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Lenovo Miix 520-12IKB (i7-8550U, SSD, WUXGA) Convertible Review

Great components. Lenovo's Surface Pro competitor can score with a strong quad-core processor, 16 GB of RAM, an NVMe SSD, a backlit keyboard, input pen and LTE modem. But despite its high price, the device is not free from issues.

The Lenovo Miix 520 is a detachable and belongs to the segment of convertibles. We have already reviewed one model from this series, which was equipped with a Core i5 CPU. Our current test unit represents the top configuration of the series and offers a Core i7 processor. Among its competitors are the Microsoft Surface Pro (2017), the Acer Switch 5 SW512-52, and the HP Elite x2 1012 G2-1LV76EA.

As the two Miix 520 models have the same build, we will not go into detail about the case, connectivity, input devices and speakers - unless there are differences between the two. You can find this information in our review of the Core i5 Miix 520.

Please note: In the US, this model is currently only available with 8 GB of RAM instead of 16 GB as in our test unit.

Lenovo Miix 520-12IKB 20M3000LGE (Miix Series)
Processor
Intel Core i7-8550U 4 x 1.8 - 4 GHz, Kaby Lake Refresh
Graphics adapter
Intel UHD Graphics 620, Core: 1150 MHz, dual-channel, 22.20.16.4836
Memory
16 GB 
, LPDDR4-2133, Dual-Channel, RAM soldered on, no memory slots
Display
12.20 inch 16:10, 1920 x 1200 pixel 186 PPI, capacitive, 10-point touch, native pen support, Unbekannt, IPS, glossy: yes, detachable screen
Mainboard
Intel Kaby Lake-U iHDCP 2.2 Premium PCH
Storage
Samsung SSD PM961 1TB M.2 PCIe 3.0 x4 NVMe (MZVLW1T0), 1024 GB 
, 200 GB free
Soundcard
Realtek ALC298 @ Intel Sunrise Point PCH - High Definition Audio Controller
Connections
2 USB 3.0 / 3.1 Gen1, Audio Connections: combined audio jack, 1 Fingerprint Reader, Brightness Sensor, Sensors: accelerometer, TPM 2.00
Networking
Atheros/Qualcomm QCA6174 (a/b/g/n = Wi-Fi 4/ac = Wi-Fi 5/), Bluetooth 4.1, Fibocom L831-EAU, LTE
Size
height x width x depth (in mm): 9.9 x 303.9 x 219.1 ( = 0.39 x 11.96 x 8.63 in)
Battery
38 Wh, 4955 mAh Lithium-Ion, 7.68 V
Operating System
Microsoft Windows 10 Pro 64 Bit
Camera
Webcam: 5 MP
Primary Camera: 8 MPix worldview camera with autofocus
Additional features
Speakers: stereo, Keyboard: chiclet, Keyboard Light: yes, bag, input pen, pen holder, McAfee LiveSafe (trial version), MS Office 365 (trial version), 24 Months Warranty
Weight
1.26 kg ( = 44.45 oz / 2.78 pounds), Power Supply: 205 g ( = 7.23 oz / 0.45 pounds)
Price
1699 Euro
Note: The manufacturer may use components from different suppliers including display panels, drives or memory sticks with similar specifications.

 

Connectivity

Our model of the Miix 520 is equipped with the LTE modem L831-EAU from Fibocom. This Cat-4 model offers download speeds of up to 150 Mbps and upload speeds of up to 50 Mbps. It supports the LTE bands 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 13, 17, 18, 19 and 20. The microSD reader of the previously tested Miix 520-12IKB model has been replaced by a SIM card slot (NanoSIM). Our current test unit now offers a fingerprint reader (not available for the Core i5 model). 

The Wi-Fi module has a chip from Qualcomm (QCA6174). Apart from the Wi-Fi standards 802.11a/b/g/n, this chip also supports the faster ac standard. We tested the Wi-Fi connection under ideal conditions (no other Wi-Fi devices around, short distance between notebook and server) and measured average transfer rates. Based on these results, we assume that the device only supports the 1x1 MIMO technology, although the Wi-Fi chip supports 2x2 MIMO technology in theory. The Wi-Fi connection of the already tested Core i5 Miix is twice as fast.

LTE modem
LTE modem
Wi-Fi module
Wi-Fi module

Size Comparison

303.9 mm / 12 inch 219.1 mm / 8.63 inch 9.9 mm / 0.3898 inch 1.3 kg2.78 lbs300 mm / 11.8 inch 205 mm / 8.07 inch 9.9 mm / 0.3898 inch 1.2 kg2.72 lbs300 mm / 11.8 inch 219.7 mm / 8.65 inch 9.1 mm / 0.3583 inch 1.2 kg2.63 lbs292.9 mm / 11.5 inch 201.8 mm / 7.94 inch 9.6 mm / 0.378 inch 1.3 kg2.85 lbs292.1 mm / 11.5 inch 201.4 mm / 7.93 inch 8.5 mm / 0.3346 inch 1.1 kg2.38 lbs297 mm / 11.7 inch 210 mm / 8.27 inch 1 mm / 0.03937 inch 5.7 g0.01257 lbs

