Lenovo IdeaPad 1 15.6 Laptop Review (2025): 20GB RAM, 1.16TB Storage & Everyday Windows Value
In this Lenovo IdeaPad 1 15.6 Laptop Review, we evaluate Lenovo’s budget-friendly 15.6″ Windows notebook: Intel Celeron N4500, 20GB RAM, and a roomy 1.16TB storage setup (1TB SSD + 160GB set). Add an HD anti-glare panel, numeric keypad, Wi-Fi, webcam, and Windows 11 in S mode and you get a practical daily driver for students, families, and remote workers who need simple, reliable computing—without premium pricing.
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💻 Product Overview
The Lenovo IdeaPad 1 (15.6″) focuses on practicality: an easy-to-read anti-glare screen, quiet efficiency from Intel’s Celeron N4500, and generous memory + storage for a budget machine. Windows 11 in S mode prioritizes security and simplicity (Microsoft Store apps only). If you later need traditional desktop apps, you can switch out of S mode (one-way) to the standard Windows experience.*
* Always confirm the latest Windows 11 information on authoritative sources such as Wikipedia: Windows 11 or Microsoft’s documentation.
✨ Key Features & Benefits
- 20GB RAM — Unusually high for this class; keeps tabs and apps responsive.
- 1.16TB Storage — 1TB SSD for speed + 160GB set for extra room.
- Intel Celeron N4500 — Efficient dual-core for everyday web, mail, docs, and streaming.
- 15.6″ HD Anti-glare — Reduces reflections under classroom or office lighting.
- Numeric Keypad — Great for spreadsheets, budgeting, and data entry.
- Windows 11 in S mode — Simple, secure defaults; quick boot and low maintenance.
- Webcam + Wi-Fi — Ready for Zoom/Teams calls and stable connectivity.
🔍 In-Depth Analysis & Real-World Use
For students, families, and office assistants, the IdeaPad 1 handles the basics smoothly: email, web research, Office web apps, online banking, video calls, and streaming. The big wins are 20GB RAM—rare in this price band—and the roomy storage combo that saves you from shuffling USB sticks.
The HD panel is optimized for reading and everyday visuals. If you edit photos or crave super-sharp UI, consider an FHD model; otherwise the anti-glare coating is welcome under bright lights. The numeric keypad is a time-saver in Sheets/Excel. The Celeron N4500 favors efficiency over raw performance; keep heavy multitasking modest for the best experience.
Learn more about the platform classes here: Intel Celeron (Wikipedia) • Solid-state drive (Wikipedia)
📊 Specifications
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Model | Lenovo IdeaPad 1 (15.6″) — HD Anti-glare |
| Processor | Intel Celeron N4500 |
| Memory | 20GB RAM |
| Storage | 1.16TB total (1TB SSD + 160GB docking-station set) |
| Graphics | Intel UHD Graphics |
| Display | 15.6″ HD (anti-glare) |
| Keyboard | Full-size with numeric keypad |
| Camera | Webcam for video calls |
| Wireless | Wi-Fi, Bluetooth |
| Operating System | Windows 11 in S mode |
| Best For | Students, families, administrative work, everyday tasks |
| Color | Grey |
👍 Pros & 👎 Cons
Pros
- Huge memory for the price: 20GB RAM
- Large storage: 1TB SSD + 160GB set
- Anti-glare screen is comfortable for reading
- Numeric keypad speeds up data entry
- Windows 11 S mode is simple and secure
Cons
- HD resolution, not FHD—fine for basics, less ideal for creators
- Celeron favors efficiency over heavy multitasking
- S mode limits apps to Microsoft Store (you can switch out if needed)
⭐ Buyer Reviews Summary
- 🚀 Responsiveness: 20GB RAM helps with multiple tabs and apps.
- 💾 Storage: 1TB SSD + 160GB set reduces cloud-only dependency.
- 🧮 Numpad: Appreciated for budgets, invoices, and spreadsheets.
- 🛡️ Simplicity: S mode feels stable and low-maintenance.
