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MagyarLenovo Flex 2 Pro 15 Notebook Review
For the original German review, see here.
Lenovo's Flex 2 Pro 15 is a 15.6-inch laptop with a display that can be folded by approximately 300 degrees. Consequently, the laptop - like all models in the Flex line - offers diverse modes of operation. When disregarding the screen's wide opening angle, the user faces a well-equipped 15.6-inch all-rounder. Discover whether the device is compelling in our report.
The Flex 2 Pro is a member of the Convertible/2-in-1 category. There is not exactly an oversupply of direct contenders. Two apt models found in our database are HP's Envy 15-w000ng x360 and Asus' Transformer Book Flip TP500LN. However, "conventional" laptops, such as Acer's Aspire VN7-571G or HP's Pavilion 15-ab022ng, also belong to the rivals of Lenovo's computer.
Case
The casing of the Flex 2 Pro is largely made of an aluminum alloy. The display bezel is an exception. All components of the casing are black. The base unit's upper side additionally features a brushed finish. All surfaces are basically quite susceptible to fingerprints. Compared with our previously tested Lenovo Flex 2 15, the Pro model is overall slimmer. It also lacks the optical drive found in the Flex 2 15. A highlight of the Flex models is the so-called Stand Mode, which allows opening the lid to such a degree that the base unit's upper side acts as the device's stand. This position facilitates using the touchscreen. The Flex 2 Pro does not have a maintenance hatch, and the battery cannot be removed without some effort, either.
The casing can be dented slightly on the keyboard's left and below the touchpad although it is made of aluminum. Pressure applied to the surface below the touchpad's area also causes the upper and lower tray to move against each other marginally. That should not happen in a 1000-Euro (~$1135) device. The base unit's stiffness is still within a normal parameter, and this is also true for the laptop's lid. Neither twisting the lid nor pressing the back leads to image distortions. The hinges keep the lid firmly in position but wobble for a moment. Opening the lid is possible with some finger-hand-arm acrobatics.
Connectivity
The laptop does not exhibit anything conspicuous in terms of connectivity. The common interface configuration is present. Of the three USB ports, only one supports the USB 3.0 standard - we would not have minded two USB 3.0 ports at all. Only one video-out (HDMI) is installed. Lenovo axed the VGA out. We like the interface positioning; cables will not clutter the areas beside the wrist rest.
Communication
Lenovo installs Intel's 3160-AC Wi-Fi module in the Flex 2 Pro. It supports the Wi-Fi 802.1 a/b/g/n/ac standards. The connection was always stable in a radius of 15 meters around our router. We did not observe speed losses. Intel's module also adds Bluetooth 4.0 to the computer. The Gigabit Ethernet chip comes from Realtek in form of the long-known, established model from the RTL8168/8111 family.
Memory Card Reader
We used our reference SD card (Toshiba Exceria Pro SDXC 64 GB UHS-II) to assess the memory card reader. The maximum transfer rate for copying large data blocks was 86.8 MB/s. Transferring 250 JPG image files (approx. 5 MB each) was performed at roughly 68 MB/s.
Accessories
The laptop is shipped with a quick-start poster and warranty information.
Operating System
Windows 8.1 (64-bit) was preloaded on our review sample. A recovery medium is not included. The Flex 2 can be updated to Windows 10 for free. Users can also downgrade to Windows 7 when preferred. Lenovo provides the necessary drivers.
Maintenance
Accessing the laptop's innards is possible despite the lack of a maintenance hatch. The bottom tray can be pried open using a putty knife or spudger and then simply be removed after releasing all screws. The Flex 2 Pro offers two working memory banks that are both fitted with an 8 GB module. Replacing the hard drive would not be a problem, either. The battery could also be exchanged in case of damage.
Warranty
Lenovo includes a two-year warranty on the Flex 2 Pro. The warranty period can be extended to three years for approximately 50 to 60 Euros (~$56 to ~$68) more. Tip: Lenovo lists all available warranty upgrades for a device on its website. It is also possible to buy a warranty extension directly.
