Lenovo has updated its mid-range IdeaPad Gaming 3 lineup for 2022, with two Intel 12th Gen and two AMD Ryzen 6000-series devices available in 15.6-inch and 16-inch configurations. Notably, the 16-inch option for either CPU features a 16:10 aspect ratio display with an optional 2560 x 1600 resolution, identical to the Legion 5 Pro, which is more desirable because it provides more vertical area for reading, gaming, or whatever else you want to do on a PC. They're not ideal for watching movies or television programs, which are often presented in a 16:9 aspect ratio.
Lenovo IdeaPad Gaming 3 Laptop-Budgret-friendly Option
Despite the fact that each of these IdeaPad Gaming 3 laptops looks identical regardless of the CPU option, the interior specifications vary slightly. The Intel-based solutions, dubbed IdeaPad Gaming 3i, enable up to an Intel Core i7-12700H processor and up to an Nvidia RTX 3060 (105W total graphics power) or Intel's new Arc discrete graphics.
This variant supports up to 32GB DDR4 3,200MHz RAM and up to 1TB PCIe NVMe M.2 storage. It supports Thunderbolt 4 in all configurations, with the notable exception of the RTX 3060-equipped model. You can get the QHD (2560 x 1440) resolution display on either side of the 3i, with the smaller screen reaching 350 nits of brightness and the larger screen reaching 500 nits.
Ryzen 7 6800H processor + Nvidia's RTX 3050 Ti
AMD-based laptops that are tweaked together with Ryzen 7 6800H processor as well as Nvidia's 80-watt RTX 3050 Ti graphics card. As a result, the graphics receive less attention here. The storage options are identical, however, this one supports up to a staggering 32GB of the more rapid DDR5 4,800MHz RAM. As you may assume, the USB-C port on this device does not support Thunderbolt 4. In terms of screen resolution, the 15.6-inch model supports up to FHD, while the 16-inch model can support WQHD resolution with the same display capabilities as the 15.6-inch model.
Apart from these distinctions, the 15.6-inch IdeaPad Gaming 3 and 3i are similar in size (21.8mm-thick, weighing about 5.2 pounds). The 16-inch variants are slightly thinner (20.9mm) and weigh approximately 5.5 pounds. The 15.6-inch variants will be available in either grey or white, while the 16-inch model will only be available in grey. The 15.6-inch model comes standard with a 45Wh three-cell battery, but you can upgrade to a 60Wh four-cell battery if you opt for more power-hungry graphics. The 16-inch size can accommodate a four-cell battery with a capacity of 71Wh.
Budget-friendly 16:10 aspect ratio laptop
With these specifications in mind, any option that appeals to you appears to be a significant improvement over the 2020 model that has been evaluated. Even in comparison to the newer 2021 versions, the newer model features more unobtrusive branding, a refined appearance, additional CPU options, improved graphics, and improved screens. A bigger display is definitely something that we all welcome seeing compared to Lenovo's more expensive Legion 5 Pro line. However, it all adds up to a modest price increase.
The 15.6-inch IdeaPad Gaming 3i with Intel will be available in April for a suggested retail price of $989.99. Lenovo hopes to sell the 16-inch variant in June at a starting price of $1,489.99. With regards to the AMD-based devices, the 15.6-inch IdeaPad Gaming 3 will begin at $929 and will be available in May, while the 16-inch IdeaPad Gaming 3 will begin at $1,139.99 in June. For more information, head over to Lenovo's official website.
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