Lenovo ThinkPad T16 Gen 1 review
The Lenovo Lenovo ThinkPad T16 Gen 1 ranks as the #105 laptops globally, achieving a LibraScore of 80. Across all metrics, this product stands out most for its #148-ranked performance among 596 laptops. Consider the Lenovo ThinkPad P16s Gen 1 or Lenovo Legion 9i, which offer higher scores while staying in the same price range.
Is it Worth it?
The Lenovo ThinkPad T16 Gen 1 is a solid business laptop with impressive performance from the AMD Ryzen 7 Pro 6850u processor. It's suitable for most work tasks, runs mainly silent and cool, and has a decent 1610 display. The battery life is around 6 hours with the default battery, but opting for the larger one can provide up to 13 hours of usage. However, the price can be steep, especially considering the absence of USB4 ports and an SD card reader. Overall, it's worth considering for business professionals, especially those who prioritize power and reliability.
Build
The Lenovo ThinkPad T16 Gen 1's build is sturdy and solid, making it perfect for professionals who need a reliable laptop. The device features a 15.6-inch display, which is adequate for general business use, but may not be the best option for those requiring high-resolution visuals. One of the standout features of this laptop is its port selection - with two USB-C ports, two USB-A ports, an HDMI port, and an Ethernet port, users will have no issue connecting their peripherals or other devices. The build quality is excellent, with a robust design that can withstand regular use. The device's weight is also manageable, making it easy to carry around. While the laptop may not be the most stylish option available, its functionality and build quality more than make up for this. Overall, the Lenovo ThinkPad T16 Gen 1's build is a major strength of this device. Lenovo ThinkPad P16s Gen 1 might be a smarter choice, offering an upgraded build.
Display
The Lenovo ThinkPad T16 Gen 1's display is a mixed bag. The 16:10 aspect ratio and 1080p resolution are adequate for general business use, but may feel dated compared to the competition. The 1610 display provides decent brightness and color accuracy, making it suitable for office work and web browsing. However, the lack of high-resolution options or more modern panel technology holds it back from being a standout in this regard. Overall, while the display gets the job done, it's not particularly impressive and may leave users feeling that they're missing out on better visuals. For an improved display, Lenovo ThinkPad P16s Gen 1 is worth considering.
Performance
The Lenovo ThinkPad T16 Gen 1's performance is a standout feature, thanks to the AMD Ryzen 7 Pro 6850U processor. It delivers solid performance for most work tasks, with minimal heat generation and silent operation. The integrated Radeon 680M GPU provides decent graphics capabilities, suitable for casual gaming and low-end applications. However, it may struggle with demanding creative tasks or high-end gaming. Overall, the T16 Gen 1's performance is reliable and efficient, making it a great choice for business professionals. You might want to check out Lenovo Legion 9i, featuring an upgraded performance for a superior experience.
Battery and Charging
The Lenovo ThinkPad T16 Gen 1's battery life is decent, lasting around 8 hours with moderate use. However, the charging time is quite long, taking over 2 hours to fully charge from a completely empty battery. This might be a drawback for those who need to top up their device quickly. Unfortunately, there's no fast charging option available, which further exacerbates the issue. Overall, while not deal-breaking, the battery life and charging time of the T16 Gen 1 could be improved for a more seamless user experience.
Connectivity
The Lenovo ThinkPad T16 Gen 1 boasts excellent connectivity options, making it ideal for professionals. Two USB-C ports and two USB-A ports provide ample space to connect devices, while HDMI and RJ45 Ethernet port are a welcome addition. However, the lack of USB 4 ports is a drawback, limiting transfer speeds to 10 Gbps. The absence of an SD card reader is also a notable omission in this otherwise well-connected laptop. If you're after top-notch connectivity, consider Lenovo ThinkPad T14s Gen 3.
Features
The Lenovo ThinkPad T16 Gen 1 boasts impressive features, including the powerful AMD Ryzen 7 Pro 6850U processor, silent and cool performance, and solid battery life (around 6 hours with the default battery). It also offers a range of ports, including two USB-C, two USB-A, HDMI, and Ethernet. The device has a 16:10 display, adequate for general business use, and supports optional power-on fingerprint reader and Full HD Plus IR hybrid camera for secure authentication. It’s worth checking out Lenovo ThinkPad P16s Gen 1, delivering remarkable features.
Support and Maintenance
The Lenovo ThinkPad T16 Gen 1 offers reliable support and maintenance for business professionals. The AMD Ryzen 7 Pro 6850u processor provides strong performance, while the laptop runs mainly silent and cool. However, the 1610 display is adequate but not exceptional for its price. Overall, the T16's robust features make it a suitable choice for professional users, despite some minor drawbacks.
Pros
1. The AMD Ryzen 7 Pro 6850u processor has plenty of power and is suitable for most work tasks, silent and cool most of the time.
2. Battery life can be up to 12-13 hours with the larger 86 Wh battery option
3. Good I/O options include two USB-C ports, two USB Type-A ports, HDMI, and a rare RJ45 5 Ethernet port
4. The laptop has plenty of ports to keep you going, making it convenient for users who need multiple connections
5. Lenovo ThinkPad T16 Gen 1 has security tools to protect your valuable data, including an optional power-on touch fingerprint reader
6. The laptop is great for touch typing with its keyboard
Cons
1. Battery life can be as short as 6 hours with the default 52.5 Wh battery, which may not be enough for a day's work
2. No USB4 ports available, which may limit transfer speeds
3. The Intel version has a single SODIMM slot to upgrade memory, whereas the AMD version has soldered-on RAM
4. Expensive price options depending on timing and configuration, making it less competitive in its category
5. No SD card reader is a notable omission for users who need to transfer files from digital cameras
6. The 1610 display may not be suitable for intensive creative tasks or complex 3D modeling due to limited specs
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