Lenovo Legion 7i Gen 7: Maximum Performance

Intel's Core HX revs up a mobile powerhouse of a gaming PC

- CHARLES JEFFERIES

The Lenovo Legion 7i Gen 7 is a high-end gaming laptop. A technology refresh of the Gen 6 model, the new 12th Generation Intel Core HX-class processor helped the Gen 7 achieve best-in-class performance among 16-inch machines. Its aluminum chassis, RGB lighting, Nvidia G-Sync screen, solid input devices, and ample connectivity are all highlights. But its battery life is brief, and its fans tend to be a bit over-reactive. We prefer the AMD Gen 7 version of this laptop, since it gets better battery life, but the Legion 7i Gen 7 should still top your list if maximum performance is your goal.

THE DESIGN: SAME SKIN, NEW HARDWARE

The Legion 7i Gen 7 looks the same as the Gen 6 model. Its storm-gray chassis and straight lines almost give it the appearance of a normal laptop until you switch on its extensive RGB lighting, which goes around every edge and covers the Legion logo on the lid.

Few laptops offer such extensive lighting. The Lenovo Vantage app lets you change settings and create up to six profiles. Vantage also shows system stats, battery health, warranty information, and provides access to Lenovo support.

An inch-long rear protrusion makes the Legion 7i larger than most 16-inch laptops, at 0.76 by 14.1 by 10.37 inches (HWD) and 5.51 pounds. By comparison, the Gigabyte Aero 16 is 0.88 by 14.02 by 9.78 inches and 5.07 pounds. The 15.6-inch Razer Blade 15 Advanced (0.67 by 13.98 by 9.25 inches, 4.4 pounds) is more portable, but getting a Core HX-class processor requires a larger chassis for more potent cooling. (More on that special chip in the benchmarks section.)

PROS

• Superb gaming performance

• Top-notch screen