Ports

right: fingerprint reader, combined audio jack, volume rocker, power-on button
right: fingerprint reader, combined audio jack, volume rocker, power-on button
left: 2x USB 3.1 Gen 1 (1x Type C, 1x Type A), power supply
left: 2x USB 3.1 Gen 1 (1x Type C, 1x Type A), power supply
Networking
iperf3 transmit AX12
Microsoft Surface Pro (2017) i5
Marvell AVASTAR Wireless-AC Network Controller
618 MBit/s +150%
Lenovo Miix 520-12IKB 81CG
Intel Dual Band Wireless-AC 8265
516 MBit/s +109%
Lenovo Miix 510 Pro 80U10006GE
Intel Dual Band Wireless-AC 8260 (jseb)
500 MBit/s +102%
Acer Switch 5 SW512-52-5819
Atheros/Qualcomm QCA6174
474 MBit/s +92%
Lenovo Miix 520-12IKB 20M3000LGE
Atheros/Qualcomm QCA6174
247 MBit/s
HP Elite x2 1012 G2-1LV76EA
Intel Dual Band Wireless-AC 8265
246 MBit/s 0%
iperf3 receive AX12
Lenovo Miix 510 Pro 80U10006GE
Intel Dual Band Wireless-AC 8260 (jseb)
638 MBit/s +123%
Acer Switch 5 SW512-52-5819
Atheros/Qualcomm QCA6174
617 MBit/s +116%
Microsoft Surface Pro (2017) i5
Marvell AVASTAR Wireless-AC Network Controller
577 MBit/s +102%
HP Elite x2 1012 G2-1LV76EA
Intel Dual Band Wireless-AC 8265
569 MBit/s +99%
Lenovo Miix 520-12IKB 81CG
Intel Dual Band Wireless-AC 8265
528 MBit/s +85%
Lenovo Miix 520-12IKB 20M3000LGE
Atheros/Qualcomm QCA6174
286 MBit/s

Maintenance

The device can be opened by removing all screws behind the stand of the convertible, and then carefully lifting the screen off with a flat spatula or palette knife. The display is not glued on, but it is held in place by small plastic clips. Careful: The display is connected to the motherboard via two cables. These can be unplugged easily.

Display

pixel array
pixel array

The 12.2-inch touchscreen display of the Miix 520 works with a native resolution of 1920x1200 pixels. We were happy with the brightness of 355.1 cd/m². Unfortunately, the display should have a higher contrast ratio (686:1). We would have expected a ratio above 1000:1 - and not only because of the device's price range.

The display also has PWM flickering with a frequency of 200 Hz at brightness levels of 90% and below. This can cause headaches and eye problems for sensitive users.

307
cd/m²
351
cd/m²
352
cd/m²
331
cd/m²
384
cd/m²
379
cd/m²
335
cd/m²
371
cd/m²
386
cd/m²
Distribution of brightness
Unbekannt tested with X-Rite i1Pro 2
Maximum: 386 cd/m² (Nits) Average: 355.1 cd/m² Minimum: 3.4 cd/m²
Brightness Distribution: 80 %
Center on Battery: 386 cd/m²
Contrast: 686:1 (Black: 0.56 cd/m²)
ΔE Color 4.58 | 0.5-29.43 Ø5
ΔE Greyscale 5.63 | 0.57-98 Ø5.3
92% sRGB (Argyll 1.6.3 3D)
60% AdobeRGB 1998 (Argyll 1.6.3 3D)
66.7% AdobeRGB 1998 (Argyll 2.2.0 3D)
91.6% sRGB (Argyll 2.2.0 3D)
66.1% Display P3 (Argyll 2.2.0 3D)
Gamma: 2.45
Lenovo Miix 520-12IKB 20M3000LGE
IPS, 1920x1200, 12.20
Lenovo Miix 520-12IKB 81CG
IPS, 1920x1200, 12.20
Lenovo Miix 510 Pro 80U10006GE
IPS, 1920x1200, 12.20
Microsoft Surface Pro (2017) i5
IPS, 2736x1824, 12.30
HP Elite x2 1012 G2-1LV76EA
IPS, 2716x1824, 12.30
Acer Switch 5 SW512-52-5819
IPS, 2160x1440, 12.00
Display
-2%
-1%
5%
4%
-8%
Display P3 Coverage
66.1
64.4
-3%
64.5
-2%
67.6
2%
66.7
1%
58.8
-11%
sRGB Coverage
91.6
90.8
-1%
92
0%
99
8%
98
7%
87.5
-4%
AdobeRGB 1998 Coverage
66.7
65.4
-2%
65.5
-2%
69.1
4%
68.7
3%
60.6
-9%
Response Times
-7%
-10%
3452%
313%
-8%
Response Time Grey 50% / Grey 80% *
36 ?(18, 18)
35.6 ?(17.2, 18.4)
1%
33 ?(21, 12)
8%
42 ?(20, 22)
-17%
45.6 ?(23.6, 22)
-27%
37 ?(19, 18)
-3%
Response Time Black / White *
23 ?(12, 11)
28 ?(14.8, 13.2)
-22%
23 ?(10, 13)
-0%
29 ?(18, 11)
-26%
21.6 ?(9.2, 12.4)
6%
26 ?(14, 12)
-13%
PWM Frequency
200 ?(90)
198.4 ?(99)
-1%
125 ?(90)
-37%
21000
10400%
2119 ?(50)
960%
Screen
-12%
-9%
33%
30%
-2%
Brightness middle
384
348.8
-9%
327
-15%
417
9%
443
15%
369
-4%
Brightness
355
339
-5%
324
-9%
401
13%
446
26%
331
-7%
Brightness Distribution
80
87
9%
88
10%
88
10%
88
10%
75
-6%
Black Level *
0.56
0.4
29%
0.35
37%
0.29
48%
0.41
27%
0.46
18%
Contrast
686
872
27%
934
36%
1438
110%
1080
57%
802
17%
Colorchecker dE 2000 *
4.58
7
-53%
6.54
-43%
3.63
21%
2.6
43%
5.52
-21%
Colorchecker dE 2000 max. *
11.63
16.2
-39%
15.59
-34%
6.74
42%
4
66%
9.29
20%
Greyscale dE 2000 *
5.63
10.1
-79%
9.52
-69%
2.18
61%
3
47%
6.95
-23%
Gamma
2.45 90%
2.22 99%
2.35 94%
3.09 71%
2.38 92%
2.58 85%
CCT
7571 86%
9065 72%
8802 74%
6767 96%
6780 96%
7009 93%
Color Space (Percent of AdobeRGB 1998)
60
58.7
-2%
59
-2%
63
5%
62.6
4%
56
-7%
Color Space (Percent of sRGB)
92
90.9
-1%
92
0%
99
8%
98
7%
88
-4%
Total Average (Program / Settings)
-7% / -9%
-7% / -8%
1163% / 669%
116% / 78%
-6% / -4%

* ... smaller is better

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 200 Hz ≤ 90 % brightness setting

The display backlight flickers at 200 Hz (worst case, e.g., utilizing PWM) Flickering detected at a brightness setting of 90 % and below. There should be no flickering or PWM above this brightness setting.

