Lenovo ThinkPad E16 Gen 1 review
The Lenovo Lenovo ThinkPad E16 Gen 1 ranks as the #185 laptops globally, achieving a LibraScore of 78. Across all metrics, this product stands out most for its #214-ranked connectivity among 591 laptops. Consider the Lenovo Legion 7i or Lenovo Legion Pro 5i, which offer higher scores while staying in the same price range.
Is it Worth it?
The Lenovo ThinkPad E16 Gen 1 is an upgraded version of the E15 series. With a 16-inch IPS display, AMD Ryzen 7 processor, and 16GB RAM, this laptop delivers improved performance. The battery life and backlit keyboard are also notable upgrades. However, some design choices may raise concerns, such as the webcam bump-out and thermal pad placement. Despite these minor issues, the E16 Gen 1 offers a great balance of power and portability, making it a solid option for those seeking an upgrade from the E15 series.
Build
The Lenovo ThinkPad E16 Gen 1 boasts an all-aluminum chassis, which is a welcome change from the previous E15 series. The top and bottom cases are both made of aluminum, with a slight bump out for the webcam. The build quality is solid, with minimal flexing despite being only 4.34 pounds. However, the design is not without its quirks - the webcam's privacy shutter seems vulnerable to damage, and the Ethernet port can be easily knocked loose. Overall, the E16 Gen 1 has a sturdy and premium feel to it. Get your hands on Lenovo ThinkPad P16 Gen 2 if you're looking for better build.
Display
The display on the Lenovo ThinkPad E16 Gen 1 is a significant upgrade from its predecessor, the E15 series. The 16-inch IPS panel boasts improved color accuracy and overall visual quality. In comparison to the previous model's 15.6-inch screen, the larger size provides more immersion without sacrificing portability. The display's clarity and brightness make it suitable for both productivity and multimedia use. Overall, the ThinkPad E16 Gen 1's display is a notable improvement that enhances the user experience. Its upgraded panel delivers a superior visual performance, making it a welcome addition to this laptop model. Consider discovering the power of Lenovo ThinkPad P16 Gen 2, featuring the latest advancements in display.
Performance
The Lenovo ThinkPad E16 Gen 1 boasts impressive performance. The AMD Ryzen 7 7730U processor delivers a decent boost in CPU Mark scores, and the integrated Radeon graphics significantly improve 3D Mark scores. The dual-channel DDR4 RAM with 16GB capacity also shows an increase in Memory Mark scores. Furthermore, the M2 PCIe 4.0 SSD provides swift storage access. The PassMark performance test results indicate a notable upgrade from its predecessor, the E15 Gen 4. Overall, the Lenovo ThinkPad E16 Gen 1's performance is satisfactory, making it a viable option for users seeking a reliable and efficient laptop experience. You might prefer Lenovo ThinkPad T16 Gen 3, designed with an upgraded performance for a better experience.
Battery and Charging
The Lenovo ThinkPad E16 Gen 1 features a compact design with an aluminum top and bottom case. The battery life is satisfactory, offering all-day usage for typical office work. The laptop charges quickly via the provided 65W USB-C adapter, making it easy to top up on the go. However, detailed battery capacity or charging time specifics are not available in this model.
Connectivity
The Lenovo ThinkPad E16 Gen 1 boasts a range of connectivity options. It features Wi-Fi 6 (11ax) with Bluetooth 5.1, as well as two USB 3.2 Gen 1 ports and one USB-C port. The laptop also has Gigabit Ethernet for wired connections and HDMI 1.4b output for external displays. Additionally, it sports a backlit keyboard, stereo speakers, and a discreet TPM 2.0 module for security. A better alternative might be Lenovo ThinkPad P16 Gen 2, featuring a next-level connectivity.
Features
The Lenovo ThinkPad E16 Gen 1 features an AMD Ryzen 7 7730U processor, 16GB DDR4 RAM, 512GB M2 PCIe 4.0 SSD, and AMD Radeon graphics. It has a 16-inch IPS display, gigabit Ethernet, Wi-Fi 6, and Bluetooth 5.1. A backlit keyboard and fingerprint reader are also included. You may find Lenovo ThinkPad P16 Gen 2 a better fit, thanks to its superior features.
Support and Maintenance
The Lenovo ThinkPad E16 Gen 1 is a solid upgrade from the E15 series. While I appreciate the attention to detail in the aluminum chassis, I'm concerned about the webcam bump out being easily damaged. The backlit keyboard quality remains excellent. However, the design could benefit from improved maintenance access, as the plastic clips can be frustrating to deal with. Overall, this laptop shows promise but needs some refinement in its build and support aspects.
Pros
1. The processor with built-in Graphics is under a heat sink and the fan blows through, keeping it cool.
2. The new display panel looks a lot better than the previous one, with improved quality.
3. The performance is better than before, as seen in the benchmark results.
4. The backlit keyboard is high-quality and still really good.
5. The aluminum top and bottom case are durable and well-made.
6. The graphite black 65 watt USBC power adapter is efficient and compact.
7. The Windows 11 Pro 64-bit operating system is up-to-date and reliable.
8. The weight of the laptop, at 4.34 pounds, is reasonable for its size.
Cons
1. The bump out for the webcam looks funky and may get caught on things.
2. The webcam's shutter may be prone to tearing or damage.
3. The chassis has some plastic clips and mounts that can be frustrating to deal with.
4. The RAM is under a cover, which makes it harder to upgrade or access.
5. The M2 drive is short and won't fit longer drives, limiting customization options.
6. The lack of ddr5 RAM in this model may make it less competitive in terms of performance.
7. The thermal pad for the M2 drive can be a bit tricky to deal with.
8. The webcam's position on the top of the laptop may cause issues with durability and aesthetics.
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