Lenovo Legion Pro 5i 16 vs Legion Pro 7i 16: We reviewed both

Both of our review units are equipped with the same processor, namely the high-end Intel Core Ultra 9 275HX. However, only the Pro 5 is optionally available with the slightly less powerful Ultra 7 255HX.

As for the graphics card, both can be configured individually, but our Pro 7 features the Nvidia GeForce RTX 5080 Laptop, while the Pro 5 is powered by the RTX 5070 Ti Laptop. Potentially, both laptops can be bought with the same GPU. However, it seems the Pro 5 is currently only available with the RTX 5060, RTX 5070 or RTX 5070 Ti. On the other hand, the Pro 7 is also available with an RTX 5070 Ti, but it can also be equipped with the RTX 5080 or RTX 5090.

Let's focus on the two configurations that we reviewed. Both feature nearly the same brilliant 16-inch Samsung OLED panel. The only difference between the two panels is a single letter in the version number (ATNA60HS01-0 and ATNA60HU01-0). Apparently, the Pro 7 OLED can be more color-accurate after calibration, which might be relevant for content creators. Also, its response times are a bit faster. Most remaining specifications, however, are identical or very similar.

There's another difference in terms of wireless connectivity. While the Legion 5 took a step backwards and only comes with Wi-Fi 6, while the predecessor had Wi-Fi 6E. It also has comparatively slow transfer rates for its class. In contrast to that, the Legion 7 supports Wi-Fi 7 with fast transfer rates. Both Wi-Fi modules are replaceable, so the Legion 5 can be upgraded in this regard.

The cooling system may also cause differences in performance. While the Pro 5 CPU loses about 7% of its performance in the first five runs of our Cinebench R15 continuous loop, the same CPU in the Pro 7 maintains its performance and doesn't throttle. Both benchmarks were conducted in performance mode. Aside from sustained performance, however, both models perform similarly across all CPU benchmarks, meaning the Pro 5 only has a minimal loss under constant load for a longer time.

In our latency test, the Pro 7 performed better with a latency less than half of that of the Pro 5. In our YouTube test, the Pro 5 dropped 18 frames in total, while the Pro 7 only dropped a single frame.

Even though they are from different manufacturers, the two SSDs in these Lenovo gaming laptops are very similar. Neither device can be declared a winner here, especially since SSDs often vary depending on the specific configuration.

Needless to say, a proper GPU comparison is challenging considering these notebooks are equipped with two different graphics cards. That said, the RTX 5070 Ti and RTX 5080 are generally quite close in terms of performance. In 3DMark, the RTX 5080-powered Legion 7 is only about 4 to 5 percent ahead of the Legion 5 with the RTX 5070 Ti, which is a fairly negligible difference.

What appeared to be an insignificant difference between the two GPUs in synthetic benchmarks turns into a real advantage for the RTX 5080 in the Pro 7 in our gaming tests. Across all games tested, the 7 series had a lead of around 16%. The performance over time in Cyberpunk 2077 also clearly shows the superiority of the more expensive laptop. But can we draw conclusions about a potential difference between the two models if they had the same GPU? Not really, because the Legion 5 graph also looks very stable. It's just that the performance of an RTX 5070 Ti is naturally lower than that of an RTX 5080.

We found differences between the two models in the following three areas:

• Specifications: The Pro 7 can be equipped with a more powerful GPU and has faster Wi-Fi.
• Display: Both have nearly identical OLED panels. For those looking for absolutely accurate colors, the Pro 7 is better.
• Cooling System: The Pro 7 has a third fan, which results in more consistent sustained CPU performance. Additionally, the Pro 7 is cooler and quieter.

Each gamer should weigh these differences against the asking price. Even with the RTX 5070 Ti, the Legion Pro 7 16IAX10H (or Legion Pro 7i 16) costs over €3,000. The Legion Pro 5 16IAX10 (or Legion Pro 5i 16) usually costs several hundreds less. In Germany, both models variants are available directly at Lenovo, where the Pro 7 is priced at €3,099, and the Pro 5 around €2,500.