Lenovo Legion 5 vs Lenovo IdeaPad Gaming 3: Which One Should You Buy?

Choosing the right gaming laptop can be a daunting task, especially when faced with a plethora of options. Two popular contenders often top the list: the Lenovo Legion 5 and the Lenovo IdeaPad Gaming 3. Both offer compelling features and performance at attractive price points, but which one emerges as the ultimate champion? This comprehensive comparison dives deep into the key aspects of each laptop, helping you make an informed decision.

Performance: Powering Your Gaming Experience

Both the Lenovo Legion 5 and the IdeaPad Gaming 3 pack a punch in terms of performance. While they share similar components, there are subtle differences that influence their overall capabilities.
Lenovo Legion 5:

• Processor: Typically powered by AMD Ryzen 5000 series processors, offering high-performance cores for demanding games.
• Graphics: Equipped with dedicated NVIDIA GeForce RTX 30 series graphics cards, ensuring smooth gameplay at high resolutions and frame rates.
• RAM: Offers generous RAM options, often exceeding 16GB for multitasking and demanding gaming.
• Storage: Comes with fast SSD storage, providing quick loading times and ample space for games.

Lenovo IdeaPad Gaming 3:

• Processor: Generally equipped with AMD Ryzen 5000 series processors, though lower-end models may feature older Ryzen 4000 series CPUs.
• Graphics: Features dedicated NVIDIA GeForce GTX 16 series graphics cards. While capable, these cards may not match the performance of the RTX 30 series in the Legion 5.
• RAM: Offers a range of RAM options, but usually starting from 8GB.
• Storage: Includes SSD storage, but the capacity might be smaller compared to the Legion 5.

Verdict: The Lenovo Legion 5 generally offers superior performance, thanks to its higher-end graphics card and often larger RAM capacity. It’s the ideal choice for gamers who prioritize the latest titles at maximum settings. However, the IdeaPad Gaming 3 remains a solid option for budget-conscious gamers who still want a smooth gaming experience.

Design and Build Quality: A Matter of Style and Durability

The design and build quality of a gaming laptop are crucial factors, influencing its aesthetics and longevity. Let’s see how the Legion 5 and IdeaPad Gaming 3 fare in this regard.
Lenovo Legion 5:

• Design: Features a bold and aggressive design with sharp angles and a prominent Legion logo. It’s a statement piece that reflects its gaming prowess.
• Build Quality: Offers a sturdy build with a robust chassis, often using aluminum or magnesium alloy for durability.
• Weight: Generally heavier than the IdeaPad Gaming 3, reflecting its powerful components.

Lenovo IdeaPad Gaming 3:

• Design: Sports a more streamlined and sleek design with subtle gaming accents. It’s a more understated option that blends in seamlessly with everyday use.
• Build Quality: Offers a solid build, though the materials might not be as premium as the Legion 5.
• Weight: Lighter than the Legion 5, making it more portable for on-the-go gaming.

Verdict: The Lenovo Legion 5 boasts a more striking and robust design, appealing to gamers who want a distinct gaming aesthetic. The IdeaPad Gaming 3 offers a more subtle and portable option, catering to those who prefer a less conspicuous gaming laptop.

Display: Immersive Visuals for Gaming

The display is a crucial element of any gaming laptop, influencing the visual quality and immersion. Here’s a breakdown of the display options available on the Legion 5 and IdeaPad Gaming 3.
Lenovo Legion 5:

• Size: Offers various screen sizes, typically ranging from 15.6 inches to 17.3 inches.
• Resolution: Includes options for Full HD (1920 x 1080) and QHD (2560 x 1440) resolutions.
• Refresh Rate: Features high refresh rate displays, often reaching 144Hz or even 165Hz for smooth and responsive gameplay.
• Panel Type: Often utilizes IPS panels for wider viewing angles and accurate color reproduction.

Lenovo IdeaPad Gaming 3:

• Size: Generally comes with 15.6-inch displays.
• Resolution: Primarily offers Full HD (1920 x 1080) resolution.
• Refresh Rate: Features refresh rates up to 120Hz, providing smoother gameplay than standard 60Hz displays.
• Panel Type: Typically uses IPS panels for decent viewing angles and color accuracy.

Verdict: The Lenovo Legion 5 often offers superior display options, with higher resolutions and refresh rates that enhance the gaming experience. The IdeaPad Gaming 3 provides a solid display, but it might not match the visual fidelity of the Legion 5.

