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Lenovo IdeaPad 730S-13IWL (i5-8265U, FHD) Laptop Review

Featherweight Companion. Lenovo’s IdeaPad 730S design shrinks the popular ultraportable even further, but thanks to a quad-core Core i5-8265U, 8 GB RAM, and NVMe SSD, it promises blazing general performance nonetheless. At $870, how does it fare in what has become a deeply competitive market?

With each passing year, ultraportables slim down even more to sizes hardly fathomable by the standards of the previous generation. In direct competition with other category leaders (such as the XPS 13 and Spectre 13) is Lenovo’s IdeaPad 730S, whose predecessor (the 720S) didn’t really trailblaze any new territory, but which proved capable enough to stand alongside these other behemoths of subnotebook fame.

Seeing as it shares many of the same internal components, the 730S is really more of a design upgrade than a refresh. Our review unit maintains the capable quad-core Core i5-8265U CPU, 8 GB LPDDR3 RAM, 256 GB NVMe SSD, and 1080p display, but it slims down the package to a mere 11.9 mm thickness and a (very slightly) smaller footprint to boot. Some of the materials have seen an upgrade as well, with the plastic bezel being replaced by metal and the new touchpad being made of glass. Perhaps the best news of all, however, is the price: at just $870, our review unit is relatively affordable in light of its specifications. Next, we’ll see how well it stands up to the scrutiny of our review process.

Lenovo IdeaPad 730S-13IWL 81JB0004US
Processor
Intel Core i5-8265U 4 x 1.6 - 3.9 GHz, Whiskey Lake-U
Graphics adapter
Intel UHD Graphics 620, Core: 1100 MHz, 24.20.100.6292
Memory
8 GB 
, LPDDR3-2133
Display
13.30 inch 16:9, 1920 x 1080 pixel 166 PPI, B133HAN05.1, IPS, glossy: yes
Mainboard
Intel Cannon Point-LP
Storage
Samsung SSD PM981 MZVLB256HAHQ, 256 GB 
Soundcard
Realtek ALC298
Connections
1 USB 3.0 / 3.1 Gen1, 2 USB 3.1 Gen2, 2 Thunderbolt, Audio Connections: 3.5 mm combo, 1 Fingerprint Reader
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): 11.9 x 307 x 210 ( = 0.47 x 12.09 x 8.27 in)
Battery
42 Wh Lithium-Ion
Operating System
Microsoft Windows 10 Home 64 Bit
Camera
Webcam: 720p HD
Primary Camera: 1 MPix
Additional features
Speakers: 2.0, bottom-mounted, Keyboard: Chiclet, Keyboard Light: yes, 12 Months Warranty
Weight
1.094 kg ( = 38.59 oz / 2.41 pounds), Power Supply: 336 g ( = 11.85 oz / 0.74 pounds)
Price
770 Euro
Note: The manufacturer may use components from different suppliers including display panels, drives or memory sticks with similar specifications.

 

Case

Again, the biggest change the IdeaPad 730S has seen since the previous-generation IdeaPad 720S has been to the case design. While still purely aluminum in construction, the new case, weighing in at just 1.094 kg, is some 14% thinner at 11.9 mm (down from 13.6 mm previously) and swaps out the plastic display frame for edge-to-edge glass. Build quality is overall very good, with even gaps between surfaces and beautifully-machined edges. The bezel surrounding the screen measures just 6 mm on the sides and 10 mm on the top.

While the metal construction is a priceless asset, and the base unit is comfortably stable on a surface and under pressure, the display lid admittedly seems a bit perilously prone to torsion. One reassuring data point, however, is the fact that no screen artifacts are produced when pressure from behind is applied. Also, from a purely haptic standpoint, the feel of the metal is comfortable and high-quality all at once. Those bothered by fingerprints and skin oils will be happy to know that, unlike Dell’s Latitude lineup and some ThinkPad models, the IdeaPad 730S doesn’t collect much visually conspicuous gunk.

While this isn’t a convertible machine, the display lid opens all the way to 180 degrees (in fact, a bit beyond technically). Even in spite of the drop-hinge design, the large rear rubber foot lifts the machine sufficiently far off the surface that the lid clears it at extreme angles. Speaking of hinges, the single center hinge steadies the display well during use; only minor vibrations are present while typing or in transit. Regardless, it’s even possible still to open the display one-handed, which is a testament to the expertly-tuned hinge tension.

It’s honestly hard to imagine how Lenovo could shrink this machine much further without serious implications for its durability. As it stands, the IdeaPad 730S is one of the most portable machines in its class.

320 mm / 12.6 inch 235 mm / 9.25 inch 15.4 mm / 0.606 inch 1.5 kg3.28 lbs308 mm / 12.1 inch 223.2 mm / 8.79 inch 14.5 mm / 0.571 inch 1.3 kg2.76 lbs304.1 mm / 12 inch 212.4 mm / 8.36 inch 15.6 mm / 0.614 inch 1.2 kg2.73 lbs307 mm / 12.1 inch 210 mm / 8.27 inch 11.9 mm / 0.4685 inch 1.1 kg2.41 lbs302 mm / 11.9 inch 189 mm / 7.44 inch 16.9 mm / 0.665 inch 1.2 kg2.62 lbs302 mm / 11.9 inch 199 mm / 7.83 inch 11.6 mm / 0.4567 inch 1.2 kg2.7 lbs297 mm / 11.7 inch 210 mm / 8.27 inch 1 mm / 0.03937 inch 5.7 g0.01257 lbs

Connectivity

One of the negative side effects of such an extremely thin machine is a necessarily limited selection of ports. Standard Type-A USB ports and the typical HDMI/Ethernet ports wouldn’t even fit into this case, and as such, Lenovo was forced to go all in on USB Type-C/Thunderbolt connectivity with the 730S.

The only ports we get are the USB Type-C Gen 1/combined charging port, two Thunderbolt 3.0 ports, and a combo audio jack. Tragically absent are microSD and any sort of dedicated video output, though Thunderbolt is undeniably versatile in this application with the help of an adapter or docking station.

Front: No connections
Front: No connections
Rear: No connections
Rear: No connections
Left: USB 3.1 Type-C Gen 1, combo audio
Left: USB 3.1 Type-C Gen 1, combo audio
Right: Thunderbolt 3 x 2
Right: Thunderbolt 3 x 2

Communication

Wireless network connectivity is powered by a dual-band Realtek 8822BE 802.11ac PCIe adapter, which incorporates a 2x2 antenna design with MU-MIMO and is capable of data rates of up to 867 Mbps. This adapter also includes Bluetooth 4.1 connectivity.

In our tests, the adapter actually performs quite admirably, beating the ever-popular Intel Dual-Band Wireless-AC 8265 and nearly matching the Intel Wireless-AC 9560 in receive speeds. It similarly tops the charts in transmit capability as well.

The webcam is located above the top of the display (in the usual spot).