Input Devices
Keyboard
Lenovo furnishes its Flex 2 Pro with a backlit chiclet keyboard. The backlight has two brightness levels and can be turned on and off via a function key. The typical Lenovo-style keys are very lightly concave and have a sleek surface. They feature a short drop and clear pressure point. We also like their resistance. All in all, Lenovo provides a keyboard that is also suitable for frequent typing here.
Touchpad
A multitouch ClickPad with a surface area of approximately 10.7 x 7.1 cm is installed as the mouse replacement. It thus offers plenty of room for gesture control. The pad features a sleek surface that does not prevent the finger from gliding. The pad is not inserted absolutely impeccably. It juts out a bit too far in the lower left. The pad has a short drop and clear pressure point.
Touchscreen
The capacitive touchscreen supports 10 touch points. We did not encounter any problems and it responded instantaneously to our inputs.
Display
Lenovo installs a glare-type, 15.6-inch screen with a native resolution of 1920x1080 pixels in its Flex 2 Pro. Both the contrast (1015:1) and black level (0.27 cd/m²) range from good to very good. There is room for improvement in terms of brightness. A rate of 250.2 cd/m² is too low for a device from this price range. We would have expected a rate much closer to 300 cd/m².
| |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Brightness Distribution: 73 %
Center on Battery: 224 cd/m²
Contrast: 1015:1 (Black: 0.27 cd/m²)
ΔE Color 7.51 | 0.55-29.43 Ø5.2
ΔE Greyscale 7.43 | 0.57-98 Ø5.4
59% sRGB (Argyll 1.6.3 3D)
37% AdobeRGB 1998 (Argyll 1.6.3 3D)
40.65% AdobeRGB 1998 (Argyll 2.2.0 3D)
58.8% sRGB (Argyll 2.2.0 3D)
39.31% Display P3 (Argyll 2.2.0 3D)
Gamma: 2.37
The screen presents a DeltaE 2000 shift of 7.51 in delivery state - the rate is neither good nor extremely bad. A shift less than three would be desirable. The screen does not exhibit a bluish cast. The screen cannot display either the sRGB or AdobeRGB color space. The coverage rates here are 59% (sRGB) and 37% (AdobeRGB).
Lenovo furnishes the Flex 2 Pro with an IPS panel. Thus, the screen remains legible from every position. The device cannot be used outdoors; the combination of a glare-screen surface and too low brightness thwarts that.
| Lenovo Flex 2 Pro-15 IPS, 1920x1080 | HP Envy 15-w000ng x360 TN-LED, 1366x768 | Asus Transformer Book Flip TP500LN TN LED, 1920x1080 | HP Pavilion 15-ab022ng TN LED, 1920x1080 | Acer Aspire V3-574G-59MA IPS, 1920x1080 | Dell Inspiron 15-7548 IPS, 3840x2160 | Acer Aspire V15 Nitro VN7-571G-574H IPS, 1920x1080 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Display | -9% | 26% | 12% | 1% | 48% | ||
| Display P3 Coverage | 39.31 | 35.87 -9% | 49.85 27% | 44.11 12% | 39.83 1% | 63.2 61% | |
| sRGB Coverage | 58.8 | 54 -8% | 73.3 25% | 66.4 13% | 59.5 1% | 80.6 37% | |
| AdobeRGB 1998 Coverage | 40.65 | 37.06 -9% | 51.7 27% | 45.57 12% | 41.21 1% | 58.9 45% | |
| Screen | -40% | -3% | -31% | -11% | -37% | 17% | |
| Brightness middle | 274 | 183 -33% | 154 -44% | 223 -19% | 257 -6% | 214 -22% | 320 17% |
| Brightness | 240 | 196 -18% | 143 -40% | 215 -10% | 247 3% | 204 -15% | 283 18% |
| Brightness Distribution | 73 | 82 12% | 84 15% | 83 14% | 84 15% | 77 5% | 83 14% |
| Black Level * | 0.27 | 0.51 -89% | 0.3 -11% | 0.76 -181% | 0.45 -67% | 0.76 -181% | 0.32 -19% |
| Contrast | 1015 | 359 -65% | 513 -49% | 293 -71% | 571 -44% | 282 -72% | 1000 -1% |
| Colorchecker dE 2000 * | 7.51 | 12.45 -66% | 4.84 36% | 8.5 -13% | 7.36 2% | 5.83 22% | 5.31 29% |
| Greyscale dE 2000 * | 7.43 | 13.81 -86% | 4.53 39% | 9.35 -26% | 7.82 -5% | 7.17 3% | 4.73 36% |
| Gamma | 2.37 93% | 2.33 94% | 2.22 99% | 2.46 89% | 2.4 92% | 1.94 113% | 2.36 93% |
