Lenovo V15 Business Laptop review AMD Ryzen 3 performance and FHD display insights

Description

A Reliable Workhorse: The Lenovo V15 G4 AMN

Testing the Lenovo V15 G4 AMN for daily tasks has been an interesting experience. This laptop is marketed as a business companion, and I had high hopes from its AMD Ryzen 3 7320U processor and 16GB DDR5 RAM—two features that promise smooth multitasking and productivity. But as with any gadget, there are things to love and a few quirks to consider.

Sleek Design and Build Quality

The business black finish gives the laptop a polished and professional look. While the overall construction feels sturdy, the laptop’s lightweight design (weighing just 3.59 lbs) is a bonus for anyone who commutes or travels frequently. The 15.6-inch FHD anti-glare display, with its 1920×1080 resolution, provides crisp visuals, although the screen’s brightness at 250 nits might not be ideal for outdoor use.

One small but notable feature is the privacy shutter on the HD webcam. It’s a simple addition, but it gives me peace of mind during video calls. The spill-resistant keyboard is another thoughtful touch, especially for someone like me who tends to have coffee nearby while working.

Performance That Keeps Up

The AMD Ryzen 3 7320U processor, with its 4 cores and 8 threads, has been a solid performer in my use. Tasks like browsing with multiple tabs, working on spreadsheets, and even light photo editing ran smoothly. Paired with the 16GB of LPDDR5 memory, the laptop handled multitasking without breaking a sweat. I also noticed faster boot times and app launches, thanks to the 512GB SSD.

However, it’s worth mentioning that the Radeon 610M integrated graphics are not designed for heavy gaming or high-end video editing. Casual gaming is doable, but anything beyond that might push the hardware a bit too far.

Connectivity and Port Selection

One area where this laptop shines is connectivity. The inclusion of Wi-Fi 6 ensures faster internet speeds and better stability during downloads or streaming. The laptop also comes with two USB 3.2 ports, a USB-C port (supporting Power Delivery and DisplayPort), an HDMI port, and an Ethernet port (RJ-45). Having that Ethernet option is fantastic for those moments when Wi-Fi isn’t enough.

The 3.5mm headphone/microphone combo jack is a reliable addition, and I appreciated the Dolby Audio stereo speakers during video calls and casual Netflix sessions. The sound quality is decent, though not spectacular—fine for work, but audiophiles might want external speakers.

The Key Benefits

• Responsive performance: The combination of the AMD Ryzen processor and DDR5 memory ensures smooth multitasking.
• Generous storage: The 512GB SSD provides ample space and quick access to files.
• Versatile ports: USB-C, HDMI, and an Ethernet port offer excellent connectivity options.
• Lightweight and portable: Easy to carry, despite its 15.6-inch display.
• Privacy features: The webcam shutter and Windows 11 Pro security features add peace of mind.

Areas of Concern

• Dim display: The 250-nit brightness might struggle in brightly lit environments.
• Limited graphics capability: The Radeon 610M is not built for intensive gaming or heavy video editing.
• No backlit keyboard: While the standard keyboard is comfortable to type on, the absence of backlighting could be a drawback for night owls.

Product Rivals

Comparing this laptop to competitors like the HP 15-series laptops and Dell Inspiron 15, a few things stand out. The Lenovo V15 offers a better privacy shutter and spill-resistant keyboard, which are absent in most HP models at this price point. However, Dell Inspiron laptops often feature brighter displays and backlit keyboards, which may appeal to users who work in variable lighting conditions.

In terms of performance, the AMD Ryzen 3 processor holds its own against Intel’s i3 or i5 chips in the same category, offering similar multitasking abilities at a potentially lower cost. That said, Dell’s Inspiron series might edge ahead with its superior customer support and build quality, depending on the specific model.

Financial Value

When it comes to bang for the buck, this laptop is a solid contender. Its combination of modern hardware and productivity-focused features makes it a practical choice for professionals and students. While it may lack some premium touches like a touchscreen or higher brightness, the affordable quality it offers is hard to ignore. If you need a reliable laptop for everyday tasks without splurging on unnecessary features, this one checks most of the boxes.

By the end of my time with this laptop, I found it to be an excellent tool for productivity. It’s not perfect, especially if you need more power or better visuals, but it’s a laptop that knows what it’s good at—and it delivers.

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