Lenovo ThinkBook 13s Gen 2 review
The Lenovo Lenovo ThinkBook 13s Gen 2 ranks as the #554 laptops globally, achieving a LibraScore of 70. Across all metrics, this product stands out most for its #485-ranked features among 469 laptops. Consider the Lenovo Legion Go S or Intel NUC X15, which offer higher scores while staying in the same price range.
Is it Worth it?
The Lenovo ThinkBook 13s Gen 2 is a solid laptop with impressive performance. The Core i5-1135G7 and Core i7-1165G7 options provide excellent multitasking capabilities, while the Iris Xe graphics handle light gaming and creative tasks. The display is good, with comfortable viewing angles and decent color accuracy, although some may find the bottom left corner's color deviation disappointing. The battery life is respectable, lasting up to 11 hours of web browsing or 9 hours of video playback. While the lack of an SD card reader and non-upgradable memory are drawbacks, the ThinkBook 13s Gen 2 remains a worthwhile investment for those who value its performance and features.
Build
The Lenovo ThinkBook 13s Gen 2 boasts a sturdy build with a super rigid yet light structure. Measuring just 14.9 millimeters in thickness, it's an impressive feat of engineering. The laptop is designed to be both functional and portable, making it ideal for students and professionals on-the-go. With comfortable viewing angles and a very good contrast ratio, the IPS display provides a great visual experience. Additionally, the absence of screen flicker at any brightness level ensures user safety. Overall, the ThinkBook 13s Gen 2's build quality is top-notch, making it a solid investment for those in need of a reliable and portable laptop. Get your hands on Lenovo Yoga Slim 7i if you're looking for better build.
Display
The Lenovo ThinkBook 13s Gen 2 boasts an impressive display. Its IPS panel features a WUXGA resolution, providing comfortable viewing angles and a good contrast ratio. Color coverage is also decent, with a wide range of hues displayed. Notably, the backlight doesn't flicker at any brightness level, making it safe for use. However, color accuracy can be inconsistent, particularly in the bottom left corner of the screen. Overall, this display is suitable for everyday tasks, such as browsing and office work, but may not meet the demands of professionals or graphic designers. Consider discovering the power of Lenovo ThinkPad X13 Yoga Gen 2, featuring the latest advancements in display.
Performance
The Lenovo ThinkBook 13s Gen 2 delivers excellent performance for its price point. Equipped with Intel Core i5-1135G7 or Core i7-1165G7 processors, it handles demanding tasks with ease. The integrated Iris Xe graphics (80 EU or 96 EU) provide a smooth gaming experience in titles like CS:GO and Dota 2. During our testing, the laptop showed remarkable performance, even when equipped with the more budget-friendly Core i5 processor. CPU frequencies reached up to 2.45 GHz without causing significant noise levels. This indicates that Lenovo has prioritized performance over noise management, making the ThinkBook 13s Gen 2 a great option for those seeking a balance between power and portability. You might prefer Lenovo ThinkPad L13 Yoga Gen 2, designed with an upgraded performance for a better experience.
Battery and Charging
The Lenovo ThinkBook 13s Gen 2 boasts impressive battery life, lasting up to 11 hours and 20 minutes for web browsing and 9 hours and 29 minutes for video playback. The 56Wh battery pack is a testament to the laptop's efficient design. Charging time is moderate, taking around an hour and a half to reach full capacity from an empty start. Overall, the ThinkBook 13s Gen 2's battery performance is reliable and suitable for daily use.
Connectivity
The Lenovo ThinkBook 13s Gen 2 has improved connectivity options with Wi-Fi 6 and USB Type-C ports. However, the lack of an SD card reader and a Thunderbolt 4 connector (requiring a dongle) may be a drawback for some users. The laptop still offers a fingerprint reader and backlit keyboard. A better alternative might be Lenovo Yoga Duet 7, featuring a next-level connectivity.
Features
The Lenovo ThinkBook 13s Gen 2 boasts an IPS panel with WUXGA resolution, comfortable viewing angles, and a very good contrast ratio. Its backlight doesn't flicker at any brightness level, making it safe to use. The laptop features Wi-Fi 6, a privacy shutter, backlit keyboard, fingerprint reader, and dedicated service hotkey. Additionally, it has USB-C ports, which is impressive considering its slim design of just 14.9mm. You may find Lenovo ThinkPad X13 Yoga Gen 2 a better fit, thanks to its superior features.
Support and Maintenance
The Lenovo ThinkBook 13s Gen 2 is a well-rounded laptop with impressive performance and features. However, two notable drawbacks mar its overall experience: non-upgradable memory (limited to 16GB) and the absence of an SD card reader. Additionally, the Thunderbolt 4 port cannot be used without a dongle, which may require additional purchases. Despite these limitations, this laptop remains a solid choice for those seeking a reliable and feature-rich device.
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