The laptop market is vast, but two models that stand out for business professionals and tech enthusiasts alike are the Lenovo ThinkPad T14 and T14s. These laptops promise a blend of performance, build quality, and features ideal for both work and play. But how do they stack up against each other? In this comprehensive review, we’ll dissect the key differences and help you decide which model suits your needs best.
Review Overview
Choosing the right laptop is crucial, especially if you rely on it for daily tasks, business presentations, or coding marathons. The Lenovo ThinkPad T14 and T14s are designed to meet high standards, but their subtle differences can make one more suitable than the other. This blog post will cover everything from display quality to battery life, CPU performance, storage capabilities, and more.
Key Differences
Understanding the core differences between the T14 and T14s is the first step in making an informed decision. Let’s take a closer look at what sets these two models apart.
Case
Both the T14 and T14s feature Lenovo’s signature black carbon-fiber-and-magnesium-aluminum chassis, offering both durability and a professional look. However, the T14s is slightly lighter and slimmer, making it a better option for those who prioritize portability.
The T14 weighs approximately 3.23 lbs, whereas the T14s comes in at just 2.81 lbs. This weight difference may seem minor, but for professionals who frequently travel, every ounce counts. Additionally, the T14s has a more refined design with smoother edges, enhancing its aesthetic appeal without compromising on strength.
Display
When it comes to the display, both models offer a variety of configurations, including Full HD and 4K options. The T14s, however, has a slight edge with its brighter display options, reaching up to 500 nits compared to the T14’s 400 nits. This makes the T14s a better choice for outdoor use or brightly lit environments.
Color accuracy is another critical factor, especially for those involved in photo and video editing. Both models offer excellent color reproduction, but the T14s’s higher-end display configurations provide a more vibrant and accurate color palette. Whether you’re designing graphics or just watching a movie, the T14s’s screen will deliver a superior visual experience.
Battery
Battery life is a significant consideration for anyone on the go. How do these two models fare in different usage scenarios?
Battery Life on Programming/Coding
For developers, battery life during coding sessions is crucial. The T14, with its larger battery, offers around 12 hours of runtime during moderate programming activities. The T14s, despite its slimmer profile, still manages to deliver a respectable 10 hours.
The difference may come down to the efficiency of background processes and the optimization of power settings. Both models support rapid charging, allowing you to get back to work quickly after a brief break.
Battery Life on Web Browsing
If your typical workload involves a lot of web browsing, the T14s outperforms the T14 slightly. The T14s can last up to 14 hours on a single charge, while the T14 averages around 12 hours. This is particularly beneficial for business professionals who spend a lot of time in meetings or on the road.
Battery Life on Full Brightness and CPU Intensive Tasks
When it comes to tasks that push the CPU to its limits, such as rendering videos or running simulations, both models see a decrease in battery life. The T14 averages about 7 hours, while the T14s offers around 6 hours under full brightness and heavy load conditions. These numbers are still impressive and should suffice for most high-intensity work sessions.
CPU
The central processing unit (CPU) is the heartbeat of any laptop. Both the T14 and T14s come with a range of Intel and AMD options, but how do they perform?
CPU Performance Comparisons
The T14 generally offers slightly more powerful CPU options compared to the T14s, thanks to its larger chassis, which allows for better cooling. This means that during prolonged, intensive tasks, the T14 can maintain higher performance levels without throttling.
However, the T14s isn’t far behind. With its efficient thermal design, it still provides robust performance suitable for most business applications, coding, and light gaming. The T14s also tends to run quieter, making it a better choice for quiet environments like libraries or cafes.
Web Browsing Performance
Both models handle web browsing with ease. Whether you have multiple tabs open or are streaming high-definition videos, the T14 and T14s provide smooth and responsive performance. The choice here boils down more to personal preference and the specific configurations you choose.
Photo and Video Editing
For creative professionals, the CPU performance during photo and video editing tasks is crucial. The T14 might have a slight edge here due to its more robust cooling system, which allows it to sustain high performance for longer periods. However, the T14s’s higher display quality makes it a compelling option for those who need accurate color reproduction.
Exporting 4K/8K Videos
When it comes to exporting high-resolution videos, both laptops are up to the task. The T14’s superior cooling allows it to maintain peak performance longer, potentially reducing export times. The T14s, while slightly slower, still performs admirably and would suffice for most users.
Benchmarks
Benchmark tests provide a quantifiable way to compare performance. We’ll look at three commonly used benchmarks to see how the T14 and T14s stack up.
3D Marks
3DMark tests the GPU and CPU performance in a range of simulated gaming and graphical scenarios. The T14 generally scores higher due to its more powerful CPU and better thermal management. However, the T14s’s scores are still impressive, particularly considering its slim profile.
Cinebench
Cinebench measures CPU performance by rendering a complex 3D scene. The T14, with its superior cooling, tends to score higher, maintaining higher clock speeds during the test. The T14s, while close, may experience slight throttling under sustained load.
