Hey Friends, If you’re looking for a gaming laptop that won’t burn a hole in your pocket but still delivers solid performance, the Lenovo LOQ Essential might be your perfect match. Packed with a 12th Gen Intel Core i5 processor, RTX graphics, and a sleek design, this machine is made for gamers, students, and casual creators alike. it can handle multitasking with ease. The addition of the NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2050 graphics card means you get access to real-time ray tracing and enhanced visual performance without breaking the bank.
Quick Highlights: Lenovo LOQ Essential
- 12th Gen Intel Core i5-12450HX (8-core, up to 4.4 GHz)
- NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2050 (4 GB GDDR6, 65 W)
- 15.6″ FHD 144 Hz IPS display, 100% sRGB
- 12 GB DDR5 RAM, 512 GB PCIe Gen 4 SSD
- Lightweight design (1.77 kg) with efficient cooling
Full Specifications: Lenovo LOQ Essential
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Processor | Intel Core i5-12450HX (12th Gen, 8-core, up to 4.40 GHz) |
| Graphics | NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2050, 4GB GDDR6 (65 W) |
| Display | 15.6″ FHD IPS, 144 Hz, 100% sRGB, 300 nits |
| Memory & Storage | 12 GB DDR5 (1 slot) + 512 GB PCIe Gen 4 SSD |
| Battery & Charging | 57 Wh (Rapid Charge Pro: 0-50% in 30 min) |
| Weight | 1.77 kg |
| Keyboard | White backlit (optional), 1.3 mm travel, numpad |
| Cooling | 100 mm fan with 0.15 mm blades |
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.2, RJ-45, HDMI 2.1, USB-C, card reader |
| Starting Price | Rs. 54,9990 /- |
Pros & Cons
Pros
- ✅ High refresh 144 Hz display with full sRGB coverage
- ✅ Strong mid-range performance for gaming and productivity
- ✅ Efficient, lightweight design ideal for portability
- ✅ Fast DDR5 RAM and Gen 4 SSD setup
Cons
- ❌ Single RAM slot limits future upgrade flexibility
- ❌ No MUX switch (no Advanced Optimus), may bottleneck GPU
- ❌ Not for ultra-heavy AAA gaming at max settings
- ❌ Standard refresh rate display
Where to Buy:
Performance & Real-World Usage
This Lenovo LOQ Essential “strips the frills” and focuses on core gaming performance. The 144 Hz FHD display, RTX 2050, and i5 HX chip offer solid performance for titles like Fortnite, Valorant, and GTA V on medium-high settings. Though the RTX 2050 model runs at 65 W (same as higher-tier GPUs), the absence of a MUX switch means performance routes through the iGPU—introducing a slight FPS drop compared to other Lenovo LOQ variants with direct dGPU output (Approximate performance insight).
Who Should Buy It?
This laptop is perfect for:
- Budget-conscious gamers seeking a reliable entry option
- Students needing a portable, capable machine for both study and gaming
- Those who value performance over frills — and prioritize lightweight portability
FAQs
Does the LOQ Essential support RAM upgrades?
Yes — but only one SODIMM DDR5 slot is available, so upgrading means replacing the existing RAM.
Why isn’t there a MUX switch?
No Advanced Optimus or MUX switch, meaning GPU output is routed through the iGPU—may slightly lower FPS in games.
How is the battery life and charging?
It uses a 57 Wh battery with Rapid Charge Pro (50% in 30 min), sufficient for light use sessions or gaming on-the-go.
Final Verdict
The Lenovo LOQ Essential (i5-12450HX, RTX 2050) offers exceptional bang-for-buck in the entry-level gaming laptop segment. With a high-refresh display, strong GPU, and lightweight build, it’s a compelling choice — especially for students and budget gamers prioritizing portability and value.
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