Networking
iperf3 transmit AX12
Average of class Subnotebook
  (606 - 1339, n=3, last 2 years)
1056 MBit/s +67%
Lenovo IdeaPad 730S-13IWL 81JB0004US
Realtek 8822BE Wireless LAN 802.11ac PCI-E NIC
631 MBit/s
Dell XPS 13 9380 2019
Atheros/Qualcomm QCA6174
594 (579min - 616max) MBit/s -6%
Microsoft Surface Laptop 2-LQN-00004
Marvell AVASTAR Wireless-AC Network Controller
543 (486min - 584max) MBit/s -14%
HP Spectre Folio 13t-ak000
Intel Dual Band Wireless-AC 8265
532 MBit/s -16%
Apple MacBook Air 2018
Broadcom 802.11ac
461 (216min - 525max) MBit/s -27%
Asus ZenBook 13 UX333FA
Intel Wireless-AC 9560
347 MBit/s -45%
iperf3 receive AX12
Average of class Subnotebook
  (623 - 1690, n=3, last 2 years)
1258 MBit/s +102%
Asus ZenBook 13 UX333FA
Intel Wireless-AC 9560
673 MBit/s +8%
Lenovo IdeaPad 730S-13IWL 81JB0004US
Realtek 8822BE Wireless LAN 802.11ac PCI-E NIC
623 MBit/s
HP Spectre Folio 13t-ak000
Intel Dual Band Wireless-AC 8265
616 MBit/s -1%
Microsoft Surface Laptop 2-LQN-00004
Marvell AVASTAR Wireless-AC Network Controller
576 (549min - 597max) MBit/s -8%
Apple MacBook Air 2018
Broadcom 802.11ac
570 (566min - 572max) MBit/s -9%
Dell XPS 13 9380 2019
Atheros/Qualcomm QCA6174
524 (459min - 576max) MBit/s -16%

Accessories

In addition to an attractive packaging design, the 730S includes no accessories apart from its 65W USB Type-C AC adapter. The laptop can be charged using any of the three USB Type-C ports, which is always a convenient perk.

Maintenance

The internal components
The internal components

While limited, maintenance and upgrade procedures for the IdeaPad 730S are at least simple, with nine T5 Torx screws securing the bottom panel to the machine. The panel lifts off with minimal effort following the removal of the screws.

Inside, only the M.2 SSD, WLAN adapter, and battery are easily replaceable. The memory is soldered to the board and most other components require significant (near complete) disassembly to access.

Warranty

The IdeaPad 730S ships with a one-year depot warranty standard. Typical warranty upgrades such as longer terms and on-site service are, as always, available at the time of purchase. Please see our Guarantees, Return policies and Warranties article for country-specific information.

Input Devices

Keyboard

Lenovo’s reputation as king of the keyboards is mostly reinforced with the 730S. The chiclet keyboard features surprisingly good key travel for a laptop this thin—though it’s still on the short side overall—and just enough feedback for a reliable typing experience. Actuation force is medium and the crisp stop is quiet yet palpable. Key sizing is mostly conventional apart form the half-height Up/Down arrow keys (which also double, in conjunction with a Fn press, as the PgUp/PgDn keys). The one problem we have with our review unit is surely unique to our particular machine: the right Shift key is slightly crooked, leading to a bit of a sticky sensation when pressing it.

Like other Lenovo laptops, the keyboard is backlit and incorporates two brightness levels. The backlighting is even across the breadth of the keys. Visibility in bright environments is average; the reflective grey surface of the keys can mask the labels at particular angles, especially when working outdoors.

The keyboard isn't quite ThinkPad-grade...
The keyboard isn't quite ThinkPad-grade...
...but its quality outstrips the expectations fostered by its slim profile.
...but its quality outstrips the expectations fostered by its slim profile.

Touchpad

It's hard to imagine how the clickpad could improve without the addition of two physical separate buttons.
It's hard to imagine how the clickpad could improve without the addition of two physical separate buttons.

The glass clickpad is oversized at 104 mm x 69 mm. While many continue to lament the precision of such designs, the integrated buttons are about as good as they come, with no collateral pointer movement during actuation and precisely-interpreted clicks. The surface of the pad is smooth and conducive to effortless finger glides; the cursor moves slowly even during slow glides. Gestures are interpreted quickly and accurately by the Precision drivers, and there is little to no detectable lag between finger and pointer movement.

Display

At first glance, while the specifications haven’t changed, the 730S seems to have improved upon the display of its 720S predecessor as well. The glossy (edge-to-edge glass) FHD 1920x1080 screen is subjectively bright and relatively vivid to boot, with fairly deep blacks and an aesthetically-pleasing small bezel surrounding it. It’s a shame that no matte options exist, however, because without touch there is little practical reason to opt for a glossy finish.

In terms of backlight bleed, although the image below makes it look significant, in reality, the only truly noticeable spot is in the top right. The panel exhibits smooth color with no graininess.

Subpixel array
Subpixel array
Backlight bleed is relatively minor (exposure enhanced)
Backlight bleed is relatively minor (exposure enhanced)
304.3
cd/m²
343.8
cd/m²
328.9
cd/m²
307.1
cd/m²
355.1
cd/m²
335.3
cd/m²
321.3
cd/m²
368.3
cd/m²
358.3
cd/m²
Distribution of brightness
B133HAN05.1 tested with X-Rite i1Pro Basic 2
Maximum: 368.3 cd/m² (Nits) Average: 335.8 cd/m² Minimum: 0.04 cd/m²
Brightness Distribution: 83 %
Center on Battery: 355.1 cd/m²
Contrast: 1110:1 (Black: 0.32 cd/m²)
ΔE Color 2.93 | 0.5-29.43 Ø5, calibrated: 1.83
ΔE Greyscale 3.6 | 0.57-98 Ø5.3
95% sRGB (Argyll 1.6.3 3D)
61% AdobeRGB 1998 (Argyll 1.6.3 3D)
66.7% AdobeRGB 1998 (Argyll 2.2.0 3D)
95.5% sRGB (Argyll 2.2.0 3D)
65.6% Display P3 (Argyll 2.2.0 3D)
Gamma: 2.071
Lenovo IdeaPad 730S-13IWL 81JB0004US
B133HAN05.1, IPS, 13.30, 1920x1080
Dell XPS 13 9380 2019
ID: AUO 282B B133ZAN Dell: 90NTH, IPS, 13.30, 3840x2160
HP Spectre Folio 13t-ak000
AU Optronics AUO572D, IPS, 13.30, 1920x1080
Apple MacBook Air 2018
APPA039, IPS, 13.30, 2560x1600
Microsoft Surface Laptop 2-LQN-00004
VVX14T092N00, IPS, 13.50, 2256x1504
Lenovo Ideapad 720S-13IKB
LG Philips LGD04EF, IPS, 13.30, 1920x1080
Display
-2%
2%
3%
2%
-9%
Display P3 Coverage
65.6
64.7
-1%
66.2
1%
67.8
3%
68
4%
64.3
-2%
sRGB Coverage
95.5
93.1
-3%
97.4
2%
96.1
1%
94.7
-1%
82.3
-14%
AdobeRGB 1998 Coverage
66.7
65.3
-2%
68.1
2%
69.8
5%
69.2
4%
60.2
-10%
Response Times
14%
17%
6952%
-7%
8023%
Response Time Grey 50% / Grey 80% *
75.2 ?(32.8, 42.4)
58 ?(26, 32)
23%
52 ?(24.4, 27.6)
31%
39.6 ?(20.8, 18.8)
47%
69.2 ?(34.8, 34.4)
8%
35 ?(17, 18)
53%
Response Time Black / White *
38 ?(22, 16)
36 ?(20, 16)
5%
37.2 ?(21.2, 16)
2%
28 ?(15.6, 12.4)
26%
46.4 ?(26, 20.4)
-22%
25 ?(14, 11)
34%
PWM Frequency
544
113600 ?(75)
20782%
131000 ?(90)
23981%
Screen
-11%
7%
22%
5%
-35%
Brightness middle
355.1
404
14%
389.8
10%
320
-10%
392
10%
335
-6%
Brightness
336
389
16%
396
18%
315
-6%
390
16%
303
-10%
Brightness Distribution
83
85
2%
88
6%
95
14%
89
7%
85
2%
Black Level *
0.32
0.37
-16%
0.27
16%
0.29
9%
0.24
25%
0.46
-44%
Contrast
1110
1092
-2%
1444
30%
1103
-1%
1633
47%
728
-34%
Colorchecker dE 2000 *
2.93
3.72
-27%
2.72
7%
1.2
59%
3.2
-9%
5.09
-74%
Colorchecker dE 2000 max. *
4.39
7.38
-68%
5.49
-25%
3.2
27%
6.3
-44%
11.92
-172%
Colorchecker dE 2000 calibrated *
1.83
2.06
-13%
1.25
32%
0.5
73%
1.4
23%
Greyscale dE 2000 *
3.6
4.44
-23%
4.2
-17%
0.8
78%
4.5
-25%
3.23
10%
Gamma
2.071 106%
2.34 94%
2.1 105%
2.2 100%
2.2 100%
2.18 101%
CCT
7161 91%
7095 92%
7470 87%
6548 99%
7556 86%
6214 105%
Color Space (Percent of AdobeRGB 1998)
61
60
-2%
62.2
2%
62.1
2%
63.9
5%
54
-11%
Color Space (Percent of sRGB)
95
93
-2%
98.2
3%
96
1%
95
0%
82
-14%
Total Average (Program / Settings)
0% / -6%
9% / 8%
2326% / 1242%
0% / 3%
2660% / 1481%

