Lenovo ThinkPad Z16 evaluate: Is that this a have a look at the enterprise model’s future?

October 3, 2022

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Lenovo introduced the brand new ThinkPad Z16 and Z13 earlier this yr at CES 2022 as a model new collection of enterprise laptops for the trendy, environmentally-conscious client. The laptops launched in Might a number of months later. My colleague, Senior Editor Chuong Nguyen, reviewed the smaller ThinkPad Z13 just lately, handing it a Home windows Central “Greatest Award” and 4.5 out of 5 stars.

I’ve now been utilizing the Z16 for a few weeks, testing the AMD Ryzen Professional CPU platform, bigger show, and barely totally different design fabricated from recycled supplies. Is the ThinkPad Z16 nearly as good as its smaller sibling, and may it maintain up in opposition to different 16-inch enterprise laptops? Let’s discover out.

Lenovo ThinkPad Z16: Worth, availability, and specs

Lenovo provided Home windows Central with a evaluate unit of its first-gen ThinkPad Z16. My particular mannequin has inside an AMD Ryzen 7 Professional 6850H processor (CPU), 16GB of soldered LPDDR5-6400MHz RAM, built-in AMD Radeon 680M graphics, a 512GB M.2 PCIe 4.0 NVMe solid-state drive (SSD), and a 16-inch FHD+ non-touch show.

This actual mannequin is at the moment not an possibility at Lenovo’s official web site, although there are many different configs up for grabs, beginning at about $1,976. Newegg additionally has a bunch of pre-configured fashions beginning at about $2,025. My evaluate mannequin is offered at Amazon for about $2,258, although it is from a third-party vendor with an enthusiastic worth. You may seize a ThinkPad Z16 with Ryzen 9 Professional 6950H CPU, 32GB of RAM, 1TB SSD, contact show, and discrete Radeon RX 6500M GPU for about $2,025 at Lenovo.

Here is a better have a look at the {hardware} specs that make up my evaluate unit.

	Lenovo ThinkPad Z16
OS	Home windows 11 Professional
Processor	AMD Ryzen 7 Professional 6850H
	8 cores, 16 threads, as much as 4.7GHz
RAM	16GB LPDDR5-6400MHz
	Soldered, non-upgradeable
Graphics	AMD Radeon 680M
	Built-in
Storage	512GB M.2 PCIe 4.0 NVMe SSD
	Samsung PM9A1
Show	16 inches, non-touch, IPS, 16:10 facet ratio
	1920×1200 (FHD+), AG, low energy, TÜV Low Blue Mild
Keyboard	Spill resistant, backlit
Touchpad	Haptic ForcePad, 2.64 x 4.72 inches (67mm x 120mm)
Ports	Two USB4, USB-C 3.2 (Gen 2), SD card reader, 3.5mm audio combo, Nano-SIM slot (optionally available)
Audio	Twin 2W audio system, Dolby Atmos
	Twin array microphones, Dolby Voice
Wi-fi	Qualcomm Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.1
	4G LTE, 5G (optionally available)
Digital camera	FHD + IR, digicam shutter
Safety	dTPM 2.0, Microsoft Pluton, Kensington Nano lock slot, fingerprint reader, IR digicam, digicam shutter, Mirametrix Look
Battery	72Wh, 135W AC adapter
Dimensions	13.95 x 9.35 x 0.62 inches (354.4mm x 237.4mm x 15.8mm)
Weight	3.99 kilos (1.81kg)
Shade	Arctic Gray (high), Black (backside)
Materials	Aluminum

Lenovo ThinkPad Z16: Design and options

Lenovo ThinkPad Z16

(Picture credit score: Home windows Central)

The ThinkPad collection turned 30 this yr, and Lenovo selected to mark the anniversary partly by launching the brand new Z collection. The Z16 is the primary of its era, and it is fairly a departure from the same old ThinkPad design. Its physique is made primarily of 75% post-consumer recycled aluminum as a substitute of the extra widespread carbon fiber and magnesium alloy, giving it a heavier however sturdier really feel. Regardless of the change in materials, the laptop computer nonetheless hits MIL-STD 810H sturdiness certification.

