The Lenovo ThinkBook 16 Gen 7 is a budget-friendly 16-inch business laptop powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon X Plus platform. Its standout feature is exceptional battery life, approaching 22 hours in our tests, coupled with responsive performance for everyday office tasks. However, some aspects, like the dim display, reflect its budget orientation. This review delves into the ThinkBook 16 Gen 7’s performance, features, and overall value.
Lenovo ThinkBook half open
Lenovo ThinkBook 16 Gen 7: Specifications and Key Features
Our review unit features the Qualcomm Snapdragon X Plus X1P-42-100 processor, the entry-level SKU in the Snapdragon X Plus lineup. This Arm-based processor utilizes emulation for older Win32 applications. While compatibility is generally good, it’s not flawless. The configuration includes 16GB of RAM and a 512GB SSD, though options with up to 32GB of RAM and a 1TB SSD are available.
Key specifications include:
- CPU: Qualcomm Snapdragon X Plus X1P-42-100
- Memory: 16GB LPDDR5X RAM
- Graphics: Qualcomm Adreno GPU
- Display: 16-inch 1920×1200 IPS (300 nits)
- Storage: 512GB PCIe Gen4 SSD
- Battery: 84Wh
- Connectivity: Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.3, 2x USB-C, 2x USB-A, HDMI 2.1, SD card reader
- Weight: 4.02 pounds
- Price: $999 (as tested)
Design and Build
The ThinkBook 16 Gen 7 sports a subdued “Luna Gray” design. While not visually striking, the build quality is solid, with minimal flex in the keyboard tray and a sturdy hinge. The aluminum chassis contributes to a relatively lightweight feel, though the overall weight of 4.02 pounds is on the heavier side for a 16-inch laptop.
Lenovo ThinkBook keyboard
Keyboard and Trackpad
The full-size keyboard includes a number pad and a white backlight. While the key travel might feel somewhat soft compared to crisper keyboards like those found on ThinkPads, it’s comfortable enough for extended typing sessions. The trackpad is spacious and responsive, though the absence of haptic feedback is a minor drawback.
Display and Audio
The 16-inch 1920×1200 IPS display is adequate for productivity tasks but lacks premium features. Its 300-nit brightness is dim, and the colors are not particularly vibrant. The matte coating helps mitigate reflections, and the absence of a touchscreen is noteworthy. The bottom-firing speakers are sufficient for casual use but lack depth and clarity for multimedia consumption.
Lenovo ThinkBook (Snapdragon version)
Webcam and Biometrics
The 1080p webcam with a privacy shutter provides acceptable image quality for video conferencing, although it can appear grainy in low-light conditions. The built-in microphone performs well, effectively filtering out background noise. A fingerprint reader integrated into the power button offers convenient and reliable biometric login via Windows Hello.
Connectivity and Ports
The ThinkBook 16 Gen 7 offers a good selection of ports, including two USB-C ports with DisplayPort and Power Delivery, two USB-A ports, HDMI 2.1, and an SD card reader. The absence of an Ethernet port might be a drawback for some business users.
Lenovo ThinkPad right side ports
Performance
While the ThinkBook 16 Gen 7 delivers smooth performance for everyday office applications, its graphics performance is significantly lower than other Snapdragon X Plus systems due to the entry-level Adreno GPU. This is evident in benchmark results, particularly in 3DMark tests. However, for typical business workloads, the GPU performance is unlikely to be a limiting factor.
Lenovo ThinkBook battery life chart
Battery Life
The ThinkBook 16 Gen 7 truly shines in battery life. Achieving nearly 22 hours in our video rundown test, it offers unparalleled longevity for all-day productivity and beyond.
Conclusion
The Lenovo ThinkBook 16 Gen 7 is a compelling option for budget-conscious business users seeking exceptional battery life and adequate performance for everyday tasks. While the display and GPU performance are underwhelming, its strengths lie in its portability, all-day battery endurance, and responsive performance for office applications. For those prioritizing longevity and affordability, the ThinkBook 16 Gen 7 is a solid choice.
