As a gaming enthusiast always on the lookout for the next best rig, I was thrilled to get my hands on the new Lenovo Legion 7i Gen 9. This gaming laptop promises top-tier performance, sleek design, and premium features, all in a relatively portable package. And let me tell you, it does not disappoint.

Potent Gaming Performance

From the moment I powered it up, the Legion 7i Gen 9 delivered impressive gaming performance. The Intel Core i9-14900HX processor and Nvidia GeForce RTX 4070 GPU provide a powerhouse combo that easily handles the latest games. Whether it’s fast-paced action or graphically intense RPGs, this laptop chews through them with ease. The 32GB of RAM ensures smooth multitasking, and the 1TB SSD offers ample storage for all my games and media.

Design and Build Quality

Clad in the stunning Glacier White finish, the Legion 7i Gen 9 looks as good as it performs. It’s sleek without screaming “gamer” and feels premium thanks to its anodized aluminum chassis. The brushed aluminum edges add a touch of elegance, making this laptop a standout piece whether you’re at home or on the go.

Display and Input Devices

The 16-inch IPS display is one of my favorite features. With a native resolution of 2560 x 1600 and a 240Hz refresh rate, the visuals are crisp, vibrant, and incredibly smooth. Colors are richly saturated, and the brightness is more than enough to make details pop, even in well-lit rooms. The only downside is the lack of Nvidia G-Sync support, but honestly, I didn’t notice any stuttering or tearing during my gaming sessions.

The keyboard on the Legion 7i Gen 9 is another highlight. The per-key RGB backlighting is bright and customizable, making late-night gaming sessions more enjoyable. The keys themselves are comfortable and responsive, with a narrow numeric keypad that takes some getting used to. The touchpad is large and provides satisfying tactile feedback, making navigation a breeze.

Connectivity and Features

Connectivity options on this laptop are robust. On the left, there’s a USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A port with sleep and charge support, a USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C port, a USB-C Thunderbolt 4 port, and a headphone/microphone jack. The right side features an SD card slot, another USB-C 3.2 Gen 2 port with 140-watt power delivery and DisplayPort output, a USB-A 3.2 Gen 1 port, and a kill switch for the 1080p webcam. The back houses an HDMI monitor output and the AC adapter connector. With Intel Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3, wireless connectivity is fast and reliable.

Performance and Upgradability

Performance-wise, the Legion 7i Gen 9 ticks all the boxes for a high-end gaming laptop. Our review unit, priced at $1,999.99, features the Core i9-14900HX CPU and RTX 4070 GPU, delivering exceptional performance for its price. Compared to other gaming rigs like the Alienware m16 R2 and the Acer Predator Helios Neo 16, the Legion 7i holds its own, often outperforming them in benchmark tests.

For those who like to tinker, the Legion 7i Gen 9 offers excellent upgradability. The bottom panel is easily removable, giving you access to two DDR5-5600 SO-DIMM slots and two M.2 2280 drive slots. The battery is serviceable, and the fans are cleanable, ensuring your laptop stays in top shape for years to come.

Battery Life and Verdict

The one area where the Legion 7i Gen 9 falls short is battery life. Clocking in at just over 6 hours, it’s decent but not exceptional. This isn’t a deal-breaker for me, as gaming laptops are typically tethered to a power source during intense sessions anyway.

Final Thoughts
In conclusion, the Lenovo Legion 7i Gen 9 is a formidable gaming laptop that offers a lot of bang for your buck. With its potent performance, sleek design, and premium features, it stands out as an Editors’ Choice award winner among 16-inch gaming laptops. While it has a few minor drawbacks, the overall package is hard to beat for under $2,000.