Is the Lenovo LOQ 15IRX9 the budget gaming laptop that finally stops pretending—or just another spec sheet cosplay? Short answer: it actually brings the watts where it counts.
Quick Summary Box
· What it is: 15.6" value gaming laptop with HX CPUs and up to RTX 4060 115W.
· Who it’s for: 1080p/144Hz gamers, students upgrading later, budget hunters who still care about thermals.
· Immediate caveats: Meh battery, no Thunderbolt, watch for single-stick RAM in base SKUs.
Key Specs at a Glance
· CPU: Intel Core i5-13450HX / i7-13650HX / i7-14700HX (HX class).
· GPU: RTX 4050 105W / RTX 4060 115W (230W adapter), plus some 3050 variants.
· Display: 15.6" FHD 144Hz (300 nits) or WQHD 165Hz (350 nits), 100% sRGB, Advanced Optimus, G-SYNC.
· Memory/Storage: Two DDR5 SODIMMs (up to 32GB), two PCIe 4.0 x4 M.2 slots.
· Battery: 60Wh, Rapid Charge Pro (50%≈30 min). Claimed up to ~4.1 hr MM25.
· Ports: HDMI 2.1, RJ-45, 3x USB-A, USB-C (10Gbps, DP 1.4, 140W PD in), combo audio, barrel power.
· Build: Luna Grey, 2.38 kg, MIL-STD-810H tested.
Design & Build
Blocky gamer vibe, but toned down enough for class or office. PC-ABS chassis, decent rigidity, and a practical rear I/O bar so cables don’t spill over your mousepad. At ~2.38 kg it’s luggable, not light. MIL-STD-810H is a welcome confidence boost at this price.
Display & Multimedia
Lenovo pairs realistic GPUs with realistic panels—FHD/144Hz or WQHD/165Hz. Colors hit 100% sRGB; brightness tops at 300–350 nits, fine indoors, merely OK in bright sun. G-SYNC + Advanced Optimus keep tearing at bay. Stereo 2W x2 speakers are serviceable with Nahimic tuning.
Persona mapping:
· Gamer: 144/165Hz motion is smooth; competitive shooters feel snappy.
· Movie watcher: WQHD/165Hz looks nicer, but HDR isn’t the headline here.
Performance & Software
HX chips plus up to 115W RTX 4060 and Lenovo’s roomy cooling give you the frames you actually feel at 1080p. Review units show strong 1080p numbers; just avoid single-stick RAM configs (dual-channel matters). Windows 11 with Lenovo LA1 “AI” smarts is mostly power/thermal profiling—not magic, but helpful.
Rivals: Unlike some “budget” rigs that slap QHD/240Hz on a 60–80W GPU, LOQ’s wattage is honest. Think of it as the sensible alternative to flashier, thinner options that throttle.
Cameras
720p or 1080p options, both with E-shutter. Pick the 1080p if you Zoom a lot.
Battery & Charging
It’s a desk-dweller: 60Wh and ~4.1 hr (MobileMark 25) claims. Rapid Charge Pro gets ~50% in ~30 minutes—good for class hops, not road trips. Gamers: carry the 230W brick if you want that 115W GPU ceiling.
Connectivity & Extras
Gigabit LAN for stable ping, Wi-Fi 6 + BT 5.2, plenty of USB-A, HDMI 2.1, and USB-C with DP 1.4 (not Thunderbolt). 4-zone RGB keyboard on many SKUs; white backlight on cheaper ones.
Brand Claims vs Reality
“AI-tuned” = Lenovo’s LA1 chip helping with power/cooling decisions. Expect smoother fan ramps and decent frame stability—not a magic FPS button.
Price & Availability (India)
We’re seeing frequent promos in India with list MRPs around ₹85–108K and sale prices in the mid-₹60-70K range depending on SKU and day. Great value when the RTX 4050/4060 configs dip.
Alternatives
· Acer Nitro 16 (RTX 4050): Often similar price; bigger 16" panel, but GPU wattage can be lower on some configs.
· HP Victus 15/16: Clean design, decent thermals; check panel speed and GPU TGPs carefully.
(TGP and panel configs vary by SKU—always check the fine print.)
FAQ
Q: Does it support wireless charging?
A: No, standard laptop charging via 170W/230W adapter; USB-C PD is input up to 140W (Lenovo-specific adapter).
Q: Is it waterproof?
A: No. It’s a standard laptop chassis; keep liquids away.
Q: How does it compare to pricier Legion models?
A: Legion adds nicer screens, better speakers, and extras (and often higher sustained CPU/GPU power). LOQ wins on price/performance per rupee.