Notebookcheck Logo

Lenovo Flex 6-14IKB (i5 8250U, GeForce MX130) Convertible Review

Cheaper alternative. For those seeking reasonable performance and convertible flexibility but unwilling to spend the big bucks on category leaders, Lenovo's $800 Flex 6 14—equipped with its 8th-gen Core i5, MX130 GPU, and NVMe SSD—might be just the ticket.

Lenovo’s Flex 14 is back in our labs today with an updated design and newer components, including an 8th-generation Core i5-8250U. Some close competitors include the HP Pavilion x360 14, Lenovo Yoga 920, and Asus VivoBook Flip 14. Priced at $800, is this sleeker iteration of the midrange consumer device worth considering?

Flex 6-14IKB (Flex 6 Series)
Processor
Intel Core i5-8250U 4 x 1.6 - 3.4 GHz, Kaby Lake Refresh
Graphics adapter
NVIDIA GeForce MX130, Core: 1189 MHz, Memory: 1253 MHz, 23.21.13.8899 (NVIDIA 388.99)
Memory
8 GB 
, DDR4-2666
Display
14.00 inch 16:9, 1920 x 1080 pixel 157 PPI, 10-point multi-touch, native pen support, M140NWF5 R2, IPS, glossy: no
Mainboard
Intel Sunrise Point-LP
Storage
Soundcard
Realtek ALC236 @ Intel Sunrise Point-LP PCH - High Definition Audiocontroller
Connections
3 USB 3.0 / 3.1 Gen1, 1 HDMI, 1 Kensington Lock, Audio Connections: 3.5 mm combo audio, Card Reader: SDXC/MMC, Sensors: gyrometer, accelerometer
Networking
Realtek 8822BE Wireless LAN 802.11ac PCI-E NIC (a/b/g/n = Wi-Fi 4/ac = Wi-Fi 5/), Bluetooth 4.1
Size
height x width x depth (in mm): 18 x 329 x 230 ( = 0.71 x 12.95 x 9.06 in)
Battery
45 Wh Lithium-Polymer, 4-cell
Operating System
Microsoft Windows 10 Home 64 Bit
Camera
Webcam: 720p
Primary Camera: 1 MPix
Additional features
Speakers: 2 x 2 W, bottom-mounted, down-firing, Keyboard: Chiclet, Keyboard Light: yes, 12 Months Warranty
Weight
1.67 kg ( = 58.91 oz / 3.68 pounds) ( = 0 oz / 0 pounds)
Note: The manufacturer may use components from different suppliers including display panels, drives or memory sticks with similar specifications.

 

Case

One of the more notable revisions the Flex 6 14 boasts is its sleeker, slightly smaller case. Although it’s still predominantly constructed of plastic, the brushed metal top cover grants the palm rest a somewhat better-than-budget feel, along with perhaps a bit better stability. There’s still some flex in play, however, when moderate pressure is applied to the base unit. This is most notable in the bottom center and is partially a consequence of the separate (and rather small) rubber feet on either side of the unit (in contrast to the long horizontal rubber feet of, for instance, the Dell XPS 13 and HP Spectre machines).

Thanks to its convertible design, the Flex 6 14 maintains the 360-degree hinges that Lenovo pioneered several years back with the advent of the Yoga series of devices. The hinges do a good job of supporting the screen, helping to minimize wobble—which is good since the display finish is highly glossy.

334.95 mm / 13.2 inch 229.95 mm / 9.05 inch 20.8 mm / 0.819 inch 1.7 kg3.75 lbs334.8 mm / 13.2 inch 226.9 mm / 8.93 inch 19.9 mm / 0.783 inch 1.7 kg3.79 lbs329 mm / 13 inch 230 mm / 9.06 inch 18 mm / 0.709 inch 1.7 kg3.68 lbs327.4 mm / 12.9 inch 226.5 mm / 8.92 inch 15.4 mm / 0.606 inch 1.5 kg3.31 lbs323 mm / 12.7 inch 223.5 mm / 8.8 inch 13.95 mm / 0.549 inch 1.4 kg3.02 lbs297 mm / 11.7 inch 210 mm / 8.27 inch 1 mm / 0.03937 inch 5.7 g0.01257 lbs
SD Card Reader
average JPG Copy Test (av. of 3 runs)
HP Pavilion x360 14-ba011ng
  (Toshiba Exceria Pro SDXC 64 GB UHS-II)
81 MB/s +218%
Average of class Convertible
  (17.7 - 177.7, n=36, last 2 years)
73.8 MB/s +190%
Lenovo Flex 6-14IKB
  (Toshiba Exceria Pro SDXC 64 GB UHS-II)
25.47 MB/s
Asus VivoBook Flip 14 TP401NA
  (Toshiba Exceria Pro M501 microSDXC 64GB)
24.5 MB/s -4%
Acer Spin 3 SP314-51-548L
  (Toshiba Exceria Pro SDXC 64 GB UHS-II)
20.6 MB/s -19%
maximum AS SSD Seq Read Test (1GB)
Average of class Convertible
  (22.6 - 263, n=34, last 2 years)
95.1 MB/s +244%
HP Pavilion x360 14-ba011ng
  (Toshiba Exceria Pro SDXC 64 GB UHS-II)
87.9 MB/s +218%
Asus VivoBook Flip 14 TP401NA
  (Toshiba Exceria Pro M501 microSDXC 64GB)
36.3 MB/s +31%
Lenovo Flex 6-14IKB
  (Toshiba Exceria Pro SDXC 64 GB UHS-II)
27.66 MB/s
Acer Spin 3 SP314-51-548L
  (Toshiba Exceria Pro SDXC 64 GB UHS-II)
24.8 MB/s -10%
Networking
iperf3 transmit AX12
Average of class Convertible
  (1003 - 1395, n=2, last 2 years)
1199 MBit/s +99%
Lenovo Flex 6-14IKB
Realtek 8822BE Wireless LAN 802.11ac PCI-E NIC
602 MBit/s
Lenovo Yoga 920-13IKB-80Y7
Atheros/Qualcomm QCA6174
566 MBit/s -6%
HP Pavilion x360 14-ba011ng
Intel Dual Band Wireless-AC 3168
349 MBit/s -42%
Acer Spin 3 SP314-51-548L
Atheros/Qualcomm QCA6174
300 MBit/s -50%
Asus VivoBook Flip 14 TP401NA
Qualcomm Atheros QCA9377 Wireless Network Adapter
264 MBit/s -56%
iperf3 receive AX12
Average of class Convertible
  (1178 - 1578, n=2, last 2 years)
1378 MBit/s +119%
Lenovo Yoga 920-13IKB-80Y7
Atheros/Qualcomm QCA6174
648 MBit/s +3%
Lenovo Flex 6-14IKB
Realtek 8822BE Wireless LAN 802.11ac PCI-E NIC
630 MBit/s
Acer Spin 3 SP314-51-548L
Atheros/Qualcomm QCA6174
596 MBit/s -5%
Asus VivoBook Flip 14 TP401NA
Qualcomm Atheros QCA9377 Wireless Network Adapter
336 MBit/s -47%
HP Pavilion x360 14-ba011ng
Intel Dual Band Wireless-AC 3168
310 MBit/s -51%