| CCT | 6670 97% | 16998 38% | 7307 89% | 10402 62% | 6939 94% | 5617 116% | 5980 109% |
| Color Space (Percent of AdobeRGB 1998) | 37 | 34 -8% | 48 30% | 42 14% | 38 3% | 52.9 43% | |
| Color Space (Percent of sRGB) | 59 | 54 -8% | 66 12% | 59.2 0% | |||
| Total Average (Program / Settings) | -25% /
-32% | 12% /
5% | -10% /
-20% | -5% /
-8% | -37% /
-37% | 33% /
25% |
* ... smaller is better
Performance
Lenovo offers a 15.6-inch, 2-in-1 all-rounder with its Flex 2 Pro 15. The laptop has more than enough computing power for everyday use and can also render games smoothly. Our review sample is sold for around 1000 Euros (~$1135). The device is also available for a price starting at 700 Euros (~$794) when concessions are made in configuration.
Processor
Intel's Core i7-4510U dual-core processor is inside the Flex 2 Pro. It is an economic ULV processor with a TDP of 15 watts. The processor looks good in all application scenarios and should satisfy most users. The CPU clocks at a base speed of 2 GHz, which can be boosted to 2.8 GHz (both cores) or 3.1 GHz (one core only) via Turbo. The processor's full performance is only available in single-thread applications. The CPU performed these at 2.3 to 2.4 GHz. It processed multithread applications at 2.3 to 2.4 GHz. Thus, the CPU remains behind its potential in multithread applications.
It is surprising that Lenovo still has laptops that are furnished with this processor in October 2015. After all, a corresponding successor in form of the Core i7-5500U was launched on the market over a year ago. Lenovo also offers Flex 2 Pro 15 models based on the named successor. The Core i7-5500 averagely provides an approximately 10% higher performance compared with the Core i7-4510U - providing that both can utilize their full speeds.
| Peacekeeper - --- (sort by value) | |
| Lenovo Flex 2 Pro-15 | |
| HP Pavilion 15-ab052ng | |
| HP Pavilion 15-ab022ng | |
| Acer Aspire V3-574G-59MA | |
| Dell Inspiron 15-7548 | |
| Acer Aspire E5-571G-520X | |
* ... smaller is better
System Performance
It should not be surprising that the Flex 2 Pro runs absolutely smoothly, considering that the laptop sports a strong processor and swift solid state drive. The PCMark benchmarks scores are also good. Our comparison chart shows that HP's Envy 15-w000ng x360 can clearly outperform Lenovo's device in PCMark 8. That is owed to the lower screen resolution (1366x768 pixels) of HP's laptop. The Flex 2 Pro delivers similar scores when its desktop resolution is reduced to that level. The system performance of the Flex 2 Pro cannot be improved. Lenovo has pulled out all the stops here.
| PCMark 7 Score | 5074 points | |
| PCMark 8 Home Score Accelerated v2 | 3209 points | |
| PCMark 8 Creative Score Accelerated v2 | 3808 points | |
| PCMark 8 Work Score Accelerated v2 | 4309 points | |
Help | ||
Storage Device
Lenovo installs a solid state drive from Samsung in the Flex 2 Pro. It is a 2.5-inch model with a total capacity of 256 GB. Approximately 170 GB of that is available for the user. The Windows installation, recovery partition and a backup partition reserve the remaining storage capacity. The latter contains the drivers and preloaded applications. All in all, the SSD delivers good transfer rates.
Graphics Card
Lenovo uses a mid-range GPU in its Flex 2 Pro, namely a GeForce 840M graphics core. It supports DirectX 11 and clocks at a base speed of 1029 MHz that can be boosted to 1124 MHz via Turbo. The 3DMark benchmark scores range on a normal level for this graphics core. The direct successor of the 840 core is on the market in the form of the GeForce 940M GPU. However, there is no imperative reason to buy a correspondingly equipped laptop. The 940 core can only boast with a very marginal performance plus (less than 5%).
