Lenovo G50-80: At First Glance
The Lenovo G50 series is one of the brand’s most successful lineups. However, laptops from this series don’t look captivating like other Lenovo laptops.
Nevertheless, they are very durable and offer adequate performance for most computing tasks. Hence, in order to expand the G50 series, Lenovo released the G50-80 in May 2015.
The Lenovo G50-80 is targeted at basically everyone, including students, business owners, researchers, and so on. As a matter of fact, the laptop can also serve for casual gaming.
Specifically, with its powerful Intel Core i7 processor and dedicated GPU option, this laptop is made to handle anything. Are you still wondering if the Lenovo G50-80 will meet your requirements?
Why not read on to find out?
Lenovo G50-80: Design, Dimension, and Weight
In terms of design, unlike most Lenovo laptops I have seen, the Lenovo G50-80 is not so attractive – it looks rather simple. Precisely, at first glance, the laptop looks bulky, like a big black jewelry box.
To give more details, this laptop is made completely out of plastic. Furthermore, a closer examination reveals a lot of sharp edges and corners around the laptop.
Nevertheless, this does not affect the build quality of the laptop in a bad way. Specifically, despite being entirely made of plastic, the overall build quality of the Lenovo G50-80 is impressive, robust, and moderately compact.
Besides, the lid and base of the laptop are held in place by a set of durable plastic hinges. These hinges hold the lid firmly in a way that it only wobbles slightly when forcefully nudged.
Notably, the entire body of the Lenovo G50-80 features a matte-black finish except this lid. In particular, this lid offers a smooth glossy-black finish on its surface that sparkles slightly when rays of light shine on it.
Sadly, the glossy surface of the lid makes it prone to smudges and fingerprints. Therefore, to keep the lid neat and good-looking at all times, you need to have a wipe around you.
On a positive note, you will find a sleek-looking “Lenovo” logo boldly printed on the upper-left corner of this lid. Although this logo is the only thing on the lid, its gray highlight adds a bit of style to the lid’s plain surface.
That said, opening the Lenovo G50-80’s lid reveals a massive 15.6-inch LED display that offers an HD (1366 x 768) resolution. This HD resolution is an entry-level screen resolution mostly found on budget laptops.
Hence, it is not particularly great compared to other resolutions like FHD or 4K due to its inexpensive nature. However, the HD resolution still allows this laptop’s display to offer decent image quality for casual video streaming and web browsing.
Asides from the HD resolution, the Lenovo G50-80’s display is made with a TN panel and features a matte coating. Sadly, unlike IPS panel displays, TN (Twisted Nematic) panel displays often offer limited viewing angles, and this laptop’s display isn’t an exception.
Hence, in an attempt to view the display from the sides or off-center, you will notice pictures will lose quality and colors will look washed out. On the plus side, thanks to its TN panel, the Lenovo G50-80’s display offers a good color presentation and contrast for a pleasurable viewing experience.
However, surrounding this laptop’s 15.6-inch display are plastic bezels that are somewhat thick. Besides, as with most Lenovo laptops, you will find a “Lenovo” logo at the center of the bottom bezel.
Meanwhile, at the top bezel, an HD webcam is neatly placed also at the center. Performance-wise, this webcam appears fairly okay for regular Skyping and video conferencing calls.
However, for taking selfies, the webcam is a “red flag” due to the fact that it delivers grainy and blurry images.
Coming down to the keyboard deck, the Lenovo G50-80 features a chiclet-style keyboard with a full number pad. Furthermore, the keys on this keyboard are well-spaced in a manner that supports all finger types.
In terms of performance, the keyboard offers a decent typing experience due to its impressive key travel. In case you are wondering, key travel is the distance it takes a key to hit bottom when pressed fully.
Located below this keyboard is a moderately-sized touchpad with a set of dedicated click buttons. Sadly, the surface of this touchpad is rough, making navigation and finger-gliding a bit difficult.
On the bright side, the touchpad supports multitouch gestures such as pinch-to-zoom and two-finger-scrolling.
As for the port options, the Lenovo G50-80 features a reasonable number of ports divided between its sides. Particularly, on the left side, the laptop offers a power jack, a VGA port, and an Ethernet port.
That’s not all; you will also find an HDMI port, a USB 2.0 port, and a USB 3.0 port on the left side of the laptop. Meanwhile, the right side houses an audio combo jack, a 2-in-1 card reader, another USB 2.0 port, and a Kensington lock slot.
Moving on, in terms of size and weight, the Lenovo G50-80 measures 384 x 265 x 25 mm (W x D x H) and weighs 2500 g. In comparison, this laptop is heavier than most of its competitors.
For example, the Medion Akoya E6418-MD99620 measures 380 x 260 x 25 mm (W x D x H) and weighs 2300 g.
In conclusion, the Lenovo G50-80 offers an average design with relatively thick bezels. Also, this laptop is heavier than most of its competitors.
