Lenovo Yoga C740-15IML Laptop Review: Strong Battery Life, Weak Display
Lenovo has been steadily expanding its Yoga-laptop and Yoga-tablet portfolio over the past years and introduced a new naming scheme to differentiate between the models. While all Lenovo Yoga laptops were convertibles in the past, this only holds true for models of the Lenovo Yoga C series now. Thus, today's test device, the Lenovo Yoga C740-15IML, is a laptop-tablet hybrid. The name also identifies it as an upper mid-range (700 series) device with a 15.6-inch display.
The Lenovo Yoga C740-15IML integrates the latest Comet Lake processors. Our model includes an i7 processor that is accompanied by 16 GB of RAM and a 512-GB SSD. A Full HD (1920x1080) LCD serves as the device's screen. This configuration (81TD003YGE) can be purchased for about 1,050 Euros (~$1,167).
The predecessor of the Lenovo Yoga C740-15IML is the Lenovo Yoga 730-15IKB. The Lenovo Yoga C940-15IRH is a more expensive alternative to the Yoga C740. Furthermore, we will also draw comparisons between the C740-15IML and the Dell Inspiron 15 5579, Asus ZenBook Flip 15 and the HP Envy x360 15.
Rating | Date | Model | Weight | Height | Size | Resolution | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 84.8 % v7 (old) | 01 / 2020 | Lenovo Yoga C740-15IML i7-10510U, UHD Graphics 620 | 1.9 kg | 17.25 mm | 15.60" | 1920x1080 | |
| 82.7 % v6 (old) | 07 / 2018 | Lenovo Yoga 730-15IKB i5-8550U, GeForce GTX 1050 Mobile | 1.9 kg | 17.2 mm | 15.60" | 3840x2160 | |
| 86 % v7 (old) | 12 / 2019 | Lenovo Yoga C940-15IRH i7-9750H, GeForce GTX 1650 Max-Q | 2 kg | 19.7 mm | 15.60" | 1920x1080 | |
| 81.2 % v6 (old) | 06 / 2018 | Dell Inspiron 15 5579-9672 i5-8250U, UHD Graphics 620 | 2.1 kg | 20.2 mm | 15.60" | 1920x1080 | |
| 82.1 % v6 (old) | 04 / 2018 | Asus ZenBook Flip 15 UX561UD i5-8550U, GeForce GTX 1050 Mobile | 2.1 kg | 21 mm | 15.60" | 3840x2160 | |
| 80.1 % v6 (old) | 03 / 2018 | HP Envy x360 15-bq102ng R5 2500U, Vega 8 | 2.1 kg | 19.6 mm | 15.60" | 1920x1080 |
Case: Yoga Tablet with Aluminum Chassis
Lenovo has completely redesigned the chassis. In spite of this, the resemblance to its predecessor Lenovo Yoga 730-15IKB is indisputable. The visual design changes include the vertical Lenovo logo on the palm rests and the numpad, which has been moved to the right of the main QWERTY keys. As a result, the touchpad has been moved to the left. This time around, the chromed border around the touchpad has been omitted, which makes the design look cleaner overall.
As with the predecessor, the entire chassis is made of dark-gray aluminum. The construction has a premium feel, a high rigidity and the build quality is immaculate. The display and the base unit only allow for very minor twisting and the palm rests do not yield under pressure.
For a convertible, the quality of the hinges is of the utmost importance. Thankfully, Lenovo has done a good job in this regard. The two 360-degree hinges prevent teetering almost entirely. That being said, the lid cannot be opened one-handed, which is a bit of a shame.
Compared to the Lenovo Yoga 730-15IKB, nothing has changed in terms of the weight. However, the length of the Yoga C740-15IML is slightly shorter than that of its predecessor. Compared to the more expensive Lenovo Yoga C940-15IRH, the Yoga C740-15IML is lighter and thinner by about 2 millimeters.
Connectivity: No More Thunderbolt for the Lenovo Yoga C740-15IML
The HDMI port is no more and the proprietary slim-tip charging connector is gone as well. Instead, there is an additional USB Type-C port, which supports DisplayPort and Power Delivery. Interestingly, Lenovo has cut the Thunderbolt 3 functionality from the second available USB Type-C port. It looks as though Lenovo is trying to push buyers who need this feature towards the more expensive Lenovo Yoga C940-15IRH.
