Cool, Quiet, and Capable: Inside the Lenovo ThinkPad L16 Gen 1 (2024)

The Lenovo ThinkPad L16 features a larger TrackPad, redesigned keyboard with tactile markers, and TrackPoint for navigation. Powered by AMD Ryzen™ PRO 7030 Series processors, it ensures fast performance and optimized thermals. It includes a 5MP or infrared camera, HD camera, 360-degree mics, Dolby Voice, and Lenovo View for enhanced video calls. The device supports easy upgrades with customer replaceable units (CRUs). Security features include fingerprint reader, facial recognition, ThinkShield, and self-healing BIOS. PCC recycled plastic is used in key components, and the packaging is FSC-certified and plastic-free.

Performance for Every Need: Lenovo ThinkPad L16 Gen 1 (2024) with Mid to High-End Processors

Ultra 5 125U – Mid-Tier Performance (#139 in Top CPUs)
The Ultra 5 125U is a mid-tier processor offering 12 cores (2 performance cores, 8 efficiency cores, and 2 low-power efficiency cores) and 14 threads. With a max turbo frequency of 4.3GHz and 12MB cache, this processor delivers solid performance for multitasking and productivity tasks like office applications and light content creation. It's ranked #139 in top CPUs, reflecting its position in the mainstream CPU range for business laptops.

Ultra 5 135U – Slightly Enhanced Performance (#129 in Top CPUs)
The Ultra 5 135U features the same 12 cores (2P + 8E + 2LPE) and 14 threads as the 125U but with a higher max turbo frequency of 4.4GHz. This slight boost makes it ideal for users looking for higher processing power within the mid-tier range, ranked #129 in top CPUs. It offers solid multitasking capabilities and is suitable for both business applications and moderate workloads.

Ultra 7 155U – High-End Efficiency (#137 in Top CPUs)
With 12 cores and 14 threads, the Ultra 7 155U provides a max turbo frequency of 4.8GHz, offering improved performance over the Ultra 5 series. Ranked #137, it's still positioned within the upper mid-range CPUs, suitable for users seeking faster performance for tasks like light video editing or programming. The 12MB cache enhances its efficiency for handling larger datasets.

Ultra 7 165U – Premium Efficiency (#120 in Top CPUs)
The Ultra 7 165U offers a max turbo frequency of 4.9GHz and 12 cores (2P + 8E + 2LPE), making it one of the better-performing processors in the mid-to-high range. Ranked #120 in top CPUs, it’s ideal for users requiring high efficiency for more demanding tasks like multitasking and light 3D modeling. The 12MB cache ensures smooth processing even under heavier workloads.

AMD Ryzen 3 7335U – Entry-Level Processor
The AMD Ryzen 3 7335U features 4 cores and 8 threads with a base frequency of 3.00GHz and a max boost of 4.30GHz. While not as powerful as the Ultra 5 or Ultra 7 series, this entry-level processor is designed for basic computing tasks, such as web browsing and office work. It offers efficient performance for users who don’t require intensive processing power.

AMD Ryzen 5 7535U – Mid-Range Performance
The AMD Ryzen 5 7535U is a mid-range processor with 6 cores, 12 threads, and a max boost of 4.55GHz. It is suitable for multitasking and medium workloads, including photo editing, web development, and light content creation. The 16MB cache supports quick data access, making it a well-balanced choice for users seeking solid productivity and performance.

AMD Ryzen 7 7735U – High-End Performance
The AMD Ryzen 7 7735U is a high-end processor with 8 cores and 16 threads, offering a max boost of 4.75GHz. This processor is designed for users requiring higher performance, such as those involved in intensive multitasking, video editing, and programming. With a 16MB cache, it handles large workloads efficiently, making it ideal for professional-grade tasks.

Versatile Graphics for Work and Play: Lenovo ThinkPad L16 Gen 1 (2024) with AMD Radeon and Intel Integrated GPUs

AMD Radeon 660M – Mid-Range Integrated Graphics
The AMD Radeon 660M is an integrated GPU designed for mid-range performance. It is ideal for users who engage in basic gaming, video streaming, and office applications. This GPU offers decent graphics performance for everyday tasks but is not suited for heavy gaming or high-end content creation. Positioned as a budget-friendly option, the Radeon 660M provides adequate performance for users who need efficient graphics without high power consumption.

