Lenovo Legion Pro 5i (2025) Review: Choosing Between RTX 5070 and 5070 Ti

Lenovo’s Legion Pro 5i is back for 2025, and it’s a compelling option for gamers who want a balance of build quality, performance, and display quality. With its sleek yet sturdy design, OLED display options, and the ability to choose between RTX 5070 and RTX 5070 Ti graphics, it aims to serve both casual and competitive players.

But as with most gaming laptops, your configuration choice will heavily influence performance, battery life, heat, and weight.
We tested two versions head-to-head to help you decide which is right for you.

Models Tested

• My Purchased Model:

  • 165Hz OLED
  • RTX 5070 (8GB VRAM)
  • Smaller 245W charger

• Lenovo Loaner Model:

  • 240Hz OLED
  • RTX 5070 Ti (12GB VRAM)
  • Larger 300W charger

Both share the same 16-inch chassis, solid build quality, and eclipse black finish with an aluminum lid and plastic base. Weight is just over 5 lbs, with the Ti version slightly heavier due to a beefier cooling system.

Build & Portability

Despite not being ultra-thin, the Legion Pro 5i feels portable for its class. The hinge is smooth and sturdy, allowing a full 180° screen tilt, though a bit of flex appears at the extremes. Fingerprints do show up, but they’re easier to clean than on glossier finishes.

The keyboard deck has minimal flex, and the keyboard itself is excellent — slightly clicky with full-sized arrow keys. The RGB lighting (24 zones) is underwhelming in brightness and effects, but functional. The plastic touchpad works well, though it’s not as premium as the glass one in Lenovo’s Legion 7i.

Ports & Connectivity

Lenovo has moved all ports to the sides this generation — a controversial change from the rear-heavy port layout of previous models. The upside: no hot exhaust air blowing onto your mouse hand.

Both discrete GPU (dGPU) and integrated GPU (iGPU) display outputs are available, allowing you to choose between performance and quieter, more efficient operation.

Wi-Fi 7 is included, but performance from the Mediatek card lags behind Intel-based solutions. Storage options are excellent, with two PCIe Gen 4 M.2 slots that accept full-size double-sided drives.

Upgradability

• 2x DDR5 SODIMM slots (up to DDR5-6400 available)
• 2x M.2 PCIe Gen 4 slots (both double-sided capable)
• Replaceable Wi-Fi card
• Easy access with standard Phillips screws

Display Options

Two OLED options:

• 165Hz (standard)
• 240Hz (+$50 upgrade)

Both offer:

• ~500 nits brightness (HDR or SDR)
• Excellent color vibrancy and deep blacks
• <1ms response times
• G-Sync with Optimus off

The 240Hz panel offers slightly better motion clarity — ideal for competitive gaming — but the 165Hz panel is already fantastic for most users.

Performance & Gaming

The jump from RTX 5070 to 5070 Ti is significant:

At 1440p, the 5070 Ti maintains a ~25–34% advantage, often pushing above the 60 FPS mark without DLSS, whereas the 5070 may require upscaling in demanding titles.

VRAM difference matters:

• RTX 5070 → 8GB VRAM
• RTX 5070 Ti → 12GB VRAM (better for future-proofing high-res textures)

Thermals & Noise

Both models remain comfortable to the touch in most gaming scenarios. The Ti version runs a bit hotter and louder due to higher power draw. Using a cooling pad actually worsened thermals due to airflow interference — stick to the built-in cooling.

Performance modes:

• Quiet → minimal fan noise, reduced performance
• Balanced → good FPS, moderate noise
• Performance → max power without excessive fan noise
• Custom/Extreme → highest performance, loudest fans

Battery Life

80Wh battery performance:

• Video playback: similar across both models
• Gaming: 5070 lasts ~29% longer than 5070 Ti
• Sleep drain: very low, among the best in class

Lenovo’s software lets you cap charge at 80% for longevity, and a future update will restore automatic refresh rate lowering on battery.

Pricing (Mid-August 2025)

• RTX 5060 (last-gen CPU) → from $1465
• RTX 5070 → from $1650
• RTX 5070 Ti → from $2000 ($1900 with coupon at time of writing)

Prices change often, so check Lenovo’s store and deal aggregators.

Verdict

The Legion Pro 5i is one of the most balanced mid-to-high-end gaming laptops in 2025. It’s portable for its size, solidly built, upgrade-friendly, and has excellent OLED display options.

Buy the RTX 5070 if:

• You want longer battery life
• You play less demanding games
• You want to save ~$300

Buy the RTX 5070 Ti if:

• You want 25–30% more FPS
• You want 12GB VRAM for future games
• You play at high refresh rates or higher resolutions

Bottom line: If budget allows, the 5070 Ti is worth it for performance and longevity. Otherwise, the 5070 still delivers a stellar gaming experience.

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