Communication
Intel's Wi-Fi card AX201 is relied upon for internet access. The latest-generation 2x2 Wi-Fi module supports the new Wi-Fi 6 standard, which results in far higher transfer rates in our benchmarks. Relative to the other devices in our comparison, the Wi-Fi speeds are more than twice as fast. We did not experience any issues with the wireless AX201 module during daily use.
Accessories
The 65-watt AC adapter has a USB Type-C port - a new addition compared to the preceding model, which came with a proprietary 90-watt AC adapter. The smaller AC adapter is about 100 grams lighter. Aside from the AC adapter, the Lenovo Yoga C740-15IML includes a stylus (which we will take a closer look at in the input devices section) and a 3-in-1 adapter. The hub is connected via USB Type-C and features VGA, HDMI and a USB Type-A port.
Maintenance
Nine Torx screws have to be loosened and numerous clips removed with a spudger tool before the bottom plate can be taken off. The clip in the center of the case is particularly hard to remove.
On the inside, users can upgrade the M.2-2280 SSD and swap the non-soldered Wi-Fi module. By contrast, the RAM is soldered onto the motherboard. Furthermore, the two fans can be cleaned and the battery is also user-replaceable.
Warranty
In the case of damage, users can file a warranty claim with the manufacturer for two years after purchase. Since the warranty package only includes a bring-in service, users will have to send in the Lenovo Yoga C740-15IML for repairs.
Input devices: Digitizer Pen Included
Keyboard
The large spaces to the right and left of the keyboards are now gone in favor of a numpad. As a result, the keyboard is no longer centered in the middle of the case. The choice between a keyboard with or without numpad is a matter of personal preference.
In terms of quality, the keyboard does not come close to the keyboards of Lenovo's ThinkPads. Here, the keys feel too soft and the actuation point is not as clearly defined. Consequentially, the keyboard is not exceptional, but to a certain extent it is still acceptable for typists. At least, the backlit keys offer decent key travel.
Touchpad
The touchpad dimensions are 10.5 x 7 centimeters. The glass surface gives it a premium feel and good gliding properties. The software solution of the ClickPad also leaves no room for complaints. It is an almost perfect mouse replacement that should satisfy even demanding users.
Touchscreen & Stylus
Since this is a convertible laptop, it of course has a touchscreen that works without any issues. The display is compatible with Wacom AES as well. The included Lenovo digitizer stylus is easy to handle. Thanks to its support for multiple different pressure levels, it allows for creating precise drawings and notes. The pen, which cannot be stored inside of the case, contains an AAA battery. The included USB mount can be used to attach the stylus to the laptop.
Display: The Biggest Weakness of the Lenovo Laptop
All models of the Lenovo Yoga C740-15IML are equipped with a glossy 15.6-inch Full HD (1920x1080) touchscreen. However, Lenovo has two different IPS LCD variants on offer: One Full HD display offers a maximum brightness level of 250 cd/m². At 500 cd/m², the other display option is twice as bright.
Unfortunately, the former is installed in our test device. For a laptop with a price in excess of $1,000, the average brightness of 268 cd/m² is very low. At this point we are uncertain as to why this dimly lit display is even an option.