AMD Radeon 680M – Higher-Performance Integrated Graphics
The AMD Radeon 680M offers a significant performance boost over the 660M, providing better graphics processing for mid-range gaming and light content creation. As an integrated GPU, it delivers better multimedia performance and can handle more graphically demanding tasks compared to lower-end integrated graphics. While still not suitable for extensive 3D rendering or high-end gaming, the Radeon 680M serves well for general productivity and casual entertainment.

Integrated Intel Graphics – Basic Graphics Solution
The Integrated Intel Graphics offer a basic GPU solution for entry-level computing tasks. Found in systems with Intel processors, these graphics are suitable for standard office work, web browsing, and video playback. They are not intended for gaming or high-demand graphical tasks, making them ideal for general users who do not need enhanced graphics performance. While offering basic visual capabilities, they are the lowest-grade option when it comes to graphics performance.

Smooth Multitasking to Intensive Workloads: Lenovo ThinkPad L16 Gen 1 (2024) RAM Guide

8GB RAM – Basic Multitasking Performance
The 8GB RAM configuration is a basic-grade option, suitable for everyday computing tasks such as web browsing, office applications, and light multitasking. It is ideal for users who don’t run heavy software but need a smooth experience for general productivity. However, it may struggle with intensive applications like high-resolution editing or heavy multitasking.

16GB RAM – Balanced Performance for Professionals
The 16GB RAM setup is a mid-range option, offering a balance between performance and efficiency. It is well-suited for business users, moderate multitasking, and light content creation. This configuration ensures smoother performance when handling multiple applications, making it a good choice for professional workloads and productivity-focused users.

32GB RAM – High Performance for Power Users
The 32GB RAM variant is considered a high-performance choice, catering to power users who work with data-intensive applications, virtualization, and high-resolution media processing. It provides seamless performance for heavy multitasking, complex spreadsheets, and light 3D rendering, ensuring future-proofing for demanding workloads.

64GB RAM – Maximum Performance for Intensive Workloads
The 64GB RAM configuration is the top-tier option, designed for high-end users who require extreme computing power. It is ideal for engineering simulations, large-scale data processing, and professional-grade video editing. This setup delivers flawless performance for resource-intensive applications, making it suitable for power users, developers, and content creators working on high-performance projects.

DDR5 4800MHz SODIMM – Modern High-Speed Memory
The DDR5 4800MHz SODIMM is a high-speed memory module designed for modern laptops, offering improved bandwidth and efficiency compared to DDR4. With a 4800MHz frequency, it ensures faster data processing, smoother multitasking, and improved power efficiency. This memory type is ideal for business users, professionals, and content creators, providing a reliable and future-proof performance for everyday tasks and demanding applications.

From Light Use to Power Performance: Lenovo ThinkPad L16 Gen 1 (2024) SSD Guide

256GB SSD – Entry-Level Performance
A solid-state drive (SSD) with 256GB storage, ideal for basic computing needs. It offers fast boot times and quick application loading, making it suitable for light users and office tasks.

512GB SSD – Balanced Storage & Speed
With 512GB of SSD storage, this option provides a good balance of speed and capacity. It’s well-suited for business professionals and students, allowing for efficient multitasking and moderate file storage.

1TB SSD – High-Capacity Performance
A 1TB SSD delivers ample storage space while maintaining high-speed performance. Ideal for content creators, engineers, and professionals, it ensures quick file access and seamless workflow efficiency.

2TB SSD – Power User’s Choice
With 2TB of SSD storage, users get plenty of space for large files, software, and media. Perfect for heavy multitasking, professional workloads, and creative projects, ensuring reliable and high-speed data processing.

4TB SSD – Ultimate Storage & Speed
A premium storage option with 4TB of ultra-fast SSD capacity, designed for power users, video editors, engineers, and those handling massive datasets. It ensures top-tier performance, maximum storage, and rapid data retrieval.

PCIe Gen 4x4 SSD 2280 – High-Speed Storage Solution
The PCIe Gen 4x4 SSD 2280 is a high-performance solid-state drive (SSD) that offers exceptional speed and efficiency. Utilizing the PCIe 4.0 interface with four lanes (x4), it delivers faster read and write speeds, reducing load times and improving system responsiveness. The 2280 form factor ensures compatibility with modern laptops, making it an ideal choice for professionals, business users, and creators who require fast boot times, seamless multitasking, and quick data access.