Accessories

Our review unit shipped with an optional Lenovo Active Pen that manages 2,048 levels of pressure sensitivity.

Maintenance

Disassembly of the Flex 6 14 is relatively straightforward thanks to the removable bottom panel, secured by 10 visible screws. However, a Torx bit is required for the task.

With the bottom cover removed, most replaceable parts are visible.
With the bottom cover removed, most replaceable parts are visible.

Warranty

The Flex 6 14 includes a 1 year depot warranty. Typical warranty upgrades are available for an added cost.

Input Devices

Keyboard

The keyboard features comfortably sized and spaced keys with a familiar and practical layout. Keystrokes carry a short travel and require moderate actuation force; feedback is palpable but a bit on the soft side. The keys are tightly-affixed and suffer no clatter during normal use. The typing experience is acceptable, but it falls short of industry leaders such as Lenovo’s own X1 Carbon or Dell’s Latitude 7390.

The keyboard also includes a backlight, adjustable to two levels of brightness (in addition to off).

Touchpad

The Flex 6 14’s spacious (105 mm x 70 mm) Precision touchpad boasts a surface conducive to finger gliding and gestures and an imperceptible response time. The integrated buttons pale in comparison to better clickpads—mostly because of their loud operation, shallow travel, and the fact that they're harder to depress—but they work without incident for the most part.

Display

Subpixel array, Lenovo Flex 6 14
Subpixel array, Lenovo Flex 6 14

Subjectively, the Flex 6 14’s 14-inch 1920x1080 glossy touchscreen is decent indoors. It notably lacks brightness, but contrast (and black levels) seems relatively strong.

We measured an average brightness of 248.9 cd/m², which is a bit disappointing. Distribution is good at 91%; the contrast of 1398:1 is also a pleasant surprise, bolstered by the low black value of 0.18 cd/m².

258.9
cd/m²
260.1
cd/m²
261.9
cd/m²
238.5
cd/m²
251.7
cd/m²
244.1
cd/m²
237.8
cd/m²
247.8
cd/m²
239.6
cd/m²
Distribution of brightness
M140NWF5 R2 tested with X-Rite i1Pro Basic 2
Maximum: 261.9 cd/m² (Nits) Average: 248.9 cd/m²
Brightness Distribution: 91 %
Center on Battery: 251.7 cd/m²
Contrast: 1398:1 (Black: 0.18 cd/m²)
ΔE Color 5.17 | 0.5-29.43 Ø5, calibrated: 3.83
ΔE Greyscale 3.3 | 0.57-98 Ø5.3
60.4% sRGB (Argyll 1.6.3 3D)
38.6% AdobeRGB 1998 (Argyll 1.6.3 3D)
41.86% AdobeRGB 1998 (Argyll 2.2.0 3D)
60.5% sRGB (Argyll 2.2.0 3D)
40.49% Display P3 (Argyll 2.2.0 3D)
Gamma: 1.943
Lenovo Flex 6-14IKB
M140NWF5 R2, IPS, 14.00, 1920x1080
Asus VivoBook Flip 14 TP401NA
BOE CQ NV140FHM-N49, IPS, 14.00, 1920x1080
Acer Spin 3 SP314-51-548L
BOE CQ NV140FHM-N41, IPS, 14.00, 1920x1080
HP Pavilion x360 14-ba011ng
Chi Mei, IPS, 14.00, 1920x1080
Lenovo Yoga 920-13IKB-80Y7
AU Optronics B139HAN03.0, IPS, 13.90, 1920x1080
Display
-1%
-2%
3%
53%
Display P3 Coverage
40.49
40.21
-1%
39.68
-2%
41.82
3%
62.5
54%
sRGB Coverage
60.5
59.6
-1%
58.9
-3%
61.6
2%
91.7
52%
AdobeRGB 1998 Coverage
41.86
41.54
-1%
41
-2%
43.33
4%
64.1
53%
Response Times
24%
25%
1610%
-8%
Response Time Grey 50% / Grey 80% *
43.2 ?(18.8, 24.4)
42 ?(22, 20)
3%
43 ?(21, 22)
-0%
41 ?(23, 18)
5%
46 ?(20.8, 25.2)
-6%
Response Time Black / White *
28.8 ?(14.8, 14)
34 ?(20, 14)
-18%
35 ?(21, 14)
-22%
22 ?(14, 10)
24%
31.6 ?(18.4, 13.2)
-10%
PWM Frequency
510 ?(99)
960 ?(90)
88%
1000
96%
25000 ?(50)
4802%
Screen
3%
7%
-17%
-10%
Brightness middle
251.7
253
1%
220
-13%
252
0%
297.9
18%
Brightness
249
239
-4%
221
-11%
237
-5%
278
12%
Brightness Distribution
91
76
-16%
78
-14%
90
-1%
81
-11%
Black Level *
0.18
0.21
-17%
0.18
-0%
0.21
-17%
0.44
-144%
Contrast
1398
1205
-14%
1222
-13%
1200
-14%
677
-52%
Colorchecker dE 2000 *
5.17
4.29
17%
3.98
23%
7.29
-41%
5.1
1%
Colorchecker dE 2000 max. *
26.18
8.74
67%
7.69
71%
17.55
33%
11
58%
Colorchecker dE 2000 calibrated *
3.83
5.93
-55%
4
-4%
Greyscale dE 2000 *
3.3
1.49
55%
1.68
49%
7.48
-127%
6.7
-103%
Gamma
1.943 113%
2.29 96%
2.37 93%
2.45 90%
2.9 76%
CCT
6179 105%
6611 98%
6382 102%
6953 93%
6839 95%
Color Space (Percent of AdobeRGB 1998)
38.6
38
-2%
38
-2%
40
4%
64.1
66%
Color Space (Percent of sRGB)
60.4
59
-2%
58
-4%
61
1%
91.7
52%
Total Average (Program / Settings)
9% / 6%
10% / 9%
532% / 292%
12% / 3%

