The Lenovo LOQ series is one of Lenovo’s most promising budget-to-mid-range gaming laptop lineups in 2025. Known for delivering balanced performance without compromising build quality, Lenovo LOQ laptops have gained popularity among students, casual gamers, and even creators who need portable power.
One of the most requested reviews this year is the Lenovo LOQ i5 13450HX RTX 4050 model, which offers a great blend of affordability and next-generation gaming capabilities.
In this blog, we’ll cover:
- Full specs breakdown
- Real-world gaming performance
- Display, build quality, and thermals
- Pros and cons
- Who should buy this laptop
- Whether it’s the best RTX 4050 gaming option in 2025
Let’s dive in!
Lenovo LOQ i5 13450HX RTX 4050 – Specifications Overview
Specification | Details |
CPU | Intel Core i5 13450HX (10 cores, 16 threads) |
GPU | NVIDIA RTX 4050 (6GB GDDR6, 95W TGP) |
RAM | 16GB DDR5 (Upgradable to 32GB) |
Storage | 512GB NVMe SSD (Expandable) |
Display | 15.6-inch FHD IPS, 144Hz, Anti-Glare |
Battery | 60Wh (Up to 4.5 hours typical usage) |
Ports | USB-C, 3x USB-A, HDMI 2.1, RJ45, 3.5mm jack |
Weight | Approx. 2.4 kg |
Price Range (2025) | ₹85,000 – ₹95,000 (Depending on configuration and offers) |
Performance: Can It Handle Modern Games in 2025?
The combination of the Intel Core i5 13450HX and the NVIDIA RTX 4050 (95W TGP) makes this laptop capable of handling most modern games at 1080p medium to high settings with smooth frame rates.
Gaming Benchmarks (Approximate FPS, Medium to High Settings, 1080p)
- Valorant: 200+ FPS
- CS2: 180-200 FPS
- GTA V: 90-110 FPS
- Cyberpunk 2077: 55-65 FPS (DLSS Balanced On)
- Shadow of the Tomb Raider: 70-80 FPS
- Forza Horizon 5: 80-90 FPS
Quick Performance Verdict:
✅ Great for esports and competitive games
✅ Can handle AAA games at medium-high settings
✅ DLSS 3.0 support boosts frame rates significantly in demanding titles
CPU Power: Intel Core i5 13450HX – Worth It?
The Intel Core i5 13450HX is part of Intel’s HX lineup, which means it’s a high-performance, desktop-class chip in a laptop body.
- 10 cores and 16 threads (6 Performance + 4 Efficiency cores)
- Boost clock up to 4.6 GHz
- Excellent multi-tasking and background load handling
You can easily:
- Game and stream simultaneously
- Handle video editing at 1080p and light 4K projects
- Run productivity-heavy software like Photoshop, Premiere Pro, and coding environments
Display Quality: Decent, Not Exceptional
The 15.6-inch Full HD 144Hz IPS display is a sweet spot for gamers at this price point.
Pros:
- 144Hz refresh rate gives smooth visuals in fast-paced games.
- Anti-glare coating is useful for long gaming or study sessions.
Cons:
- sRGB color coverage is around 65-70% – not ideal for color-accurate work.
- Brightness levels are sufficient for indoor use but may struggle under direct sunlight.
Display Verdict:
✅ Perfect for casual gaming and everyday tasks
❌ Not recommended for professional creative work (photo editing, color grading)
Build Quality and Design: Minimalist Yet Tough
The Lenovo LOQ continues Lenovo’s legacy of solid build quality, even in budget gaming segments.
Key Highlights:
- Matte plastic chassis with minimal flex
- Gaming aesthetic but not overly flashy – suitable for college or office use
- Rear ventilation with large exhaust ports improves airflow
- Decent keyboard with 4-zone RGB lighting (some regions may ship without RGB)
Weight:
At approximately 2.4 kg, this is standard for gaming laptops in this performance tier – not ultra-portable but manageable.
Thermals and Cooling: Can It Handle the Heat?
One of the strong points of the Lenovo LOQ series is its dual-fan cooling system with rear vents.
- During intense gaming sessions, CPU temps hover around 85-90°C, while the GPU stays around 75-80°C.
- The keyboard area gets mildly warm but not uncomfortable.
- Noise levels under load are noticeable but not disturbingly loud.
Cooling Verdict:
✅ Handles thermal loads efficiently
✅ Doesn’t throttle performance under sustained gaming
❌ Fans can get loud under max load, but that’s expected
Battery Life: Standard for Gaming Laptops
The 60Wh battery offers:
- 4 to 4.5 hours of battery life for browsing, video playback, and office work.
- 1 to 1.5 hours of battery during gaming (always recommended to game while plugged in).
Fast charging is available, and it can reach 50% charge in about 30-35 minutes.
Ports and Connectivity: No Compromises
You get a solid selection of ports:
- 1 x USB-C
- 3 x USB-A
- 1 x HDMI 2.1 (supports 4K external displays at 120Hz)
- RJ45 Ethernet port
- 3.5mm headphone jack
✅ Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.1 supported for fast, stable connections.
Pros and Cons Summary
Pros:
✔️ Strong RTX 4050 performance (95W TGP)
✔️ Excellent multi-core CPU (i5 13450HX)
✔️ 144Hz display for smooth gaming
✔️ Upgradeable RAM and storage
✔️ Decent cooling system
✔️ Reasonably priced under ₹1 lakh
Cons:
❌ Average display color coverage
❌ On the heavier side for daily commuting
❌ Battery life is just okay – expected for this category
Who Should Buy the Lenovo LOQ i5 13450HX RTX 4050?
✅ Best For:
- Students and college gamers
- Entry to mid-level content creators
- Competitive gamers on a budget
- Users who want a laptop that can handle both work and play
🚫 Not Ideal For:
- Professional photo and video editors needing high color accuracy
- Gamers looking for ultra-thin or lightweight designs
- Users prioritizing long battery life
Is It the Best RTX 4050 Gaming Laptop in 2025?
The Lenovo LOQ i5 13450HX RTX 4050 is one of the most value-for-money RTX 4050 laptops currently available under ₹1 lakh.
However, if you want a comparison:
- ASUS TUF Gaming A15 (Similar price) offers a higher TGP RTX 4050 (140W), but the LOQ has a newer CPU generation.
- HP Victus 16 offers a better display but slightly lower GPU power.
- MSI Katana 15 provides similar GPU and CPU but with slightly lower battery life and build quality.
Verdict:
If your priority is raw GPU power, CPU strength, upgradability, and good thermals in this budget, the Lenovo LOQ is an excellent pick in 2025.
Final Thoughts: Should You Buy It?
If you’re looking for an affordable gaming laptop under ₹1 lakh with RTX 4050 power, strong multi-core CPU, and future upgrade potential, the Lenovo LOQ i5 13450HX is a smart, balanced choice.
Buy It If:
✔️ You need a budget RTX 4050 laptop
✔️ You prefer Intel’s HX CPU series over AMD
✔️ You want good thermals and a durable build
Consider Other Options If:
❌ You need a color-accurate display
❌ You need a lightweight, ultra-portable device
❌ You’re expecting exceptional battery life