lipflip – The Lenovo ThinkPad T16 Gen 4 AMD is a solid choice for business users. But it faces some design limitations. A key issue is that the T16 shares its mainboard with the smaller ThinkPad T14, leading to wasted internal space. While cost-saving strategies drive manufacturers to use common parts across multiple models. This approach leaves room for improvement in the T16.
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The same mainboard is also used in the ThinkPad P16s Gen 4, T14 Gen 6, and P14s Gen 6. This results in unused space in the larger T16 model, which is clearly visible in its internal layout. Specifically, there is significant empty space next to the cooling fan. Ideally, the larger chassis could accommodate more components, such as a second SSD slot or an additional fan. These changes would enhance CPU performance by reducing thermal throttling and lowering the overall fan noise. As it stands, temperatures can exceed 50°C at the hot spots on the bottom panel. A concern for users looking for better heat management in a professional setting.
The ThinkPad T16 Gen 4 has a solid feature set, including WWAN readiness, two SO-DIMM slots, and one SSD slot. However, considering the size of the chassis, more could be done to utilize the available space more effectively. Adding another SSD slot or a second fan could help improve overall performance and user experience. Especially for demanding tasks that require better thermal management.
Keyboard Quality and Display Limitations
Another area where the ThinkPad T16 Gen 4 shows room for improvement is in its keyboard design. The T16’s large and comparatively thick base unit should contribute to a better typing experience, but it doesn’t fully deliver. Over the years, Lenovo’s keyboard quality has suffered due to slimmer laptop designs, and unfortunately, this trend continues with the T16.
The T16 uses a 1.5mm key travel and flat key caps, which results in a less satisfying typing experience compared to older models like the ThinkPad X1 Carbon G6 from 2018. That model, despite being much slimmer, featured a more comfortable 1.8mm key travel. The T16’s keyboard may still be functional and comfortable for many users. But it falls short of the high standard set by earlier ThinkPad models. Lenovo has standardized its keyboards across different models. Which may be convenient for production, but it sacrifices the rich typing experience that made ThinkPads famous.
Additionally, the ThinkPad T16 Gen 4’s display options are limited. There is no high-resolution screen option with a 120Hz refresh rate, which is disappointing for users who expect more from their business laptops. In today’s market, a higher refresh rate is increasingly important for smoother scrolling and a more enjoyable visual experience, especially during long hours of use. While the T16’s display is adequate for general business tasks, it does not meet the demands of users looking for sharper visuals or smoother interactions with dynamic content.
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Despite these drawbacks, the ThinkPad T16 Gen 4 AMD remains a strong contender in the business laptop market. It offers good performance, a sturdy build, and a reliable set of features. However, Lenovo has an opportunity to improve upon its internal design, keyboard quality, and display options in future models to stay ahead of the competition. With a few key upgrades, the T16 could become a more versatile and compelling option for professionals seeking a reliable and high-performing business laptop.