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Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →The Lenovo LOQ 15ARP9 is a good plugged-in 1080p gaming laptop, but it is a weak all-rounder. In the Ryzen 7 7435HS and RTX 4060 configuration tested by Tom’s Hardware, it delivered strong competitive gaming performance, a good 144Hz display, a comfortable keyboard, and useful upgrade options. Its drawbacks are equally clear: only 3 hours 24 minutes of battery life in testing, loud fans, mediocre speakers, a slow factory SSD, and comparatively weak productivity performance.
That makes the LOQ 15ARP9 worth considering only at a compelling clearance price, and mainly for someone who will play games while connected to the charger. It is a poor choice for frequent travel, all-day school or office work, quiet operation, or sustained CPU-heavy workloads. Most importantly, 15ARP9 is a family name, not one fixed specification. Check the exact CPU, GPU, display, webcam, SSD, memory, and power adapter before buying.
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Verdict
| Category | Verdict |
|---|---|
| 1080p gaming | Good for the class, especially with the RTX 4060 |
| Productivity | Below average against comparable gaming laptops in testing |
| Battery life | Poor |
| Display | Good on the tested 144Hz panel |
| Upgradeability | Very good |
| Portability | Weak |
| Value | Depends heavily on the exact configuration and current price |
Buy the LOQ 15ARP9 when gaming is the priority, the machine will usually stay plugged in, and the specific listing has an RTX 4060 at a substantial discount. Skip it when battery life, portability, professional content creation, or sustained productivity matters more than gaming performance.
The original review price was $999.99, but that was a historical October 2024 price, not a current recommendation. As of August 16, 2026, Lenovo’s U.S. pages show inconsistent availability, with some pages describing the family and some part-number pages showing discontinued or unavailable status. Treat this model as a clearance, refurbished, or used-market option unless the exact retailer listing is currently verified.
#1 Best Overall
- POWERFUL PERFORMANCE: AMD Ryzen 5 7235HS processor with 16GB memory delivers smooth multitasking and responsive gaming performance for demanding applications
- IMMERSIVE GRAPHICS: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4050 graphics card provides exceptional visual quality with ray tracing capabilities for modern gaming titles
- DISPLAY: 15.6-inch Full HD screen offers crisp 1920x1080 resolution for detailed visuals and an immersive gaming and entertainment experience
- FAST STORAGE: 512GB solid-state drive provides ample space for games and files with quick boot times and rapid data access speeds
- SLEEK DESIGN: Luna Grey finish with portable gaming laptop form factor makes it easy to game at home or on the go
The configuration tested
Tom’s Hardware reviewed this configuration:
- AMD Ryzen 7 7435HS, 8 cores and 16 threads, up to 4.5GHz
- Nvidia GeForce RTX 4060 Laptop GPU with 8GB GDDR6
- 115W GPU power limit in the tested configuration
- 16GB DDR5-4800 memory in two 8GB modules
- 512GB Micron 2400 M.2 2242 PCIe 4.0 SSD
- 15.6-inch 1920×1080 IPS display at 144Hz
- 60Wh battery
- Windows 11 Home
- 170W proprietary AC adapter
- 1080p IR webcam
These results should not be applied unchanged to every LOQ 15ARP9. Lenovo’s PSREF documentation lists Ryzen 5 7235HS and Ryzen 7 7435HS processors, RTX 3050, RTX 4050, RTX 4060, and RTX 4070 graphics options, different displays and webcams, and adapter-dependent GPU power limits. A Ryzen 5/RTX 4050 model is a materially different laptop from the reviewed Ryzen 7/RTX 4060 version.
