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| The new IdeaPad Pro 5i can be equipped with up to the Core Ultra X9 388H. Pictured: a promo picture showing the thin design of the laptop. |
CES 2026 has kicked off with a bang, and Lenovo is leading the charge in the premium laptop segment. The company has just unveiled a significant refresh of its popular IdeaPad Pro 5i, packing it with next-generation hardware that blurs the line between a creative workstation, a gaming rig, and an ultraportable. This isn't just a minor spec bump; it's a statement.
Targeting professionals, creators, and power users who refuse to compromise, the new IdeaPad Pro 5i’s top configuration is a true head-turner. It’s built around Intel’s newly announced Panther Lake CPU, specifically the high-performance Core Ultra X9 388H. This chip promises to deliver a significant leap in both raw power and AI-assisted efficiency.
But Lenovo didn’t stop there. For graphics-intensive tasks, users can pair that beastly CPU with NVIDIA’s GeForce RTX 5060 Laptop GPU. This combination transforms the IdeaPad Pro 5i into a versatile powerhouse, capable of rendering complex 3D models, editing high-resolution video effortlessly, and even delivering smooth, high-fidelity gaming at 1440p resolutions. It’s a true all-in-one machine for the demanding user.
A Stunning Visual Canvas
To do justice to that performance, Lenovo offers a breathtaking display option. The laptop can be configured with a 16-inch OLED panel boasting a sharp 3K+ resolution (2880 x 1800). According to Lenovo, this screen covers 100% of the DCI-P3 color gamut, ensuring vibrant, accurate colors perfect for photo and video editing. Most impressively, it carries the VESA DisplayHDR True Black 1000 certification, guaranteeing deep, inky blacks and exceptional contrast for both creative work and immersive media consumption.
Thoughtful Design Meets Practical Connectivity
Despite its robust internals, the IdeaPad Pro 5i maintains a surprisingly thin and lightweight profile. More importantly, Lenovo hasn’t sacrificed connectivity for the sake of sleekness. The port selection is comprehensive and user-friendly:
- 2 x USB 3.2 Type-A ports (for legacy accessories and peripherals)
- 2 x Thunderbolt 4 ports (for high-speed data, charging, and connecting multiple displays)
- 1 x HDMI 2.1 port
- 1 x full-size SD card reader (a boon for photographers and videographers)
- 1 x 3.5mm audio combo jack
For users looking to maximize their Thunderbolt 4 setup, a high-quality 4-foot Silkland cable is currently available on Amazon for easy connectivity solutions.
Wireless connectivity is equally future-proof, with support for the latest WiFi 7 standard and Bluetooth 5.4, ensuring fast, stable connections.
Under the Hood: Room to Grow
Lenovo has built the IdeaPad Pro 5i with longevity and upgradeability in mind. The laptop features two M.2 slots for NVMe SSDs, allowing for massive, fast storage right out of the box or easy expansion down the line. It supports up to 32GB of fast LPDDR5X RAM, and to power it all through a demanding workday, it can be equipped with a substantial 99 Wh battery—the largest allowed in carry-on luggage.
Availability and Pricing
The new Panther Lake-powered Lenovo IdeaPad Pro 5i is slated to hit the market in the second quarter of 2026. With this level of performance and premium features, the starting price is expected to be around $1,699.
This refresh positions the IdeaPad Pro 5i as a formidable contender, offering a compelling blend of cutting-edge performance, a stunning display, and practical design—a tantalizing preview of what the 2026 laptop landscape has in store.
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| Design and color options of the new IdeaPad Pro 5i |