Lenovo ThinkPad Z13 Gen 2 review

Lenovo ThinkPad Z13 Gen 2

The Lenovo Lenovo ThinkPad Z13 Gen 2 ranks as the #9 laptops globally, achieving a LibraScore of 85. Across all metrics, this product stands out most for its #91-ranked features among 472 laptops. Consider the Lenovo Yoga Slim 7i or Asus ASUS Vivobook Pro 16X 3D OLED, which offer higher scores while staying in the same price range.

Similar items
Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon
ThinkPad X1 Carbon
Lenovo
Lenovo ThinkPad E14 Gen 5
ThinkPad E14 Gen 5
Lenovo
Samsung Galaxy Book3 Ultra
Galaxy Book3 Ultra
Samsung
Dell Inspiron 16 Plus 7630
Inspiron 16 Plus 7630
Dell
Lenovo Yoga Slim 7i
Yoga Slim 7i
Lenovo
Asus Vivobook Pro 16X 3D OLED
Vivobook Pro 16X 3D OLED
Asus
GIGABYTE AERO 16 OLED
AERO 16 OLED
GIGABYTE
Asus Zenbook Pro 16X OLED
Zenbook Pro 16X OLED
Asus
Huawei MateBook X Pro
MateBook X Pro
Huawei
Acer Swift Edge 16
Swift Edge 16
Acer
Key takeaways
The Lenovo ThinkPad Z13 Gen 2 delivers decent performance despite its tiny size with AMD's Ryzen Pro 7 processor.
The Lenovo ThinkPad Z13 Gen 2 boasts a premium feel with more metal construction throughout.
The ThinkPad Z13 Gen 2's stunning OLED display boasts vivid colors, deep blacks, and a smooth high refresh rate.
The Lenovo ThinkPad Z13 Gen 2 features a high-quality webcam, microphone array, and glass haptic trackpad primarily.

Is it Worth it?

The Lenovo ThinkPad Z13 Gen 2 is an impressive machine that checks all the right boxes. With its sustainable design language, amazing battery life, and stunning OLED display, this laptop is a standout in its class. Powered by AMD's Ryzen Pro 7 processor and 32GB of RAM, it offers decent performance and solid integrated graphics. The Z13 Gen 2 is perfect for those seeking a compact and lightweight machine that doesn't sacrifice power or features. While not ideal for gaming, it's an excellent choice for professionals who need a reliable workhorse with great battery life. Overall, the ThinkPad Z13 Gen 2 is worth considering if you're in the market for a thin and light laptop with impressive specs.

Build

The Lenovo ThinkPad Z13 Gen 2 boasts an impressive build, shifting towards more metal construction for a premium feel. The Arctic gray finish is sleek and sophisticated, echoing the design language introduced with last year's Z16 model. The device's compact size and lightweight design (2.2 lbs) make it ideal for travel. A high-quality display, 13.3-inch OLED with 2880 x 800 resolution, adds to its allure. The glass haptic trackpad provides tactile feedback, while the fingerprint scanner and webcam offer convenient features for users. Overall, the Z13 Gen 2's sturdy build and refined aesthetic make it a standout in its class. A better alternative might be Lenovo Yoga Duet 7, featuring a next-level build.

Display

The Lenovo ThinkPad Z13 Gen 2 boasts a stunning 13.3-inch OLED display with a 2880 x 800 resolution. The 10-bit panel delivers vivid colors and deep blacks, making it ideal for color-critical tasks such as graphics design or video editing. The screen's high refresh rate of 60Hz provides smooth visuals and minimizes eye strain. The glass haptic trackpad is integrated into the lid lip, adding to the device's sleek and compact design. Overall, the display is a highlight of the ThinkPad Z13 Gen 2, offering exceptional image quality and making it a great choice for those who value visual accuracy and clarity. You may find Lenovo ThinkPad Z13 Gen 1 a better fit, thanks to its superior display.

Performance

The Lenovo ThinkPad Z13 Gen 2 is a compact powerhouse that punches above its weight. With AMD's Ryzen Pro 7 processor and 32GB RAM, this machine delivers decent performance despite its tiny size. The integrated GPU is surprisingly solid, capable of handling light gaming and other resource-intensive tasks. Battery life is a highlight, with the Z13 Gen 2 offering over 10 hours of runtime, making it an excellent choice for those who need a thin and light laptop that won't sacrifice power or portability. If you’re after a better performance, HP Victus 16 could be the ideal option.

Battery and Charging

The Lenovo ThinkPad Z13 Gen 2 boasts an impressive battery life, rivaling its larger sibling's 15-16 hours with up to 10 hours on a single charge. The 65W charger is a thoughtful touch, as the machine requires minimal power to function. This compact laptop's efficient design ensures you can work or travel without worrying about running out of juice. With such long-lasting battery life and a lightweight charging port, this ThinkPad Z13 Gen 2 is an ideal choice for those seeking convenience and sustainability in their device.

Connectivity

The Lenovo ThinkPad Z13 Gen 2 boasts Wi-Fi 6E connectivity, ensuring seamless internet access. A single Type-C port on the left side handles charging and data transfer. The machine also features a 3-in-1 combo Jack for headphone and microphone use. A USB 4 port is located on the same side, providing convenient connections for peripherals. For an improved connectivity, Lenovo ThinkPad X12 Detachable Gen 2 is worth considering.

Features

The Lenovo ThinkPad Z13 Gen 2 boasts an AMD Ryzen Pro 7 processor, 32GB RAM, and a 13.3" OLED display with 2880 x 800 resolution. It features Wi-Fi 6E, a fingerprint scanner, and a one-tab Gen 4 NVMe SSD that maxes out at 2TB. The device also includes a high-quality webcam, microphone array, and glass haptic trackpad. Its metal construction and Arctic gray finish add to its premium feel. You might want to check out Lenovo ThinkBook Plus, featuring an upgraded features for a superior experience.

Support and Maintenance

The Lenovo ThinkPad Z13 Gen 2 offers reliable support and maintenance with its 3-year warranty, ensuring users are covered for hardware and software issues. Additionally, the laptop's AMD system provides decent performance without compromising battery life, making it an ideal choice for those seeking a compact machine with great features.

Pros

1. The Lenovo ThinkPad Z13 Gen 2 has a fantastic machine with amazing battery life.

2. It's a great processor, AMD's Ryzen Pro 7 or 7 Pro, complemented by 32 gigs of RAM.

3. The integrated GPU is actually fairly solid and decent performance out of an integrated GPU.

4. It has a 13.3 in OLED display with 2880 x800 res, which is gorgeous for color proofing.

5. The machine is incredibly compact, lightweight, and has a lot to offer for anyone looking for a thin and light laptop.

6. The battery life is expected to be over 10 hours, which is impressive for its size.

7. It comes with a 3-year warranty, which is a nice add-on that not many manufacturers offer.

Cons

1. This machine may not be suitable for gaming due to its integrated GPU and lack of discrete option.

2. The keyboard feels nice but the reviewer didn't mention anything special about it.

3. There's no USB-C port on the right side of the machine, only on the left.

4. The fingerprint scanner is located on the lower right side of the deck, which may not be ideal for some users.

5. The battery life may vary depending on usage, and the reviewer didn't provide any actual measurements.

6. There's no mention of the laptop's weight or portability in terms of carrying it around.

7. The reviewer mentioned that some specs are soldered to the board, which may limit upgradability.

FAQ

Compare with other laptops

See how this item stacks up against any other model

Compare laptops
VS

Choose two different items to see a detailed comparison of their specifications, performance, and features