Lenovo ThinkPad P16s Gen 2 Laptop Review: Powerful and Portable Workstation

The Lenovo ThinkPad P16s Gen 2 is a powerful and portable mobile workstation that caters to professionals seeking a balance between performance and portability. With its 12th Gen Intel Core i7-1360P processor, NVIDIA RTX A500 graphics, and a vibrant 16-inch WUXGA display, it offers a compelling blend of features for creative professionals, engineers, and anyone who needs a reliable workhorse. I’ve put this laptop through its paces, and this review will provide a comprehensive look at its strengths and weaknesses, helping you decide if it’s the right choice for your needs.

Table of Contents

• Introduction
• Key Features and Design
• Performance and Benchmarks
• Pros and Cons
• Final Verdict

Introduction

The Lenovo ThinkPad P16s Gen 2 builds upon the legacy of its predecessor, the P16s Gen 1, delivering significant performance improvements and a sleek, modern design. The combination of Intel’s latest processor and NVIDIA’s RTX A500 graphics allows this laptop to handle demanding tasks with ease. Whether you’re working on 3D modeling, video editing, or data-intensive applications, the ThinkPad P16s Gen 2 has the power to keep up.

Key Features and Design

The ThinkPad P16s Gen 2 offers a compelling set of features designed to enhance productivity and user experience. Here’s a closer look at some of its key elements:

• Processor: Intel Core i7-1360P (12 cores, 16 threads) offers impressive processing power for multi-tasking and demanding workloads.
• Graphics: NVIDIA RTX A500 with 4GB GDDR6 provides a significant boost in graphics performance, ideal for creative and technical applications.
• Display: 16-inch WUXGA (1920×1200) IPS display with 300 nits brightness and anti-glare coating ensures a sharp and vibrant visual experience.
• Memory and Storage: 16GB LPDDR5x RAM and 512GB PCIe NVMe SSD provide ample capacity and fast access speeds.
• Keyboard and Trackpad: The ThinkPad’s renowned keyboard with dedicated function keys and a responsive trackpad offer a comfortable and efficient typing experience.
• Connectivity: Includes Thunderbolt 4, USB 3.2, HDMI, Ethernet, and Wi-Fi 6E for versatile connectivity options.
• Design: The laptop features a durable, lightweight design, making it ideal for both travel and daily use.

Performance and Benchmarks

The ThinkPad P16s Gen 2 delivers strong performance across the board. I ran several benchmarks to assess its capabilities:

• CPU Performance: The Intel Core i7-1360P processor consistently demonstrated excellent performance in CPU-intensive benchmarks, handling multi-threaded tasks effortlessly.
• Graphics Performance: The NVIDIA RTX A500 graphics card yielded impressive results in graphics benchmarks, showcasing its suitability for creative and technical workloads.
• Storage Performance: The 512GB SSD offered blazing-fast read and write speeds, contributing to quick boot times and overall responsiveness.
• Battery Life: While not outstanding, the battery life was sufficient for a full workday with moderate usage.

During my real-world testing, I found that the ThinkPad P16s Gen 2 excelled in tasks such as:

• 3D Modeling: The laptop handled complex 3D models with ease, offering smooth rendering and editing experiences.
• Video Editing: The combination of CPU and graphics power allowed for efficient video editing, with minimal lag even when working with high-resolution footage.
• Data Analysis: The ThinkPad P16s Gen 2 effortlessly handled data-intensive tasks, delivering fast processing and calculations.

Pros and Cons

The Lenovo ThinkPad P16s Gen 2 offers a compelling package, but like any product, it has its strengths and weaknesses. Here’s a breakdown of its pros and cons:

Pros:

• Powerful Performance: The combination of the Intel Core i7-1360P and RTX A500 graphics delivers exceptional performance for demanding workloads.
• Durable and Portable Design: The ThinkPad P16s Gen 2 combines durability with a relatively lightweight design, making it suitable for on-the-go professionals.
• Excellent Keyboard and Trackpad: The ThinkPad’s iconic keyboard and responsive trackpad offer a comfortable and efficient typing experience.
• Vibrant Display: The 16-inch WUXGA IPS display provides a sharp, vibrant, and immersive visual experience.
• Comprehensive Connectivity: The laptop offers a wide range of ports, including Thunderbolt 4, USB 3.2, HDMI, and Ethernet, ensuring versatile connectivity options.

Cons:

• Limited RAM Upgradability: The soldered RAM limits potential upgrades, which could be a concern for users requiring larger memory capacities.
• Average Battery Life: The battery life, while sufficient for a full workday, could be improved for longer hours away from a power outlet.
• No Card Reader: The lack of a card reader might be a minor inconvenience for users who frequently use SD cards.

Final Verdict

The Lenovo ThinkPad P16s Gen 2 is a highly capable mobile workstation that offers a strong blend of performance, portability, and user-friendliness. If you’re a professional who requires a powerful yet portable device for demanding tasks, the ThinkPad P16s Gen 2 is definitely worth considering. While the limited RAM upgradability and average battery life are downsides, the excellent performance, durable design, and comfortable keyboard make it an attractive option. Overall, the Lenovo ThinkPad P16s Gen 2 is a solid choice for professionals seeking a reliable and powerful mobile workstation.