* ... smaller is better

Color coverage is somewhat disappointing at 38.6 percent of AdobeRGB and 60.4 percent of sRGB. Accuracy isn’t the panel’s strong point with an average ColorChecker DeltaE2000 of 5.17 (and a max, 100% Blue, of 26.18)—but most of the values are acceptable for a machine of this class, and calibration does help to bring the outliers back into acceptable ranges.

Color analysis (pre-calibration)
Color analysis (pre-calibration)
Saturation sweeps (pre-calibration)
Saturation sweeps (pre-calibration)
Grayscale analysis (pre-calibration)
Grayscale analysis (pre-calibration)
Color analysis (post-calibration)
Color analysis (post-calibration)
Saturation sweeps (post-calibration)
Saturation sweeps (post-calibration)
Grayscale analysis (post-calibration)
Grayscale analysis (post-calibration)

Display Response Times

Display response times show how fast the screen is able to change from one color to the next. Slow response times can lead to afterimages and can cause moving objects to appear blurry (ghosting). Gamers of fast-paced 3D titles should pay special attention to fast response times.
       Response Time Black to White
28.8 ms ... rise ↗ and fall ↘ combined↗ 14.8 ms rise
↘ 14 ms fall
The screen shows relatively slow response rates in our tests and may be too slow for gamers.
In comparison, all tested devices range from 0.1 (minimum) to 240 (maximum) ms. » 72 % of all devices are better.
This means that the measured response time is worse than the average of all tested devices (21.6 ms).
       Response Time 50% Grey to 80% Grey
43.2 ms ... rise ↗ and fall ↘ combined↗ 18.8 ms rise
↘ 24.4 ms fall
The screen shows slow response rates in our tests and will be unsatisfactory for gamers.
In comparison, all tested devices range from 0.2 (minimum) to 636 (maximum) ms. » 68 % of all devices are better.
This means that the measured response time is worse than the average of all tested devices (33.9 ms).

Screen Flickering / PWM (Pulse-Width Modulation)

To dim the screen, some notebooks will simply cycle the backlight on and off in rapid succession - a method called Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) . This cycling frequency should ideally be undetectable to the human eye. If said frequency is too low, users with sensitive eyes may experience strain or headaches or even notice the flickering altogether.
Screen flickering / PWM detected 510 Hz ≤ 99 % brightness setting

The display backlight flickers at 510 Hz (worst case, e.g., utilizing PWM) Flickering detected at a brightness setting of 99 % and below. There should be no flickering or PWM above this brightness setting.

The frequency of 510 Hz is quite high, so most users sensitive to PWM should not notice any flickering.

In comparison: 53 % of all tested devices do not use PWM to dim the display. If PWM was detected, an average of 18110 (minimum: 5 - maximum: 3846000) Hz was measured.

The IPS panel features expectedly wide viewing angles, though reflections can be a burden. Outdoors, those same reflections render the machine mostly unusable in all but the most heavily shaded of areas.

Outdoors, in the sun
Outdoors, in the sun
Outdoors, in the shade
Outdoors, in the shade
Viewing angles, Lenovo Flex 6 14
Viewing angles, Lenovo Flex 6 14

Performance

The Flex 6 14 is powered by Intel CPUs ranging (depending on configuration) from the Intel Pentium 4415U up to the Intel Core i5-8250U. The system can be preconfigured with up to 8 GB of DDR4 RAM and up to a 256 GB NVMe SSD as well. Our particular review unit includes the highest-end options available: the Core i5, 8 GB of RAM, and 256 GB of NVMe storage.

CPU-Z CPU
CPU-Z CPU
CPU-Z Caches
CPU-Z Caches
CPU-Z Mainboard
CPU-Z Mainboard
CPU-Z Memory
CPU-Z Memory
CPU-Z RAM SPD
CPU-Z RAM SPD
GPU-Z
GPU-Z
LatencyMon
LatencyMon
JetStream
JetStream

Processor

Cinebench R15
Cinebench R15

As has been the case fairly consistently among machines powered by 8th-generation Intel CPUs, the Flex 6 14’s Intel Core i5-8250U SoC provides a significant boost in multi-core performance over previous-generation machines of this class. We recorded 522 points in the Cinebench R15 multi-CPU benchmark, right in line with the equivalently-equipped Acer Spin 3 convertible, and some 36% ahead of the HP Pavilion x360 14 (and miles ahead of the Asus VivoBook Flip 14’s 6 W TDP Pentium N4200). The Yoga 920, powered by its Core i7-8550U, runs away with the crown.

