The Lenovo ThinkBook 16 Gen 7 may not boast cutting-edge AI chips, OLED screens, or top-tier graphics, but it offers something many high-end laptops lack: an affordable price. Starting under $800, this business-oriented laptop packs a last-gen Intel Core Ultra 5 125U processor, a 16-inch IPS display, and up to 32GB of RAM. It even includes extras rarely found in this price range, such as Thunderbolt 4 and an IR webcam for biometric login. But are the cost-cutting measures too drastic? This review dives into the ThinkBook 16 Gen 7’s strengths and weaknesses to help you decide.
Specifications and Features: A Closer Look
Lenovo offers various ThinkBook 16 Gen 7 configurations, but the sub-$800 base model with 8GB of RAM and 256GB SSD storage is best avoided. For around $100 more, the 16GB RAM/512GB SSD version with a Core Ultra 5 CPU offers significantly better value. Upgrades to a Core Ultra 7 155U processor, up to 1TB of storage, and 32GB of RAM are available, with even the fully loaded model staying just above $1,000. Key specs of the reviewed model include:
- CPU: Intel Core Ultra 5 125U
- Memory: 16GB LPDDR5
- Graphics: Intel Arc
- Display: 16-inch 1920 x 1080 LCD
- Storage: 512GB PCIe Gen 4 NVMe SSD
- Webcam: 1080p IR Webcam
- Connectivity: 1x USB-C (Thunderbolt 4, 40Gbps), 1x USB-C (10Gbps), 2x USB-A (5Gbps), 3.5mm audio jack, HDMI 2.1, Ethernet, SD card reader
- Networking: Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.2
- Battery capacity: 45Whr
- Dimensions: 356 x 253.5 x 17.5 mm (14.01 x 9.98 x 0.69 inches)
- Weight: 1.7 kg (3.75 lbs)
- MSRP as tested: $829
The ThinkBook lineup prioritizes value over raw power, and the ThinkBook 16 Gen 7 embodies this philosophy.
Design and Build: Balancing Cost and Quality
Lenovo ThinkBook 16 G7 design
The ThinkBook 16 Gen 7 initially impresses with its sleek, two-tone metal lid, a hallmark of the current ThinkBook series. However, the rest of the chassis is constructed from plastic, reflecting its budget-friendly nature. While the metal lid contributes to rigidity, the plastic body noticeably flexes under pressure. The port selection is generous, including Thunderbolt 4, multiple USB-A and USB-C ports, HDMI, Ethernet, and an SD card reader.
The 16-inch display is surrounded by relatively narrow bezels and features a 1080p webcam with IR support for Windows Hello. While the large screen provides ample space, the 1080p resolution is modest for this size. The hinge is stiff, making one-handed opening difficult, but it securely holds the display in place. Despite the plastic construction, the ThinkBook 16 Gen 7 weighs a substantial 3.75 pounds, comparable to more premium laptops.
Display and Audio: Functional, Not Flashy
Lenovo ThinkBook 16 G7
The 16-inch display offers ample screen real estate for multitasking and accessibility features. While the 1080p resolution is acceptable at normal viewing distances, it’s not as sharp as higher-resolution displays found on more expensive laptops. The 300-nit maximum brightness is sufficient for indoor use, aided by the matte finish, but struggles in bright ambient light. Viewing angles are also limited, with noticeable dimming at off-center positions.
The downward-firing speakers produce adequate audio for casual use but lack clarity and bass. Music playback suffers at higher volumes, and the plastic chassis vibrates noticeably.
Keyboard and Trackpad: Roomy but Lacking Tactility
Lenovo ThinkBook 16 G7 keyboard
The ThinkBook 16 Gen 7 maximizes its large chassis with a full-size keyboard, including a number pad and dedicated arrow keys. However, the keys lack tactile feedback and feel mushy, with noticeable flex in the keyboard deck.
The off-center plastic trackpad offers average sensitivity and responsiveness. While functional, it’s smaller than ideal for a 16-inch laptop and produces a loud clicking sound.
Performance: Adequate for Productivity
Lenovo ThinkBook 16 G7 PCMark results
The ThinkBook 16 Gen 7 delivers solid performance for everyday productivity tasks. Benchmark results place it behind competitors with newer processors, but it handles web browsing, video conferencing, and office applications effectively. Multi-threaded performance is respectable, thanks to efficient cooling, allowing the Core Ultra 5 processor to maintain decent speeds under sustained loads. However, the integrated Intel Arc graphics are underwhelming, making this laptop unsuitable for demanding content creation or gaming.
Lenovo ThinkBook 16 G7 3DMark results
Battery Life: Stationary Usage Recommended
Lenovo ThinkBook 16 G7 battery life results
The 45Whr battery provides almost nine hours of video playback time, a below-average result for modern laptops. This limited battery life reinforces the ThinkBook 16 Gen 7’s intended use case as a primarily desk-bound machine. While portable, it’s not ideal for extended unplugged use. The laptop supports USB-PD charging, allowing for convenient charging with compatible chargers.
Conclusion: A Budget-Friendly Productivity Choice
The Lenovo ThinkBook 16 Gen 7 delivers decent performance and a spacious display at a compelling price. While its build quality, battery life, and display aren’t exceptional, they are acceptable given the cost. This laptop is a suitable choice for budget-conscious users seeking a reliable productivity machine for everyday tasks. However, those requiring high performance, extended battery life, or premium features should consider other options. The 16GB RAM configuration offers the best value, striking a balance between affordability and usability.