The frequency of 200 Hz is relatively low, so sensitive users will likely notice flickering and experience eyestrain at the stated brightness setting and below.

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.

Ex-works, the screen has a Delta-E 2000 color deviation of 4.58. This is not too far from the ideal range (Delta-E below 3). The display also has a slight blue cast.

CalMAN - ColorChecker
CalMAN - ColorChecker
CalMAN - gray scales
CalMAN - gray scales
CalMAN - color saturation
CalMAN - color saturation

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
23 ms ... rise ↗ and fall ↘ combined↗ 12 ms rise
↘ 11 ms fall
The screen shows good response rates in our tests, but may be too slow for competitive gamers.
In comparison, all tested devices range from 0.1 (minimum) to 240 (maximum) ms. » 45 % of all devices are better.
This means that the measured response time is similar to the average of all tested devices (21.6 ms).
       Response Time 50% Grey to 80% Grey
36 ms ... rise ↗ and fall ↘ combined↗ 18 ms rise
↘ 18 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. » 44 % of all devices are better.
This means that the measured response time is similar to the average of all tested devices (33.9 ms).

Lenovo has equipped the Miix 520 with an IPS panel with stable viewing angles. This means that the screen can be read from any position. The convertible can be used outdoors, as long as the sun is not too bright. Still, the reflective display surface can be annoying.

the Miix 520-12IKB outdoors (in shade on a bright, sunny day)
the Miix 520-12IKB outdoors (in shade on a bright, sunny day)
the Miix 520-12IKB outdoors (in shade on a bright, sunny day)
the Miix 520-12IKB outdoors (in shade on a bright, sunny day)

Performance

Lenovo has created a 12.2-inch detachable that offers sufficient processing power for office and Internet applications. Our test unit is the top configuration of the Miix 520 series and is available for 1700 Euros (~ $2100). In the US, the top configuration features the same processor, but only 8 GB of RAM instead of 16 GB, and is available for $1000.

Testing Conditions

The BIOS of the Miix 520 offers an option called "Cool Mode". With this, you can choose whether the device should heat up as little as possible, or offer as much performance as possible. The Cool Mode is activated by default. We therefore did our tests with the Cool Mode activated. However, we did run some benchmarks with this mode turned off and will mention the results in the relevant sections.

Cool Mode
Cool Mode

Processor

The Miix 520 is equipped with a quad-core Intel Core i7-8550U (Kaby Lake Refresh) processor. It is a ULV model (TDP: 15 watts) that clocks with a base rate of 1.8 GHz. The turbo increases this to up to 4 GHz. The CPU clocks at between 3.7 and 4 GHz in our single-thread tests and began the multi-thread tests with 2.8 to 3 GHz. After a short time, the speed dropped to 2.2 - 2.4 GHz. The multi-thread tests from Geekbench were completed at slightly higher speeds. There were no differences in performance when the device was running on battery.

We find out whether the turbo can be used for a prolonged period by running the Cinebench R15 multi-thread test in a loop for 30 minutes. The results show that the turbo continued to be used, but that the speeds dropped after some time. We did not measure a constant turbo speed, and you will have to accept fluctuating clock rates. The clock rates do not drop as much and remain pretty stable when the Cool Mode is deactivated.

Activating or deactivating the Cool Mode did not influence the results of the Geekbench benchmark.

0102030405060708090100110120130140150160170180190200210220230240250260270280290300310320330340350360370380390400410420430440450460470480490500510520530Tooltip

Cinebench R15 CPU Multi 64 Bit - Red Line: Cool Mode turned off, orange line: Cool Mode turned on

The processor can only reach its full potential during single-thread applications. Then, it can keep up with the Core i7-7700HQ processor. The results of the multi-thread tests are below those of the 7700HQ, as the 8550U cannot make full use of its turbo.

