The ThinkBook Plus Gen 5 Hybrid was provided by Lenovo on a temporary loan. None of the embedded links are monetized.
Starting at $2,750, Lenovo’s ThinkBook Plus Gen 5 Hybrid isn’t just another laptop—it’s a forward-thinking combination of Windows productivity with the freedom of Android. This unique device pairs a powerful laptop (named the “Hybrid Station”) with a full-fledged tablet (“Hybrid Tab”) to offer flexibility for multitaskers and creative professionals alike. As a fan of quirky computers, I am delighted this one exists. Not only is the overall quality an A+, the concept rocks. I have only one criticism, and I think it’ll surprise you, considering what all could possibly go wrong with a device like this.
Design & Build
At just 0.785 kg for the Station and 0.97 kg for the Tab, Lenovo has managed to keep this dual-system lightweight and portable, something that’s hard to overlook when you’re constantly on the move. Do note that when the two are connected, the extra weight of the Tab means there is a slight weight distribution towards the display. It’s not enough to create instability, but I do notice it when typing with the laptop on my lap.
The ThinkBook Plus Gen 5 Hybrid is encased with a CNC aluminum body, in Luna Grey. It has only two USB-C ports, and an audio port. Unfortunately, it does not have an HDMI port. The display, which is also the Tab, is a 14″, 2.8K OLED that has a refresh rate of just 60 Hz. And this is my one complaint. Laptops that cost this much should not have 60 Hz displays. And tablets shouldn’t either – unless they’re $200 or so. That’s my opinion – maybe $300 is more reasonable. Regardless, this super impressive hybrid laptop is gimped by this one decision. I can expect Lenovo did not expect this to be a big seller. And, frankly, the average person interested in this is probably not going to stop because of the 60 Hz limitation. This is a great idea – a laptop with a detachable tablet that runs Android! Let’s make this a viable consumer product line!
Technical Specifications
| Processor | Intel® Core™ Ultra 7 155H Processor (E-Core Max 3.80 GHz, P-Core Max 4.80 GHz with Turbo Boost, 16 Cores, 22 Threads, 24 MB Cache) |
|---|---|
| Operating System | Windows 11 Pro |
| Graphics | Intel® Arc™ GPU |
| Memory | 32GB LPDDRX5 dual-channel 7467MHz |
| Storage | 1TB M.2 PCIe Gen 4 (2280 compatible) |
| Battery | 75Whr Supports Rapid Charge (60 minutes = 80% capacity) with 65W or higher adapter |
| Audio | 2 x 2W speakers Audio by Harman Kardon® Dual-array mics |
| Ports/Slots | 2 x USB-C® (Thunderbolt™ 4, USB 40Gbps) Headphone / mic combo |
|---|---|
| Wireless | Intel® WiFi 6E* 802.11AX (2 x 2) Bluetooth® 5.3 |
| Supported Docking | USB-C® Thunderbolt™ 4 dock |
| Dimensions (H x W x D) | 9.4mm x 313.5mm x 234.5mm / 0.37″ x 12.3″ x 9.2″ |
|---|---|
| Weight | Starting at 0.97kg / 2.14lbs (total weight 3.8lbs) |
| Keyboard | Backlit with white LED lightingDedicated Copilot key to launch cloud-based CopilotTrackPad (75mm x 120mm)ThinkBook keyboard (1.0mm travel) |
| Color | Luna Grey |
| Power Supply | 100W AC adapter USB-C® tip |
The hybrid design
This hybrid system shines when multitasking across different platforms. The Hybrid System Mode leverages Lenovo’s Hybrid Stream technology, letting you run both Windows and Android systems simultaneously. Imagine editing a PowerPoint on your Windows laptop while streaming Android apps on the same screen, thanks to this innovative screen-mirroring feature. The result is a game-changer for people who thrive on multitasking—whether it’s running Oracle software, watching webinars, or even jotting notes while presenting to clients.
What I found myself doing a lot was moving the Android window to a “new desktop” in the Windows multitasker. So a 4-finger swipe in one direction or the other would move me from Windows to Android. If you do the math, it’s less expensive to buy a really great laptop and tablet. And, of course, you can use OneDrive or another service to manage your documents. But there is something about the physicality of separating and then rejoining these two devices that is just…super cool. My primary tablet is a Lenovo Tab P12 Pro. I use it on my treadmill. It’s wild to think I can remove the screen of this laptop and unlock a full-fledged Android tablet, and then walk over to the treadmill with it.
I have to call this design choice out: the Tab does not have a power button. Why not? I suppose it would confuse the user since the Hybrid Station has a power button. However, I think a “dumb” button while connected together is forgivable.
Lenovo included a stylus for the Tab that magnetically sticks to the Hybrid Station. It’s called the Lenovo Tab Pen Plus and they also included a Universal Easel Stand, making it an appealing choice for creatives. With 4,096 levels of pressure sensitivity, the Tab Pen Plus offers precise control, perfect for designers or those who like to sketch on-the-go. The easel stand adds another layer of versatility, making it easy to set up presentations or sketch in a meeting.
The Harman Kardon speakers, enhanced with Dolby Atmos, deliver rich, immersive sound whether you’re watching Netflix, listening to music, or catching up on podcasts while you work. They sound much better than the laptops of 2023 and prior.
Daily use
Performance is excellent. Intel really nailed it with these new CPUs. There isn’t anything I threw at the ThinkBook Plus Gen 5 that it couldn’t handle. My use was primarily Microsoft Office suite, Chrome, Edge, with multiple tabs, Spotify or YouTube streaming in the background, and the occasional Slack use. I did not test any games this time around.
When it comes to battery life, the Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 processor in Tablet PC Mode extends usability significantly. The Hybrid Station offers a 75Wh battery that supports Lenovo’s Rapid Charge technology, delivering 80% charge in just one hour. This ensures that even on busy days of switching between meetings and presentations, the ThinkBook Plus Gen 5 Hybrid won’t make you sweat over battery life. While you’re in Windows mode, the Tab does not lose battery, actively. That means you can switch to Android mode and continue working if you are low on battery and need the extra time. Be sure to use “File Sync” to keep your files up to date. You can also use other Cloud storage services too.
Switching from Windows to Android is easy and can be done in two ways: pressing the OS switch button, located next to F12, or by removing the Tab from the Hybrid station. I did not a few quirks. First, pressing the OS switch only works from Windows to Android. I could not return to Windows from Android. Second, removing the Tab works only if you lift from the right side first. And returning it to the Hybrid Station is best from left to right.
Lenovo also included some of their more premium features, such as presence detection and an option to dim certain areas of the screen when inactive, to help conserve battery life and reduce the risk of burn-in.
Who is this For?
The Lenovo ThinkBook Plus Gen 5 Hybrid is more than a laptop—it’s a full-fledged hybrid system designed for today’s professionals, and geeks like me! The Hybrid Station, powered by Intel’s Core Ultra 7 155H processor, delivers the performance you expect from a premium laptop, while the Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 in the Hybrid Tab offers a smooth Android experience. I just wish it had at least a 120 Hz refresh.