Lenovo ThinkPad T14s review: Comparing AMD and Intel versions of the slim business laptop
Source: Windows Key
The drove of Lenovo'southward business laptops is ever-growing and evolving, and with 2022 comes a rebrand of the ThinkPad T490s to the ThinkPad T14s. It's all the same a slim version of the standard T14 (it'due south the "s" in the proper name), and information technology'southward available with both AMD and Intel processor (CPU) options with a few key differences other than functioning. I've been using both for nigh a week, comparing as I become to see which ane is the better deal and, ultimately, which one is more deserving of your money.
And if y'all're interested in either of these laptops, be aware that Black Fri is approaching. Laptops often go on sale during this sale, simply be sure you're not still paying more coin than yous would at Lenovo. The official retailer regularly has deep discounts on its ThinkPad hardware, so exist sure to check there earlier making a final decision at Amazon. We've seen the AMD version introductory model striking as low as $918 at Lenovo, with the Intel version not far behind at $i,164.
AMD And Intel Hardware
Lenovo ThinkPad T14s
Bottom line: The ThinkPad T14s is a well-built, slim business concern laptop that focuses on comfortable productivity, bombardment life, and security. For best performance (and mostly a more than affordable price), opt for AMD's Ryzen PRO 4000 mobile CPUs.
Pros
- Long battery life
- Overall strong performance
- Generous port choice
- Optional LTE connectivity
- Great keyboard, sizable touchpad
Cons
- Disappointing display colour
- Chunky bezels
- AMD battery life non on par with Intel
- Prices climb speedily
Lenovo ThinkPad T14s at a glance
Source: Windows Central
Lenovo supplied Windows Fundamental with ii review units of the ThinkPad T14s, one with an Intel Core i5-10310U vPro CPU and ane with an AMD Ryzen seven PRO 4750U. Both models include 16GB of DDR4 dual-channel RAM (soldered), a 512GB M.2 PCIe solid-state bulldoze (SSD), and a 14-inch 1080p bear on display.
The exact AMD configuration costs about $i,833 at Lenovo, while the exact Intel version costs about $2,834 at Lenovo. For a amend bargain on the Intel model — albeit with non-vPro Core i5-10210U CPU and the low-power FHD display option — you lot tin can get 16GB of RAM and a 512GB SSD for about $1,855 at Newegg. As well, a better deal on the Ryzen model with 16GB of RAM and 512GB SSD is nearly $1,521 at Newegg. It's clear that the AMD version is going to cost less than the Intel version in near cases.
Hither'south a look at the exact specs in both review units of the ThinkPad T14s I received from Lenovo.
| Category | ThinkPad T14s (AMD) | ThinkPad T14s (Intel) |
|---|---|---|
| Bone | Windows 10 Pro | Windows 10 Pro |
| Processor | AMD 4000 Ryzen 7 PRO 4750U Eight cores Sixteen threads Up to iv.1GHz 15W TDP | 10th Gen Intel Core i5-10310U vPro 4 cores Eight threads Upward to 4.40GHz 15W TDP |
| RAM | 16GB DDR4-3200MHz Dual-channel Soldered | 16GB DDR4-3200MHz Dual-aqueduct Soldered |
| Graphics | Integrated Radeon Vega 7 | Integrated Intel UHD Graphics |
| Storage | 512GB Chiliad.2 PCIe SSD Western Digital SN730 | 512GB M.2 PCIe SSD Samsung PM981a |
| Display | 14 inches 1920x1080 (FHD) 16:9 attribute ratio Anti-glare Touch | fourteen inches 1920x1080 (FHD) 16:ix aspect ratio Anti-glare Impact |
| Ports | Two USB-A 3.two (Gen 1) Ii USB-C 3.ii (Gen 2) HDMI two.0 microSD menu reader Network extension adapter 3.5mm audio Smart Carte du jour reader (optional) | 2 USB-A 3.2 (Gen i) Thunderbolt 3 USB-C 3.2 (Gen 1) HDMI i.4 microSD menu reader Network extension adapter iii.5mm audio Smart Carte du jour reader (optional) |
| Audio | Dual 1W speakers Dolby Audio | Dual 1W speakers Dolby Sound |
| Wireless | Intel Wi-Fi 6 AX200 802.11ax (2 x two) Bluetooth v.1 | Intel Wi-Fi 6 AX201 802.11ax (ii x 2) Bluetooth v.0 |
| Photographic camera | Front-facing 720p IR camera | Front-facing 720p |