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Brightness Distribution: 83 %
Center on Battery: 287 cd/m²
Contrast: 1430:1 (Black: 0.2 cd/m²)
ΔE Color 7.3 | 0.5-29.43 Ø4.86, calibrated: 5.1
ΔE Greyscale 7 | 0.5-98 Ø5.1
57.5% sRGB (Argyll 1.6.3 3D)
36.9% AdobeRGB 1998 (Argyll 1.6.3 3D)
40.33% AdobeRGB 1998 (Argyll 2.2.0 3D)
57.9% sRGB (Argyll 2.2.0 3D)
39.04% Display P3 (Argyll 2.2.0 3D)
Gamma: 2.35
| Lenovo Yoga C740-15IML B156HAN02.5, IPS LED, 1920x1080, 15.6" | Lenovo Yoga 730-15IKB BOE HF NV156QUM-N51, IPS, 3840x2160, 15.6" | Dell Inspiron 15 5579-9672 AUO, B156HW01, IPS, 1920x1080, 15.6" | Asus ZenBook Flip 15 UX561UD B156ZAN03.1, IPS, 3840x2160, 15.6" | HP Envy x360 15-bq102ng Chi Mei CM15E9, IPS, 1920x1080, 15.6" | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Display | 65% | -5% | 114% | 6% | |
| Display P3 Coverage | 39.04 | 68.7 76% | 37 -5% | 86.6 122% | 41.36 6% |
| sRGB Coverage | 57.9 | 90 55% | 55.6 -4% | 100 73% | 62.2 7% |
| AdobeRGB 1998 Coverage | 40.33 | 65.8 63% | 38.23 -5% | 99.5 147% | 42.74 6% |
| Response Times | 28% | 15% | 4% | 21% | |
| Response Time Grey 50% / Grey 80% * | 50.8 ? | 34 ? 33% | 41 ? 19% | 52 ? -2% | 40 ? 21% |
| Response Time Black / White * | 32.4 ? | 25 ? 23% | 29 ? 10% | 29 ? 10% | 26 ? 20% |
| PWM Frequency | 961 ? | 25000 ? | |||
| Screen | 16% | 9% | 40% | 24% | |
| Brightness middle | 286 | 309 8% | 251 -12% | 380 33% | 221 -23% |
| Brightness | 268 | 299 12% | 240 -10% | 371 38% | 207 -23% |
| Brightness Distribution | 83 | 84 1% | 84 1% | 87 5% | 87 5% |
| Black Level * | 0.2 | 0.29 -45% | 0.2 -0% | 0.28 -40% | 0.15 25% |
| Contrast | 1430 | 1066 -25% | 1255 -12% | 1357 -5% | 1473 3% |
| Colorchecker dE 2000 * | 7.3 | 3.9 47% | 5.25 28% | 4.38 40% | 4.35 40% |
| Colorchecker dE 2000 max. * | 21.7 | 7.5 65% | 10.04 54% | 7.59 65% | 8.98 59% |
| Colorchecker dE 2000 calibrated * | 5.1 | ||||
| Greyscale dE 2000 * | 7 | 4.58 35% | 3.28 53% | 3.6 49% | 3.09 56% |
| Gamma | 2.35 94% | 2.43 91% | 2.15 102% | 2.32 95% | 2.23 99% |
| CCT | 5847 111% | 7344 89% | 6502 100% | 6860 95% | 6068 107% |
| Color Space (Percent of AdobeRGB 1998) | 36.9 | 39 6% | 35 -5% | 88 138% | 56 52% |
| Color Space (Percent of sRGB) | 57.5 | 90 57% | 55 -4% | 100 74% | 86 50% |
| Total Average (Program / Settings) | 36% /
27% | 6% /
7% | 53% /
50% | 17% /
20% |
* ... smaller is better
There is a slight yellow tint ex-factory. While this can be remedied with calibration (performed in this case with the professional CalMAN software and the X-Rite i1 Pro 2 spectrophotometer), there are some deviations in terms of saturation even after our calibration. Positive: The contrast ratio of the screen is excellent, resulting in vivid colors.
The color-space coverage is extremely poor and even the small sRGB color space is only covered by 57.5%. The display is not suitable for image-editing.
Although the display appears to have been fitted with an anti-reflection layer, the surface is still glossy. The brightness level is insufficient for outdoor use, which manifests in poor readability even in the shade.
