Lenovo’s LOQ series has long focused on delivering quality gaming experiences to first-time gamers at an accessible price. The 2024 Lenovo LOQ 15IRX9, priced at ₹75,000 onwards segment, brings this vision to life with an Intel Core i5-13450HX processor, Nvidia GeForce RTX 3050 GPU, 16GB of RAM, and a 500GB SSD. While it makes some compromises, this budget gaming laptop stands out for offering good gaming capabilities without flashy extras, making it ideal for both gaming and casual professional settings.
Design and Build
Encased in a Luna Gray plastic body, the Lenovo LOQ 15 has a minimalistic, modern look that deviates from stereotypical gaming laptop aesthetics. While the plastic construction is noticeable, the laptop feels robust with minimal flex, and its 2.38 kg weight is manageable for a gaming device. The lid’s 180-degree hinge adds to its versatility, making it ideal for work or content-sharing. Although it lacks the colorful LED accents typically associated with gaming laptops, the understated design is a plus for users who prefer a low-profile look suited to professional use.
Display and Input Experience
Opening the lid reveals a 15.6-inch Full HD display with a 144Hz refresh rate and 300 nits of brightness, delivering a smooth and vibrant visual experience. The 180-degree hinge enhances usability by providing flexible viewing angles—a valuable feature in shared workspaces.
The keyboard, which includes a full-sized numeric pad, chiclet keys, and 4-zone RGB backlighting, reflects Lenovo’s well-regarded ThinkPad layout. The concave keys offer satisfying feedback, though some users may miss the per-key RGB customization found on higher-end models. Overall, the input experience is comfortable, and the trackpad provides a clear pressure point for accurate navigation.
Connectivity and Ports
The Lenovo LOQ 15 offers a well-rounded selection of ports, though it omits newer standards like Thunderbolt 4. Users get three USB-A ports, a USB-C port with 10Gbps speed and Power Delivery support, HDMI 2.1 for high-resolution displays, an Ethernet port, and a 3.5mm audio jack. Most of the ports are located at the back, helping maintain a clutter-free look on the laptop’s sides—a welcome design for those who prioritize cable management. The 1080p webcam is decent and offers privacy through a software-based switch located on the laptop’s right side.
Performance and Battery Life
Powered by an Intel Core i5-13450HX and RTX 3050 GPU, the Lenovo LOQ 15 delivers respectable mid-range performance for gaming and general tasks. Benchmarks confirm this with a solid 6,001 points in 3DMark Time Spy and 6,517 in PCMark 10, indicating smooth handling of both gaming and productivity workloads. For moderate gaming and multitasking, the 16GB DDR5 RAM and PCIe 4 SSD work seamlessly to maintain speed and reduce loading times. However, the 60Wh battery falls short of extended unplugged use, delivering around 3-4 hours with moderate gaming and productivity tasks.
Verdict
The Lenovo LOQ 15IRX9 offers a great entry-level gaming experience, especially for those looking to enjoy FHD gaming at a reasonable price. While it doesn’t boast premium build materials or extensive RGB customization, it excels in delivering essential gaming power in an understated, versatile package. At ₹72,491, it stands as an ideal budget-friendly choice for gamers who value performance over flashiness and want a laptop suitable for both work and play.
