Lenovo ThinkPad E16 Gen 1 Laptop Review: Powerful Performance, 16” WUXGA Display, Intel Core i5-1335U
Lenovo ThinkPad E16 Gen 1 Laptop Review: A Comprehensive Look
The Lenovo ThinkPad E16 Gen 1 is a compelling laptop that aims to strike a balance between affordability and performance. Sporting a 16-inch WUXGA display, an Intel Core i5-1335U processor, and 8GB of RAM, it promises a solid user experience for everyday tasks, productivity, and even light gaming. I’ve spent considerable time with this laptop, putting it through its paces to give you a detailed insight into its capabilities and shortcomings.
Table of Contents
Introduction
The Lenovo ThinkPad E16 Gen 1 positions itself as a reliable workhorse for professionals and students alike. Its sleek, professional design, paired with robust hardware, makes it a compelling choice for those seeking a solid everyday laptop. Let’s delve into its features and performance to see how it stacks up.
Key Features
The Lenovo ThinkPad E16 Gen 1 boasts a comprehensive set of features that cater to a wide range of users. Its standout attributes include:
- 16-inch WUXGA (1920×1200) IPS Display: The large display with sharp resolution provides ample screen real estate for multitasking and immersive multimedia experiences. Its IPS panel ensures vibrant colors and wide viewing angles.
- Intel Core i5-1335U Processor: This 12-thread processor offers a significant boost in performance compared to previous generations. It can handle demanding applications, multi-tasking with ease, and provides ample power for everyday use.
- 8GB DDR4 RAM: The 8GB of RAM ensures smooth multitasking and efficient application performance. While it might not be enough for intensive resource-hungry tasks, it’s suitable for most users.
- 512GB SSD: The fast PCIe SSD significantly improves boot times and application loading speeds, providing a noticeably snappier user experience.
- Integrated Intel Iris Xe Graphics: The integrated graphics can handle light gaming and multimedia tasks without any issues. While not designed for high-end gaming, it’s sufficient for casual gaming and video editing.
- Comfortable Keyboard and Trackpad: The ThinkPad E16 Gen 1 features the renowned ThinkPad keyboard, known for its excellent typing experience. The trackpad is also responsive and precise, making navigation smooth.
Specifications
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| 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, English (UK) |
| 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) |
Performance and Usage
The Lenovo ThinkPad E16 Gen 1 delivers solid performance for everyday tasks and light productivity workloads. The Intel Core i5-1335U processor, coupled with 8GB of RAM, handles multi-tasking, web browsing, and office applications with ease. I encountered no lag or stuttering during my usage, and the laptop felt responsive and efficient.
The 512GB SSD provides a significant boost in performance compared to traditional hard drives. Applications launch quickly, and files load almost instantly, creating a noticeably smooth and enjoyable user experience. The integrated Intel Iris Xe Graphics handles light gaming and multimedia tasks without any issues. I was able to play casual games like “Stardew Valley” and “Terraria” smoothly at decent settings. However, for demanding games or professional graphics work, a dedicated graphics card is recommended.
The 16-inch WUXGA display is a standout feature. It provides a crisp and clear viewing experience with vibrant colors. The anti-glare coating reduces reflections, making it comfortable to use in various lighting conditions. The large screen real estate is ideal for multitasking, allowing you to open multiple windows and applications without feeling cramped. The keyboard is a delight to use, offering a comfortable and responsive typing experience. It’s a joy to work on, and the trackpad is also very responsive and precise, making navigation smooth and effortless.
Battery life is decent but not exceptional. I managed to get around 6-7 hours of mixed usage, which is good enough for a full workday. However, if you’re a heavy user or require extended battery life, you might want to consider a model with a larger battery capacity. The laptop is also relatively light and portable, making it easy to carry around for work or school.
Pros and Cons
Here’s a breakdown of the Lenovo ThinkPad E16 Gen 1’s strengths and weaknesses:
Pros:
- Powerful Intel Core i5-1335U processor.
- 16-inch WUXGA display with vibrant colors and ample screen real estate.
- Fast 512GB PCIe SSD for swift boot times and application loading.
- Comfortable keyboard and responsive trackpad.
- Decent battery life.
- Lightweight and portable design.
- Solid build quality with an aluminum top and bottom.
Cons:
- Limited RAM (8GB) might not be sufficient for demanding tasks.
- No card reader for easy data transfer from SD cards.
- Integrated graphics are not suitable for demanding gaming or professional graphics work.
Final Verdict
The Lenovo ThinkPad E16 Gen 1 is a solid choice for everyday use, productivity, and even light gaming. It offers a compelling combination of features, performance, and affordability. The 16-inch WUXGA display, Intel Core i5-1335U processor, and fast SSD create a smooth and enjoyable user experience. However, the limited RAM and lack of a card reader might be drawbacks for some users. Overall, if you’re looking for a reliable and capable laptop for everyday tasks and light productivity workloads, the Lenovo ThinkPad E16 Gen 1 is a strong contender.