Display Response Times
| ↔ Response Time Black to White | ||
|---|---|---|
| 32.4 ms ... rise ↗ and fall ↘ combined | ↗ 17.6 ms rise |  |
| ↘ 14.8 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. » 87 % of all devices are better. This means that the measured response time is worse than the average of all tested devices (20.7 ms). | ||
| ↔ Response Time 50% Grey to 80% Grey | ||
| 50.8 ms ... rise ↗ and fall ↘ combined | ↗ 24 ms rise |  |
| ↘ 26.8 ms fall | ||
| The screen shows slow response rates in our tests and will be unsatisfactory for gamers. In comparison, all tested devices range from 0.165 (minimum) to 636 (maximum) ms. » 86 % of all devices are better. This means that the measured response time is worse than the average of all tested devices (32.4 ms). | ||
Screen Flickering / PWM (Pulse-Width Modulation)
| 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 8482 (minimum: 5 - maximum: 343500) Hz was measured. | |||
As per usual, the IPS viewing angles leave no room for complaints.
Performance: Yoga Laptop C740-15IML is Slower than the Older Model
Lenovo offers three different Intel Core CPU options: The quad-core CPUs i5-10210U and i7-10510U and the hexa-core processor i7-10710U. All three options come with the same Intel UHD Graphics 620 and Lenovo does not offer any other GPU options. In terms of RAM, users can choose between 8, 12 and 16 GB of soldered DDR4-2666 memory. The storage solution consists of an M.2-2280 SSD with a capacity of up to 1 TB.
Note: Lenovo's "intelligent cooling" is enabled by default. The following benchmarks were performed with "intelligent cooling" disabled and the Windows power profile "high performance" selected.
Processor
The Core i7-10510U is a new Ultra Low Voltage (ULV) processor from Intel. In this case, ULV refers to the processor's typical TDP of 15 watts. The four cores of this processor have clock rates ranging from 1.8 to 4.8 GHz. In our CPU comparison list, the CPU's performance can be compared to those of competing processors.
The processor is able to exceed its TDP limit by a fair amount, at which point it can consume up to 43 watts, which translates into a clock speed of 4.1 GHz. Over the course of our Cinebench test, the consumption drops to 23 watts and the clock speed to 3 GHz. During the Cinebench loop, the consumption drops to about 16.5 watts and the clock rate to around 2.6 GHz after a few loops. Here, the temperatures stabilize at approximately 75 °C with an initial peak of 97 °C.
Although the Lenovo Yoga C740-15IML is faster than its competitors (which, to be fair, were all released last year) in terms of CPU performance, its own predecessor, the Lenovo Yoga 730-15IKB, appears to benefit from a more potent cooling solution that results in higher CPU performance under continuous load. In this regard, the latest model is a clear downgrade. If more CPU performance is desired, the Yoga C940-15IRH is likely a better choice.
The performance is not limited in battery mode.
System Performance
The Lenovo Yoga C740-15IML claims a large lead in almost all of the PCMark tests and there are no weaknesses in terms of system performance otherwise, either.
| PCMark 8 Home Score Accelerated v2 | 3935 points | |
| PCMark 8 Work Score Accelerated v2 | 5366 points | |
| PCMark 10 Score | 4630 points | |
Help | ||
Storage Solution
The single M.2-2280 SSD has a capacity of 512 GB. In the case of our test model, it was manufactured by Samsung. The PM981 is a high-performance PCIe-NVMe SSD that pulls far ahead of all other SSDs in our comparison.
| Lenovo Yoga C740-15IML Samsung SSD PM981 MZVLB512HAJQ | Lenovo Yoga 730-15IKB SK Hynix PC401 512GB M.2 (HFS512GD9TNG) | Dell Inspiron 15 5579-9672 SK hynix SC311 SATA | Asus ZenBook Flip 15 UX561UD Micron 1100 MTFDDAV256TBN | HP Envy x360 15-bq102ng Samsung PM961 MZVLW256HEHP | Average Samsung SSD PM981 MZVLB512HAJQ | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CrystalDiskMark 5.2 / 6 | -10% | -70% | -61% | -29% | -16% | |
| Write 4K | 142.3 | 164.9 16% | 48.25 -66% | 112.6 -21% | 116 -18% | 126.7 ? -11% |
| Read 4K | 47.56 | 50.5 6% | 23.77 -50% | 29.67 -38% | 42.73 -10% | 44 ? -7% |
| Write Seq | 2185 | 1262 -42% | 444.9 -80% | 432.1 -80% | 1222 -44% | 1617 ? -26% |
| Read Seq | 2235 | 2054 -8% | 497.5 -78% | 479.9 -79% | 1608 -28% | 1716 ? -23% |
| Write 4K Q32T1 | 515 | 477.6 -7% | 223.5 -57% | 191 -63% | 280.1 -46% | 413 ? -20% |
| Read 4K Q32T1 | 413.4 | 550 33% | 171.8 -58% | 246.5 -40% | 333.6 -19% | 420 ? 2% |
| Write Seq Q32T1 | 2981 | 1400 -53% | 511 -83% | 450.3 -85% | 1291 -57% | 2076 ? -30% |
| Read Seq Q32T1 | 3565 | 2672 -25% | 553 -84% | 522 -85% | 3183 -11% | 3130 ? -12% |
GPU Performance
The Intel UHD Graphics 620 is the sole graphics chip of the Lenovo Yoga C740-15IML. Unlike its predecessor Lenovo Yoga 730-15IKB, the device does not include a dedicated GPU (dGPU).