Cinebench R10 Rendering Single 32Bit
5781
Cinebench R10 Rendering Multiple CPUs 32Bit
16646
Cinebench R10 Shading 32Bit
10897
Cinebench R15 CPU Single 64Bit
164 Points
Cinebench R15 CPU Multi 64Bit
525 Points
Cinebench R15 OpenGL 64Bit
47.83 fps
Cinebench R15 Ref. Match 64Bit
97.8 %
Help
Cinebench R15
CPU Single 64Bit
Acer Swift 3 SF314-52G-89SL
Intel Core i7-8550U
167 Points +2%
Lenovo Miix 520-12IKB 20M3000LGE
Intel Core i7-8550U
164 Points
Gigabyte Aero 15X
Intel Core i7-7700HQ
161 Points -2%
MSI GS63VR 7RG-005
Intel Core i7-7700HQ
158 Points -4%
Lenovo Miix 520-12IKB 81CG
Intel Core i5-8250U
144 Points -12%
Acer Switch 5 SW512-52-5819
Intel Core i7-7500U
143 Points -13%
Microsoft Surface Pro (2017) i5
Intel Core i5-7300U
141 Points -14%
HP Elite x2 1012 G2-1LV76EA
Intel Core i5-7200U
127 Points -23%
Eve-Tech Eve V i7
Intel Core i7-7Y75
121 Points -26%
Lenovo Miix 510 Pro 80U10006GE
Intel Core i5-6200U
116 Points -29%
Lenovo Yoga 720-13IKB
Intel Core i7-8550U
109 Points -34%
CPU Multi 64Bit
Gigabyte Aero 15X
Intel Core i7-7700HQ
742 Points +39%
MSI GS63VR 7RG-005
Intel Core i7-7700HQ
735 Points +38%
Lenovo Miix 520-12IKB 81CG
Intel Core i5-8250U
566 Points +6%
Acer Swift 3 SF314-52G-89SL
Intel Core i7-8550U
550 Points +3%
Lenovo Miix 520-12IKB 20M3000LGE
Intel Core i7-8550U (Cool Mode Off)
532 Points
Lenovo Miix 520-12IKB 20M3000LGE
Intel Core i7-8550U (Cool Mode On)
525 Points -1%
Lenovo Yoga 720-13IKB
Intel Core i7-8550U
407 Points -23%
Acer Switch 5 SW512-52-5819
Intel Core i7-7500U
339 Points -36%
Microsoft Surface Pro (2017) i5
Intel Core i5-7300U
334 Points -37%
HP Elite x2 1012 G2-1LV76EA
Intel Core i5-7200U
322 Points -39%
Lenovo Miix 510 Pro 80U10006GE
Intel Core i5-6200U
246 Points -54%
Eve-Tech Eve V i7
Intel Core i7-7Y75
236 (227.93min - 235.62max) Points -56%
Cinebench R10
Rendering Single 32Bit
Acer Swift 3 SF314-52G-89SL
Intel Core i7-8550U
6400 Points +11%
Gigabyte Aero 15X
Intel Core i7-7700HQ
5952 Points +3%
MSI GS63VR 7RG-005
Intel Core i7-7700HQ
5910 Points +2%
Lenovo Miix 520-12IKB 20M3000LGE
Intel Core i7-8550U
5781 Points
Lenovo Miix 520-12IKB 81CG
Intel Core i5-8250U
5536 Points -4%
HP Elite x2 1012 G2-1LV76EA
Intel Core i5-7200U
4934 Points -15%
Lenovo Yoga 720-13IKB
Intel Core i7-8550U
4202 Points -27%
Rendering Multiple CPUs 32Bit
Gigabyte Aero 15X
Intel Core i7-7700HQ
22380 Points +34%
MSI GS63VR 7RG-005
Intel Core i7-7700HQ
22253 Points +34%
Lenovo Miix 520-12IKB 81CG
Intel Core i5-8250U
17923 Points +8%
Acer Swift 3 SF314-52G-89SL
Intel Core i7-8550U
16804 Points +1%
Lenovo Miix 520-12IKB 20M3000LGE
Intel Core i7-8550U
16646 Points
Lenovo Yoga 720-13IKB
Intel Core i7-8550U
11694 Points -30%
HP Elite x2 1012 G2-1LV76EA
Intel Core i5-7200U
10830 Points -35%
Geekbench 3
32 Bit Multi-Core Score
Gigabyte Aero 15X
Intel Core i7-7700HQ
14090 Points +13%
Acer Swift 3 SF314-52G-89SL
Intel Core i7-8550U
13525 Points +8%
MSI GS63VR 7RG-005
Intel Core i7-7700HQ
13354 Points +7%
Lenovo Miix 520-12IKB 20M3000LGE
Intel Core i7-8550U
12523 Points
Lenovo Yoga 720-13IKB
Intel Core i7-8550U
8918 Points -29%
32 Bit Single-Core Score
Lenovo Miix 520-12IKB 20M3000LGE
Intel Core i7-8550U
3875 Points
Gigabyte Aero 15X
Intel Core i7-7700HQ
3840 Points -1%
Acer Swift 3 SF314-52G-89SL
Intel Core i7-8550U
3779 Points -2%
MSI GS63VR 7RG-005
Intel Core i7-7700HQ
3522 Points -9%
Lenovo Yoga 720-13IKB
Intel Core i7-8550U
2471 Points -36%
Geekbench 4.0
64 Bit Multi-Core Score
Acer Swift 3 SF314-52G-89SL
Intel Core i7-8550U
14257 Points +10%
Gigabyte Aero 15X
Intel Core i7-7700HQ
14216 Points +9%
Lenovo Miix 520-12IKB 20M3000LGE
Intel Core i7-8550U
13014 Points
MSI GS63VR 7RG-005
Intel Core i7-7700HQ
12384 Points -5%
Lenovo Yoga 720-13IKB
Intel Core i7-8550U
10747 Points -17%
64 Bit Single-Core Score
Lenovo Miix 520-12IKB 20M3000LGE
Intel Core i7-8550U
4858 Points
Acer Swift 3 SF314-52G-89SL
Intel Core i7-8550U
4699 Points -3%
Gigabyte Aero 15X
Intel Core i7-7700HQ
4682 Points -4%
Lenovo Yoga 720-13IKB
Intel Core i7-8550U
4523 Points -7%
MSI GS63VR 7RG-005
Intel Core i7-7700HQ
4411 Points -9%
Geekbench 4.4
64 Bit Multi-Core Score
Acer Swift 3 SF314-52G-89SL
Intel Core i7-8550U
15117 Points +11%
Gigabyte Aero 15X
Intel Core i7-7700HQ
15111 Points +11%
Lenovo Miix 520-12IKB 20M3000LGE
Intel Core i7-8550U
13622 Points
MSI GS63VR 7RG-005
Intel Core i7-7700HQ
13053 Points -4%
Lenovo Yoga 720-13IKB
Intel Core i7-8550U
10869 Points -20%
64 Bit Single-Core Score
Lenovo Miix 520-12IKB 20M3000LGE
Intel Core i7-8550U
4977 Points
Lenovo Yoga 720-13IKB
Intel Core i7-8550U
4942 Points -1%
Acer Swift 3 SF314-52G-89SL
Intel Core i7-8550U
4813 Points -3%
Gigabyte Aero 15X
Intel Core i7-7700HQ
4808 Points -3%
MSI GS63VR 7RG-005
Intel Core i7-7700HQ
4543 Points -9%
JetStream 1.1 - Total Score
Acer Swift 3 SF314-52G-89SL
Intel Core i7-8550U (Edge 40)
287.1 Points +5%
Gigabyte Aero 15X
Intel Core i7-7700HQ (Edge 41)
276 Points +1%
Lenovo Miix 520-12IKB 20M3000LGE
Intel Core i7-8550U (Edge 41)
273.6 Points
MSI GS63VR 7RG-005
Intel Core i7-7700HQ (Edge 41)
270 Points -1%
Lenovo Miix 520-12IKB 81CG
Intel Core i5-8250U (Edge 41.16299.15.0)
254.5 Points -7%
Acer Switch 5 SW512-52-5819
Intel Core i7-7500U (Edge)
236.4 Points -14%
Microsoft Surface Pro (2017) i5
Intel Core i5-7300U
219 Points -20%
HP Elite x2 1012 G2-1LV76EA
Intel Core i5-7200U (Edge 40.15063.0.0)
211.9 Points -23%
Lenovo Yoga 720-13IKB
Intel Core i7-8550U (Edge 41)
200.1 Points -27%
Lenovo Miix 510 Pro 80U10006GE
Intel Core i5-6200U
191 Points -30%