Userbenchmark
UserBenchmark provides a comprehensive overview of both CPU and GPU performance, as well as storage speeds. The T14 usually comes out ahead due to its more robust hardware options. That said, the T14s remains competitive and offers excellent value for its form factor.
Graphics Card
Graphics performance is crucial for tasks ranging from gaming to professional applications like CAD or video editing. Both the T14 and T14s offer integrated graphics options and discrete GPUs.
The T14 typically has a slight edge with more powerful GPU configurations. This makes it a better choice for graphic-intensive tasks. However, the T14s, with its lighter weight and decent graphics performance, remains a strong contender for those who don’t need the absolute best GPU.
RAM and Storage
Memory and storage are vital components that can significantly affect performance.
Both models offer a range of RAM and storage options, but the T14 has the advantage of supporting up to 48GB of RAM, compared to the T14s’s 32GB. This makes the T14 better suited for heavy multitasking and memory-intensive applications.
In terms of storage, both models offer fast NVMe SSDs with capacities up to 2TB. This ensures quick boot times and snappy performance across the board.
Sound
Audio quality is often overlooked but can significantly impact your overall experience.
The T14’s larger chassis allows it to house more powerful speakers, providing better sound quality and volume. The T14s, while still offering good audio performance, can’t quite match the richness and depth of the T14’s sound system. However, both models include Dolby Audio software, which enhances the audio experience for movies, music, and video calls.
Connectivity
Connectivity options are essential, especially for business professionals who rely on various peripherals and external devices.
Both the T14 and T14s come with a robust selection of ports, including USB-C, USB-A, HDMI, and Ethernet. The T14 has an additional USB-A port, which can be useful for those with multiple peripherals. Both models support Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.1, ensuring fast and reliable wireless connectivity.
Conclusion
Choosing between the Lenovo ThinkPad T14 and T14s ultimately comes down to your specific needs and preferences. The T14 offers slightly better performance, more ports, and superior cooling, making it ideal for power users who need the best performance and expandability.
On the other hand, the T14s’s lighter weight, slimmer profile, and brighter display make it a fantastic choice for professionals who prioritize portability and aesthetics without sacrificing too much power.
Both models are excellent choices, but by understanding their differences, you can select the one that best fits your lifestyle and work requirements. For those still undecided, consider signing up for Jasper for free to explore more content and reviews on the latest tech gadgets.
Here’s a detailed comparison table for the Lenovo ThinkPad T14 and T14s:
| Feature | Lenovo ThinkPad T14 | Lenovo ThinkPad T14s |
|---|---|---|
| Processor | Intel Core i5-10210U / i7-10510U (10th Gen) or AMD Ryzen 5 Pro 4650U / Ryzen 7 Pro 4750U | Intel Core i5-10210U / i7-10510U (10th Gen) or AMD Ryzen 5 Pro 4650U / Ryzen 7 Pro 4750U |
| RAM | 8GB / 16GB / 32GB DDR4 (Upgradable) | 8GB / 16GB LPDDR4X (Soldered, Non-upgradable) |
| Storage | 256GB / 512GB / 1TB PCIe NVMe SSD | 256GB / 512GB / 1TB PCIe NVMe SSD |
| Graphics | Integrated Intel UHD Graphics / AMD Radeon Graphics or Optional NVIDIA GeForce MX330 | Integrated Intel UHD Graphics / AMD Radeon Graphics |
| Display | 14-inch FHD (1920 x 1080) IPS, WQHD (2560 x 1440) or 4K UHD (3840 x 2160) | 14-inch FHD (1920 x 1080) IPS, WQHD (2560 x 1440) or 4K UHD (3840 x 2160) |
| Battery | 50 WHr (Internal, Removable) or 57 WHr (Optional, Non-removable) | 57 WHr (Internal, Non-removable) |
| Operating System | Windows 10 Pro / Windows 11 Pro | Windows 10 Pro / Windows 11 Pro |
| Weight | Approx. 1.46 kg (3.22 lbs) | Approx. 1.27 kg (2.80 lbs) |
| Ports | 2 x USB 3.1 Gen 1, 2 x USB-C (one with Thunderbolt 3), HDMI 1.4b, RJ-45 Ethernet, MicroSD Card Reader | 2 x USB 3.1 Gen 1, 2 x USB-C (one with Thunderbolt 3), HDMI 1.4b, MicroSD Card Reader |
| Keyboard | Spill-resistant, Backlit Keyboard | Spill-resistant, Backlit Keyboard |
| Wireless Connectivity | Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.1 | Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.1 |
| Webcam | 720p HD Camera with ThinkShutter Privacy Cover | 720p HD Camera with ThinkShutter Privacy Cover |
| Audio | Stereo Speakers with Dolby Audio | Stereo Speakers with Dolby Audio Premium |
| Security Features | dTPM 2.0, Fingerprint Reader, Smart Card Reader, Optional IR Camera | dTPM 2.0, Fingerprint Reader, IR Camera with Windows Hello Optional |
| Price Range | Starts around $1,300 | Starts around $1,500 |
