Lenovo’s new mini PC is so small we thought it was a speakerphone — AI smarts, Wi-Fi sensing, and Windows Hello are just the start

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Mini PCs performed exceptionally well this year, and with laptops and desktops predicted to become even more expensive in 2026, I expect a lot of people will start looking at these smaller, more affordable, yet powerful options.

Lenovo is starting off CES 2026 by unveiling the Yoga Mini i PC, a remarkably lightweight computer weighing only 600 grams (1.32 pounds). Despite its small size – just 0.65 liters – it’s built with a durable aluminum frame, giving it a similar look and feel to Lenovo’s high-end Yoga laptops.

It’s incredibly compact, shaped like a small circle and measuring only 5.12 x 5.12 x 1.91 inches. It’s so small, you don’t need a bag for it – it easily fits in a back pocket.

Despite its small size, this Lenovo mini PC delivers surprisingly powerful performance. It’s equipped with Intel’s newest Core Ultra X7 Series 3 processors, including options like the X7 358H, and features built-in graphics. These processors are powerful enough to easily run Windows 11 and take full advantage of the Copilot+ AI features.

The Yoga Mini i can be configured with up to 32GB of fast 8533MT/s LPDDR5x RAM and up to 2TB of M.2 PCIe 4.0 NVMe SSD storage. While it’s unclear if you can upgrade the SSD yourself, the RAM is permanently connected to the system board. The laptop is powered by a 100W USB-C charger.

The Yoga Mini i has a neat feature: it can detect Wi-Fi signals and automatically turn on when it senses movement, like you entering the room. While I personally find this a little intrusive, some users will likely find it convenient.

The device has a built-in light that gently pulses when it detects you nearby. This same light also alerts you to notifications and reminders. For added security, the power button includes a fingerprint reader, a feature you don’t typically find on most mini PCs.

It’s understandable to wonder if such a small computer would have enough ports for serious work. But Lenovo surprisingly packed in a lot: two Thunderbolt 4 ports, two USB-C 3.2 ports (one with 100W charging), a 2.5Gb Ethernet port, HDMI 2.1, a headphone/microphone combo jack, and one USB-A 3.2 port.

The Lenovo Yoga Mini i handles video, data, internet, and power, and can connect to up to four high-resolution screens using its existing ports. It also has a built-in speaker and microphone, so you can easily join video conferences without needing extra equipment.

Lenovo expects to launch its new Yoga Mini i in June 2026 with a starting price of $699.99.

Mini PCs are growing in popularity, with companies like Lenovo constantly improving their size, performance, and capabilities. Could a mini PC be your next computer?

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2026-01-07 04:39