Lenovo IdeaPad 3 Laptop Review

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Lenovo IdeaPad 3

Lenovo IdeaPad 3 Laptop

USD
8.5

Value for Money Score

8.5/10

Reliability Score

8.5/10

Performance Score

8.6/10

Specifications and Features Score

8.3/10

Design Score

8.5/10

Pros

  • Lightweight
  • Student-friendly
  • Q-Control (Quick Control)
  • Better audio experience
  • Secure

Cons

  • Average and non-backlit keyboard
  • Average touchpad
  • Fewer ports
  • Average battery life
  • No touchscreen

Verdict

The Lenovo IdeaPad 3 is a reliable and secure laptop that is specifically designed with students in mind. It offers a lightweight design and decent battery life. The components are not only secure but also provide a great entertainment experience.

With its switching modes, users have the flexibility to choose the most convenient option for their needs. The laptop is capable of handling basic workloads, making it highly suitable for students and everyday users.

Lenovo IdeaPad 3 Laptop & Variants Price

Introduction

Many users seek portable and lightweight laptops that excel in multitasking. Specifically, they look for laptops that are student-friendly and travel-friendly.

The Lenovo IdeaPad 3 is an excellent choice for those who prioritize portability. It boasts decent components and offers convenience and adjustability.

This laptop caters well to users with diverse needs, such as daily use, research, and entertainment like music, movies, and streaming videos.

Moreover, the Lenovo IdeaPad 3 is reasonably priced, making it an affordable and secure option for office work.

While it may not meet the demands of high-end gaming or professional tasks, it remains a reliable and suitable choice for many.

For students in particular, this laptop is highly recommended. It offers security, affordability, and promises efficient multitasking capabilities along with a decent battery life.

Lenovo IdeaPad 3

Buy for: Student-friendly, Quick control, secure.

Beware of: No touchscreen, average components, average battery life.

Best uses for: Normal use, playing Minecraft, electrical engineering students and other purposes.

The alternatives:

Design & Build

Lenovo IdeaPad 3 Display

The Lenovo IdeaPad 3 is a budget-oriented laptop that offers a stylish design in an ordinary, non-high-end package.

Featuring an abyss blue plastic case for its upper exterior, this laptop has a discreet and office-friendly appearance, distinguishing it from traditional silver laptop cases.

Lenovo IdeaPad 3 Exterior view

Weighing just 3.3 pounds, this portable and compact system is easy to carry, catering to student-friendly and office-friendly needs without being bulky.

The 14-inch full HD screen provides beautiful image clarity, making it a reliable choice for students and users seeking a visually satisfying experience.

With a resolution of 1920 x 1080 pixels and narrow bezels, the laptop delivers an immersive visual performance.

While it lacks a backlit keyboard, the prominent keys on the clicking keyboard offer decent usability. The laptop’s dimensions are 12.88 x 9.49 x 0.78.

Lenovo IdeaPad 3 Keyboard and Trackpad

However, it’s worth noting that the laptop falls short in terms of high-end components.

Despite its stylish appearance, the plastic case and average touchpad can be drawbacks. The touchpad tends to become oily and greasy from fingerprints, leading to gliding issues and stickiness.

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To ensure proper ventilation, vents and grills are present at the back of the laptop case, allowing hot air to escape.

Overall, the design and build of this laptop are suitable and reliable. However, improvements to the keyboard and touchpad, such as implementing backlighting and addressing the greasiness issue, could enhance the user experience.

This would be especially beneficial for students who need to work in dark environments.

Performance

The Lenovo IdeaPad 3 is a medium-end laptop that offers a satisfactory user experience and performance.

However, it is not designed for high-intensive professional tasks or gaming, and it does not have different variants available.

This laptop is suitable for studies, research, office work, and regular everyday computing.

It features an integrated processor, specifically the new AMD Ryzen 5 3500U mobile processor, with a single processor count.

This processor delivers powerful performance for daily tasks, making it efficient for students, daily users, and office work.

While the processor is not high-end, it is still capable of handling basic tasks and is manageable for tasks that do not require intensive computing.

This laptop is primarily targeted towards students and daily users who do not need to perform advanced professional tasks.

The device also includes an AMD Ryzen integrated GPU with Radeon graphics, providing multi-core processing power and sufficient bandwidth to handle multiple applications simultaneously.

Running on the Windows 10 operating system, the laptop’s performance is commendable for its components, which are well-equipped to handle basic computing tasks.

RAM & Storage

The Lenovo IdeaPad 3 does not offer any additional variants in terms of RAM and storage options.

However, the RAM and storage included in the laptop are suitable for the other components and overall performance of the device.

Lenovo IdeaPad 3 RAM

This laptop comes with 8GB of RAM, which is a decent amount and commonly found in many laptops within the same price range.

The storage capacity of the device is 256GB HDD (Hard Disk Drive).

While the device itself is not excessively heavy, the weight of the laptop is somewhat influenced by the hard disk, which makes it slightly heavier compared to other laptops in its range.

