Lenovo ThinkPad P16 Gen 1 review
The Lenovo Lenovo ThinkPad P16 Gen 1 ranks as the #139 laptops globally, achieving a LibraScore of 79. Across all metrics, this product stands out most for its #216-ranked connectivity among 594 laptops. Consider the Lenovo ThinkPad P16 Gen 2 or Lenovo ThinkPad T16 Gen 2, which offer higher scores while staying in the same price range.
Is it Worth it?
The Lenovo ThinkPad P16 Gen 1 is a formidable workstation laptop that excels in performance. With the powerful HX series Alder Lake processor and RTX A5500 GPU, it delivers impressive results in benchmarks. The display is also noteworthy, boasting a 4K IPS panel with high peak brightness and vivid colors. However, its bulkiness and weight may be a drawback for some users. Despite this, the laptop's robust build quality, wide selection of ports, and long-lasting performance make it a solid choice for professionals who need a reliable workstation. Overall, it's worth considering, but one must weigh the benefits against the extra bulk.
Build
The Lenovo ThinkPad P16 Gen 1 boasts a sturdy build with a unique blend of materials. The lid and base are crafted from aluminum, magnesium, and chromium, while the bottom panel and back vent covers utilize a polymer of plastic and glass fibers. This combination results in a durable laptop that's also surprisingly bulky, weighing in at 2.95 kilograms. Despite its size, the P16 feels premium with a red stripe on the back adding a touch of flair to an otherwise silver design. The overall build quality is solid, if not particularly sleek or portable. You may find Lenovo Legion 7 a better fit, thanks to its superior build.
Display
The Lenovo ThinkPad P16 Gen 1 boasts a vibrant 4K IPS display that delivers crisp visuals with a peak brightness of 740 nits. Colors appear punchy and vivid, with 99% sRGB coverage and 88% DCI-P3 coverage. The panel's accuracy is decent, going down to 2.6 Delta-E. However, it falls short in terms of color accuracy. Overall, the display is a highlight of this workstation laptop, making it ideal for graphics-intensive work or video editing. Its performance is satisfactory, but not exceptional. If you’re after a better display, Lenovo Legion Pro 5 could be the ideal option.
Performance
The ThinkPad P16 Gen 1 delivers impressive performance, thanks to its HX series Alder Lake processor and RTX A5500 GPU. In benchmarks, the laptop performed similarly to the MSI Vector GP66, with high clock speeds and wattages in long runs and short bursts. The CPU also kept temperatures in check, although the laptop can get noisy during intense usage. With two SODIMM slots and an M.2 PCIe slot accessible via a service door, users can upgrade their RAM and storage for added performance. Overall, the P16 Gen 1's performance is on par with high-end workstations, making it ideal for demanding tasks. Lenovo Legion 7 might be a smarter choice, offering an upgraded performance.
Battery and Charging
The Lenovo ThinkPad P16 Gen 1's battery life is impressive, lasting up to 12 hours with moderate use. However, charging the device can take some time, taking around 2 hours to reach a 50% charge from empty. The laptop also supports rapid charging, allowing for an 80% charge in just under 90 minutes. This makes it suitable for users who need to top up their battery quickly on-the-go. Overall, the ThinkPad P16's battery and charging capabilities are reliable and efficient, despite some minor drawbacks.
Connectivity
The ThinkPad P16 Gen 1 boasts an impressive array of ports, including two Thunderbolt 4 ports, an HDMI connector, and an SD card slot, all located at the back. On the other side, you'll find a USB-C 3.2 Gen 2 port, a nano SIM slot, and another USB-A 3.2 Gen 1 port. Additionally, an optional smart card reader is available, making it a great option for those who need multiple connectivity options. You might want to check out Lenovo Legion 7, featuring an upgraded connectivity for a superior experience.
Features
The Lenovo ThinkPad P16 Gen 1 boasts a durable design with a mixture of aluminum, magnesium, and chromium used in its construction. The laptop features a 16-inch display, powerful HX series Alder Lake processors, and RTXA series GPUs. It also includes a fingerprint reader, full-sized keyboard with backlighting, and touchpad. Notably, it has a service door that allows easy access to storage slots, making maintenance a breeze. Additionally, the laptop offers a range of port options and display choices. Take a look at Lenovo Legion 7 - its improved features sets a new standard.
Support and Maintenance
The ThinkPad P16 Gen 1's service door is a welcome feature for those who value ease of maintenance. With the ability to access two SO-DIMM slots and one M.2 PCIe slot, users can upgrade their RAM or storage without voiding their warranty. Additionally, the removable keyboard reveals two more SO-DIMM slots, allowing for up to 128GB of DDR5 RAM and a second SSD slot.
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