Review: The Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3 14IRU8 (Core i3-1315U, 8GB LPDDR5, 512GB SSD, Windows 11 Home) 💻
The Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3 14IRU8 emerges as a compelling contender in the budget and mid-range laptop market, specifically targeting students, general office users, and those needing a reliable, portable machine for everyday tasks. Featuring the efficient 13th Gen Intel Core i3-1315U processor, 8GB of LPDDR5 RAM, and a speedy 512GB NVMe SSD, this configuration strikes a solid balance between performance and affordability.
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| Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3 14IRU8 (Core i3-1315U, 8GB LPDDR5, 512GB SSD, Windows 11 Home) |
Design and Portability
Lenovo stays true to the "Slim" moniker. Weighing in at a highly portable starting at 1.37 kg (3.02 lbs) and measuring just 17.9 mm thick, the IdeaPad Slim 3 is designed for mobility. The chassis is constructed from PC-ABS (Polycarbonate-Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene) plastic for both the top and bottom covers, which helps keep the cost and weight down while maintaining a decent feel. The design is sleek and modern, often available in colors like Arctic Grey or Abyss Blue.
Performance for Everyday Use
Processor and Graphics
The heart of this machine is the Intel Core i3-1315U processor. This 13th Generation Raptor Lake U-series chip is built for efficiency, featuring a 6-core (2 Performance-cores and 4 Efficient-cores) and 8-thread configuration. The maximum boost frequency can reach up to 4.5 GHz, providing a significant leap in responsiveness over older generations.
The 8GB of Soldered LPDDR5-4800 RAM is a notable feature in this price bracket, offering fast memory speeds that are excellent for multitasking. Coupled with the powerful CPU, the laptop handles typical workloads like web browsing with numerous tabs, word processing, spreadsheets, and video streaming with ease. The integrated Intel UHD Graphics are sufficient for basic image editing and light content creation but are not designed for demanding gaming or heavy video rendering.
Storage
The inclusion of a generous 512GB M.2 2242 PCIe 4.0x4 NVMe SSD ensures extremely fast boot times and rapid application loading. This high-speed storage solution is one of the most significant contributors to the laptop's snappy overall performance.
Display and Multimedia
The laptop features a 14-inch Full HD (1920x1080) display. While some variants may feature an IPS panel, many budget configurations use a TN (Twisted Nematic) panel with a brightness of 250 nits and an Anti-glare finish. While the Anti-glare coating is useful for working under bright lights, the use of a TN panel means viewing angles and color reproduction may be less vibrant compared to IPS or OLED screens. This is a common compromise for laptops in this price range.
For audio, the IdeaPad Slim 3 is equipped with user-facing 1.5W stereo speakers optimized with Dolby Audio, delivering clear sound suitable for video conferencing and media consumption. The HD 720p webcam includes a crucial Privacy Shutter—a physical slider to block the camera—addressing a key concern for privacy-conscious users.
Connectivity and Battery Life
Ports
Connectivity is robust for a slim device. It includes:
2x USB 3.2 Gen 1 (Standard USB-A ports)
1x USB-C 3.2 Gen 1 (Supports data transfer, Power Delivery, and DisplayPort 1.2)
1x HDMI 1.4
1x Headphone/Microphone combo jack (3.5mm)
1x Card Reader (e.g., SD Card Reader)
The inclusion of a versatile USB-C port that supports charging is a major plus for modern convenience.
Networking and Battery
The laptop supports modern wireless standards with Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax 2x2) and Bluetooth 5.2, ensuring fast and stable connections. Powering the system is an Integrated 47Wh battery, which is rated to provide good endurance for a full workday of light to moderate use, though real-world performance will vary.
Conclusion and Verdict
The Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3 14IRU8 offers exceptional value as a daily driver. It is an excellent choice for users—like students and remote workers—who prioritize portability, reliable performance for essential tasks, and modern features like the 13th Gen Intel processor, LPDDR5 RAM, and a fast NVMe SSD, all while adhering to a strict budget.
While the TN display (in some models) is a noticeable trade-off, its strengths in processing power, rapid storage, and comprehensive connectivity make it a highly recommended mainstream laptop.
This review video provides a visual and performance-based walkthrough of the Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3 14IRU8.