Hence, I will rate the Lenovo G50-80 a seven out of ten in this design review section.
Lenovo G50-80: Processor (CPU) Performance
For processing data, the Lenovo G50-80 employs a quad-core Intel Core i7-5500U processor. Furthermore, this processor offers a cache memory of 4 MB.
Besides, the CPU has a base frequency of 2.40 GHz and a maximum frequency of 3.0 GHz. Performance-wise, this processor is a power-efficient and fast processor that is capable of handling most computing tasks.
Hence, with this CPU, the Lenovo G50-80 should be able to handle any office-related tasks you throw at it. Also, the laptop will be able to smoothly run demanding applications like Adobe Photoshop.
To back up these statements, I will now share the Lenovo G50-80’s score on the Cinebench R15 test. Cinebench R15 is a benchmark test that analyses the CPU performance of a computer while its cores are in use.
Thus, this test is divided into two – the single-core test and the multi-core test. To clarify, the single-core test estimates the performance of the processor when one of its cores is in use.
Meanwhile, the multi-core test estimates the performance of the CPU when all its cores are in use. Furthermore, a high score on these tests means a good processor performance and vice-versa.
So, based on the Cinebench R15 test results, the Lenovo G50-80 delivered a score of 121 points on the single-core test. On the other hand, the laptop scored 289 points on the multi-core test.
Compared to the Dell Inspiron 17-5758, which also uses an Intel Core i7-5500U CPU, this Lenovo laptop has a better performance. Specifically, the Dell Inspiron 17-5758 scored 77 points on the single-core test and 210 points on the multi-core test.
In conclusion, the Lenovo G50-80 features a powerful Intel Core i7 processor that is capable of delivering satisfactory performance. Furthermore, this laptop outperformed one of its competitors on a CPU benchmark test.
Therefore, I will rate the Lenovo G50-80 a nine out of ten in this processor review section.
Lenovo G50-80: Memory (RAM) Performance
For memory, the Lenovo G50-80 comes with two memory slots and a DDR3L SODIMM 1600 MHz memory type. In terms of capacity, this laptop offers standard memory of 8 GB and supports a maximum memory of 16 GB.
Hence, if you are not satisfied with the laptop’s standard memory, you can simply upgrade the laptop to the max memory size of 16 GB. Nevertheless, with the standard 8 GB RAM, the Lenovo G50-80 should be able to perform smoothly.
As a matter of fact, with this amount of memory, this laptop will be able to multitask effectively. Speaking of multitasking, with 8 GB RAM, the Lenovo G50-80 should be able to simultaneously run 15 Chrome tabs without lagging.
Besides, switching between these Chrome tabs should be very seamless for the laptop. In order to back up these claims about the laptop’s performance with 8 GB RAM, we will now be discussing its result on a PCMark 8 test.
PCMark 8 is an app-based benchmark test that examines the memory performance of a computer by simulating real-world productivity tasks. Furthermore, a high score on this test equates to good memory performance and vice-versa.
Thus, based on the PCMark 8 test results, the Lenovo G50-80 scored 3364 points. Comparatively, this Lenovo laptop performed excellently, leaving most of its competitors behind.
For instance, the Dell Inspiron 17-5758 was only able to score 3058 points on the PCMark 8 test. Hence, to end this memory review section, I will rate the Lenovo G50-80 a nine out of ten.
Lenovo G50-80: Storage Options and Performance
In terms of storage, the Lenovo G50-80 comes with a 2.5″ 5400 RPM SATA HDD (Hard Disk Drive). This HDD offers a maximum storage capacity of 1 TB, which I believe should be enough for most users.
However, if you feel this amount of storage space isn’t enough for you, the laptop offers a 2-in-1 card reader for storage expansion. Having said that, let us now discuss the CrystalDiskMark test result of the laptop to verify its storage performance.
To start with, CrystalDiskMark is a synthetic benchmark test that evaluates a computer’s storage drive by measuring its read and write speed. If you’re wondering, read speed is the duration it takes a storage drive to open a file.
Meanwhile, write speed is the total opposite – it is the duration it takes a storage drive to save a file. Besides, the higher the “MBps” value on the CrystalDiskMark test, the faster the read and write speed of the computer’s storage drive.
So, based on the test results, the Lenovo G50-80 offers a read speed of 114.2 MBps and a write speed of 114.9 MBps. Compared to the Dell Inspiron 17-5758, which also uses HDD, this Lenovo laptop has a faster read and write speed.
To be more specific, according to the CrystalDiskMark test, the Dell Inspiron 17-5758 has a read speed of 85.27 MBps. On the other hand, this laptop has a write speed of 93.74 MBps.
In summary, the Lenovo G50-80 features an HDD that offers sufficient storage space. Furthermore, this laptop features a 2-in-1 card reader for storage expansion.
