Lenovo’s IFA 2025 showing landed some genuinely promising hardware — a redesigned entry-level LOQ Tower with clearer upgrade intent, a trio of premium Legion PureSight OLED gaming monitors, and refreshed Legion laptops and handheld updates — but a single, surprising architectural choice threatens to hollow out one of the event’s most interesting announcements. (wccftech.com)
Lenovo used IFA 2025 to push its gaming stacks forward across multiple product tiers: budget-friendly pre-built desktops under the LOQ brand, flagship Legion laptops, handheld hardware updates, and, notably, high-end OLED monitors aimed squarely at competitive and creative gamers. The company’s messaging emphasized design refreshes, OLED adoption, and tighter integration of mobile-class silicon in some desktop SKUs. (notebookcheck.net, hothardware.com)
This is significant for buyers and the broader PC market because Lenovo is leaning into two trends at once: (1) bringing OLED to a broader range of gaming displays, and (2) pairing mobile-class CPUs with desktop GPUs in price-sensitive, pre-built systems — a trade-off that has become controversial among enthusiasts. The rest of this piece breaks down what Lenovo announced, verifies the key specs, highlights the practical implications, and offers a critical look at the strengths and risks buyers should weigh.
From a practical standpoint, the switch to a bigger chassis should improve sustained thermals for high‑power GPUs and make DIY upgrades easier, which aligns with what gamers expect from a 26‑liter pre-built tower.
Why that matters:
Lenovo also previewed additional details on the Legion Go (Gen 2) handheld roadmap and announced firmware/software updates for Legion Glasses 2 that may extend compatibility and features. Those moves reinforce Lenovo’s strategy of building a multi‑form-factor Legion ecosystem (desktop, laptop, handheld, and accessories) that leans into both performance and integrated software features like Legion Space. (gaming.lenovo.com, hothardware.com)
Buyers seeking immediate out‑of‑the‑box GPU performance at a tempting price may find the LOQ Tower attractive. Enthusiasts who prize future CPU socket upgrades and classic desktop platform longevity should look elsewhere or demand a clear product variant with a desktop CPU platform. Meanwhile, Lenovo’s new Legion Pro OLED monitors are worth serious consideration for gamers and creators who want high refresh rates plus OLED contrast — but validate burn‑in handling and panel uniformity once third‑party reviews complete long‑term testing. (hothardware.com, notebookcheck.net)
Lenovo has largely almost balanced ambition and value at IFA; the product lineup is exciting, but execution details — especially platform choices inside supposedly upgradeable systems — will determine whether these announcements deliver long‑term satisfaction or short‑term headline value.
Conclusion
Lenovo’s IFA 2025 announcements underline the company’s dual strategy: expand OLED into mainstream gaming displays and offer eye‑catching, competitively priced pre‑builts. Where Lenovo succeeds, it raises the bar for the entire PC ecosystem; where it compromises, it surfaces hard trade‑offs that buyers must evaluate carefully. The LOQ Tower 26 will test the patience of upgrade‑minded gamers, while the Legion Pro OLED trio may accelerate OLED adoption in high‑refresh gaming monitors — provided independent testing validates Lenovo’s panel quality and burn‑in mitigations. (wccftech.com)
Source: Windows Central Lenovo almost nailed its biggest gaming announcements at IFA, but there's something weird here
Lenovo used IFA 2025 to push its gaming stacks forward across multiple product tiers: budget-friendly pre-built desktops under the LOQ brand, flagship Legion laptops, handheld hardware updates, and, notably, high-end OLED monitors aimed squarely at competitive and creative gamers. The company’s messaging emphasized design refreshes, OLED adoption, and tighter integration of mobile-class silicon in some desktop SKUs. (notebookcheck.net, hothardware.com)This is significant for buyers and the broader PC market because Lenovo is leaning into two trends at once: (1) bringing OLED to a broader range of gaming displays, and (2) pairing mobile-class CPUs with desktop GPUs in price-sensitive, pre-built systems — a trade-off that has become controversial among enthusiasts. The rest of this piece breaks down what Lenovo announced, verifies the key specs, highlights the practical implications, and offers a critical look at the strengths and risks buyers should weigh.
