Lenovo has made some huge updates to its mid-range IdeaPad Gaming 3 lineup for 2022, which includes two Intel 12th Gen- and two AMD Ryzen 6000-series models, each with a 15.6-inch and 16-inch option. Notably, the 16-inch option for the CPU of your choice has an aspect ratio of 16:10 with the option to raise up to 2560 x 1600, such as Legion 5 Pro, which is more desirable because it provides more vertical space for browsing, gaming, or whatever else you want to do on your PC. The only thing they don’t particularly enjoy is watching movies or TV shows, which are traditionally presented in an aspect ratio of 16:9.
Although both IdeaPad Gaming 3 laptops look the same across the CPU options, the specs differ in some ways internally. From Intel-based options, dubbed the IdeaPad Gaming 3i, each supports up to an Intel Core i7-12700H processor, up to Nvidia’s RTX 3060 (105W total graphics power) or the new Intel Arc discrete graphics.
As for memory, this model supports up to 32GB of DDR4 RAM at 3,200MHz and up to 1TB of PCIe NVMe M.2 storage. It supports Thunderbolt 4 in all configurations, except for the oddly equipped RTX 3060. You can get a QHD (2560 x 1440) screen at any size from 3i, with the smallest having a brightness of 350 nits, while the 16-inch screen can reach 500 nits.
:format(webp):no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/23267905/ideapadgaming3white.jpg)
For AMD-based laptops, it can be configured with up to a Ryzen 7 6800H processor, along with Nvidia’s RTX 3050 Ti (85W total graphics power). Therefore, graphics get a little less attention here. The storage mode is the same, although you can get up to 32GB of the faster 4800MHz DDR5 RAM in this mode. As I expected, its USB-C port does not support Thunderbolt 4. Switching to displays, the 15.6-inch version supports up to FHD, while the 16-inch model can support WQHD with the same display specifications as I mentioned above.
Regardless of these differences, the 15.6-inch IdeaPad Gaming 3 and 3i share identical dimensions (21.8 mm thick and weigh about 5.2 pounds). The 16-inch models are thinner in touch at 20.9 mm thick and weigh about 5.5 pounds. 15.6-inch models will be available in gray or white, while a 16-inch option is available in gray. Base 15.6-inch models include a three-cell, 45Wh battery, with the option to increase the battery to a 60Wh four-cell battery if you get more power-hungry graphics. The 16-inch model comes with a four-cell 71Whr battery.
:format(webp):no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/23267900/ideapadgaming3rear.jpg)
With these specs in mind, any configuration that appeals to you feels like a huge step forward from The 2020 model I reviewed. Even compared to Latest 2021 modelsThe newer model features more refined brands, an improved design, more processor options, better graphics, and better displays. The bigger and taller screen is one of the specs that I’m glad to see leak out of Lenovo’s most affordable Legion 5 Pro series. But all this leads to slightly higher pricing.
IdeaPad Gaming 3i 15.6-inch with Intel starts at $989.99 and launches in April. The starting price for the 16-inch model has been set at $1489.99, and Lenovo expects it to launch in June. As for the AMD-based models, the 15.6-inch model starts at $929 and is expected to launch in May, while the 16-inch IdeaPad Gaming 3 will launch in June starting at just $1,39.99.