Performance consistency under sustained load is decent, with scores dropping into the 490s (where they remain mostly consistently) after the first test run in our Multi-CPU Cinebench R15 loop test. Switching subjects, LatencyMon detected no issues with DPC latencies, so streaming real-time audio and video should not be a problem.

Cinebench R15
CPU Single 64Bit
Average of class Convertible
  (68.6 - 287, n=64, last 2 years)
229 Points +75%
Lenovo Yoga 920-13IKB-80Y7
Intel Core i7-8550U
170 Points +30%
Acer Spin 3 SP314-51-548L
Intel Core i5-8250U
144 Points +10%
Average Intel Core i5-8250U
  (81 - 147, n=97)
141.1 Points +8%
Lenovo Flex 6-14IKB
Intel Core i5-8250U
131 Points
HP Pavilion x360 14-ba011ng
Intel Core i5-7200U
127 Points -3%
Asus VivoBook Flip 14 TP401NA
Intel Pentium N4200
52 Points -60%
CPU Multi 64Bit
Average of class Convertible
  (110.1 - 2889, n=66, last 2 years)
1554 Points +198%
Lenovo Yoga 920-13IKB-80Y7
Intel Core i7-8550U
576 Points +10%
Average Intel Core i5-8250U
  (320 - 730, n=101)
570 Points +9%
Acer Spin 3 SP314-51-548L
Intel Core i5-8250U
523 Points 0%
Lenovo Flex 6-14IKB
Intel Core i5-8250U
522 Points
HP Pavilion x360 14-ba011ng
Intel Core i5-7200U
335 Points -36%
Asus VivoBook Flip 14 TP401NA
Intel Pentium N4200
161 Points -69%
Cinebench R15 CPU Single 64Bit
131 Points
Cinebench R15 CPU Multi 64Bit
522 Points
Cinebench R15 OpenGL 64Bit
55.3 fps
Cinebench R15 Ref. Match 64Bit
99.6 %
Help
0102030405060708090100110120130140150160170180190200210220230240250260270280290300310320330340350360370380390400410420430440450460470480490500510520530Tooltip
Cinebench R15 CPU Multi 64 Bit

System Performance

The Lenovo Flex 6 14 is in the middle of the pack in our synthetic performance tests, with the Asus VivoBook Flip 14 in a distant last, of course. Scores of 3267 and 3207 in PCMark 10 and PCMark 8 Home Accelerated are not bad. The Acer Spin tops the charts of today’s comparison field with scores around 11 to 14 percent higher, but this will rarely be noticeable in everyday use.

PCMark 8 Home Accelerated
PCMark 8 Home Accelerated
PCMark 10
PCMark 10
PCMark 8 - Home Score Accelerated v2
Average of class Convertible
  (4404 - 5830, n=3, last 2 years)
4890 Points +52%
Lenovo Yoga 920-13IKB-80Y7
UHD Graphics 620, i5-8550U, Samsung PM961 MZVLW256HEHP
3999 Points +25%
Acer Spin 3 SP314-51-548L
UHD Graphics 620, i5-8250U, Micron 1100 MTFDDAV256TBN
3650 Points +14%
Average Intel Core i5-8250U, NVIDIA GeForce MX130
  (3207 - 3903, n=5)
3583 Points +12%
HP Pavilion x360 14-ba011ng
GeForce 940MX, i5-7200U, Samsung CM871a MZNTY128HDHP
3435 Points +7%
Lenovo Flex 6-14IKB
GeForce MX130, i5-8250U, Samsung PM961 MZVLW256HEHP
3207 Points
Asus VivoBook Flip 14 TP401NA
HD Graphics 505, Pentium N4200, 128 GB eMMC Flash
1966 Points -39%
PCMark 10 - Score
Average of class Convertible
  (1486 - 7963, n=59, last 2 years)
5616 Points +72%
Lenovo Yoga 920-13IKB-80Y7
UHD Graphics 620, i5-8550U, Samsung PM961 MZVLW256HEHP
4012 Points +23%
Acer Spin 3 SP314-51-548L
UHD Graphics 620, i5-8250U, Micron 1100 MTFDDAV256TBN
3613 Points +11%
Average Intel Core i5-8250U, NVIDIA GeForce MX130
  (3175 - 3418, n=4)
3316 Points +1%
Lenovo Flex 6-14IKB
GeForce MX130, i5-8250U, Samsung PM961 MZVLW256HEHP
3267 Points
HP Pavilion x360 14-ba011ng
GeForce 940MX, i5-7200U, Samsung CM871a MZNTY128HDHP
2756 Points -16%
Asus VivoBook Flip 14 TP401NA
HD Graphics 505, Pentium N4200, 128 GB eMMC Flash
1454 Points -55%
PCMark 8 Home Score Accelerated v2
3207 points
PCMark 10 Score
3267 points
Help

Storage Devices

Thanks to its NVMe SSD (something its competitors cannot boast), the Flex 6 14 posts good storage performance scores of 1200 / 526 in AS SSD Read / Write. Scores for the ASUS VivoBook Flip aren’t available due to its use of low-cost (and slow) eMMC storage. The Yoga 920, which features the same SSD, sees similar performance. The other two competitors make an acceptable showing thanks to reasonably quick M.2 SSDs, but they can’t approach the speeds of the NVMe PM961 drive in our Flex review unit.