| Security | Webcam shutter FIDO authentication dTPM 2.0 Fingerprint reader AMD Retentiveness Baby-sit PrivacyGuard (Optional) Kensington lock slot | Webcam shutter FIDO hallmark dTPM two.0 Fingerprint reader PrivacyGuard (Optional) Kensington lock slot |
| Bombardment | 57Wh 65W AC adapter | 57Wh 65W Air conditioning adapter |
| Dimensions | 12.94 ten 8.xc x 0.66 inches (328.8mm x 226.15mm 10 xvi.7mm) | 12.94 x 8.90 x 0.66 inches (328.8mm ten 226.15mm x 16.7mm) |
| Weight | From 2.8 pounds (ane.27kg) | From 2.8 pounds (i.27kg) |
| Colour | Black | Silver Black |
Same chassis, different ports
Lenovo ThinkPad T14s design and features
Compared to the 2022 ThinkPad T490s that we besides reviewed, the rebranded T14s has almost the verbal same dimensions and weight. This is a slim, compact 14-inch Ultrabook that won't take up much space in a haversack or briefcase. Both laptops accept been put through stringent tests to ensure durability and are built from aluminum and carbon cobweb polymer. The AMD version is available merely in the classic ThinkPad Black finish, whereas yous tin can grab the Intel version with a Silver end and total aluminum build. The laptops are sparse, but they are rigid.
The ThinkPad T14s is a slim workhorse that doesn't skimp on durability.
Ports are virtually the aforementioned on both models, and in general, the connectivity is generous. On the left side of the Intel model is USB-C three.2 (doubling as a charging port), Thunderbolt iii, Ethernet extension adapter, USB-A 3.2, HDMI ane.4, and a 3.5mm audio jack. On the right is a single USB-A 3.2 and a Kensington lock slot. The AMD model has the same layout, though it lacks Thunderbolt iii; it instead has two USB-C 3.ii. This might be an issue if you lot're looking to connect something like an external GPU with Thunderbolt 3. Even so, otherwise, there are plenty of powerful docking stations that utilize USB-C. Note that the AMD model'due south HDMI port is 2.0 instead of one.four.
On the rear edge of both laptops are a combination microSD menu reader and SIM slot if you choose to add an LTE card. An optional Smart Bill of fare reader can be added to either laptop if required.
Wireless connectivity other than the optional 4G LTE includes Intel Wi-Fi half dozen in both models for fast, reliable wireless internet. The AMD model has Bluetooth 5.1, while the Intel version has Bluetooth 5.0. In either case, you won't be starving for a quality connexion, especially if you invest in one of our picks for all-time Wi-Fi 6 router.
ThinkPads are heavily associated with security, and both laptops are stacked with included and optional features. A webcam shutter is included whether or not you select an IR camera at checkout for facial recognition. In this review case, the AMD version has IR, while the Intel version does non. Information technology works without flaw, and it'southward backed up past a fingerprint reader embedded into the right palm residue. The Intel model has the same fingerprint reader, and both work without consequence for fast, quick logins without a password.
The dual 1W downwardly-firing speakers get plenty loud and are to a higher place boilerplate in terms of sound quality. The laptop is thin and lite, still there's decent bass and hardly whatsoever distortion at loftier volume. Dolby Audio, no uncertainty, helps with this. Equally for the camera, the IR and 720p combination in the AMD model seems to offer a meliorate picture though neither is particularly phenomenal.
Plenty comfortable
Lenovo ThinkPad T14s keyboard and touchpad
Source: Windows Central
If you're having a hard time choosing betwixt Intel and AMD, it's not going to come up downward to the keyboard. Both laptops accept the same layout -- with Fn and Ctrl keys swapped -- with deep travel and cupped keys. If you're upgrading an old ThinkPad, you'll experience right at abode, and newcomers to the line should quickly fall into the easy typing feel.
The TrackPoint arrangement is here for those who like using the red pointing nub and physical buttons. It'due south backed upwardly by a sizable Precision touchpad with a mylar finish. Pointing is smooth and precise, allowing yous to go about your work without any impediment.
