Lenovo ThinkPad P14s Gen 2 review
The Lenovo Lenovo ThinkPad P14s Gen 2 ranks as the #417 laptops globally, achieving a LibraScore of 73. Across all metrics, this product stands out most for its #353-ranked connectivity among 525 laptops. Consider the Lenovo IdeaPad 5 Pro or Lenovo ThinkPad X12 Detachable Gen 2, which offer higher scores while staying in the same price range.
Is it Worth it?
The Lenovo ThinkPad P14s Gen 2 is a mobile workstation that's thinner and lighter than its predecessors, making it an attractive option for those who want power without the bulk. While it's not a true mobile workstation, it still packs some impressive specs, including Intel 11th-gen quad-core CPUs and NVIDIA Quadro T500 graphics. The 4K display is a highlight, with good brightness and color accuracy. Performance-wise, it's on par with an ultrabook, but with some extra oomph from the GPU. Is it worth it? If you're looking for a reliable laptop for business use or general productivity, yes. However, if you're a heavy CAD user or gamer, you might want to look elsewhere.
Build
The Lenovo ThinkPad P14s Gen 2's build is a highlight of the laptop. Weighing in at just under 3 pounds, this mobile workstation is impressively thin and light for its capabilities. The carbon fiber design gives it a premium feel and is pleasant to touch. The matte black finish is understated yet professional, fitting for a business laptop. Durability-wise, the ThinkPad P14s Gen 2 is built to last, withstanding dust, vibrations, shocks, cold temperatures, and hot temperatures. Overall, the build quality is exceptional, making it a joy to carry around while delivering robust performance. You might prefer Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 7i, designed with an upgraded build for a better experience.
Display
The Lenovo ThinkPad P14s Gen 2 boasts an impressive 4k display with wide gamut and HDR 400 certification. Its brightness is stunning, measuring 541 nits in our tests, making it perfect for outdoor use. The matte non-touch finish also reduces glare. In contrast, the full HD display option is slightly dimmer at 300 nits, but still offers touch or non-touch options. Overall, the P14s Gen 2's display is a highlight of this mobile workstation, offering crisp visuals and vibrant colors that are ideal for designers, programmers, and anyone who wants a premium visual experience on the go. For a superior display, Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 7i could be the right choice.
Performance
The Lenovo ThinkPad P14s Gen 2 is a mobile workstation that packs a punch despite its slim design. Under the hood, you'll find an Intel 11th gen U-series ultrabook quad-core CPU and NVIDIA Quadro T500 graphics card. While not exactly powerful, it's suitable for light to medium usage such as programming, designing, and presenting. The system performed admirably in our tests, with decent frame rates in older games and sufficient power for everyday tasks. However, serious designers and architects may find the hardware lacking. Overall, the ThinkPad P14s Gen 2 delivers acceptable performance for its class, making it a solid choice for professionals who need a portable workstation. A better alternative might be Lenovo IdeaPad 5 Pro, featuring a next-level performance.
Battery and Charging
The Lenovo ThinkPad P14s Gen 2 features a 51Wh battery that provides decent battery life for a 14-inch laptop. In business light use, it can last up to 9-10 hours at 200 nits brightness with Wi-Fi on and active. The laptop also comes with a 65W fast charger that plugs into the USB-C port, making it quick to top up. While not exceptional in terms of battery life, it's perfectly fine for a laptop of its class, especially considering its thin and light design.
Connectivity
The Lenovo ThinkPad P14s Gen 2 boasts an impressive array of ports, making it a versatile mobile workstation. Two Thunderbolt 4 ports, two USB-A, HDMI 1.4, micro SD card slot, and gigabit Ethernet are all conveniently located, eliminating the need for dongles or docking stations. Additionally, there's an optional smart card reader for enhanced security. Connectivity is further bolstered by Intel Wi-Fi 6 (AX210) and Bluetooth 5.2. If you’re after a better connectivity, Lenovo ThinkPad T14s Gen 2 could be the ideal option.
Features
The Lenovo ThinkPad P14s Gen 2 is a mobile workstation with a 4K IPS display, Intel 11th gen U-series quad-core CPUs, and NVIDIA Quadro T500 graphics. It features two Thunderbolt 4 ports, HDMI 1.4, micro SD card slot, Ethernet, and optional WWAN 4G LTE connectivity. The laptop also includes a fingerprint scanner and Windows Hello IR camera for security. Lenovo IdeaPad 5 Pro might be a smarter choice, offering an upgraded features.
Support and Maintenance
The Lenovo ThinkPad P14s Gen 2 offers solid support and maintenance features. With Intel ISV certifications for software like SolidWorks and ArcGIS, it's suitable for professionals who need to show designs rather than create them. Additionally, the laptop has a single RAM slot with soldered memory on board, making upgrades more straightforward. The M.2 NVMe SSD slot also allows for easy storage expansion. Overall, this laptop provides reliable support and maintenance options for its intended users.
Pros
1. The laptop has a nice and tactile keyboard with reasonable key travel, perfect for programmers and those who need to show CAD designs.
2. It features a sharp 4k display option that's not found on Lenovo's T series of laptops, making it stand out from the crowd.
3. The ThinkPad P14s Gen 2 has a lot of ports, including USB-C, which is great for productivity and connectivity.
4. The laptop's battery life is decent, with up to 9-10 hours of use in business light mode, thanks to its 51Wh battery.
5. It comes with a 65W fast charger that plugs into the USB-C port, making it easy to top up the battery quickly.
Cons
1. The laptop's performance is not exactly stellar, with the Nvidia T500 card not being enough for serious CAD or architectural work.
2. The fans can get a bit loud when pushing the laptop hard, although they're well-tuned and not roaringly loud.
3. Surface temperatures can get hot on the underside if you push the laptop to its limits, but it's not usually an issue in normal use.
4. Replacing the RAM or Wi-Fi card is difficult due to their soldered-down nature, which may be a problem for some users.
5. The laptop's design, while nice to touch, can feel a bit cheap compared to other ultrabooks on the market.
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