MWC 2022 is just getting underway, but we’ve already seen some pretty impressive announcements. Next on the docket are some new Chromebooks from Lenovo and a new Android tablet that is all coming later this year.
The Lenovo Flex 5i has largely been considered to be the best Chromebook for the past year or so. Lenovo is looking to keep that trend going with the new IdeaPad Flex 5i Chromebook with its 14-inch FHD touchscreen display. As expected, you’ll be able to fold the display back or use the Chromebook in tent mode, depending on what you’re working on.
Once the 5i becomes available, there will be three different processor configurations to pick from in the Intel Pentium 850S, Core i3-1215U, or Core i5-1235U. From there, you’ll be able to pick from between 4GB or 8GB of RAM and up to 512GB of storage.
Lenovo is also packing plenty of port options with the Flex 5i. You’ll find two USB-C ports, a single USB 3.2 Type-A port, a microSD card slot, and a combo audio jack. Plus, Lenovo is bringing support for its USI pen if you want to fold the Flex 5i back to take some notes.
Moving to the Flex 3i, this comes with a larger 15-inch FHD display, that can also be flipped and turned around based on your needs. The Flex 3i also weighs in at just 4.2 pounds, making it a great lightweight option for those who need a larger display.
Under the hood, there are only two configurations as you’ll need to pick between the Intel Pentium N6000 or Celeron N4500. These will be paired with either 4GB or 8GB of RAM and up to 256GB of eMMC storage.
In terms of pricing and availability, we have a little ways to go before either of these will be released. Lenovo has confirmed that the Flex 5i will start at $499 and is coming in June, while the Flex 3i will land a bit earlier as Lenovo expects it to be available in May for $399.
When the original Lenovo Chromebook Duet was released, there was hope that it would revolutionize the Chromebook industry to focus more on the tablet-style. While that hasn’t exactly come to fruition the way that we hoped, Lenovo is sticking with this form factor as it has announced the IdeaPad Duet 3 Chromebook.
The Duet 3 features an 11-inch 2K touchscreen display that is also compatible with Lenovo’s Stylus Pen. Powering the tablet is the Snapdragon 7c Gen 2 chipset, along with up to 8GB of RAM and 256GB of eMMC storage.
Battery life is rated for up to 12 hours on a single charge, and there are two USB 3.0 Gen 1 Type-C ports to be found. These go along with the pogo-pins on the back to connect the included keyboard cover. Other features of the Duet 3 Chromebook include Bluetooth 5.1, Wi-Fi 5, and dual 1W stereo speakers.
The Lenovo IdeaPad Duet 3 Chromebook is expected to become available in May with a starting price of $399.
Rounding out the announcements come a new budget-friendly tablet. The Lenovo Tab M10 Plus is the third generation in this line and brings the same 10.61-inch IPS LCD display. This tablet won’t take on the likes of the Galaxy Tab S8, as Lenovo has opted to use either the MediaTek G80 or the Snapdragon 680 chipset, based on your region.
If you pick up the G80 version, configurations are as follows:
Meanwhile, the Snapdragon variant will come in these configurations:
No matter what version you end up with, you’ll be able to expand the memory up to 1TB with the built-in microSD card slot. The battery size also remains the same, as there’s a 7700mAh cell built-in, complete with 20W quick charge capabilities. This is said to provide up to 12 hours of video playback on a single charge.
The Lenovo Tab M10 Plus (3rd Gen) is expected to launch sometime in June and pricing will begin at $189.