Lenovo Ideapad 520: A Comprehensive Review of its Performance and Reliability

When it comes to choosing a laptop, the Lenovo Ideapad 520 has garnered both praise and criticism. As a user who has owned this laptop for over a year, I would like to share my experience to help potential buyers make an informed decision. This review will focus on both its strengths and weaknesses, helping you to understand whether this model is the right choice for you.

Why I Own a Lenovo IdeaPad 520

I purchased a Lenovo IdeaPad 520 with the expectation of a reliable, high-performing laptop suitable for both work and entertainment. However, my experience has been less than ideal, and I have encountered several issues that made handling the laptop a real challenge. In this review, I will delve into the problems I faced and provide insights on why I ultimately do not recommend this model.

Common Issues with the Lenovo IdeaPad 520

The issues that made my experience with the laptop a nightmare include:

Screen Detachment: The screen started to detach over time, which can be a significant inconvenience and a safety hazard. Sluggish Performance: Despite upgrading the RAM to 8GB, the laptop is still very slow, especially when multiple apps are open. Reliability Issues: The laptop frequently breaks down when multiple applications are opened at once, making it unreliable for daily use. Keyboard and Backlight Issues: The keyboard stopped working properly, and the backlight function is inadequate. Poor Battery Life: Even though the battery was supposed to last for an extended period, it often needed to be plugged in during regular use.

Why You Shouldn’t Buy the Lenovo Ideapad 520

Based on my experience, here are several reasons why this laptop is not recommended:

Short lifespan: Despite being less than a year old, the working condition of the laptop drastically deteriorates. Basic Fixes Are Mocked: Problems with the laptop are not adequately addressed, leading to a frustrating user experience. Poor Build Quality: The issues mentioned above suggest that the build quality is subpar.

Positive Aspects of the Lenovo Ideapad 520

While I have had more negative than positive experiences with this model, there are a few redeeming qualities that are worth mentioning:

Display

The display is a highlight of the Lenovo Ideapad 520. It boasts an FHD resolution with an anti-glare coating, which enhances the overall viewing experience. The viewing angles are excellent, and the display quality is generally satisfactory. However, the brightness could be improved, as it often requires maximum brightness settings for clarity in outdoor environments such as on a bus.

Performance

The Lenovo Ideapad 520 features an Intel Core i5 8th generation processor and NVIDIA GeForce MX 150 4GB GDDR5 graphics, which provide solid performance. Games can be played at medium settings, and even GTA 5 can be run on high settings with acceptable frame rates. The laptop's design strikes a balance between utility and aesthetics, not looking like a gaming laptop despite its powerful components.

Battery Life and Additional Features

While the battery life is satisfactory for general use, at around 5-6 hours, it may not meet the expectations for long hours of use. The laptop includes a backlit keyboard and a fingerprint scanner for added convenience.

Conclusion

If you are looking for a laptop that can handle basic tasks and some light gaming, the Lenovo Ideapad 520 might be a good choice. However, if you have high performance and reliability expectations, or if you want a gaming laptop, this model may not meet your needs. My recommendation is to consider other options, such as the ASUS TUF Gaming Laptop, which is specifically designed for gaming and offers superior performance and durability.

Overall, the Lenovo Ideapad 520 is a mixed bag, with its pros and cons needing careful consideration. Potential buyers should weigh these factors based on their specific needs and expectations before making a purchase.