Thus, the GPU performance of the Yoga C740-15IML is far behind that of the older model. While the integrated Intel GPU is able to fully exhaust its capabilities thanks to dual-channel RAM, its potential is still very limited.
| 3DMark 11 Performance | 2275 points | |
| 3DMark Cloud Gate Standard Score | 9909 points | |
| 3DMark Fire Strike Score | 1249 points | |
| 3DMark Time Spy Score | 497 points | |
Help | ||
Gaming Performance
The lack of a dGPU makes the Lenovo Yoga C740-15IML a poor choice for games. Users who wish to play demanding games would be better served by a laptop with a dGPU.
| low | med. | high | ultra | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BioShock Infinite (2013) | 84.9 | 42.5 | 35.2 | 11.4 |
| Dota 2 Reborn (2015) | 90 | 56.5 | 23.2 | 20.5 |
| Rise of the Tomb Raider (2016) | 24.6 | 14.8 | ||
| X-Plane 11.11 (2018) | 27.7 | 17.8 | 15.7 | |
| Total War: Three Kingdoms (2019) | 30.5 | 7.9 |
Emissions: Lenovo Yoga with Good Speakers & Low Heat/Noise Levels
System Noise
With a maximum 33.3 dB(A), the fans remain quieter than those of the older Lenovo Yoga 730-15IKB due to the lack of a dGPU. During idle, the fans remain inactive for the most part. At 29.6 dB(A), they are still very quiet when they do spin-up.
We did not observe coil whine on this laptop.
Noise Level
| Idle |
| 29.3 / 29.3 / 29.6 dB(A) |
| Load |
| 32.4 / 33.3 dB(A) |
 | ||
30 dB silent 40 dB(A) audible 50 dB(A) loud |
||
min:  , med:  , max:  Audix TM1, Arta (15 cm distance) environment noise: 29.3 dB(A) | ||
Temperature
The surface temperatures of the Lenovo Yoga C740-14IML barely increase at all. The peak value of 42.3 °C on the bottom is not in any way problematic.
Over the course of the Prime95 and FurMark stress tests, the combined CPU/GPU consumption drops to only 14 watts. As a result, the CPU clock decreases to only 900 MHz. This TDP throttling does not impact day-to-day use, however.
(±) The maximum temperature on the upper side is 40.1 °C / 104 F, compared to the average of 35.4 °C / 96 F, ranging from 19.6 to 60 °C for the class Convertible.
(±) The bottom heats up to a maximum of 42.3 °C / 108 F, compared to the average of 36.8 °C / 98 F
(+) In idle usage, the average temperature for the upper side is 22.2 °C / 72 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 25.4 °C / 77.7 F and are therefore cool to the touch.
(+) The average temperature of the palmrest area of similar devices was 28 °C / 82.4 F (+2.6 °C / 4.7 F).
Speakers
The two speakers on the bottom are Dolby-Atmos certified. For a laptop, they sound relatively good and there is even a hint of bass. Alternatively, headphones can be used. The combined audio jack outputs sound flawlessly.
