Starting at $1,439.99 at Lenovo.com
As a Marketing Manager and part-time podcaster, evaluating devices that support a diverse workflow is a regular task. The arrival of the Lenovo Yoga 9i 2-in-1 Aura Edition prompted an assessment of its capabilities. The external design maintains consistency with its predecessor; its chassis dimensions, port placement, and overall aesthetic are largely unchanged. The tactile experience, from the smooth, rounded edges that characterize the Yoga series to the device’s distributed weight, remains similar to the prior generation. This suggests a design approach that focuses on refining existing successful elements rather than significant external alteration, a common strategy in mature product lines.
Despite the familiar exterior, the internal updates and software optimizations categorized under this “Aura Edition” present a notable refinement. This iteration includes advancements in both hardware components and integrated software features intended to enhance overall functionality, which is a key consideration for users with demanding performance and versatile usability requirements across professional and creative tasks.
The Powerhouse Within: Intel Core Ultra & AI
A primary change in this iteration is the integration of the Intel Core Ultra (Series 2) Evo Edition processors with Intel Arc graphics. In a Marketing Manager role, the daily workflow often involves balancing numerous browser tabs for market research and analytics, concurrent operation of creative applications like Canva and Adobe Express for content development, and multiple video conferencing tools for team and client meetings. While previous generations offered adequate performance for many of these tasks, the Core Ultra 7 258V processor exhibits improved responsiveness across typical multitasking scenarios. Specifically, tasks such as loading large, graphic-intensive presentations or simultaneously exporting processed audio files for podcast production now execute with less noticeable interruption or delay. This improved fluidity aims to reduce minor yet cumulative delays in daily operations, potentially contributing to a more seamless user experience during intensive work periods.
Intel’s strategic focus on AI experiences with these processors is evident. The inclusion of an enhanced NPU 4.0 AI Engine, capable of up to 47 TOPS (Tera Operations Per Second), and an improved Xe2 architecture for the integrated Intel Arc GPU, signifies a dedicated hardware foundation for AI processing. This architecture indicates the Yoga 9i’s capacity for AI-accelerated workloads, which are increasingly relevant in current computing environments, moving beyond traditional CPU/GPU-centric tasks. The inclusion of Microsoft Copilot+ with this silicon further integrates AI capabilities directly into the Windows operating system. The dedicated Windows Copilot key on the keyboard aims to facilitate immediate AI interaction within the Windows environment, providing a direct access point to AI-powered functionalities.
Specific features demonstrate these integrated AI capabilities: Cocreator enables the generation of initial art concepts from abstract ideas or visual concepts directly on the laptop. This process leverages local small language models, allowing for on-device processing. This can potentially offer faster iterations and a more private workflow for sensitive or proprietary design ideas, which is pertinent for marketing content development requiring rapid prototyping of visuals. For video conferencing, Studio Effects, processed efficiently on the NPU, offer features designed to improve visual presentation. These include automatic framing, which keeps the speaker centered in the camera view, and sophisticated background blur options, accessible conveniently via the Taskbar. These effects aim to improve visual presentation during remote interactions, enhancing perceived professionalism in virtual meetings. Live Captions provide real-time transcription and translation capabilities for audio content, supporting instant conversion of up to 44 languages to English. This feature can be beneficial for quickly generating podcast notes, accurately capturing meeting minutes, or efficiently processing global marketing trend content presented in various languages. The upcoming “Recall” feature, described as a local index of snapshots of daily Windows activities, is designed to assist in retrieving past information or actions. While not yet available, its potential utility for recalling details from previously viewed documents, websites, or applications could support information retrieval.
Beyond the AI capabilities, the Core Ultra processors are designed for efficiency within thin and powerful laptop form factors. The system’s responsiveness is presented as consistent across a variety of tasks, from routine browsing to more demanding application use. Support for advanced connectivity standards including Thunderbolt 4, Wi-Fi 7, and Bluetooth 5.4 aims to provide efficient data transfers and stable, low-latency wireless connections. Thunderbolt 4 offers high-bandwidth connectivity for external devices like 4K monitors or external SSDs, beneficial for large file management. Wi-Fi 7 provides enhanced wireless speeds and reduced latency, which is crucial for cloud-based collaborations and high-resolution streaming. Bluetooth 5.4 ensures robust connections with peripherals. These connectivity options can be beneficial for uploading large audio files for podcast distribution, connecting multiple external monitors for a comprehensive workspace, or collaborating seamlessly on cloud documents during active project phases.
