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Lenovo IdeaPad Flex 5 Chromebook 13IML05 Review: 2-in-1 device with an optional stylus

Flexible. Lenovo’s 2-in-1 Chromebook comes with a Comet Lake-based CPU, an NVMe SSD and a backlit keyboard. The touchscreen can be operated not only with fingers but also with the Lenovo USI Pen, which is sold separately. The Chromebook also supports Power Delivery over USB-C.
Chromebook Comet Lake Convertible / 2-in-1 Touchscreen

Lenovo’s IdeaPad Flex 5 Chromebook 13ILM05 is a compact 2-in-1 device, which is powered by the Core i5-10210U. The competing devices include the Asus VivoBook Flip 14 TM420IA, the Acer Chromebook Spin 713 CP713-2W, the Asus Chromebook Flip C434TA, the Acer Spin 3 SP314-54N, and the HP Pavilion x360 14.

Lenovo IdeaPad Flex 5 CB 13IML05 82B80010GE (IdeaPad Flex 5 CB Series)
Processor
Intel Core i5-10210U 4 x 1.6 - 4.2 GHz, Comet Lake-U
Graphics adapter
Intel UHD Graphics 620, Core: 1100 MHz
Memory
8 GB 
, DDR4-2666
Display
13.30 inch 16:9, 1920 x 1080 pixel 166 PPI, capacitive, 10-point multi-touch, native pen support, IPS, glossy: yes, 60 Hz
Storage
Samsung PM991 MZALQ128HBHQ-000L2, 128 GB 
, M2.2242, NVMe, 105 GB free
Soundcard
Dialog Semiconductor DA7219
Connections
3 USB 3.0 / 3.1 Gen1, USB-C Power Delivery (PD), 2 DisplayPort, 1 Kensington Lock, Audio Connections: 3.5-mm combination audio jack, Card Reader: microSD, Sensors: accelerometer, gyroscope, Google Security Chip H1
Networking
Intel Wi-Fi 6 AX201 (a/b/g/h/n = Wi-Fi 4/ac = Wi-Fi 5/ax = Wi-Fi 6/), Bluetooth 5
Size
height x width x depth (in mm): 17.95 x 310 x 212 ( = 0.71 x 12.2 x 8.35 in)
Battery
51 Wh, 6624 mAh Lithium-Polymer
Operating System
Google Chrome OS
Camera
Webcam: HD
Primary Camera: 0.9 MPix
Additional features
Speakers: stereo, Keyboard: chiclet-style, Keyboard Light: yes, 24 Months Warranty
Weight
1.35 kg ( = 47.62 oz / 2.98 pounds), Power Supply: 308 g ( = 10.86 oz / 0.68 pounds)
Price
599 Euro
Links
Lenovo homepage
Lenovo notebook section
Note: The manufacturer may use components from different suppliers including display panels, drives or memory sticks with similar specifications.

 

Likely Competitors

Rating
Date
Model
Weight
Height
Size
Resolution
Best Price
83.7 %
05/2021
Lenovo IdeaPad Flex 5 CB 13IML05 82B80010GE
i5-10210U, UHD Graphics 620		1.4 kg17.95 mm13.30"1920x1080
86.2 %
04/2021
Acer Chromebook Spin 713 CP713-2W-560V
i5-10210U, UHD Graphics 620		1.4 kg16.8 mm13.50"2256x1504
84.2 %
03/2021
Acer Spin 3 SP314-54N-56S5
i5-1035G4, Iris Plus Graphics G4 (Ice Lake 48 EU)		1.5 kg16 mm14.00"1920x1080
80.7 %
08/2020
Asus VivoBook Flip 14 TM420IA
R7 4700U, Vega 7		1.6 kg18.2 mm14.00"1920x1080
81.2 %
01/2020
Asus Chromebook Flip C434TA-AI0264
m3-8100Y, UHD Graphics 615		1.5 kg15.7 mm14.00"1920x1080
81 %
02/2020
HP Pavilion x360 14-dh1153ng
i5-10210U, UHD Graphics 620		1.6 kg20.5 mm14.00"1920x1080

Case & Connectivity - IdeaPad with two USB-C ports

The chassis of the Flex 5 is made of plastic. However, the display lid is made of aluminium. The Chromebook comes in the colour scheme known as "Graphite Grey". The build quality is on a good level. The housing is not very rigid, though. The battery is not removable. To reach the internal components, the bottom cover will have to be removed.

All three USB ports (one Type-A port, two Type-C ports) operate at USB 3.2 Gen 1 speeds. Both Type-C ports support Power Delivery and can output a DisplayPort signal. The microSD card reader achieves subpar data transfer rates with our reference-grade SD card (Angelbird AV PRO microSD 128 GB V60). The Wi-Fi module (Intel AX201) supports the following Wi-Fi standards: 802.11a, b, g, n, ac and ax. Bluetooth 5 is also supported.