* ... smaller is better

We measure an average brightness of 336 cd/m² (with a max of 368.3 cd/m² in the bottom center quadrant). The distribution of 83% means that the panel could do better about brightness consistency, but it probably won’t be obvious to the average user. The black level of just 0.32 cd/m² paves the way for a very good contrast ratio of 1110:1.

The display manages to cover nearly all of the sRGB spectrum (95 percent), as well as around 61 percent of the AdobeRGB spectrum. 

vs. sRGB
vs. sRGB
vs. AdobeRGB
vs. AdobeRGB
vs. MacBook Air
vs. MacBook Air
vs. Surface Laptop 2
vs. Surface Laptop 2
vs. XPS 13-9380
vs. XPS 13-9380
vs. ZenBook 13
vs. ZenBook 13

Color accuracy is also very good overall and better than most rivals. The ColorChecker DeltaE2000 of 2.93 represents an imperceptible average color deviation to the human eye, with the max of 4.39 (Grey 35) still falling within acceptable ranges. Naturally, calibration further improves this situation with the ColorChecker DeltaE sinking to just 1.83. On the greyscale side, the DeltaE of 3.6 is similarly good, and the Total Gamma value of 2.071 and CCT Average of 7161 are only 6% and 9% away (respectively) from their ideal values.

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
38 ms ... rise ↗ and fall ↘ combined↗ 22 ms rise
↘ 16 ms fall
The screen shows slow response rates in our tests and will be unsatisfactory for gamers.
In comparison, all tested devices range from 0.1 (minimum) to 240 (maximum) ms. » 95 % 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
75.2 ms ... rise ↗ and fall ↘ combined↗ 32.8 ms rise
↘ 42.4 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. » 99 % 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 544 Hz

The display backlight flickers at 544 Hz (worst case, e.g., utilizing PWM) .

The frequency of 544 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.

Meanwhile, response times are disappointingly slow, with a B-W measurement of 38 ms and a much larger G-G measurement of 75.2 ms. This won’t really affect anyone who isn’t gaming or involved in other highly display dependent activities, but it’s still well beyond the norm for even modern IPS panels.

We also—oddly enough—detect PWM on all brightness levels, including maximum brightness. Fortunately, the flicker rate is quite high, so most people probably won’t notice.

Outdoors, the glossy display surface does the IdeaPad no favors, with reflections running rampant in bright sunlight. In shaded areas, however, the good brightness and contrast values provide a much more palatable situation. Viewing angles are as wide as expected for an IPS display panel.

Wide IPS viewing angles
Wide IPS viewing angles
In the sun
In the sun
In the shade
In the shade

Performance

Just two processor options exist for the IdeaPad 730S, this time both Intel chips: the Core i5-8265U and the Core i7-8565U. If our testing is any indication, there’s reason to seriously doubt the benefits provided by the upgrade to a Core i7 in this model, because it can’t even accommodate the full capability of the Core i5 due to thermal limitations—but we’ll come back to that in a moment.

Two options for memory exist from the factory, 8 GB or 16 GB of single-channel LPDDR3 2133 MHz RAM. The RAM is soldered to the board and thus cannot be upgraded later.

A second run of 3DMark 11 on battery power produced a score of 2071, which is actually slightly above the original result we recorded while running on AC power. Thus, performance while unplugged is not reduced.

LatencyMon exposed some sporadic concerns about real-time audio/video streaming reliability, but they seem linked to the networking drivers (as disabling the adapter resolved the problem). Hopefully a future driver update could therefore resolve or mitigate this.

CPU-Z CPU
CPU-Z CPU
CPU-Z Caches
CPU-Z Caches
CPU-Z Mainboard
CPU-Z Mainboard
CPU-Z Memory
CPU-Z Memory
GPU-Z
GPU-Z
JetStream
JetStream
Octane
Octane
LatencyMon
LatencyMon

Processor

Cinebench R15
Cinebench R15

The two CPU options for the 730S—the Core i5-8265U and Core i7-8565U—are both quad-core chips with very capable best-case performance capabilities given requisite thermal headroom. Our review unit came equipped with the less expensive Core i5-8265U, which carries a 1.6 GHz base clock rate and a possible single-core Turbo frequency of 3.9 GHz (dual core: 3.8 GHz, quad-core: 3.7 GHz). This is a capable SoC that has been heavily tested already here at Notebookcheck across a variety of different machines.

However, our benchmarks reveal the 730S’ struggles in working to contain heat development during heavy computing loads. Among the machines in today’s comparison field, the 730S ranks dead last amongst those with quad-core 15W TDP Intel SoCs, including those with the same CPU (such as the Dell XPS 13 9380 and Asus ZenBook 13, which perform 32% and 20% better respectively in CB R15 multi-CPU).

03570105140175210245280315350385420455490525560595630665Tooltip
Lenovo IdeaPad 730S-13IWL 81JB0004US UHD Graphics 620, i5-8265U, Samsung SSD PM981 MZVLB256HAHQ; CPU Multi 64Bit: Ø404 (388.66-500.31)
Dell XPS 13 9380 2019 UHD Graphics 620, i5-8265U, SK hynix PC401 HFS256GD9TNG; CPU Multi 64Bit: Ø614 (574.66-670.36)
Asus ZenBook 13 UX333FA UHD Graphics 620, i5-8265U, WDC PC SN520 SDAPNUW-256G; CPU Multi 64Bit: Ø512 (506.95-595.21)
Microsoft Surface Laptop 2-LQN-00004 UHD Graphics 620, i5-8250U, SK Hynix BC501 NVMe 256 GB; CPU Multi 64Bit: Ø551 (528.17-577.63)

Although even the first test run is below average in context with its peers, the 730S struggles even more as the duration of the computing loads extends. In our lengthy Cinebench R15 loop test, we witness an immediate 6% performance drop between test iterations 1 and 2 (from 500 down to 470), and the situation continually worsens in linear fashion all the way through test iteration 9—at which point the score has bottomed out at around 389 points. That’s some 22 percent below the original max value of 500, which is—again—still notably below that of the competition.

During our stress testing section below, we’ll see that these constraints are purely thermal in nature. In light of this, we can’t recommend springing for the Core i7 upgrade for the 730S. Our review of the 730S European equivalent with the Core i7 showed a roughly 15% increase in total sustained performance—so there is some benefit, of course, but even those scores are well below most Core i5-8250U scores from competing models.