1080p gaming performance is the main reason to buy it
The RTX 4060 is the LOQ 15ARP9’s strongest feature. In Tom’s Hardware’s testing, the laptop produced the following results:
| Game or test | Settings | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Shadow of the Tomb Raider | Highest, 1080p | 96 fps |
| Cyberpunk 2077 | Very High, 1080p | 31 fps |
| Far Cry 6 | Ultra | 79 fps |
| Red Dead Redemption 2 | Medium | 63 fps |
| Metro Exodus stress test | RTX, 1080p | 67.06 fps average |
It generally trailed the higher-powered RTX 4060 in the Lenovo Legion Pro 5i, whose GPU was configured for up to 140W, but it beat or matched RTX 4050 competitors in several comparisons. That is a useful reminder that the words “RTX 4060 laptop” do not describe a single performance level. GPU power limit, cooling, firmware, adapter size, and the game’s settings all matter.
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These are plugged-in results. Gaming on battery is not the intended use case: performance and GPU power are reduced, while the already limited battery is drained quickly.
Productivity is usable, but comparatively weak
“Poor productivity” needs context. The LOQ is not incapable of running Microsoft Office, a browser, coding tools, or ordinary school software. Tom’s Hardware found everyday use responsive enough. The problem appears when it is compared with other gaming laptops or used for sustained, storage-heavy and CPU-heavy work.
Reported results for the tested unit included:
- Geekbench 6 single-core: 2,040
- Geekbench 6 multi-core: 10,143
- 25GB file transfer: 757.83 Mbps
- HandBrake 4K-to-1080p transcode: 5 minutes 17 seconds
The laptop finished last in the cited comparison group for Geekbench single-core performance and file-transfer speed. The Ryzen 7 badge alone therefore tells you less than the complete platform. The Ryzen 7 7435HS, the relatively slow Micron 2400 factory SSD, and the comparison machines all influenced the result.
You are most likely to notice the weakness during video encoding, frequent large file transfers, software compilation, virtual machines, 3D work, or other sustained workloads. Web browsing, documents, note-taking, light coding, and casual multitasking should remain perfectly practical. If productivity is central to your purchase, a newer CPU platform or a laptop designed around efficiency and sustained work is a better direction.
The 144Hz display is a strong point
The tested screen was one of the LOQ’s best features: a 15.6-inch, 1920×1080 matte IPS panel with a 144Hz refresh rate and G-SYNC support. Tom’s Hardware measured 310 nits of brightness, 110% sRGB coverage, and 78.1% DCI-P3 coverage. It described the image as bright and pleasing, with good contrast and color compared with its budget competitors.
Rank #2
- 【RAM & Storage】This computer comes with 16GB RAM DDR5 | 512GB SSD
- 【AMD Ryzen 7 7235HS Processor】It is a 4 core processor with a clock frequency of 3.20 GHz (4.20 GHz). The processor can compute 8 threads at the same time. The AMD Ryzen 5 7535HS clocks with 3.30 GHz (4.55 GHz), has 6 CPU cores and can calculate 12 threads in parallel.
- 【15.6-in FHD display】Dive into every frame and pixel with Lenovo LOQ's 15.6'' 16:9 display, narrow bezels, WQHD sharpness, 144Hz smoothness, 300-nit vividness, and full sRGB colors. No screen hiccups with NVIDIA G-SYNC and AMD FreeSync Premium. And Advanced Optimus optimizes performance and battery life.
- 【Other features】NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4050 graphics,Front-Facing Camera,Backlit Keyboard, Windows 11 Home OS.
- 【Bundle with mouse pad】Bundled with Mouse Pad featuring high-quality cloth surface promotes smooth mouse gliding and enhanced precision.
Lenovo’s specifications for relevant configurations describe a 300-nit, 100% sRGB, 144Hz, G-SYNC-capable panel. The independent measurement and Lenovo’s claim are not contradictory in practice, but they should not be used to assume that every 15ARP9 has exactly the same screen. Retail listings can contain different panels.
This is a good gaming, general-work, and media display. It may also be adequate for ordinary photo editing. It is not automatically a professional, color-critical screen merely because a particular Lenovo specification lists 100% sRGB. Verify the panel details if accurate color work is important.