Size Comparison

❌
324 mm / 12.8 inch 222.9 mm / 8.78 inch 20.5 mm / 0.807 inch 1.6 kg3.48 lbs324 mm / 12.8 inch 220 mm / 8.66 inch 18.2 mm / 0.717 inch 1.6 kg3.44 lbs325 mm / 12.8 inch 230 mm / 9.06 inch 16 mm / 0.63 inch 1.5 kg3.37 lbs321 mm / 12.6 inch 202 mm / 7.95 inch 15.7 mm / 0.618 inch 1.5 kg3.2 lbs310 mm / 12.2 inch 212 mm / 8.35 inch 17.95 mm / 0.707 inch 1.4 kg2.98 lbs301 mm / 11.9 inch 235 mm / 9.25 inch 16.8 mm / 0.661 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

Ports

Left side: one USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-C port (DisplayPort, Power Delivery), one USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A port, 3.5-mm combination headphone/microphone jack, microSD card reader
Left side: one USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-C port (DisplayPort, Power Delivery), one USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A port, 3.5-mm combination headphone/microphone jack, microSD card reader
Right side: power button, volume rocker, one USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-C port (DisplayPort, Power Delivery), Kensington Security Slot
Right side: power button, volume rocker, one USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-C port (DisplayPort, Power Delivery), Kensington Security Slot
SD Card Reader
average JPG Copy Test (av. of 3 runs)
HP Pavilion x360 14-dh1153ng
  (Toshiba Exceria Pro SDXC 64 GB UHS-II)
77.3 MB/s ∼100% +109%
Average of class Convertible
  (17.7 - 177.7, n=47, last 2 years)
67 MB/s ∼87% +81%
Asus Chromebook Flip C434TA-AI0264
  (Toshiba Exceria Pro M501 microSDXC 64GB)
64.1 MB/s ∼83% +73%
Acer Chromebook Spin 713 CP713-2W-560V
  (Toshiba Exceria Pro M501 microSDXC 64GB)
57 MB/s ∼74% +54%
Lenovo IdeaPad Flex 5 CB 13IML05 82B80010GE
  (Angelbird AV PRO microSD 128 GB V60)
37 MB/s ∼48%
Asus VivoBook Flip 14 TM420IA
  (Toshiba Exceria Pro M501 microSDXC 64GB)
36.3 MB/s ∼47% -2%
Acer Spin 3 SP314-54N-56S5
  (Toshiba Exceria Pro M501 microSDXC 64GB)
28.1 MB/s ∼36% -24%
maximum AS SSD Seq Read Test (1GB)
Average of class Convertible
  (22.6 - 256, n=43, last 2 years)
84.6 MB/s ∼100%
HP Pavilion x360 14-dh1153ng
  (Toshiba Exceria Pro SDXC 64 GB UHS-II)
83.2 MB/s ∼98%
Asus VivoBook Flip 14 TM420IA
  (Toshiba Exceria Pro M501 microSDXC 64GB)
37.2 MB/s ∼44%
Acer Spin 3 SP314-54N-56S5
  (Toshiba Exceria Pro M501 microSDXC 64GB)
32.4 MB/s ∼38%
ColorChecker
29.3 ∆E
22.5 ∆E
29.1 ∆E
28.9 ∆E
26.1 ∆E
18 ∆E
22 ∆E
32.8 ∆E
21.2 ∆E
22.4 ∆E
17.1 ∆E
22.6 ∆E
27.4 ∆E
28.1 ∆E
22.7 ∆E
13.1 ∆E
23.1 ∆E
30.5 ∆E
2.3 ∆E
12.5 ∆E
22.9 ∆E
25.9 ∆E
24.6 ∆E
2.8 ∆E
ColorChecker Acer Chromebook Spin 713 CP713-2W-560V: 21.99 ∆E min: 2.33 - max: 32.77 ∆E
ColorChecker
14.4 ∆E
13.4 ∆E
15.9 ∆E
17.5 ∆E
13.8 ∆E
11.8 ∆E
14.4 ∆E
19 ∆E
17.6 ∆E
15.6 ∆E
11.9 ∆E
11.5 ∆E
18.3 ∆E
19.1 ∆E
21.9 ∆E
8 ∆E
15.9 ∆E
18.4 ∆E
2.7 ∆E
12 ∆E
13.9 ∆E
15.5 ∆E
14.4 ∆E
3.9 ∆E
ColorChecker Lenovo IdeaPad Flex 5 CB 13IML05 82B80010GE: 14.2 ∆E min: 2.75 - max: 21.95 ∆E
ColorChecker
8.1 ∆E
9.6 ∆E
13.6 ∆E
13.4 ∆E
13.8 ∆E
11.4 ∆E
8.8 ∆E
14 ∆E
11.4 ∆E
8.6 ∆E
9.7 ∆E
10 ∆E
8.9 ∆E
10.3 ∆E
10.8 ∆E
8.5 ∆E
11 ∆E
13 ∆E
2.3 ∆E
8.7 ∆E
10.6 ∆E
11.1 ∆E
7.2 ∆E
8.3 ∆E
ColorChecker Asus VivoBook Flip 14 TM420IA: 10.12 ∆E min: 2.33 - max: 13.98 ∆E

Input Devices - Flex 5 offers a keyboard with a backlight

The flat, smooth keys of the backlit chiclet-style keyboard offer a short travel distance and a clear actuation point. However, the keys feel too mushy for our taste. The keyboard deck exhibits some flex when typing. All in all, the Flex 5 offers a decent keyboard.