Cinebench R15
CPU Single 64Bit
Average of class Subnotebook
  (91.8 - 280, n=62, last 2 years)
234 Points +86%
Asus ZenBook 13 UX333FA
Intel Core i5-8265U
159 Points +26%
Average Intel Core i5-8265U
  (111 - 164, n=35)
155 Points +23%
Dell XPS 13 9380 2019
Intel Core i5-8265U
148 Points +17%
Microsoft Surface Laptop 2-LQN-00004
Intel Core i5-8250U
141 Points +12%
Apple MacBook Air 2018
Intel Core i5-8210Y
132 Points +5%
HP Spectre Folio 13t-ak000
Intel Core i7-8500Y
132 Points +5%
Lenovo IdeaPad 730S-13IWL 81JB0004US
Intel Core i5-8265U
126 Points
CPU Multi 64Bit
Average of class Subnotebook
  (514 - 2581, n=70, last 2 years)
1705 Points +239%
Dell XPS 13 9380 2019
Intel Core i5-8265U
666 Points +32%
Asus ZenBook 13 UX333FA
Intel Core i5-8265U
603 Points +20%
Average Intel Core i5-8265U
  (457 - 750, n=38)
592 Points +18%
Microsoft Surface Laptop 2-LQN-00004
Intel Core i5-8250U
590 Points +17%
Lenovo IdeaPad 730S-13IWL 81JB0004US
Intel Core i5-8265U
503 Points
Apple MacBook Air 2018
Intel Core i5-8210Y
285 Points -43%
HP Spectre Folio 13t-ak000
Intel Core i7-8500Y
271 Points -46%
Cinebench R15 CPU Single 64Bit
126 Points
Cinebench R15 CPU Multi 64Bit
503 Points
Cinebench R15 OpenGL 64Bit
41.75 fps
Cinebench R15 Ref. Match 64Bit
97.8 %
Help

System Performance

Notwithstanding CPU performance struggles, general system performance—as always—is much more heavily a product of a lack of substantial bottlenecks (and specifically with regard to storage speeds). To that end, the IdeaPad 730S leaves little to be desired. Equipped with its ultra-fast Samsung PM981 NVMe SSD, it posts very good synthetic scores in our PCMark tests, with scores of 3869 points and 4857 in PCMark 10 and PCMark 8 Work topping the charts.

Subjectively, we experienced no hiccups or pauses during our review period with the machine. Boot times were very quick and program installations proceeded smoothly without exception.

PCMark 10
PCMark 10
PCMark 8 Home Accelerated
PCMark 8 Home Accelerated
PCMark 8 Work Accelerated
PCMark 8 Work Accelerated
PCMark 10
Score
Average of class Subnotebook
  (4384 - 7428, n=56, last 2 years)
5810 Points +50%
Lenovo IdeaPad 730S-13IWL 81JB0004US
UHD Graphics 620, i5-8265U, Samsung SSD PM981 MZVLB256HAHQ
3869 Points
Dell XPS 13 9380 2019
UHD Graphics 620, i5-8265U, SK hynix PC401 HFS256GD9TNG
3835 Points -1%
Asus ZenBook 13 UX333FA
UHD Graphics 620, i5-8265U, WDC PC SN520 SDAPNUW-256G
3787 Points -2%
Average Intel Core i5-8265U, Intel UHD Graphics 620
  (2247 - 3985, n=29)
3705 Points -4%
HP Spectre Folio 13t-ak000
UHD Graphics 615, i7-8500Y, Samsung PM961 MZVLW256HEHP
2945 Points -24%
Apple MacBook Air 2018
UHD Graphics 617, i5-8210Y, Apple SSD AP0256
2174 Points -44%
Microsoft Surface Laptop 2-LQN-00004
UHD Graphics 620, i5-8250U, SK Hynix BC501 NVMe 256 GB
0 Points -100%
Essentials
Average of class Subnotebook
  (8890 - 11168, n=56, last 2 years)
10202 Points +22%
Lenovo IdeaPad 730S-13IWL 81JB0004US
UHD Graphics 620, i5-8265U, Samsung SSD PM981 MZVLB256HAHQ
8395 Points
Dell XPS 13 9380 2019
UHD Graphics 620, i5-8265U, SK hynix PC401 HFS256GD9TNG
8033 Points -4%
Average Intel Core i5-8265U, Intel UHD Graphics 620
  (5073 - 8689, n=29)
7833 Points -7%
Asus ZenBook 13 UX333FA
UHD Graphics 620, i5-8265U, WDC PC SN520 SDAPNUW-256G
7786 Points -7%
Microsoft Surface Laptop 2-LQN-00004
UHD Graphics 620, i5-8250U, SK Hynix BC501 NVMe 256 GB
6862 Points -18%
HP Spectre Folio 13t-ak000
UHD Graphics 615, i7-8500Y, Samsung PM961 MZVLW256HEHP
6741 Points -20%
Apple MacBook Air 2018
UHD Graphics 617, i5-8210Y, Apple SSD AP0256
4504 Points -46%
Productivity
Average of class Subnotebook
  (6213 - 10279, n=56, last 2 years)
7803 Points +19%
Lenovo IdeaPad 730S-13IWL 81JB0004US
UHD Graphics 620, i5-8265U, Samsung SSD PM981 MZVLB256HAHQ
6556 Points
Dell XPS 13 9380 2019
UHD Graphics 620, i5-8265U, SK hynix PC401 HFS256GD9TNG
6101 Points -7%
Average Intel Core i5-8265U, Intel UHD Graphics 620
  (2941 - 6556, n=29)
6061 Points -8%
Asus ZenBook 13 UX333FA
UHD Graphics 620, i5-8265U, WDC PC SN520 SDAPNUW-256G
6025 Points -8%
HP Spectre Folio 13t-ak000
UHD Graphics 615, i7-8500Y, Samsung PM961 MZVLW256HEHP
5745 Points -12%
Microsoft Surface Laptop 2-LQN-00004
UHD Graphics 620, i5-8250U, SK Hynix BC501 NVMe 256 GB
5344 Points -18%
Apple MacBook Air 2018
UHD Graphics 617, i5-8210Y, Apple SSD AP0256
3902 Points -40%
Digital Content Creation
Average of class Subnotebook
  (4093 - 9749, n=56, last 2 years)
6758 Points +137%
Asus ZenBook 13 UX333FA
UHD Graphics 620, i5-8265U, WDC PC SN520 SDAPNUW-256G
3142 Points +10%
Dell XPS 13 9380 2019
UHD Graphics 620, i5-8265U, SK hynix PC401 HFS256GD9TNG
3125 Points +9%
Average Intel Core i5-8265U, Intel UHD Graphics 620
  (2067 - 3210, n=29)
2917 Points +2%
Lenovo IdeaPad 730S-13IWL 81JB0004US
UHD Graphics 620, i5-8265U, Samsung SSD PM981 MZVLB256HAHQ
2857 Points
HP Spectre Folio 13t-ak000
UHD Graphics 615, i7-8500Y, Samsung PM961 MZVLW256HEHP
1791 Points -37%
Apple MacBook Air 2018
UHD Graphics 617, i5-8210Y, Apple SSD AP0256
1609 Points -44%
Microsoft Surface Laptop 2-LQN-00004
UHD Graphics 620, i5-8250U, SK Hynix BC501 NVMe 256 GB
0 Points -100%
PCMark 8
Home Score Accelerated v2
Average of class Subnotebook
  (4730 - 5285, n=3, last 2 years)
5030 Points +46%
Dell XPS 13 9380 2019
UHD Graphics 620, i5-8265U, SK hynix PC401 HFS256GD9TNG
3519 Points +2%
Lenovo IdeaPad 730S-13IWL 81JB0004US
UHD Graphics 620, i5-8265U, Samsung SSD PM981 MZVLB256HAHQ
3443 Points
Average Intel Core i5-8265U, Intel UHD Graphics 620
  (2747 - 4244, n=24)
3442 Points 0%
Microsoft Surface Laptop 2-LQN-00004
UHD Graphics 620, i5-8250U, SK Hynix BC501 NVMe 256 GB
3153 Points -8%
Asus ZenBook 13 UX333FA
UHD Graphics 620, i5-8265U, WDC PC SN520 SDAPNUW-256G
3150 Points -9%
HP Spectre Folio 13t-ak000
UHD Graphics 615, i7-8500Y, Samsung PM961 MZVLW256HEHP
2737 Points -21%
Apple MacBook Air 2018
UHD Graphics 617, i5-8210Y, Apple SSD AP0256
2484 Points -28%
Work Score Accelerated v2
Microsoft Surface Laptop 2-LQN-00004
UHD Graphics 620, i5-8250U, SK Hynix BC501 NVMe 256 GB
4923 Points +1%
Lenovo IdeaPad 730S-13IWL 81JB0004US
UHD Graphics 620, i5-8265U, Samsung SSD PM981 MZVLB256HAHQ
4857 Points
Average Intel Core i5-8265U, Intel UHD Graphics 620
  (3132 - 4927, n=23)
4657 Points -4%
HP Spectre Folio 13t-ak000
UHD Graphics 615, i7-8500Y, Samsung PM961 MZVLW256HEHP
4406 Points -9%
Asus ZenBook 13 UX333FA
UHD Graphics 620, i5-8265U, WDC PC SN520 SDAPNUW-256G
4341 Points -11%
Dell XPS 13 9380 2019
UHD Graphics 620, i5-8265U, SK hynix PC401 HFS256GD9TNG
4302 Points -11%
Average of class Subnotebook
  (2972 - 5271, n=3, last 2 years)
3805 Points -22%
Apple MacBook Air 2018
UHD Graphics 617, i5-8210Y, Apple SSD AP0256
3209 Points -34%
PCMark 8 Home Score Accelerated v2
3443 points
PCMark 8 Work Score Accelerated v2
4857 points
PCMark 10 Score
3869 points
Help

