At CES 2026, Lenovo unveiled a new contender in the increasingly crowded mini PC market. The Yoga Mini i isn't just another small computer; it's a statement piece that blends a unique, puck-shaped design with on-device AI capabilities and clever features like Wi-Fi sensing. We went hands-on with the device to see if this compact powerhouse could redefine what we expect from a desktop companion.
A Design That Stands Out in a Sea of Boxes
The first thing you notice about the Yoga Mini i is its form. Eschewing the traditional rectangular box, Lenovo has crafted a sleek, cylindrical aluminum chassis measuring just 5.12 inches in diameter and 1.91 inches tall. This "puck" design, finished in the premium aluminum typical of the Yoga laptop line, is both elegant and functional. It weighs a mere 600 grams (about 1.3 pounds) with a volume of only 0.65 liters, making it incredibly portable. A rubber ring on the bottom provides stability, while circular perforations around the base serve a dual purpose: facilitating a 360-degree airflow cooling system and acting as a speaker grille for the device's built-in audio.
Design & Feature Comparison: Yoga Mini i vs. Typical Mini PC
| Feature | Lenovo Yoga Mini i | Typical Mini PC |
|---|---|---|
| Form Factor | Cylindrical "puck" | Rectangular box |
| Primary Material | Aluminum chassis | Often plastic or mixed materials |
| Interactive Controls | Touch-sensitive top for AI, sharing, lights | Standard power button |
| Ambient Feature | Wi-Fi sensing for presence detection, RGB underglow | None |
| Audio | Built-in 360° speaker | Usually requires external speakers |
| Mounting | Designed for desk placement | Often VESA-mountable behind a monitor |
| Internal Upgradability | Likely limited (RAM likely soldered) | Varies; some allow RAM/SSD upgrades |
Surprisingly Robust Connectivity for Its Size
Despite its diminutive stature, the Yoga Mini i doesn't skimp on ports. The side features a conveniently placed Thunderbolt 4 port and a 3.5mm combo audio jack. Around back, users will find a second Thunderbolt 4 port, two USB-C ports (one supporting 100W Power Delivery for charging the device), a USB-A port, an HDMI 2.1 output, and a 2.5 Gigabit Ethernet port. This selection allows the mini PC to drive up to four external displays simultaneously, a remarkable feat for a device this small. Wireless connectivity is equally modern, with support for Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 6.0.
Key Specifications at a Glance:
- Processor: Intel Core Ultra Series 3 (e.g., X7 358H Panther Lake)
- Memory: Up to 32GB LPDDR5X
- Storage: Up to 2TB PCIe Gen 4 SSD
- Graphics: Integrated Intel Arc
- Ports: 2x Thunderbolt 4, 2x USB-C, 1x USB-A, HDMI 2.1, 2.5Gb Ethernet, 3.5mm audio
- Wireless: Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6.0
- Dimensions: 5.12" (D) x 1.91" (H) / 130mm x 48.5mm
- Volume/Weight: 0.65L / ~600g
- AI Features: Copilot+ PC, Lenovo Qira assistant, Wi-Fi sensing
- Price: Starting at USD 699
- Availability: June 2026
Performance Powered by Intel's Latest and AI Integration
Lenovo is positioning the Yoga Mini i as a capable machine, not a stripped-down budget box. It can be configured with Intel's upcoming Core Ultra Series 3 processors (from the Panther Lake lineup, like the X7 358H), up to 32GB of LPDDR5X memory, and up to 2TB of PCIe Gen 4 SSD storage. Graphics are handled by integrated Intel Arc. This hardware configuration qualifies it as a Copilot+ PC, meaning it supports advanced on-device AI features such as live transcription, summarization, and other AI-assisted workflows that run locally without needing cloud processing.
Interactive Features: From Tap Controls to Wi-Fi Sensing
Where the Yoga Mini i truly innovates is in its interactive elements. The top of the device is a touch-sensitive surface. A tap can summon Lenovo's new Qira AI assistant, facilitate file sharing, or toggle an RGB underglow light that rings the base of the unit. This lighting can also sync to music playing from the built-in speaker. The most intriguing feature is Wi-Fi sensing. By analyzing how wireless signals reflect off the environment, the PC can detect when a person approaches. During our demo, setting the underglow to a "breathing" red effect resulted in the device activating the light show the moment we stepped in front of it, offering a novel way to see its status at a glance. A fingerprint reader integrated into the power button provides quick and secure Windows login.
Pricing, Availability, and Initial Verdict
The Lenovo Yoga Mini i is scheduled to launch in June 2026 with a starting price of USD 699. More powerful configurations will likely cost more. Based on our brief hands-on, the device feels snappy and well-built, with its fan remaining quiet during basic use. Its unique blend of compact design, strong port selection, modern AI hardware, and interactive features like tap controls and presence sensing sets it apart from typical mini PCs. It seems ideally suited for users with minimalist desks, those who value a design-forward tech piece, or anyone intrigued by a more ambient and interactive computing experience. While we'll reserve final judgment on performance and the usefulness of Qira for a full review, the Yoga Mini i has successfully made a compelling first impression at CES 2026.