Lenovo ThinkPad E16 Laptop Review Powerful Ryzen 7 Performance and Premium Features

Description

Compact and Lightweight Design for On-the-Go Productivity

Carrying the Lenovo ThinkPad E16 Gen 2 around felt almost effortless, thanks to its lightweight 3.9-pound build. Its compact dimensions—14.02 x 9.75 x 0.78 inches—made it easy to slip into my work bag, leaving plenty of room for other essentials. Despite its portability, the device doesn’t compromise on power, with its AMD Ryzen 7 7735HS processor delivering impressive performance for multitasking. Whether editing spreadsheets, running design software, or even streaming videos, this laptop managed everything smoothly.

I also appreciated the 16-inch WUXGA IPS anti-glare display. The 300 nits brightness and 1920×1200 resolution provided crisp visuals, although I noticed that the 45% NTSC color gamut might not satisfy professionals needing ultra-accurate colors, such as graphic designers.

Performance and Multitasking Capabilities

This laptop’s 32GB DDR5 RAM and 1TB PCIe NVMe SSD made a noticeable difference in handling demanding tasks. I opened multiple browser tabs, ran a virtual meeting, and edited photos simultaneously without experiencing any lag. The AMD Radeon 680M integrated graphics isn’t meant for hardcore gaming but handled casual games and video editing decently.

What truly stood out was the AMD Ryzen 7 processor, which features 8 cores and 16 threads with a base clock of 3.2GHz and a boost clock of 4.75GHz. It felt like a powerhouse for productivity tasks, even outperforming some Intel i7-1360P processors in certain benchmarks.

Favorable Attributes

• Top-tier multitasking performance with 32GB DDR5 RAM.
• Generous 1TB SSD storage ensures fast boot times and ample space.
• Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3 connectivity for faster, more stable wireless connections.
• Backlit keyboard and fingerprint reader add convenience and security.

Privacy and Security Features

Lenovo has incorporated thoughtful security features into this laptop. The discrete TPM 2.0 chip prevents unauthorized access, while the IR camera with Windows Hello facial recognition offers a secure and convenient login method. I particularly liked the camera privacy shutter, which gave peace of mind during non-usage. The Kensington Nano security slot is a handy addition for those needing physical theft protection.

That said, the fingerprint reader integrated into the power button wasn’t always responsive. Occasionally, I had to press my finger multiple times for it to register, which was mildly frustrating.

Areas for Improvement

• The 45% NTSC display may not meet expectations for color-critical work.
• Fingerprint reader responsiveness could use improvement.
• Lacks an optical drive, which some users might miss.

Audio and Webcam Performance: A Mixed Bag

The Dolby Atmos stereo speakers delivered decent sound quality, but they lacked the depth and richness I was hoping for. They’re fine for virtual meetings or casual media consumption, but audiophiles might want external speakers or headphones.

The 1080p+IR hybrid camera was surprisingly sharp and ideal for video conferencing. However, under low-light conditions, there was some graininess, which could be improved.

Product Rivals

Comparing this model with competitors like the Dell XPS 15 and HP Spectre x360, the Lenovo ThinkPad E16 stands out for its superior RAM and storage options at a more affordable price. However, Dell offers better color accuracy and a sleeker design, while the HP Spectre x360 boasts a convertible form factor for added versatility.

Against gaming laptops like the ASUS ROG Zephyrus G14, the ThinkPad E16 falls short in raw graphical power but compensates with a better battery life and more professional features like the Windows 11 Pro operating system.

Bang for the Buck

Considering its high-performance processor, ample RAM, and secure features, this laptop offers fantastic value for professionals and multitaskers. It strikes a balance between performance and affordability, especially when compared to pricier alternatives in the same category. However, those seeking high-end displays or gaming capabilities might need to explore other options.

Additional information