Asides from that, the laptop has a faster read and write speed when compared to one of its closest competitors. Thus, the Lenovo G50-80 deserves nothing less than a nine out of ten rating in this storage review section.
Lenovo G50-80: Graphics Card Performance
For the graphics card, Lenovo offers two graphics card options for the G50-80. These graphics card options include an Intel HD Graphics 5500 and an AMD Radeon R5 M330.
In terms of speed, the Intel HD Graphics 5500 offers a base frequency of 300 MHz and a maximum frequency of 950 MHz. The AMD Radeon R5 M330, on the other hand, offers a base and maximum frequency of 955 MHz and 1030 MHz, respectively.
However, unlike the AMD Radeon R5 M330, the Intel HD Graphics 5500 is an integrated graphics card. Hence, it is built into the laptop’s CPU and shares the system memory with the processor to perform graphics-related tasks.
Due to this, the Intel HD Graphics 5500 might not be able to handle graphics-demanding applications or games effectively. Meanwhile, the AMD Radeon R5 M330 is a dedicated graphics card with 2 GB DDR3 VRAM.
Thus, because it features a dedicated VRAM, this GPU doesn’t have to share the system memory with the processor. As a result, with the AMD Radeon R5 M330 GPU, the Lenovo G50-80 should be able to effectively handle graphics-demanding apps.
However, when it comes to games, this laptop might not be able to run most high-end or title AAA games smoothly. This is because the AMD Radeon R5 M330 GPU offers a limited amount of dedicated VRAM.
Nevertheless, with this GPU, the Lenovo G50-80 should be able to run most outdated games. For example, while playing GRID Autosport 2014, this laptop should be able to deliver an impressive frame rate of 104.5 fps (frame per second).
For more insights on the performance of the Lenovo G50-80 with the dedicated GPU option, I will briefly discuss its 3DMark test result. Briefly, 3DMark is an app-based benchmark test that evaluates the 2D and 3D graphics rendering abilities of a computer.
Also, like every other benchmark test in this article, a high score on this test implies a good graphics performance. Therefore, based on the 3DMark test result, the Lenovo G50-80 scored 4784 points.
Comparatively, the HP 250 G4 T6P08ES which also uses an AMD Radeon R5 M330 GPU was outperformed by the Lenovo G50-80. Specifically, the HP 250 G4 T6P08ES was only able to score 4643 points on the 3DMark test.
In conclusion, the Lenovo G50-80 features multiple graphics options, including a decent dedicated graphics card. Also, on a GPU benchmark test, this laptop performed better than most of its competitors.
Therefore, without any reservations, I will rate the Lenovo G50-80 an eight out of ten in this GPU review section.
Lenovo G50-80: Battery Life and Performance
In terms of battery, the Lenovo G50-80 is powered by a 4-cell 32 WHr Lithium-Ion battery. Based on a claim by Lenovo, this laptop should last about 7 hours with this battery.
Could this be true? Well, one way to find out is to discuss the laptop’s result on a battery rundown test.
Moreover, this battery rundown test involves surfing the web repeatedly via a WIFI network until the laptop dies. Sadly, at the end of this test, the Lenovo G50-80 was only able to deliver a battery life of 3 hours and 10 minutes.
This may be disappointing, but what’s more disappointing is the fact that the battery life isn’t anywhere close to Lenovo’s initial 7 hours claim. To make things worse, the laptop’s battery life is below the category average of 4 hours.
Also, when compared to the Medion Akoya E6418-MD99620, the Lenovo G50-80 has poor battery life. Specifically, based on the same battery rundown test, the Medion Akoya E6418-MD99620 delivered a battery life of 4 hours and 36 minutes.
Thus, the Lenovo G50-80 doesn’t deserve a rating of more than seven out of ten in this battery review section.
Frequently Asked Questions
No, the Lenovo G50-80 does not feature a touchscreen display. Hence, it isn’t a touchscreen laptop.
The Lenovo G50-80 supports a maximum memory capacity of 16 GB. Also, this laptop comes with two memory slots and features a standard memory of 8 GB.
Yes, the Lenovo G50-80 features Bluetooth 4.0 for wireless connectivity.
The Lenovo G50-80 comes with an HDD storage type and supports a maximum storage capacity of 1 TB.
The Lenovo G50-80 comes with an Intel Core i7-5500U processor.
Conclusion
The Lenovo G50-80 is a versatile laptop that offers overall impressive performance. Specifically, thanks to its powerful Intel Core i7 processor and a supported maximum memory size of 16 GB, this laptop comes ready to deliver.
That’s not all; this laptop also features two graphics card options, one of which is a dedicated GPU. Besides, the laptop has sufficient HDD storage space and a 2-in-1 card reader for storage expansion.
However, the Lenovo G50-80 comes with a few drawbacks, like its short battery life, poor touchpad, and heavy build. Nevertheless, if you need a durable laptop with adequate performance for numerous purposes, the Lenovo G50-80 is worth buying.
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