Lenovo Yoga Slim 7i Aura Edition: A MacBook Alternative With Practical AI Features
Share this article
The battle for AI PC supremacy intensifies with Lenovo's Yoga Slim 7i Aura Edition, a Copilot+ contender powered by Intel's Lunar Lake Series 2 silicon. Currently discounted to $999 at major retailers for the 32GB RAM configuration, this device targets developers and professionals seeking Windows-based alternatives to Apple's ecosystem, blending unique interaction models with competitive performance.
Hardware & Design
- Processor: Intel Core Ultra 7 258V (Lunar Lake Series 2)
- Memory: 32GB LPDDR5X (soldered)
- Display: 15-inch 2.8K (2880 x 1800) LCD touchscreen, 120Hz refresh rate
- Weight: 3.3 lbs
- Battery: 17+ hours in light-use testing
Physically, the Yoga Slim 7i follows Lenovo's design language with a slate gray chassis and distinctive camera notch. The keyboard earns praise for its tactile feedback, while upward-firing Dolby Atmos speakers outperform typical laptop audio. However, the LCD panel disappoints those expecting OLED at this price point, and some review units exhibited minor build inconsistencies like a slightly loose backplate.
Lunar Lake Performance & AI Features
Benchmark comparisons against Qualcomm's Snapdragon X Elite and Intel's own implementations reveal competitive numbers:
| Device | Cinebench 24 MC | Geekbench 6.2 SC | Geekbench 6.2 MC |
|---|---|---|---|
| Yoga Slim 7i (Ultra 7 258V) | 507 | 2,736 | 10,887 |
| Asus Zenbook S 14 (Ultra 7) | 481 | 2,748 | 11,050 |
The "Aura Edition" distinction brings two notable innovations:
Smart Share: Enabled via Intel Unison, this allows tap-to-transfer functionality where physically tapping an iPhone or Android device against the laptop's bezel initiates drag-and-drop file transfers. The NFC-based system works reliably, though developers might question its security implications for enterprise environments.
Smart Modes: Including privacy-focused "Shield Mode" that uses the webcam to detect shoulder surfers and automatically blurs sensitive content—a useful feature for public workspaces.
Practical Considerations
Despite its strengths, the Yoga Slim 7i suffers from Windows ecosystem pitfalls:
- Aggressive bloatware notifications (Lenovo Vantage, McAfee)
- Poorly placed side power button causing accidental shutdowns
- Non-upgradeable RAM necessitating the 32GB purchase for future-proofing
The Lunar Lake efficiency shines in battery longevity, though sustained workloads reveal more modest results than the thinner Zenbook S 14. While the tap-to-share functionality demonstrates thoughtful UX experimentation, its utility against established solutions like Nearby Share remains debatable for technical users.
Verdict: Substance Over Spectacle?
At $999, the Yoga Slim 7i Aura Edition delivers compelling value with its large display, exceptional speakers, and marathon battery. Intel's Lunar Lake proves itself a viable competitor to ARM-based alternatives in real-world usage. However, the true victory lies not in gimmicky features but in the core proposition: a performant, developer-friendly Windows machine that handles productivity workloads without fuss. As AI PCs mature, it's this foundational competence—not flashy demos—that will ultimately sway technical buyers navigating an increasingly fragmented market.
Source: ZDNet