Lenovo ThinkBook 13s: A Comprehensive Review
Lenovo Thinkbook 13S: Specifications
- CPU: Intel Core i5-1135G7
- Graphics: Intel Iris Xe
- RAM: 16GB
- Screen: 13.3-inch, 16:10 (2560 x 1600p), 300 nits, IPS touchscreen
- Storage: 256GB PCIe SSD
- Ports: 1 x USB Type-C Thunderbolt 4, 2 x USB Type-A 3.2 (Gen 1), 1 x HDMI 2.0, 3.5mm combo jack, 1 x Kensington lock slot
- Connectivity: Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.1
- Camera: 720p HD with Privacy Shutter
- Weight: 2.77 pounds (1.26 kilos)
- Size (W x D x H): 11.77 x 8.23 x 0.59 inches (299 x 209 x 14.9 millimeters)
- Battery: 56Whr, RapidCharge
Lenovo Thinkbook 13S: Design
The Lenovo ThinkBook 13s showcases an all-anodized aluminum chassis, featuring the distinctive dual-tone design typical of the ThinkBook series, with the prominent ThinkBook logo stamped on the lid.
Although not the slimmest Ultrabook available, the ThinkBook 13s measures just under 0.6 inches (approximately 15 millimeters) thick. Weighing in at 2.78lbs (1.26kg), it may not match the lightweight profile of the Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Nano, but it still falls within the desirable weight range for an Ultrabook.
The speakers, located on the underside of the chassis, benefit from the laptop's relative thickness, allowing for better sound expansion. However, placing the ThinkBook 13s on soft surfaces like a sofa or bed with a thick comforter may still muffle the sound.
Fortunately, the chassis thickness accommodates several USB Type-A ports and HDMI 2.0 output, alongside a single Thunderbolt 4 port. Additional ports include a 3.5mm combo jack and Kensington lock slot along the sides.
The keyboard follows the standard Lenovo ThinkBook layout, praised for its responsiveness and adequate key travel, distinguishing it from some ThinkPad models. Notably, the Ctrl key's placement alleviates frustration with copy-and-paste operations.
The trackpad offers ample space and appropriate surface resistance for smooth multi-gesture control, complemented by responsive buttons and tapping input. It also features the signature metallic trim characteristic of the ThinkBook line's design.
Lenovo Thinkbook 13S: Performance
The Lenovo ThinkBook 13s demonstrates impressive performance capabilities. Despite being equipped with a Core i5-1135G7 processor, it outperformed, more powerful mobile processors such as the Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Nano's Core i7-1160G7 and the Razer Book 13's Core i7-1165G7 in several benchmarks.
Although all mobile processors have limitations, the ThinkBook 13s exceeded expectations considering its specifications. In PCMark10 Home test, the ThinkBook 13s has achieved a score of 4,602, trailing the most recent Dell XPS 13 and Razer Book 13 by only about 210 points when equipped with an Intel Core i7-1165G7 processor.
While evaluating GPU performance, the ThinkBook 13s surpassed the XPS 13 in Firestrike and nearly matched its Time Spy score (1,513 versus 1,547). Additionally, it kept pace with the XPS 13 in GeekBench 5's multicore benchmark (5,377 versus 5,432) and fell just 20 points short of tying the Book 13 in multicore performance (5,397).
While the ThinkBook 13s trails behind these models in single-core performance (1,404 compared to 1,539 for the XPS 13 and 1,558 for the Book 13), its focus on business and professional users prioritizes multicore performance, where it competes evenly with its counterparts.
Battery Life
The ThinkBook 13s falls short compared to its rivals in terms of battery life. Despite being Intel Evo certified, it managed to surpass the nine-hour mark in our battery tests, albeit by a narrow margin.
With durations of nine hours and two minutes in PCMark10's battery test and nine hours and one minute in our HD movie test, the ThinkBook 13s still delivers a commendable performance. However, the XPS 13 outshines it with durations of 11 hours and 47 minutes in PCMark 10 and 11 hours and one minute in our HD movie test. Meanwhile, the Book 13 falls in between, lasting 11 hours and 42 minutes in PCMark10 but only nine hours and 20 minutes in our HD movie test.
Considering the ThinkBook 13s is equipped with a 56WHr battery - the largest among the three models compared - users might have hoped for longer battery life. However, with some adjustments to settings, it's likely that users could extend the battery life to the range of 10 to 11 hours during typical usage scenarios focused on general productivity.
Camera and Microphone
At present, a standard 1080p webcam hasn't become commonplace, unfortunately. However, the 720p camera on the ThinkBook 13s offers comparable quality to what many individuals commonly use for work purposes.
During regular Zoom meetings, the picture quality proved satisfactory for users' needs, and there were no complaints regarding audio quality, likely due to the dual-array microphone.
The standout feature of the webcam is its physical privacy shutter. While earlier Lenovo laptops released during the pandemic's onset might have been forgiven for lacking such a feature, considering the unforeseen shift to remote work, it's unacceptable that laptops in 2021 still lack this essential feature.
Lenovo, on the other hand, has been proactive in addressing this need, which is commendable. Their inclusion of physical privacy covers on their latest products deserves recognition and praise.
Software and Features
Regrettably, at the ThinkBook 13s's price point, an increase in pre-installed software, or bloatware, was observed, with McAfee being the primary culprit. While McAfee is recognized among the best antivirus software, its performance barely warrants such recognition. In all honesty, superior alternatives exist, and McAfee's default practice of using popup notifications to promote subscription services can be quite intrusive.
The utilization of popup notifications through the Windows desktop notification center almost seems like a challenge, inviting users to swiftly uninstall the software, setting a record for the quickest software removal of the year.
On a positive note, Lenovo consolidates its utility applications into a single product called Lenovo Vantage, which offers varying degrees of usefulness to users. Importantly, it maintains a lightweight resource usage and refrains from bombarding users with desktop ads, making it relatively unobtrusive.
Moreover, as a business-oriented laptop, the ThinkBook 13s incorporates additional security features, including a fingerprint scanner integrated into the power button for convenient logins. However, these features may not be as extensive as those found in pricier ThinkPad models like the X1 Titanium. Nevertheless, considering its price, the ThinkBook 13s strikes a commendable balance in this regard.
Final Thoughts
For those seeking an affordable business laptop, the ThinkBook series proves to be a worthy contender alongside the more renowned ThinkPad line. Among them, the ThinkBook 13s stands out as one of the best options available at an excellent value.
Moreover, the laptop features a stunning 16:10 display with a resolution of 2560 x 1600p. This high-resolution display enhances multitasking by providing ample screen space and crisp imagery, effectively making the 13.3-inch laptop feel larger and more spacious than it actually is.
Despite its attractive display, the ThinkBook 13s lacks the necessary hardware to handle demanding visual tasks effectively. For users prioritizing visual media production, alternative options such as the HP Create G7 may be more suitable. The speakers on the Lenovo ThinkBook 13s offer decent performance but may not meet the standards of audiophiles seeking exceptional sound quality.