A Feast for the Eyes and Ears: Display and Sound
The 14-inch PureSight OLED display offers a visual experience characterized by high resolution and color fidelity. With a 2.8K (2880×1800) resolution, a 120Hz refresh rate, and 100% DCI-P3 color gamut, the display properties indicate a capacity for vibrant and accurate color reproduction. Lenovo provides configurations with either a 60Hz or 120Hz panel. The higher refresh rate is intended to provide smoother visual performance, particularly noticeable during rapid screen updates such as scrolling through lengthy marketing reports, navigating complex design software interfaces, or scrubbing through video timelines for podcast editing. For marketing creatives and podcast video editing, color accuracy is a key consideration to ensure consistent brand representation and visual quality. Both panel options offer 100% DCI-P3, a professional color standard, which aims for consistent and accurate color reproduction across digital assets, from website graphics to video thumbnails. Display characteristics include up to 1,100 nits (HDR Peak) brightness on the 2.8K panel and DisplayHDRâ„¢ True Black 1000 certification, designed to deliver high contrast ratios and deep black levels, enhancing visual depth and detail in HDR content. The OLED panel is also Eyesafe® Certified 2.0, indicating it emits reduced levels of harmful blue light, which is intended to mitigate eye strain during extended viewing sessions.
The 360-degree rotating soundbar, a feature carried over from the previous Yoga 9i generation, remains a distinct design element. Its primary function is to allow for audio projection independent of the device’s orientation, aiming to ensure consistent sound delivery whether the laptop is used in standard laptop mode, tent mode for viewing, or tablet mode. The soundbar includes two 2-watt tweeters for high-frequency sound, complemented by two additional 2-watt woofers located on the bottom corners of the device for bass response. These speakers are optimized with Dolby Atmos technology for audio performance. The system is designed to provide improved bass extension, delivering more depth to audio, and increased speaker volume through the tweeters, aiming for clearer dialogue and more expansive soundscapes. For podcast production, accurate and detailed audio output during playback is relevant for review and editing processes. The included Dolby Access app allows for adjustment of Dolby Atmos and Dolby Vision settings. Users can select automated content-based profiles (e.g., for movies, music, or gaming) or customize their own audio profiles. The dedicated Audio Profile Quick Key on the keyboard facilitates quick toggling between these sound profiles, allowing for rapid adaptation to different media types or listening preferences.
Designed for My Dynamic Life: Versatility and Productivity
The 2-in-1 design with its durable 360-degree hinge offers versatility in workflows for professional and creative tasks. In a Marketing Manager role, the device can transition between traditional laptop mode for extensive typing and document creation, tent mode for presenting concepts to colleagues or viewing training content without keyboard obstruction, and tablet mode for digital markup of client feedback on PDFs or sketching preliminary website layouts with the Lenovo Yoga Pen. This adaptable form factor aims to support a range of professional activities within a single device.
To be honest, I’ve not once used the “tent” mode on any of these convertible laptops. Who is doing this routinely?
The magnetic Lenovo Yoga Pen is a supported input device for digital ink tasks such as note-taking during meetings, sketching ideas for campaigns, or annotating documents. It charges conveniently via a USB-C port on its back, a common charging standard, and attaches magnetically to the top cover of the Yoga 9i 2-in-1 for storage and accessibility.
As a marketing professional, the pen offers several practical use cases that leverage the 2-in-1 form factor and the touch display. For example, in Microsoft OneNote, the pen facilitates free-form note-taking during brainstorming sessions or client calls, allowing for quick diagrams, handwritten annotations directly next to typed text, or the integration of rough sketches for campaign ideas. This contrasts with traditional mouse-and-keyboard input, offering a more natural and immediate way to capture fluid thoughts. When reviewing marketing collateral or presentations, the pen can be used for direct markups in PowerPoint. This includes circling key points, highlighting areas for revision, or adding handwritten comments on slides during team reviews. Such direct annotation can streamline feedback cycles compared to typed comments that might require more navigation. In image editing software like Adobe Photoshop, the pen can be utilized for precise selections, mask refinements, or subtle retouching tasks that benefit from the fine control a stylus provides over a mouse. This is particularly useful for intricate design work on marketing visuals or for detailed adjustments to podcast cover art. The tactile feel and precision of the pen contribute to a more intuitive interaction with creative applications.
