Lenovo ThinkBook 15 G4 IAP Laptop Review: Powerful Productivity with a Budget-Friendly Price | Tech Blog
Lenovo ThinkBook 15 G4 IAP Laptop Review: A Solid Performer for Everyday Work
The Lenovo ThinkBook 15 G4 IAP is a well-rounded laptop designed for everyday productivity tasks. It boasts a powerful 12th generation Intel Core i5 processor, ample RAM, and a fast SSD, all at a price point that makes it an appealing option for students, professionals, and anyone looking for reliable performance without breaking the bank. In this comprehensive review, we’ll delve into its features, performance, pros, cons, and ultimately, whether it’s the right fit for your needs.
Table of Contents
Introduction
The Lenovo ThinkBook 15 G4 IAP is a 15.6-inch laptop designed with a focus on delivering dependable performance for everyday tasks. It comes equipped with the latest Intel Core i5-1235U processor, 8GB of RAM, and a 512GB SSD, making it suitable for handling web browsing, productivity software, and light gaming. Its mineral grey finish and slim design make it a stylish and portable option for students and professionals on the go.
Key Features
Let’s take a closer look at the standout features of the Lenovo ThinkBook 15 G4 IAP:
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Processor | Intel® Core™ i5-1235U, 10C (2P + 8E) / 12T, P-core 1.3 / 4.4GHz, E-core 0.9 / 3.3GHz, 12MB |
| Graphics | Integrated Intel® Iris® Xe Graphics Functions as UHD Graphics |
| Chipset | Intel® SoC Platform |
| Memory | 8GB Soldered DDR4-3200 |
| Memory Slots | One memory soldered to systemboard, one DDR4 SO-DIMM slot, dual-channel capable |
| Max Memory | Up to 40GB (8GB soldered + 32GB SO-DIMM) DDR4-3200 |
| Storage | 512GB SSD M.2 2242 PCIe® 4.0×4 NVMe® |
| Storage Support | Up to two drives, 2x M.2 SSD • M.2 2242 SSD up to 1TB • M.2 2280 SSD up to 1TB |
| Storage Slot | Two M.2 2280 PCIe® 4.0 x4 slots |
| Card Reader | 4-in-1 Card Reader |
| Optical | None |
| Audio Chip | High Definition (HD) Audio, Realtek® ALC3287 codec |
| Speakers | Stereo speakers, 2W x2, Dolby® Audio™ |
| Camera | HD 720p with Privacy Shutter |
| Microphone | 2x, Array |
| Battery | Integrated 45Wh |
| Power Adapter | 65W USB-C® (3-pin) |
| Display | 15.6″ FHD (1920×1080) TN 250nits Anti-glare, 45% NTSC |
| Touchscreen | None |
| Keyboard | Non-backlit, English (UK) |
| Case Color | Mineral Grey |
| Surface Treatment | Anodizing Sandblasting |
| Case Material | Aluminium (Top), PC-ABS (Bottom) |
| Dimensions (WxDxH) | 357 x 235 x 18.9 mm (14.1 x 9.25 x 0.74 inches) |
| Weight | Starting at 1.7 kg (3.75 lbs) |
| Operating System | None |
| Bundled Software | None |
| Ethernet | 100/1000M (RJ-45) |
| WLAN + Bluetooth | Wi-Fi® 6, 11ax 2×2 + BT5.1 |
| Standard Ports | 1x Card reader1x Ethernet (RJ-45)1x HDMI® 2.1, up to 4K/60Hz1x Headphone / microphone combo jack (3.5mm)1x Thunderbolt™ 4 / USB4® 40Gbps (support data transfer, Power Delivery 3.0 and DisplayPort™ 1.4)1x USB 3.2 Gen 11x USB 3.2 Gen 1 (Always On)1x USB-C® 3.2 Gen 2 (support data transfer, Power Delivery 3.0 and DisplayPort™ 1.4) |
| Docking | Various docking solutions supported via Thunderbolt™ or USB-C®. For more compatible docking solutions |
| Security Chip | Firmware TPM 2.0 Enabled |
| Fingerprint Reader | Touch Style, Integrated in Power Button |
| Physical Locks | Kensington® Nano Security Slot™, 2.5 x 6 mm |
| Other Security | Camera privacy shutter |
| System Management | Non-vPro® |
| Bundled Accessories | Lenovo® 15.6″ Laptop Casual Toploader |
| Green Certifications | ErP Lot 3RoHS compliant |
| Mil-Spec Test | MIL-STD-810H military test passed |
Performance
The Lenovo ThinkBook 15 G4 IAP delivers reliable performance for everyday tasks. The Intel Core i5-1235U processor handles web browsing, document editing, and light multitasking with ease. The 8GB of RAM provides ample space for keeping multiple applications running smoothly, while the 512GB SSD ensures fast boot times and quick application loading. While it may not be the best option for demanding tasks like video editing or high-end gaming, it is a solid performer for everyday productivity and entertainment.
I found the laptop to be responsive and efficient during my testing. It handled productivity software like Microsoft Office and Adobe Acrobat without any noticeable lag. I was able to multitask between several browser tabs, streaming music, and working on documents without experiencing any performance issues. The integrated Intel Iris Xe Graphics delivered decent performance for casual gaming, allowing me to play some older titles and enjoy basic games.
Pros & Cons
Pros:
- Powerful 12th generation Intel Core i5-1235U processor
- Ample 8GB of RAM for efficient multitasking
- Fast 512GB SSD for quick boot times and application loading
- Durable and stylish design with a mineral grey finish
- Good selection of ports for connectivity
- Affordable price point for a reliable laptop
Cons:
- TN display with average color accuracy
- Non-backlit keyboard may not be ideal for low-light environments
- Battery life could be better for heavy users
Final Verdict
The Lenovo ThinkBook 15 G4 IAP is a solid laptop for students, professionals, and anyone looking for a reliable and affordable machine for everyday tasks. It offers a good balance of performance, features, and price. While its TN display and non-backlit keyboard may not be as impressive as some higher-end models, its strong performance, durability, and ample connectivity options make it a compelling choice for those on a budget. If you’re looking for a laptop that can handle everyday productivity and entertainment, the Lenovo ThinkBook 15 G4 IAP is definitely worth considering.