Storage Devices

One of the few components which is relatively easily upgradeable post-purchase is the IdeaPad 730S storage drive. Factory options include standard M.2 and NVMe models; our review machine arrived with a 256 GB Samsung PM981 NVMe SSD installed. There is no 2.5-inch drive bay (it’d be impossible to fit one in a machine of this size). Only a single M.2/NVMe slot exists, but that’s also typically the case for subnotebooks.

The drive’s performance speaks for itself: with sequential read/write speeds of 2323.41 MB/s and 1394.58 MB/s in AS SSD and 4K-64 read/write speeds of 765.39 MB/s and 980.88 MB/s, it’s a very fast performer.

AS SSD
AS SSD
CrystalDiskMark 5.2
CrystalDiskMark 5.2
The internal NVMe SSD
The internal NVMe SSD
Lenovo IdeaPad 730S-13IWL 81JB0004US
Samsung SSD PM981 MZVLB256HAHQ
Dell XPS 13 9380 2019
SK hynix PC401 HFS256GD9TNG
HP Spectre Folio 13t-ak000
Samsung PM961 MZVLW256HEHP
Asus ZenBook 13 UX333FA
WDC PC SN520 SDAPNUW-256G
Microsoft Surface Laptop 2-LQN-00004
SK Hynix BC501 NVMe 256 GB
AS SSD
-13%
47%
7%
-18%
Seq Read
2323
2035
-12%
1693
-27%
1186
-49%
826
-64%
Seq Write
1395
658
-53%
1214
-13%
809
-42%
555
-60%
4K Read
49.31
39.74
-19%
42.69
-13%
39.69
-20%
33.39
-32%
4K Write
100.7
105.7
5%
95.9
-5%
114
13%
95.3
-5%
4K-64 Read
765
461
-40%
1621
112%
618
-19%
447
-42%
4K-64 Write
981
300.1
-69%
605
-38%
510
-48%
370.4
-62%
Access Time Read *
0.058
0.061
-5%
0.051
12%
0.068
-17%
0.048
17%
Access Time Write *
0.037
0.051
-38%
0.037
-0%
0.032
14%
0.048
-30%
Score Read
1047
704
-33%
1833
75%
776
-26%
563
-46%
Score Write
1221
471
-61%
823
-33%
705
-42%
521
-57%
Score Total
2770
1479
-47%
3569
29%
1870
-32%
1369
-51%
Copy ISO MB/s
898
893
-1%
1374
53%
1090
21%
755
-16%
Copy Program MB/s
181.4
287.9
59%
631
248%
714
294%
325.1
79%
Copy Game MB/s
270.5
618
128%
971
259%
413
53%
577
113%
CrystalDiskMark 5.2 / 6
-17%
-5%
-10%
-22%
Write 4K
117
84.6
-28%
140
20%
113.7
-3%
87.3
-25%
Read 4K
40.65
38.52
-5%
52.4
29%
43.18
6%
36.52
-10%
Write Seq
1456
557
-62%
948
-35%
970
-33%
716
-51%
Read Seq
1181
1393
18%
922
-22%
1085
-8%
1009
-15%
Write 4K Q32T1
232.3
339.5
46%
227.8
-2%
396.8
71%
324.1
40%
Read 4K Q32T1
311.3
255.4
-18%
299.2
-4%
317.8
2%
249
-20%
Write Seq Q32T1
1463
558
-62%
1259
-14%
518
-65%
811
-45%
Read Seq Q32T1
3480
2541
-27%
3112
-11%
1741
-50%
1631
-53%
Total Average (Program / Settings)
-15% / -15%
21% / 28%
-2% / 1%
-20% / -20%

* ... smaller is better

Samsung SSD PM981 MZVLB256HAHQ
CDM 5/6 Read Seq Q32T1: 3480 MB/s
CDM 5/6 Write Seq Q32T1: 1463 MB/s
CDM 5/6 Read 4K Q32T1: 311.3 MB/s
CDM 5/6 Write 4K Q32T1: 232.3 MB/s
CDM 5 Read Seq: 1181 MB/s
CDM 5 Write Seq: 1456 MB/s
CDM 5/6 Read 4K: 40.65 MB/s
CDM 5/6 Write 4K: 117 MB/s

GPU Performance

Given the fact that the GPU is integrated on the IdeaPad 730S, we had our concerns about the performance of the Intel UHD Graphics 620 after encountering the sustained performance results we explored earlier (wherein thermal limitations imposed heavy constraints on CPU clock rates). However, we were pleasantly surprised to discover that GPU scores are mostly unaffected by this deficiency: the 3DMark Fire Strike score of 1263 and Cloud Gate score of 10070 points are hardly disappointing and just a few percentage points below category leaders. Of course, any graphical endeavors wherein CPU load is also involved will predictably suffer.

Like other laptops in its class, the IdeaPad 730S isn’t intended to be used for gaming. However, some very light gaming with older titles is possible on low settings.