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Plastic, sturdy, and better on a desk than in a backpack
The Luna Grey chassis uses plastic, but the tested machine felt reasonably sturdy. The keyboard deck and lid were solid, and the subdued styling avoids the most exaggerated gaming-laptop design cues. A large rear exhaust section makes the cooling layout obvious, but it also helps keep important connectors away from the mouse area.
Tom’s Hardware measured the review unit at approximately 14.17 × 10.19 × 0.94 inches and 5.12 pounds, or 2.32kg. Lenovo’s later documentation lists approximately 5.25 pounds or more depending on configuration. The power brick adds further bulk.
That is portable in the technical sense, but not genuinely lightweight. It is reasonable to move between rooms or take to occasional gaming sessions. It is a poor fit for someone commuting daily with a laptop, charger, books, and other equipment. The combination of roughly five-plus pounds, a 60Wh battery, and a large adapter makes it closer to a desktop replacement than an everyday travel machine.
Keyboard, touchpad, speakers, and webcam
Keyboard
The keyboard is one of the more comfortable parts of the design. It has full-size arrow keys, a numeric keypad, 1.5mm key travel, and white backlighting on the tested unit. Lenovo lists 100% anti-ghosting, and the layout works well for both games and spreadsheets. Tom’s Hardware recorded 88 words per minute at 96.79% accuracy in its typing test; that is a reviewer-specific result rather than a guarantee for every user or configuration.
Touchpad
The touchpad is functional but not especially refined. Tom’s Hardware found the surface somewhat grippy, although the reviewer adapted quickly. A gaming mouse is the natural choice at a desk, but the touchpad is adequate for ordinary navigation.
Speakers
The dual 2W speakers are mediocre. Bass is weak and the sound can become harsh or hollow. Because the fans also become prominent during gaming, a headset or external speakers is a practical addition rather than an optional luxury.
Webcam
The reviewed model had a 1080p IR webcam and a physical privacy shutter, but image quality was soft with inaccurate skin tones. Other LOQ 15ARP9 configurations use 720p cameras. Confirm the webcam resolution in the exact listing if video calls matter.
Rank #3
- 【Processor】 AMD Ryzen 5 7235HS Processor (4 Cores, 8 Threads, 8 MB L3 Cache, 2 MB L2 Cache, 3.2 GHz Base Frequency, Up to 4.2 GHz Max Turbo Frequency).
- 【Graphics】NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4050 6GB GDDR6.
- 【Display】 15.6 inch Non-Touch Display, 144Hz, FHD (1920 x 1080), IPS, Anti-glare, 300 nits, G-SYNC.
- 【RAM and Storage】 Up to 64GB DDR5 RAM. Up to 8TB PCIe M.2 SSD.
- 【Tech Specs】 1x USB-C, 3x USB-A, 1x HDMI, 1x Ethernet RJ45, 1x headphone/microphone combo jack, WiFi 6 and Bluetooth 5.2. Windows 11 Home, 64-bit, English. White Backlight Keyboard.
Ports are useful, with one notable omission
The U.S. configuration provides:
- One USB-C port
- Three USB-A ports
- HDMI
- Gigabit Ethernet
- 3.5mm headset/microphone jack
- Proprietary power connector
- Physical webcam shutter
Lenovo identifies the USB-C port as USB 10Gbps with DisplayPort 1.4 and up to 140W power delivery, although adapter and system limitations apply. USB-C power support does not mean that a USB-C charger will necessarily sustain full gaming performance; use the Lenovo AC adapter for demanding play.
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1Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors2Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute3Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsThere is no built-in SD or microSD card reader, and only one USB-C port. HDMI and Ethernet are valuable for a desk setup, while the rear-mounted connections help keep cables away from a mouse. Do not infer port speed or charging capability from the connector’s physical shape alone; verify the exact model specification.