In addition to the GeForce GPU, Intel's HD Graphics 4400 graphics core is also inside Lenovo's computer. They both create a graphics-switching solution (Optimus). Intel's GPU is active in routine use and in battery mode. The GeForce core is enabled in applications that demand high graphics performance - for example computer games. Switching between both cores is automated, but the user can always intervene.
| 3DMark 06 Standard Score | 11269 points | |
| 3DMark 11 Performance | 2370 points | |
| 3DMark Ice Storm Standard Score | 45336 points | |
| 3DMark Cloud Gate Standard Score | 5939 points | |
| 3DMark Fire Strike Score | 1366 points | |
Help | ||
| 3DMark 06 - 1280x1024 Standard Score AA:0x AF:0x (sort by value) | |
| Lenovo Flex 2 Pro-15 | |
| Lenovo Z51-70-80K6 | |
| Lenovo Z51-70 | |
| HP Pavilion 15-ab052ng | |
| Dell Inspiron 15-7548 | |
| Acer Aspire E5-571G-520X | |
Gaming Performance
The Flex 2 Pro allows playing computer games. The installed hardware manages to render many games in the HD resolution (1366x768 pixels) using medium to high quality settings. Performance-driven games, such as Evolve require reducing the resolution/quality level. That is, however, not enough for games like Batman: Arkham Knight. It is not possible to achieve gaming-suitable frame rates here. Only a few games allow using the screen's Full HD resolution. That is limited to older games or games with only low hardware requirements.
Users who want more gaming power will have to take another computer. There are barely any devices that feature stronger GPUs in the Convertible/2-in-1 sector. A conventional laptop would have to be taken. For example, Acer's Aspire VN7-571G would be an option. The latter is available with GeForce GTX 850M or GTX 950M graphics cores among other things. The prices currently start at approximately 830 Euros (~$942).
| low | med. | high | ultra | |
| Tomb Raider (2013) | 128.8 | 61.5 | 33.5 | 16.6 |
| GRID: Autosport (2014) | 156.4 | 66.4 | 29.9 | 15.2 |
| Alien: Isolation (2014) | 65.1 | 42.8 | 22 | 16.6 |
| F1 2014 (2014) | 109 | 84 | 58 | 32 |
| Assassin's Creed Unity (2014) | 27.2 | 17.4 | 8.1 | 5.7 |
| Far Cry 4 (2014) | 44.4 | 29.4 | 13.3 | 12 |
| Dragon Age: Inquisition (2014) | 40.9 | 25.1 | 16.1 | 11.8 |
| Battlefield Hardline (2015) | 71.7 | 50.2 | 18 | 10.7 |
| Dirt Rally (2015) | 183.2 | 45.1 | 22.6 | 12.5 |
| The Witcher 3 (2015) | 29 | 17.6 | 9.2 | 6.3 |
| Batman: Arkham Knight (2015) | 25 | 21 | 12 | 7 |
| Metal Gear Solid V (2015) | 58 | 39.9 | 16.1 | 11.9 |
| Mad Max (2015) | 34.4 | 17 | 15.5 | |
| World of Warships (2015) | 103.4 | 78.1 | 36.6 | 22.5 |
| FIFA 16 (2015) | 88.5 | 57.9 | 38.5 |
| GRID: Autosport | |
| 1024x768 Ultra Low Preset (sort by value) | |
| Lenovo Flex 2 Pro-15 | |
| HP Envy 15-w000ng x360 | |
| Lenovo Z51-70 | |
| Dell Inspiron 15-7548 | |
| 1366x768 Medium Preset (sort by value) | |
| Lenovo Flex 2 Pro-15 | |
| HP Envy 15-w000ng x360 | |
| Lenovo Z51-70 | |
| Dell Inspiron 15-7548 | |
| F1 2014 | |
| 1366x768 Medium Preset (sort by value) | |
| Lenovo Flex 2 Pro-15 | |
| HP Envy 15-w000ng x360 | |
| Dell Inspiron 15-7548 | |
| 1920x1080 High Preset (sort by value) | |
