Lenovo ThinkPad E16 G2 Business Laptop Review Powerful Performance and Modern Design

Description

A Powerhouse Laptop with Impressive Features

The Lenovo ThinkPad E16 G2 Business Laptop with model number AZ-XUT became my daily sidekick recently. As a person who juggles between spreadsheets, design tools, and video calls, I needed a machine that wouldn’t falter under pressure. This laptop, equipped with the AMD 8-Core Ryzen 7 7735HS, promised just that. And honestly, it almost delivered on all fronts, with a few quirks I discovered along the way.

Design and Build Quality: Durable Yet Sleek

This laptop’s 16-inch FHD+ display is not only a treat for the eyes but also practical. The anti-glare screen saved me from squinting during long work hours, and the 300-nit brightness level ensured I could work comfortably even under bright lighting. The 45% NTSC color gamut, while not the best for intense photo editing or high-end graphics work, is perfectly fine for general office work and streaming.

Its compact and lightweight design, despite housing a 16-inch screen, makes it portable enough for my daily commute. I especially appreciated the Kensington Nano security slot, which allowed me to lock it securely on my desk when I had to step out. It’s clear the build is focused on professionals who value security and practicality.

Performance That Packs a Punch

The AMD Ryzen 7 7735HS processor, with its 8 cores and 16 threads, handled everything I threw at it like a champ. From running heavy simulations in Excel to multitasking between a dozen tabs and video editing software, it rarely showed signs of slowing down. The 4.75GHz boost clock came in handy during those CPU-intensive tasks.

Additionally, the 32GB DDR5 RAM ensured smooth multitasking, and I could switch between applications without any noticeable lag. The 1TB PCIe SSD provided superfast boot times and ample storage for all my files, including multimedia projects.

That said, the AMD Radeon 680M graphics card, while decent for integrated graphics, wasn’t quite up to the mark for gaming or rendering complex 3D designs. Casual games? Sure. Hardcore gaming? Not so much.

Connectivity Options Galore

I was genuinely impressed with the array of ports available on this laptop. From USB-A and USB-C ports to a full-sized HDMI 2.1 connection that supports 4K/60Hz output, it felt like Lenovo thought of everything. I could connect my external monitor, hard drives, and USB peripherals without needing adapters or hubs—a huge plus for someone like me who hates clutter on my desk.

The Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3 ensured seamless connectivity, whether I was transferring files or streaming content. And let’s not forget the Ethernet port, a rarity in laptops these days but a godsend for stable internet during video calls.

Winning Points

• The backlit keyboard is a lifesaver for late-night work sessions. It’s comfortable to type on, and the tactile feedback is just right.
• Security features like the fingerprint reader and TPM 2.0 chip made me feel secure about my sensitive data.
• Having Windows 11 Pro pre-installed was a pleasant surprise. It’s perfectly tailored for professional use, offering additional features like better multitasking and advanced security options.

Areas for Improvement

• The 16-inch size, while great for productivity, does make the laptop slightly bulkier than smaller alternatives. It’s portable, but not the easiest to carry around.
• While the anti-glare screen is functional, the 45% NTSC color gamut might disappoint users seeking sharp and vibrant colors.
• The battery life could be better. With heavy usage, I found myself reaching for the charger sooner than expected.

A Look at Competing Products

Comparing this to similar laptops like the Dell XPS 15 or the HP Spectre x360, a few things stand out. The ThinkPad E16 G2 is undeniably a workhorse for professionals, but it falls short in certain areas. For instance, while the Dell XPS offers a more premium display with better color accuracy, it lacks the extensive connectivity options this laptop provides. On the other hand, the HP Spectre x360 might edge out in design aesthetics but can’t quite match the raw power of the Ryzen processor featured here.

The ThinkPad E16 G2 excels in offering security features and port variety, making it a better option for office environments. However, creatives and gamers might lean towards its rivals due to their superior graphics and display capabilities.

Value for Money

When it comes to price to quality ratio, this laptop is a strong contender. It’s not the cheapest option out there, but the premium features—like the Ryzen 7 processor, 32GB RAM, and 1TB SSD—justify the investment for professionals. However, if you’re someone who prioritizes portability or high-end graphics capabilities, you might find alternatives better suited for your needs.

In summary, this machine is a solid choice for users who need reliable performance, extensive connectivity features, and professional-grade tools. Just be sure to weigh its strengths against your specific requirements before diving in.