Lenovo’s New LOQ Series Gaming Laptop: Cheaper Than Legion
Lenovo has one of the most confusing gaming laptop lineups in India not because the laptops are bad, but because the naming keeps shifting. Many buyers are asking: What exactly is LOQ? Is it replacing IdeaPad Gaming? How does it compare to Legion?
Here’s a clear breakdown of what Lenovo LOQ really is, where it fits, and whether it’s the right gaming laptop for you.
1. Why Lenovo Introduced LOQ in the First Place
For years, Lenovo had:
- IdeaPad Gaming for budget-conscious users
- Legion for performance-focused gamers and creators
But the gap between them was wide. Buyers often wanted:
- Better cooling than IdeaPad Gaming
- Modern design without Legion pricing
- Upgrade options without sacrificing portability
So Lenovo introduced LOQ a new mid-tier lineup designed to replace IdeaPad Gaming in many markets while borrowing premium elements from Legion.
2. What Lenovo LOQ Laptops Offer in India
You’ll find Lenovo LOQ models with:
- Intel Core i5/i7 13th and 14th Gen, or Ryzen 5/7 7000/8000 series CPUs
- RTX 3050, 4050, or 4060 GPUs
- 144Hz FHD displays, mostly with 300 nits brightness
- Dual-fan cooling with slightly better airflow than IdeaPad Gaming
- Plastic chassis but solid hinge and keyboard inspired by Legion
Common LOQ India models (as of 2025):
- LOQ 15IRH8 (Intel + RTX 3050/4050)
- LOQ 15APH8 (Ryzen + RTX 3050/4060)
- LOQ 15IRX9 (Intel 14th Gen refresh, newer display panels)
- LOQ 15IAH9 (RTX 4060 performance variant with 115W TDP)
3. Lenovo LOQ Series Replaced IdeaPad Gaming Laptops
If you’ve used IdeaPad Gaming 3/3i, here’s where LOQ improves:
| Feature | Lenovo LOQ | IdeaPad Gaming |
|---|---|---|
| Design | Heavier, but more durable | Lightweight, but basic and flexible |
| Cooling | Dual-fan with better airflow | Often single fan or shared pipe layout |
| Display | 144Hz IPS, 300+ nits | 120Hz, dimmer, TN panels in older models |
| Keyboard | Similar layout, but RGB available | White backlight only |
| Ports | Better I/O placement, USB-C PD support | Side-loaded ports, older I/O standard |
In short: LOQ is a full step above IdeaPad Gaming, especially in cooling, GPU performance, and internal upgrade support. For most Indian users, LOQ replaces what IdeaPad Gaming used to be just more reliable and modern.
4. How LOQ Stacks Up Against Lenovo Legion
Now let’s be clear: LOQ is not a Legion alternative. It’s a lower-tier option, and here’s what you give up:
| Feature | Lenovo LOQ | Legion 5 / 7 |
|---|---|---|
| Build quality | Full plastic | Aluminum lid or all-metal chassis (Legion 7i) |
| GPU wattage | Up to 115W (4060) | 140-175W in Legion RTX 4070/4080 models |
| Thermal layout | Basic dual-fan | Large heatpipes, quad-vent system |
| Display quality | 1080p, 300-350 nits, 45% NTSC | Up to QHD+, 100% sRGB, 500+ nits |
Legion is better for:
- Long daily gaming sessions
- Demanding creators (Blender, Resolve, Unreal Engine)
- External monitor setups (QHD/4K)
- Buyers who want premium keyboard feel and future-proof design
5. Lenovo LOQ Series Laptop is Good Option For:
- You’re buying your first gaming laptop in the ₹60K-₹1.1L range
- You mostly play FIFA, Valorant, Apex Legends, or Forza
- You want RTX 4050/4060-level performance with better cooling than older IdeaPad Gaming laptops
- You’re okay with plastic build, but want better performance-per-rupee
Avoid LOQ If:
- You plan to game for 3+ hours daily
- QHD display, or QHD gaming on external monitors
- You plan to use it for video editing, rendering, or 3D work Legion is better for sustained load
- You want RAM and SSD upgrade flexibility beyond 1-2 years
6. Lenovo LOQ Series Offers Good Specs at Economical Price
Lenovo LOQ is not a cut-down Legion, and it’s definitely not just a rebranded IdeaPad Gaming. It’s built for India’s new-generation gamers buyers who want solid performance, up-to-date cooling, and reliable build quality without hitting ₹1.5L+.
If you’re buying in the ₹65K-₹1.15L range, LOQ offers good value as long as you know, it’s a entry/mid-tier machine. For raw power, premium screens, and long-session endurance, Lenovo Legion still holds the crown.
