Lenovo Ideapad 3i 15.6" 82H803SDUS 2023, Core i3-1115G4, 8GB, 256GB SSD, Arctic Gray

The Lenovo Ideapad 3i 82H803SDUS is a budget 15.6-inch touchscreen laptop with a dual-core Core i3, 8GB of RAM, and a 256GB SSD. It's fine for basic schoolwork and web browsing, but the weak CPU, limited RAM, and TN display hold it back. At USD 361 to USD 449, it's a reasonable buy for students on a tight budget, but anyone needing more power should look elsewhere.

The Core i3-1115G4 is a 2-core, 4-thread processor with a 3.0GHz base clock. In our database, this CPU lands in the 11th percentile for laptops, which means it's slower than the vast majority of machines we track. For everyday tasks like writing papers, streaming video, or juggling a dozen browser tabs, it'll get the job done without too much drama. But don't expect to edit video, run heavy spreadsheets, or keep a million Chrome tabs open without some lag.

The Intel UHD Graphics are integrated and sit in the 14th percentile for GPU performance. This is not a gaming laptop, not even close. Our gaming score for this machine is 6 out of 100, which is about as low as it gets. Casual browser games and solitaire will run fine. Anything 3D or remotely modern will be a slideshow. The 8GB of RAM is also on the low side, landing in the 13th percentile. It's enough for basic multitasking, but you'll feel the ceiling quickly if you're a heavy tab user.

Stacked against the Apple MacBook Pro MWP72LL/A or the ASUS Zenbook UX3405CA-U7512, the Ideapad 3i looks like it's from a different planet. Those machines cost significantly more, but they also offer vastly better screens, processors, and build quality. The HP OmniBook X Flip 14-fk0033dx is a more direct competitor in the touchscreen space, and it brings a much nicer display and a more modern design, though again at a higher price. The Acer Swift SF16-71T-70PN also outclasses this Lenovo in nearly every category, from screen quality to CPU performance.

The Samsung Galaxy Book4 Edge NP940XMA-KB1US is another step up, with a better panel and more capable internals. If you're comparing this Ideapad to any of those machines, the only real advantage the Lenovo has is the price tag. It's a budget laptop competing against mid-range and premium devices, and the gap shows in every benchmark we track. For the money, the Ideapad 3i is fine, but it's not punching above its weight.

At USD 361 to USD 449, the Ideapad 3i is cheap, but you need to be realistic about what that buys you. The touchscreen is the main differentiator here, since most laptops in this price range skip it. But the TN display, limited RAM, and weak processor mean you're trading long-term usability for a lower upfront cost. If you can stretch your budget a bit, you'll find machines with better screens and more powerful CPUs. The best deal in our database is at the lower end of that USD 361 to USD 449 range, so shop around before you commit. For students on a tight budget who only need a basic machine for notes and web work, it's a reasonable pick. For everyone else, there are better ways to spend your money.

The Lenovo Ideapad 3i 82H803SDUS is a budget 15.6-inch touchscreen laptop aimed at students and anyone who needs a basic Windows 11 machine without spending much. It runs an Intel Core i3-1115G4, a dual-core chip that's fine for web browsing, email, and document work but will start wheezing if you throw much more at it. You get 8GB of RAM and a 256GB SSD, which is the bare minimum for a usable Windows experience these days. Prices in our database range from USD 361 to USD 449 across US listings, so it sits firmly in the entry-level bracket.

People searching for a cheap touchscreen laptop for school or light home use will find this model checks the basic boxes. The 15.6-inch Full HD display is touch-enabled, which is a nice perk at this price. But the screen is a TN panel, and that's where the compromises start to show. Viewing angles and color accuracy are not this laptop's strong suit.

Lenovo markets this as a "Smart Learning notebook" with features to reduce eye strain and distractions. The privacy shutter on the webcam is a genuinely thoughtful touch for students and remote workers. But the overall package feels like a machine built to a strict price point, and some of the corners cut are pretty visible.

Skip this laptop if you plan to do any gaming, video editing, or heavy multitasking. The dual-core CPU and 8GB of RAM will bottleneck quickly, and the TN display makes photo or video work a chore. If you need a machine for creative work, look at the ASUS Zenbook UX3405CA-U7512 or the Acer Swift SF16-71T-70PN instead. Also skip it if you're bothered by Windows 11 in S Mode, which restricts you to Microsoft Store apps unless you switch out of it. And if you care about screen quality at all, the 9th percentile display ranking should be a dealbreaker. For a bit more money, you can get a laptop with a much better panel and a more capable processor.

Should you buy the Lenovo Ideapad 3i 82H803SDUS? If you need a cheap touchscreen laptop for basic schoolwork, light browsing, and streaming, and you can find it at the lower end of that USD 361 to USD 449 range, it's a serviceable option. The SSD keeps things feeling responsive, and the touchscreen is a genuine bonus at this price. The privacy shutter is a nice touch for students and remote workers.

But if you need to do any real multitasking, run demanding software, or play games, look elsewhere. The dual-core CPU and 8GB of RAM will frustrate you within a year or two. And the TN display is a constant reminder that you bought the budget option. This laptop is best for people who know exactly what they're getting into and just need a basic Windows machine that won't break the bank.