At 3.99 kilos (1.81kg) the laptop computer is not precisely gentle, but it surely’s properly balanced and slim. It measures 0.62 inches (15.8mm) skinny, with a beveled backside that makes it appear smaller than it truly is. The lid may be opened with one hand (at all times an indication of cautious engineering), although it will probably’t sit again flat.

The lid has an Arctic Gray coloration scheme, one thing that we have seen on few ThinkPad laptops prior to now. It is thought-about nearly sacrilege to change the same old flat black end on a ThinkPad, however the Z16 is all about making modifications. The highest end does job hiding fingerprints.

Lenovo ThinkPad Z16

(Picture credit score: Home windows Central)

The primary portion of the chassis has an aluminum band working across the entrance three sides, separating the black keyboard encompass and black backside panel. These areas are the same old smudge factories, however they wipe down simply. There are not any rounded edges right here, however the aluminum band provides method to a plastic lip that protects your wrists and palms from getting marked up whereas typing or pointing.

Opening the laptop computer, my first impression is that it appears loads like Dell’s XPS 15. It has a large keyboard, top-firing audio system flanking the keys, an enormous touchpad, and a show that appears to stretch additional than it ought to due to the slim bezels. It makes for an general glossy look.

Lenovo ThinkPad Z16

(Picture credit score: Home windows Central)

A part of the Z16’s magic is a brand new haptic touchpad with full glass palm rests (what Lenovo calls a ForcePad). It is value noting that this isn’t the identical kind of Sensel touchpad we used within the ThinkPad X1 Titanium or Microsoft Floor Laptop computer Studio. It’s extremely doubtless made by Elan who additionally provides the drivers.

This complete space is separated from the remainder of the keyboard encompass, and you may instantly really feel the distinction. As a substitute of getting the same old transferring elements inside once you click on, the haptic sensors mimic a click on wherever you push. This suggestions may be adjusted to your liking, and I discovered that cranking it up once I was first getting used to it helped the transition from a conventional pointer.

Whereas the floor is easy and tracks properly, I did have some points with accuracy and ghost touches. There have been many instances whereas navigating a Phrase doc that I noticed the cursor leap to random areas, even with the touchpad’s sensitivity turned all the way in which down. I made certain to maintain my palms away from the sides of the pad, however attempting to sort quick naturally drew my fingers in. The off-center orientation of the touchpad may be explanation for some aggravation. I like the transfer to haptics, however I really feel prefer it could possibly be carried out a bit higher within the second era.

Lenovo ThinkPad Z16

(Picture credit score: Home windows Central)

If there was ever a possibility to ditch the TrackPoint system, this could be it. Lenovo did take away the bodily buttons as a result of new haptic setup (they’re now built-in into the highest of the touchpad), however the crimson pointing nub continues to be current for the hardcore ThinkPad followers. It really works nearly as good as ever, although not likely having the ability to really feel the place your thumb is resting (saving for a number of small bumps on the touchpad) might take some getting used to.

The keyboard appears loads like some other ThinkPad providing, however its key journey has been reduce all the way down to one thing loads nearer to what you may discover within the ThinkPad X1 Nano. It is sensible for a laptop computer that is attempting to be as skinny as potential, however these coming from one thing like 1.5mm will discover the change. The cupped keys have a reasonably mushy really feel as properly.

My Dell XPS 13 (9300) has simply 1mm key journey however switching again to it after the Z16’s keyboard makes it really feel prefer it has extra motion. It could possibly be the crisper actuation on the XPS mannequin. In any case, I typed 1000’s of phrases on the Z16 with out experiencing any discomfort. Keys are properly spaced, most nav inputs (save PgUp and PgDn) have devoted keys, and the Ctrl and Fn keys are swapped round to the extra conventional structure utilized by nearly each make however ThinkPad. These can, after all, be swapped once more with onboard software program. A fingerprint reader is constructed into the keyboard with a devoted spot.

Lenovo ThinkPad Z16

(Picture credit score: Home windows Central)

The ThinkPad Z16’s loud, bass-heavy audio system and high-end FHD digicam array are a potent mixture.