The storage capacity and RAM of this device could have been improved to provide a better user experience and a lighter overall weight.

Port & Connectivity

The Lenovo IdeaPad 3 is equipped with a variety of ports that facilitate multitasking and fast charging.

These ports are conveniently located on both sides of the laptop, offering easy access and connectivity for various purposes such as research, daily use, and office work.

Lenovo IdeaPad 3 Ports

In terms of port availability, this laptop offers the same number of ports as other laptops within its price range.

It includes an HDMI port, three USB (Universal Serial Bus) ports, and a DC input port for charging, also known as the power supply port.

Additionally, there is a headphone jack port that allows users to connect speakers or headsets for activities like watching movies, listening to music, and conducting research.

These ports are essential for multitasking and enabling connections with external devices or machines, enhancing the laptop’s versatility.

However, it’s important to note that this laptop does not feature an SD card reader, which may pose inconvenience for users who frequently need to transfer files from cameras or other devices that utilize SD cards.

Nevertheless, the presence of these ports contributes to the laptop’s student-friendly nature and facilitates basic computing tasks.

Furthermore, the Lenovo IdeaPad 3 offers wireless connectivity options, including Wi-Fi and Bluetooth.

It features Bluetooth 4.1 for easy pairing with compatible devices, and the Wi-Fi connectivity supports up to 2 x 2 Wi-Fi 5, ensuring reliable internet access for research and other online activities.

Battery Life

The battery life of the Lenovo IdeaPad 3 is comparable to other laptops in its price range, without standing out as exceptional in terms of longevity.

As a battery-powered machine, this laptop is equipped with a single Lithium Polymer battery that aligns well with its components.

However, its battery performance is considered average, similar to that of most laptops.

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Lenovo IdeaPad 3 Battery

Under typical usage conditions, the battery can last for approximately 7 hours. It’s advisable to have the laptop charger on hand, as the battery life is influenced by the tasks performed and their level of intensity.

Light tasks that require minimal battery consumption may allow for longer battery life compared to more demanding and resource-intensive tasks.

The Lenovo IdeaPad 3 is designed for everyday computing and tasks such as checking emails, conducting research, and watching videos.

These tasks generally do not consume excessive power, and users can switch to battery-saving mode to optimize their experience.

By enabling battery-saving features, the laptop can minimize power consumption, thus extending the battery life for prolonged usability.

Additional Features

The Lenovo IdeaPad 3 is a versatile system suitable for office use, students, and everyday computing needs.

It delivers above-average visual performance and incorporates impressive additional features that set it apart.

These features enhance the laptop’s reliability, efficiency, and security, catering to the requirements of students, professionals, and general users.

In fact, some of these features surpass the main components of the device in terms of quality and functionality.

One standout feature is the built-in camera or webcam, which serves various purposes such as video calls, Skype meetings, and security measures.

Lenovo IdeaPad 3 webcam

To ensure privacy, the webcam includes a physical shutter that users can control, allowing them to activate the camera only when necessary.

This feature adds an extra layer of security and ensures user privacy. Additionally, the webcam is sufficient for video calls and meets the needs of most users.

Audio quality is another area where the Lenovo IdeaPad 3 excels. Equipped with crystal-clear sound, the laptop’s speakers, enhanced by Dolby audio technology, deliver an exceptional audio experience.

Lenovo IdeaPad 3 Speaker

Despite providing high-quality audio, the laptop remains lightweight and portable, making it easy to carry for users on the go.

Moreover, this laptop is designed to offer an immersive entertainment experience without compromising its portability.

The long-lasting battery allows for activities such as video chats, music playback, and movie watching.

Another notable feature of the Lenovo IdeaPad 3 is Q-control, a unique function that facilitates multitasking.

Q-control enables quick and seamless transitions between different tasks, ensuring smooth performance.

Users can switch effortlessly between Max mode, which provides high-performance capabilities for demanding workloads, and battery-saving mode for a lighter experience with reduced power consumption.

This versatility allows users to customize their laptop experience based on their needs and preferences.

While the laptop’s additional features are impressive, it’s worth noting that the webcam could have been further improved.

Other laptops within its range offer features like touch screens and enhanced visual performance, which could have been valuable additions to the Lenovo IdeaPad 3.

Considering its popularity among students, the laptop could have provided better components to meet the demands of research work, which often requires more power.

Despite this, the Lenovo IdeaPad 3 remains a highly reliable and user-friendly laptop, thanks to its commendable additional features.

Specs:

  • Brand: Lenovo
  • Screen: 14 Inches
  • Display: 1920 x 1080
  • Storage: 256 GB SSD
  • RAM: 8GB
  • Storage Type: SSD
  • RAM Type: DDR4 SDRAM
  • Processor: AMD Ryzen 5 3500U
  • Graphics: AMD Integrated Graphics
  • Processor Brand: AMD
  • Product Dimensions: 12.88 x 9.49 x 0.78 inches
  • Operating System: Windows 10

What Do Users Think about Lenovo IdeaPad 3?

