Lenovo IdeaCentre AIO 5i 27: One-minute review

Our previous experiences with Lenovo’s all-in-one desktops from the IdeaCentre AIO 5 to Yoga A940 have all mentioned well-thought out designs with a feature rich package despite some issues. The same can be said for the Lenovo IdeaCentre AIO 5i 27. 

Everything about the all-in-one is aesthetically pleasing from first glance including the slightly sloped base featuring phone charger and silver beams holding up that gorgeous 27-inch touchscreen 1440p display. Then there’s the retractable full-HD webcam coming from the last-gen IdeaCentre AIO 5 at the top alongside JBL certified speakers underneath the display. Doesn’t matter if it’s an office space, library, classroom or home as a family computer, the IdeaCentre AIO 5i 27 is very easy to look at. 

Beyond that is an all-in-one desktop featuring a 12th gen 12 core Intel i5 with integrated UHD graphics chip, 8GB DDR5 and 512GB SSD. Depending on where potential buyers get the IdeaCentre AIO 5i 27, there are options to upgrade RAM alongside SSD storage. Regardless, the base 8GB of RAM did hold back performance during our time with the all-in-one. 

Though the configuration is enough for basic computing tasks such as web browsing and Windows Office Suite of software, that’s about it. Even when using Google Chrome, the 8GB RAM limits the amount of tabs that can be open without slowing down or flat out crashing. That doesn’t even count other issues with the desktop such as having a wanky phone charger in the base. 

Potential buyers who can get past those issues and are looking for a sub-$1,000 computer solely for general tasks may get plenty of mileage out of the Lenovo IdeaCentre AIO 5i 27. Just be ready to manage expectations after hitting that power button. 

Lenovo IdeaCentre AIO 5i 27: Price & availability

• Available now in the U.S.
• U.S. prices are $1,239.99 or $1,319.99 depending on configuration

Though the review configuration we received is valued at $1,239.99, buyers looking to get the Lenovo IdeaCentre AIO 5i 27 with a 12th-generation Intel Core i5-12500H with Intel UHD graphics, 8GB DDR5 RAM, and 512GB SSD on the manufacturer’s online store for $899.99. 

Through Lenovo’s online store, there is another option featuring a 13th-gen Intel Core i7-13700H with Iris Xe integrated graphics, 16GB DDR5 RAM, and a 512GB SSD for $1,319.99, though we've seen it marked down to $1,029.99 on Lenovo's website. 

The IdeaCentre AIO 5i 27 was available in the UK until recently, with two configurations at the lower £949 price point and a higher £1,249 configuration with both coming with 512GB SSD storage. The cheaper model featured a 12th-gen Intel Core i5-12500H and 8GB DDR5 RAM. Those who want a bit more performance can get the higher-priced configuration featuring a 13th-gen Intel Core i7-13700H and 16GB RAM. 

We've reached out to Lenovo to get clarification on future availability in the UK and will update this review if we hear back from the company. Unfortunately, there currently isn’t a way to get Lenovo's latest all-in-one in Australia.

If the operating system doesn’t necessarily matter much, it’s probably best to look into the iMac or HP Chromebase. Windows loyalists who may have deeper pockets can also look into the HP Envy 34. Regardless of what configuration one goes for though, the IdeaCentre AIO 5i 27 is a pretty decent bang-for-buck. 

• Value score: 4 / 5

Lenovo IdeaCentre AIO 5i 27: Specs

The Lenovo IdeaCentre AIO 5i 27 currently comes in two configurations in the United States. 

Lenovo IdeaCentre AIO 5i 27: Design

• The dual bar connection between the base and display is aesthetically pleasing
• There are plenty of ports
• Often times, it’s difficult to get the wireless phone charger working

The strongest attribute working in the Lenovo IdeaCentre AIO 5i 27’s favor is the design. Out of the box, the all-in-one is ready to go and the only thing that needs to be plugged in is the power. Weighing only 24 lbs, the double bar stand allows it to be easily gripped and placed. Positioning the IdeaCentre AIO 5i 27 display is pretty easy as well. The included wireless keyboard and mouse come ready to use and includes a small transmitter that easily connects to both. 

