant some of the best possible Chromebooks to be had as of late in addition to one of the best possible 13-inch techniques. 

Lenovo Duet 5 Chromebook value and configuration choices 

The Lenovo Duet 5 Chromebook is available in two configurations: the bottom style is $429 and features a Qualcomm Snapdragon 7c Gen 1 processor, built-in graphics, 4GB of RAM, 64GB of eMMC garage and an OLED show (1920 x 1080 pixels).

My evaluation unit is the $499 variant, which options the similar show, however upgrades the whole lot else with a Qualcomm Snapdragon 7c Gen 2 processor, 8GB of RAM and 128GB of eMMC garage.

The bottom style is Typhoon Gray, whilst the higher-end style most effective is available in Abyss Blue. The colour carries thru from the pill’s aluminum chassis to the fabric again cover and snap-on keyboard.

Avoid the bottom style. Whilst the Snapdragon processor improve isn’t vital, doubling the RAM and garage is definitely worth the $70 value distinction.

Lenovo Duet 5 Chromebook design 

Microsoft merits a large number of credit score for popularizing fabric-based designs with its Alcantara-wrapped Floor merchandise, however remaining yr’s Lenovo Chromebook Duet and the Asus Chromebook Removable CM3 introduced that glance to a extra inexpensive realm. We have been enamored with each in our critiques, evaluating them to a pocket book and a tweed magazine, respectively. 

Regardless of its identical magnetized cloth again cover and keyboard, the Duet 5 doesn’t pull off the glance moderately as nicely. It can be the darkish “Abyss Blue” colour, however it additionally lacks the stitched end of the unique Chromebook Duet or Removable CM3, which used to be an enormous a part of the attraction to me. The Duet 5 cloth has a stippled floor that appears extra like denim to me, however significantly, it nonetheless gives a a lot more comfy really feel than chilly aluminum. 

Appears to be like apart, the cover and keyboard are remarkably efficient at remodeling this Chrome OS pill into an ideal laptop. The hinged stand at the again cover permits you to position the show at nearly any perspective and holds it there reliably. I’ll cross into extra element at the keyboard later, however I used to be surprised at how nicely this mix labored with the Duet 5 in my lap. That’s steadily a downfall of removable 2-in-1 laptops and I had no problems typing with the Duet 5 in that place. 

Stripped of its comfy, protecting cloth cover and keyboard, the Duet 5 is a sexy same old, if broad, pill. The again gives just a little of character with a two-tone end this is shiny on the backside, turning to matte for its most sensible quarter. It’s differently essentially featureless, with the acquainted Chromebook brand targeted towards the ground and the glinting silver Lenovo badge on the most sensible nook reverse the rear digital camera. 

The 16:9 facet ratio and 13.3-inch show make it just a little of a handful as a pill, however with the integrated cover, it’s simple to prop it up in a really perfect place and admire that stunning OLED show. The pill by myself is 12 x 7.4 x 0.28 inches and 1.5 kilos; including the keyboard and cover takes that to about 0.48-inches and 2.24 kilos. Both configuration will have to beautiful simply slip into any laptop bag and is gentle sufficient to haul with you any place. 

Bearing in mind the hugely higher show that’s no longer unhealthy in comparison to the Lenovo Chromebook Duet (9.6 x 6.7 x 0.7 inches, 2 kilos), HP Chromebook x2 11 (9.9 x 4.6 x 0.3 inches, 2.6 kilos) or Asus Chromebook Removable CM3 (12.7 x 8.9 x 0.68 inches, 2 kilos). 

Whilst I would like some other alternatives at the colour and end for the case and keyboard, I will’t argue with the software. I nonetheless want the texture of this cloth cover to an all-metal frame for a 2-in-1 that I’ll transfer between laptop and pill mode. I additionally give Lenovo credit score for spicing issues up just a little with the two-tone end.

Lenovo Duet 5 Chromebook ports

The Lenovo Duet 5 Chromebook has three ports: two USB-C 3.2 Gen 1 and the pogo pins that attach the keyboard cover.  

My most effective criticism is the loss of a 3.5mm headphone/mic jack. Specifically for a tool like this this is so well-suited to media intake, it kind of feels like an oversight. With that mentioned, the majority of us have given up this battle and moved to wi-fi headphones already, so it’s no longer a dealbreaker. For those who do want to plug the rest that isn’t USB-C into the Duet 5, then the twin ports make the usage of a USB Sort-C hub whilst charging a non-issue. 

Lenovo Duet 5 Chromebook show 

The Lenovo Duet 5 Chromebook’s OLED show can be spectacular at nearly any value level, however it’s astounding at not up to $500. The 13.3-inch, 1920 x 1080-pixel touchscreen show is best than many laptops two times its value.