The smooth surface of the multi-touch-cable Clickpad (4.1″x2.8″) makes finger-gliding easy. The pad has no trouble recognising inputs, even in the corners. The Clickpad offers a short travel distance and a clear actuation point.

Input Devices of the Ideapad Flex 5
Input Devices of the Ideapad Flex 5

The touchscreen can recognise up to 10 inputs at the same time and feels very responsive. Users should not run into any trouble when using it. The touchscreen can be operated with fingers or the Lenovo USI Pen (GX81B10212), which is sold separately for about 50 Euros (~$60).

The Lenovo USI Pen (GX81B10212) is sold separately for about 50 Euros (~$60)
The Lenovo USI Pen (GX81B10212) is sold separately for about 50 Euros (~$60)

Display - Touchscreen can be operated with a stylus

Pixel arrangement
Pixel arrangement

The 13.3-inch display has a native resolution of 1920x1080 pixels. The contrast ratio of 1030:1 is quite good. However, the brightness (232.3 cd/m²) is rather low. We consider values above 300 cd/m² to be good. Positive: the screen does not suffer from PWM flickering.

239
cd/m²		243
cd/m²		245
cd/m²
226
cd/m²		242
cd/m²		237
cd/m²
209
cd/m²		225
cd/m²		225
cd/m²
Distribution of brightness
X-Rite i1Pro 2
Maximum: 245 cd/m² (Nits) Average: 232.3 cd/m² Minimum: 2.6 cd/m²
Brightness Distribution: 85 %
Center on Battery: 241 cd/m²
Contrast: 1030:1 (Black: 0.235 cd/m²)
ΔE Color 1.99 | 0.55-29.43 Ø5.1
ΔE Greyscale 1.78 | 0.57-98 Ø5.3
Gamma: 2.31
Lenovo IdeaPad Flex 5 CB 13IML05 82B80010GE
IPS, 1920x1080, 13.30		Acer Chromebook Spin 713 CP713-2W-560V
IPS, 2256x1504, 13.50		Acer Spin 3 SP314-54N-56S5
BOE081D, IPS, 1920x1080, 14.00		Asus VivoBook Flip 14 TM420IA
BOE NV140FHM-N49, IPS, 1920x1080, 14.00		Asus Chromebook Flip C434TA-AI0264
IPS, 1920x1080, 14.00		HP Pavilion x360 14-dh1153ng
BOE NV140FHM-N4K, IPS, 1920x1080, 14.00
Display
Display P3 Coverage
39.25
40.47
39.35
sRGB Coverage
58.2
60
58.8
AdobeRGB 1998 Coverage
40.55
41.81
40.65
Response Times
42%
43%
11%
-8%
-2%
Response Time Grey 50% / Grey 80% *
47 ?(20, 27)
36 ?(10, 26)
23%
29 ?(5, 24)
38%
36.4 ?(18.8, 17.6)
23%
48 ?(24, 24)
-2%
44 ?(24, 20)
6%
Response Time Black / White *
30 ?(14, 16)
12 ?(3, 9)
60%
16 ?(4, 12)
47%
30.4 ?(18.8, 11.6)
-1%
34 ?(19, 15)
-13%
33 ?(19, 14)
-10%
PWM Frequency
200 ?(40)
1000 ?(90)
192 ?(90)
Screen
-28%
-24%
-114%
-28%
-101%
Brightness middle
242
426
76%
271
12%
272.5
13%
294
21%
248
2%
Brightness
232
388
67%
272
17%
260
12%
272
17%
238
3%
Brightness Distribution
85
85
0%
92
8%
88
4%
70
-18%
74
-13%
Black Level *
0.235
0.56
-138%
0.19
19%
0.42
-79%
0.39
-66%
0.235
-0%
Contrast
1030
761
-26%
1426
38%
649
-37%
754
-27%
1055
2%
Colorchecker dE 2000 *
1.99
2.25
-13%
4.24
-113%
4.65
-134%
5.43
-173%
Colorchecker dE 2000 max. *
2.77
5.29
-91%
6.38
-130%
17.78
-542%
17.96
-548%
Greyscale dE 2000 *
1.78
3.53
-98%
2.51
-41%
4.4
-147%
3.44
-93%
3.18
-79%
Gamma
2.31 95%
2.32 95%
2.25 98%
2.2 100%
2.51 88%
2.56 86%
CCT
6567 99%
6368 102%
6812 95%
6984 93%
6486 100%
6642 98%
Color Space (Percent of AdobeRGB 1998)
37
38.4
37.3
Color Space (Percent of sRGB)
58
59.8
58.4
Colorchecker dE 2000 calibrated *
4.34
5.7
Total Average (Program / Settings)
7% / -14%
10% / -11%
-52% / -89%
-18% / -23%
-52% / -81%

