Lenovo IdeaCentre AIO 5i 27 review: an all-in-one with plenty of style

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. 

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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...

Apple iMac (2021)
For nearly the same price, users can get an iMac if they’re willing to let go of Windows 11. Apple’s flagship all-in-one has great performance power, design, image quality in the display, audio and much more. 

Read the full Apple iMac (2021) review

HP Chromebase
When it comes to affordability, nothing beats the HP Chromebase if users don’t mind understanding the nuances of ChromeOS. The performance is snappy and the design is just as attractive. 

Read the full HP Chromebase All-in-One 22 review

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