Lenovo IdeaPad 3 Versus IdeaPad 5 – (2023 Review)

The IdeaPad series remained the most successful laptop series of Lenovo Inc. The IdeaPad series includes a vast number of laptops such as IdeaPad 3, IdeaPad 5, IdeaPad gaming, IdeaPad Flex, IdeaPad pro, and so on. But among these, the two most famous editions are the IdeaPad 5 and IdeaPad 3 laptops

. These are the most sold variants of IdeaPad series laptops. Therefore, today we’ve brought an in-depth guide about the Lenovo IdeaPad 3 versus IdeaPad 5.

In this article, we’ve listed the (A to Z) features, specs, advantages, and disadvantages of both laptops thoroughly. Afterward, we shared our laptop expert’s review of these two laptops. Which laptop you should buy? Which laptop is best for what sort of purposes and so on.

Moreover, at last, we’ve also shared a FAQ section, where we’ve answered some of the most common questions regarding the Lenovo IdeaPad 3 versus IdeaPad 5 laptops.

So, without taking much time, let’s get straight to the point!

Lenovo IdeaPad 3 Versus IdeaPad 5 – Buy today or regret later?

The IdeaPad series laptops were introduced back in 2014, but after the increase in its popularity, Lenovo continued the series and introduced further variants and models including the IdeaPad 5 and IdeaPad 3.

These two laptops have been manufactured especially for creators and professionals, students, and office employees. These two laptops come in different variants which we’re going to discuss deeply in the head.

First of all, let’s check the specs and features of both laptops individually thoroughly. After this comparison, we’ve got a review of our laptop experts, and what they think about these two laptops.

Lenovo Ideapad 3 Design:  

For many people, looks only matter so much — we might even settle for “functional” over “fashionable.” But with the Lenovo IdeaPad 3, you’re getting a solid mix of both worlds. It’s not the most stunning laptop on the market, but it doesn’t look cheap or outdated, either.

The all-black matte design is understated and professional, with a few subtle details (like the Lenovo logo) that give it a bit of personality.

The Ideapad 3 is also relatively lightweight and thin for a budget laptop, making it easy to carry around. The IdeaPad 3 laptop comes in three different designs because it comes in three display variants. It comes with a 13-inch display, a 15.3-inch display, and a 17-inch display.

And therefore in exterior as well, the Lenovo IdeaPad 3 comes in three different designs and styles. And due to different sizes, the laptops also come in three different weights, where the 13-inch is the lightest and the 17-inch IdeaPad is the heaviest.

Lenovo IdeaPad 5 Design:

Similar to IdeaPad 3 the IdeaPad 5 also comes in multiple versions. But there are two most sold versions of this laptop. The IdeaPad 5 15-inch laptop and the 17-inch laptop. These two are the considerable versions of the IdeaPad laptop.

In terms of design, the Lenovo IdeaPad 3 versus IdeaPad 5, both laptops have stunning designs. But overall, most people like the IdeaPad 5 because it also comes in a blue color, which is my favorite among the IdeaPads.

Moreover, both laptops have two Lenovo logos almost at the same position. The first logo is at the backside of the laptop on one side in a vertical position. And when you open the laptop you get the second logo beside the touchpad, with perfect placement and feel. 

Moreover, both laptops are foldable up to 180 degrees, which is a plus point for homes with children, because, if you work on a laptop usually children fold the display of the laptop, which breaks them, so if you live anywhere with children, these two laptops are at the safe spot in that situation.

Lenovo IdeaPad 3 Processor: 

The Ideapad 3 comes in two different variants in terms of processor. One version comes with Intel processors and the next version comes with AMD processors as per the requirements of the buyer.

First of all, in Intel processor, the laptop is available in Intel Core i5 and Intel Core i7 versions. Both these processors come with the latest Generations every year.

This year the Lenovo IdeaPad 3 comes with an 11th Gen processor, which is the fastest currently, moreover next or in later years, you will get the 12th Gen of these processors. In short, talking about the Intel processors, the generations of these processors are going to improve every year.

Moreover, as for the AMD version of the IdeaPad 3 laptop. It comes in AMD Ryzen R7-4700U processor, AMD Ryzen 7 4700U, or other versions depending upon the display of the laptop.

