Lenovo ThinkPad P14s Gen 5 review
The Lenovo Lenovo ThinkPad P14s Gen 5 ranks as the #129 laptops globally, achieving a LibraScore of 79. Across all metrics, this product stands out most for its #51-ranked performance among 497 laptops. Consider the Lenovo ThinkPad L13 Yoga Gen 3 or Lenovo ThinkPad X13 Gen 3, which offer higher scores while staying in the same price range.
Is it Worth it?
The Lenovo ThinkPad P14s Gen 5 is an excellent mobile workstation with sturdy build quality and a comfortable keyboard. The Intel Core Ultra 755h and Arc 8 core igpu provide good performance, although the optional Nvidia RTX 500 AER may not be enough for demanding GPU tasks. At £1,210 or $1,568, it's overpriced for non-creative users. However, if you can grab one at a bargain price like I did, it's an absolute steal. For those who need practicality and performance, the P14s is a great option. But for others, there are better value options available in the market.
Build
The Lenovo ThinkPad P14s Gen 5 boasts an excellent build quality, with a sturdy aluminum chassis that feels premium to the touch. Weighing in at a similar level to the 14-inch MacBook Pro, it's a tad heavy but solid nonetheless. The new 1.5mm keyboard is comfortable to type on for long hours and the touchpad, while not overly large, glides smoothly under your fingers. A well-designed port selection includes two Thunderbolt ports, USB-A ports, HDMI, and an RJ45 Ethernet jack. Upgrade options are available for memory up to 96GB, making this a practical choice for those seeking durability and performance. A better alternative might be Lenovo IdeaPad 5 2-in-1, featuring a next-level build.
Display
The display on the Lenovo ThinkPad P14s Gen 5 is a highlight of this mobile workstation. The 14-inch touchscreen boasts vibrant colors and crisp text, making it ideal for graphic design, video editing, and other creative endeavors. The screen's resolution and brightness are excellent, allowing for comfortable viewing even in bright environments. While not the most cutting-edge display on the market, it's more than sufficient for professional-grade work. Overall, the ThinkPad P14s Gen 5's display is a solid choice for those seeking a reliable and feature-rich mobile workstation. You may find Lenovo ThinkPad T14 Gen 5 a better fit, thanks to its superior display.
Performance
The Lenovo ThinkPad P14s Gen 5 delivers respectable performance in both general usage and demanding workloads. The Intel Core Ultra 755h processor paired with the Arc 8 core iGPU provides smooth execution, though heavy tasks may require some patience. Additionally, users can upgrade to an NVIDIA RTX 500 AER for more robust graphics capabilities. In terms of PC Mark 10 scores, it achieved an average of 3,800 points in power user balance mode and 6 hours of battery life with general usage. Overall, the P14s Gen 5 provides suitable performance for corporate use and light creative tasks. If you’re after a better performance, HP OMEN 17 could be the ideal option.
Battery and Charging
The Lenovo ThinkPad P14s Gen 5's battery life is decent, lasting around 8-9 hours with video playback in balanced mode. However, it drops to 6 hours with general usage. The 75W battery also supports rapid charge, reaching up to 80% in 1 hour. An included 100W Slim AC adapter allows for convenient charging. A 57W battery model is also available, but the larger 75W option is recommended for longer battery life.
Connectivity
The ThinkPad P14s Gen 5 has an excellent port selection with two Thunderbolt ports, two USB-A ports, HDMI, and RJ45 Ethernet. However, it's surprising to see no configurable option for 4G LTE or 5G connectivity. The device could have utilized this space for additional storage via a M.2 SSD slot or even a GPU upgrade. For an improved connectivity, Lenovo ThinkPad L14 Gen 5 is worth considering.
Features
The Lenovo ThinkPad P14s Gen 5 boasts a sturdy aluminum chassis, comfortable keyboard, and smooth touchpad. It features two Thunderbolt ports, USB-A ports, HDMI, and RJ45 Ethernet, making it ideal for professionals who require multiple connections. The device also offers upgradable memory (up to 96GB) and storage, with an Intel Arc 8 core iGPU and optional Nvidia RTX 500 AER GPU. You might want to check out Lenovo IdeaPad 5 2-in-1, featuring an upgraded features for a superior experience.
Support and Maintenance
The Lenovo ThinkPad P14s Gen 5 offers excellent built quality and a sturdy design. The keyboard is comfortable to type on, and the touchpad is smooth. However, I was disappointed that there's no configurable option for 4G LTE or 5G connectivity and only one SSD slot.
Pros
1. The built quality is excellent, sturdy and premium with an aluminium chassis.
2. The new 1.5mm keyboard is comfortable to type on for long hours.
3. There are plenty of ports to choose from: two Thunderbolt ports, two USB-A ports, HDMI, and RJ45 Ethernet port.
4. Upgrades are available for memory up to 96GB and m.2 SSD slots.
Cons
1. The Intel Arc is a useful iGPU, but the optional entry-level RTX 500 AER is not as powerful as one might expect from a mobile workstation.
2. At full retail price, the ThinkPad P14s Gen 5 is in an ultra-competitive space where your money can go a long way elsewhere.
3. No configurable option for 4G LTE or 5G connectivity is a letdown
4. The price starts at £1,210 or $1,568 before taxes, which may be too high for some users
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