Lenovo LOQ 15 (i5-12450HX, RTX 4050) — Full Review
The Lenovo LOQ 15 with Intel Core i5-12450HX and NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4050 is one of the best-value gaming laptops in 2025. It’s built for gamers who want strong 1080p performance, a fast display, and a solid cooling system without paying premium Legion prices. In this review, we’ll cover everything from specifications to real-world performance, upgradeability, pros and cons, and an FAQ to help you decide if it’s the right laptop for you.
Introducing the Lenovo LOQ 15
The LOQ lineup was created as a more affordable gaming series under Lenovo’s Legion brand. While Legion laptops are premium and expensive, the LOQ aims to bring much of that performance to a wider audience.
This particular model — featuring an Intel Core i5-12450HX CPU and NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4050 GPU — balances power, efficiency, and affordability, making it ideal for students, gamers, and creators who need strong performance without breaking the bank.
Specifications
CPU: Intel Core i5-12450HX (8 cores, 12 threads, boost up to 4.4 GHz)
GPU: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4050 Laptop GPU (6GB GDDR6, up to ~105W TGP)
Display: 15.6″ FHD (1920×1080), 144Hz IPS
RAM: DDR5, configurable up to 32GB (ships with 12–16GB depending on SKU)
Storage: 512GB / 1TB NVMe SSD, dual M.2 slots for expansion
Battery: 60–70Wh, depending on SKU
Ports: HDMI 2.1, USB-C (DisplayPort/Power Delivery on select models), USB-A, Ethernet, audio jack, SD card (varies by region)
Operating System: Windows 11 Home
Weight: ~2.4 kg
Price Range: Mid-range, often between $750–$1,000 depending on sales and configuration
Why We Choose This Laptop
Excellent price-to-performance ratio for 1080p gaming
Fast 144Hz display for smooth, competitive gameplay
Reliable thermal design with minimal throttling
Generous upgrade options (dual RAM and SSD slots)
Strong port selection including HDMI 2.1 and Ethernet
CPU and GPU Performance
The Intel Core i5-12450HX is part of Intel’s HX series, delivering 8 cores (4 Performance + 4 Efficiency) and 12 threads. It’s powerful enough for gaming, streaming, and productivity workloads like video editing or compiling code.
The NVIDIA RTX 4050 is the star here. It handles most modern AAA games at high settings in 1080p with smooth frame rates and supports DLSS and ray tracing. Esports titles like Valorant, CS2, and Fortnite easily reach well over 100 FPS, taking full advantage of the 144Hz panel.
Compared to older RTX 3050 laptops, the RTX 4050 delivers a major leap in both raw performance and efficiency.
RAM, Storage, and Upgrades
Lenovo has made the LOQ upgrade-friendly. Most configurations ship with 16GB of DDR5 RAM and a 512GB SSD, but you can expand up to 32GB RAM and add another SSD thanks to dual M.2 slots.
If you’re a gamer with a large library or someone who does video work, upgrading to 32GB RAM and 1TB+ SSD will extend the life and usability of the laptop.
Display and Keyboard
The LOQ comes with a 15.6″ FHD IPS display that supports a 144Hz refresh rate. While it’s not the most color-accurate panel for professional editing, it’s bright, responsive, and excellent for gaming.
The keyboard is comfortable with good travel and spacing, making it suitable for both long typing sessions and gaming. RGB lighting is limited (often single-zone), but that’s expected at this price point. The trackpad is solid but gamers will likely use an external mouse.
Ports and Connectivity
This laptop has a strong port selection for its class:
HDMI 2.1 for connecting to high-refresh external monitors
Multiple USB-A ports for peripherals
USB-C with DisplayPort/Power Delivery on select models
Ethernet jack for reliable online gaming
3.5mm audio jack
SD card reader on some models
Wi-Fi 6 or 6E support ensures strong wireless connectivity.
Thermals, Noise, and Battery Life
Lenovo designed the LOQ with a cooling system that prevents major thermal throttling. The fans are audible under heavy load but not distracting compared to other gaming laptops in this price range.
Battery life is modest — expect 4–6 hours with light tasks and less than an hour of gaming unplugged. This is typical for gaming laptops with HX CPUs and RTX GPUs, so it’s best used plugged in for gaming.
What Could Have Been Better
Plastic-heavy chassis feels less premium compared to Legion models
Display color accuracy is average, not ideal for professional creators
Speakers are serviceable but lack bass and richness
Battery life under heavy load is short
Our Verdict
The Lenovo LOQ 15 (i5-12450HX, RTX 4050) is an excellent midrange gaming laptop for 2025. It’s not perfect — the chassis materials and display accuracy are basic — but for 1080p gaming performance, upgradeability, and price-to-performance value, it’s hard to beat.
If you’re looking for an affordable gaming laptop that will last, the LOQ 15 is one of the strongest choices this year.
Pros and Cons
Pros
Great 1080p gaming performance
144Hz display for smooth visuals
Good thermal management
Upgrade-friendly (RAM + dual SSD slots)
Generous ports including HDMI 2.1 and Ethernet
Cons
Plastic chassis, not premium build
Average color accuracy on display
Short battery life under load
Speakers could be better
Detailed Specifications Table
| Component | Details |
|---|---|
| CPU | Intel Core i5-12450HX (8 cores, 12 threads, up to 4.4 GHz) |
| GPU | NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4050 Laptop GPU (6GB GDDR6, ~105W TGP) |
| RAM | DDR5, up to 32GB (SO-DIMM slots) |
| Storage | 512GB NVMe SSD (expandable with second M.2 slot) |
| Display | 15.6″ FHD (1920×1080), 144Hz IPS |
| Ports | HDMI 2.1, USB-C (select SKUs), USB-A, Ethernet, audio jack, SD card (varies) |
| Battery | 60–70Wh |
| Weight | ~2.4 kg |
| OS | Windows 11 Home |
| Price Range | $750–$1,000 (varies by region and sales) |
FAQ
Q: Can the Lenovo LOQ 15 run modern AAA games?
Yes. The RTX 4050 can handle modern AAA titles at high settings in 1080p with smooth performance.
Q: Can I upgrade the RAM and storage?
Yes. It supports up to 32GB DDR5 RAM and has two M.2 slots for storage expansion.
Q: How long does the battery last?
Expect 4–6 hours for light use, but heavy gaming will quickly drain the battery.
Q: Does it support external monitors?
Yes. It comes with HDMI 2.1 and, on some models, USB-C with DisplayPort for external displays.
Q: Is the Lenovo LOQ better than the HP Victus or Acer Nitro?
In terms of thermals, upgradeability, and pricing, the LOQ is very competitive. The decision comes down to specific deals and preferred design.
Final Recommendation
If you want a gaming laptop in 2025 that delivers smooth 1080p gaming, modern features, and upgrade potential without breaking the bank, the Lenovo LOQ 15 (i5-12450HX, RTX 4050) should be at the top of your list. It’s not a premium machine, but in terms of value and performance, it’s one of the best picks available today.