Lenovo Yoga C740-15IML audio analysis
(±) | speaker loudness is average but good (73.3 dB)
Bass 100 - 315 Hz
(±) | reduced bass - on average 10.4% lower than median
(±) | linearity of bass is average (11.1% delta to prev. frequency)
Mids 400 - 2000 Hz
(±) | higher mids - on average 7.2% higher than median
(+) | mids are linear (6.4% delta to prev. frequency)
Highs 2 - 16 kHz
(+) | balanced highs - only 2.2% away from median
(±) | linearity of highs is average (10.5% delta to prev. frequency)
Overall 100 - 16.000 Hz
(±) | linearity of overall sound is average (21.3% difference to median)
Compared to same class
» 55% of all tested devices in this class were better, 12% similar, 33% worse
» The best had a delta of 6%, average was 20%, worst was 57%
Compared to all devices tested
» 57% of all tested devices were better, 7% similar, 36% worse
» The best had a delta of 4%, average was 24%, worst was 134%
Lenovo Yoga 730-15IKB audio analysis
(±) | speaker loudness is average but good (73.3 dB)
Bass 100 - 315 Hz
(-) | nearly no bass - on average 16.9% lower than median
(±) | linearity of bass is average (12.2% delta to prev. frequency)
Mids 400 - 2000 Hz
(+) | balanced mids - only 4% away from median
(±) | linearity of mids is average (7.7% delta to prev. frequency)
Highs 2 - 16 kHz
(+) | balanced highs - only 2.6% away from median
(+) | highs are linear (6.1% delta to prev. frequency)
Overall 100 - 16.000 Hz
(±) | linearity of overall sound is average (16.6% difference to median)
Compared to same class
» 28% of all tested devices in this class were better, 4% similar, 68% worse
» The best had a delta of 6%, average was 20%, worst was 57%
Compared to all devices tested
» 26% of all tested devices were better, 6% similar, 68% worse
» The best had a delta of 4%, average was 24%, worst was 134%
Energy Management: Lenovo Yoga C740-15IML Lasts Longer than its Predecessor
Energy Consumption
Particularly while idling on the most economical settings, the energy consumption of the Lenovo Yoga C740-15IML is very low. Under load, we recorded a peak consumption value of 64.7 watts, which fits perfectly into the 65-watt rating of the AC adapter.
| Off / Standby | 0.4 / 0.68 Watt |
| Idle | 2.97 / 7.2 / 9.9 Watt |
| Load |
40.8 / 64.7 Watt |
   
| |
Key:
min: ,
med: ,
max: Metrahit Energy | |
| Lenovo Yoga C740-15IML i7-10510U, UHD Graphics 620, Samsung SSD PM981 MZVLB512HAJQ, IPS LED, 1920x1080, 15.6" | Lenovo Yoga 730-15IKB i5-8550U, GeForce GTX 1050 Mobile, SK Hynix PC401 512GB M.2 (HFS512GD9TNG), IPS, 3840x2160, 15.6" | Lenovo Yoga C940-15IRH i7-9750H, GeForce GTX 1650 Max-Q, Intel Optane Memory H10 with Solid State Storage 32GB + 512GB HBRPEKNX0202A(L/H), IPS, 1920x1080, 15.6" | Dell Inspiron 15 5579-9672 i5-8250U, UHD Graphics 620, SK hynix SC311 SATA, IPS, 1920x1080, 15.6" | Asus ZenBook Flip 15 UX561UD i5-8550U, GeForce GTX 1050 Mobile, Micron 1100 MTFDDAV256TBN, IPS, 3840x2160, 15.6" | HP Envy x360 15-bq102ng R5 2500U, Vega 8, Samsung PM961 MZVLW256HEHP, IPS, 1920x1080, 15.6" | Average Intel UHD Graphics 620 | Average of class Convertible | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Power Consumption | -33% | -99% | 12% | -76% | -5% | 6% | -18% | |
| Idle Minimum * | 2.97 | 4.8 -62% | 5.2 -75% | 3.9 -31% | 5.4 -82% | 4.8 -62% | 3.81 ? -28% | 4.84 ? -63% |
| Idle Average * | 7.2 | 10.1 -40% | 10.7 -49% | 6.6 8% | 10.8 -50% | 7 3% | 6.94 ? 4% | 7.7 ? -7% |