* ... smaller is better

Display Response Times

ℹ
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
30 ms ... rise ↗ and fall ↘ combined↗ 14 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. » 76 % of all devices are better.
This means that the measured response time is worse than the average of all tested devices (21.9 ms).
   ↔    Response Time 50% Grey to 80% Grey
47 ms ... rise ↗ and fall ↘ combined↗ 20 ms rise
↘ 27 ms fall
The screen shows slow response rates in our tests and will be unsatisfactory for gamers.
In comparison, all tested devices range from 0.25 (minimum) to 636 (maximum) ms. » 78 % of all devices are better.
This means that the measured response time is worse than the average of all tested devices (34.6 ms).

Screen Flickering / PWM (Pulse-Width Modulation)

ℹ
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 not detected

In comparison: 53 % of all tested devices do not use PWM to dim the display. If PWM was detected, an average of 19019 (minimum: 5 - maximum: 3846000) Hz was measured.

According to our measurements, the screen is very colour-accurate (it has a good DeltaE 2000 of 2). The screen is not marred by a bluish cast. 

CalMAN - colour accuracy
CalMAN - colour accuracy
CalMAN - grayscale tracking
CalMAN - grayscale tracking
CalMAN - saturation
CalMAN - saturation

The IPS panel offers very wide viewing angles. The screen can be viewed from any angle without any distortions. Outdoors, the low brightness and the highly reflective screen surface make reading the display rather difficult.

The IdeaPad outdoors.
The IdeaPad outdoors.

Performance - Engough for office and web-based applications

Lenovo’s IdeaPad Flex 5 Chromebook 13ILM05 is a 13.3-inch convertible Chromebook, which offers enough performance for office applications and Internet browsing.

Processor

The Intel Core i5-10210U is a quad-core Comet Lake-based CPU with a base clock of 1.6 GHz and an all-core boost clock of 3.9 GHz (4.2 GHz for a single core). Hyper-threading (two threads per core) is supported.