The edge-to-edge keyboard features Quick Keys on the right side. The keyboard layout utilizes nearly the full width of the device, providing a broad typing area. Keys incorporate a “soft-landing” switch with 1.5mm key travel, designed to offer a precise and comfortable typing experience. The Quick Keys provide direct access to specific functions intended to enhance efficiency:
- Smart Power: Allows adjustment of power profiles—Performance, Balanced, and Quiet—on the fly. This enables users to optimize system performance or battery life based on immediate task requirements, such as maximizing processing power for video rendering or minimizing fan noise during important conference calls.
- Audio Profile: Provides quick switching between pre-configured Dolby Atmos audio profiles, allowing users to adapt sound output for different media types (e.g., music, voice, gaming) without navigating system menus.
- Fingerprint Reader: Integrated into a Quick Key, it offers a secure and rapid method for logging into Windows and supported applications, aiming to streamline user authentication.
- Favorite App: This customizable key allows for single-tap launch of a user’s preferred application. Its functionality can be reassigned via a double-tap, offering flexibility for launching different software depending on current workflow needs (e.g., podcast editing software for creative sessions, or CRM tools for daily management).
- Eye Care Mode: Toggles a display setting designed to reduce blue light exposure. This feature aims to mitigate eye strain during extended screen time, which is relevant for users engaged in long work or creative sessions.
These integrated features aim to streamline user interactions by reducing the need for mouse clicks or navigation through on-screen menus.
Hardware and Design Details
Beyond the core functionality, several hardware design elements contribute to the Yoga 9i 2-in-1’s practical utility.
Port Selection: The device’s port selection includes 2 USB-C ports (with Thunderbolt support), a USB-A port, and a 3.5mm audio jack. For my podcasting setup, the presence of multiple USB-C ports, particularly Thunderbolt-enabled ones, is crucial. This allows me to connect my audio interface directly without needing cumbersome adapters, ensuring a clean signal path. The strategic placement of these ports minimizes cable interference, which is important when I am using the pen or an external mouse during editing. When collaborating on large marketing files, plugging in a fast external SSD via Thunderbolt is seamless and efficient. The inclusion of a traditional USB-A port is also practical for legacy peripherals, such as my podcast microphone’s dongle or older USB flash drives. The single audio jack is convenient for connecting my professional headphones during critical audio editing sessions.
Materials and Construction: The chassis is constructed using recycled aluminum alloy for components like the D Cover (50% recycled). This material choice contributes to sustainability efforts while providing a noticeable rigidity and premium feel. When I carry it between various workspaces, its robust build provides a sense of durability. This construction aims to withstand typical demands of a mobile professional’s life, including minor impacts or frequent opening and closing cycles.
Cooling System (Fans): The internal cooling system, managed by fans, aims to maintain performance under load. During intensive tasks, such as longer podcast audio rendering sessions or when multiple AI-powered tools are active for marketing data analysis, fan noise remains relatively subdued. For podcast recording, the “Quiet” power profile, easily accessible via the Quick Key, becomes an indispensable tool. Activating this profile significantly reduces fan activity, which helps ensure a clean audio recording environment without distracting background hums from the laptop, a critical detail for producing high-quality podcast content.
Speaker Placement: The unique rotating soundbar, integrated directly into the hinge, is a distinct hardware design choice that impacts audio output. Unlike traditional laptop speaker placements that can be muffled depending on the device’s orientation, the soundbar consistently projects audio directly towards the user, regardless of whether the laptop is in laptop, tent, or tablet mode. This consistent audio directionality enhances the listening experience, allowing for a clearer assessment of sound quality in my podcast edits and ensuring effective audio delivery during video reviews of competitor marketing campaigns without requiring external speakers.
Subtle Logo Placement: The branding on the device is subtle, primarily consisting of a small, understated Lenovo logo. As a marketing professional, I find that this understated design approach is advantageous. It does not distract from the content being displayed on the screen or present excessive branding during client presentations, allowing the focus to remain on the material itself.
Webcam Performance: The 5MP (2.5K) camera, combined with an IR sensor, aims to provide clear and sharp video quality. Its performance during my virtual client meetings and remote podcast interviews is generally effective. Even in less-than-ideal lighting conditions, the image maintains sufficient detail and clarity. This helps ensure I present a professional and well-lit image during these interactions, which is vital for credibility in both my marketing and podcasting endeavors. The IR sensor also facilitates fast and secure logins via Windows Hello.
These integrated features aim to streamline user interactions by reducing the need for mouse clicks or navigation through on-screen menus.
