Windows News
Lenovo ThinkBook Plus Gen 5 Hybrid Review: A Premium 2-in-1 Experience
Lenovo continues to push the boundaries of hybrid computing with the ThinkBook Plus Gen 5 Hybrid, a device that seamlessly blends Windows productivity with Android versatility. This innovative 2-in-1 device offers a unique dual-OS experience, making it a compelling choice for professionals who need both a laptop and a tablet in one package.
Design and Build Quality
The ThinkBook Plus Gen 5 Hybrid sports a premium design with a sleek aluminum chassis that exudes professionalism. At just 1.4kg (3.08 lbs) and 15.9mm thin, it's remarkably portable for a device packing this much functionality. The hinge mechanism feels sturdy, allowing smooth transitions between laptop and tablet modes.
Key design features include:
- 14-inch 2.8K OLED touchscreen (Windows mode)
- 12-inch 2.5K OLED touchscreen (Android mode)
- Military-grade MIL-STD-810H durability
- Backlit keyboard with 1.5mm key travel
Performance and Hardware
Under the hood, the ThinkBook Plus Gen 5 Hybrid doesn't disappoint. The Windows side is powered by up to an Intel Core i7-1355U processor with Intel Iris Xe graphics, while the Android tablet features a Qualcomm Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 chipset.
Performance highlights:
- Up to 32GB LPDDR5 RAM (Windows)
- Up to 12GB LPDDR5 RAM (Android)
- Dual SSD storage (up to 1TB each)
- Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3
The device handles multitasking effortlessly, whether you're running demanding Windows applications or Android mobile apps.
Dual-OS Experience
What sets this device apart is its innovative dual-OS implementation. The ThinkBook Plus Gen 5 Hybrid isn't just another 2-in-1 - it's essentially two complete devices in one chassis.
Key aspects of the dual-OS system:
- Instant Switching: Toggle between Windows and Android with a dedicated button
- Shared Storage: Access files across both operating systems
- Cross-OS Notifications: Get alerts from both systems regardless of which is active
- Battery Optimization: The system intelligently manages power between both OS environments
Display Quality
Both displays on the ThinkBook Plus Gen 5 Hybrid are exceptional:
Windows Display (14-inch OLED)
- 2880×1800 resolution
- 100% DCI-P3 color gamut
- 400 nits brightness
- 90Hz refresh rate
Android Display (12-inch OLED)
- 2560×1600 resolution
- 100% DCI-P3 color gamut
- 600 nits peak brightness
- 120Hz refresh rate
The displays offer vibrant colors, deep blacks, and excellent viewing angles - perfect for both productivity and media consumption.
Battery Life and Charging
Battery performance is impressive for a hybrid device:
- Windows Mode: Up to 10 hours of typical usage
- Android Mode: Up to 12 hours of typical usage
- 65W fast charging support
The device uses intelligent power management to optimize battery life based on which OS is active and your usage patterns.
Connectivity and Ports
Lenovo hasn't skimped on connectivity options:
- 2x Thunderbolt 4 (USB-C)
- 1x USB-A 3.2 Gen 2
- HDMI 2.1
- 3.5mm headphone/mic combo
- MicroSD card reader (Android side)
Wireless connectivity includes Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3 for both operating systems.
Software Experience
The Windows 11 Pro installation is clean with minimal bloatware, while the Android 13 implementation is close to stock with some useful Lenovo enhancements. The ability to run full desktop applications on one side and mobile apps on the other makes this device incredibly versatile.
Who Is This For?
The ThinkBook Plus Gen 5 Hybrid is ideal for:
- Business professionals who need both PC and tablet functionality
- Creative professionals who want color-accurate displays
- Frequent travelers who value portability and versatility
- Tech enthusiasts who appreciate innovative form factors
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Innovative dual-OS implementation
- Premium build quality
- Excellent OLED displays
- Strong performance in both modes
- Good battery life
Cons:
- Expensive compared to traditional laptops
- Slightly heavier than some ultrabooks
- Limited Android app optimization for larger screen
Final Verdict
The Lenovo ThinkBook Plus Gen 5 Hybrid represents a bold step forward in hybrid computing. While not perfect, it delivers on its promise of providing two complete computing experiences in one device. For professionals who genuinely need both Windows productivity and Android mobility, this might be the ultimate 2-in-1 solution.
Rating: 4.5/5
At its premium price point, the ThinkBook Plus Gen 5 Hybrid won't be for everyone, but for those who can leverage its unique capabilities, it's one of the most innovative Windows devices we've seen in years.