The market for affordable gaming laptops is often disappointing – many underperform or cut corners in critical areas. However, Lenovo’s LOQ 15 breaks the mold, delivering a surprisingly capable experience for under $1,000. With a full-power Nvidia RTX 5060 graphics card, solid build quality, and a surprisingly good display, it stands out as the best option in its price range.
Design and Build Quality
The LOQ 15 doesn’t aim for flashy aesthetics. Its design is simple and understated, avoiding the aggressive RGB lighting common in many gaming laptops. While it’s relatively thick (0.96 inches) and heavy (over 5 pounds), the build quality feels robust. This is a trade-off: thinner, lighter models with comparable specs can easily cost $1,000 more.
Keyboard, Touchpad, and Ports
Lenovo didn’t skimp on usability. The keyboard features 1.5mm key travel with firm keycaps, offering a precise typing experience. A full-size layout includes a numeric keypad and dedicated media controls. The large touchpad is smooth and responsive, though the click mechanism is somewhat loud.
The port selection is comprehensive. The rear includes a power jack, Ethernet, HDMI 2.1, and USB-A ports. The right side houses a USB-A port, headphone jack, and USB-C port, along with a webcam shutter switch. This arrangement is practical for stationary setups.
Display: A Standout Feature
Unlike many budget gaming laptops that compromise on display quality, the LOQ 15 delivers an impressive IPS panel with a 144Hz refresh rate and 347 nits of brightness. It covers 100% of the sRGB color space and 78% of AdobeRGB, rivaling non-gaming laptops in the same price bracket. This ensures accurate, natural colors, a significant advantage over competitors like the Acer Nitro V 16 and MSI Cyborg A15. The only drawback is the use of a 15.6-inch 16:9 aspect ratio, resulting in a larger bottom bezel compared to newer 16:10 displays.
Performance and Upgradability
The LOQ 15 comes in various configurations, including options with Intel or AMD CPUs and RTX 5050 or 5060 graphics. The tested unit features an AMD Ryzen 7 250, RTX 5060, 16GB of RAM, and 512GB of storage. Notably, the RAM is single-channel, with an open slot for upgrades. A secondary storage slot supports both 2280 and 2230 SSDs, offering future expansion.
In testing, the LOQ 15 outperformed even the Razer Blade 14 with an RTX 5070 in some scenarios, demonstrating exceptional value. While it may struggle to maintain over 60fps at Ultra settings in demanding titles like Marvel Rivals or Monster Hunter Wilds, it delivers solid performance with moderate settings adjustments.
Game Performance (1920×1080):
– Cyberpunk 2077 (Ultra): 91 fps
– Cyberpunk 2077 (Medium): 113 fps
– Marvel Rivals (Ultra): 51 fps
– Marvel Rivals (Medium): 78 fps
– Black Myth: Wukong (Cinematic): 34 fps
– Black Myth: Wukong (Medium): 77 fps
– Monster Hunter Wilds (Ultra): 54 fps
– Monster Hunter Wilds (Medium): 66 fps
The RTX 5060 configuration delivers a 40% performance boost over RTX 5050 models, such as the MSI Cyborg A15. Thermal management is also effective, keeping the chassis cool during extended gaming sessions.
Battery Life and Conclusion
The LOQ 15 includes a 60-watt-hour battery, providing just under nine hours of local video playback. Gaming or heavy multitasking will cut this in half, but it’s adequate for moderate use away from a power outlet.
The Lenovo LOQ 15 defies expectations for budget gaming laptops. Its combination of performance, display quality, and upgradeability makes it the best option under $1,000. If you’re looking for a capable gaming machine without breaking the bank, the LOQ 15 is the clear choice.