Geekbench 5.4 | Sunspider | Octane V2 | Mozilla Kraken 1.1 | Speedometer 2.0 | WebXPRT 3
Geekbench 5.4
Single-Core
Average of class Convertible
  (260 - 1981, n=83, last 2 years)
1441 Points ∼100% +46%
Acer Spin 3 SP314-54N-56S5
Intel Core i5-1035G4
1235 Points ∼86% +25%
Asus VivoBook Flip 14 TM420IA
AMD Ryzen 7 4700U
1157 Points ∼80% +17%
Average Intel Core i5-10210U
  (949 - 1133, n=27)
1071 Points ∼74% +8%
HP Pavilion x360 14-dh1153ng
Intel Core i5-10210U
1014 Points ∼70% +3%
Lenovo IdeaPad Flex 5 CB 13IML05 82B80010GE
Intel Core i5-10210U
989 Points ∼69%
Acer Chromebook Spin 713 CP713-2W-560V
Intel Core i5-10210U
949 Points ∼66% -4%
Multi-Core
Average of class Convertible
  (663 - 12374, n=83, last 2 years)
6406 Points ∼100% +79%
Asus VivoBook Flip 14 TM420IA
AMD Ryzen 7 4700U
5443 Points ∼85% +52%
Acer Spin 3 SP314-54N-56S5
Intel Core i5-1035G4
3986 Points ∼62% +12%
Lenovo IdeaPad Flex 5 CB 13IML05 82B80010GE
Intel Core i5-10210U
3573 Points ∼56%
Average Intel Core i5-10210U
  (2079 - 4256, n=27)
3570 Points ∼56% 0%
Acer Chromebook Spin 713 CP713-2W-560V
Intel Core i5-10210U
3314 Points ∼52% -7%
HP Pavilion x360 14-dh1153ng
Intel Core i5-10210U
2800 Points ∼44% -22%
Sunspider - 1.0 Total Score
Asus Chromebook Flip C434TA-AI0264
Intel Core m3-8100Y (Chrome 79.0.3945.86)
304.6 ms * ∼100% -27%
Acer Chromebook Spin 713 CP713-2W-560V
Intel Core i5-10210U (Chrome 90)
251.5 ms * ∼83% -5%
Average Intel Core i5-10210U
  (239 - 252, n=2)
245 ms * ∼80% -2%
Average of class Convertible
  (112.9 - 408, n=8, last 2 years)
243 ms * ∼80% -2%
Lenovo IdeaPad Flex 5 CB 13IML05 82B80010GE
Intel Core i5-10210U (Chrome 89)
239.4 ms * ∼79%
Octane V2 - Total Score
Average of class Convertible
  (9822 - 92146, n=30, last 2 years)
58481 Points ∼100% +33%
Lenovo IdeaPad Flex 5 CB 13IML05 82B80010GE
Intel Core i5-10210U (Chrome 89)
44040 Points ∼75%
Acer Chromebook Spin 713 CP713-2W-560V
Intel Core i5-10210U (Chrome 90)
41604 Points ∼71% -6%
Average Intel Core i5-10210U
  (30096 - 44584, n=17)
36050 Points ∼62% -18%
HP Pavilion x360 14-dh1153ng
Intel Core i5-10210U
33932 Points ∼58% -23%
Asus Chromebook Flip C434TA-AI0264
Intel Core m3-8100Y (Chrome 79.0.3945.86)
29318 Points ∼50% -33%
Mozilla Kraken 1.1 - Total Score
Asus Chromebook Flip C434TA-AI0264
Intel Core m3-8100Y (Chrome 79.0.3945.86)
1295 ms * ∼100% -28%
HP Pavilion x360 14-dh1153ng
Intel Core i5-10210U
1134 ms * ∼88% -12%
Acer Chromebook Spin 713 CP713-2W-560V
Intel Core i5-10210U (Chrome 90)
1067 ms * ∼82% -5%
Average Intel Core i5-10210U
  (886 - 1267, n=31)
1014 ms * ∼78% -0%
Lenovo IdeaPad Flex 5 CB 13IML05 82B80010GE
Intel Core i5-10210U (Chrome 89)
1013 ms * ∼78%
Acer Spin 3 SP314-54N-56S5
Intel Core i5-1035G4 (Chrome 82)
893 ms * ∼69% +12%
Average of class Convertible
  (476 - 3989, n=83, last 2 years)
875 ms * ∼68% +14%
Asus VivoBook Flip 14 TM420IA
AMD Ryzen 7 4700U (Chrome 82)
815 ms * ∼63% +20%
Speedometer 2.0 - Result
Average of class Convertible
  (24.8 - 279, n=26, last 2 years)
176.1 runs/min ∼100% +49%
Lenovo IdeaPad Flex 5 CB 13IML05 82B80010GE
Intel Core i5-10210U (Chrome 89)
118 runs/min ∼67%
Acer Chromebook Spin 713 CP713-2W-560V
Intel Core i5-10210U (Chrome 90)
115 runs/min ∼65% -3%
Average Intel Core i5-10210U
  (60.4 - 126.4, n=4)
105 runs/min ∼60% -11%
Asus Chromebook Flip C434TA-AI0264
Intel Core m3-8100Y (Chrome 79.0.3945.86)
83.7 runs/min ∼48% -29%
WebXPRT 3 - ---
Average of class Convertible
  (60 - 366, n=80, last 2 years)
243 Points ∼100% +26%
Asus VivoBook Flip 14 TM420IA
AMD Ryzen 7 4700U (Chrome 82)
204 Points ∼84% +6%
Lenovo IdeaPad Flex 5 CB 13IML05 82B80010GE
Intel Core i5-10210U (Chrome 89)
193 Points ∼79%
Average Intel Core i5-10210U
  (169 - 203, n=21)
190.8 Points ∼79% -1%
Acer Chromebook Spin 713 CP713-2W-560V
Intel Core i5-10210U (Chrome 90)
190 Points ∼78% -2%
Acer Spin 3 SP314-54N-56S5
Intel Core i5-1035G4 (Chrome 82)
178 Points ∼73% -8%
Asus Chromebook Flip C434TA-AI0264
Intel Core m3-8100Y (Chrome 79.0.3945.86)
137 Points ∼56% -29%

* ... smaller is better

System Performance

The system feels responsive and applications start quickly. The processor provides more than enough performance for office work and Internet surfing.