Overview of the biggest announcements
- A redesigned Lenovo LOQ Tower 26 (Gen 10) pre-built desktop: larger 26‑liter chassis, transparent side panel, ARGB lighting, and internal choices that include an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5070 Ti GPU and an AMD Ryzen 7 8745HX processor (a mobile "HX" SKU). Pricing for the entry-level configuration is expected to start around $999 / €999. (wccftech.com, ithome.com)
- A trio of Lenovo Legion Pro OLED monitors — the Legion Pro 27Q‑10 (QHD, 280Hz), Legion Pro 27UD‑10 (UHD, 240Hz), and Legion Pro 32UD‑10 (UHD, 240Hz, 31.5") — each featuring Lenovo PureSight OLED panels, Dolby Vision/HDR TrueBlack, VESA Adaptive Sync, and modern console-friendly inputs such as HDMI 2.1 and DisplayPort. Price points sit in the premium bracket, roughly $699.99–$1,099.99 depending on model and region. (wccftech.com, notebookcheck.net)
- Updated Legion laptops, including a Legion Pro 7i (Gen 10) variant configurable with an AMD Ryzen 9 9955HX3D and high-end RTX 50 series laptop GPUs, plus further details on Legion handheld updates and accessory software improvements. (theverge.com, hothardware.com)
The LOQ Tower 26 (Gen 10): promising redesign, awkward CPU choice
What changed — and why it matters
Lenovo’s LOQ Tower 26 moves away from the compact, understated 17‑liter LOQ designs of prior generations to a more conventional 26‑liter tower with a transparent side panel, ARGB lighting, and more internal room for cooling and expandability. The larger internal volume, standard desktop-format GPU compatibility, and a 850W PSU option indicate a chassis intended to support meaningful upgrades like bigger GPU coolers or additional storage. This is a notable pivot for a brand that previously leaned toward compact, affordable builds. (hothardware.com, ithome.com)From a practical standpoint, the switch to a bigger chassis should improve sustained thermals for high‑power GPUs and make DIY upgrades easier, which aligns with what gamers expect from a 26‑liter pre-built tower.
Verified spec sheet (key points)
- GPU: up to NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5070 Ti (desktop GPU). (wccftech.com)
- Memory: up to 64 GB DDR5 (SODIMM). (ithome.com)
- Storage: dual PCIe Gen4 M.2 slots and configurations that include up to 4 TB PCIe Gen4 SSD (some early reporting and internal briefing text had an apparent typo stating “4GB” — the correct upper capacity is 4TB). (ithome.com, technetbooks.com)
- Networking: Wi‑Fi 7 and Bluetooth 5.4. (ithome.com)
- Power: up to an 850W power supply. (wccftech.com)
Cautionary note: an early version of briefing text (republished by some outlets and visible in the Windows Central briefing excerpt provided) included a likely typographical error reporting “4GB” for SSD capacity; independent manufacturer pages and multiple hands-on reports confirm the correct figure is 4TB for maximum SSD config. That discrepancy appears to be a simple editorial mistake in the briefing material rather than a hardware limitation.
The big caveat: a mobile Ryzen 7 8745HX sits at the heart
Lenovo’s spec sheet lists the AMD Ryzen 7 8745HX — an 8‑core mobile HX family processor — as the CPU option in the LOQ Tower 26. The 8745HX is a high-performance laptop chip with a configurable TDP and high clock ceilings for mobile platforms, but crucially it is a BGA/mobile package in its standard retail configurations.Why that matters:
- Upgradeability: Unlike socketed desktop CPUs, an HX mobile package is typically soldered or paired to laptop-style motherboards and uses SODIMM memory, which severely limits straightforward future CPU upgrades. Multiple reviews and hands-on previews note that the LOQ Tower’s CPU selection constrains upgrade paths even though the chassis physically supports large desktop GPUs. (wccftech.com, hothardware.com)
- Thermal & performance trade-offs: Mobile HX chips can be boosted aggressively in constrained desktops with robust cooling, but they still differ from true desktop Ryzen 7000/8000 desktop SKUs in platform features (chipset lanes, memory types, overclocking abilities). For buyers who expect a long‑lived, socket‑upgradeable desktop, a mobile HX CPU undermines the narrative of future-proof expandability. (wccftech.com)
How to interpret Lenovo’s decision
- Cost control and supply: Using a mobile HX SKU can reduce BOM costs and harness existing mobile supply chains. It allows Lenovo to pair a powerful, energy‑efficient CPU with desktop GPUs and still hit aggressive price points like $999 at the entry tier. That likely factored into Lenovo’s product architecture. (wccftech.com)
- Positioning trade-off: The LOQ Tower appears aimed at buyers who value immediate GPU performance (RTX 5070 Ti + up to 64GB RAM) at an entry price rather than long-term CPU‑upgrade flexibility. For many mainstream gamers, that will feel like a reasonable compromise; for enthusiasts who value socket-based CPU upgrades, it will be a deal breaker. (hothardware.com)
Legion PureSight OLED monitors: Lenovo’s credible step into premium displays
Product family and specifications
Lenovo unveiled three PureSight OLED Legion Pro monitors:- Legion Pro 27Q‑10 — 26.5" QHD (2560×1440), 280Hz, 0.03 ms response time, AMD FreeSync Premium Pro, HDMI 2.1 + DP1.4. Expected pricing near $699.99. (wccftech.com)
- Legion Pro 27UD‑10 — 26.5" UHD (3840×2160), 240Hz, Dolby Vision, DisplayHDR TrueBlack 400, expected ~$999.99, launch October/November depending on region. (notebookcheck.net, wccftech.com)
- Legion Pro 32UD‑10 — 31.5" UHD, 240Hz, 0.03 ms response, expected ~$1,099.99. (wccftech.com, notebookcheck.net)
- 99% sRGB and ~99% DCI‑P3 color coverage with Delta E < 2 factory calibration targets.
