Lenovo ThinkPad T14 Gen 4 Laptop Review: Powerful Performance & Premium Build (21HD002BUS)

Lenovo ThinkPad T14 Gen 4 Laptop Review

The Lenovo ThinkPad T14 Gen 4 is a solid business laptop that combines powerful performance with a premium build quality. It’s designed for professionals who need a reliable and durable machine for demanding tasks. In this review, we’ll take a deep dive into its features, performance, pros and cons, and ultimately, whether it’s the right choice for you.

Table of Contents

Introduction

The Lenovo ThinkPad T14 Gen 4 is a 14-inch laptop that aims to strike a balance between portability and performance. It’s equipped with a 13th generation Intel Core i7-1355U processor, 16GB RAM, and a 512GB SSD. The T14 Gen 4 also features a vibrant 14-inch WUXGA IPS touchscreen display, making it suitable for both productivity and multimedia consumption.

Key Features

  • Processor: Intel® Core™ i7-1355U
  • Memory: 16GB Soldered DDR5-5200
  • Storage: 512GB SSD M.2 2280 PCIe® 4.0×4 Performance NVMe® Opal 2.0
  • Display: 14″ WUXGA (1920×1200) IPS 300nits Anti-glare, 45% NTSC, Touch
  • Graphics: Integrated Intel® Iris® Xe Graphics
  • Operating System: Windows® 11 Pro
  • Connectivity: Intel® Wi-Fi® 6E AX211, 802.11ax 2×2 + BT5.3
  • Ports: 1x USB 3.2 Gen 1, 1x USB 3.2 Gen 1 (Always On), 2x Thunderbolt™ 4 / USB4® 40Gbps, 1x HDMI® 2.1, 1x Headphone / microphone combo jack (3.5mm), 1x Ethernet (RJ-45)
  • Security: Discrete TPM 2.0 Enabled, Touch Style Fingerprint Reader, Kensington® Nano Security Slot™

Performance & Battery Life

The Intel Core i7-1355U processor delivers impressive performance for everyday tasks, including web browsing, productivity apps, and light video editing. The 16GB of RAM ensures smooth multitasking, allowing you to run multiple applications simultaneously without experiencing lag. The PCIe 4.0 SSD provides fast boot times and quick application loading, further enhancing the overall user experience.

The battery life is decent, lasting for around 7-8 hours on a single charge with moderate usage. However, if you’re pushing the device to its limits with demanding tasks, the battery life might be shorter. This is typical of laptops with powerful components and vibrant displays.

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Powerful processor and ample RAM for smooth multitasking
  • Durable and well-built chassis with a premium feel
  • Excellent keyboard and trackpad for comfortable typing and navigation
  • Bright and vibrant touchscreen display with good color accuracy
  • Good selection of ports, including Thunderbolt 4 for fast data transfer and connectivity
  • Strong security features, including a fingerprint reader and TPM 2.0

Cons

  • Battery life could be better for demanding users
  • The integrated graphics are not suitable for demanding gaming or high-end graphics applications
  • The lack of a card reader might be a drawback for some users
  • The starting price might be considered expensive by some

Final Verdict

The Lenovo ThinkPad T14 Gen 4 is a compelling option for professionals who prioritize performance, durability, and security. It’s a well-rounded laptop that delivers a smooth and reliable user experience. While the battery life could be better, it’s a minor drawback considering the overall performance and features. If you’re looking for a high-quality business laptop that can handle demanding tasks, the ThinkPad T14 Gen 4 is worth considering.

Specifications

Feature Specification
Processor Intel® Core™ i7-1355U, 10C (2P + 8E) / 12T, P-core 1.7 / 5.0GHz, E-core 1.2 / 3.7GHz, 12MB
Graphics Integrated Intel® Iris® Xe Graphics (Functions as UHD Graphics)
Chipset Intel® SoC Platform
Memory 16GB Soldered DDR5-5200
Memory Slots One soldered DDR5, one DDR5 SO-DIMM slot, dual-channel capable
Max Memory Up to 32GB (16GB soldered + 16GB SO-DIMM) DDR5-5200
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 None
Optical None
Audio Chip High Definition (HD) Audio, Realtek® ALC3287 codec
Speakers Stereo speakers, 2W x2, Dolby Audio™
Camera FHD 1080p + IR Hybrid with Privacy Shutter
Microphone 2x, 360°
Battery Integrated 39.3Wh
Power Adapter 65W USB-C® (2-pin)
Display 14″ WUXGA (1920×1200) IPS 300nits Anti-glare, 45% NTSC, Touch
Touchscreen On-cell, 10-point Multi-touch
Keyboard Backlit, English
Case Color Storm Grey
Case Material Aluminium (Top), PPS (Bottom)
Dimensions (WxDxH) 317.7 x 226.9 x 17.9 mm (12.51 x 8.93 x 0.70 inches)
Weight Starting at 1.36 kg (3.0 lbs)
Operating System Windows® 11 Pro, 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 3.2 Gen 1, 1x USB 3.2 Gen 1 (Always On), 2x Thunderbolt™ 4 / USB4® 40Gbps, 1x HDMI® 2.1, 1x Headphone / microphone combo jack (3.5mm), 1x Ethernet (RJ-45)
Optional Ports None
Docking Various docking solutions supported via Thunderbolt™ / USB-C®
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 Camera privacy shutter (camera models), IR camera for Windows® Hello (facial recognition), Glance by Mirametrix®, Ultrasonic Human Presence Detection (IR camera models)