Lenovo ThinkBook 14 G6 IRL Laptop Review: Powerful and Portable, but With Some Drawbacks | 21KG00U0AK

Lenovo ThinkBook 14 G6 IRL Laptop Review: A Balanced Performer

Introduction

The Lenovo ThinkBook 14 G6 IRL is a mid-range laptop designed for professionals and students. It features a powerful Intel Core i5-13420H processor, 8GB RAM, and a 512GB SSD. The 14-inch WUXGA display is sharp and vibrant, making it suitable for everyday tasks, web browsing, and light productivity. This review explores its strengths and weaknesses after weeks of extensive testing.

Features

The ThinkBook 14 G6 IRL comes packed with features that aim to enhance productivity and user experience. It boasts a modern design with a sleek Arctic Grey finish and a durable aluminum build. The keyboard is comfortable for typing, and the trackpad provides accurate and responsive input.

One of the highlights is the 14-inch WUXGA IPS display with 300nits brightness and 45% NTSC color gamut. The screen delivers sharp visuals and ample detail, making it a pleasant experience for working and watching videos. The inclusion of an integrated HD 720p camera with a privacy shutter adds a layer of security for video calls.

Performance

Powered by the 12th Gen Intel Core i5-13420H processor, the ThinkBook 14 G6 IRL delivers reliable performance for everyday tasks. It handles web browsing, document editing, and light multitasking smoothly. While it’s not ideal for demanding applications like video editing or gaming, it can handle basic tasks with ease.

The 8GB DDR5 RAM is sufficient for everyday computing, but users might experience slowdowns when running several demanding programs simultaneously. The 512GB PCIe SSD provides ample storage for everyday files and programs, with fast boot times and quick file access. The integrated Intel UHD Graphics handles basic graphics tasks and light gaming, but don’t expect to run high-end games at high settings.

Pros & Cons

Here’s a breakdown of the ThinkBook 14 G6 IRL’s advantages and disadvantages:

  • Pros

    • Powerful Intel Core i5-13420H processor
    • Sharp and vibrant 14-inch WUXGA display
    • Fast 512GB PCIe SSD storage
    • Durable aluminum build
    • Comfortable keyboard and responsive trackpad
    • Good battery life
  • Cons

    • Limited RAM (8GB) may be insufficient for heavy multitasking
    • Integrated graphics are not suitable for demanding applications or gaming
    • No backlit keyboard
    • Limited port selection

Final Verdict

The Lenovo ThinkBook 14 G6 IRL is a solid choice for everyday users looking for a reliable and portable laptop. Its powerful processor, sharp display, and durable build make it suitable for work, school, and entertainment. However, its limited RAM and lack of a backlit keyboard might be drawbacks for some users. If you need more RAM or a dedicated graphics card, consider exploring other options. Overall, it’s a balanced performer that offers good value for its price.

Specifications

Feature Specification
Processor Intel® Core™ i5-13420H, 8C (4P + 4E) / 12T, P-core 2.1 / 4.6GHz, E-core 1.5 / 3.4GHz, 12MB
Graphics Integrated Intel® UHD Graphics
Chipset Intel® SoC Platform
Memory 1x 8GB SO-DIMM DDR5-5200
Memory Slots Two DDR5 SO-DIMM slots, dual-channel capable
Max Memory Up to 64GB DDR5-5200
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 2TB
Storage Slot Two M.2 2280 PCIe® 4.0 x4 slots
Card Reader SD 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 60Wh
Power Adapter 65W USB-C® (3-pin)
Special Features Modern Standby
Display 14″ WUXGA (1920×1200) IPS 300nits Anti-glare, 45% NTSC
Touchscreen None
Keyboard Non-backlit, English (UK)
Touchpad Buttonless Mylar® surface multi-touch, supports Precision TouchPad (PTP), 75 x 120 mm (2.95 x 4.72 inches)
Case Color Arctic Grey
Surface Treatment Anodizing Sandblasting
Case Material Aluminium (Top), Aluminium (Bottom)
Dimensions (WxDxH) 313.5 x 224 x 16.9 mm (12.34 x 8.82 x 0.67 inches)
Weight Starting at 1.38 kg (3.04 lbs)
Operating System None
Bundled Software None
Ethernet 100/1000M (RJ-45)
WLAN + Bluetooth Wi-Fi® 6, 802.11ax 2×2 + BT5.2
Standard Ports 1x USB 3.2 Gen 1, 1x USB 3.2 Gen 1 (Always On), 1x USB-C® 3.2 Gen 2, 1x Thunderbolt™ 4 / USB4® 40Gbps, 1x HDMI® 2.1, 1x Headphone/microphone jack
Docking Various docking solutions supported via Thunderbolt™ or USB-C®
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