Excellent upgrade potential, with a fiddly bottom panel
Upgradeability is a major advantage:
- Two DDR5 SODIMM slots
- Two M.2 SSD slots
- A factory 2242 SSD in the tested unit
- A second slot capable of accepting a longer 2280 drive
- Replaceable Wi-Fi module
Lenovo’s PSREF lists two DDR5 slots and two PCIe SSD slots, with 2242 and 2280 form-factor support depending on configuration. Tom’s Hardware found the bottom panel difficult to remove because of its narrow fit, so opening the machine requires care and the correct service procedure.
A second SSD is usually the easiest useful upgrade: it lets you keep the factory drive for Windows while adding space for games. Confirm the exact form factor, screw, and standoff arrangement before ordering. A matched memory kit is sensible when moving to 32GB, particularly for heavy multitasking, content creation, or virtual machines. Lenovo cites up to 32GB in the relevant documentation, but check the exact machine type and existing module layout. Follow Lenovo’s service documentation and local warranty terms before opening the chassis.
Battery life is the clearest weakness
Tom’s Hardware measured 3 hours 24 minutes in a test involving web browsing, video streaming, and OpenGL graphics at 150-nit brightness. The LOQ lasted longer than the MSI Katana 15 in that comparison, but substantially less than the Acer Nitro 16 and Lenovo Legion Pro 5i.
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That figure belongs to the tested Ryzen 7/RTX 4060 configuration and that particular test method. Battery results vary with display, refresh-rate setting, brightness, Windows power mode, firmware, drivers, and background software. It should not be treated as a guarantee that every 15ARP9 lasts exactly 3 hours 24 minutes.
Lenovo specifies a 60Wh battery and advertises rapid-charging behavior on some configurations, including a stated 10-minute 0–40% and 30-minute 0–80% pattern. Lenovo also documents 140W USB-C power support in relevant specifications. The charger, regional configuration, and system limitations matter, however. Carry the proprietary adapter for a normal school or work day, and use a lower refresh rate or battery-saving mode when away from an outlet.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Temperatures are reasonable; fan noise is not
During the cited Metro Exodus stress test, CPU cores averaged 68.5°C and the GPU averaged 64.78°C. The hottest underside area reached 45.5°C, while the area between the G and H keys reached 34.4°C.
Those internal temperatures are not alarming for a gaming laptop. The bigger problem is acoustics: the fans became loud as soon as gaming began and remained prominent under load. Performance mode, room temperature, dust, firmware, and fan profiles can change the result, but this is not a quiet gaming machine. Use it on a desk rather than a lap, and expect a headset to mask the fan noise.
Rank #4
- STEP UP TO TRUE GAMING – The Lenovo Legion LOQ is your first step into gaming, unlocking a new caliber of entertainment. Enjoy seamless AI experiences, high resolution and frame rates, with vacuum-sealed thermals to fast-track your performance.
- GAME WITHOUT COMPROMISE – Be everything you want to be, in game and out with optimized performance and new AI-enhanced features. Play harder and work smarter with the Intel Core i7-13650HX processor.
- STAY ICY, GAME SPICY – Lenovo LOQ’s Hyperchamber Cooling keeps your system from overheating with turbo fans and copper heat pipes. AI Engine+ ensures your laptop stays consistently cool while you bring the heat.
- KEYS THAT SLAY EVERY DAY – The Lenovo LOQ keyboard is built to vibe with a clean white backlight, full layout, and soft-landing switches for smooth, satisfying presses. Game, chat, flex—your way.
- GLOW UP YOUR VISUALS – The FHD IPS display is perfect for gaming and watching your favorite streams. NVIDIA G-Sync technology eliminates screen tearing, stuttering, and input lag, ensuring silky-smooth frame rates.
Which LOQ 15ARP9 should you buy?