System Performance

The Core i7 processor and fast NVMe SSD translate into a fast-running system. We did not encounter any problems or difficulties. The Miix 520 has more than enough processing power for office and Internet applications. The very good results from the PCMark benchmarks confirm our impression. It is not possible to improve this general performance.

PCMark 8 Home Score Accelerated v2
3860 points
PCMark 8 Creative Score Accelerated v2
4822 points
PCMark 8 Work Score Accelerated v2
4772 points
PCMark 10 Score
3696 points
Help
PCMark 8 - Home Score Accelerated v2
Lenovo Miix 520-12IKB 20M3000LGE
UHD Graphics 620, i5-8550U, Samsung SSD PM961 1TB M.2 PCIe 3.0 x4 NVMe (MZVLW1T0)
3860 Points
Lenovo Miix 520-12IKB 81CG
UHD Graphics 620, i5-8250U, Samsung PM961 MZVLW256HEHP
3733 Points -3%
Acer Switch 5 SW512-52-5819
HD Graphics 620, i7-7500U, Intel SSD 600p SSDPEKKW512G7
3556 Points -8%
HP Elite x2 1012 G2-1LV76EA
HD Graphics 620, i5-7200U, Samsung PM961 MZVLW256HEHP
3289 Points -15%
Lenovo Miix 510 Pro 80U10006GE
HD Graphics 520, 6200U, Samsung PM951 NVMe MZVLV256
3264 Points -15%
Microsoft Surface Pro (2017) i5
HD Graphics 620, i5-7300U, Samsung PM971 KUS030202M
2936 Points -24%
Eve-Tech Eve V i7
HD Graphics 615, i7-7Y75, Intel SSD 600p SSDPEKKW512G7
2786 Points -28%

Storage Device

Lenovo has equipped the Miix 520 with an NVMe SSD from Samsung. It is in the M.2 2280 format and offers 1 TB of storage. NVMe SSDs reach significantly higher transfer rates than SATA III models as they are connected via PCI Express 3.0 x4. Accordingly, our test unit's SSD offers very good transfer rates.

Samsung SSD PM961 1TB M.2 PCIe 3.0 x4 NVMe (MZVLW1T0)
Sequential Read: 883 MB/s
Sequential Write: 932 MB/s
512K Read: 586 MB/s
512K Write: 627 MB/s
4K Read: 54.8 MB/s
4K Write: 139.3 MB/s
4K QD32 Read: 607 MB/s
4K QD32 Write: 498.5 MB/s
Lenovo Miix 520-12IKB 20M3000LGE
Samsung SSD PM961 1TB M.2 PCIe 3.0 x4 NVMe (MZVLW1T0)
Lenovo Miix 510 Pro 80U10006GE
Samsung PM951 NVMe MZVLV256
Microsoft Surface Pro (2017) i5
Samsung PM971 KUS030202M
Eve-Tech Eve V i7
Intel SSD 600p SSDPEKKW512G7
HP Elite x2 1012 G2-1LV76EA
Samsung PM961 MZVLW256HEHP
Acer Switch 5 SW512-52-5819
Intel SSD 600p SSDPEKKW512G7
CrystalDiskMark 3.0
-21%
-25%
-10%
33%
-13%
Read Seq
883
1271
44%
723
-18%
1107
25%
1875
112%
1066
21%
Write Seq
932
305.4
-67%
853
-8%
567
-39%
1261
35%
593
-36%
Read 512
586
651
11%
225
-62%
722
23%
1235
111%
653
11%
Write 512
627
305.2
-51%
445
-29%
561
-11%
844
35%
535
-15%
Read 4k
54.8
41.07
-25%
46
-16%
37.1
-32%
56.9
4%
35.92
-34%
Write 4k
139.3
122.7
-12%
125
-10%
151
8%
145.4
4%
128.3
-8%
Read 4k QD32
607
411.2
-32%
423
-30%
439
-28%
398.3
-34%
460.6
-24%
Write 4k QD32
498.5
305.1
-39%
373
-25%
383
-23%
472.5
-5%
425.4
-15%

Graphics

The graphics are taken care of by Intel's UHD-Graphics-620 GPU. It supports DirectX 12 and works at speeds between 300 and 1150 MHz. The results of the 3DMark benchmarks are normal for this GPU. Its performance benefits from the RAM running in dual-channel mode.

The graphics performance is also influenced by deactivating Cool Mode. We measured a slight increase in the results of the 3DMark benchmark.