The soldered-in RAM is located under a protective cover.
Der fest verlötete Arbeitsspeicher wird von einem Schild geschützt.
PCMark for Android
Computer Vision score
Acer Chromebook Spin 713 CP713-2W-560V
UHD Graphics 620, i5-10210U, SK hynix BC501 HFM128GDJTNG-831
8112 Points ∼43% +1%
Average Intel Core i5-10210U, Intel UHD Graphics 620
  (8069 - 8112, n=2)
8091 Points ∼43% 0%
Lenovo IdeaPad Flex 5 CB 13IML05 82B80010GE
UHD Graphics 620, i5-10210U, Samsung PM991 MZALQ128HBHQ-000L2
8069 Points ∼43%
Asus Chromebook Flip C434TA-AI0264
UHD Graphics 615, m3-8100Y, 64 GB eMMC Flash
5961 Points ∼31% -26%
Storage score
Lenovo IdeaPad Flex 5 CB 13IML05 82B80010GE
UHD Graphics 620, i5-10210U, Samsung PM991 MZALQ128HBHQ-000L2
37178 Points ∼79%
Average Intel Core i5-10210U, Intel UHD Graphics 620
  (26840 - 37178, n=2)
32009 Points ∼68% -14%
Acer Chromebook Spin 713 CP713-2W-560V
UHD Graphics 620, i5-10210U, SK hynix BC501 HFM128GDJTNG-831
26840 Points ∼57% -28%
Asus Chromebook Flip C434TA-AI0264
UHD Graphics 615, m3-8100Y, 64 GB eMMC Flash
25599 Points ∼55% -31%
Work 2.0 performance score
Lenovo IdeaPad Flex 5 CB 13IML05 82B80010GE
UHD Graphics 620, i5-10210U, Samsung PM991 MZALQ128HBHQ-000L2
12514 Points ∼82%
Average Intel Core i5-10210U, Intel UHD Graphics 620
  (12155 - 12514, n=2)
12335 Points ∼81% -1%
Acer Chromebook Spin 713 CP713-2W-560V
UHD Graphics 620, i5-10210U, SK hynix BC501 HFM128GDJTNG-831
12155 Points ∼79% -3%
Asus Chromebook Flip C434TA-AI0264
UHD Graphics 615, m3-8100Y, 64 GB eMMC Flash
9760 Points ∼64% -22%
Work performance score
Lenovo IdeaPad Flex 5 CB 13IML05 82B80010GE
UHD Graphics 620, i5-10210U, Samsung PM991 MZALQ128HBHQ-000L2
18559 Points ∼93%
Average Intel Core i5-10210U, Intel UHD Graphics 620
  (17751 - 18559, n=2)
18155 Points ∼91% -2%
Acer Chromebook Spin 713 CP713-2W-560V
UHD Graphics 620, i5-10210U, SK hynix BC501 HFM128GDJTNG-831
17751 Points ∼89% -4%
Asus Chromebook Flip C434TA-AI0264
UHD Graphics 615, m3-8100Y, 64 GB eMMC Flash
13598 Points ∼68% -27%

Storage Devices

The IdeaPad Flex 5 comes with a 128 GB NVMe SSD (M.2-2242) from Samsung, which can be replaced.

An NVMe SSD serves as the system drive.
An NVMe SSD serves as the system drive.

Graphics Card

Intel’s UHD Graphics 620 is responsible for video rendering. The clock speeds range from 300 MHz to 1100 MHz. It supports hardware decoding of H.264 and HEVC/H.265 videos.

3DMark Sling Shot Extreme (ES 3.1) Unlimited
5549 points
Help
3DMark
1280x720 offscreen Ice Storm Unlimited Graphics Score
Average of class Convertible
  (33758 - 642928, n=9, last 2 years)
183677 Points ∼100% +135%
Average Intel UHD Graphics 620
  (60554 - 115515, n=100)
88650 Points ∼48% +13%
HP Pavilion x360 14-dh1153ng
Intel UHD Graphics 620, Intel Core i5-10210U
84681 Points ∼46% +8%
Acer Chromebook Spin 713 CP713-2W-560V
Intel UHD Graphics 620, Intel Core i5-10210U
79523 Points ∼43% +2%
Lenovo IdeaPad Flex 5 CB 13IML05 82B80010GE
Intel UHD Graphics 620, Intel Core i5-10210U
78108 Points ∼43%
Asus Chromebook Flip C434TA-AI0264
Intel UHD Graphics 615, Intel Core m3-8100Y
52521 Points ∼29% -33%
Acer Spin 3 SP314-54N-56S5
Intel Iris Plus Graphics G4 (Ice Lake 48 EU), Intel Core i5-1035G4
50243 Points ∼27% -36%
2560x1440 Sling Shot Extreme (ES 3.1) Unlimited Graphics
Lenovo IdeaPad Flex 5 CB 13IML05 82B80010GE
Intel UHD Graphics 620, Intel Core i5-10210U
5190 Points ∼100%
Average Intel UHD Graphics 620
  (4856 - 5190, n=2)
5023 Points ∼97% -3%
Acer Chromebook Spin 713 CP713-2W-560V
Intel UHD Graphics 620, Intel Core i5-10210U
4856 Points ∼94% -6%
Average of class Convertible
  (last 2 years)
1996 Points ∼38% -62%

Emissions & Energy - Lenovo Chromebook does not produce a lot of noise

System Noise

The Chromebook never gets loud. Under low load, the fan often stands still, which leads to silent operation. Under full load, the fan starts to spin. We measured the maximum sound pressure level of 35.5 dB(A).