| Lenovo Flex 2 Pro-15 | |
| HP Envy 15-w000ng x360 | |
| Dell Inspiron 15-7548 | |
| Far Cry 4 | |
| 1024x768 Low Graphics Quality (sort by value) | |
| Lenovo Flex 2 Pro-15 | |
| HP Envy 15-w000ng x360 | |
| Lenovo Z51-70-80K6 | |
| Lenovo Z51-70 | |
| Dell Inspiron 15-7548 | |
| 1366x768 Medium Graphics Quality (sort by value) | |
| Lenovo Flex 2 Pro-15 | |
| HP Envy 15-w000ng x360 | |
| Lenovo Z51-70-80K6 | |
| Lenovo Z51-70 | |
| Dell Inspiron 15-7548 | |
| Battlefield Hardline | |
| 1024x768 Low Graphics Quality (DX11) (sort by value) | |
| Lenovo Flex 2 Pro-15 | |
| HP Envy 15-w000ng x360 | |
| Lenovo Z51-70 | |
| Dell Inspiron 15-7548 | |
| 1366x768 Medium Graphics Quality (DX11) (sort by value) | |
| Lenovo Flex 2 Pro-15 | |
| HP Envy 15-w000ng x360 | |
| Lenovo Z51-70 | |
| Dell Inspiron 15-7548 | |
Emissions
System Noise
The fan in the Flex 2 Pro is sometimes inactive when idling. However, it usually runs at a low speed, and it produces a quiet, consistent noise. The fan speeds up under load. We measured a noise level of 40.1 dB in the stress test, which is acceptable. This rate is not least owed to processor throttling during the stress test. The fan does not produce annoying side noises like whistling or buzzing.
Noise Level
| Idle |
| 29.6 / 32.2 / 32.3 dB(A) |
| Load |
| 39.1 / 40.1 dB(A) |
 | ||
30 dB silent 40 dB(A) audible 50 dB(A) loud |
||
min:  , med:  , max:  Voltcraft sl-320 (15 cm distance) | ||
| Lenovo Flex 2 Pro-15 4510U, GeForce 840M | HP Envy 15-w000ng x360 5200U, GeForce 930M | Asus Transformer Book Flip TP500LN 4210U, GeForce 840M | HP Pavilion 15-ab022ng 5500U, GeForce 940M | Acer Aspire V3-574G-59MA 5200U, GeForce 940M | Dell Inspiron 15-7548 5500U, Radeon R7 M270 | Acer Aspire V15 Nitro VN7-571G-574H 5200U, GeForce GTX 850M | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Noise | -5% | 2% | -15% | -6% | 5% | -2% | |
| Idle Minimum * | 29.6 | 32.2 -9% | 30.6 -3% | 34.5 -17% | 32.8 -11% | 29 2% | 31.9 -8% |
| Idle Average * | 32.2 | 32.3 -0% | 30.6 5% | 34.5 -7% | 32.8 -2% | 29 10% | 31.9 1% |
| Idle Maximum * | 32.3 | 32.3 -0% | 31.8 2% | 34.5 -7% | 32.8 -2% | 29 10% | 32.2 -0% |
| Load Average * | 39.1 | 37.8 3% | 37.4 4% | 44.1 -13% | 42.7 -9% | 36.6 6% | 37 5% |
| Load Maximum * | 40.1 | 47.2 -18% | 39.1 2% | 52.5 -31% | 43.4 -8% | 41.5 -3% | 43.3 -8% |
* ... smaller is better
Temperature
The laptop processed the stress test (Prime95 and Furmark run for at least one hour) in the same manner in both AC and battery modes. The graphics core clocked stably at full speed (1124 MHz). The processor throttled to 1.5 GHz from 1.9 to 2 GHz after about 5 to 10 minutes and remained at that level. The laptop's temperature increase is overall very moderate. Only one measuring point surpassed 40 °C in the stress test.
(+) The maximum temperature on the upper side is 39.5 °C / 103 F, compared to the average of 35.3 °C / 96 F, ranging from 19.6 to 55.7 °C for the class Convertible.
(±) The bottom heats up to a maximum of 42 °C / 108 F, compared to the average of 36.7 °C / 98 F
(+) In idle usage, the average temperature for the upper side is 23.6 °C / 74 F, compared to the device average of 30.2 °C / 86 F.
