Lenovo has quietly rolled out its latest IdeaPad Pro 5i Gen 11 laptops in North America, featuring a larger 16-inch screen and an Nvidia GeForce RTX 5050 GPU. This differs from the 14-inch, integrated graphics-only editions available in Europe and Australia. The North American models provide more powerful discrete graphics aimed at gamers and content creators.
The 14-inch IdeaPad Pro 5i without discrete graphics debuted in other regions, but Lenovo’s U.S. and Canadian versions pack the GeForce RTX 5050 with a 105W total graphics power (TGP), matching the GPU power of last year’s iteration. The more powerful RTX 5060, unveiled at CES 2026, remains exclusive to the Australian market and carries a significantly higher price tag.
Powered by Intel’s latest Core Ultra 7 356H and Core Ultra 9 386H processors, the new 16-inch IdeaPad Pro 5i’s base configuration includes:
- 32GB LPDDR5X-8533 RAM
- 1TB NVMe SSD (M.2 2242)
- 84Wh battery with 170W fast charging support
- 16-inch OLED display with 2.8K resolution, 120Hz refresh rate, and brightness up to 500 nits (SDR), 1000 nits (HDR)
The starting price is $2,449.99 in the U.S., CAD 3,399.99 in Canada, and AUD 4,399 in Australia. Higher-end configurations with the Core Ultra 9 CPU and touchscreen options are also available.
Lenovo plans to expand the lineup with models featuring the Core Ultra X9 388H processor and larger 99Wh batteries to deliver longer battery life for demanding users.
Lenovo IdeaPad Pro 5i Gen 11 features and specifications
- CPU options: Intel Core Ultra 7 356H, Core Ultra 9 386H
- GPU: Nvidia GeForce RTX 5050 with 105W TGP
- Display: 16-inch OLED, 2.8K resolution, 120Hz, up to 1000 nits HDR brightness
- Memory: 32GB LPDDR5X-8533 RAM
- Storage: 1TB NVMe SSD (M.2 2242)
- Battery: 84Wh with 170W fast charging, future models with 99Wh battery planned
- Starting price: $2,449.99 (US), CAD 3,399.99 (Canada), AUD 4,399 (Australia)
How Lenovo IdeaPad Pro 5i compares to competitors
The new IdeaPad Pro 5i Gen 11 targets users seeking a performance-focused Windows ultraportable. Its bright OLED screen and discrete RTX 5050 GPU make it a compelling alternative to mainstream devices like Dell’s XPS 15 and MSI Prestige series. Lenovo’s choice to equip the RTX 5050 at 105W aims to balance robust gaming and content creation performance with manageable thermal output and battery life.
By contrast, Apple’s MacBook Pros emphasize tightly integrated Apple Silicon chips without discrete Nvidia graphics, appealing to a different segment with a focus on power efficiency and ecosystem integration.
Challenges and outlook for Lenovo IdeaPad Pro 5i Gen 11
A key question is how well Lenovo’s North American IdeaPad Pro 5i will manage the heat and battery demands of its high-TGP RTX 5050 GPU. Additionally, the market’s reception of a bulkier 16-inch pro laptop at this price point will influence its success compared to slimmer Intel Evo-certified competitors.
The introduction of future models with more powerful CPUs and larger batteries could shift Lenovo’s balance between raw performance and portability, appealing to power users who prioritize endurance and graphical capability.