Lenovo Ideapad Miix 520: A superb Windows tablet with subpar battery life
The Lenovo Ideapad Miix 520 aspires to compete with Microsoft’s Surface Pro, and it checks nearly all of the boxes: excellent performance; a bright, highresolution display; and a comfortable typing experience. Only in battery life does it fall well short. Nevertheless, the Miix 520 is a great alternative to the pricier Surface lineup.
As Windows tablets coalesce toward the 12.2-inch panel size used by the Miix 520, comparing them is all about trade-offs. The Miix 520, which is currently available in only one configuration (currently about $990 on Amazon), upgrades the typical tablet display from 1080p to a 1920x1200 panel. But that higher resolution affects battery life, as you’ll see in our tests. The other major features are detailed below.
The Miix 520’s watchband hinge not only captures the eye, it helps support the tablet as it reclines.
BASIC SPECIFICATIONS AND FEATURES
Display: 12.2-inch (1920 x 1200) IPS
Processor: Intel 1.6GHz Core i5-8250U (Kaby Lake-R)
Graphics: Intel 620 (integrated)
Memory: 8GB DDR4 (2,133MHz)
Storage: 256GB SSD
Ports: 1 USB 3.0 (Type C), 1 USB 3.0 (Type A), microSD, headphone jack
Wireless: 802.11ac (2 x 2), Bluetooth 4.1
Cameras: Front (5MP, fixed-focus); Rear (8MP, autofocus)
Battery: 39Wh
Operating system: Windows 10 Home
11.8 in. x 8.1 in. x 0.4 in., 0.6 in. with keyboard; 1.9 lb (tablet), 2.72 lb (with keyboard), 3.06 lb