3DMark 11 Performance
1774 points
3DMark Cloud Gate Standard Score
7711 points
3DMark Fire Strike Score
1019 points
Help
3DMark 11 - 1280x720 Performance GPU
Lenovo Miix 520-12IKB 20M3000LGE
Intel UHD Graphics 620, Intel Core i7-8550U (Cool Mode Off)
1717 Points
Lenovo Miix 520-12IKB 20M3000LGE
Intel UHD Graphics 620, Intel Core i7-8550U (Cool Mode On)
1606 Points -6%
Lenovo Miix 520-12IKB 81CG
Intel UHD Graphics 620, Intel Core i5-8250U
1617 Points -6%
Acer Switch 5 SW512-52-5819
Intel HD Graphics 620, Intel Core i7-7500U
1613 Points -6%
HP Elite x2 1012 G2-1LV76EA
Intel HD Graphics 620, Intel Core i5-7200U
1510 Points -12%
Lenovo Miix 510 Pro 80U10006GE
Intel HD Graphics 520, Intel Core i5-6200U
1306 Points -24%
Eve-Tech Eve V i7
Intel HD Graphics 615, Intel Core i7-7Y75
1234 (1228min - 1268max) Points -28%
3DMark
1280x720 Cloud Gate Standard Physics
Lenovo Miix 520-12IKB 81CG
Intel UHD Graphics 620, Intel Core i5-8250U
5774 Points +8%
Lenovo Miix 520-12IKB 20M3000LGE
Intel UHD Graphics 620, Intel Core i7-8550U (Cool Mode Off)
5338 Points
Lenovo Miix 520-12IKB 20M3000LGE
Intel UHD Graphics 620, Intel Core i7-8550U (Cool Mode On)
5270 Points -1%
Acer Switch 5 SW512-52-5819
Intel HD Graphics 620, Intel Core i7-7500U
3842 Points -28%
HP Elite x2 1012 G2-1LV76EA
Intel HD Graphics 620, Intel Core i5-7200U
3534 Points -34%
Microsoft Surface Pro (2017) i5
Intel HD Graphics 620, Intel Core i5-7300U
2870 Points -46%
Eve-Tech Eve V i7
Intel HD Graphics 615, Intel Core i7-7Y75
2706 (2702min - 2710max) Points -49%
Lenovo Miix 510 Pro 80U10006GE
Intel HD Graphics 520, Intel Core i5-6200U
2576 Points -52%
1280x720 Cloud Gate Standard Graphics
Lenovo Miix 520-12IKB 20M3000LGE
Intel UHD Graphics 620, Intel Core i7-8550U (Cool Mode Off)
8833 Points
Lenovo Miix 520-12IKB 20M3000LGE
Intel UHD Graphics 620, Intel Core i7-8550U (Cool Mode On)
7559 Points -14%
Lenovo Miix 520-12IKB 81CG
Intel UHD Graphics 620, Intel Core i5-8250U
8631 Points -2%
Acer Switch 5 SW512-52-5819
Intel HD Graphics 620, Intel Core i7-7500U
8599 Points -3%
HP Elite x2 1012 G2-1LV76EA
Intel HD Graphics 620, Intel Core i5-7200U
7334 Points -17%
Microsoft Surface Pro (2017) i5
Intel HD Graphics 620, Intel Core i5-7300U
7265 Points -18%
Eve-Tech Eve V i7
Intel HD Graphics 615, Intel Core i7-7Y75
6387 (6307min - 6467max) Points -28%
Lenovo Miix 510 Pro 80U10006GE
Intel HD Graphics 520, Intel Core i5-6200U
6271 Points -29%
1280x720 Cloud Gate Standard Score
Lenovo Miix 520-12IKB 81CG
Intel UHD Graphics 620, Intel Core i5-8250U
7775 Points +1%
Lenovo Miix 520-12IKB 20M3000LGE
Intel UHD Graphics 620, Intel Core i7-8550U (Cool Mode Off)
7711 Points
Lenovo Miix 520-12IKB 20M3000LGE
Intel UHD Graphics 620, Intel Core i7-8550U (Cool Mode On)
6893 Points -11%
Acer Switch 5 SW512-52-5819
Intel HD Graphics 620, Intel Core i7-7500U
6743 Points -13%
HP Elite x2 1012 G2-1LV76EA
Intel HD Graphics 620, Intel Core i5-7200U
5919 Points -23%
Microsoft Surface Pro (2017) i5
Intel HD Graphics 620, Intel Core i5-7300U
5420 Points -30%
Eve-Tech Eve V i7
Intel HD Graphics 615, Intel Core i7-7Y75 (2.4.3819.0; v1.1)
4904 (4870min - 4937max) Points -36%
Lenovo Miix 510 Pro 80U10006GE
Intel HD Graphics 520, Intel Core i5-6200U
4755 Points -38%

Gaming Performance

The convertible's hardware can display several games smoothly - at low resolution and with low quality settings. The games must be only moderately demanding on the hardware. Thanks to the RAM running in dual-channel mode, the frame rates are higher than in comparable devices that run in single-channel mode.

low med. high ultra
BioShock Infinite (2013) 62.2 30 24.2 8
Final Fantasy XV Benchmark (2018) 9.9

Emissions & Energy Management

System Noise

The cooling fan is usually turned off while idling. However, even small loads can set it off for a short time - for example when opening your browser. The cooling fan runs continually under medium or high load. The constant noise is manageable, although it is slightly too loud when you need to concentrate. 

The already tested sibling model of the Miix 520 has a comparably loud, pulsing fan. Our current test unit's fan is a little better. There is less pulsing and the cooling fan is turned off for longer. Nonetheless, it is audible as soon as it starts running. This model is not a quiet device.

We did not notice any difference between the system noise with the Cool Mode activated or deactivated.