Both Lenovo IdeaPad 3 versus IdeaPad 5 laptops use some of the latest and most powerful CPUs on the market. That means it can handle pretty much anything you throw at it, from basic computing tasks to more intensive jobs like video editing or gaming.

Lenovo IdeaPad 5 Processor:

The IdeaPad 5 uses two types of processors in its laptops. The Intel and AMD processors. Just like the Ideapad 3, the Lenovo IdeaPad 5 also has the Intel Core i5 and i7 processor with the latest generation processors. Currently, the Ideapad 5 comes with the latest 11th Gen processors, and with the release of next-gen processors, IdeaPads will also upgrade.

Moreover, talking about the AMD processors, the IdeaPad 5 comes with AMD AMD Ryzen 7 4800U processor and AMD Ryzen 7 5400U processor. The processors in both laptops are more than enough for any sort of gaming, office work, or software such as Autodesk Inventor.

Graphics and Display in IdeaPad 3:

In terms of graphics, the IdeaPad laptops aren’t gaming laptops. Lenovo manufactured another series for gamers by the name of Legion laptops which are specifically for gamers. So, in terms of graphics, the IdeaPad 3 comes with AMD Radeon Graphics,

and AMD Integrated Graphics with an AMD processor.

Moreover, Intel graphics are concerned that Intel Iris graphics are used in those IdeaPad 3 laptops, which have Intel processors. 

So, those laptops which have Intel processors, should also have Intel graphics options and so on.

For display the laptops come with an FHD IPS display for clear and sharp visuals, both the 14-inch and 17-inch variants of the IdeaPad 3 come with an IPS display option.

Besides, the resolution ranges from 1600 x 900 to 1920 x 1080. So, if you want to check the display resolution of each product, you can check them on the Amazon store by visiting our links.

Graphics and Display in IdeaPad 5:

The graphics in the IdeaPad 5 series laptop comes with a bit different one. The IdeaPad 5 laptops come with AMD integrated graphics option, along with Intel Iris graphics. But it also comes with the NVIDIA MX450 graphics which are a bit more powerful.

In terms of graphics, there are not many differences between the Lenovo IdeaPad 3 versus IdeaPad 5 laptops. But in display resolution, both laptops differ a lot and the IdeaPad 5 laptops come with better graphics options.

IdeaPad 5 laptops come with (1920 x 1080) IPS, 300 nits, sRGB 100% (Metal only)

(1920 x 1080) IPS, 300 nits, 45% NTSC, (1920 x 1080) IPS, 300 nits, 45% NTSC, on-cell Touch, and (1920 x 1080) TN, 250 nits, 45% NTSC (Polymer only).

Lenovo IdeaPad 5 comes with more protection for the eyes. So, if you’re someone who works a lot on laptop computers, you should consider a laptop that has eye protection technology such as IdeaPad 5.

IdeaPad 3 RAM and storage:

The RAM used in IdeaPad laptops varies. Mostly they contain 8 GB of RAM up to 12GB of RAM. More specifically the Intel variants IdeaPads come with 12GB of RAM and the AMD version IdeaPad 3 laptops come with 8 GB of RAM. 

But this might also change with the new models that are released every year. However, the point is that the IdeaPad laptops come with a maximum of 12GB of DDR4 RAM currently, and in the upcoming models they might increase it.

Moreover, the storage option is vast in the IdeaPad. The IdeaPad 3 versus IdeaPad 5 have big differences in storage options. The IdeaPad 3 laptop comes in 1TB HDD, 1TB HDD+125GB SSD, 125GB SSD, 256GB SSD, 500HHD+256GB SSD, 512GB HDD, etc.

Additionally, you can customize the storage option as per your requirements too.

IdeaPad 5 RAM and storage:

The IdeaPad 5 has a bit longer range in terms of RAM. The IdeaPad 5 comes with a maximum of 16GB of RAM, but you can also buy the 12GB and 8GB variants of this laptop. But mostly the new models of this laptop come with 16GB and 12GB of RAM.

The 8GB of RAM is used in the lower versions of the IdeaPad series. This means that in terms of RAM, the IdeaPad 5 is much stronger than IdeaPad 3 laptops.

Moreover, talking about the storage options, it comes with different variants but not as different as the IdeaPad 3. The IdeaPad 5 comes with 1TB of SSD or 1TB of HHD with 256GB of SSD.