Before buying, compare the complete specification rather than the family name. Check:
- Processor: Ryzen 5 7235HS versus Ryzen 7 7435HS
- GPU: RTX 3050, 4050, 4060, or 4070
- GPU power: the listed TGP and the included 170W or 230W adapter
- Display: refresh rate, brightness, G-SYNC, and whether 100% sRGB is explicitly stated
- Webcam: 720p versus 1080p IR
- Storage: 512GB versus 1TB and the factory drive’s form factor
- Memory: one module versus two, and the supported maximum
- Keyboard: white backlight versus RGB options
- Condition: new, clearance, refurbished, or used
- Warranty: length, seller, and regional coverage
The RTX 4060 version is the most attractive gaming proposition, but its performance still depends partly on the configured power limit and cooling. A Ryzen 5 or RTX 4050 model may be worthwhile at a much lower price, but it should not be judged by the RTX 4060 review results. The four-core Ryzen 5 7235HS version deserves particular caution if the laptop will also serve as a workstation.
Who should buy it?
Buy it when
- You mainly play games at 1080p.
- The laptop will usually remain plugged in.
- The exact unit has an RTX 4060 and a clearly discounted price.
- You want a 144Hz screen, full-size keyboard, Ethernet, and upgradeable storage and memory.
- You accept loud fans and mediocre speakers.
- You are willing to add storage later.
Avoid it when
- You need all-day battery life.
- You carry the laptop to school or work every day.
- You frequently encode video, compile large projects, run virtual machines, or transfer large files.
- Color-critical content creation is central to your work.
- You want premium speakers, a strong webcam, or quiet gaming.
- You are choosing it mainly because the label says “Ryzen 7.”
- The exact machine uses the four-core Ryzen 5 7235HS and you need strong general-purpose performance.
How it compares by buying priority
There is no single universally better alternative; the right direction depends on what the LOQ fails to provide.
- More gaming performance: look for a laptop with a higher-powered RTX 4060 or a stronger GPU, accepting potentially greater weight, heat, cost, and noise.
- Better battery life: consider an AMD laptop with a larger battery and a more efficiency-focused platform, though gaming performance at the same price may be lower.
- Better productivity: prioritize a newer CPU generation, faster SSD, and stronger sustained performance rather than relying on the Ryzen 7 label.
- Better portability: a thin productivity laptop is a better daily companion, but it will not provide equivalent gaming performance without a separate desktop or console.
- Better display: verify color coverage and calibration on the individual model instead of assuming every gaming panel is suitable for professional work.
- Lower price: compare clearance and refurbished RTX 4050 or RTX 4060 systems by their full specification and warranty, not just the product family name.
A newer discounted LOQ generation may offer better value than an aging 15ARP9, but improvements should be confirmed from the exact listing. Do not assume that a newer name automatically means a better screen, GPU power limit, or battery.
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The most practical additions are a second compatible PCIe NVMe SSD, a matched DDR5 laptop-memory kit when 32GB is needed, and a gaming headset or external speakers. Confirm the SSD’s 2242 or 2280 fit, the memory layout, and the correct Lenovo charger before ordering. Lenovo’s support page is the appropriate starting point for machine-specific drivers, service information, and accessories.
Eligible LOQ devices may include a promotional Xbox PC Game Pass offer, but availability varies by region, device, and promotion. Check the Xbox subscription terms rather than assuming it is included.
Final recommendation
The Lenovo LOQ 15ARP9 is a compelling gaming-first laptop when the reviewed RTX 4060-class configuration is heavily discounted. Its 1080p gaming performance, bright 144Hz screen, comfortable keyboard, useful ports, and unusually good upgradeability outweigh the compromises for a buyer who mainly plays while plugged in.
It is not a good one-device recommendation for most mobile students, office workers, creators, or travelers. The short battery life, bulky chassis and charger, loud fans, weak speakers, mediocre webcam, slow factory SSD, and comparative productivity results are too significant to ignore. Buy the exact RTX 4060 configuration only when the price is right; consider lower-tier versions cautiously; and skip the entire family if portability or sustained productivity is your priority.
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Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