No secondary storage options exist for the Flex 6 14; there is but a single storage port.

AS SSD
AS SSD
CrystalDiskMark
CrystalDiskMark
Lenovo Flex 6-14IKB
Samsung PM961 MZVLW256HEHP
Acer Spin 3 SP314-51-548L
Micron 1100 MTFDDAV256TBN
HP Pavilion x360 14-ba011ng
Samsung CM871a MZNTY128HDHP
Lenovo Yoga 920-13IKB-80Y7
Samsung PM961 MZVLW256HEHP
Average Samsung PM961 MZVLW256HEHP
 
AS SSD
-50%
-56%
14%
-94%
Copy Game MB/s
231.9
166.2
319.2
537 ?(225 - 1115, n=37)
Copy Program MB/s
158.8
65.1
463.3
343 ?(75 - 780, n=37)
Copy ISO MB/s
329.8
211.3
1341
1004 ?(421 - 1912, n=37)
Score Total
2311
867
-62%
974
-58%
2536
10%
2565 ?(35 - 4653, n=61)
11%
Score Write
526
392
-25%
261
-50%
608
16%
587 ?(48 - 1029, n=61)
12%
Score Read
1200
311
-74%
465
-61%
1316
10%
1378 ?(363 - 2545, n=61)
15%
Access Time Write *
0.039
0.056
-44%
0.076
-95%
0.028
28%
0.4637 ?(0.023 - 4.15, n=61)
-1089%
Access Time Read *
0.062
0.091
-47%
0.093
-50%
0.044
29%
0.06777 ?(0.04 - 0.49, n=61)
-9%
4K-64 Write
308.5
273.6
-11%
128.4
-58%
391.3
27%
419 ?(15.3 - 1652, n=61)
36%
4K-64 Read
953
236.1
-75%
381.4
-60%
1039
9%
1112 ?(199.4 - 2280, n=61)
17%
4K Write
96.4
77.9
-19%
83.9
-13%
128.1
33%
91.6 ?(1.16 - 161.4, n=61)
-5%
4K Read
47.85
25.41
-47%
32.19
-33%
48.46
1%
45.1 ?(20.7 - 54.1, n=61)
-6%
Seq Write
1211
406.9
-66%
491.5
-59%
885
-27%
960 ?(223 - 1395, n=61)
-21%
Seq Read
1984
491.1
-75%
515
-74%
2282
15%
2019 ?(768 - 2834, n=61)
2%

* ... smaller is better

Samsung PM961 MZVLW256HEHP
CDM 5/6 Read Seq Q32T1: 3230 MB/s
CDM 5/6 Write Seq Q32T1: 1232 MB/s
CDM 5/6 Read 4K Q32T1: 278.4 MB/s
CDM 5/6 Write 4K Q32T1: 198.8 MB/s
CDM 5 Write Seq: 1055 MB/s
CDM 5/6 Read 4K: 40.44 MB/s
CDM 5/6 Write 4K: 101.1 MB/s

GPU Performance

3DMark 11
3DMark 11

The Flex 6 14’s NVIDIA GeForce MX130 is an efficient but far more capable solution than the Intel UHD Graphics varieties powering the Acer Spin 3 and Asus VivoBook Flip 14 units—and as such, we recorded scores many times as fast from the Flex. The 3DMark 11 Performance GPU score of 2868 is 76% faster than the Acer Spin 3’s 1634 and (naturally) 373% faster than that of the Asus VivoBook Flip 14. This is no gaming PC, of course, but older games at lower settings should be playable without much trouble.