The Lenovo IdeaPad 3 has received positive feedback from various users, including specialists, daily users, and professional users, who appreciate its portability, lightweight design, and overall performance.

It excels in multitasking and allows for seamless switching between tabs, providing efficiency and security. Check out Lenovo IdeaPad 3 Manual.

However, some users find it disappointing that the laptop lacks better components despite having the capacity for them.

In particular, the webcam, keyboard, and touchpad are considered average and not as efficient as those found in other laptops within the same range.

Users have expressed frustration with the touchpad becoming oily and sticky, causing inconvenience, especially for students conducting research work.

Furthermore, the laptop’s price is slightly higher compared to other laptops in its range, which often include touch screens, making it relatively average and somewhat expensive.

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Reviews of the laptop are mixed, with some users highly satisfied and others less so. The laptop features a limited number of ports, located on both sides, which are commonly used by students and daily users.

While the laptop is compact, it becomes somewhat bulky due to the presence of a hard disk drive.

Many users feel that the laptop would have benefited from a solid-state drive (SSD) for its lightweight nature and improved performance.

SSDs are widely used in laptops within the same range, offering faster speeds and better efficiency than hard disk drives.

Nonetheless, the Lenovo IdeaPad 3 remains a highly portable laptop suitable for multitasking and efficient computing.

It operates on the Windows 10 operating system, commonly found in laptops within its range.

The battery life is above average, making it appealing to users, particularly students who require a laptop for educational purposes.

While the device showcases a distinctive design and solid performance, it falls short in comparison to laptops specifically known for their portability and student-friendly features.

Many students opt for the Lenovo IdeaPad 3, considering it a suitable choice. However, there are alternative laptops within the same range that offer better performance, hardware, and speed.

Despite its flaws, many users find the device reliable and appreciate its convenience of use.

Overall, the Lenovo IdeaPad 3 is a lightweight, portable, and student-friendly laptop that serves its purpose well.

As educational institutions increasingly promote technology-integrated learning, this laptop proves convenient for students seeking a device for study and research purposes, as well as regular and office use due to its security features.

While there are some drawbacks, the laptop overall meets users’ needs and provides a satisfactory experience.

Our Testing & Analysis Report

When we ran PCMark10 test to find its performance capabilities for office workflows, the Lenovo IdeaPad 3 fell in between the other laptops considered for comparison, such as Asus VivoBook S14,

Acer Aspire, HP Pavilion x360 and others. Overall, we found its performance score was reasonably good with 1,321 points.

We conducted another test using the HandBrake 1.4 app to find its video transcoding abilities. We found that the system fares quite well in this aspect as well.

It also fared reasonably well when we performed multi-core and productivity tests using Cinebench R23 benchmark.

However, when we conducted graphics tests using 3DMark and DirectX 12 running games like Night Raid and Time Spy, it fell short of the other laptops used for the same tests.

While playing games like Aztec Ruins and Car Chase, on the GFXBench 5.0 benchmark, the system rendered different display resolutions.

As for the former, it struggled to render 23 frames per second on average at 1440p, while for the latter it rendered 60 fps at a constant rate at 1080p.

All through the game, when we ran the battery test, we found that it lasted for about 10 hours while watching movies like Tears of Steel on a loop at 100% volume, 50% brightness, and keeping the system into Airplane mode.

When we tested the color and brightness tests using Datacolor’s SpyderX Elite calibrator and other tools, we found that it is nothing exceptional though it is much better than most average budget laptops.

About Puja Chatterjee

AvatarPuja Chatterjee, a distinguished technical writer, boasts an extensive and nuanced understanding of computer technology. She is an esteemed graduate of the Bengal Institute of Management Studies (BIMS), where she honed her skills and knowledge in the tech domain. Over the span of more than 12 years, Puja has developed a deep expertise that encompasses not only technology writing, where she articulates complex technical concepts with clarity and precision, but also in the realm of client relationship management. Her experience in this area is characterized by her ability to effectively communicate and engage with clients, ensuring their needs are met with the highest level of professionalism and understanding of their technical requirements. Puja's career is marked by a commitment to excellence in both written communication within the tech industry and fostering strong, productive relationships with clients.

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Puja Chatterjee
Puja Chatterjee, a distinguished technical writer, boasts an extensive and nuanced understanding of computer technology. She is an esteemed graduate of the Bengal Institute of Management Studies (BIMS), where she honed her skills and knowledge in the tech domain. Over the span of more than 12 years, Puja has developed a deep expertise that encompasses not only technology writing, where she articulates complex technical concepts with clarity and precision, but also in the realm of client relationship management. Her experience in this area is characterized by her ability to effectively communicate and engage with clients, ensuring their needs are met with the highest level of professionalism and understanding of their technical requirements. Puja's career is marked by a commitment to excellence in both written communication within the tech industry and fostering strong, productive relationships with clients.
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