Though they won’t be making anyone’s best keyboard and mouse list, they do the job well enough. Also, the battery life for both lasts long enough to go a while before replacing batteries. When it comes to usability, the mouse is smooth and comfortable. The wireless keyboard has some media controls alongside shortcut keys for various apps like the default web browser and calculator. 

There are plenty of ports available including a handful of USB-A, two USB-C variants, one HDMI-out port, one HDMI-in port, a combo headphone/mic jack, and an ethernet port. The HDMI-in port does allow users to either plug in another desktop, laptop or even gaming console. For added measure, there’s even an input switch button above the power button in the rear.

Putting visual and audio capabilities into consideration, the IdeaCentre AIO 5i 27 could be considered one of the best in its class. The 1440p touchscreen display with its 99 Hz refresh rate features anti-glare and 350 nits. Image quality blends clarity and crisp colors that make looking at websites, creating documents and watching video a comfortable experience.

Adding to that are the JBL certified speakers that also feature Dolby Audio Premium. Due to the two 3W tweeters and single 5W woofer, audio sounds great alongside having plenty of volume. Similar to the previous generation AIO 5, a retractable HD webcam can be easily lifted from the top rear.

Even though the base features a Qi-certified wireless charger, it was difficult to actually get it working. We tried various mobile devices from iPhones to Android devices and even wireless headphone cases. It took multiple tries to start the charging process on the compatible devices.

• Design score: 4.5 / 5

Lenovo IdeaCentre AIO 5i 27: Performance

• Using simple software like Microsoft Office Suite,Spotify and Google Chrome worked without issue
• Having the lower 8GB RAM configuration can hit performance peeks if too many web browser tabs are open

As mentioned above, the Lenovo IdeaCentre AIO 5i 27 doesn’t necessarily shine in the performance sector. Having only 8GB RAM in the base configuration limits the type of task and the amount of tasks one can do at a time. 

General computing tasks like web-browsing, checking emails and watching HD video content is about all the all-in-one can do. If things get too hectic performance wise, the internal fans will get loud enough to be audible. On a good note, the high volume never hurt audio too much.

Even then, users may be limited to the amount of web browser tabs that can be opened at one time. It makes sense for these kinds of desktops to be used in libraries, schools, offices and spaces where things like Word or Powerpoint documents need to be done. Users who may be working on a college essay while playing music on Spotify in the background will find the set up sufficient. 

Don’t expect to play any visually complex games on the IdeaCentre AIO 5i 27 either. During our Civilization VI test, we were able to get around 31 fps on high settings and about 59 fps on lower settings at 1080p. 

Trying to run it at the display’s native resolution will further hurt performance too. At best, the only games that’ll run without much issue on these all-in-ones are titles like Among Us, Roblox, and Minecraft.

• Performance score: 3 / 5

Should you buy the Lenovo IdeaCentre AIO 5i 27?

Buy it if...

Don't buy it if...

Lenovo IdeaCentre AIO 5i 27: Also consider

If my Lenovo IdeaCentre AIO 5i 27 has you considering other options, here are two more all-in-one PCs to consider...

How I tested the Lenovo IdeaCentre AIO 5i 27

I tested the Lenovo IdeaCentre AIO 5i 27 over a week's time. During that period, most of my time was spent utilizing various websites through Google Chrome. Outside of emails and social media, we tried various video streaming services including YouTube. 

Though gaming isn’t a focus, some of the games played were Roblox and Minecraft. To test out the webcam, I took some photos through the camera app and Google Meet, while charging my phone using the built-in charger in the base.

In addition, I ran TechRadar's standard suite of benchmarks to measure performance.

Read more about how we test

First reviewed June 2023

Google Chrome needs no introduction. For many of us, Google Chrome was our first browser. Credit to its simplicity and exceptionally high uptime, Chrome remains the #1 browser in searches, user base, integrations, and more.

As per its last report, Google's average uptime is 99.9%, which is around 8.77 hours of downtime per year. Ask yourself: how often have you seen Chrome down?

If you’re looking for an all-in-one browser that’s fast, secure, and easy to use, Chrome could be the best web browser for you. Read on for more details.