| Idle Maximum * | 9.9 | 10.7 -8% | 24.3 -145% | 9.3 6% | 13.9 -40% | 9.5 4% | 8.75 ? 12% | 10.3 ? -4% |
| Load Average * | 40.8 | 44 -8% | 84.4 -107% | 30.2 26% | 94 -130% | 40.8 -0% | 35 ? 14% | 45.3 ? -11% |
| Load Maximum * | 64.7 | 94.7 -46% | 142.8 -121% | 33.2 49% | 116.6 -80% | 44.3 32% | 47.5 ? 27% | 67.5 ? -4% |
| Witcher 3 ultra * | 83.9 |
* ... smaller is better
Battery Life
The battery has grown from 51.5 to 60.3 watt hours compared to the preceding model. Combined with the lower energy consumption, this results in significantly better battery life. In our Wi-Fi test, which is performed at 150 cd/m² LCD brightness, the Yoga C740-15IML achieves a runtime of almost 12 hours. When performing this test at maximum brightness, it still lasts more than eight hours. The Yoga 730-15IKB only reaches a good seven hours in our Wi-Fi test (150 cd/m²). Similarly, the Lenovo Yoga C940-15IRH's battery life is not quite as good despite the larger 69-watt hour battery.
| Lenovo Yoga C740-15IML i7-10510U, UHD Graphics 620, 60.3 Wh | Lenovo Yoga 730-15IKB i5-8550U, GeForce GTX 1050 Mobile, 51.5 Wh | Lenovo Yoga C940-15IRH i7-9750H, GeForce GTX 1650 Max-Q, 69 Wh | Dell Inspiron 15 5579-9672 i5-8250U, UHD Graphics 620, 42 Wh | Asus ZenBook Flip 15 UX561UD i5-8550U, GeForce GTX 1050 Mobile, 52 Wh | HP Envy x360 15-bq102ng R5 2500U, Vega 8, 55.8 Wh | Average of class Convertible | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Battery Runtime | -51% | -29% | -27% | -48% | -32% | 7% | |
| H.264 | 715 | 324 -55% | 401 -44% | 261 -63% | 898 ? 26% | ||
| WiFi v1.3 | 622 | 370 -41% | 583 -6% | 435 -30% | 311 -50% | 426 -32% | 626 ? 1% |
| Load | 120 | 50 -58% | 59 -51% | 110 -8% | 84 -30% | 112.9 ? -6% | |
| Reader / Idle | 697 | 1092 | 671 | 558 | 1402 ? |
Pros
Cons
Verdict
The transformation from the Yoga 720-15IKB to the Yoga 730-15IKB and finally, the latest Yoga C740-15IML is remarkable: From a high-performance convertible with an Nvidia GeForce GTX GPU (and a 45-watt processor in the case of the Yoga 720) to an ultrabook convertible with a ULV CPU and no dGPU at all. Evidently, the initial role of this series has been assumed by the new and more expensive Lenovo Yoga C940-15IRH.
What is left is a good convertible in a premium aluminum chassis with a digitizer pen and very small noise and heat development as well as good battery life. However, the Yoga C740-15IML is weaker than its predecessor in terms of performance due to the lack of a dGPU and the inferior cooling solution. The loss of the Thunderbolt 3 port is painful and there is no 4K UHD option anymore.
Performance downgrade: The Yoga C740-15IML is a different convertible compared to its two predecessors. While this is not necessarily all bad, buyers should definitely steer clear of our configuration's dim Full HD display. Fortunately, there is a brighter LCD option.
We could definitely recommend the Lenovo Yoga C740-15IML to users looking for a low-powered 15.6-inch convertible - if it weren't for the display's far too low brightness level. Due to this, we strongly advise against this specific model. Instead, buyers of the Yoga C740-15IML should choose the Full HD version with 500 cd/m². While we were not yet able to ascertain its qualities, they can hardly be worse than those of the panel in this test device.
Lenovo Yoga C740-15IML
- 01/04/2020 v7 (old)
Benjamin Herzig
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