Follow ZDNET: Add us as a favorite resource on Google.
2026 has been a strong year for content creation laptops running Windows. We’ve seen machine after machine packing powerful hardware, solid audio systems, and functional displays. Two prominent examples that exemplify this trend are the Galaxy Book6 Ultra and the Dell XPS 16. I thought those two would define the category as the best, but here comes a new challenge: the Lenovo Pro 9i Aura Edition.
Also: The best Lenovo laptops of 2026: Expert tested and reviewed
Lenovo’s model enters the discussion as a compelling third option, shaking off what feels like a two-horse race. It strikes an interesting balance with the others, while also sporting features that make the Pro 9i feel unique and independent, thus creating a clean three-way rivalry between these high-end creative laptops.
The best laptop deals of the week
Deals are selected by the CNET Group’s marketing team, and may not be related to this article.
It’s smartly designed
As the name suggests, this laptop is built for professionals — creative professionals to be exact. That focus shows in every aspect, from the internal hardware to the overall design. I couldn’t help but notice the striking similarities between the Pro 9i and the Galaxy Book6 Ultra. Both have almost the same dimensions.
Lenovo’s model measures 0.68 x 14.20 x 9.76 inches and weighs 4.2 pounds, while Samsung’s machine measures 14.05 x 9.76 x 0.6 inches and weighs less than four pounds. The keyboard on the Pro 9i mirrors the Galaxy Book’s, with lower keys covered by rubber caps, although Lenovo’s approach feels better. Its typing feel is not that mushy.
Part of that improved feel may come from the smaller trackpad. It does not dominate the palm rest, while being very responsive to touch and easy to use. The trackpad also supports the Yoga Pen Gen 2 stylus, which allows users to draw directly on it like a small drawing tablet. Note that the stylus is not included by default. It’s a separate purchase you’ll have to make on top of an already expensive PC.
Update: Lenovo has confirmed that every Pro 9i Aura Edition model does, in fact, come with the Yoga Pen Gen 2. It’s not a separate purchase.
Also: Why this 16-inch gaming laptop is a smarter buy than a desktop in 2026
An important area where the Pro 9i really sets itself apart is in thermals. One of my main issues with the Galaxy Book6 Ultra was its tendency to run hot under sustained workloads. The Lenovo Pro 9i addresses this issue.
Large vents hidden behind a strong hinge push out warm air. The laptop sits on a “thermal bump”, which is a large rubber foot. It lifts the Pro 9i slightly, allowing cool air to flow in from the bottom. During performance, the laptop stayed cool throughout the tests I ran. There was one occasion where it was hot; I’ll get into those details in a moment.
For a content-creating laptop, you’d expect a high-quality display, and that’s exactly what you get. Lenovo has equipped the Pro 9i Aura Edition with an excellent screen.
The 3.2K PureSight Pro Tandem OLED panel is loaded with visual enhancements: X-Rite Pantone certification for high color accuracy, VESA DisplayHDR 1000 for high contrast, and support for multiple color gamuts, to name a few features. All this to say that the display is top notch.
High performance
My Lenovo Pro 9i Aura Edition review unit is equipped with serious hardware: an Intel Core Ultra 9 386H processor, 32GB of RAM, and an Nvidia GeForce RTX 5060 graphics card. This is the kind of configuration you usually see in a work-class PC, and it shows.
Also: I used the M.2 PCIe enclosure for data storage, and it made file transfers very fast.
In this review, I used a series of benchmark and real-world tests to test performance across different workflows. The results were very good. Unsurprisingly, this program delivers high-level performance for the heavy workloads you need. Editing in Adobe Photoshop and Lightroom felt fluid and fast.
That same level of responsiveness has carried over to video editing programs, where scrubbing through timelines feels smooth. Its strong CPU performance translates to fast rendering and export times for high-resolution photos and videos. The Pro 9i handles multitasking with ease. Even when I pushed the hardware, it was not interrupted.
The cooling system generally does a good job of keeping the temperature right, although there are cases where the Pro 9i will overheat. In the 3D pressure test I performed, the system performed very well, and the fans kicked into high gear. Admittedly, this is a niche situation. The 3D render test I ran ran for a few minutes at high resolution before the laptop got too hot to touch. I don’t think this is something people will come across. Anyway, I wanted to remind you.
Below is a table comparing the benchmark results of the Lenovo Pro 9i Aura Edition with those of the Dell XPS 16 and the Samsung Galaxy Book6 Ultra.
The good news is that all three deliver almost the same level of performance. While the Pro 9i trails the others a bit, the gap is small enough that it doesn’t matter in real-world use. You won’t notice the difference. What makes a Lenovo machine different are its special features, such as a trackpad that supports a stylus and a cooling system.
Also: This Linux vulnerability puts millions of systems at risk – how to protect yours
Before closing, I want to mention the battery life. It’s not good. The Lenovo Pro 9i lasted about 10.5 hours on a single charge (battery saver disabled, mind you). While not bad by any means, it falls short of its rival. The Galaxy Book6 Ultra lasted 20 hours, for example. Fortunately, this is corrected by the recharge speeds. It can go from a dead battery to a 70% charge in about 30 minutes.
ZDNET shopping advice
I Lenovo Yoga Pro 9i Aura Edition is available now through the company’s website. Prices start at $2,660. Customization options are limited, but you can upgrade to a 3.2K display and opt for an Nvidia GeForce RTX 5060 GPU if you like. At the time of writing, Lenovo is automatically applying a $140 coupon, bringing the original effective price down to around $2,560.
Overall, the Pro 9i Aura Edition is a solid content creation computer that I easily recommend. For me, it sits right between the Galaxy Book6 Ultra and the Dell XPS 16 in terms of price. Samsung’s model has the best battery life, while Lenovo’s is more affordable. The Dell XPS 16 is cheap, but it has a few features.
Ultimately, choosing between these laptops comes down to priorities. Each has its own strengths and trade-offs, so the best option depends on what’s most important to you.