Brilliant Displays: Lenovo ThinkPad L16 Gen 1 (2024) Screen Choices Compared

The 16″ WUXGA (1920 x 1200) touchscreen display features a 16:10 aspect ratio and IPS technology. It has an antiglare coating to reduce reflections and offers a brightness of 300 nits. The color coverage is 45% NTSC, making it suitable for general productivity and everyday tasks.

The 16″ WUXGA (1920 x 1200) IPS display also comes with a 16:10 aspect ratio and an antiglare coating. It has a brightness of 300 nits and is TÜV Eyesafe certified for low blue light, reducing eye strain during prolonged usage. It also covers 45% of the NTSC color gamut.

The 16″ WUXGA (1920 x 1200) low-power IPS display offers a 16:10 aspect ratio and antiglare coating. It features a higher brightness level of 400 nits and provides 100% sRGB color coverage for more accurate colors. It is TÜV Eyesafe certified for low blue light and covers 45% NTSC, making it a more vibrant and efficient option.

Non-touch refers to the display option that does not support touch input. This type of display is ideal for users who do not require touchscreen functionality and prefer to interact with the laptop using a keyboard and trackpad. It typically offers a more traditional user experience, which can be beneficial for tasks that do not demand direct screen interaction, such as typing, programming, or content creation.

On-cell multi-touch, supports 10-point touch is a display option that includes touch functionality, allowing users to interact directly with the screen. This type of display supports up to 10 simultaneous touch points, enabling more advanced gestures like pinch-to-zoom, scrolling, and swiping with multiple fingers. This feature is particularly useful for tasks that benefit from direct interaction, such as design, drawing, or navigating through applications. The on-cell technology integrates the touch sensors directly into the display panel, providing a more responsive touch experience.

Windows 11 Pro vs. Home: Tailoring Lenovo ThinkPad L16 Gen 1 for Business & Personal Use

Windows 11 Pro 64 is the version of the operating system recommended by Lenovo for business use. It offers advanced features tailored to business environments, including enhanced security features like BitLocker encryption, remote desktop, and the ability to join a domain. It is designed for professional use, providing greater control over system settings and enterprise-level management, making it ideal for businesses that require robust IT support and security.

Windows 11 Home 64 is the standard version of the operating system designed for general consumers. It includes most of the essential features of Windows 11, such as a redesigned Start Menu, improved performance, and security features like Windows Hello. While it is more suitable for personal use, it lacks some of the advanced enterprise features available in Windows 11 Pro, such as group policies and remote desktop capabilities.

Typing with Ease: Lenovo ThinkPad L16 Gen 1 (2024) Keyboards and TrackPoint

The Air intake keys feature a design that promotes better airflow, helping to keep the laptop cool during use by enhancing its thermal management.

The Optional backlit keyboard comes with white LED lighting, providing visibility in low-light environments, making it easier to type in dimly lit conditions.

The Dual-function TrackPoint allows for dual functionalities; it can be used to navigate the cursor, or by double-tapping it, you can open the TrackPoint Quick Menu for faster access to certain tasks or shortcuts.

The Numeric keypad is included for users who require easy access to numbers, especially useful for those working with data entry or performing calculations frequently.

The Spill-resistant design adds an extra layer of durability, helping to protect the laptop from accidental spills by preventing liquid from damaging internal components.

The ThinkPad TrackPoint Keyboard features a 1.5mm key travel, ensuring a responsive typing experience, typical of ThinkPad laptops, known for their reliable and comfortable keyboards.

The TrackPad with 3 buttons is 120mm (4.72″) in size, offering a spacious and responsive surface for multi-touch gestures, alongside dedicated buttons for improved navigation and control.

Enhanced Privacy & Protection: Lenovo ThinkPad L16 Gen 1 (2024) Security Suite

AMD PRO Security provides a suite of enterprise-grade security features, designed to protect sensitive data and safeguard the system from potential threats, ensuring robust defense for professional use.

The Discreet Trusted Platform Module (dTPM) 2.0 is a hardware-based security feature that encrypts sensitive information like passwords and encryption keys, offering an added layer of protection against unauthorized access.

The Kensington Nano Security Slot™ enables users to attach a physical security lock to the laptop, providing an effective way to prevent theft by physically securing the device in place.

Microsoft Secured-core PCs (available on select models) offer an enhanced level of security by integrating hardware, firmware, and software protections, designed to prevent malware and unauthorized access from the start.

The Self-healing BIOS feature ensures the system remains secure by automatically restoring the BIOS settings to a known good state if any tampering or corruption is detected, minimizing potential security risks.

