The Lenovo Yoga 7 16 Gen 9 is a midpriced, AMD-powered two-in-one laptop featuring a Ryzen 5 8640HS processor, 8GB of RAM, and a 16-inch, 2K display. While it offers competitive performance for its price and has a lengthy battery life, the text on the display may appear fuzzy, the audio output is weak, and it is somewhat unwieldy in tablet mode. The display resolution may not be ideal for everyday work use, but it is suitable for general home use like browsing the web and watching videos.
The review system for the Yoga 7 16 Gen 9 is fixed at $800 with the option to upgrade to a Ryzen 7 8840HS and 16GB of RAM for an additional $100. The laptop features a 512GB SSD and various connectivity ports. The AMD models are based on the Hawk Point Ryzen 8040 series, offering competitive performance in comparison to pricier models with higher-end processors. The laptop also includes some AI features like background effects for the webcam and real-time captions for audio.
In terms of application performance, the Yoga 7 16 Gen 9 offers reliable performance, although it may fall slightly behind models with higher-end processors. The integrated graphics capability of the Ryzen 5 8640HS may not be optimal for gaming but is suitable for general use. The laptop performed well on battery tests, lasting nearly 11 hours on an online streaming test. However, the display resolution and audio output may not be ideal for intensive tasks or entertainment purposes.
The laptop features a large display with a modest resolution, decent brightness, but poor color performance. The sound quality is also basic, with only two-watt stereo speakers. The laptop’s weight is average for its size, making it manageable for everyday use. The convertible design allows for multiple usage modes, although the sheer size of the display can make tablet mode somewhat cumbersome. Overall, the Yoga 7 16 Gen 9 is a good choice for those seeking a secondary laptop with competitive performance and long battery life, but may not be suitable as a primary workhorse due to its display limitations.
The review process for laptops like the Yoga 7 16 Gen 9 involves performance testing in controlled conditions in the CNET Labs, as well as extensive hands-on use by expert reviewers. Benchmarking software is used to evaluate performance across various tests such as Geekbench, PCMark, and 3DMark. The final review verdict is a combination of objective and subjective judgments based on aesthetics, ergonomics, and features. Overall, the Yoga 7 16 Gen 9 offers a good balance of performance, battery life, and features for its price point, making it a viable option for consumers looking for a versatile two-in-one laptop.
