Lenovo IdeaPad Pro 5 16IMH9, Core Ultra 7 155H, 16GB, 1TB SSD, RTX 3050

The IdeaPad Pro 5 16IMH9 is a capable creator laptop with a strong CPU and great ports, but AI performance is one of the worst we've seen. The 60Hz screen and bulky build don't help. Worth it at CAD 1,398 refurbished if you skip AI workloads and don't mind the dated display.

The Core Ultra 7 155H sits at the 76th percentile in our database, which is well above average for CPU-heavy work. The RTX 3050 lands at 75th, strong for light gaming and GPU-accelerated creative tasks, but it's a 6GB card so don't expect miracles in modern AAA titles. Storage is middle of the pack at 68th percentile, and 16GB of RAM at 65th is fine for most workflows but tight for heavy multitasking. The real problem is AI and LLM workloads, scoring 35.9 out of 100. That's one of the worst results we've seen in this category. If you're planning to run local models, this thing will choke.

Against the ASUS ROG Zephyrus G14, the IdeaPad Pro 5 loses on gaming performance and portability, the G14 is smaller and packs a stronger GPU. The HP OMEN Transcend 14 also outclasses it for gaming with a higher refresh display. The Samsung Galaxy Book5 Pro and Apple MacBook Pro M4 Pro are in a different league for AI workloads and battery life, though they cost significantly more. The MSI Prestige is probably the closest competitor, similar creator focus, but with better compactness. This Lenovo wins on price and port selection, but loses on the AI front and screen smoothness.

At CAD 1,398 refurbished, this is a tricky call. You're getting a Core Ultra 7 and an RTX 3050 with a 1TB SSD, which is decent hardware for the price. But the AI weakness and 60Hz screen hold it back. If you just need a big-screen workhorse for editing, coding, and light gaming, the value is there. If you want anything AI-related or smooth high-refresh gaming, you'll feel the compromises quickly.

The Lenovo IdeaPad Pro 5 16IMH9 is a refurbished 16-inch laptop that tries to be a jack of all trades. Core Ultra 7 155H, RTX 3050, 16GB RAM, 1TB SSD. On paper, that's a solid creator setup for the money. In practice, it's a mixed bag with one glaring weak spot.

The screen is a 2560x1440 panel at 60Hz. Good resolution for editing and coding, but that refresh rate feels dated next to the 120Hz+ panels on competing machines. Port selection is genuinely useful though, Thunderbolt plus dual USB-C and HDMI 2.1 covers most docks and external displays.

Skip this if you need compact portability, the 19th percentile compactness score means it's bulky. Skip it if you do any serious AI or LLM work, the 35.9 score is a dealbreaker. And skip it if you want smooth high-refresh gaming, 60Hz won't cut it. If you're a student or creator who mostly works at a desk and values screen size and ports over everything else, it's worth a look.

This is a solid buy for a specific person: someone who needs a big 16-inch screen, good CPU performance, and a useful port selection for creative work or development, and doesn't care about AI tasks or high refresh gaming. The refurbished price makes it tempting. But if you're into local AI models or want buttery smooth visuals, keep looking.