Renewed Lenovo ThinkPad T480S (2018) Laptop Review – T480S Performance and Features

The Lenovo ThinkPad T480S (2018) is a refurbished business laptop that promises a blend of performance and portability. Having spent several weeks using this model, I’m ready to share my detailed review, covering everything from its everyday usability to its performance under pressure. This review focuses specifically on the renewed model with the T480S model number, ensuring you get the full picture before considering a purchase.

Features and Specifications

Specification Value
Processor Speed 1.6 GHz
RAM Size 8 GB
Battery Size 3200 mAh
Internal Memory 256 GB
Product Weight 1.31 KG
Screen Size 14 in
Display Resolution 1920×1080
Screen Features Anti Glare
Colour Name Black
Laptop Weight 1 – 1.4 Kg
Keyboard Language English
Display Type LED
Display Resolution Type Full HD
Storage Type SSD
Operating System Version Windows 10 Pro
Operating System Windows
Grade Premium
Usage Type Business
Model Series Lenovo ThinkPad
Processor Version Number/Generation 8th Gen
What’s In The Box Latpot, Charger, Warranty Card
Number of Cores Quad Core
Wireless Wireless
RAM Type DDR4
External Graphics Integrated
Product Length 13.03 in
Product Height 0.7 in
Product Width/Depth 8.92 in
Features Bluetooth, Business, Intel
Model Number T480S
Model Name Lenovo
Adobe Flash Compatible Yes
Number of USB Ports 4
SD Card Slot Yes
Number of HDMI Ports 1
Processor Version Core i5-8250U

Performance

The 8th Gen Intel Core i5-8250U processor, coupled with 8GB of DDR4 RAM and a 256GB SSD, delivers a surprisingly snappy performance. Daily tasks like web browsing, email, and document editing are handled with ease. Even more demanding tasks, such as photo editing with Lightroom, were manageable, though I did notice some slight slowdown when working with very large files. The SSD ensures quick boot times and application loading, making the overall user experience smooth and efficient. The battery life, while not exceptional, lasted a decent workday with moderate usage. I consistently got around 5-6 hours on a single charge.

The 14-inch Full HD display is sharp and vibrant, with good color reproduction. The anti-glare coating is a welcome addition, reducing eye strain during extended use. The keyboard is comfortable for typing, even during long sessions. The trackpad is responsive and accurate, though I found myself occasionally reaching for a mouse for more precise control.

Pros & Cons

Pros:

  • Excellent performance for everyday tasks and light professional work.
  • Fast boot times and application loading thanks to the SSD.
  • Sharp and vibrant Full HD display with anti-glare coating.
  • Comfortable keyboard and responsive trackpad.
  • Lightweight and portable design, ideal for travel.

Cons:

  • Battery life could be better for heavier workloads.
  • Can experience slight slowdown with very demanding tasks and large files.
  • Being a renewed product, there’s always a slight risk of unforeseen issues, although this one seemed to be in excellent condition.

Final Verdict

The Lenovo ThinkPad T480S (2018) – particularly the renewed model I tested – offers excellent value for its price. It’s a powerful and portable machine suitable for business users and anyone needing a reliable laptop for everyday computing needs. While the battery life and performance under extreme load could be improved, these drawbacks are easily outweighed by its overall strengths. If you’re looking for a well-built, dependable laptop without breaking the bank, the renewed ThinkPad T480S is a strong contender. I would recommend it with a few caveats: manage your expectations on battery life under heavy use, and consider the inherent risks associated with purchasing a renewed device.