What to know
- The Flex 3 boasts a plastic chassis with a textured finish for a comfortable grip, while the Flex 3i features a more premium aluminum construction.
- The Flex 3 is equipped with a 3-cell 42Wh battery, while the Flex 3i has a larger 2-cell 52.
- The Flex 3i offers Intel Core i3 or i5 processors, which provide significantly better performance than the Celeron or Pentium processors in the Flex 3.
The Lenovo IdeaPad Flex 3 and 3i are two versatile laptops that offer a blend of portability, functionality, and affordability. However, there are subtle differences between the two models that can impact your purchase decision. This comprehensive comparison will delve into the key distinctions between the Lenovo IdeaPad Flex 3 vs 3i, empowering you to make an informed choice.
Design and Build
The Flex 3 and 3i share a similar sleek and lightweight design, but with slight variations. The Flex 3 boasts a plastic chassis with a textured finish for a comfortable grip, while the Flex 3i features a more premium aluminum construction. Both laptops offer a 360-degree hinge that allows for flexible usage modes, including laptop, tablet, stand, and tent.
Display
The Flex 3 comes with an 11.6-inch TN display with a resolution of 1366 x 768 pixels. The Flex 3i, on the other hand, offers a larger 14-inch IPS display with a higher resolution of 1920 x 1080 pixels. The IPS panel provides wider viewing angles and more vibrant colors compared to the TN panel.
Performance
The Flex 3 is powered by Intel Celeron or Pentium processors, while the Flex 3i utilizes Intel Core i3 or i5 processors. The Core i3 and i5 CPUs offer significantly better performance for multitasking, productivity tasks, and light gaming. Both models come with 4GB or 8GB of RAM and up to 128GB or 256GB of SSD storage.
Battery Life
The Flex 3 is equipped with a 3-cell 42Wh battery, while the Flex 3i has a larger 2-cell 52.5Wh battery. The Flex 3i provides longer battery life, lasting up to 8 hours on a single charge, compared to the Flex 3’s 5-6 hour battery life.
Connectivity
Both the Flex 3 and 3i offer a range of connectivity options, including Wi-Fi 5, Bluetooth 4.2, USB-A ports, and a microSD card slot. However, the Flex 3i features an additional USB-C port for faster data transfer and charging.
Operating System
The Flex 3 comes pre-installed with Windows 11 in S mode, while the Flex 3i runs on Windows 11 Home. Windows 11 in S mode is a streamlined version of the operating system that only allows apps from the Microsoft Store, providing enhanced security but limiting software options.
Price and Availability
The Lenovo IdeaPad Flex 3 has a starting price of around $250, while the Flex 3i starts at $350. Both models are widely available through online retailers and Lenovo’s official website.
Final Note: A Tailored Choice
The choice between the Lenovo IdeaPad Flex 3 and 3i depends on your specific needs and budget. If you prioritize affordability, portability, and basic functionality, the Flex 3 is a solid option. For those seeking enhanced performance, a larger display, and longer battery life, the Flex 3i is a better choice.
Basics You Wanted To Know
Q: Which model has a better display?
A: The Flex 3i has a larger 14-inch IPS display with a higher resolution, providing better viewing angles and colors.
Q: Which processor is more powerful?
A: The Flex 3i offers Intel Core i3 or i5 processors, which provide significantly better performance than the Celeron or Pentium processors in the Flex 3.
Q: Does the Flex 3i come with Windows 11 Home or S mode?
A: The Flex 3i comes with Windows 11 Home, which allows you to install apps from any source.
Q: Which model has a longer battery life?
A: The Flex 3i has a larger battery capacity and provides longer battery life, lasting up to 8 hours on a single charge.
Q: Does the Flex 3 have a USB-C port?
A: No, the Flex 3 does not have a USB-C port, while the Flex 3i does.