- Dolby Vision support and VESA DisplayHDR TrueBlack 400 certification.
- Console‑friendly inputs (HDMI 2.1) and G‑Sync/FreeSync compatibility. (wccftech.com, notebookcheck.net)
Strengths
- OLED for gamers: High contrast, perfect blacks, and near‑instant pixel response times give OLED a measurable advantage for HDR content and fast motion. For competitive shooters and cinematic single‑player titles, OLED can provide both deeper immersion and lower visible motion blur compared with VA/IPS alternatives. (notebookcheck.net)
- Well‑rounded port list: Inclusion of HDMI 2.1 and DisplayPort 1.4 ensures both console and PC compatibility without resorting to adapters. Slim bezels and a modern two‑tone aesthetic also make these monitors visually appealing for streaming/desktop setups. (wccftech.com)
Risks and open questions
- Burn‑in concerns: OLED still carries a risk of image retention or burn‑in over long periods with static HUD elements or desktop toolbars. Lenovo’s vendor-level mitigation (pixel shifting, brightness caps, panel lifetime management) will be crucial; buyers should watch independent reviews for long‑term retention testing. NotebookCheck and other outlets emphasize testing for sustained brightness and retention. (notebookcheck.net)
- Pricing competition: At $999–$1,099 for UHD OLED panels, Lenovo will be directly competing with established high‑end offerings from Samsung, ASUS, and Alienware. Lenovo’s differentiators will be panel tuning, software (Lenovo Artery/Legion Space), and ergonomics. The market response will depend on real-world panel uniformity and calibration quality. (wccftech.com, notebookcheck.net)
Legion laptops and handhelds: pushing the top end
Lenovo also refreshed its Legion laptop lineup and clarified some high‑end configurations. The Legion Pro 7 and Pro 7i family continues to target enthusiasts with options like the AMD Ryzen 9 9955HX3D (3D V‑Cache variant) coupled with GeForce RTX 5080/5080 Laptop GPUs in select SKUs, positioning those laptops as some of the most powerful portable gaming rigs available. Pricing for top configurations sits squarely in the premium bracket (MSRPs around $2,399 and up for flagship builds). (theverge.com, hothardware.com)Lenovo also previewed additional details on the Legion Go (Gen 2) handheld roadmap and announced firmware/software updates for Legion Glasses 2 that may extend compatibility and features. Those moves reinforce Lenovo’s strategy of building a multi‑form-factor Legion ecosystem (desktop, laptop, handheld, and accessories) that leans into both performance and integrated software features like Legion Space. (gaming.lenovo.com, hothardware.com)
Competitive landscape and market positioning
- Monitors: Lenovo’s PureSight OLED monitors place it in direct competition with ASUS ROG, Alienware, and Samsung’s OLED gaming displays. Lenovo’s strength is value (slightly lower pricing) and integrated Legion software, but it must prove panel longevity and uniformity in head‑to‑head tests. (notebookcheck.net, wccftech.com)
- Pre-built desktops: The LOQ Tower’s architecture positions Lenovo against other OEM pre-builts that balance price and upgradeability (HP Omen/OMEN, Dell G-series, boutique integrators). The mobile‑CPU-in-desktop choice differentiates LOQ in a risky way: better entry pricing, worse perceived upgrade path. That could push modders and enthusiasts to boutique builders despite Lenovo’s mainstream distribution reach. (wccftech.com, hothardware.com)
- Laptops and handhelds: Lenovo’s Legion laptops are competitively specified and priced for the premium market; the company’s willingness to include 3D V‑Cache Ryzen parts and RTX 50 class GPUs shows commitment to top-tier gaming performance. The handheld field remains competitive (Valve, ASUS, MSI), and Lenovo’s dual‑OS/firmware work (SteamOS options, Legion Glasses updates) will shape real-world appeal. (theverge.com, gaming.lenovo.com)
Practical buying guidance
- If the priority is straightforward gaming performance today at a competitive entry price, the LOQ Tower 26 could be compelling — especially in configurations with a high‑end RTX 5070 Ti and generous RAM/SSD. But buyers must accept a limited CPU‑upgrade pathway when choosing that SKU. (wccftech.com)
- For long‑term upgradability and enthusiast flexibility, a socketed desktop (or custom boutique build) remains preferable. Look for towers that use desktop Ryzen/Intel socketed CPUs and standard DIMM memory if CPU upgrades matter. (wccftech.com)
- On monitors, anyone who prioritizes contrast, HDR, and competitive motion clarity should strongly consider these Legion OLEDs — but wait for independent long‑term retention/burn‑in tests and local hands‑on before committing to a UHD OLED at the $1,000+ price band. (notebookcheck.net)
