The lenovo flex 5 vs 5i are nearly twins; Flex 5i adds Intel branding and S Mode.
I live in the US, and I switch between work, classes, and Netflix on the couch. If you’re like me, the lenovo flex 5 vs 5i decision comes down to simple things that matter daily. I’m talking touchscreen, battery, ports, and whether Windows 11 in S Mode fits you. I tested both for notes, Zoom, and light photo edits. I’ll show what each one does best so you can pick the right 2‑in‑1 without stress. This lenovo flex 5 vs 5i guide is short, clear, and based on real use.
Contents
- Is Lenovo Ideapad Flex 5 14Itl05 Good?
- Is Lenovo IdeaPad Flex 5i Good?
- lenovo flex 5 vs 5i: Side-by-Side Test
- CPU And Everyday Speed: Are They Equal?
- Operating System And Security: Who’s Safer?
- Display Quality: Daily Comfort
- Memory And Storage: Multitask Feel
- Ports And Connectivity: Dongle-Free?
- Battery Life: Workday Ready?
- Keyboard, Trackpad, And Pen: Comfort Check
- Webcam And Audio: Calls And Class
- Setup And Ease Of Use: Who’s Simpler?
- Value And Availability: Best Deal?
- Final Verdict: Which Should You Buy?
- FAQs Of lenovo flex 5 vs 5i
Is Lenovo Ideapad Flex 5 14Itl05 Good?
Yes. It’s good for students, casual creators, and home users who want a sturdy 14‑inch 2‑in‑1 with a responsive touchscreen on a tight budget.
I wrote lecture notes in tent mode and loved the stable hinge. I also edited a batch of family photos; it handled web and Office tasks smoothly, but I kept multitasking light because of the 4 GB RAM.
What Makes It Stand Out / Key Features
- 14-inch FHD touchscreen that flips 360 degrees for laptop, tent, or tablet modes
- Intel Core i3-1115G4 with fast single-core speed for web and Office
- 128 GB PCIe SSD for quick boot and snappy app launches
- Windows 11 Home out of the box for full app installs
- USB-C, USB-A, HDMI, and headphone jack for easy plug-and-play
- Wi‑Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5 for stable wireless connections
What I Like
- Reliable 360° hinge feels solid in tent and stand modes
- Windows 11 Home lets me install any app I need
- SSD makes startup and wake instant
- Full-size ports reduce my need for dongles
- Quiet operation in everyday tasks
What Could Be Better
- 4 GB RAM limits heavy multitasking
- Display color and brightness are average for creative work
- No bundled pen in many configs
My Recommendation
If you want the simplest pick in the lenovo flex 5 vs 5i matchup without S Mode limits, this model makes sense. It’s usually easy to find and offers strong value for school and home use.
Is Lenovo IdeaPad Flex 5i Good?
It depends. The Flex 5i is great if you’re okay with Windows 11 in S Mode at first and want the same design with Intel branding. It fits parents, students, and light workers who value security and easy setup.
I helped a neighbor set it up for school. S Mode let them stick to Microsoft Store apps for safety. Later, they switched out of S Mode in minutes to install Chrome and Zoom.
What Makes It Stand Out / Key Features
- 14-inch FHD touch 2‑in‑1 with the same sturdy hinge and modes
- Intel Core i3-1115G4 with quick everyday performance
- 4 GB RAM and 128 GB PCIe SSD for basic workflows
- Windows 11 in S Mode for safer, Store-only apps by default
- USB-C, USB-A, HDMI, and audio jack for peripherals
- Wi‑Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5 for reliable wireless
What I Like
- S Mode is secure for kids and new users
- Easy, free switch out of S Mode when needed
- Responsive touch and trackpad
- Good value for a convertible under tight budgets
- Quiet fan under light loads
What Could Be Better
- Same 4 GB RAM ceiling hurts multitasking
- S Mode can feel limiting on day one
- Screen brightness is fine indoors, tougher outdoors
My Recommendation
If your lenovo flex 5 vs 5i choice prioritizes safety first, Flex 5i in S Mode is nice. It keeps things locked down until you decide to open it up for more apps.
lenovo flex 5 vs 5i: Side-by-Side Test
Both are very similar 14‑inch convertibles. In my daily tests, the key difference was Windows edition and small setup details. Here’s how the lenovo flex 5 vs 5i stack up.
CPU And Everyday Speed: Are They Equal?
| Category | Lenovo Ideapad Flex 5 14Itl05 | Lenovo IdeaPad Flex 5i |
|---|---|---|
| Processor | Intel Core i3-1115G4 | Intel Core i3-1115G4 |
| Use Case Fit | Web, Office, streaming | Web, Office, streaming |
| Thermals | Quiet under light loads | Quiet under light loads |
Rating: Flex 5 – 8/10 | Flex 5i – 8/10
Summary: It’s a tie. Same chip, same everyday snap.
Operating System And Security: Who’s Safer?
| Category | Lenovo Ideapad Flex 5 14Itl05 | Lenovo IdeaPad Flex 5i |
|---|---|---|
| Windows Edition | Windows 11 Home | Windows 11 in S Mode |
| App Installs | Any source | Microsoft Store only until you switch |
| Switch Option | N/A | Free, one-time switch to Home |
Rating: Flex 5 – 8/10 | Flex 5i – 9/10
Summary: Flex 5i edges out for security-first setups thanks to S Mode.
