Lenovo ThinkPad P16s Gen 2 Laptop Review: Intel Core i7-1360P, RTX A500, 16GB RAM

Lenovo ThinkPad P16s Gen 2 Laptop Review: Intel Core i7-1360P, RTX A500, 16GB RAM

Table of Contents

Introduction

The Lenovo ThinkPad P16s Gen 2 is a powerful and portable workstation laptop designed for professionals who demand top-notch performance and reliability. It’s packed with features like a 13th Gen Intel Core i7 processor, NVIDIA RTX A500 graphics, 16GB of RAM, and a 512GB SSD, making it suitable for demanding tasks such as CAD design, video editing, and data analysis. After spending considerable time putting the P16s Gen 2 through its paces, here’s a comprehensive review outlining its strengths, weaknesses, and overall suitability for various users.

Key Features

The Lenovo ThinkPad P16s Gen 2 boasts a range of compelling features that cater to professionals seeking a powerful yet portable workstation:

Feature Specification
Processor Intel® Core™ i7-1360P, 12C (4P + 8E) / 16T, P-core 2.2 / 5.0GHz, E-core 1.6 / 3.7GHz, 18MB
Graphics NVIDIA® RTX A500 4GB GDDR6
Memory 16GB Soldered LPDDR5x-7500 Non-ECC
Storage 512GB SSD M.2 2280 PCIe® 4.0×4 Performance NVMe® Opal 2.0
Display 16″ WUXGA (1920×1200) IPS 300nits Anti-glare, 45% NTSC
Keyboard Backlit, Arabic
Operating System Windows® 11 Pro, Arabic / English
WLAN + Bluetooth Intel® Wi-Fi® 6E AX211, 11ax 2×2 + BT5.3
Standard Ports 1x Ethernet (RJ-45) 1x HDMI® 2.1, up to 4K/60Hz 1x Headphone / microphone combo jack (3.5mm) 1x Security keyhole 2x Thunderbolt™ 4 / USB4® 40Gbps (support data transfer, Power Delivery 3.0 and DisplayPort™ 2.0) 2x USB 3.2 Gen 1 (one Always On)
Security Chip Discrete TPM 2.0 Enabled

Performance

The Lenovo ThinkPad P16s Gen 2 delivers exceptional performance thanks to its powerful hardware. The 13th Gen Intel Core i7-1360P processor with its 12 cores and 16 threads handles multi-tasking seamlessly. The NVIDIA RTX A500 graphics card, while not the most powerful, handles professional applications like AutoCAD and Adobe Premiere Pro efficiently. During my testing, I was able to run demanding CAD simulations and edit 4K video footage without any noticeable lag or stuttering. The 16GB of RAM proves to be sufficient for most professional tasks, but if you’re a heavy multi-tasker, you might consider upgrading to 32GB for optimal performance.

The 512GB SSD provides ample storage space for most users. The NVMe interface ensures fast boot times and quick loading of applications. The 16-inch display is vibrant and sharp, offering excellent visual clarity for demanding work tasks. While the FHD+ resolution isn’t as high as some other workstations, it strikes a balance between visual quality and battery life.

Pros & Cons

Here are the pros and cons of the Lenovo ThinkPad P16s Gen 2 laptop:

Pros:

  • Powerful Intel Core i7-1360P processor
  • Dedicated NVIDIA RTX A500 graphics card for professional applications
  • 16GB of RAM for smooth multi-tasking
  • Fast 512GB NVMe SSD for quick boot times and application loading
  • Durable and lightweight design
  • Excellent keyboard and touchpad
  • Good battery life
  • Comprehensive port selection
  • Strong security features

Cons:

  • FHD+ resolution might not be ideal for demanding visual tasks
  • Memory is soldered and not upgradable
  • No card reader

Final Verdict

The Lenovo ThinkPad P16s Gen 2 is a solid choice for professionals seeking a powerful, portable, and reliable workstation laptop. Its powerful hardware, durable construction, and excellent keyboard make it a great option for demanding tasks. While the lack of a card reader and the non-upgradable memory are minor drawbacks, the overall package offers excellent value for the price. If you’re looking for a workstation laptop that can handle demanding tasks and provides a comfortable and productive working experience, the ThinkPad P16s Gen 2 is definitely worth considering.