Lenovo ThinkPad P14s Gen 5 (21G20003GR) Review: Powerful and Portable Workstation
Lenovo ThinkPad P14s Gen 5 (21G20003GR) Review: Powerful and Portable Workstation
The Lenovo ThinkPad P14s Gen 5 is a powerful and portable workstation laptop that caters to professionals who need a balance of performance and portability. This laptop is equipped with the latest Intel Core Ultra processor, a dedicated NVIDIA RTX 500 Ada Generation GPU, and a stunning 14.5-inch WUXGA display. In this in-depth review, we’ll delve into the features, performance, and overall experience of the ThinkPad P14s Gen 5, providing you with a comprehensive understanding of whether it’s the right choice for you.
Table of Contents
Introduction
The Lenovo ThinkPad P14s Gen 5 is designed to be a powerful and portable workstation laptop. It’s packed with features that cater to professionals who need a balance of performance and portability. This laptop is a serious contender for users in fields such as engineering, design, and finance, where demanding applications require substantial processing power and efficient workflows.
Key Features
The Lenovo ThinkPad P14s Gen 5 is packed with features that make it a compelling choice for professionals. Let’s take a closer look:
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Processor | Intel Core Ultra 7 155H, 16C (6P + 8E + 2LPE) / 22T, Max Turbo up to 4.8GHz, 24MB |
| NPU | Intel AI Boost integrated in Intel Core Ultra processor, up to 11 TOPS |
| Graphics | NVIDIA RTX 500 Ada Generation 4GB GDDR6 |
| Chipset | Intel SoC Platform |
| Memory | 1x 16GB SO-DIMM DDR5-5600 Non-ECC |
| Memory Slots | Two DDR5 SO-DIMM slots, dual-channel capable |
| Max Memory | Up to 96GB (2x 48GB DDR5 SO-DIMM) |
| Storage | 512GB SSD M.2 2280 PCIe 4.0×4 Performance NVMe Opal 2.0 |
| Storage Support | One drive, up to 2TB M.2 2280 SSD |
| Storage Slot | One M.2 2280 PCIe 4.0 x4 slot |
| Card Reader | No card reader |
| Audio Chip | High Definition (HD) Audio, Realtek ALC3287 codec |
| Speakers | Stereo speakers, 2W x2, Dolby Audio |
| Camera | 5.0MP + IR with Privacy Shutter and Human Presence Detection |
| Microphone | 2x, Array |
| Battery | Integrated 57Wh |
| Power Adapter | 135W USB-C Slim (3-pin) |
| Display | 14.5″ WUXGA (1920×1200) IPS 300nits Anti-glare, 45% NTSC, 60Hz, Eyesafe, TÜV Low Blue Light |
| Touchscreen | None |
| Color Calibration | None |
| Keyboard | Backlit, Arabic |
| Case Color | Black |
| Case Material | Aluminium (Top), Aluminium (Bottom) |
| Dimensions (WxDxH) | 325.5 x 227.6 x 18.5 mm (12.81 x 8.96 x 0.73 inches) |
| Weight | Starting at 1.61 kg (3.55 lbs) |
| Operating System | Windows 11 Pro, Arabic / English |
| Bundled Software | None |
| Ethernet | 100/1000M (RJ-45) |
| WLAN + Bluetooth | Intel Wi-Fi 6E AX211, 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) |
| Optional Ports | 1x Smart Card Reader |
| Docking | Various docking solutions supported via Thunderbolt or USB-C. |
| Smart Card Reader | Smart Card Reader |
| 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) |
Performance
The ThinkPad P14s Gen 5 is powered by the latest Intel Core Ultra 7-155H processor, which is a significant step up in terms of performance compared to previous generations. This processor, coupled with the dedicated NVIDIA RTX 500 Ada Generation GPU, delivers remarkable performance for demanding tasks. I ran a range of benchmark tests, including Cinebench R23, PCMark 10, and 3DMark Time Spy. The results were impressive, showcasing the laptop’s ability to handle demanding workflows with ease.
I put the ThinkPad P14s Gen 5 to the test by running several demanding applications, including Adobe Photoshop, After Effects, and SolidWorks. It handled these applications with impressive speed and responsiveness. The dedicated NVIDIA RTX 500 Ada Generation GPU significantly accelerated graphics-intensive tasks, allowing me to work seamlessly with large files and complex projects.
Pros & Cons
Pros:
- Powerful Intel Core Ultra 7-155H processor for demanding tasks
- Dedicated NVIDIA RTX 500 Ada Generation GPU for excellent graphics performance
- Stunning 14.5-inch WUXGA display with vibrant colors and wide viewing angles
- Lightweight and portable design, perfect for travel
- Excellent battery life
- Robust build quality and durability
- Comprehensive security features
Cons:
- No card reader
- Limited port selection (only one USB-A port)
Final Verdict
The Lenovo ThinkPad P14s Gen 5 is an exceptional workstation laptop that blends performance and portability. It’s a solid choice for professionals who require a powerful machine for demanding tasks but also need the flexibility to work on the go. While it may not be the perfect machine for everyone, the P14s Gen 5’s combination of performance, portability, and reliability makes it a strong contender in its category.
I highly recommend the Lenovo ThinkPad P14s Gen 5 to professionals who need a powerful and versatile workstation laptop. Its impressive performance, exceptional battery life, and robust build quality make it a compelling choice for demanding users.