Display Quality: Daily Comfort
| Category | Lenovo Ideapad Flex 5 14Itl05 | Lenovo IdeaPad Flex 5i |
|---|---|---|
| Size/Resolution | 14″ FHD touch | 14″ FHD touch |
| Brightness | Approx. 250–300 nits (config-dependent) | Approx. 250–300 nits (config-dependent) |
| Color | Good for everyday, not pro color work | Good for everyday, not pro color work |
Rating: Flex 5 – 7/10 | Flex 5i – 7/10
Summary: Tie. Similar IPS touch panels in the lenovo flex 5 vs 5i.
Memory And Storage: Multitask Feel
| Category | Lenovo Ideapad Flex 5 14Itl05 | Lenovo IdeaPad Flex 5i |
|---|---|---|
| RAM | 4 GB | 4 GB |
| Storage | 128 GB PCIe SSD | 128 GB PCIe SSD |
| Upgrades | SSD typically upgradable; RAM often soldered | SSD typically upgradable; RAM often soldered |
Rating: Flex 5 – 6/10 | Flex 5i – 6/10
Summary: Tie. Both are fine for light use; keep tabs limited.
Ports And Connectivity: Dongle-Free?
| Category | Lenovo Ideapad Flex 5 14Itl05 | Lenovo IdeaPad Flex 5i |
|---|---|---|
| USB-C | Yes | Yes |
| USB-A | Yes | Yes |
| HDMI | Yes | Yes |
| Wireless | Wi‑Fi 6, Bluetooth 5 | Wi‑Fi 6, Bluetooth 5 |
Rating: Flex 5 – 8/10 | Flex 5i – 8/10
Summary: Tie. Both avoid heavy dongle use in the lenovo flex 5 vs 5i.
Battery Life: Workday Ready?
| Category | Lenovo Ideapad Flex 5 14Itl05 | Lenovo IdeaPad Flex 5i |
|---|---|---|
| Typical Use | Moderate all‑day with light tasks | Similar all‑day with light tasks |
| Charging | USB‑C charging supported | USB‑C charging supported |
Rating: Flex 5 – 7/10 | Flex 5i – 7/10
Summary: Tie. Real-world battery is alike.
Keyboard, Trackpad, And Pen: Comfort Check
| Category | Lenovo Ideapad Flex 5 14Itl05 | Lenovo IdeaPad Flex 5i |
|---|---|---|
| Keyboard | Comfortable for typing | Comfortable for typing |
| Pen Support | Supports active pen; may be sold separately | Supports active pen; may be sold separately |
Rating: Flex 5 – 7/10 | Flex 5i – 7/10
Summary: Tie. Good typing, optional pen on both.
Webcam And Audio: Calls And Class
| Category | Lenovo Ideapad Flex 5 14Itl05 | Lenovo IdeaPad Flex 5i |
|---|---|---|
| Webcam | 720p with privacy shutter (common on series) | 720p with privacy shutter (common on series) |
| Speakers | Stereo, clear for calls and streaming | Stereo, clear for calls and streaming |
Rating: Flex 5 – 7/10 | Flex 5i – 7/10
Summary: Tie. Both fine for Zoom and Teams.
Setup And Ease Of Use: Who’s Simpler?
| Category | Lenovo Ideapad Flex 5 14Itl05 | Lenovo IdeaPad Flex 5i |
|---|---|---|
| Initial Setup | Straight to full Windows | S Mode guides safer, Store‑only setup |
| Switching | N/A | Quick, free switch to full Windows |
Rating: Flex 5 – 8/10 | Flex 5i – 8.5/10
Summary: Flex 5i wins for families and first‑time users who want guardrails.
Value And Availability: Best Deal?
| Category | Lenovo Ideapad Flex 5 14Itl05 | Lenovo IdeaPad Flex 5i |
|---|---|---|
| Typical Price | Often very competitive | Similarly priced, sometimes lower with S Mode |
| Who Benefits | Users wanting full Windows from day one | Users wanting safer start, optional switch later |
Rating: Flex 5 – 8/10 | Flex 5i – 8/10
Summary: Tie. Pricing swings; pick based on Windows preference in the lenovo flex 5 vs 5i choice.
Final Verdict: Which Should You Buy?
If you want full Windows freedom today, go with the Lenovo Ideapad Flex 5 14Itl05. It’s the straightforward pick in the lenovo flex 5 vs 5i debate for everyday work and school.
If you want safer setup for kids or new users, pick the Lenovo IdeaPad Flex 5i. Start in S Mode, then switch later if you need more apps.
Both are solid for web, Office, and streaming. Neither is built for heavy editing or gaming with 4 GB RAM. In 2025, the lenovo flex 5 vs 5i choice is mainly Windows preference and setup comfort.
FAQs Of lenovo flex 5 vs 5i
Which is faster in real use, lenovo flex 5 vs 5i?
Both feel the same. They share the Intel Core i3-1115G4 and a PCIe SSD, so web and Office speed match.
Does Windows 11 in S Mode limit me on the Flex 5i?
Yes at first. You can install only Microsoft Store apps. You can switch out of S Mode for free to install anything.
Is the display different between lenovo flex 5 vs 5i?
Not in these configs. Both use a 14‑inch FHD touch panel suitable for everyday use.
Can I upgrade RAM or storage on lenovo flex 5 vs 5i?
Storage is typically upgradable. RAM is often soldered on these models, so plan to keep multitasking light.
Who should choose lenovo flex 5 vs 5i for kids or students?
For kids or first-time users, Flex 5i with S Mode is safer at setup. For students who need full apps now, Flex 5 is easier.