3DMark Fire Strike
3DMark Fire Strike
3DMark Cloud Gate
3DMark Cloud Gate
3DMark 11
3DMark 11
3DMark 06
3DMark 06
3DMark 11
1280x720 Performance GPU
Average of class Subnotebook
  (2979 - 16904, n=55, last 2 years)
8016 Points +349%
Microsoft Surface Laptop 2-LQN-00004
Intel UHD Graphics 620, i5-8250U
1852 Points +4%
Dell XPS 13 9380 2019
Intel UHD Graphics 620, i5-8265U
1815 Points +2%
Lenovo IdeaPad 730S-13IWL 81JB0004US
Intel UHD Graphics 620, i5-8265U
1784 Points
Average Intel UHD Graphics 620
  (1144 - 3432, n=244)
1749 Points -2%
Asus ZenBook 13 UX333FA
Intel UHD Graphics 620, i5-8265U
1732 Points -3%
Apple MacBook Air 2018
Intel UHD Graphics 617, i5-8210Y
1572 Points -12%
HP Spectre Folio 13t-ak000
Intel UHD Graphics 615, i7-8500Y
1088 Points -39%
1280x720 Performance Combined
Average of class Subnotebook
  (2080 - 13942, n=55, last 2 years)
6370 Points +266%
Dell XPS 13 9380 2019
Intel UHD Graphics 620, i5-8265U
1795 Points +3%
Microsoft Surface Laptop 2-LQN-00004
Intel UHD Graphics 620, i5-8250U
1741 Points 0%
Lenovo IdeaPad 730S-13IWL 81JB0004US
Intel UHD Graphics 620, i5-8265U
1740 Points
Asus ZenBook 13 UX333FA
Intel UHD Graphics 620, i5-8265U
1685 Points -3%
Average Intel UHD Graphics 620
  (927 - 2505, n=244)
1578 Points -9%
Apple MacBook Air 2018
Intel UHD Graphics 617, i5-8210Y
1472 Points -15%
HP Spectre Folio 13t-ak000
Intel UHD Graphics 615, i7-8500Y
872 Points -50%
3DMark
1280x720 Cloud Gate Standard Graphics
Average of class Subnotebook
  (13768 - 65911, n=40, last 2 years)
29002 Points +188%
Asus ZenBook 13 UX333FA
Intel UHD Graphics 620, i5-8265U
10660 Points +6%
Dell XPS 13 9380 2019
Intel UHD Graphics 620, i5-8265U
10126 Points +1%
Lenovo IdeaPad 730S-13IWL 81JB0004US
Intel UHD Graphics 620, i5-8265U
10070 Points
Microsoft Surface Laptop 2-LQN-00004
Intel UHD Graphics 620, i5-8250U
9946 Points -1%
Average Intel UHD Graphics 620
  (6205 - 16400, n=225)
9262 Points -8%
Apple MacBook Air 2018
Intel UHD Graphics 617, i5-8210Y
7231 Points -28%
HP Spectre Folio 13t-ak000
Intel UHD Graphics 615, i7-8500Y
6692 Points -34%
1920x1080 Fire Strike Graphics
Average of class Subnotebook
  (2837 - 12349, n=59, last 2 years)
5881 Points +366%
Microsoft Surface Laptop 2-LQN-00004
Intel UHD Graphics 620, i5-8250U
1271 Points +1%
Lenovo IdeaPad 730S-13IWL 81JB0004US
Intel UHD Graphics 620, i5-8265U
1263 Points
Average Intel UHD Graphics 620
  (557 - 2608, n=213)
1161 Points -8%
Apple MacBook Air 2018
Intel UHD Graphics 617, i5-8210Y
947 Points -25%
HP Spectre Folio 13t-ak000
Intel UHD Graphics 615, i7-8500Y
733 Points -42%
2560x1440 Time Spy Graphics
Average of class Subnotebook
  (811 - 4773, n=58, last 2 years)
1981 Points
Microsoft Surface Laptop 2-LQN-00004
Intel UHD Graphics 620, i5-8250U
389 Points
Average Intel UHD Graphics 620
  (299 - 797, n=88)
389 Points
Apple MacBook Air 2018
Intel UHD Graphics 617, i5-8210Y
286 Points
HP Spectre Folio 13t-ak000
Intel UHD Graphics 615, i7-8500Y
226 Points
3DMark 06 Standard Score
11535 points
3DMark 11 Performance
1992 points
3DMark Cloud Gate Standard Score
8507 points
3DMark Fire Strike Score
1140 points
Help
The Witcher 3 - 1024x768 Low Graphics & Postprocessing
Average of class Subnotebook
  (37 - 249, n=53, last 2 years)
99.5 fps
Microsoft Surface Laptop 2-LQN-00004
Intel Core i5-8250U, Intel UHD Graphics 620
16.6 fps
Average Intel UHD Graphics 620
  (8.8 - 50.9, n=64)
16.4 fps
low med. high ultra
BioShock Infinite (2013) 69 37 32 16
Thief (2014) 26 18 14 6
Rise of the Tomb Raider (2016) 21 12 6 4

Emissions

System Noise

The fan exhausts into the hinge cavity.
The fan exhausts into the hinge cavity.

Under nearly all circumstances, the IdeaPad 730S is barely audible, if at all. While idling, the system is completely silent and the fan does not operate. No electrical noise is detectable from the charging port. Under load, the fan does eventually become audible (it exhausts into the hinge cavity), but it’s rarely obtrusive. Our load average measurement of 33.4 dB(A) is typical here, whereas the maximum of 39.5 dB(A) is still not much above competing systems like the Dell XPS 13 9380.

Fan noise profile
Fan noise profile

Noise Level

Idle
28.2 / 28.2 / 28.2 dB(A)
Load
33.4 / 39.5 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: 28.2 dB(A)

Temperature

The internal heatsink/fan assembly
The internal heatsink/fan assembly

Even with its reasonable noise levels, the IdeaPad 730S remains remarkably cool under stress. We measure surface temperature averages of 33.5 °C and 35.4 °C on top and bottom (against an ambient room temperature of 20 °C), which is quite low. This is made possible via a new cooling system which intakes not only through the bottom, but also through the keyboard cavity. While the center of the keyboard does heat up quite a bit (to 39.2 °C), this approach also has the pleasant side effect of keeping the left and right sides of the keyboard reasonably cool at just 30.8 °C / 34.6 °C under load. Hot spots of 43 °C and 43.4 °C on top/bottom (at the top center quadrant) aren’t much of a concern either, with competitors typically going higher.

While idling, averages are 26.8 °C and 27.9 °C on top/bottom, several degrees above ambient room temperatures. Again, that’s due to the fan being completely off in these situations.

Stress Test

We subject all machines we review to synthetic stress and monitor temperatures and clock rates to assess their abilities to perform under extreme load conditions. Given the preview of the 730S’ struggles we witnessed during our Cinebench R15 loop test previously, we should expect some interesting results when maximum CPU load is applied here.

Under 100% CPU load, the IdeaPad 730S achieves clock speeds of 2.9 GHz – 3.0 GHz for roughly 30 seconds until core temperatures reach 90 °C, at which point clock rates plummet to 2.4 – 2.5 GHz permanently and temperatures remain stable between 85 °C and 90 °C. While this doesn’t qualify as throttling (since clock rates remain well above base frequencies of 1.6 GHz at all times), it does corroborate the disappointing Cinebench loop results since even the initial value of 3.0 is 700 MHz below the SoC’s theoretical maximum of 3.7 GHz.

Full GPU stress sees the GPU begin at 1100 MHz before dropping into the 1000 – 1050 MHz range and, around 30 seconds in, further to 800 – 900 MHz. Temperatures eventually max out at around 67, where they remain stable thereafter.

Combined CPU and GPU load results in CPU throttling to just 1 GHz and GPU frequencies stuck at 800 MHz. Both GPU and GPU temperatures remain limited to 70 °C here.