- For laptop buyers looking for maximum mobile performance, the Legion Pro 7/Pro 7i options (including Ryzen 9 9955HX3D + RTX 50‑series GPUs) are excellent choices, but they come at premium prices and weights — budget-conscious buyers should weigh price/performance vs portability. (theverge.com)
Strengths and notable positives
- Bold OLED push: Lenovo’s decision to offer multiple PureSight OLED models across QHD and UHD in both 27‑ and 32‑inch formats is a clear win for buyers seeking OLED in larger, higher‑refresh panels. If Lenovo executed panel calibration and durability, this will raise competition and help push prices down across the category. (wccftech.com, notebookcheck.net)
- Design and ecosystem coherence: Lenovo continues to refine its aesthetic and software experience (two‑tone stands, phone holder integration, Legion Space, Artery), which helps differentiate the monitors and laptops visually and functionally. (wccftech.com)
- Aggressive value positioning on LOQ hardware: The LOQ Tower’s starting price and the inclusion of desktop‑class GPUs in an OEM prebuild are attractive to mainstream gamers who want a turnkey gaming PC without the custom build hassle. (wccftech.com)
Risks, drawbacks, and cautionary points
- CPU upgradeability on LOQ Tower: The mobile Ryzen 7 8745HX undermines the tower’s upgrade story; buyers who expect a traditional desktop upgrade path will be disappointed. Unless Lenovo discloses a socketed variant or offers a clear path for motherboard/CPU swaps, this remains the LOQ Tower’s weak link. (wccftech.com)
- OLED longevity and burn‑in: Regardless of vendor mitigations, OLED panels require careful long‑term testing under real desktop/gaming workloads. Buyers should prefer retailers with good return policies and wait for independent durability tests. (notebookcheck.net)
- Crowded premium monitor market: At these price points, Lenovo faces established competitors with deep experience in monitor calibration and professional color workflows. Lenovo must demonstrate superior QC and software support to seize market share. (notebookcheck.net)
- Potential confusion in early spec sheets: As noted, some briefing materials contained editorial or typographical errors (e.g., “4GB” vs. 4TB storage). Buyers and reviewers should rely on manufacturer product pages and multiple independent coverage sources before concluding final configurations.
Final assessment
Lenovo’s IFA 2025 slate is a mixed but overall forward‑leaning package. The company nails the strategic push into OLED gaming monitors and keeps its Legion laptop line competitive at the high end. The LOQ Tower 26 shows Lenovo understands what gamers want visually and in terms of chassis capability, but the choice to use a mobile AMD Ryzen 7 8745HX in a chassis that otherwise screams desktop upgradability is a puzzling and consequential compromise. That single decision materially alters the product’s value proposition for a subset of buyers and will likely be the hinge on which early public opinion swings. (notebookcheck.net, wccftech.com)Buyers seeking immediate out‑of‑the‑box GPU performance at a tempting price may find the LOQ Tower attractive. Enthusiasts who prize future CPU socket upgrades and classic desktop platform longevity should look elsewhere or demand a clear product variant with a desktop CPU platform. Meanwhile, Lenovo’s new Legion Pro OLED monitors are worth serious consideration for gamers and creators who want high refresh rates plus OLED contrast — but validate burn‑in handling and panel uniformity once third‑party reviews complete long‑term testing. (hothardware.com, notebookcheck.net)
Lenovo has largely almost balanced ambition and value at IFA; the product lineup is exciting, but execution details — especially platform choices inside supposedly upgradeable systems — will determine whether these announcements deliver long‑term satisfaction or short‑term headline value.
Conclusion
Lenovo’s IFA 2025 announcements underline the company’s dual strategy: expand OLED into mainstream gaming displays and offer eye‑catching, competitively priced pre‑builts. Where Lenovo succeeds, it raises the bar for the entire PC ecosystem; where it compromises, it surfaces hard trade‑offs that buyers must evaluate carefully. The LOQ Tower 26 will test the patience of upgrade‑minded gamers, while the Legion Pro OLED trio may accelerate OLED adoption in high‑refresh gaming monitors — provided independent testing validates Lenovo’s panel quality and burn‑in mitigations. (wccftech.com)
Source: Windows Central Lenovo almost nailed its biggest gaming announcements at IFA, but there's something weird here