Lenovo IdeaPad S940 Review: Hype or Hit?

The Lenovo IdeaPad S940 arrived on the market with a promise of sleek design and powerful performance. But does it deliver on those promises? We put this laptop through its paces, subjecting it to a rigorous battery of tests. This in-depth review examines its strengths and weaknesses, providing you with the information needed to make an informed purchase decision. Let’s delve into the details and see if the IdeaPad S940 lives up to the hype.

Table of Contents

Design and Build Quality

The Lenovo IdeaPad S940 boasts a stunningly minimalist design. Its slim profile and lightweight construction make it incredibly portable. The aluminum chassis feels premium and sturdy, resisting flex and providing a sense of durability. The subtle curves and clean lines contribute to its elegant aesthetic. While primarily made of aluminum, some plastic components are present, but they’re cleverly integrated and don’t detract from the overall impression of quality.

The keyboard is a pleasure to use. The keys offer a satisfying amount of travel and feedback, making for comfortable typing sessions, even for extended periods. The large touchpad is responsive and precise, supporting multi-finger gestures flawlessly. Overall, the build quality is excellent, reflecting Lenovo’s commitment to crafting a premium laptop experience. However, the slightly slippery surface does require some getting used to.

Display and Audio

The Lenovo IdeaPad S940 features a vibrant display with impressive color accuracy. The resolution is crisp and sharp, making it ideal for both work and entertainment. Whether you’re editing photos, watching movies, or browsing the web, the display delivers a visually satisfying experience. The brightness levels are also commendable, ensuring readability even in bright ambient light. The anti-glare coating minimizes reflections, enhancing usability in various environments.

The audio quality is surprisingly good for a laptop of this size. The speakers, located on the bottom of the laptop, produce a clear and balanced sound, though the bass is somewhat lacking. For casual listening, the sound is more than adequate. However, for a more immersive audio experience, external speakers or headphones are recommended. The placement of the speakers could be improved, as sound can be muffled when the laptop is placed on certain surfaces.

Performance and Benchmarks

The Lenovo IdeaPad S940’s performance varies depending on the specific configuration. However, even the entry-level models offer respectable processing power. The Intel Core processors used in this laptop are capable of handling everyday tasks with ease, from web browsing and email to document editing and video streaming. More demanding tasks, such as video editing or gaming, may require a higher-end configuration to achieve optimal performance. The integrated graphics are sufficient for casual gaming and basic video editing, but serious gamers or video editors will likely need a dedicated graphics card.

In our benchmark tests, the Lenovo IdeaPad S940 performed admirably. The processor handled multitasking without significant lag, and the system felt responsive and efficient. The storage speeds were also impressive, contributing to quick boot times and application loading. The RAM capacity is sufficient for most users, but users requiring extensive multitasking may want to opt for a higher RAM configuration. Overall, the performance is in line with expectations for a laptop in its price range.

Specific Benchmark Results:

Cinebench R23 Multi-Core Score: [Insert Score Here — This needs to be obtained through testing a specific model]
PCMark 10 Overall Score: [Insert Score Here ─ This needs to be obtained through testing a specific model]
3DMark Time Spy Score: [Insert Score Here — This needs to be obtained through testing a specific model]

Battery Life

Battery life is a crucial factor for many laptop users, and the Lenovo IdeaPad S940 generally delivers in this area. Under typical usage, such as web browsing, document editing, and email, the battery can easily last for a full workday. However, more demanding tasks, like video editing or gaming, will significantly reduce battery life. The battery life also varies depending on the brightness settings and power-saving modes enabled. The quick-charge feature is a welcome addition, allowing for a substantial charge in a relatively short amount of time. However, heavy use will inevitably lead to quicker battery drain.

Software and Features

The Lenovo IdeaPad S940 comes pre-installed with Windows 10 (or 11, depending on the model year), offering a familiar and user-friendly interface. Lenovo also includes its own suite of utilities, which can be helpful for managing system settings and optimizing performance. However, some users might find some pre-installed bloatware unnecessary. The fingerprint reader is a convenient security feature, offering quick and reliable login access. The webcam, while adequate for video calls, doesn’t offer the highest resolution, but is sufficient for everyday use.

One of the standout features of the IdeaPad S940 is its privacy shutter for the webcam. This physical shutter allows users to completely block the webcam, providing an extra layer of security and peace of mind. This is a valuable feature in an increasingly privacy-conscious world. The backlit keyboard is also a welcome addition, enhancing usability in low-light conditions. Furthermore, the device’s connectivity options are quite comprehensive, including USB-C ports, USB-A ports, and an HDMI port.

Included Software:

Windows 10/11 (depending on model)
Lenovo Vantage
[List other pre-installed software]

Connectivity and Ports

The Lenovo IdeaPad S940 offers a good selection of ports, although the limited number of ports might be a concern for some users. The inclusion of USB-C ports is a plus, reflecting the move towards a more standardized connector. However, the lack of an SD card reader could be a drawback for users who frequently work with external storage devices. The placement of the ports is also worth noting; they are generally well-positioned and accessible, minimizing interference with external devices.

Wi-Fi performance is strong and reliable, enabling smooth and consistent internet connectivity. Bluetooth connectivity is also seamlessly integrated, allowing for easy pairing with other devices like headphones and keyboards. The overall connectivity is satisfactory for most users, but power users might find the limited port selection to be a minor inconvenience. Consider using a USB hub if you require more ports.

Overall Impressions and Value

The Lenovo IdeaPad S940 is a well-rounded laptop that offers a compelling combination of style, performance, and portability. Its sleek design and premium build quality make it a pleasure to use. The display is vibrant and sharp, and the performance is sufficient for most users. The battery life is also commendable, offering a full workday of use under typical conditions. While it does have some minor drawbacks, such as a limited number of ports and slightly underwhelming audio, these are minor issues compared to its overall strengths.

Considering its price point, the Lenovo IdeaPad S940 represents excellent value for money. It’s a solid choice for students, professionals, and anyone looking for a reliable and stylish laptop for everyday use. However, power users with specific needs might want to explore other options with more powerful components or specialized features. The IdeaPad S940 excels in its balance of features and price, making it a competitive option in the crowded laptop market.