Quick Overview
- The IdeaPad Flex 5 and IdeaPad 3 are two of the most popular models in the lineup, offering a blend of features and value for money.
- The Lenovo IdeaPad Flex 5 stands out with its 2-in-1 design, allowing you to use it as both a laptop and a tablet.
- However, if you prefer a more durable build, a larger screen, and a lower price point, the IdeaPad 3 is a solid option.
When it comes to affordable laptops, Lenovo’s IdeaPad series is a popular choice. The IdeaPad Flex 5 and IdeaPad 3 are two of the most popular models in the lineup, offering a blend of features and value for money. But which one is the right choice for you? In this comprehensive comparison, we’ll delve into the key differences between the Lenovo IdeaPad Flex 5 and IdeaPad 3 to help you make an informed decision.
Design and Build Quality
The Lenovo IdeaPad Flex 5 stands out with its 2-in-1 design, allowing you to use it as both a laptop and a tablet. Its sleek and modern design features a thin and lightweight chassis, making it easy to carry around. The IdeaPad 3, on the other hand, has a more traditional laptop form factor with a sturdy plastic build. While it’s not as portable as the Flex 5, it offers a more durable construction.
Display and Graphics
The IdeaPad Flex 5 boasts a 14-inch IPS display with a resolution of 1920 x 1080 pixels. The display offers vibrant colors and sharp details, making it suitable for both work and entertainment. The IdeaPad 3 comes with a 15.6-inch TN display with a lower resolution of 1366 x 768 pixels. While the larger screen is more immersive for watching movies or videos, the lower resolution can affect image quality.
In terms of graphics, the IdeaPad Flex 5 offers integrated Intel Iris Xe graphics, while the IdeaPad 3 comes with integrated UHD Graphics. The Iris Xe graphics provide better performance for casual gaming and video editing tasks, while the UHD Graphics are more suitable for basic tasks like web browsing and document editing.
Performance and Battery Life
The IdeaPad Flex 5 and IdeaPad 3 offer a range of processor options, from Intel Core i3 to Core i7. The Flex 5 generally has a performance edge due to its more efficient cooling system and better graphics capabilities. However, the IdeaPad 3 can still handle everyday tasks and light multitasking without any major issues.
Battery life is another important consideration. The IdeaPad Flex 5 has a larger 57Wh battery, while the IdeaPad 3 comes with a 45Wh battery. In real-world usage, the Flex 5 can last for around 8-10 hours on a single charge, while the IdeaPad 3 typically lasts for around 5-7 hours.
Storage and Memory
Both the IdeaPad Flex 5 and IdeaPad 3 offer a variety of storage and memory configurations. The Flex 5 comes with either 256GB or 512GB of PCIe NVMe SSD storage, while the IdeaPad 3 offers 128GB, 256GB, or 512GB of SATA SSD storage. PCIe NVMe SSDs are faster than SATA SSDs, providing quicker boot times and faster file transfers.
For memory, the IdeaPad Flex 5 comes with 8GB or 16GB of DDR4 RAM, while the IdeaPad 3 offers 4GB or 8GB of DDR4 RAM. More RAM allows you to run more programs and tabs simultaneously without experiencing slowdowns.
Features and Connectivity
The IdeaPad Flex 5 offers a more comprehensive set of features than the IdeaPad 3. It has a backlit keyboard, a fingerprint scanner, and a USB Type-C port with DisplayPort and Power Delivery capabilities. The IdeaPad 3 lacks these features and only has a standard USB-C port.
In terms of connectivity, both laptops offer Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.0. However, the IdeaPad Flex 5 also has an optional LTE modem for cellular connectivity, which can be useful if you need to stay connected on the go.
Price and Availability
The Lenovo IdeaPad Flex 5 and IdeaPad 3 are both available at a variety of retailers. The Flex 5 typically starts at around $450, while the IdeaPad 3 starts at around $350. The price can vary depending on the configuration and features you choose.
Which One Should You Choose?
Choosing between the Lenovo IdeaPad Flex 5 and IdeaPad 3 depends on your specific needs and budget. If you value portability, a high-resolution display, and better performance, the Flex 5 is the better choice. However, if you prefer a more durable build, a larger screen, and a lower price point, the IdeaPad 3 is a solid option.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Which laptop has a better battery life?
A: The IdeaPad Flex 5 has a larger battery and generally offers better battery life than the IdeaPad 3.
Q: Which laptop is more suitable for multitasking?
A: The IdeaPad Flex 5 has better graphics capabilities and more RAM, making it more suitable for multitasking and demanding tasks.
Q: Which laptop has a backlit keyboard?
A: The IdeaPad Flex 5 comes with a backlit keyboard, while the IdeaPad 3 does not.
Q: Which laptop has a USB Type-C port with DisplayPort and Power Delivery?
A: The IdeaPad Flex 5 has a USB Type-C port with DisplayPort and Power Delivery, while the IdeaPad 3 does not.
Q: Which laptop is available with an optional LTE modem?
A: The IdeaPad Flex 5 is available with an optional LTE modem, while the IdeaPad 3 is not.