Lenovo ThinkPad E16 Gen 2 Laptop Review: Powerful Performance, But Is It Worth It?

Lenovo ThinkPad E16 Gen 2 Laptop Review

Table of Contents

Introduction

The Lenovo ThinkPad E16 Gen 2 is a business-oriented laptop that aims to strike a balance between affordability and performance. It comes equipped with a powerful Intel Core Ultra 7 155H processor, 16GB of RAM, and a 512GB SSD, making it suitable for a variety of tasks, including demanding workloads and content creation. In this review, we’ll dive deep into its features, performance, and overall value to help you decide if it’s the right laptop for your needs.

Features and Design

The Lenovo ThinkPad E16 Gen 2 boasts a 16-inch WUXGA display with a 1920×1200 resolution, delivering crisp visuals for everyday tasks and multimedia consumption. The display offers decent viewing angles and vibrant colors, though it lacks touch functionality.

Design

The design is classic ThinkPad, with a robust black chassis and a matte finish that resists fingerprints. The lid features the iconic ThinkPad logo, and the keyboard boasts a familiar layout with a trackpoint for precise navigation. The E16 Gen 2 feels sturdy and well-built, reflecting Lenovo’s commitment to durability.

Ports and Connectivity

The laptop offers a generous selection of ports, including:

* 1x USB-A (USB 5Gbps / USB 3.2 Gen 1)
* 1x USB-A (USB 10Gbps / USB 3.2 Gen 2), Always On
* 1x USB-C® (USB 20Gbps / USB 3.2 Gen 2×2), with USB PD 3.0 and DisplayPort™ 1.4
* 1x USB-C® (Thunderbolt™ 4 / USB4® 40Gbps), with USB PD 3.0 and DisplayPort™ 2.1
* 1x HDMI® 2.1, up to 4K/60Hz
* 1x Headphone / microphone combo jack (3.5mm)
* 1x Ethernet (RJ-45)

This array of ports provides ample flexibility for connecting various peripherals and displays. The E16 Gen 2 also comes equipped with Wi-Fi® 6E and Bluetooth 5.3 for seamless wireless connectivity.

Performance

Processor Performance

The Intel Core Ultra 7 155H processor is a powerhouse, delivering exceptional performance for demanding tasks like video editing, 3D rendering, and multitasking. I was impressed by its ability to handle multiple applications simultaneously without any noticeable lag. The laptop also features Intel Arc™ Graphics, which provide a boost for graphics-intensive applications and gaming.

Memory and Storage

With 16GB of DDR5 RAM, the E16 Gen 2 handles multitasking flawlessly. I was able to run multiple demanding applications without encountering any performance bottlenecks. The 512GB SSD provides fast boot times and quick access to data, ensuring a smooth and responsive user experience.

Pros & Cons

Pros

* Powerful Intel Core Ultra 7 155H processor
* 16GB of DDR5 RAM for smooth multitasking
* 512GB SSD for fast boot times and data access
* Robust and durable design
* Comprehensive selection of ports
* Backlit keyboard with a trackpoint

Cons

* No touchscreen functionality
* Display could offer better color accuracy
* Battery life could be improved

Final Verdict

The Lenovo ThinkPad E16 Gen 2 is a capable business laptop that offers impressive performance for demanding tasks. Its powerful processor, ample RAM, and fast storage make it suitable for professionals who need a reliable and efficient machine. However, the lack of a touchscreen and the average battery life are drawbacks to consider.

Overall, if you’re looking for a well-built, powerful laptop for everyday tasks and creative projects, the Lenovo ThinkPad E16 Gen 2 is a solid option. However, if you prioritize a touchscreen or longer battery life, you might want to explore other alternatives.

Specifications

Feature Specification
Processor Intel® Core™ Ultra 7 155H, 16C (6P + 8E + 2LPE) / 22T, Max Turbo up to 4.8GHz, 24MB
AI PC Category AI PC
NPU Intel® AI Boost, up to 11 TOPS
Graphics Integrated Intel® Arc™ Graphics Functions as Intel Graphics
Chipset Intel® SoC Platform
Memory 1x 16GB SO-DIMM DDR5-5600
Memory Slots Two DDR5 SO-DIMM slots, dual-channel capable
Max Memory Up to 64GB DDR5-5600
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 • M.2 2280 SSD up to 1TB
Storage Slot Two M.2 slots • One M.2 2242 PCIe® 4.0 x4 slot • One M.2 2280 PCIe 4.0 x4 slot
Card Reader No card reader
Optical None
Audio Chip High Definition (HD) Audio, Senary SN6141 codec
Speakers Stereo speakers, 2W x2, Dolby Atmos®, audio by HARMAN
Camera FHD 1080p + IR Hybrid with Privacy Shutter
Microphone 2x, Array
Battery Integrated 57Wh
Power Adapter 65W USB-C® (3-pin)
Display 16″ WUXGA (1920×1200) IPS 300nits Anti-glare, 45% NTSC
Touchscreen None
Keyboard Backlit, Arabic
Case Color Black
Case Material Aluminium (Top), Aluminium (Bottom)
Dimensions (WxDxH) 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 Windows® 11 Pro, Arabic / English
Bundled Software None
Ethernet 100/1000M (RJ-45)
WLAN + Bluetooth Wi-Fi® 6E, 802.11ax 2×2 + BT5.3
WWAN None
SIM Card None
NFC None
Standard Ports 1x USB-A (USB 5Gbps / USB 3.2 Gen 1)1x USB-A (USB 10Gbps / USB 3.2 Gen 2), Always On1x USB-C® (USB 20Gbps / USB 3.2 Gen 2×2), with USB PD 3.0 and DisplayPort™ 1.41x USB-C® (Thunderbolt™ 4 / USB4® 40Gbps), with USB PD 3.0 and DisplayPort™ 2.11x HDMI® 2.1, up to 4K/60Hz1x Headphone / microphone combo jack (3.5mm)1x Ethernet (RJ-45)
Docking Various docking solutions supported via Thunderbolt™ or USB-C®. For more compatible docking solutions
Smart Card Reader None
Security Chip Discrete TPM 2.0 Enabled
Fingerprint Reader Touch Style, Match-on-Chip, Integrated in Power Button
Physical Locks Kensington® Nano Security Slot™, 2.5 x 6 mm
Other Security IR camera for Windows® Hello (facial recognition)Camera privacy shutter
System Management Non-vPro®
Bundled Accessories None
Green Certifications ENERGY STAR® 8.0EPEAT™ Gold RegisteredErP Lot 6ErP Lot 26RoHS compliantTCO Certified 9.0
Other Certifications TÜV Rheinland® Low Blue Light (Software Solution)
Mil-Spec Test MIL-STD-810H military test passed