Introduction

I recently reviewed the Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3 15AHP10 with a Ryzen 7 8840HS, and now it's time to check the Team Blue version of this laptop. It's called the IdeaPad Slim 3 15IRH10, and it resembles its AMD sibling in appearance. The differences are under the bonnet. Intel Raptor Lake-H CPUs power this variant. You can find it with just two versions—the 8-core Core i5-13420H or the 12-core i7-13620H.



Given that the cooling system is the same—a basic setup with one heat pipe and a single fan—it makes little sense to pick the version with the 13620H. As we saw in the previous review, this cooling system can't handle a 28 W AMD chip properly, so a more power-hungry 45 W Intel with additional cores is definitely not a good match for this notebook.

That's why I bought a device with the more modest i5-13420H that has the same core count as the 8840HS in the 15AHP10. Also, the Intel system cost me 80 euros less than the AMD one, which seemed like a fair deal. The 13620H versions, in my opinion, are priced a bit too high.

The rest of the specs aren't any different from the AMD version. You still get three 5 Gbps USB ports and an SD card reader, which is a nice touch. Thankfully, there are no TN panels here. The optional OLED screen could add a premium feel to this otherwise affordable package. It's always nice to see a webcam with a shutter like the one here. If you care about Windows Hello certification for face unlocking, picking the IR model over the basic 720p version is a smart move.

Specifications

Packaging

Inside the box, you'll find the laptop and a 210-gram barrel plug adapter—which is pretty standard for this price range.


The adapter is covered in a paper layer, which ensures extra protection.

A Closer Look - Outside

The IdeaPad Slim 3 15IRH10 is a carbon copy of the 15AHP10, which isn't a surprise. Designing a unique chassis for every laptop model would be costly for manufacturers, especially in the budget category.


In short, the design is clean and modern but doesn't introduce anything new compared to its predecessors. Curiously, the Intel model is available in more colors: Cosmic Blue, Luna Grey, Polar Blue, and Seafoam Green. The last two aren't an option for the AMD version, which is a bit strange. If the Luna Grey model looks too boring, one of the other three colors might catch your eye.


You can get this laptop with either an all-plastic chassis or, like my unit, with a metal lid and a plastic base. The metal lid version is slightly slimmer (16.9-17.9 mm) than the PC-ABS model (17.9-18.9 mm) and might be the more attractive option, depending on your taste. The overall weight varies depending on the battery and display chosen. If you want a lighter laptop, the OLED version weighs just 1.49 kg, likewise, the higher capacity battery adds some weight.


You can twist the lid or push it down in the middle without causing any serious issues. I didn't notice any display color shift or strange sound while pressing on the top cover. Just like the AMD model of this device, the Intel model in front of me suffers from keyboard bends in the center while typing, especially if you are a heavy-handed typist. It's not the end of the world, but it's noticeable. Interestingly, the hinges here are way smoother compared to the Team Red version, which lets you open the lid with one hand up to about 80°. After that, you'll need both hands. The noticeable camera notch makes it easier to grip the lid.


The distinctly long speaker grille can be seen above the keyboard with a NumPad and MS Copilot key.


The board is characterized by average travel and unsatisfying, and somehow inconsistent feedback. Mine doesn't have a backlight, which isn't exactly a big problem during the day, but when the lighting in the room isn't optimal, the lack of illumination can be problematic.


On the flip side, the touchpad is good for everyday use despite its plastic surface. It's easy to glide my fingers on it, and the precision is pleasing.


I'm not surprised that the IPS panel of this device isn't bordered by thin bezels. But they aren't too thick either, so it doesn't seem like an issue, particularly given the price class of the laptop.


The 720p webcam has a privacy shutter, which is always a welcome feature. If you prefer to unlock your device via Windows Hello, the 1080p IR model is the right option to get, for extra money of course.


Without the stickers on the left of the trackpad, it would be hard to tell the 15IRH10 and the 15AHP10 apart.


The bottom cover has a two-part ventilation grille and three rubber feet that provide enough grip to prevent the laptop from sliding around on your desk.


The heat that is dissipated by the CPU is guided outside through a single vent on the rear of the laptop. Sadly, it directs the hot airflow to the lower part of the display.

Ports and Connectivity

The left side of the device features a power connector, a 5 Gbps USB Type-A 3.2 Gen. 1 port, an HDMI 1.4 port, and an audio combo jack. It also includes a 5 Gbps USB Type-C 3.2 Gen. 1 port that supports both Power Delivery 3.0 and DisplayPort 1.2.


On the right, you'll find another 5 Gbps USB Type-A 3.2 Gen. 1 port, an SD card reader, and the power button.


No connectors on the rear side of the notebook.