Full CPU stress
Full CPU stress
Full GPU stress
Full GPU stress
Combined CPU + GPU stress
Combined CPU + GPU stress
CPU Clock (GHz) GPU Clock (MHz) Average CPU Temperature (°C) Average GPU Temperature (°C)
Prime95 Stress 2.4 - 2.5 - 85 - 90 -
FurMark Stress - 800 - 900 - 67
Prime95 + FurMark Stress 1.0 800 70 70
Max. Load
 36.2 °C
97 F
43 °C
109 F
36.2 °C
97 F
 
 30.8 °C
87 F
39.2 °C
103 F
34.6 °C
94 F
 
 26.4 °C
80 F
26.4 °C
80 F
28.4 °C
83 F
 
Maximum: 43 °C = 109 F
Average: 33.5 °C = 92 F
40.4 °C
105 F
43.4 °C
110 F
35.4 °C
96 F
36.2 °C
97 F
37.2 °C
99 F
31.8 °C
89 F
32 °C
90 F
32 °C
90 F
30 °C
86 F
Maximum: 43.4 °C = 110 F
Average: 35.4 °C = 96 F
Power Supply (max.)  33 °C = 91 F | Room Temperature 20 °C = 68 F | Fluke 62 Mini IR Thermometer
(±) The average temperature for the upper side under maximal load is 33.5 °C / 92 F, compared to the average of 30.7 °C / 87 F for the devices in the class Subnotebook.
(±) The maximum temperature on the upper side is 43 °C / 109 F, compared to the average of 35.9 °C / 97 F, ranging from 21.4 to 59 °C for the class Subnotebook.
(±) The bottom heats up to a maximum of 43.4 °C / 110 F, compared to the average of 39.4 °C / 103 F
(+) In idle usage, the average temperature for the upper side is 26.8 °C / 80 F, compared to the device average of 30.7 °C / 87 F.
(+) The palmrests and touchpad are cooler than skin temperature with a maximum of 28.4 °C / 83.1 F and are therefore cool to the touch.
(±) The average temperature of the palmrest area of similar devices was 28.3 °C / 82.9 F (-0.1 °C / -0.2 F).
Thermal profile, idle (top of base unit)
Thermal profile, idle (top of base unit)
Thermal profile, idle (underside)
Thermal profile, idle (underside)
Thermal profile, max load (top of base unit)
Thermal profile, max load (top of base unit)
Thermal profile, max load (side profile)
Thermal profile, max load (side profile)
Thermal profile, max load (underside)
Thermal profile, max load (underside)

Speakers

Surprisingly, the two bottom-mounted IdeaPad 730S speakers do a pretty fine job in spite of their size. The 2W drivers manage a good overall loudness of 80.3 dB and fairly linear sound across the board. Only bass is somewhat lacking, but that’s not surprising given the lack of a subwoofer and the size of the speakers—and it's still better than nearly all other machines of this size. In fact, the Dolby Atmos post-processing software, which overall seems quite useful, almost seems to overdo the bass emphasis in many cases, as during dialogue in some YouTube videos the low frequencies seem so loud as to be slightly distorted at medium to high volumes.

Nevertheless, overall, this is a much better showing than, for instance, the popular Dell XPS 13 9380, whose performance was worse across the board (in terms of both volume and linearity).

The bottom-mounted speakers from outside...
The bottom-mounted speakers from outside...
...and inside.
...and inside.
dB(A) 0102030405060708090Deep BassMiddle BassHigh BassLower RangeMidsHigher MidsLower HighsMid HighsUpper HighsSuper Highs2039.139.839.12539.838.539.83136.637.236.64035.935.535.9503635.9366339.235.939.28036.433.436.410043.932.543.912553.831.753.816058.231.258.220058.931.258.925060.330.260.331562.33062.340066.629.466.650070.328.770.363070.228.670.280073.328.173.3100071.527.971.5125070.328.270.316007127.671200069.927.869.9250063.427.963.4315065.827.865.8400063.927.763.9500062.527.562.5630062.727.562.7800064.927.664.91000060.227.560.21250062.827.562.8160006027.460SPL80.340.180.3N49.73.849.7median 63.4median 27.9median 63.4Delta5.10.55.130.128.225.925.324.925.522.526.322.225.323.836.722.135.621.243.220.450.620.256.12054.32053.719.356.719.26018.862.818.463.91860.617.564.617.263.316.364.215.966.915.465.515.261.715.160.61561.614.960.614.657.514.65514.456.614.657.128.5751.136.1median 17.2median 60.62.24hearing rangehide median Pink NoiseLenovo IdeaPad 730S-13IWL 81JB0004USApple MacBook Air 2018
Frequency diagram (checkboxes can be checked and unchecked to compare devices)
Lenovo IdeaPad 730S-13IWL 81JB0004US audio analysis

(±) | speaker loudness is average but good (80.3 dB)
Bass 100 - 315 Hz
(±) | reduced bass - on average 7.1% lower than median
(±) | linearity of bass is average (12.2% delta to prev. frequency)
Mids 400 - 2000 Hz
(±) | higher mids - on average 7% higher than median
(+) | mids are linear (5.6% delta to prev. frequency)
Highs 2 - 16 kHz
(+) | balanced highs - only 1.3% away from median
(±) | linearity of highs is average (7.9% delta to prev. frequency)
Overall 100 - 16.000 Hz
(±) | linearity of overall sound is average (16.1% difference to median)
Compared to same class
» 33% of all tested devices in this class were better, 4% similar, 63% worse
» The best had a delta of 5%, average was 19%, worst was 53%
Compared to all devices tested
» 21% of all tested devices were better, 5% similar, 74% worse
» The best had a delta of 4%, average was 25%, worst was 134%

Apple MacBook Air 2018 audio analysis

(±) | speaker loudness is average but good (75 dB)
Bass 100 - 315 Hz
(±) | reduced bass - on average 8.1% lower than median
(±) | linearity of bass is average (10% delta to prev. frequency)
Mids 400 - 2000 Hz
(+) | balanced mids - only 2.9% away from median
(+) | mids are linear (5.6% delta to prev. frequency)
Highs 2 - 16 kHz
(+) | balanced highs - only 2.2% away from median
(+) | highs are linear (4.5% delta to prev. frequency)
Overall 100 - 16.000 Hz
(+) | overall sound is linear (12.3% difference to median)
Compared to same class
» 13% of all tested devices in this class were better, 3% similar, 84% worse
» The best had a delta of 5%, average was 19%, worst was 53%
Compared to all devices tested
» 7% of all tested devices were better, 2% similar, 90% worse
» The best had a delta of 4%, average was 25%, worst was 134%

Speaker sound profile
Speaker sound profile

Energy Management

Power Consumption

Thanks in part to its bright display, the IdeaPad 730S is a bit more power-hungry than most of its rivals. We measure idle consumption of 5.5 W (WLAN off, full brightness), which is close to the MacBook Air’s 5.7 W and above both the HP Spectre Folio 13 (with its Y-series CPU) and Asus ZenBook 13. The XPS 13 9380 is the big loser in this category, with an idle average of 8.6 W—almost certainly a product of its dense 4K display.

Under load, we measured 39.9 W average with a maximum of 54.1 W. These are the highest numbers in today’s comparison field, so it’ll be interesting to see how battery life is affected in (simulated) real-world usage conditions.