Lots of options
Lenovo ThinkPad T14s display
Source: Windows Cardinal
Lenovo has a wide assortment of 14-inch WVA display options available for the ThinkPad T14s. AMD and Intel versions take a 250-nit FHD not-touch pick, 300-nit FHD touch option (which both review units are using), 400-nit depression-power FHD option, and 500-nit FHD touch option with Privacy Guard screen filter. These all have an anti-glare layer that does a good chore of reducing the furnishings of working in a well-lit environment. If you'd like to step things upwards to 4K, but the Intel model has the option. Information technology's all the same a WVA panel only includes Dolby Vision HDR 400, 500 nits brightness, and a glossy end.
Testing color accurateness with a Datacolor SpyderX Pro, the AMD model's display hit just 62% sRGB, 46% AdobeRGB, and 46% DCI-P3, with up to 337 nits effulgence. The Intel model'due south brandish didn't fare much meliorate, managing 65% sRGB, 49% AdobeRGB, and 48% DCI-P3, with up to 342 nits brightness.
The moving-picture show yet looks adept thanks to the contrast and brightness, only those looking to include photograph editing or who but like a color-accurate picture will probable be disappointed. The low-power and Privacy Guard options appear to accept amend color based on Lenovo's documentation, but the best option is no doubt the 4K display. Shame it's non available with the AMD hardware. And, of course, if you're looking to get the nigh battery life from your device, the low-ability display should be the top choice.
AMD beats Intel
Lenovo ThinkPad T14s performance and battery
Source: Windows Primal
AMD has been on a tear with its Ryzen 4000 mobile CPUs, and the ThinkPad T14s is one of the first laptops to take reward of the PRO variant. It comes with extra security and management features compared to the standard Ryzen 7 4000 mobile chips, plus its multithreading abilities lend it actress performance. If you're selecting one of these laptops and don't absolutely need Intel'due south vPro fries, information technology's going to make a better option. Especially because of the price difference.
Lenovo's Vantage app has a bevy of extra features yous tin tweak to your liking, including a battery threshold toggle (to go along your battery from overcharging), smart standy be continue bombardment topped upwardly when the laptop is idle, and an ever-on USB toggle. If nosotros're ever all flying regularly again, at that place'due south as well an AC power limiter for times when yous need to plug in while airborne.
Let'south have a look at some raw benchmarks to see how the two ThinkPad T14s laptops compare to each other and to a bunch of other laptops we've recently reviewed.
Geekbench 5
Geekbench v.0 (CPU) (Higher is better)
| Device | CPU | Single cadre | Multi core |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lenovo ThinkPad T14s (AMD) | Ryzen 7 4750U | 1,135 | v,782 |
| Lenovo ThinkPad T14s (Intel) | i5-10310U | 1,143 | three,734 |
| Acer Swift three (Intel) | i7-1065G7 | one,302 | 3,891 |
| Acer Swift 3 (AMD) | Ryzen 7 4700U | 1,131 | iv,860 |
| Acer Spin iii (SP314-54N) | i5-1035G1 | 1,185 | three,524 |
| HP Green-eyed x360 | Ryzen 5 4500U | 1,100 | 4,564 |
| Lenovo IdeaPad Flex 5 14 | Ryzen 5 4500U | 1,087 | iv,570 |
| Surface Laptop 3 xv | Ryzen 5 3580U | 769 | 2,720 |
| Lenovo ThinkPad L13 Yoga | i5-10210U | one,069 | 3,754 |
| Lenovo Yoga C640 | i3-10110U | ane,015 | two,111 |
| Lenovo Yoga C740 14 | i5-10210U | 1,094 | iii,767 |
| Samsung Galaxy Volume Flex | i7-1065G7 | ane,317 | 4,780 |
| Dell XPS xiii (9300) | i7-1065G7 | 1,284 | iv,848 |
| Surface Laptop 3 fifteen | i7-1065G7 | i,336 | 4,893 |
| HP Elite Dragonfly | i7-8665U | 1,125 | ii,942 |
| Surface Laptop 3 xiii.v | i5-1035G7 | 1,177 | 4,413 |
| HP Spectre x360 xiii | i7-1065G7 | 1,006 | 3,402 |
| Surface Pro X | SQ1 | 725 | 2,819 |
| Milky way Book S | SD 8cx | 685 | 2,681 |
I would take preferred measuring a Core i7 CPU against the Ryzen vii, but I feel the AMD chip would have however won out in overall performance. With viii cores and xvi threads, it is a powerhouse. Cadre i7 options still have only four cores and eight threads.
