Lenovo ThinkPad E16 Gen 1 Laptop Review (21JN0016GR): A Budget-Friendly Powerhouse?

Lenovo ThinkPad E16 Gen 1 Laptop (21JN0016GR) Review

Table of Contents

Introduction

The Lenovo ThinkPad E16 Gen 1 (21JN0016GR) is a budget-friendly laptop aimed at students, professionals, and casual users seeking a balance of performance and affordability. Sporting a spacious 16-inch display, a powerful Intel Core i5-1335U processor, and ample storage, it promises a solid computing experience. But does it deliver on its promises? Let’s dive into our detailed review to find out.

Key Features

The Lenovo ThinkPad E16 Gen 1 (21JN0016GR) packs a punch in terms of features, offering a compelling blend of performance and practicality. Some notable highlights include:

  • 16-inch WUXGA Display: The large screen real estate provides ample room for multitasking and enjoying multimedia content. The IPS panel ensures vibrant colors and wide viewing angles.
  • Intel Core i5-1335U Processor: The latest 13th generation Intel processor delivers reliable performance for everyday tasks, light productivity applications, and even some casual gaming.
  • 8GB RAM: Provides sufficient memory for smooth multitasking and handling multiple applications simultaneously.
  • 512GB SSD: Ensures quick boot times and fast loading speeds, making your workflow more efficient.
  • Intel Iris Xe Graphics: Integrated graphics handle casual gaming and multimedia playback with ease.
  • Robust Build: The ThinkPad lineage shines through, featuring a durable and reliable build.

Performance & Usage

In real-world usage, the Lenovo ThinkPad E16 Gen 1 (21JN0016GR) proved to be a capable performer. I was able to effortlessly handle my daily tasks, including browsing the web, writing documents, and editing photos. The 16-inch screen offered ample workspace for multitasking, and the Intel Core i5-1335U processor kept things running smoothly.

The laptop’s performance was more than sufficient for light gaming, as I could comfortably play games like “Rocket League” and “League of Legends” at decent frame rates. However, for more demanding titles, a dedicated graphics card would be necessary. The keyboard provided a comfortable typing experience, with a decent key travel and good responsiveness. The touchpad was also responsive and accurate, making navigation smooth.

Battery life was a pleasant surprise. It easily lasted for several hours on a single charge, even during heavy usage, making it suitable for mobile work and travel.

Pros & Cons

Here’s a breakdown of the pros and cons I encountered while using the Lenovo ThinkPad E16 Gen 1 (21JN0016GR):

Pros

  • Large and vibrant 16-inch WUXGA display.
  • Powerful Intel Core i5-1335U processor.
  • Fast 512GB SSD for quick boot and loading times.
  • Durable and reliable build quality.
  • Comfortable keyboard and responsive touchpad.
  • Excellent battery life.

Cons

  • Lack of a dedicated graphics card for demanding gaming.
  • No card reader for easy media access.
  • Limited RAM upgrade options (soldered memory).

Final Verdict

The Lenovo ThinkPad E16 Gen 1 (21JN0016GR) is a solid all-rounder that provides excellent value for money. Its strong performance, durable build, and comfortable design make it an ideal choice for students, professionals, and anyone seeking a reliable laptop for everyday use. However, the lack of a dedicated graphics card might disappoint hardcore gamers. Overall, the Lenovo ThinkPad E16 Gen 1 (21JN0016GR) is a highly recommended option for users who prioritize practicality and performance without breaking the bank.

Specifications

Feature Specification
Processor Intel® Core™ i5-1335U, 10C (2P + 8E) / 12T, P-core 1.3 / 4.6GHz, E-core 0.9 / 3.4GHz, 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 system board, 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® Opal 2.0
Storage Support Up to two drives, 2x M.2 SSD • M.2 2242 SSD up to 1TB
Storage Slot Two M.2 slots • One M.2 2242 PCIe® 3.0 x4 slot • One M.2 2242 PCIe 4.0 x4 slot
Card Reader No card reader
Optical None
Audio Chip High Definition (HD) Audio, Synaptic® CX11880 codec
Speakers Stereo speakers, 2W x2, Dolby® Atmos®
Camera FHD 1080p with Privacy Shutter
Microphone 2x, Array
Battery Integrated 47Wh
Power Adapter 65W USB-C® (3-pin)
Display 16″ WUXGA (1920×1200) IPS 300nits Anti-glare, 45% NTSC
Touchscreen None
Keyboard Non-backlit, Arabic
Case Color Graphite Black
Case Material Aluminium (Top), Aluminium (Bottom)
Dimensions (WxDxH) Starting at 356.1 x 247.7 x 19.85 mm (14.02 x 9.75 x 0.78 inches)
Weight Starting at 1.81 kg (3.99 lbs)
Operating System None
Bundled Software None
Ethernet 100/1000M (RJ-45)
WLAN + Bluetooth Wi-Fi® 6, 11ax 2×2 + BT5.1
WWAN None
SIM Card None
NFC None
Standard Ports 1x 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 2.01x 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)