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| Lenovo has added the GeForce RTX 5070 12GB and two new Intel Arrow Lake HX processors to the Legion Pro 5i 16IAX10. |
Lenovo doubles down on performance with two significant upgrades to its flagship 16-inch gaming laptop, though pricing remains under wraps for now.
Lenovo has quietly rolled out substantial upgrades to its Legion Pro 5i 16IAX10 gaming laptop, adding both new graphics options and next-generation Intel processors. The refresh comes as the company continues to expand its 2025-2026 gaming lineup, positioning the popular 16-inch machine for even more demanding workloads and gaming scenarios.
The Legion Pro 5i now joins its AMD-based counterpart, the Legion Pro 5 16AFR10, in offering the 12GB version of Nvidia's GeForce RTX 5070 laptop GPU. However, Lenovo hasn't stopped there—the company has simultaneously introduced Intel's latest Arrow Lake HX refresh processors to the lineup, creating what could be one of the most compelling gaming laptop configurations available this year.
The GPU Upgrade: More VRAM Makes the Difference
The most notable addition is the GeForce RTX 5070 12GB variant, which replaces the older 8GB version found in previous SKUs. This upgrade addresses one of the most common criticisms of mid-range gaming laptops—insufficient video memory for modern titles running at higher resolutions and texture settings.
While the new GPU maintains the same core architecture, the extra 4GB of VRAM should provide noticeable benefits in VRAM-intensive scenarios. Games with high-resolution texture packs, ray tracing features, and increasingly demanding open-world environments will likely see smoother performance without the stuttering that can occur when memory limits are reached.
However, potential buyers should note that the new RTX 5070 12GB still sits below the RTX 5070 Ti in terms of raw performance. The Ti variant retains significantly more CUDA cores and a wider memory bus width, ensuring it remains the flagship option for those who need maximum graphical prowess. According to Lenovo's PSREF documentation, the existing Legion Pro 5i 16IAX10H models equipped with the RTX 5070 Ti will continue to outperform these new 12GB SKUs in most scenarios.
Processor Refresh: Arrow Lake HX Arrives
Perhaps the more significant upgrade comes in the form of Intel's new Arrow Lake HX refresh processors. Lenovo is introducing both the Core Ultra 7 251HX and Core Ultra 9 290HX Plus to the Legion Pro 5i lineup, representing a substantial leap in CPU performance.
Early benchmark data suggests the Core Ultra 9 290HX Plus delivers approximately 7% higher CPU performance compared to the previous Core Ultra 9 275HX models. This improvement should translate to faster compile times, more responsive multitasking, and better frame rates in CPU-bound gaming scenarios.
The processor upgrade is particularly noteworthy for content creators and professionals who rely on the Legion Pro 5i for demanding workloads beyond gaming. Video rendering, 3D modeling, and data processing tasks should all see measurable improvements with the new chips.
Configuration Options and Availability
Lenovo's PSREF website clarifies the configuration matrix for the refreshed Legion Pro 5i lineup. The Core Ultra 7 251HX and Core Ultra 9 290HX Plus will be available with both GeForce RTX 5060 8GB and GeForce RTX 5070 12GB GPU options. Interestingly, the RTX 5070 12GB will only be configurable with Arrow Lake HX refresh processors, suggesting Lenovo sees this combination as the sweet spot for the new lineup.
The laptop retains its 80 Wh battery and 240 Hz OLED display, ensuring that the visual experience remains as impressive as the internal components. The OLED panel continues to be a standout feature, offering deep blacks, vibrant colors, and rapid response times that complement the powerful new hardware.
The original discovery of these upgrades was first reported by LaptopsCheck.
What This Means for Buyers
For consumers considering a Legion Pro 5i purchase, the arrival of these upgrades presents both opportunity and potential confusion. The new SKUs offer better CPU and GPU combinations than previous models, but pricing and availability remain unknown. Lenovo's PSREF website confirms that a full global rollout is on the horizon, but specific launch dates and regional availability haven't been announced.
The timing of this refresh is particularly interesting given that the existing Legion Pro 5i 16IAX10H models are currently available at competitive prices. The RTX 5070 Ti version of the Legion Pro 5i is currently listed at $2,999 on Amazon, which could make the incoming 12GB models an attractive alternative for buyers who don't need the absolute top-tier performance but want more VRAM than the previous 8GB option provided.
The Verdict
Lenovo's dual upgrade to the Legion Pro 5i demonstrates the company's commitment to keeping its gaming lineup current and competitive. The addition of both the RTX 5070 12GB GPU and Intel's Arrow Lake HX refresh processors creates more compelling options for a wider range of users—from competitive gamers who want high refresh rates to content creators who need both CPU and GPU power.
While the RTX 5070 Ti remains the performance king, the new 12GB RTX 5070 strikes a careful balance between price and capability. Combined with the significant CPU bump offered by the Core Ultra 9 290HX Plus, these new configurations could well become the most popular Legion Pro 5i models.
Interested buyers should keep an eye on Lenovo's official channels and retailer listings in the coming weeks. With the global launch confirmed as imminent, the wait for these upgraded models shouldn't be long.
Stay tuned for hands-on reviews and benchmark results as soon as these new SKUs become available for testing.
Which configuration would suit your needs best? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
Summary Table: Legion Pro 5i 16IAX10 Upgrade Highlights
| Component | Previous Options | New Options | Performance Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| GPU | RTX 5060 8GB, RTX 5070 8GB, RTX 5070 Ti | RTX 5070 12GB (new), RTX 5060 8GB | 4GB extra VRAM for better high-res gaming |
| CPU | Core Ultra 9 275HX and earlier | Core Ultra 7 251HX, Core Ultra 9 290HX Plus | ~7% CPU performance uplift |
| Display | 240Hz OLED (unchanged) | 240Hz OLED (unchanged) | No change |
| Battery | 80Wh (unchanged) | 80Wh (unchanged) | No change |
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Source : Lenovo