(+) The palmrests and touchpad are cooler than skin temperature with a maximum of 28.2 °C / 82.8 F and are therefore cool to the touch.
(±) The average temperature of the palmrest area of similar devices was 28.2 °C / 82.8 F (0 °C / 0 F).
| Lenovo Flex 2 Pro-15 4510U, GeForce 840M | HP Envy 15-w000ng x360 5200U, GeForce 930M | Asus Transformer Book Flip TP500LN 4210U, GeForce 840M | HP Pavilion 15-ab022ng 5500U, GeForce 940M | Acer Aspire V3-574G-59MA 5200U, GeForce 940M | Dell Inspiron 15-7548 5500U, Radeon R7 M270 | Acer Aspire V15 Nitro VN7-571G-574H 5200U, GeForce GTX 850M | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Heat | -9% | -11% | -10% | -34% | -21% | -10% | |
| Maximum Upper Side * | 39.5 | 37.8 4% | 41.6 -5% | 38.7 2% | 50 -27% | 43.5 -10% | 48.2 -22% |
| Maximum Bottom * | 42 | 41.7 1% | 46 -10% | 40.2 4% | 62.7 -49% | 54 -29% | 39.5 6% |
| Idle Upper Side * | 24.6 | 28.9 -17% | 28.4 -15% | 30.8 -25% | 34.6 -41% | 29.8 -21% | 28.3 -15% |
| Idle Bottom * | 25 | 30.7 -23% | 28.7 -15% | 30.4 -22% | 29.5 -18% | 31 -24% | 27 -8% |
* ... smaller is better
Speakers
The stereo speakers in the Flex 2 Pro are situated on the underside of the devices front edge. They produce a decent sound that lacks bass. Speech is well-intelligible. The preloaded Dolby Digital Plus tool improves the sound even more.
Energy Management
Power Consumption
The Flex 2 Pro does not present any surprises in terms of power consumption. We measured up to 8.7 watts in idle mode - like we know from Haswell ULV laptops. The energy requirement increases to approximately 41.6 watts (+/- 5 watts) in gaming routine. That is also a normal rate for the installed hardware platform. The power consumption was only almost 2 watts higher in the stress test. Processor throttling became evident here. The power supply has a nominal output of 65 watts.
| Off / Standby | 0.2 / 0.5 Watt |
| Idle | 4 / 7.8 / 8.7 Watt |
| Load |
41.6 / 43.9 Watt |
   
| |
| Lenovo Flex 2 Pro-15 4510U, GeForce 840M | HP Envy 15-w000ng x360 5200U, GeForce 930M | Asus Transformer Book Flip TP500LN 4210U, GeForce 840M | HP Pavilion 15-ab022ng 5500U, GeForce 940M | Acer Aspire V3-574G-59MA 5200U, GeForce 940M | Dell Inspiron 15-7548 5500U, Radeon R7 M270 | Acer Aspire V15 Nitro VN7-571G-574H 5200U, GeForce GTX 850M | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Power Consumption | 16% | -59% | -12% | -7% | -57% | -46% | |
| Idle Minimum * | 4 | 3.3 17% | 9.8 -145% | 4.8 -20% | 3.9 2% | 6.1 -53% | 5.4 -35% |
| Idle Average * | 7.8 | 6 23% | 12.2 -56% | 8.1 -4% | 7.2 8% | 15 -92% | 11.5 -47% |
| Idle Maximum * | 8.7 | 7.8 10% | 12.9 -48% | 8.3 5% | 8.5 2% | 15.5 -78% | 12.8 -47% |
| Load Average * | 41.6 | 30.3 27% | 49.2 -18% | 42.5 -2% | 47.5 -14% | 47.7 -15% | 48.6 -17% |
| Load Maximum * | 43.9 | 42.3 4% | 55.3 -26% | 61.1 -39% | 58.9 -34% | 64.1 -46% | 79.8 -82% |
* ... smaller is better
Battery Runtime
The Flex 2 Pro achieves an idle runtime of 11:50 hours. The HP Envy 15-w000ng x360 rival (12:51 h) lasts longer. Idle mode is determined using the Battery Eater Reader's test. The screen is set to minimum brightness, the energy-saving profile is enabled, and the wireless modules are disabled. The Flex 2 Pro shuts down after 1:35 hours under load. It again lags behind the Envy (1:47 h). Load runtime is ascertained using the Battery Eater Classic test. Here, the screen runs at maximum, and the high performance profile and the radio modules are enabled.
