Lenovo ThinkPad E16 Gen 2 Laptop Review Powerful AMD Ryzen Performance

Description

Design and Build Quality

The Lenovo ThinkPad E16 Gen 2 doesn’t just look like a professional machine; it feels like one too. Straight out of the box, the sleek black chassis and solid construction caught my attention. Weighing approximately 3.9 lbs and measuring 0.78 inches in thickness, it’s portable enough without compromising durability. The 16-inch WUXGA (1920×1200) anti-glare display is vivid and detailed, though I did notice the 45% NTSC color gamut isn’t ideal for professional photo or video editing. The backlit keyboard is a delight, especially during late-night work sessions, and the typing experience is both responsive and comfortable. The privacy shutter on the 1080p webcam is a thoughtful addition for anyone concerned about security.

Performance and Multitasking

This laptop’s AMD Ryzen 7 7735HS processor with 8 cores and 16 threads is a beast for multitasking. I ran multiple applications simultaneously, including video editing software, spreadsheets, and browser tabs, and the 32GB DDR5 RAM handled it effortlessly. The AMD Radeon 680M integrated graphics isn’t designed for heavy gaming but can easily handle casual games and light photo editing. The 1TB PCIe NVMe SSD ensures blazing-fast boot times and quick file transfers, and I had no trouble storing a ton of work files, videos, and software. It’s evident that this machine is built for professionals who need reliability and speed.

Connectivity Options

The variety of connectivity ports on this device is impressive and practical. With two USB-C ports, two USB-A ports (including one Always-On), an HDMI 2.1 port supporting up to 4K at 60Hz, and an Ethernet port, I never found myself hunting for adapters. The Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3 provide a seamless wireless experience, and the RJ-45 Ethernet port is a lifesaver for anyone working in environments with unreliable Wi-Fi. I connected a secondary monitor via HDMI and appreciated the smooth 4K output.

Security Features

Security is clearly a focus here. The fingerprint reader integrated into the power button is both fast and reliable, allowing you to access your system without having to type in passwords constantly. The IR camera with facial recognition for Windows Hello is another great touch, especially since it worked flawlessly even in low-light conditions. The discrete TPM 2.0 chip and privacy shutter on the camera provide additional peace of mind for users handling sensitive data.

Key Benefits

• Powerful AMD Ryzen 7 processor ensures smooth multitasking.
• 32GB DDR5 RAM and 1TB PCIe SSD provide excellent performance and storage capacity.
• Privacy-focused features like the fingerprint reader and webcam shutter.
• Wide range of ports for seamless connectivity.
• Backlit keyboard enhances usability in dim lighting.

Limitations

Despite its impressive specs, there are a few areas where this laptop could improve:

• 45% NTSC display isn’t ideal for color-accurate work.
• Integrated graphics limit its capabilities for gaming or graphical rendering.
• Slightly heavier than some competitors, making it less ideal for frequent travelers.

Product Competitors

When comparing this laptop to others, like the Dell XPS 15 or HP EliteBook 840, some stark differences emerge. The Dell XPS 15 offers a better display with a higher color gamut, making it a better choice for designers, but it lacks the same level of port selection. The HP EliteBook 840, on the other hand, is lighter and more portable but doesn’t come close to the ThinkPad’s 32GB of RAM or the 1TB SSD storage. In my experience, the ThinkPad E16 Gen 2 finds a sweet spot between performance and practicality, particularly for business users.

Price to Quality Ratio

For its performance and premium features, this laptop feels like a solid investment. While it might be slightly more expensive than some budget models, the high-quality build, powerful internals, and professional-level performance justify the cost. If you’re looking for a business laptop that delivers reliable multitasking and security without cutting corners, this one stands out. That said, if you’re a casual user or need a laptop mainly for media consumption, you might find more affordable options better suited to your needs.

Additional information