Lenovo continues to refine its Yoga line of laptops, consistently delivering well-regarded two-in-one and traditional laptop options. The model year sees the Yoga Pro 9i 16 Aura Edition positioned as a premium offering for content creators, balancing performance with portability. While not a two-in-one convertible like some of its siblings, the Pro 9i 16 represents the top end of Lenovo’s Yoga lineup, emphasizing AI features, performance, and display quality.
The Yoga Pro 9i 16 Aura Edition, currently priced at $1,950 at Lenovo, boasts a striking 16-inch, 2.8K OLED display. This display is a key selling point, offering a visually rich experience for tasks ranging from photo editing to video consumption. Coupled with a capable CPU and discrete GPU combination, the laptop aims to provide a smooth and responsive experience even under heavy workloads. Lenovo has designed the chassis to remain relatively thin and portable despite the larger screen size, a crucial factor for creators who need to work on the go.
However, the laptop isn’t without its drawbacks. Reviewers note that the overall aesthetic lacks a distinctive “aura,” and the six-speaker array produces sound that can be described as tinny and hollow. The placement of the keyboard is also described as slightly awkward. Despite these minor criticisms, the Yoga Pro 9i 16 generally receives positive feedback for its premium feel and finish.
Performance testing, using benchmarks like SPECviewperf 2020 and Blender, reveals the Yoga Pro 9i 16’s strengths and limitations. The SPECviewperf 2020 benchmark, which simulates workloads from CAD and 3D modeling software like PTC Creo, Autodesk Maya, and Dassault Systèmes SolidWorks, provides insight into workstation performance. Further testing with Blender 4.2, measuring CPU and GPU rendering times, and PugetBench extensions within Adobe Premiere Pro and DaVinci Resolve Studio 18, assesses real-world media creation speeds. Notably, the Yoga Pro 9i was unable to complete the Blender rendering test, indicating a potential bottleneck in sustained rendering performance.
PugetBench testing in Adobe Premiere Pro and DaVinci Resolve Studio 18 further highlights the laptop’s capabilities. These automated tasks push the CPU and GPU, providing a gauge of real-world media creation speeds. The results indicate that while the Yoga Pro 9i can handle photo and video editing at a respectable level, it struggles with more advanced workloads. This positions the laptop as an “entry-level” content creation machine, suitable for basic to intermediate tasks but potentially limiting for professionals requiring maximum performance.
The reviewed configuration features an Intel Core Ultra 9 285H processor, an Nvidia GeForce RTX 5050 graphics processor, 32GB of LPDDR5 memory, a 1TB solid-state drive, and a 16-inch 2,880-by-1,800-pixel 120Hz OLED touch screen running Windows 11 Home. The combination of these components delivers potent CPU performance and a stunning visual experience. However, the RTX 5050 GPU is considered an entry-grade offering, and reviewers suggest waiting for a sale to secure a more reasonable price given its performance level.
The Lenovo Yoga Pro 9i Gen 10 Aura Edition is a compelling option for content creators seeking a premium laptop with a high-quality display and strong CPU performance. However, potential buyers should carefully consider their workload requirements. For users engaged in advanced 3D rendering, complex video editing, or other demanding tasks, investing in a more powerful machine – such as the Asus ProArt P16, which currently holds an Editors’ Choice award – may prove more cost-effective in the long run, saving valuable time and resources.
Adding to the market dynamics, Lenovo announced a successor to the Gen 10 model at CES, with the Gen 11 expected to arrive in spring . This impending release suggests that the outgoing Gen 10 model will likely be discounted to clear inventory, presenting a potential opportunity for buyers to acquire the Yoga Pro 9i 16 Aura Edition at a more attractive price point.