Google Chrome: Features

Google Chrome offers a built-in password manager that automatically asks if you want to save your passwords and then later offers to autofill when you log back in. While you might need to pay a third party for this service with other browsers, Google does it for free.

Its dark mode is perfect for night owls. If you don't want the pertinent blue light to hurt your eyes, this feature is for you. Google also lets you experiment with many other artistic themes along with the default and dark themes.

The Chrome browser is automatically integrated with other Google products such as Google Drive, Google Sheets, and Google Docs. If you look up something on the browser, all your files containing that keyword will pop up in the suggestions.

Tab management is a cakewalk with Google Chrome. To increase your productivity, Google lets you open and manage multiple tabs at once. You can also group tabs with similar topics so that you keep track of all of them in the crowd. 

The best feature of Google’s tab management is that it lets you pin tabs that you use frequently. This way, the pinned tab or website will open automatically, saving you the hassle of starting the process from the beginning.

Managing your other Google accounts is also quite easy. All you have to do is click on your profile picture in the top-right corner, and it’ll roll down a list of your other Google accounts. Having separate accounts is a great way to keep your professional and personal life apart.

Google analyzes your searches to see what exactly you’re interested in. This data is then used to create a personalized news feed for you on your mobile. 

For example, you might have noticed that if you research a new college course, all details regarding the best colleges and upcoming exam dates will pop up in your news feed — that’s Google Chrome’s doing.

Adding extensions like Google Translate or Google Keep (a tool that lets you save things in a click) further adds to its functionality.

Google Chrome: Privacy

Google Chrome has a built-in security system that protects you from malware and viruses even before they reach your device. It also uses high-level encryption to keep your data safe, especially during transit through emails.

However, despite all these claims of security and privacy, Chrome has often been accused of selling personal user data. Sure, almost every other browser does it, but Chrome does it more than anyone else. In fact, Google had many long-running consumer privacy lawsuits filed against it. One was settled just last year for a whopping $85 million.

So if you’re looking for a truly secure and private browser, you're much better off with Tor, Firefox, or Bravo.

Google Chrome: Ease of use

Google Chrome is undoubtedly an easy-to-use browser, at least on a basic level. Your first and most basic interaction with Chrome would be to look up things on the internet. Just open the app and type in your query in the search box located right in the center — it's impossible to miss it.

Next, you can access other Google apps via Chrome. Pretty straightforward again, Click on the dotted square next to your profile picture. All Google apps, such as YouTube, Drive, Contacts, Photos, Google Meet, etc., will pop right up. It won't take you long to learn your way around the app.

Google Chrome: Competitors

Google Chrome remains the number one choice of many users due to its wide availability. Unlike Opera or Firefox, a majority of devices and operating systems have Chrome as their default browser. 

Google’s number one competitor these days is Microsoft Edge. Sure, Edge's market share is far below Chrome, but it has a few points over Chrome with its tab management feature that lets you stack them vertically. Chrome, on the other hand, has only one option, and that’s to line them up horizontally.

Another benefit of using Edge is its unique feature for readers called “Immersive Reader.” Here, Edge transforms the page you’re reading into an ebook format for a better experience. Unfortunately, Chrome has no similar feature.

However, on the flip side, Chrome is faster at pushing out updates and fixing vulnerabilities with security patches. Edge does it, too, but it's certainly not as fast as Chrome.

Also, Chrome’s extension store is much better than Edge, or any other browser. You have 150,000+ options that are easy to add and will drastically improve your experience.

Google Chrome: Final verdict

Google Chrome is the most popular browser in the world. Of the billion online searches happening every month, Google Chrome claims more than 93% of it. So it's needless to say that Chrome is certainly a reliable and worthy browser that should surely win you over. 

Also, you won't have to go through too much trouble to get started with Chrome. The interface is quite simple, and while it offers enough options to maximize your experience, it doesn’t demand technical adeptness.

Once you settle in, have all your documents saved in the drive, upload your passwords to the password manager, and get your Gmail account — Chrome will offer an integrated experience and ecosystem that you’ll never want to leave.

Try secure private browsing with the best VPN service.