Loudness - Cool Mode On (default)

Noise Level

Idle
30.2 / 30.2 / 30.2 dB(A)
Load
33.4 / 34.2 dB(A)
  red to green bar
 
 
30 dB
silent
40 dB(A)
audible
50 dB(A)
loud
 
min: dark, med: mid, max: light   Audix TM1, Arta (15 cm distance)   environment noise: 30.2 dB(A)
dB(A) 0102030405060708090Deep BassMiddle BassHigh BassLower RangeMidsHigher MidsLower HighsMid HighsUpper HighsSuper Highs2039.740.940.941.339.72539.739.137.137.839.73130.829.530.130.730.84032.73329.431.532.75031.331.430.228.631.36330.731.332.231.130.78032.932.928.830.432.910034.734.128.73234.712525.925.225.725.825.91602827.225.726.12820026.226.424.724.926.225025.92523.624.225.931525.125.122.52325.14002424.22221.82450023.323.42121.223.363022.322.820.120.322.380022.823.519.119.522.81000222318.718.622125021.622.217.817.921.6160021.222.217.317.421.2200021.522.817.21721.5250022.123.41716.722.1315021.723.116.716.421.7400019.921.916.716.319.9500018.419.216.616.118.4630017.617.816.71617.6800017.317.216.715.917.31000017.216.916.61617.21250017.11716.61617.11600017.217.216.716.117.2SPL33.434.230.330.233.4N22.11.41.42median 22median 23median 17.8median 17.9median 22Delta3.732.42.93.7hearing rangehide median Fan NoiseLenovo Miix 520-12IKB 20M3000LGE

Temperature

The Miix 520 during the stress test.
The Miix 520 during the stress test.

Our stress test (Prime95 and FurMark running for at least one hour) was completed with the same results when connected to power supply and when running on battery. The processor starts the test with a speed of 1 GHz. After several minutes, it slows down to 800 MHz and remains on this level. The GPU works at 600-650 MHz at the beginning of the stress test and then drops slowly but surely to 400-450 MHz.

The convertible does not heat up too much, although it surpasses 40 °C (~ 104 °F) in some areas during the stress test.

Max. Load
 30.6 °C
87 F
37.7 °C
100 F
43.7 °C
111 F
 
 30.1 °C
86 F
33.6 °C
92 F
36.5 °C
98 F
 
 37.6 °C
100 F
39 °C
102 F
35.7 °C
96 F
 
Maximum: 43.7 °C = 111 F
Average: 36.1 °C = 97 F
40 °C
104 F
44.5 °C
112 F
41 °C
106 F
36.4 °C
98 F
41 °C
106 F
37 °C
99 F
31.6 °C
89 F
33 °C
91 F
32.6 °C
91 F
Maximum: 44.5 °C = 112 F
Average: 37.5 °C = 100 F
Power Supply (max.)  39 °C = 102 F | Room Temperature 22.6 °C = 73 F | FIRT 550-Pocket
(±) The average temperature for the upper side under maximal load is 36.1 °C / 97 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 43.7 °C / 111 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 44.5 °C / 112 F, compared to the average of 36.7 °C / 98 F
(+) In idle usage, the average temperature for the upper side is 31.6 °C / 89 F, compared to the device average of 30.2 °C / 86 F.
(±) The palmrests and touchpad can get very hot to the touch with a maximum of 39 °C / 102.2 F.
(-) The average temperature of the palmrest area of similar devices was 28.1 °C / 82.6 F (-10.9 °C / -19.6 F).
heat development front (load)
heat development front (load)
heat development back (load)
heat development back (load)
heat development front (idle)
heat development front (idle)
heat development back (idle)
heat development back (idle)

Speakers

dB(A) 0102030405060708090Deep BassMiddle BassHigh BassLower RangeMidsHigher MidsLower HighsMid HighsUpper HighsSuper Highs2042.641.342.62538.237.838.2313330.7334033.231.533.25032.828.632.86334.531.134.58035.930.435.910035.53235.512534.525.834.516036.726.136.72004024.94025041.224.241.231552235240053.421.853.450054.621.254.663055.920.355.980053.119.553.1100058.118.658.1125056.917.956.9160056.317.456.3200060.81760.825006316.763315061.216.461.2400057.816.357.8500055.216.155.2630049.41649.4800049.915.949.91000051.71651.7125004816481600038.316.138.3SPL70.130.270.1N24.61.424.6median 53.1median 17.9median 53.1Delta7.82.97.835.335.132.931.831.83236.535.132.428.93328.936.328.848.32761.52752.924.860.92462.822.763.32269.521.267.82174.82075.919.472.718.97117.770.117.86917.671.817.668.117.671.417.673.717.670.417.571.617.671.617.669.617.459.717.583.630.662.51.5median 69.6median 17.84.72.4hearing rangehide median Pink NoiseLenovo Miix 520-12IKB 20M3000LGEApple MacBook 12 (Early 2016) 1.1 GHz
Lenovo Miix 520-12IKB 20M3000LGE audio analysis

(-) | not very loud speakers (63 dB)
Bass 100 - 315 Hz
(±) | reduced bass - on average 13.2% lower than median
(±) | linearity of bass is average (8.9% delta to prev. frequency)
Mids 400 - 2000 Hz
(+) | balanced mids - only 3% away from median
(+) | mids are linear (6.3% delta to prev. frequency)
Highs 2 - 16 kHz
(+) | balanced highs - only 4.7% away from median
(±) | linearity of highs is average (7.3% delta to prev. frequency)
Overall 100 - 16.000 Hz
(±) | linearity of overall sound is average (22.8% difference to median)
Compared to same class
» 64% of all tested devices in this class were better, 6% similar, 30% worse
» The best had a delta of 6%, average was 21%, worst was 57%
Compared to all devices tested
» 62% of all tested devices were better, 6% similar, 31% worse
» The best had a delta of 4%, average was 25%, worst was 134%

Apple MacBook 12 (Early 2016) 1.1 GHz audio analysis

(+) | speakers can play relatively loud (83.6 dB)
Bass 100 - 315 Hz
(±) | reduced bass - on average 11.3% lower than median
(±) | linearity of bass is average (14.2% delta to prev. frequency)
Mids 400 - 2000 Hz
(+) | balanced mids - only 2.4% away from median
(+) | mids are linear (5.5% delta to prev. frequency)
Highs 2 - 16 kHz
(+) | balanced highs - only 2% away from median
(+) | highs are linear (4.5% delta to prev. frequency)
Overall 100 - 16.000 Hz
(+) | overall sound is linear (10.2% difference to median)
Compared to same class
» 5% of all tested devices in this class were better, 2% similar, 93% worse
» The best had a delta of 5%, average was 19%, worst was 53%
Compared to all devices tested
» 3% of all tested devices were better, 1% similar, 96% worse
» The best had a delta of 4%, average was 25%, worst was 134%

Frequency diagram in comparison (check boxes can be turned on/off!)