Smart Power On integrates the match-on-chip fingerprint reader directly with the power button, allowing users to quickly and securely power on the laptop with a fingerprint scan, enhancing both convenience and security.

The Webcam privacy shutter gives users a physical way to cover the webcam, ensuring privacy and preventing unauthorized access to the camera when it’s not in use.

The Optional fingerprint reader allows for secure login with biometric authentication, providing a quick and reliable way to access the laptop while enhancing security.

The Optional infrared camera for facial recognition offers an additional biometric security option, enabling users to unlock their laptop through facial recognition, further improving convenience and security.

From HD to 5MP: Lenovo ThinkPad L16 Gen 1’s Powerful Webcam Options

The HD 720p RGB webcam with webcam privacy shutter provides a standard high-definition resolution for video conferencing and online meetings. The built-in privacy shutter allows users to physically block the camera when it’s not in use, ensuring privacy and preventing unauthorized access to the webcam.

The 5MP RGB & infrared (IR) webcam with webcam privacy shutter offers a higher resolution at 5 megapixels, delivering better image quality for video calls and conferencing. The infrared (IR) capability allows for facial recognition, adding an extra layer of convenience and security. As with the HD webcam, it also includes a privacy shutter to protect users' privacy when the camera is not in use.

Rich Audio Experience with Dolby Audio & Voice: Lenovo ThinkPad L16 Gen 1

The Dolby Audio feature enhances the overall sound experience by providing clear, rich audio for various media consumption, whether it's for video calls, watching movies, or listening to music. It optimizes the sound for a more immersive and dynamic listening experience, delivering clearer voices and deeper bass.

Dolby Voice further refines the audio experience, particularly during video conferencing. It improves voice clarity, reduces background noise, and provides a more natural and lifelike sound quality. This feature is designed to create a more professional and effective communication environment during virtual meetings.

The 2 x speakers are built to deliver stereo sound, ensuring that users experience richer and fuller audio output from the laptop. Paired with Dolby Audio, these speakers provide enhanced sound quality, making media consumption and communication more enjoyable.

The 2 x mics are positioned to capture clear and accurate audio for video calls, voice recognition, and other microphone-dependent functions. These microphones are designed to pick up the user's voice while minimizing surrounding noise, ensuring that conversations and recordings are clear and effective.

Compact Yet Durable: Lenovo ThinkPad L16 Gen 1’s Balanced Dimensions & Weight for Professionals

Dimensions (W x D x H): The Lenovo ThinkPad L16 Gen 1 (2024) has dimensions of 357.2 mm in width, 253.4 mm in depth, and 20.78 mm in height. These measurements indicate a laptop that is relatively compact, with a slightly thicker profile compared to ultra-slim models. The size provides a balance between portability and screen size, making it suitable for users who need a large display while still being able to carry the device comfortably. The thickness of 20.78 mm suggests that this laptop is robust and designed to withstand the demands of professional use.

Weight: The Lenovo ThinkPad L16 Gen 1 (2024) weighs starting at 1.77 kg. This weight makes it a moderately portable option for users who need a larger screen and reliable performance, while still being light enough to carry around in a bag or backpack for daily use. It strikes a balance between being substantial enough for durability and not overly heavy, making it a solid choice for professionals who are on the go.

Powerful Ports for Every Need: Lenovo ThinkPad L16 Gen 1's Comprehensive Connectivity Options

1 x USB-A (Hi-Speed USB / USB 2.0): The Lenovo ThinkPad L16 Gen 1 (2024) features one USB-A port supporting Hi-Speed USB 2.0. This port offers basic connectivity for peripherals such as keyboards, mice, or external storage devices, providing essential compatibility with older USB devices.

2 x USB-A (USB 5Gbps / USB 3.2 Gen 1, one always on): The laptop includes two USB-A ports that support USB 3.2 Gen 1 with speeds up to 5Gbps. One of these ports is always on, allowing users to charge devices or transfer data even when the laptop is powered off or in sleep mode, providing convenience and flexibility for users.

1 x USB-C® (USB 10Gbps / USB 3.2 Gen 2), with USB PD 3.0 and DisplayPort™ 1.4: A USB-C port on the device supports USB 3.2 Gen 2 with speeds of up to 10Gbps, as well as USB Power Delivery 3.0 for charging and DisplayPort 1.4 for external display connections. This port offers high-speed data transfer, efficient charging, and the ability to connect to high-resolution external monitors.