The 16:9 facet ratio could be a little awkward for dealing with it as a pill, however it’s best for staring at movies. Take away the keyboard and you have got a sub-two pound pill with a stand that may take a seat at any perspective horizontally or prop it up vertically in case you are searching for a big-screen Tik Tok revel in. 

I watched the trailer for “Spider-Guy: Throughout The Spider-verse” and the surreal neon cityscape that Miles is dragged into pops off the display and the razor-sharp show displays off the bright minute main points that helped win the unique an Oscar for best possible animated characteristic. Whilst the competitive swirling colours are just a little of an attack at the senses, the show depicts them flawlessly.

The colorimeter within the lab used to be in a similar way inspired with the Duet 5 reproducing 85.2% of the DCI-P3 colour gamut. Most effective the Asus Chromebook Removable CM3 (93.6%) has controlled a greater consequence on this value vary, with the Duet 5 completing nicely forward of the Lenovo Chromebook Duet (74.9%), the HP Chromebook X2 11 (71%), and the Chromebook reasonable (70%). 

The brightness take a look at used to be cast, with the Duet 5 hitting a mean of 361 nits. That’s well past the Chromebook reasonable (270 nits) and sufficient to overpower a somewhat sunny surroundings, however is available in in the back of its nearest competition. The Lenovo Chromebook Duet (372 nits), the Removable CM3 (386 nits) and the Chromebook X2 11 (425 nits) all simply occur to be standouts on this regard. 

If colour accuracy is vital to you, then the Duet 5 belongs for your shortlist. It controlled 0.22 on our Delta-E colour accuracy take a look at (decrease is best), which lumbered in the back of the Lenovo Chromebook Duet (0.2). The Removable CM3 (0.34) and Chromebook X2 11 (0.3) got here in third and 4th.

Whilst it would possibly not win in each class, the Duet 5 show is a excitement to behold. Specifically making an allowance for its value vary, the deeper blacks and exceptional colour copy of OLED on this 2-in-1 make it onerous to move up.

Lenovo Duet 5 Chromebook keyboard and touchpad 

The Lenovo Duet 5 Chromebook has the aforementioned cloth keyboard that magnetically snaps into position. Pogo pins at the backside be certain that a cast connection in comparison to a wi-fi resolution and two small nubs assist stay the keyboard locked in position.

Whilst the keyboard is unbelievably skinny and will’t be offering a lot key trip consequently, it’s sturdier than I anticipated and permits for simple use on a table or on my lap. Trying out my pace the usage of the 10fastfingers.com typing take a look at, I controlled 85 phrases consistent with minute with 97% accuracy, simply slightly off my standard 86 wpm with 98% accuracy. That’s unquestionably some distance higher than I fared with any of its competition as this is a full-size keyboard.

The touchpad is huge sufficient at 4.2 x 2.4-inches that I didn’t have any bother navigating or the usage of elementary gestures. As is continuously the case with 2-in-1 laptops, I nonetheless depend at the touchscreen continuously, however that’s a non-public desire and no longer a fault of the integrated touchpad. A devoted mouse just like the Logitech MX Any place 3 or MX Grasp 3 would unquestionably pace issues up, but when you wish to have essentially the most transportable package deal, you’ll be positive with out one. 

Lenovo Duet 5 Chromebook audio 

The Duet 5 options quad 1W speakers with two on every aspect to provide a stereo audio revel in. It’s no longer going to blow you away, however should you set your expectancies correctly, it’s a cast revel in given the dimensions constraints. 

I listened to “2011” by way of 5 Seconds of Summer season and it stuffed my medium-sized (12’ x 18’) trying out room with out distorting. With that mentioned, there’s nearly no bass reaction from those speakers. The lyrics and instrumentation sound crisp, however there’s no punch in the back of it, and extra bass-heavy songs endure consequently. In case you are staring at movies, or need a little bit ambient tune, it’s positive, however for the rest extra in depth, you’ll wish to pick out up some wi-fi headphones. 

Lenovo Duet 5 Chromebook efficiency 

The Qualcomm Snapdragon 7c Gen 2 within the Lenovo Duet 5 Chromebook might draw some groans from those who have suffered thru vulnerable ARM-based Chromebooks previously, however this one is other. Paired with 8GB of RAM, my evaluation unit carried out some distance higher than many different ARM-based Chromebooks I’ve encountered up to now.

I loaded about 24 Google Chrome tabs with two YouTube 1080p movies working concurrently prior to spending a while operating in this evaluation Google Doctors, which additionally comes to leaping between tabs often. I didn’t see any slowdowns. Whether or not I used to be navigating with the touchpad or the touchscreen, I didn’t come across any hiccups and Android apps have been in a similar way responsive. 