However, the earlier models such as 2020, and 2021, have other combinations too. Like the 2021 model comes with 512GB of SSD or 1TB of HHD, almost in the same price range. Hence you won’t see many differences in the storage options of the IdeaPad 5 laptops. 

Ports and slots in IdeaPad 3 laptops:

The IdeaPad 3 doesn’t come with much variety of ports and connectivity options. This laptop comes with 3 x USB 3.1 , USB 2.0, HDMI 1.4b, SD card reader. There isn’t much variety in the ports, but now in the last two versions, the ports have been improved and increased.

Before, the IdeaPad 3 used to come with 2 USB 3 ports, however, in the new models you see an additional port on the side of the laptop. It makes sense that the laptop is still sold well.

Ports and slots in IdeaPad 5 laptops:

The IdeaPad 5 has a bit more options for connectivity. The IdeaPad 5 comes with 2 x USB-A 3.1 Gen 1, 1 x Type-C™ USB 3.1 Gen 1⁸ + PD 3.0 + DisplayPort™ 1.2⁹, USB-C Gen 1 (power delivery, display port), HDMI 1.4b, SD card reader, Headphone/mic combo, and Metal version Type C only (no round DC-in port).

So coming towards the Lenovo IdeaPad 3 versus IdeaPad 5 laptop, the IdeaPad 5 variant comes with a lot more options for connectivity. But the good thing is that even the IdeaPad 3 has sufficient ports and requirements that anyone needs daily.

Battery backup, and weight of IdeaPad 3:

In terms of weight as well, there isn’t much difference. The IdeaPad 3 14-inch laptops come with a net weight of 3.6lbs/1.6kg and increase with the increase in the size of the laptop and the difference of model.

Besides, the IdeaPad 3 17-inch laptop variant comes with an overall weight of  2.45kg / 5.40 lbs. And it’s obvious that bigger laptops have bigger weights. But comparing with the IdeaPad 5 versus Ideapad 3 laptops. The 3 variants are a bit thicker and heavier.

Moreover, as the battery life is concerned, the latest version of Ideapad 3 laptops comes with an average battery time of 13 hours. For the maximum capacity, the battery life can last up to 15 hours, and on intense gaming and software, the Ideapad 3 laptop can also last up to 9 hours maximum.

Battery backup and weight of IdeaPad 5:

The Lenovo Ideapad 5 laptops have much more battery backup timing with lighter weight. The IdeaPad 5 laptops use different brands of batteries. The MobileMark battery comes with almost 13 hours of battery timing. 

And other variants which use the upgraded battery can have up to 17 hours of battery life on 1080 video streaming. This means that if you play graphics-intensive video games on these laptops you’ll have an average of 12 hours of battery life, which is more than the IdeaPad 3 laptop.

As per the weight of the IdeaPad 5 laptops, these laptops come with starting weight of 1.66kg /3.66 lbs in 15-inch editions. Whereas the 17-inch variant of IdeaPad 5 laptops has a starting weight of 4.1 pounds which is relatively lighter than the 17-inch IdeaPad 3 laptops.

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Expert’s Thoughts:

When it comes to comparing the Lenovo IdeaPad 3 versus IdeaPad 5, you will see a great difference between both laptops, and at the same time, you’ll see many things similar in both laptops.

Taking from its price to its primary components, the IdeaPad 5 is more expensive and has better specs. This is because Ideapad 3 was introduced for the usual utilizations such as for home use, and students, etc.

But the IdeaPad 5 laptops are specifically for office, and professional use. 

Additionally, it depends upon your budget too. If you want something cheap and more affordable, then the IdeaPad 3 laptop is a better laptop.

On the other hand, if you want an affordable laptop with a difference of  $200 up to $400, then the Ideapad 5 is a good option.

FAQs:

Lenovo IdeaPad 3 versus Ideapad 5 – final suggestion?

There isn’t much difference between these two variants. The two big differences that divide both laptops are the battery life and the display. Except for these two specs, both laptops have almost the same specs and features.

Are these laptops suitable for gaming?

Well, if you play mid-range video games such as Bayonetta, or Darksiders on these laptops it’s okay. But for graphics-intensive games, the laptops aren’t suitable due to the less powerful graphics options.

What are the available color varieties?

Well, there are currently three colors including Black, Navy blue, and dark silver. But most versions come in dark silver color and the navy blue color is a bit rare in the IdeaPad 3 edition.