The Cadre i5 still wins in a unmarried-core faceoff, but double the cores from AMD has information technology pull far ahead with the multi-cadre score. The Ryzen'due south Vega vii integrated GPU scored 12,030 in the OpenCL test, while the Core i5'south UHD Graphics hitting 5,368. If you're looking for a laptop that tin handle a flake of lite gaming and photograph editing, the Ryzen fries will be better suited.
PCMark
PCMark 10
| Device | Score |
|---|---|
| Lenovo ThinkPad T14s (AMD) | 4,659 |
| Lenovo ThinkPad T14s (Intel) | 4,214 |
| Acer Swift 3 (Intel) | 4,135 |
| Acer Swift iii (AMD) | 4,861 |
| Acer Spin 3 (SP314-54N) | iii,674 |
| HP ENVY x360 | iv,755 |
| Lenovo IdeaPad Flex 5 xiv | four,759 |
| Surface Laptop 3 15 (AMD) | four,006 |
| Lenovo IdeaPad Flex 14 | 3,202 |
| Surface Book 3 15 | 4,393 |
| Lenovo ThinkPad L13 Yoga | four,899 |
| Lenovo Yoga C640 | iv,008 |
| Lenovo Yoga C740 | 4,941 |
| Samsung Milky way Volume Flex | 3,924 |
| Dell XPS xiii (9300) | 4,524 |
| Surface Laptop 3 15 (Intel) | four,604 |
| Dell XPS 13 2-in-1 | four,554 |
| HP Spectre x360 13 | 4,261 |
| HP Elite Dragonfly | 3,716 |
| LG gram 17 | 4,157 |
| Surface Pro seven (i5) | 3,992 |
Potent operation from the Core i5 hither all things considered. Both laptops had no problems treatment a standard daily workload of word processing, heavy spider web browsing, photo editing, email, and instant messaging.
Cinebench
Cinebench (R20) (Higher is better)
| Device | CPU | Range |
|---|---|---|
| Lenovo ThinkPad T14s | Ryzen 7 4750U | 3,064 to 3,070 |
| Lenovo ThinkPad T14s | Core i5-10310U | 1,273 to 1,402 |
| Acer Swift 3 (Intel) | Core i7-1065G7 | one,229 to 1,236 |
| Acer Swift three (AMD) | Ryzen 7 4700U | 2,391 to 2,428 |
| Acer Spin 3 (SP314-54N) | Core i5-1035G1 | 1,329 to 1,479 |
| HP ENVY x360 | Ryzen 5 4500U | ii,053 to 2,100 |
| Lenovo IdeaPad Flex v 14 | Ryzen v 4500U | 2,388 to 2,397 |
| Lenovo ThinkPad L13 Yoga | Cadre i5-10210U | 1,137 to 1,442 |
| Lenovo Yoga C640 | Core i3-10110U | 924 to 929 |
| Lenovo Yoga C740 15 | Cadre i7-10510U | 1,415 to ane,613 |
| Lenovo Yoga C740 fourteen | Core i5-10210U | 1,450 to i,535 |
| LG gram 17 | Core i7-1065G7 | 1,079 to 1,199 |
| Acer Swift 5 (SF514-54T) | Core i7-1065G7 | 1,361 to 1,400 |
| Lenovo ThinkPad P53 | Xeon E-2276M | 2,686 to 2,701 |
| Surface Laptop iii 13.five | Cadre i5-1035G4 | i,584 to i,606 |
| Surface Laptop three xv | Core i7-1065G7 | 1,703 to 1,745 |
Running Cinebench R20 repeatedly generally points out thermal problems the CPU might experience. In this case, the AMD Ryzen 7 had no problems performing well nether load, more than doubling Intel's UHD Graphics. The Core i5 saw a larger dip in performance and only doesn't keep up in terms of raw power.
