Why the most capable Lenovo laptop on the market is not the model you're thinking of

Lenovo Legion 9i ZDNET's key takeaways The Lenovo Legion 9i is available in multiple configurations starting at $3,299.

It's a powerhouse with an 18-inch 3.8K display, excellent cooling system, and desktop-level performance.

However, the computer's heavy weight and short battery life make it less than ideal for travel. View now at Lenovo

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If I had to describe the Lenovo Legion 9i in one word, it would be absurd -- and I mean that as a compliment. This is a laptop of extremes, pushing the boundaries of what a portable computer can be. Its hardware rivals that of top-tier gaming rigs, resulting in an unmatched level of power.

Also: I'd choose this Windows gaming PC over other pro laptops for work - here's why

It's not hyperbole when I say this is the most powerful laptop I've tested in 2025. That said, it does suffer from many of the same issues as other gaming laptops have: bulkiness, power-hungry components, and an expensive starting price. Do the pros outweigh the cons, ultimately? Let's take a look.

Unmatched power

Let's start with performance, because this is where the Legion 9i outclasses the competition. My review unit housed an Intel Core Ultra 9 275HX processor, an Nvidia GeForce RTX 5080 graphics card, and 64GB of RAM. It's an elite configuration delivering staggering power. Below is a table comparing the Legion 9i to other high-power gaming laptops. A few come close, but none overtake it.