When it comes to business laptops, the Lenovo ThinkPad series has long been synonymous with durability, performance, and understated professionalism. The latest addition to the lineup, the ThinkPad E16 FHD+, continues this legacy while offering modern upgrades tailored to today’s hybrid workforce. After spending weeks testing this machine, here’s my in-depth take on whether it lives up to the ThinkPad name—and who should consider it.
Design & Build: Classic ThinkPad, Modern Tweaks
The ThinkPad E16 doesn’t stray far from the iconic design language of its predecessors. Its matte-black chassis, accented by the glowing red TrackPoint nub, exudes a no-nonsense business aesthetic. Weighing in at 4.1 lbs and measuring just 0.78 inches thick, it’s portable enough for daily commutes without feeling flimsy. The lid and keyboard deck are reinforced with aluminum, meeting MIL-STD-810H durability standards for resistance to shocks, vibrations, and extreme temperatures—a must for frequent travelers.
Port selection is generous: two USB-C (both supporting Power Delivery and DisplayPort), two USB-A 3.2 Gen 1, HDMI 2.0, an Ethernet jack, and a headphone/mic combo. The inclusion of a physical shutter for the webcam adds a layer of privacy, though I wish Lenovo had upgraded to a 1080p camera (the 720p HD unit feels dated for video calls).
Display: Functional Over Flashy
The 16-inch FHD+ (1920 x 1200) IPS display strikes a balance between productivity and practicality. The 16:10 aspect ratio provides extra vertical space for scrolling through documents or coding, and the 300-nit brightness holds up well under office lighting. Colors are accurate enough for spreadsheets and emails, but creative professionals might find the panel lacking in vibrancy compared to premium ultrabooks. That said, the anti-glare coating is a win for open-office or outdoor use.
For those craving more versatility, Lenovo offers an optional touchscreen variant. While it adds cost, it’s a worthy upgrade for users who prioritize interactivity.
Performance: Power Where It Counts
My review unit packed an AMD Ryzen 7 7730U processor, integrated Radeon graphics, 16GB DDR4 RAM, and a 512GB NVMe SSD—a configuration that handled my multitasking workload (20+ Chrome tabs, Slack, Zoom, and Lightroom) without hiccups. The Ryzen chip’s efficiency shines here, delivering snappy performance while keeping fan noise minimal.
Storage and RAM are user-upgradeable, a rarity in today’s slim laptops. Swapping out the SSD or boosting RAM to 40GB is straightforward, future-proofing the device for evolving needs. While integrated graphics won’t satisfy gamers, they’re sufficient for light photo editing or dual 4K displays via USB-C.
Keyboard & Input: Still the Gold Standard
ThinkPads are legendary for their keyboards, and the E16 doesn’t disappoint. The full-sized, spill-resistant keyboard offers deep 1.5mm travel and a satisfying tactile bounce—ideal for marathon typing sessions. The TrackPoint and oversized clickpad remain intuitive for navigation, though the latter occasionally registered accidental palm touches during aggressive typing.
Security features include an optional fingerprint reader and IR camera for Windows Hello facial recognition. Both worked reliably, though the fingerprint sensor’s placement beside the arrow keys took some adjustment.
Battery Life: All-Day Endurance
With a 57Wh battery, the E16 lasted 8–9 hours in mixed use (brightness at 70%, Wi-Fi on). That’s enough for a typical workday, though heavy users might need a midday top-up. Rapid Charge support juices the battery to 80% in an hour, perfect for airport layovers.
Software & Connectivity
The laptop ships with Windows 11 Pro and minimal bloatware—just Lenovo’s Vantage app for driver updates and hardware settings. Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.1 ensure fast wireless connectivity, while optional 4G LTE lets you stay online anywhere.
For a different take on balancing productivity and affordability, check out our review of the Dell Inspiron 15 5510, which caters to budget-conscious users seeking a versatile home-and-office hybrid.
Who Should Buy the ThinkPad E16?
This laptop is ideal for:
- Corporate users needing a durable, serviceable machine.
- Remote workers prioritizing keyboard comfort and connectivity.
- IT departments seeking standardized, upgradeable hardware.
It’s less suited for creatives requiring color-accurate displays or gamers wanting dedicated GPUs.
Final Verdict
The Lenovo ThinkPad E16 FHD+ isn’t flashy, but it’s a steadfast companion for business professionals. Its robust build, stellar keyboard, and upgradeability justify its mid-range price tag, even if the display and webcam feel like missed opportunities. If reliability and productivity are your priorities, this ThinkPad deserves a spot on your shortlist.
Ready to make it yours? The Lenovo ThinkPad E16 is available on Amazon with configurable specs to match your workflow.
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