3DMark 11
1280x720 Performance GPU
Average of class Convertible
  (471 - 40768, n=64, last 2 years)
7541 Points +163%
Average NVIDIA GeForce MX130
  (2476 - 3203, n=14)
2872 Points 0%
Lenovo Flex 6-14IKB
NVIDIA GeForce MX130, i5-8250U
2868 Points
HP Pavilion x360 14-ba011ng
NVIDIA GeForce 940MX, i5-7200U
2543 Points -11%
Lenovo Yoga 920-13IKB-80Y7
Intel UHD Graphics 620, i5-8550U
1709 Points -40%
Acer Spin 3 SP314-51-548L
Intel UHD Graphics 620, i5-8250U
1634 Points -43%
Asus VivoBook Flip 14 TP401NA
Intel HD Graphics 505, Pentium N4200
606 Points -79%
1280x720 Performance Combined
Average of class Convertible
  (458 - 21287, n=64, last 2 years)
6106 Points +125%
Average NVIDIA GeForce MX130
  (2169 - 3031, n=13)
2804 Points +4%
Lenovo Flex 6-14IKB
NVIDIA GeForce MX130, i5-8250U
2708 Points
HP Pavilion x360 14-ba011ng
NVIDIA GeForce 940MX, i5-7200U
1982 Points -27%
Lenovo Yoga 920-13IKB-80Y7
Intel UHD Graphics 620, i5-8550U
1640 Points -39%
Acer Spin 3 SP314-51-548L
Intel UHD Graphics 620, i5-8250U
1526 Points -44%
Asus VivoBook Flip 14 TP401NA
Intel HD Graphics 505, Pentium N4200
532 Points -80%
3DMark 11 Performance
3102 points
Help
BioShock Infinite
1280x720 Very Low Preset (sort by value)
Lenovo Flex 6-14IKB
GeForce MX130, i5-8250U, Samsung PM961 MZVLW256HEHP
115 fps
Asus VivoBook Flip 14 TP401NA
HD Graphics 505, Pentium N4200, 128 GB eMMC Flash
24.9 fps -78%
Acer Spin 3 SP314-51-548L
UHD Graphics 620, i5-8250U, Micron 1100 MTFDDAV256TBN
62.3 fps -46%
HP Pavilion x360 14-ba011ng
GeForce 940MX, i5-7200U, Samsung CM871a MZNTY128HDHP
91.8 fps -20%
Lenovo Yoga 920-13IKB-80Y7
UHD Graphics 620, i5-8550U, Samsung PM961 MZVLW256HEHP
67.1 fps -42%
Average NVIDIA GeForce MX130
  (83.6 - 152.6, n=10)
127.2 fps +11%
1366x768 Medium Preset (sort by value)
Lenovo Flex 6-14IKB
GeForce MX130, i5-8250U, Samsung PM961 MZVLW256HEHP
61 fps
Asus VivoBook Flip 14 TP401NA
HD Graphics 505, Pentium N4200, 128 GB eMMC Flash
10.7 fps -82%
Acer Spin 3 SP314-51-548L
UHD Graphics 620, i5-8250U, Micron 1100 MTFDDAV256TBN
30.6 fps -50%
HP Pavilion x360 14-ba011ng
GeForce 940MX, i5-7200U, Samsung CM871a MZNTY128HDHP
51.7 fps -15%
Lenovo Yoga 920-13IKB-80Y7
UHD Graphics 620, i5-8550U, Samsung PM961 MZVLW256HEHP
36.2 fps -41%
Average NVIDIA GeForce MX130
  (57.3 - 84.5, n=10)
72.9 fps +20%
1366x768 High Preset (sort by value)
Lenovo Flex 6-14IKB
GeForce MX130, i5-8250U, Samsung PM961 MZVLW256HEHP
48 fps
Asus VivoBook Flip 14 TP401NA
HD Graphics 505, Pentium N4200, 128 GB eMMC Flash
9.4 fps -80%
Acer Spin 3 SP314-51-548L
UHD Graphics 620, i5-8250U, Micron 1100 MTFDDAV256TBN
26.8 fps -44%
HP Pavilion x360 14-ba011ng
GeForce 940MX, i5-7200U, Samsung CM871a MZNTY128HDHP
42.2 fps -12%
Lenovo Yoga 920-13IKB-80Y7
UHD Graphics 620, i5-8550U, Samsung PM961 MZVLW256HEHP
30.5 fps -36%
Average NVIDIA GeForce MX130
  (48 - 69, n=10)
61.7 fps +29%
1920x1080 Ultra Preset, DX11 (DDOF) (sort by value)
Lenovo Flex 6-14IKB
GeForce MX130, i5-8250U, Samsung PM961 MZVLW256HEHP
22 fps
Acer Spin 3 SP314-51-548L
UHD Graphics 620, i5-8250U, Micron 1100 MTFDDAV256TBN
9.2 fps -58%
HP Pavilion x360 14-ba011ng
GeForce 940MX, i5-7200U, Samsung CM871a MZNTY128HDHP
14.9 fps -32%
Lenovo Yoga 920-13IKB-80Y7
UHD Graphics 620, i5-8550U, Samsung PM961 MZVLW256HEHP
10.1 fps -54%
Average NVIDIA GeForce MX130
  (22 - 48.7, n=10)
26.2 fps +19%
low med. high ultra
BioShock Infinite (2013) 115 61 48 22

Emissions

System Noise

As expected, the Flex 6 14 is generally silent (the fan remains off) while idling, and it only becomes moderately noisy under load conditions (almost 11 dB(A) above environmental noise levels in our tests). This is slightly better than the competition. We noticed no coil whine or electronic noise from our review unit, whether unplugged or charging.

Noise Level

Idle
28.5 / 28.5 / 28.9 dB(A)
Load
39.1 / 39.1 dB(A)
  red to green bar
 
 
30 dB
silent
40 dB(A)
audible
50 dB(A)
loud
 
min: dark, med: mid, max: light   BK Precision 732A (15 cm distance)   environment noise: 28.5 dB(A)
Noise profile, Lenovo Flex 6 14
Noise profile, Lenovo Flex 6 14
Lenovo Flex 6-14IKB
GeForce MX130, i5-8250U, Samsung PM961 MZVLW256HEHP
Acer Spin 3 SP314-51-548L
UHD Graphics 620, i5-8250U, Micron 1100 MTFDDAV256TBN
HP Pavilion x360 14-ba011ng
GeForce 940MX, i5-7200U, Samsung CM871a MZNTY128HDHP
Lenovo Yoga 920-13IKB-80Y7
UHD Graphics 620, i5-8550U, Samsung PM961 MZVLW256HEHP
Noise
-5%
-7%
4%
off / environment *
28.5
30
-5%
30
-5%
28
2%
Idle Minimum *
28.5
30
-5%
31.2
-9%
28
2%
Idle Average *
28.5
30
-5%
31.2
-9%
28.8
-1%
Idle Maximum *
28.9
30
-4%
31.7
-10%
30.3
-5%
Load Average *
39.1
38.5
2%
38.4
2%
34.5
12%
Load Maximum *
39.1
44
-13%
42.1
-8%
34.3
12%

* ... smaller is better

Temperature

Under load, temperatures are surprisingly cool on the Flex 6 14; we measured averages of 27.2 °C and 30.3 °C on top and bottom, respectively, with only one really troubling hot spot in the top center quadrant of the underside (46 °C). However, idle values were a bit more elevated than normal—so those who resent a warm lap while computing might want to take heed.