Noise Level

Idle
26.5 / 26.5 / 26.5 dB(A)
Load
32.6 / 35.5 dB(A)
  red to green bar
 
 
30 dB
silent
40 dB(A)
audible
50 dB(A)
loud
  
min: dark, med: mid, max: light   Earthworks M23R, Arta (15 cm distance)   environment noise: 26.5 dB(A)
dB(A) 0102030405060708090Deep BassMiddle BassHigh BassLower RangeMidsHigher MidsLower HighsMid HighsUpper HighsSuper Highs2024.522.923.724.52539.526.626.139.5313029.232.23040272526.8275035.232.430.735.26321.92423.121.9802121.820.92110022.922.521.722.91251817.516.71816016.915.816.616.920014.616.617.414.625019.820.220.619.831523.424.322.723.440017.420.823.217.450014.920.122.214.963013.419.522.513.480013.22123.413.2100013.123.52713.1125013222513160013.121.124.713.1200013.421.324.713.4250013.420.523.813.4315014.521.624.514.5400013.820.822.913.8500014.419.823.414.4630015.117.218.815.1800014.215.716.614.21000013.91616.113.91250013.916.214.913.91600013.515.71513.5SPL26.632.735.526.6N0.81.72.20.8median 14.2median 20.2median 22.5median 14.2Delta1.62.43.61.6hearing rangehide median Fan NoiseLenovo IdeaPad Flex 5 CB 13IML05 82B80010GE

Temperature

The IdeaPad Flex 5 gets surprisingly hot under load (Octane V2 plus Jetstream running in a continuous loop)—at certain measurement points. The surface temperatures near the fan exhaust peaked at 53 °C (127 °F). This is why you should not put it in your lap. However, when idle, the Flex 5 always stays cool.

Max. Load
 40.8 °C
105 F		43.1 °C
110 F		33.4 °C
92 F		 
 34.1 °C
93 F		37.5 °C
100 F		27.8 °C
82 F		 
 25.4 °C
78 F		24.9 °C
77 F		25.9 °C
79 F		 
Maximum: 43.1 °C = 110 F
Average: 32.5 °C = 91 F
31.2 °C
88 F		53 °C
127 F		42.9 °C
109 F
24.6 °C
76 F		27.6 °C
82 F		32 °C
90 F
24 °C
75 F		24.2 °C
76 F		24.9 °C
77 F
Maximum: 53 °C = 127 F
Average: 31.6 °C = 89 F
Power Supply (max.)  33.4 °C = 92 F | Room Temperature 23.5 °C = 74 F | FIRT 550-Pocket
(±) The average temperature for the upper side under maximal load is 32.5 °C / 91 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 43.1 °C / 110 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 53 °C / 127 F, compared to the average of 36.7 °C / 98 F
(+) In idle usage, the average temperature for the upper side is 23.3 °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 25.9 °C / 78.6 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 (+2.2 °C / 4 F).
Heat distribution under load (top)
Heat distribution under load (top)
Heat distribution when idle (top)
Heat distribution when idle (top)
Heat distribution under load (bottom)
Heat distribution under load (bottom)
Heat distribution when idle (bottom)
Heat distribution when idle (bottom)

Speakers

The stereo speakers produce a decent sound. However, the lows are almost completely missing. The maximum volume is on a good level. We recommend using a set of headphones or external speakers for a better listening experience.

dB(A) 0102030405060708090Deep BassMiddle BassHigh BassLower RangeMidsHigher MidsLower HighsMid HighsUpper HighsSuper Highs2021.724.521.72528.639.528.63129.63029.64024.12724.15021.435.221.4632121.9218021.62121.610022.922.922.912523.71823.716026.916.926.920027.614.627.625036.119.836.131546.623.446.640058.217.458.250061.114.961.163063.213.463.280065.413.265.4100067.713.167.71250671367160068.813.168.8200070.413.470.4250071.813.471.8315070.714.570.7400066.713.866.7500064.614.464.663006415.164800064.514.264.51000061.713.961.7125006213.9621600064.913.564.9SPL79.826.679.8N43.40.843.4median 64median 14.2median 64Delta10.41.610.4hearing rangehide median Pink NoiseLenovo IdeaPad Flex 5 CB 13IML05 82B80010GE
Frequency diagram (checkboxes can be checked and unchecked to compare devices)
Lenovo IdeaPad Flex 5 CB 13IML05 82B80010GE audio analysis

(-) | not very loud speakers (71.8 dB)
Bass 100 - 315 Hz
(-) | nearly no bass - on average 33.4% lower than median
(±) | linearity of bass is average (8.4% delta to prev. frequency)
Mids 400 - 2000 Hz
(+) | balanced mids - only 3.6% away from median
(+) | mids are linear (6.3% delta to prev. frequency)
Highs 2 - 16 kHz
(+) | balanced highs - only 3% away from median
(+) | highs are linear (3.6% delta to prev. frequency)
Overall 100 - 16.000 Hz
(±) | linearity of overall sound is average (23.2% difference to median)
Compared to same class
» 65% of all tested devices in this class were better, 5% similar, 30% worse
» The best had a delta of 6%, average was 21%, worst was 57%
Compared to all devices tested
» 63% of all tested devices were better, 6% similar, 30% worse
» The best had a delta of 4%, average was 26%, worst was 134%

Energy Consumption

There are no anomalies when it comes to power consumption. When idle, the Chromebook draws up to 6.5 watts. Under full load, the power draw peaks at 30.6 watts. The rated output of the USB-C power adapter amounts to 45 watts.