The laptop stopped our real world Wi-Fi test after 5:21 hours. Once again, the Envy (6:34 h) exhibits more stamina. This test simulates the load required for opening websites. The "Balanced" profile is active, and the screen's brightness is set to approximately 150 cd/m². We test the video playback time by running the short movie Big Buck Bunny (H.264 encoding, 1920x1080 pixels) in a loop. The wireless modules are disabled, and the screen's brightness is set to approximately 150 cd/m². The Flex 2 Pro achieved a runtime of 5:49 hours. We did not perform this test on the Envy.
All in all, the battery life of Lenovo's laptop is absolutely satisfactory but will not awe anyone. It is not surprising that the Flex 2 Pro lags behind the Envy since the latter features a dark, lower resolution screen and also has a slightly higher battery capacity.
| Lenovo Flex 2 Pro-15 44 Wh | HP Envy 15-w000ng x360 48 Wh | Asus Transformer Book Flip TP500LN 48 Wh | HP Pavilion 15-ab022ng 41 Wh | Acer Aspire V3-574G-59MA 37 Wh | Dell Inspiron 15-7548 56 Wh | Acer Aspire V15 Nitro VN7-571G-574H 52 Wh | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Battery Runtime | 15% | -38% | -14% | -10% | -18% | 38% | |
| Reader / Idle | 710 | 771 9% | 452 -36% | 563 -21% | 673 -5% | 633 -11% | 797 12% |
| H.264 | 329 | 231 -30% | 294 -11% | 271 -18% | 238 -28% | 427 30% | |
| WiFi v1.3 | 321 | 394 23% | 267 -17% | 281 -12% | 264 -18% | 448 40% | |
| Load | 95 | 107 13% | 49 -48% | 88 -7% | 91 -4% | 81 -15% | 161 69% |
| WiFi | 276 |
Pros
Cons
Verdict
Lenovo's Flex 2 Pro 15 is a 15.6-inch, 2-in-1 all-rounder. The lack of a Tablet Mode, like the devices in Lenovo's Yoga line feature, prevents the device from being a full-fledged convertible. The Flex 2 Pro has more than enough computing power for routine use. It can even render games owing to the GeForce GPU. The laptop does not heat up excessively and does not produce much noise. A swift solid state drive ensures a quick-running system. We generally like the Full HD IPS screen. It presents an attractive image and delivers a good contrast. Only its brightness could be higher. We would also have appreciated a non-glare screen. The battery life is satisfactory, and Lenovo does not present weaknesses in terms of input devices, either. However, Lenovo could have put more effort in the casing. Although the laptop does not have a maintenance hatch, it is quite easy to access the innards. The base unit's underside is easy to remove. At a price of almost 1000 Euros (~$1135), the computer is not one of the cheapest models - the configuration (SSD, 16 GB RAM) becomes obvious here.
Lenovo's Flex 2 Pro is an all-rounder that does not present any severe shortcomings. It is nevertheless a relatively special device. The Flex 2 Pro's Stand Mode makes it different from conventional 15.6-inch laptops. Users who do not need this mode will be happier with a conventional laptop.
Acer's Aspire VN7-571G mentioned earlier might be an alternative. It is a slim, 15.6-inch all-rounder with a light focus on gaming. The laptop offers a matte Full HD IPS screen and a better battery life than the Flex 2 Pro. The Aspire is available for a price starting at around 770 Euros, ~$874 (GeForce 840M model).
Side note: We do not really deem HP's Envy 15-w000ng x360 as an alternative for the Flex 2 Pro. HP's convertible is equipped with a dark, lower resolution screen that is also a viewing-angle dependent TN panel. Installing this kind of screen in a convertible was a rather irrational idea on the part of HP.
Lenovo Flex 2 Pro-15
-
10/08/2015 v4(old)
Sascha Mölck
Pricecompare