Keyboard and Touchpad: Essential for Control and Navigation

The keyboard and touchpad are crucial for comfortable gaming and everyday use. Let’s compare the input methods on the Legion 5 and IdeaPad Gaming 3.
Lenovo Legion 5:

• Keyboard: Features a dedicated gaming keyboard with a responsive and tactile feel. It often includes RGB backlighting for a visually appealing gaming setup.
• Touchpad: Offers a spacious and responsive touchpad with multi-touch gestures for smooth navigation.

Lenovo IdeaPad Gaming 3:

• Keyboard: Comes with a standard keyboard that provides a decent typing experience. It may or may not feature backlighting.
• Touchpad: Features a standard touchpad that functions adequately for everyday use.

Verdict: The Lenovo Legion 5 generally offers a better keyboard experience for gaming, thanks to its dedicated gaming layout and responsive keystrokes. The IdeaPad Gaming 3 provides a functional keyboard and touchpad, but it might not be as satisfying for gaming enthusiasts.

Ports and Connectivity: Staying Connected and Expanding Your Setup

The availability of ports and connectivity options is crucial for connecting peripherals and maximizing the functionality of your gaming laptop.
Lenovo Legion 5:

• Ports: Offers a comprehensive selection of ports, including USB-A, USB-C, HDMI, Ethernet, and a headphone jack.
• Connectivity: Features Wi-Fi 6 for fast wireless speeds and Bluetooth 5.0 for seamless device pairing.

Lenovo IdeaPad Gaming 3:

• Ports: Provides a decent selection of ports, including USB-A, USB-C, HDMI, and a headphone jack.
• Connectivity: Includes Wi-Fi 5 and Bluetooth 5.0 for reliable connectivity.

Verdict: Both laptops offer a solid selection of ports and connectivity options. The Legion 5 edges out slightly with the inclusion of Wi-Fi 6, providing faster wireless speeds for online gaming and streaming.

Battery Life: Powering Your Gaming Sessions on the Go

Battery life is a crucial factor for portable gaming laptops, allowing you to game on the go without constantly needing a power outlet.
Lenovo Legion 5:

• Battery Life: Offers decent battery life, typically lasting for several hours of light use or a few hours of gaming.

Lenovo IdeaPad Gaming 3:

• Battery Life: Provides similar battery life to the Legion 5, with a few hours of light use or gaming.

Verdict: Both laptops offer comparable battery life, which is typical for gaming laptops with powerful components. While neither is known for exceptional battery endurance, they can handle a few hours of gaming away from a power outlet.

Price: Finding the Right Value for Your Budget

The price point is a significant consideration for any tech purchase, especially for gaming laptops. Let’s see how the Legion 5 and IdeaPad Gaming 3 compare in terms of cost.
Lenovo Legion 5:

• Price: Generally priced higher than the IdeaPad Gaming 3, reflecting its more powerful components and premium features.

Lenovo IdeaPad Gaming 3:

• Price: Offers a more budget-friendly price point, making it an attractive option for gamers on a tighter budget.

Verdict: The Lenovo Legion 5 is the more expensive option, justified by its superior performance and features. The IdeaPad Gaming 3 presents an excellent value proposition for budget-conscious gamers who still want a capable gaming laptop.

The Verdict: Choosing the Right Gaming Laptop for You

Ultimately, the choice between the Lenovo Legion 5 and the IdeaPad Gaming 3 comes down to your individual needs and priorities.
Choose the Lenovo Legion 5 if:

• You want the best possible gaming performance.
• You prioritize a premium design and build quality.
• You’re willing to spend more for superior features.

Choose the Lenovo IdeaPad Gaming 3 if:

• You’re on a tighter budget.
• You want a more portable and understated design.
• You’re looking for a capable gaming laptop that’s still good for everyday use.

Basics You Wanted To Know

Q: Can I upgrade the RAM and storage on these laptops?
A: Yes, both the Lenovo Legion 5 and the IdeaPad Gaming 3 typically allow for RAM and storage upgrades. Check the specific model‘s specifications to confirm compatibility.
Q: Which laptop is better for competitive gaming?
A: The Lenovo Legion 5 generally offers better performance for competitive gaming, thanks to its more powerful graphics card and higher refresh rate display.
Q: Is the IdeaPad Gaming 3 good for content creation?
A: While the IdeaPad Gaming 3 can handle basic content creation tasks, it’s not ideal for heavy workloads like video editing or 3D modeling.
Q: Are there any other gaming laptops I should consider?
A: Yes, there are many other excellent gaming laptops available, such as the ASUS ROG Strix G15, the Acer Nitro 5, and the MSI GF65 Thin.
Choosing the right gaming laptop is a personal decision. By carefully considering your needs and budget, you can find the perfect machine to elevate your gaming experience.