1 x USB-C (Thunderbolt 4 / USB4 40Gbps), with USB PD 3.0 and DisplayPort 2.1: The laptop also includes a USB-C port that supports Thunderbolt 4 and USB4 with a high-speed data transfer rate of 40Gbps. This port provides enhanced performance for connecting to external monitors, storage devices, and docking stations, as well as supporting USB Power Delivery 3.0 for efficient charging and DisplayPort 2.1 for superior video output.

1 x HDMI 2.1, up to 4K/60Hz: The Lenovo ThinkPad L16 Gen 1 comes with an HDMI 2.1 port that supports video output up to 4K resolution at 60Hz. This allows users to easily connect the laptop to external displays, such as monitors or TVs, for high-definition video playback and presentations.

1 x Headphone / mic combo jack (3.5mm): The device features a standard 3.5mm headphone/mic combo jack, enabling users to connect their headphones, headsets, or external microphones for audio input and output. This ensures compatibility with most audio devices.

1 x Ethernet (RJ-45): The ThinkPad L16 Gen 1 is equipped with an Ethernet (RJ-45) port for wired network connections. This port provides reliable internet access and is ideal for situations where a stable, high-speed network connection is necessary.

1 x Smart card reader (option not available): The laptop has an option for a smart card reader, though it may not be available on all models. This feature is typically used for enhanced security, particularly in enterprise environments where smart cards are used for authentication.

1 x Nano-SIM card slot (WWAN support models): For models that support WWAN (Wireless Wide Area Network), the Lenovo ThinkPad L16 Gen 1 includes a Nano-SIM card slot. This allows users to insert a SIM card to access mobile data networks, making it a suitable option for those who need internet access while traveling or in areas without Wi-Fi coverage.

Enhanced Speed and Range: Lenovo ThinkPad L16 Gen 1 with Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3

Intel Wi-Fi 6E AX211, 802.11ax 2 x 2 Wi-Fi: The Lenovo ThinkPad L16 Gen 1 (2024) is equipped with Intel Wi-Fi 6E AX211, supporting the 802.11ax standard with 2x2 MIMO (Multiple Input, Multiple Output) technology. This allows for faster and more efficient wireless connectivity, offering improved speeds, lower latency, and better performance in crowded networks compared to previous Wi-Fi generations. Wi-Fi 6E also extends the Wi-Fi 6 standard into the 6GHz band, providing additional bandwidth and reducing interference for more reliable internet connections.

Bluetooth 5.3: The laptop features Bluetooth 5.3, the latest version of the Bluetooth wireless technology. This offers faster data transfer speeds, improved range, and better power efficiency compared to earlier Bluetooth versions. It is compatible with a wide range of Bluetooth-enabled devices such as headphones, speakers, and peripherals, allowing for seamless and reliable wireless connectivity.

Ready for Anything: Lenovo ThinkPad L16 Gen 1 with Rapid Charge and All-Day Battery Life

Integrated Li-Polymer 46.5Wh battery, supports Rapid Charge (charge up to 80% in 1hr) with 65W AC adapter: The Lenovo ThinkPad L16 Gen 1 (2024) is equipped with an integrated Li-Polymer 46.5Wh battery, which supports Rapid Charge technology. This allows the battery to charge up to 80% within just 1 hour when using the included 65W AC adapter. This feature ensures quick recharging, offering greater convenience for users on the go.

Integrated Li-Polymer 57Wh battery, supports Rapid Charge (charge up to 80% in 1hr) with 65W AC adapter: Another battery option for the Lenovo ThinkPad L16 Gen 1 (2024) is the integrated Li-Polymer 57Wh battery. Like the 46.5Wh battery, it also supports Rapid Charge, enabling users to charge up to 80% in only 1 hour with the included 65W AC adapter. This battery provides a higher capacity, potentially offering more extended use time for the laptop.

Battery Life:
Configuration 1 (max battery life): Under the maximum battery life configuration, the Lenovo ThinkPad L16 Gen 1 (2024) can achieve up to 13.02 hours of usage with a 653 performance score at 250 nits brightness, according to MobileMark® 25.

JEITA-BAT 3.0 (Video/Idle): In the JEITA-BAT 3.0 test, which evaluates video and idle usage, the laptop can last up to 10.38 hours when performing video playback and up to 18.27 hours during idle use at 200 nits brightness.

Local video playback: For local video playback, the laptop can last up to 16.75 hours at a brightness of 150 nits, providing users with long-lasting power for watching content without needing to recharge.