Max. Load
 29 °C
84 F
35.8 °C
96 F
28.4 °C
83 F
 
 28.6 °C
83 F
32.8 °C
91 F
24 °C
75 F
 
 23 °C
73 F
21 °C
70 F
22 °C
72 F
 
Maximum: 35.8 °C = 96 F
Average: 27.2 °C = 81 F
26 °C
79 F
46 °C
115 F
31.4 °C
89 F
27 °C
81 F
36.8 °C
98 F
32.8 °C
91 F
23.6 °C
74 F
24.4 °C
76 F
24.4 °C
76 F
Maximum: 46 °C = 115 F
Average: 30.3 °C = 87 F
Power Supply (max.)  39 °C = 102 F | Room Temperature 20 °C = 68 F | Fluke 62 Mini IR Thermometer
(+) The average temperature for the upper side under maximal load is 27.2 °C / 81 F, compared to the average of 30.2 °C / 86 F for the devices in the class Convertible.
(+) The maximum temperature on the upper side is 35.8 °C / 96 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 46 °C / 115 F, compared to the average of 36.7 °C / 98 F
(+) In idle usage, the average temperature for the upper side is 25 °C / 77 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 23.4 °C / 74.1 F and are therefore cool to the touch.
(+) The average temperature of the palmrest area of similar devices was 28.1 °C / 82.6 F (+4.7 °C / 8.5 F).
Thermal profile, idle, top cover
Thermal profile, idle, top cover
Thermal profile, idle, underside
Thermal profile, idle, underside
Thermal profile, max load, top cover
Thermal profile, max load, top cover
Thermal profile, max load, side
Thermal profile, max load, side
Thermal profile, max load, underside
Thermal profile, max load, underside

Speakers

The Flex doesn’t manage much volume out of its two Harmon-branded, bottom-mounted speakers—just 63.5 dB in our measurements. Mids and highs are at least somewhat balanced and mostly linear, though bass is unsurprisingly nonexistent. Most likely thanks to the lackadaisical volume, we at least didn’t experience any case vibrations or annoying distortion.

dB(A) 0102030405060708090Deep BassMiddle BassHigh BassLower RangeMidsHigher MidsLower HighsMid HighsUpper HighsSuper Highs203535.9352536.833.936.8313433.634403433.8345033.531.133.56333.531.933.58032.131.532.110031.229.731.21253029.6301603527.63520042.728.142.725055.126.555.131559.925.759.94005825.75850054.525.154.56305325.15380056.424.356.4100057.124.557.1125059.124.459.1160061.123.861.1200064.623.964.6250059.923.659.9315056.823.656.8400052.723.552.7500058.223.558.2630062.823.562.8800063.723.463.71000066.223.566.21250069.523.569.51600065.123.565.1SPL73.336.273.3N30.82.630.8median 58median 24.3median 58Delta6.11.56.134.833.834.831.933.531.935.23635.231.229.931.233.432.433.428.32928.328.926.728.936.52636.54825.34851.222.751.247.22247.242.521.442.55020.55056.619.856.656.519.256.554.91854.958.517.858.559.317.459.356.617.156.657.417.157.461.517.461.561.317.261.363.517.463.561.517.761.559.617.959.654.217.854.250.818.150.850.118.150.144.518.144.55118.25171.43071.427.71.327.7median 54.9median 18.1median 54.95.51.65.5hearing rangehide median Pink NoiseLenovo Flex 6-14IKBAsus VivoBook Flip 14 TP401NA
Frequency diagram (checkboxes can be checked and unchecked to compare devices)
Lenovo Flex 6-14IKB audio analysis

(±) | speaker loudness is average but good (73.3 dB)
Bass 100 - 315 Hz
(-) | nearly no bass - on average 16.3% lower than median
(-) | bass is not linear (15.9% delta to prev. frequency)
Mids 400 - 2000 Hz
(+) | balanced mids - only 2.7% away from median
(+) | mids are linear (6.9% delta to prev. frequency)
Highs 2 - 16 kHz
(+) | balanced highs - only 3.9% away from median
(±) | linearity of highs is average (10.8% delta to prev. frequency)
Overall 100 - 16.000 Hz
(±) | linearity of overall sound is average (24.8% difference to median)
Compared to same class
» 71% of all tested devices in this class were better, 7% similar, 21% worse
» The best had a delta of 6%, average was 21%, worst was 57%
Compared to all devices tested
» 72% of all tested devices were better, 6% similar, 23% worse
» The best had a delta of 4%, average was 25%, worst was 134%

Asus VivoBook Flip 14 TP401NA audio analysis

(-) | not very loud speakers (63.5 dB)
Bass 100 - 315 Hz
(±) | reduced bass - on average 9% lower than median
(-) | bass is not linear (17.4% delta to prev. frequency)
Mids 400 - 2000 Hz
(+) | balanced mids - only 2.8% away from median
(+) | mids are linear (6.9% delta to prev. frequency)
Highs 2 - 16 kHz
(±) | higher highs - on average 5.1% higher than median
(+) | highs are linear (6.2% delta to prev. frequency)
Overall 100 - 16.000 Hz
(±) | linearity of overall sound is average (18.5% difference to median)
Compared to same class
» 35% of all tested devices in this class were better, 9% similar, 57% worse
» The best had a delta of 6%, average was 21%, worst was 57%
Compared to all devices tested
» 36% of all tested devices were better, 8% similar, 57% worse
» The best had a delta of 4%, average was 25%, worst was 134%

Energy Management

Power Consumption

Power consumption is one area in which the Flex suffers a bit, presumably as a consequence of its NVIDIA graphics adapter and NVMe storage drive. Under load, it’s quite a bit hungrier than the Acer Spin 3—some 14 W hungrier on average—and while idling it spikes to 9.4 W.