- 🖥️ Display: Anti-glare is comfortable; some prefer FHD sharpness.
📌 Competitor Comparison
| Model | CPU | RAM | Storage | Display | OS | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lenovo IdeaPad 1 (this review) | Celeron N4500 | 20GB | 1TB + 160GB | 15.6″ HD (AG) | Win 11 S | Everyday Windows tasks |
| HP Stream 14 | Entry x86 | 4GB | 64GB eMMC | 14″ HD | Windows | Basic Windows on tight budgets |
| Lenovo Slim 3 Chromebook | Kompanio 520 | 4GB | 224GB | 14″ FHD IPS Touch | ChromeOS | Web-first use & touch |
| Dell 3520 15 More Power | Intel 6-Core | 32GB | 1TB SSD | 15.6″ FHD 120Hz | Win 11 Pro | Heavier multitasking |
| Dell Latitude 3550 | Intel i5 class | 16GB | 512GB SSD | 15.6″ FHD | Win 11 Pro | Business reliability |
| NIAKUN 16″ | Entry-mid x86 | 16GB | 1TB SSD | 16″ FHD+ | Windows | Large screen value |
🛒 Buyer’s Guide
1) CPU Tiers (What to expect)
Celeron chips are built for efficiency and basics: web, email, Office web apps, and streaming. If you need frequent photo/video editing or large datasets, consider Core i3/i5 or Ryzen 5-class devices.
2) Memory (Why 20GB helps)
RAM keeps apps responsive. Many budget laptops have 4–8GB. 20GB RAM helps with multiple tabs, email, chat, and office apps open together.
3) Storage Strategy
The 1TB SSD is for speed; keep your OS, apps, and active files here. Use the additional 160GB set for archives, downloads, and backups. For long-term safety, also keep a cloud copy.
4) Display Choices
HD anti-glare is comfortable and efficient. If you want sharper UI or do creative work, an FHD (1920×1080) screen is nicer—check Lenovo’s FHD variants.
5) Windows 11 in S Mode
S mode locks installations to the Microsoft Store and boosts safety. If you need traditional installers, you can switch out of S mode (a one-way change). Plan ahead based on your app needs.
📈 Seasonal Trends (Google Trends)
Search interest for “budget laptop” and “student laptop” typically peaks around Back-to-School (Aug–Sep) and the holiday season (Nov–Dec). Track demand at
Google Trends and watch for coupon drops during those windows.
✅ Final Verdict
🔥 Get the Lenovo IdeaPad 1 (15.6″) on Amazon
💬 Comment below: Which matters most to you—RAM, storage, display, or portability?
❓ FAQ
Is the Lenovo IdeaPad 1 (15.6″) good for students?
Yes. It’s designed for web research, note-taking, Office on the web, and video classes.
Can I switch out of Windows 11 S mode?
Yes, you can switch out (one-way). After switching, you can install traditional desktop apps.
Is 20GB RAM overkill?
No. It helps keep tabs and apps responsive, especially with multiple browser windows and cloud tools.
How is the display quality?
It’s an HD anti-glare panel aimed at reading and everyday visuals. For sharper UI, look for FHD options.
Does it have a numeric keypad?
Yes, it includes a full keyboard with a numpad for faster data entry.
Can I use Zoom or Microsoft Teams?
Yes. The webcam and Windows 11 (S mode or standard) support popular meeting apps.
Is this okay for photo/video editing?
Light edits are fine. For heavy editing, consider a more powerful CPU and an FHD display.
What about external monitors?
You can connect an external display via the appropriate video port/adapter (confirm your exact port layout in the listing).
How much storage do I really get?
You have a fast 1TB SSD plus an additional 160GB set for extra files. Use cloud as a safety net.
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Related reading:
HP Stream 14″ Laptop Review •
Dell Latitude 3550 15 Review •
NIAKUN 16″ Laptop Review •
Dell 3520 15.6″ Laptop Review •
Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3 Chromebook Review
