Lenovo Yoga 9i 2026 Drops Fingerprint Reader for HDMI Port

Lenovo has released the 2026 iteration of its Yoga 9i convertible laptop, maintaining the high-end specifications that made the previous model a favorite among reviewers. The new device starts at $2,380 on the company's website, positioning it firmly in the premium segment rather than the value market. As reported by XDA Developers, the refresh retains the core strengths of its predecessor while making specific hardware trade-offs in the port selection and security features.

The base configuration includes an Intel Core Ultra 7 355 processor, 32 GB of soldered LPDDR5X memory, and a 1 TB PCIe Gen 4 SSD. The display remains a standout feature, offering a 14-inch 2.8K OLED panel with touch support. Despite the high price point, the laptop focuses on build quality and screen performance, targeting users who prioritize media consumption and portability over raw processing power or upgradeability.

Security sensor removed for port variety

One of the most notable changes in the 2026 model is the removal of the fingerprint reader. In previous versions, this sensor was located under the Delete key, but Lenovo has eliminated the rightmost column of keys to widen the keyboard area. While this creates a slightly more spacious layout, it forces users to rely exclusively on the infrared camera for Windows Hello biometric login. For a device costing over two thousand dollars, the lack of a hardware fingerprint option is a significant trade-off that some professionals may find inconvenient.

HDMI port replaces secondary USB-C

To compensate for the loss of the fingerprint sensor and improve connectivity, Lenovo has altered the port layout. The new model includes a full-size HDMI 2.1 port, which supports video output up to 8K at 60Hz. This replaces one of the USB-C ports that was available in the previous generation. While the laptop still features two Thunderbolt 4 ports and one USB-A port, the addition of native HDMI removes the need for adapters for many common presentation and display setups, a change that is generally viewed as a practical improvement for office workers.

Premium build and audio performance

The physical design remains largely unchanged, featuring a sleek aluminum chassis in cosmic blue with a 360-degree hinge. The laptop weighs approximately 1.29 kilograms, making it portable for travel. Audio performance continues to be a strong suit, with a forward-facing soundbar system comprising two woofers and two tweeters. This setup is tuned with Dolby Atmos support and is capable of filling a medium-sized room with clear sound, maintaining the high standard of multimedia experience established by the previous model.