Power Consumption
Off / Standbydarklight 0.2 / 0.4 Watt
Idledarkmidlight 4.4 / 5.3 / 9.4 Watt
Load midlight 43.6 / 40.5 Watt
 color bar
Key: min: dark, med: mid, max: light        Metrahit Energy
Currently we use the Metrahit Energy, a professional single phase power quality and energy measurement digital multimeter, for our measurements. Find out more about it here. All of our test methods can be found here.
Lenovo Flex 6-14IKB
i5-8250U, GeForce MX130, Samsung PM961 MZVLW256HEHP, IPS, 1920x1080, 14.00
Asus VivoBook Flip 14 TP401NA
Pentium N4200, HD Graphics 505, 128 GB eMMC Flash, IPS, 1920x1080, 14.00
Acer Spin 3 SP314-51-548L
i5-8250U, UHD Graphics 620, Micron 1100 MTFDDAV256TBN, IPS, 1920x1080, 14.00
HP Pavilion x360 14-ba011ng
i5-7200U, GeForce 940MX, Samsung CM871a MZNTY128HDHP, IPS, 1920x1080, 14.00
Lenovo Yoga 920-13IKB-80Y7
i5-8550U, UHD Graphics 620, Samsung PM961 MZVLW256HEHP, IPS, 1920x1080, 13.90
Power Consumption
30%
28%
-17%
13%
Idle Minimum *
4.4
4.26
3%
2.9
34%
4.2
5%
3.1
30%
Idle Average *
5.3
7.1
-34%
5.2
2%
7.2
-36%
6.6
-25%
Idle Maximum *
9.4
7.44
21%
5.4
43%
9.8
-4%
7
26%
Load Average *
43.6
1.4
97%
29.4
33%
44
-1%
35.2
19%
Witcher 3 ultra *
34
Load Maximum *
40.5
15.6
61%
29.6
27%
61
-51%
34.6
15%

* ... smaller is better

Battery Life

Naturally, this behavior negatively affects battery life, though it’s difficult to get upset over the nearly 7 hours we recorded during our standardized web surfing test. This result still beats both the Asus VivoBook Flip 14 and HP Pavilion x360 14 by 6 to 10%, though the Acer Spin 3—complete with its identical CPU and efficient integrated graphics—coasts on ahead by some 20% with a life of 496 minutes.

Battery Runtime
WiFi Websurfing
6h 55min
Lenovo Flex 6-14IKB
i5-8250U, GeForce MX130, 45 Wh
Asus VivoBook Flip 14 TP401NA
Pentium N4200, HD Graphics 505, 39 Wh
Acer Spin 3 SP314-51-548L
i5-8250U, UHD Graphics 620, 52.5 Wh
HP Pavilion x360 14-ba011ng
i5-7200U, GeForce 940MX, 41.5 Wh
Lenovo Yoga 920-13IKB-80Y7
i5-8550U, UHD Graphics 620, 70 Wh
Battery Runtime
WiFi v1.3
415
391
-6%
496
20%
373
-10%
685
65%

Pros

+ good CPU performance
+ reasonably fast NVMe SSD
+ above average GPU performance for its class
+ active stylus is an option
+ strong wireless network connection speeds

Cons

- casing stability suffers due to primarily plastic construction
- lackluster keyboard quality
- glossy display with subpar brightness
- pwm in use at lower brightness settings
- weak speakers with low volume

Verdict

In review: Lenovo Flex 6 14. Test model provided by Lenovo US
In review: Lenovo Flex 6 14. Test model provided by Lenovo US

Lenovo’s Flex 6 14 represents another middle-of-the-road mainstream consumer option for those in search of a no-nonsense, moderately-sized convertible but aren’t willing to spend the money for a higher-end option such as a Yoga 920. Compared with its more expensive brethren, the Flex 6 14 settles for flimsier plastic casing and aesthetically pedestrian styling, but it at least manages a brushed metal-lined palm rest and slim bezels for a more modernized design. The input devices are passable, but typists expecting the luxury of a premium Ultrabook keyboard should be sure to spend a little time with the Flex 6 14’s before committing. Likewise, the display suffices for indoor use, but its glossy finish and weak brightness are quickly overcome by disruptive reflections outdoors.

Lenovo's Flex 6 14 makes sense for someone interested in a well-performing convertible with active stylus options who perhaps isn’t as concerned about premium input devices and case design or outdoor use.

Design quibbles notwithstanding, the Flex 6 14’s performance is perfectly adequate. Thanks to its 8th-generation Core i5 CPU, GeForce MX130 GPU, sufficient physical memory, and NVMe SSD, the Flex outclasses many of its peers with regard to storage performance and graphical capability. This is no gaming laptop, but it’s nice to have that flexibility if function over form is the theme of the day. The inclusion of a Lenovo Active Pen with our review configuration is also a serious bonus for anyone who favors stylus-based input or drawing.

At $800, Lenovo's Flex 6 14 makes sense for someone interested in a well-performing convertible with active stylus options who perhaps isn’t as concerned about premium input devices and case design/stability or outdoor use. For a few hundred bucks more, the next grade of machines (Yoga 920, XPS 13) resolves most of these complaints—but with today’s revisions in place, the Flex 6 14 seems positioned as a more practical midrange competitor than its predecessors.

Lenovo Flex 6-14IKB - 06/09/2018 v6(old)
Steve Schardein

Chassis
76 / 98 → 78%
Keyboard
73%
Pointing Device
86%
Connectivity
0 / 80 → 0%
Weight
67 / 35-78 → 74%
Battery
89%
Display
80%
Games Performance
67 / 68 → 99%
Application Performance
83 / 87 → 95%
Temperature
93%
Noise
93%
Audio
50 / 91 → 55%
Camera
55 / 85 → 65%
Average
76%
82%
Convertible - Weighted Average

Pricecompare

static version load dynamic
Loading Comments
Comment on this article
Please share our article, every link counts!
> Expert Reviews and News on Laptops, Smartphones and Tech Innovations > Reviews > Lenovo Flex 6-14IKB (i5 8250U, GeForce MX130) Convertible Review
Steve Schardein, 2018-06-19 (Update: 2018-06-19)