Battery Life
The Lenovo Yoga 9i 2-in-1 Aura Edition includes a substantial 75-watt-hour battery. Lenovo states the device can offer up to 29 hours of video playback. In practice, various online reviews present a range of battery life results. Some tests indicate around 12 hours under general usage with power efficiency settings, extending to approximately 15 hours when “Battery Saver” mode is activated via the Smart Modes menu (ZDNET). Another review reported a significant 21 hours and 50 minutes, positioning it favorably within Windows laptops (LaptopMedia). This variation can be attributed to differing test methodologies and specific workloads.
While these figures represent an improvement in battery endurance for an Intel-powered Windows laptop, the market has seen shifts with the introduction of Apple’s M-series processors. Laptops utilizing Apple Silicon, such as the MacBook Air M3, have established a high benchmark for battery efficiency, often achieving significantly longer runtimes, particularly under light-to-moderate loads, while maintaining high performance. The Yoga 9i 2-in-1 Aura Edition, despite its advancements, generally comes up somewhat short of these prolonged Apple M-series runtimes in real-world, mixed-use scenarios, a point noted in comparative reviews (Tom’s Hardware, Nanoreview).
I personally achieved an actual 9 am to 6 pm work day and left the office with around 17% battery left on the 9i Aura Edition and that’s with continuous use across web apps, Microsoft Office, Teams and Zoom meetings as well as a heavy hand of Adobe Photoshop use for some last minute edits and refinments to graphics for clients. It may not sound as stunning as 20-plus hours of use, but 8 hours of heavy use does rank high for me.
The Yoga 9i Aura Edition also competes with newer Qualcomm-powered Windows laptops, which are designed for high efficiency and extended battery life. While the Yoga 9i can offer competitive battery life in certain lighter usage scenarios, it often requires active cooling. Reviewers have noted that the fans can be noticeable under load, and in some instances, even during less demanding tasks (Reddit, CNET for Gen 9 model). This contrasts with many Qualcomm Snapdragon-based laptops, which frequently operate fanlessly or with significantly less fan activity, contributing to a quieter user experience. The Intel Core Ultra’s architecture aims for efficiency, but the need for fan engagement indicates a different thermal and power management profile compared to ARM-based competitors.
The Aura Edition Difference: Smart Features
The “Aura Edition” introduces a suite of software enhancements intended to improve user experience and system interaction. Lenovo Aura Edition AI PCs are designed for quiet operation, thin form factors, extended battery life, and efficient processing of AI tasks. Aura Edition Smart Modes are developed to adapt dynamically to user needs across various activities, including work, relaxation, and creative endeavors. These modes are accessible via the Aura Widget, which can be opened by pressing F9, or through more detailed settings within Lenovo Vantage. From the widget, users can quickly toggle individual smart modes or adjust the laptop’s power settings for performance optimization or battery conservation.
Key Smart Modes include:
- Shield: This mode focuses on system security and user privacy. It can provide alerts for insecure Wi-Fi networks and other potential privacy notifications, aiming to enhance user awareness and control in various network environments.
- Attention: Designed to support focused work. This mode allows users to set timers for concentration periods, silence notifications from various applications, and block access to specified distracting websites, aiming to minimize interruptions during critical tasks.
- Collaboration: This is a suite of settings aimed at enhancing video call experiences. Features include low-light enhancement for improved camera visibility in dim environments, a virtual presenter function that helps maintain a professional on-screen presence, and advanced background blur options to maintain privacy or reduce visual clutter. These settings aim to increase clarity and comfort during virtual meetings.
- Wellness: This mode incorporates features designed to support user well-being during prolonged device use. It includes eye wellness reminders, prompting users to take short breaks to reduce eye strain, and posture warnings that encourage better ergonomic positioning, aiming to mitigate fatigue and promote healthier usage habits.
- Power: This mode links directly to the FN+Q power modes (Battery Saver, Adaptive Power Mode, Performance), providing quick access to power management settings, allowing users to balance performance and battery life according to immediate needs.
Aura Edition also includes two supplementary services:
- Aura Smart Care: This service offers real-time support and troubleshooting from Lenovo technicians. Assistance is accessible via both PC-based live chat and phone calls. The Lenovo Premium Care Service included within Aura Smart Care also offers on-site “white glove” support for specific issues, providing a direct channel for technical assistance.
- Aura Smart Share: Powered by Intel Unison, this feature enables seamless integration between the laptop and compatible smartphones. By tapping a supported Android or iOS smartphone on the screen’s edge, users can initiate drag-and-drop transfers of recent photos and other files directly onto the laptop. This functionality aims to streamline the process of moving media from mobile devices to the laptop for editing, storage, or sharing.