The Geekbench 5 total efficiency take a look at doesn’t be offering moderately as rosy an image with an total ranking of 1,727. That places it forward of its pageant just like the Removable CM3 (1,412) or even the Chromebook X2 11 (1,691), which makes use of the similar processor. It’s nonetheless nicely in the back of the Chromebook reasonable of 2,204, however until you wish to have to put in Linux on it and run extra complicated apps, I don’t assume the efficiency is a priority.

The Jetstream 2 benchmark, which assessments web-browsing efficiency, used to be once more higher than its competition with a ranking of 70. That’s greater than double the Removable CM3 (33.2) and Chromebook Duet (31.9), and relatively forward of the Chromebook X2 11 (63). On the other hand, it once more fails to are living as much as the Chromebook reasonable (109).

For standard Chromebook utilization of internet shopping, gentle productiveness and content material intake, the Duet 5 is greater than equivalent to the duty. In case you are searching for extra, take a look at our best possible Chromebooks for one of the most extra robust (and pricier) choices just like the Pixelbook Move. 

Lenovo Duet 5 Chromebook battery lifestyles 

The battery lifestyles at the Lenovo Duet 5 Chromebook could also be sufficient to win some patrons over on its own. In our Computer Magazine battery take a look at, which comes to steady internet browsing over Wi-Fi at 150 nits of brightness, the Duet 5 marathoned its solution to 13 hours and 31 mins on a unmarried rate. 

That crushes the present Chromebook reasonable (9:03) or even outlasts its ARM-equipped competition. The unique Lenovo Chromebook Duet (12:46) comes the nearest, whilst the Removable CM3 (11:41) and Chromebook X2 11 (11:04) are left hours in the back of regardless of decent rankings of their very own.

That is the Duet 5’s revenge for the typical Chromebook taking it down within the earlier phase. Once more, in case you are a normal Chromebook consumer, that is most definitely a trade-off you might be prepared to make. You will have to simply make it thru a few days, and most likely extra, on a unmarried rate.

Lenovo Duet 5 Chromebook cameras 

The Lenovo Duet 5 Chromebook comprises two cameras, a 5MP front-facing digital camera and an 8MP rear digital camera. Whilst you aren’t going to be taking circle of relatives portraits with both of them, the front-facing digital camera delivers a crisp and somewhat noise-free symbol in well-lit environments for video calls. 

Some might query the will for a rear digital camera on a Chromebook. It’s a useful gizmo to have both for snapshots or as a scanner in case you are the usage of the Chromebook for college or paintings. Don’t be expecting to seize nice low-light pictures or the rest like that, however it’s on par with a elementary finances telephone, which is greater than you’ll be able to say for many laptops.

Whilst a devoted exterior webcam will nonetheless give you the best possible effects, this can be a just right possibility for the general public. 

Lenovo Duet 5 Chromebook device and guaranty 

The Lenovo Duet 5 Chromebook ships with Chrome OS put in. In case you are recently a Chrome OS or Android consumer, because of this setup is lifeless easy. After you input your Google account data your entire Google Pressure, Doctors, Sheets and Slides information can be to be had together with your Chrome browser extensions and any Android apps. It additionally way no bloatware to debris issues up whilst you first release the laptop. 

In relation to Android apps, the dimensions of the Duet 5 makes it a little bit bit awkward for lots of Android apps, however fortify is making improvements to. With Android 12L coming subsequent yr, there’s much more hope for larger developer consideration to large-screen Android units.

The Lenovo Duet 5 Chromebook comes with a one-year restricted guaranty. You’ll be able to see precisely what to anticipate from Lenovo in our Tech Fortify Showdown and Very best and Worst Manufacturers particular experiences. 

Base line

Whilst you’ll be able to see the DNA of the Chromebook Duet within the Duet 5, it’s an astounding transformation, extra paying homage to a Pokemon evolution than a herbal generational improve. 

A few of that is the bigger length, which admittedly does make it much less transportable, however at 2.24 kilos, that’s most effective marginally true and nicely price it should you watch movies or do any multitasking. The bigger show additionally permits for a full-size keyboard, which is an evening and day distinction from the unique Chromebook Duet’s Lilliputian keys. 

The $499 ticket for my evaluation unit is creeping into the higher echelon of Chromebook pricing, which, in particular given the Snapdragon processor, could have some balking, however the {hardware} justifies that value. From the bright OLED show to the over 13 hours of battery lifestyles, you gained’t discover a Home windows 11 laptop that comes shut for only $500. 

So long as you might be prepared to are living the Chrome OS lifestyles, and aren’t looking to run Linux on it, the Lenovo Chromebook Duet 5 belongs at the shortlist for any individual out there for a 2-in-1 Chromebook.