SSD
CrystalDiskMark (Higher is better)
| Device | Read | Write |
|---|---|---|
| Lenovo ThinkPad T14s (AMD) | 2,885.92 MB/s | 2,717.17 MB/s |
| Lenovo ThinkPad T14s (Intel) | 3,527.77 MB/s | 2,982.44 MB/due south |
| Acer Swift 3 (Intel) | i,641.39 MB/s | 1,033.82 MB/s |
| Acer Swift iii (AMD) | 2,161.99 MB/s | ane,214.84 MB/s |
| Acer Spin 3 (SP314-54N) | ane,630 MB/southward | 885 MB/s |
| HP ENVY x360 | 1,530 MB/south | 864 MB/southward |
| Lenovo IdeaPad Flex 5 xiv | ii,199.10 MB/s | 1,017.07 MB/s |
| Lenovo IdeaPad Flex 14 | 3,405 MB/s | 1,512 MB/s |
| Lenovo ThinkPad L13 Yoga | 3,188.82 MB/s | 1,685.61 MB/s |
| Lenovo Yoga C640 | i,906.78 MB/s | 970.69 MB/s |
| Samsung Milky way Book Flex | three,376 MB/south | 2,983 MB/southward |
| Dell XPS thirteen (9300) | iii,000 MB/s | 1,217 MB/south |
| HP Spectre x360 (Optane) | ii,092 MB/s | 515 MB/s |
| Dell XPS 13 ii-in-1 | 2,400 MB/due south | 1,228 MB/s |
| HP Elite Dragonfly (Optane) | 2,124 MB/s | 548 MB/s |
| Lenovo Yoga C740 | 3,408 MB/southward | 2,982 MB/south |
| LG gram 17 (2020) | iii,477 MB/s | 2,900 MB/due south |
| Surface Laptop 3 15 | 2,028 MB/s | 806 MB/southward |
| Surface Laptop 3 13.5 | two,338 MB/s | 1,583 MB/s |
| Acer Swift 5 (SF514-54T) | 1,641 MB/southward | 1,025 MB/s |
| Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Extreme (Gen 2) | three,416 MB/southward | 3,016 MB/s |
Information technology's no doubtfulness a bit of a toss-up depending on hardware availability, but both laptops have strong SSD performance. The Samsung PM981a in the Intel model is faster than the WD SN730 in the AMD model. SSDs are upgradeable in both models.
Enjoy all-twenty-four hour period battery life from the ThinkPad T14s.
Bombardment life from the 57Wh bombardment is excellent in both versions of the laptop. The Intel Core i5 model with half every bit many cores lasted 11 hours and three minutes in PCMark ten's Modernistic Office rundown with brightness at about 60% and power fix to "Better Performance." Existent-world usage throughout the day still saw the laptop go for well-nigh ix or 10 hours, more enough to get through a workday without having to plug in.
The Ryzen 7 model, with far more raw performance, lasted 10 hours and 43 minutes in the same test with similar screen brightness and power setting. Again, real-world usage saw that drop to just more than 9 hours, but that's yet an excellent result. Both laptops take Rapid Charge that delivers about 80% battery life in about an hr.
Shoot for AMD
Should you buy the ThinkPad T14s?
Source: Windows Key
Who it's for
- Those who need a slim 14-inch business laptop
- Those who want a slap-up typing experience
- Those who need plenty of ports and optional 4G LTE connectivity
- Those who want to spend more $one,000
- Those who want a full workday of battery life
Who it isn't for
- Those who demand dedicated graphics performance
- Those who don't need extra security features
- Those who don't want to spend more $1,000
Like the T490s that came earlier, the ThinkPad T14s is a quality business organization laptop that manages to remain lightweight and compact despite plenty of features. LTE connectivity is available for those who demand it. There are enough of ports and security features, it has all-day battery life, and y'all can customize models with a ton of different options, including Intel and AMD hardware.
After using both CPU versions for about a calendar week, I'd rather have the pure performance upgrade from AMD at a lower cost than pay more for Intel. Sure, if you absolutely demand Thunderbolt three, vPro, or a 4K display option, Intel will make sense, but otherwise stick with Ryzen PRO. And for more great laptop options, be sure to have a look at our collection of the overall best Windows laptop picks available at present.
Powered By AMD
Lenovo ThinkPad T14s
Better performance, cheaper cost
The AMD version of the ThinkPad T14s doesn't have all the aforementioned features equally the Intel version, but it will state you improve performance at a improve price.
Powered By Intel
Lenovo ThinkPad T14s
Thunderbolt 3, optional 4K display
The Intel version of the ThinkPad T14s costs more, but information technology brings Thunderbolt iii, 4K display option, and potent functioning in its own right.
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Source: https://www.windowscentral.com/lenovo-thinkpad-t14s-review
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