Built to Last, and Sustainably Minded
The Yoga 9i 2-in-1 is designed with durability considerations. It undergoes MIL-STD 810H military-grade certifications, which are a series of environmental engineering considerations and laboratory tests designed to ensure equipment resilience against various environmental and physical stresses. This testing is consistent with the standards applied to Lenovo’s commercial laptops and is complemented by the company’s own in-house reliability tests, which further validate the device’s construction and component integrity. This rigorous testing aims to ensure the device’s resilience against factors such as temperature extremes, vibrations, and minor impacts associated with daily use.
The device is equipped with a 75 watt-hour battery, supporting extended use periods. The Rapid Charge Express technology is integrated, which allows for approximately 3 hours of runtime to be gained from a 15-minute charge. This feature provides flexibility for users needing quick power boosts, particularly beneficial during transitions between different work or personal environments where immediate access to a full charge may not be available.
Lenovo has incorporated sustainable design practices into the Yoga 9i 2-in-1’s construction and packaging. The device utilizes recycled materials in several key components:
- The D Cover, which forms a significant part of the chassis, is made from 50% Recycled Aluminum alloy.
- The Power Adapter Case is constructed with 90% Post-Consumer Recycled (PCC) Plastic.
- The Battery Pack incorporates 30% PCC Recycled Plastic.
- The Speaker Woofer Enclosures also utilize 30% PCC Recycled Plastic.
- The Keyboard Keycaps are made from 50% PCC Recycled Plastic.
Beyond the hardware, the packaging is entirely plastic-free, utilizing 100% FSC-certificated Paper for the box, internal cushions, and included manuals. These material choices and packaging decisions reflect a commitment to environmental considerations in product development and aim to reduce the ecological footprint associated with the device.
The Verdict: A Refined Powerhouse
The Lenovo Yoga 9i 2-in-1 Aura Edition is designed for professionals and content creators who prioritize a combination of premium design, versatile functionality, and integrated AI capabilities. Its target audience includes users like marketing managers, part-time podcasters, digital artists, graphic designers, video editors, consultants, and project managers. These users benefit from its strong multitasking performance, a high-quality display, and adaptable form factors that facilitate diverse workflows, from precise pen input for digital art and detailed design work to demanding media processing and extensive collaboration.
Pros of the device include:
- Strong Performance for its Class: The Intel Core Ultra (Series 2) processors provide improved responsiveness for daily tasks and AI-accelerated workloads, making it capable for demanding applications.
- Integrated AI Capabilities: Features like Cocreator, Studio Effects, and Live Captions, powered by the NPU, offer practical benefits for creative work, video conferencing, and content processing.
- Excellent OLED Display: The 2.8K 120Hz OLED PureSight display offers high resolution, vibrant colors, and smooth motion, suitable for visual content creation and consumption.
- Superior Audio Experience: The rotating soundbar with Dolby Atmos optimization provides clear and consistent audio output across various modes.
- Versatile 2-in-1 Design: The 360-degree hinge and bundled Lenovo Yoga Pen enable seamless transitions between laptop, tent, and tablet modes, enhancing productivity through direct input and flexible viewing.
- Smart Features (Aura Edition): Modes like Shield, Attention, Collaboration, and Wellness, along with Smart Care and Smart Share, offer intelligent optimizations and support for a more streamlined user experience.
- Durable and Sustainably Minded Construction: MIL-STD 810H certifications and the use of recycled materials in the chassis and plastic-free packaging reflect attention to both durability and environmental responsibility.
However, potential drawbacks include:
- Battery Life: While impressively improved for an Intel-powered Windows laptop, its battery endurance generally falls short of the class-leading runtimes achieved by Apple’s M-series processors in real-world, mixed-use scenarios.
- Fan Operation: Despite efforts to maintain efficiency, the laptop’s fans can be noticeable under significant load, and in some instances, even during less demanding tasks. This contrasts with many Qualcomm Snapdragon-based laptops that often operate fanlessly or with significantly quieter cooling profiles, a characteristic of ARM-based architectures.
In summary, the Lenovo Yoga 9i 2-in-1 Aura Edition presents a solid choice for stylish productivity and content creation on the Windows platform. It offers a premium experience with a focus on AI integration and a versatile design. However, it is not the sole option in its category. Users prioritizing maximum battery life and consistently silent operation, particularly under light loads, might consider ARM-based alternatives from Apple or Qualcomm, which often set a different standard in those specific areas. The Yoga 9i Aura Edition differentiates itself through its comprehensive feature set, robust build, and strong performance for Intel’s latest architecture.