Power Consumption
Off / Standbydarklight 0.45 / 0.58 Watt
Idledarkmidlight 3.7 / 5.5 / 6.5 Watt
Load midlight 27 / 30.6 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.

Battery Life

In our Wi-Fi test, in which we simulate loads that are consistent with browsing the web, the IdeaPad Flex 5 achieves a battery runtime of 7h and 37m. 

Battery Runtime
WiFi Websurfing (Chrome 89)
7h 37min
Battery Runtime - WiFi Websurfing
Acer Chromebook Spin 713 CP713-2W-560V
i5-10210U, UHD Graphics 620, 50.3 Wh
619 min ∼23% +35%
Asus Chromebook Flip C434TA-AI0264
m3-8100Y, UHD Graphics 615, 48 Wh
598 min ∼23% +31%
Average of class Convertible
  (335 - 876, n=74, last 2 years)
554 min ∼21% +21%
Asus VivoBook Flip 14 TM420IA
R7 4700U, Vega 7, 42 Wh
479 min ∼18% +5%
Lenovo IdeaPad Flex 5 CB 13IML05 82B80010GE
i5-10210U, UHD Graphics 620, 51 Wh
457 min ∼17%
Acer Spin 3 SP314-54N-56S5
i5-1035G4, Iris Plus Graphics G4 (Ice Lake 48 EU), 48 Wh
451.9 min ∼17% -1%
HP Pavilion x360 14-dh1153ng
i5-10210U, UHD Graphics 620, 41 Wh
377 min ∼14% -18%

Pros

+ IPS screen
+ NVMe SSD
+ quiet operation
+ keyboard backlight
+ DisplayPort over USB-C
+ Power Delivery over USB-C
+ Wi-Fi 6
+ supports Android applications
+ optional stylus

Cons

- low display brightness
- reflective screen surface
- some areas get really hot
- soldered-in RAM

Verdict

Review of the Lenovo IdeaPad Flex 5 Chromebook 13ILM05 (82B80010GE). Device provided courtesy of: Lenovo Germany.
Review of the Lenovo IdeaPad Flex 5 Chromebook 13ILM05 (82B80010GE). Device provided courtesy of: Lenovo Germany.

The Chromebook comes with the Core i5-10210U, 8 GB of RAM and a 128 GB NVMe SSD (M.2 2242), which is why it can handle all current applications. The device is quiet, but not silent. The CPU is actively cooled.

The Lenovo IdeaPad Flex 5 Chromebook 13ILM05 is a well-rounded 2-in-1 Chromebook.

Despite a 51-Wh battery, the Flex 5 lasted 7h 37m in our Wi-Fi test, which is a mediocre result for a Chromebook. We were expecting more in this department. Positive: Both USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-C ports support Power Delivery and can output a DisplayPort signal.

The 1080p IPS touchscreen offers a good contrast ratio, wide viewing angles and a good colour reproduction. However, the brightness is too low. The touchscreen can be operated with fingers or the Lenovo USI Pen (GX81B10212), which is sold separately for about 50 Euros (~$60).

Currently, our review device retails for 550 to 600 Euros (~$670-$730) in Europe. There is a cheaper hardware configuration (82B8000XGE) for 399 Euros (~$485). It comes with the Celeron 5205U, 4 GB of RAM and 64 GB of eMMC memory.

Price and Availability

The Lenovo IdeaPad Flex 5 is currently available on amazon.com for $499.

Lenovo IdeaPad Flex 5 CB 13IML05 82B80010GE - 05/03/2021 v7
Sascha Mölck

Chassis
77 / 98 → 79%
Keyboard
80%
Pointing Device
85 / 20-75 → 100%
Connectivity
50%
Weight
71%
Battery
78 / 85 → 91%
Display
84%
Games Performance
56%
Application Performance
88 / 91 → 97%
Temperature
91%
Noise
95%
Audio
64%
Camera
42%
Average
74%
84%
Convertible - Weighted Average

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> Notebook / Laptop Reviews and News > Reviews > Lenovo IdeaPad Flex 5 Chromebook 13IML05 Review: 2-in-1 device with an optional stylus
Sascha Mölck, 2021-05- 7 (Update: 2021-05-10)