Positioned between Lenovo’s professional-oriented IdeaPad series and the high-performance Legion lineup, the LOQ from Lenovo seamlessly bridges the gap in the market. This laptop caters specifically to budget-conscious gamers who yearn for commendable gaming performance without breaking the bank. While the IdeaPad series emphasizes professional use, and the Legion series targets high-octane gaming, the LOQ carves its niche by offering a sweet spot for gamers seeking a robust gaming experience at an affordable price point.
Display and Design
Lenovo’s reputation for remarkable displays in their price segments remains unchallenged with the LOQ 15IRH8. Despite its status as an entry-level gaming laptop, it flaunts a 15.6-inch WQHD (2560×1440) LCD IPS display with an impressive 165 Hz refresh rate. While lacking the flashy RGB logos or illuminated vents, it compensates with a much-needed dash of vibrancy through its RGB keyboard backlighting.
Specs that Matter
Beneath its unassuming exterior resides a robust configuration featuring an Intel Core i7-13620H processor flaunting 10 cores, a Nvidia GeForce RTX 4060 GPU with 8GB VRAM, 16GB DDR5 5200 RAM, and a 512GB M.2 SSD (expandable to 1TB). The inclusion of a full-HD webcam with an e-shutter underscores the attention to user privacy. Connectivity isn’t an issue with an array of ports: 1x HDMI 2.0, 2x USB-C 3.2, 1x USB-A 3.2, 3.5mm audio combo jack, and Ethernet, catering to the demands of gaming peripherals and accessories.
Performance
For casual gamers, the Lenovo LOQ 15IRH8 delivers ample firepower to smoothly run modern AAA titles, although maxing out settings might not always be feasible. The review unit, featuring a 13th Gen Intel Core i7 processor, Nvidia GeForce RTX 4060 GPU, 16GB DDR5-5200 RAM, and an M.2 512GB SSD, underwent rigorous usage and testing, including the 3D Marks benchmark. During 3D Marks testing, the laptop achieved a Time Spy score of 9500, showcasing its prowess in handling demanding graphical workloads. This score reflects a solid performance for a machine equipped with these specifications, indicating its capability to tackle graphically intensive tasks without significant stuttering or lag.
Beyond gaming, the Lenovo LOQ 15IRH8 effortlessly manages everyday tasks. From multitasking on spreadsheet to video editing on OpenShot and word processing, it sails through these activities with remarkable ease.
The Lenovo Vantage app offers granular controls over the system’s performance, enabling users to overclock the CPU and GPU, albeit at the expense of battery life. This feature caters to gaming enthusiasts eager to explore system-level tweaking for enhanced performance. However, the laptop’s 2W speakers fall short of complementing its impressive performance, nudging users towards external audio devices for an enhanced gaming experience.
Battery Endurance
The blend of the Intel Core i7 H-series processor and RTX 4060 GPU ensures a quality gaming experience. Predictably, intensive gaming sessions drain the battery quickly, lasting around 45 minutes. To maintain peak performance, remaining plugged into a power outlet proves essential, allowing the cooling system to operate optimally.
Outside of gaming, the laptop sustains itself for approximately four hours, offering decent utility for daily tasks. Lenovo’s Rapid Charge feature replenishes the battery to nearly 80% within an hour, minimizing downtime.
Verdict: A Balanced Performer
Priced at INR 1.38 lakhs, the Lenovo LOQ 15IRH8 shines brightly among affordable gaming laptops, offering a commendable price-to-performance ratio. Its sturdy build, coupled with top-tier processing power, a robust GPU, and an impressive display, makes it an enticing option for gamers seeking a solid 1080p experience at 60 FPS without breaking the bank. In conclusion, the Lenovo LOQ 15IRH8 stands testament to Lenovo’s prowess in crafting capable machines without exorbitant costs. For gamers seeking a balance between performance and affordability, this laptop deserves serious consideration.