Power Consumption

The Miix does not seem to be overly hungry for power. While idling, we registered a maximum consumption of 8.4 watts. This makes the convertible more energy-efficient than the previously tested model. At the beginning of the stress test, power consumption peaked at 37 watts and then dropped as the CPU and GPU were throttled. The power supply offers 45 watts.

Power Consumption
Off / Standbydarklight 0.42 / 0.6 Watt
Idledarkmidlight 3.9 / 8.2 / 8.4 Watt
Load midlight 25.2 / 37 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 Runtime

Our practical Wi-Fi test simulates surfing the web via a script. While it is running, the power profile is set to "balanced", display brightness is around 150 cd/m² and energy-saving functions are turned off. In this test, our Miix 520 reached a runtime of 5:34 h. This result is the same as its sibling model, which managed 5:35 h.  

Please note: The battery in our current test unit has a wear level of 7.3%. The device should therefore manage a few minutes longer with a fully functioning battery.

Battery Runtime
WiFi Websurfing (Edge 41)
5h 34min
Battery Runtime - WiFi Websurfing
Microsoft Surface Pro (2017) i5
i5-7300U, HD Graphics 620, 45 Wh
744 min +123%
Microsoft Surface Pro (2017) m3
m3-7Y30, HD Graphics 615, 45 Wh
682 min +104%
Microsoft Surface Pro (2017) i7
i7-7660U, Iris Plus Graphics 640, 45 Wh
489 min +46%
Eve-Tech Eve V i7
i7-7Y75, HD Graphics 615, 48 Wh
435 min +30%
HP Elite x2 1012 G2-1LV76EA
i5-7200U, HD Graphics 620, 47 Wh
378 min +13%
Acer Switch 5 SW512-52-5819
i7-7500U, HD Graphics 620,  Wh
355 min +6%
Lenovo Miix 520-12IKB 81CG
i5-8250U, UHD Graphics 620, 38 Wh
335 min 0%
Lenovo Miix 520-12IKB 20M3000LGE
i5-8550U, UHD Graphics 620, 38 Wh
334 min
Lenovo Miix 510 Pro 80U10006GE
6200U, HD Graphics 520, 50 Wh
322 min -4%

Pros

+ bright, IPS display with stable viewing angles
+ fast NVMe SSD
+ 16 GB of memory
+ LTE modem
+ backlit keyboard
+ input pen
+ maintenance possible

Cons

- low-contrast display
- average battery runtimes
- PWM
- average Wi-Fi transfer rates

Verdict

The Lenovo Miix 520-12IKB 20M3000LGE, test unit provided by Lenovo Germany.
The Lenovo Miix 520-12IKB 20M3000LGE, test unit provided by Lenovo Germany.

The Lenovo Miix 520 belongs to the segment of 12.2-inch detachables. Its Core i7 processor offers sufficient performance for office and Internet applications. The fast NVMe SSD provides a fast-running system. The integrated LTE modem enables you to connect to the Internet or company network via the mobile network.

Our current test model of the Miix 520 is a great package for users who do not want to make any compromises in terms of equipment and have the necessary cash to finance it.

Core i7 processor, 16 GB of RAM (dual-channel mode), 1-TB NVMe SSD, LTE modem - these components push the price to the top level. Despite its price, the Miix 520 series actually belongs to the mid-range segment. Therefore, we found several issues that you would not expect from a $1000 - $2000 device.

The case of the tablet element could be sturdier; it is slightly too easily warped. We were pleased by the stable viewing angles and good brightness of the touchscreen display, but its contrast ratio is too low for a device of this price range. We would also expect a device of this price to be free from PWM flickering.

The battery runtimes we measured in our Wi-Fi test can also be considered average at best. It becomes evident that the Miix is equipped with much lower battery capacity than most of its competitors. In addition to that, the Wi-Fi transfer rates are significantly lower than those of the already tested Core i5 model.

Many interested users might be happier with the cheaper versions of the Miix 520, as these models are also equipped with a backlit keyboard and an input pen. If you are looking for a device with an LTE modem, you might want to look at the model 20M3000JGE (Core i5-8250U, 8 GB of RAM, 256-GB SSD). The entry-level model 20M30008GE is equipped with a Core i3-7130U, 4 GB of RAM and a 128-GB SSD.

Lenovo Miix 520-12IKB 20M3000LGE - 02/12/2018 v6(old)
Sascha Mölck

Chassis
86 / 98 → 87%
Keyboard
82%
Pointing Device
83%
Connectivity
38 / 80 → 47%
Weight
72 / 35-78 → 86%
Battery
85%
Display
82%
Games Performance
59 / 68 → 87%
Application Performance
90 / 87 → 100%
Temperature
86%
Noise
94%
Audio
59 / 91 → 65%
Camera
40 / 85 → 47%
Average
74%
83%
Convertible - Weighted Average

Pricecompare

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> Expert Reviews and News on Laptops, Smartphones and Tech Innovations > Reviews > Lenovo Miix 520-12IKB (i7-8550U, SSD, WUXGA) Convertible Review
Sascha Mölck, 2018-02-20 (Update: 2020-05-19)