Power consumption, 3DMark
Power consumption, 3DMark
Power consumption, Prime95
Power consumption, Prime95
Power Consumption
Off / Standbydarklight 0.6 / 0.62 Watt
Idledarkmidlight 2.8 / 5.5 / 7.7 Watt
Load midlight 39.9 / 54.1 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 IdeaPad 730S-13IWL 81JB0004US
i5-8265U, UHD Graphics 620, Samsung SSD PM981 MZVLB256HAHQ, IPS, 1920x1080, 13.30
Dell XPS 13 9380 2019
i5-8265U, UHD Graphics 620, SK hynix PC401 HFS256GD9TNG, IPS, 3840x2160, 13.30
HP Spectre Folio 13t-ak000
i7-8500Y, UHD Graphics 615, Samsung PM961 MZVLW256HEHP, IPS, 1920x1080, 13.30
Apple MacBook Air 2018
i5-8210Y, UHD Graphics 617, Apple SSD AP0256, IPS, 2560x1600, 13.30
Asus ZenBook 13 UX333FA
i5-8265U, UHD Graphics 620, WDC PC SN520 SDAPNUW-256G, IPS, 1920x1080, 13.30
Microsoft Surface Laptop 2-LQN-00004
i5-8250U, UHD Graphics 620, SK Hynix BC501 NVMe 256 GB, IPS, 2256x1504, 13.50
Power Consumption
-29%
26%
12%
17%
-2%
Idle Minimum *
2.8
4.8
-71%
1.8
36%
2.2
21%
1.6
43%
3
-7%
Idle Average *
5.5
8.6
-56%
3.8
31%
5.7
-4%
4.6
16%
6.8
-24%
Idle Maximum *
7.7
10.4
-35%
7.7
-0%
10.3
-34%
7.3
5%
8.76
-14%
Load Average *
39.9
37.9
5%
26.9
33%
25.6
36%
37.9
5%
35.1
12%
Load Maximum *
54.1
48.5
10%
38.5
29%
30.6
43%
44.8
17%
42.6
21%

* ... smaller is better

Battery Life

The internal battery
The internal battery

Screen brightness is quite clearly one of the primary culprits of power consumption in this case, because when we reduce brightness to around 150 cd/m² (roughly 75% brightness setting, but clearly closer to 45% of the actual max brightness), we receive over 11 hours of battery runtime while surfing the internet using our Wi-Fi web surfing standardized test (11:08 to be exact). We ran the test multiple times just to ensure nothing had gone awry with the first result. This also speaks well of the power consumption of the Realtek WLAN adapter, because apparently having those modules enabled doesn’t seem to detrimentally affect runtimes to any significant degree. The 42 Wh battery size actually seems adequate if most of the unplugged computing is going to be happening indoors. Outdoors, with higher brightness settings, on the other hand, is a bit of a different story.

Compared with its rivals, this is a pretty reasonable result. It’s not as good as the HP Spectre Folio 13t’s 14:12 or even the MacBook Air’s 12:32, but it’s not too far off. It easily beats the Asus ZenBook, Surface Laptop 2, and Dell XPS 13 UHD (the latter of which only manages 8:18 in this same test).

Battery Runtime
WiFi Websurfing
11h 08min
Lenovo IdeaPad 730S-13IWL 81JB0004US
i5-8265U, UHD Graphics 620, 42 Wh
Dell XPS 13 9380 2019
i5-8265U, UHD Graphics 620, 52 Wh
HP Spectre Folio 13t-ak000
i7-8500Y, UHD Graphics 615, 54.28 Wh
Apple MacBook Air 2018
i5-8210Y, UHD Graphics 617, 50.3 Wh
Asus ZenBook 13 UX333FA
i5-8265U, UHD Graphics 620, 50 Wh
Microsoft Surface Laptop 2-LQN-00004
i5-8250U, UHD Graphics 620, 45 Wh
Battery Runtime
-25%
28%
0%
-11%
-19%
WiFi v1.3
668
498
-25%
852
28%
668
0%
593
-11%
543
-19%
Reader / Idle
1032
1882
1668
1249
Load
141
212
131
132
98

Verdict

Pros

+ incredibly light and portable
+ high-quality look and feel
+ quiet operation
+ excellent input devices
+ long battery life
+ bright display with good contrast and color
+ good WLAN performance
+ can be charged using any of the three USB Type-C ports

Cons

- disappointing CPU performance, especially under sustained loads
- extremely limited port selection
- highly-reflective display nonetheless lacks touch
- PWM detected at all brightness levels
- very slow display response times
- display lid seems perilously thin and flexible
- limited maintenance
In review: Lenovo IdeaPad 730S
In review: Lenovo IdeaPad 730S

Thin and light is the name of the game with the IdeaPad 730S, and Lenovo certainly has the competition beat in this regard. Its tiny footprint and featherweight build (just 1.094 kg) are accompanied by a thickness of just 11.9 mm, which is among the thinnest ultraportables currently available. Stability is preserved, as much as possible, thanks to an aluminum case and glass-covered display—though the latter is a bit more susceptible to twisting than we’re comfortable with.

Although it disappoints primarily in terms of CPU performance and connectivity, the $870 IdeaPad 730S is otherwise a reasonable and affordable alternative to the well-established ultraportable category leaders.

The 730S also features an attractive FHD display with good brightness and contrast and surprisingly accurate color rendering (though the gamut is still only 61% of AdobeRGB). Input devices are high-quality considering the size and price of the machine. General system performance is strong thanks to the very fast NVMe SSD and a general lack of significant bottlenecks elsewhere. The machine is mostly quiet and rarely gets uncomfortably warm. Finally, we were pleasantly surprised by the speakers, which are quite loud and perform well across most of the spectrum.

The biggest disappointments with today’s review unit start with sustained CPU performance, which is well below that of its peers and limited heavily by thermal constraints. The novel cooling approach incorporated by Lenovo (which intakes through the keyboard cavity as well as the bottom grate) in conjunction with the single small fan doesn’t seem to keep up with the demands of the Core i5 in today’s review unit—so we’d have serious reservations about considering an upgrade to the Core i7, which costs quite a bit more but would likely still perform below most Core i5-equipped competing machines. Even from the start, CPU performance is lower than that of similarly-equipped competitors, but it continues to drop further under longer-term stress until bottoming out at as much as 20 to 30 percent below some competitors (see: Microsoft Surface Laptop 2, Dell XPS 13 9380).

Port selection is also a bit of a bummer, with no room for anything other than a couple of admittedly versatile Thunderbolt 3 ports, a USB Type-C Gen 1 port, and a combo audio port. In addition to this, we’d love to see an anti-glare display option, though display lid stability may be at the root of this design choice (thanks to the increased rigidity of glass, which is absent on anti-glare models).

Still, if portability tops one’s list of priorities, CPU performance isn’t of critical concern, and screen reflectivity/connectivity constraints aren’t a deal-breaker, the IdeaPad 730S is a great—and affordable—alternative to the well-established ultraportable category leaders.

Lenovo IdeaPad 730S-13IWL 81JB0004US - 09/26/2019 v7
Steve Schardein

Chassis
87 / 98 → 89%
Keyboard
85%
Pointing Device
93%
Connectivity
47 / 75 → 62%
Weight
74 / 20-75 → 98%
Battery
89%
Display
85%
Games Performance
51 / 78 → 65%
Application Performance
76 / 85 → 90%
Temperature
90%
Noise
96%
Audio
80 / 91 → 88%
Camera
66 / 85 → 78%
Average
78%
87%
Subnotebook - Weighted Average

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> Expert Reviews and News on Laptops, Smartphones and Tech Innovations > Reviews > Lenovo IdeaPad 730S-13IWL (i5-8265U, FHD) Laptop Review
Steve Schardein, 2019-02-19 (Update: 2019-02-23)