Lenovo ThinkPad E14 Gen 4 review
The Lenovo Lenovo ThinkPad E14 Gen 4 ranks as the #274 laptops globally, achieving a LibraScore of 76. Across all metrics, this product stands out most for its #91-ranked connectivity among 516 laptops. Consider the Lenovo Yoga 7i 2-in-1 or Lenovo IdeaPad Pro 5, which offer higher scores while staying in the same price range.
Is it Worth it?
The Lenovo ThinkPad E14 Gen 4 is a solid business laptop that prioritizes reliability over frills. It features an aluminum lid, comfortable keyboard, and smooth touchpad. The IPS screen excels in office settings, with good viewing angles and brightness. However, it falls short for creative work due to limited color gamut. Performance-wise, the Core i5-1235U holds its own against competitors. While it may feel old-school, its reliability and security features make it a worthwhile choice for business users who prioritize functionality over extras.
Build
The Lenovo ThinkPad E14's build is a testament to its business laptop heritage. The device boasts an aluminum lid, while the base and bottom panel are either plastic or aluminum, with the all-metal version being slightly heavier but thinner. Weighing in at 1.59kg and measuring 18-19mm in thickness, this notebook exudes solidity and professionalism. However, the lid's stubbornness to one-handed opening is a minor drawback. The build's industrial look ensures you won't be mistaken for anything other than a professional, making it a top choice for business laptops. You might prefer Lenovo ThinkPad P14s Gen 3, designed with an upgraded build for a better experience.
Display
The ThinkPad E14's display is a highlight of the device. Available in both TN and IPS panels, we strongly recommend opting for the latter. The 1080p IPS screen delivers comfortable viewing angles, with a maximum brightness of 298 nits and a contrast ratio of 1620:1. While it only covers 53% of the sRGB color gamut, our design and gaming profile lowers the Delta E value to 3.6, making it suitable for office work. The IPS panel is particularly effective in enhancing text and table readability, making it an excellent choice for business users who prioritize functionality over visual fidelity. For a superior display, Lenovo Yoga 9i could be the right choice.
Performance
The Lenovo ThinkPad E14 Gen 4 is a reliable business laptop with no frills. Its Intel Core i5-1235U processor performs well, matching competitors like the MSI Prestige 14 and Dell Latitude 5430 in both 3D and 2D rendering. The CPU maintains a constant 28W TDP and stays cool under load, reaching temperatures of only 40.6 degrees Celsius. With up to 8GB of soldered DDR4 RAM and one SODIMM slot, storage options are also generous, although limited to one M.2 slot for SSDs. Overall, the ThinkPad E14's performance is solid and dependable, making it a great choice for business use. A better alternative might be Lenovo ThinkPad P14s Gen 3, featuring a next-level performance.
Battery and Charging
The Lenovo ThinkPad E14 Gen 4's battery life is impressive, lasting up to 9 hours and 52 minutes with web browsing or 7 hours and 51 minutes with video playback. The 57Wh battery pack provides sufficient power for office work, but may not be enough for more demanding tasks. Charging time was not specified in this review, but it's likely to take a few hours to fully charge the device. Overall, the ThinkPad E14's battery performance is reliable and suitable for business use.
Connectivity
The ThinkPad E14's connectivity is its Achilles' heel. With only one Thunderbolt 4 port, one 5 gigabit USB port, an HDMI port, and an audio jack on the left side, users may find themselves scrambling for extra ports. The right side offers a LAN port and a single USB 2.0 port. This meager selection may be a turn-off for those who need to connect multiple devices simultaneously. If you’re after a better connectivity, Lenovo Yoga 9i 2-in-1 could be the ideal option.
Features
The Lenovo ThinkPad E14 is a straightforward business laptop with no frills. It's available in both AMD and Intel variants, featuring an aluminum lid and either plastic or all-metal base and bottom panel. The device weighs around 1.59kg and has a thickness of 18-19mm. Key features include a comfortable keyboard, smooth touchpad, and decent IPS display with good viewing angles and brightness. Lenovo IdeaPad Flex 5i might be a smarter choice, offering an upgraded features.
Support and Maintenance
The Lenovo ThinkPad E14 Gen 4 offers reliable performance and maintenance, with soldered DDR4 RAM, one SODIMM slot, and two M.2 slots for storage. Its industrial design ensures durability, while a comfortable keyboard and smooth touchpad provide seamless user experience.
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