Lenovo ThinkPad E16 Gen 1 Review: A Solid Workhorse with 13th Gen Intel Core i5-1335U
Lenovo ThinkPad E16 Gen 1 Review: A Solid Workhorse with 13th Gen Intel Core i5-1335U
Table of Contents:
Introduction
The Lenovo ThinkPad E16 Gen 1 is a 16-inch laptop designed for productivity and everyday use. It packs a punch with its 13th Gen Intel Core i5-1335U processor, 16GB of RAM, and a 256GB NVMe SSD. I’ve been using this laptop for several weeks, and I’m ready to share my comprehensive review, covering everything from its performance to its build quality and battery life.
Key Features
The ThinkPad E16 Gen 1 boasts a range of features that cater to both professional and casual users. Let’s dive into the highlights:
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Operating System | Windows 11 Pro (64-Bit) |
| Processor | Intel Core i5-1335U (13th Gen), 10-Core: 1.3 to 4.6 GHz Performance, 0.9 to 3.4 GHz Efficiency, 12 MB L3 Cache |
| Graphics | Intel Iris Xe Integrated Graphics |
| Memory | 16 GB DDR4 (3200 MHz), Configuration: 1x 8 GB (Onboard) + 1x 8 GB (User-Replaceable) |
| Maximum Memory Capacity | 40 GB |
| Storage | 256 GB PCIe NVMe M.2 SSD, with 1 additional M.2 Slot available |
| Display | 16″ IPS-Type LCD, 1920 x 1200 Resolution, 16:10 Aspect Ratio, Anti-Glare, 300 nits Brightness, 45% NTSC Color Gamut |
| Ports/Slots | 1x USB-A 3.0 / 3.1/3.2 Gen 1, 1x USB-A 2.0, 1x USB-C (Thunderbolt 4) w/ Video Alt Mode & Power Delivery, 1x USB-C 3.1/3.2 Gen 2 w/ Video Alt Mode & Power Delivery, 1x HDMI 2.1 Output, 1x 1/8″ / 3.5 mm Headphone/Microphone Combo, 1x RJ45 (Gigabit Ethernet) |
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) with MU-MIMO Support (2×2) |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.1 |
| Webcam | 1080p User-Facing |
| Audio | Built-In 2x 2W Speakers, 2 Built-In Microphones |
| Battery | 47 Wh Lithium-Ion Polymer (LiPo), 65W USB-C Power Supply |
| Security | Chassis Intrusion Switch, Dedicated Hardware TPM Security Chip, Facial Recognition, Fingerprint Reader, HDD User Password Protection, Kensington Lock Slot, Webcam Blocker |
| Keyboard & Mouse | Built-In Chiclet-Style Keyboard with Backlight & Number Pad, Pointing Stick, TouchPad |
| Dimensions (WxDxH) | 14 x 9.8 x 0.78″ / 356.1 x 247.7 x 19.85 mm |
| Weight | 3.9 lb / 1.8 kg |
| Certifications | ErP, EPEAT, ENERGY STAR, TCO Certified, RoHS, TUV, MIL-STD-810H |
| Package Weight | 5.85 lb |
| Box Dimensions (LxWxH) | 19.6 x 14.1 x 3.1″ |
Performance
The ThinkPad E16 Gen 1 delivers solid performance for everyday tasks. The 13th Gen Intel Core i5-1335U processor effortlessly handles web browsing, document editing, and light video editing. I was able to run multiple applications simultaneously without any noticeable lag. The 16GB of RAM ensures smooth multitasking, and the 256GB NVMe SSD provides quick boot times and fast file transfers. The Intel Iris Xe integrated graphics is capable of handling light gaming and basic video editing, but don’t expect to run the latest AAA titles at high settings.
Pros & Cons
Here’s a breakdown of the ThinkPad E16 Gen 1’s strengths and areas for improvement:
Pros:
- Powerful 13th Gen Intel Core i5-1335U processor for efficient everyday tasks.
- Ample 16GB of RAM for smooth multitasking.
- Fast 256GB NVMe SSD for quick boot times and file transfers.
- Durable and reliable build quality typical of ThinkPad laptops.
- Comfortable keyboard with backlight and number pad.
- Decent battery life for a full workday.
- Wide range of ports and slots for connectivity.
Cons:
- Integrated graphics are not ideal for demanding games or professional video editing.
- The display could be brighter and offer better color accuracy.
- The webcam resolution is only 1080p, which might not be sufficient for high-quality video conferencing.
Final Verdict
The Lenovo ThinkPad E16 Gen 1 is a solid choice for users who need a reliable and productive laptop for everyday tasks. Its powerful processor, ample RAM, and fast SSD ensure smooth performance. The durable build quality and comfortable keyboard make it a great option for long hours of work. However, the display’s brightness and color accuracy could be better, and the integrated graphics are not ideal for demanding tasks. Overall, I recommend the ThinkPad E16 Gen 1 to professionals and students who prioritize performance, reliability, and affordability.