The audio system within the Z16 are phenomenal. Regardless of solely being 2W every, they ship a few of the loudest audio I’ve ever heard from a laptop computer. They’re positioned on both aspect of the keyboard, so sound stays unmuffled always. Listening to Colter Wall’s deep gravel singing voice is a pleasure, and video calls with colleagues are available clear. There is no distortion even with quantity at its peak, there is a ton of bass, and the highs do not get misplaced. Dolby Atmos is onboard for additional tuning, with 5 presets with three totally different tunings every.

As a one-two punch, the dual-array microphones embody Dolby Voice for higher management over the way you sound in calls. If you happen to’re in a public house you may set it to privateness mode to solely choose up your voice and go away the remainder behind. Need a extra pure sound? It is set to collaboration mode by default.

Lenovo ThinkPad Z16

(Picture credit score: Home windows Central)

A 1080p webcam lives above the show in a communications bar that stands proud a bit from the bezel. The lip makes it straightforward to open the lid, and there is loads of room for the additional IR sensor and twin microphones. The digicam has an f/2 aperture dimension, and the image general offers fairly properly with totally different lighting. It is clear and appears to have the ability to focus at totally different depths.

Mirametrix Look software program is included, notably including human presence detection, privateness alerts (ought to somebody be wanting over your shoulder), and sensible pointer and sensible window motion for multi-monitor setups. General, the comms bar provides a ton of worth to the laptop computer, particularly for these working with delicate knowledge. An e-shutter is included for additional privateness.

Lenovo ThinkPad Z16

(Picture credit score: Home windows Central)

The ThinkPad Z16 has a collection of ports extra just like the X1 Nano than the X1 Carbon. There are two USB4 ports on the left aspect joined by a speedy UHS-II SD card reader. There is no Thunderbolt 4 as a result of AMD platform, however USB4 is a detailed second relating to efficiency. The fitting aspect of the laptop computer has a regular USB-C 3.2 (Gen 2) port, 3.5mm audio combo jack, Kensington Nano lock slot, and a recessed energy button.

Lenovo lists 4G LTE help in a few of its reference paperwork, although it does not appear to be out there in all areas. I could not discover any fashions out there within the U.S. with the additional {hardware}. All laptops in any other case include Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.1.

Lenovo ThinkPad Z16: Show

Lenovo ThinkPad Z16

(Picture credit score: Home windows Central)

My evaluate unit has the bottom show included. It measures 16 inches, it has a 16:10 facet ratio, and it is set at a 1920×1200 (FHD+) decision. Lenovo says that is the best screen-to-body ratio of any ThinkPad at 92.3%, and it does seem that manner. The slim bezel extends to all 4 sides, bigger solely within the digicam array portion.

The IPS non-touch panel is pretty primary, highlighted by a low energy designation, anti-glare end, and TÜV Low Blue Mild certification to make it simpler on the eyes. It is not washed out in any respect, distinction is sweet, and it will get fairly shiny.

I measured actual numbers utilizing a SpyderX Professional colorimeter, getting 100% sRGB, 78% AdobeRGB, and 81% DCI-P3 coloration accuracy. Brightness additionally peaked at 474 nits and acquired down to twenty nits at minimal. Mixed with the anti-glare end you should not have issues working in well-lit areas, and the 20 nits is low sufficient to work in the dead of night.

Lenovo presents two different shows for the Z16. One is a contact model of the FHD+ display I examined with an anti-reflective end, and the opposite is a UHD+ OLED panel with HDR, Dolby Imaginative and prescient, TÜV Low Blue Mild, anti-reflective end, and 100% DCI-P3 coloration. This could give most individuals the range wanted to get what they need. If you happen to’re working with color-sensitive content material, you’ll doubtless wish to spring for the UHD+ panel.

Lenovo ThinkPad Z16: Efficiency and battery

Lenovo ThinkPad Z16

(Picture credit score: Home windows Central)

Lenovo typically splits its efficiency profiles between its included Vantage app and the usual Home windows 11 settings, however not right here. Energy profiles are left to the OS, although Clever Cooling continues to be working within the background to stability followers and warmth.

The twin-fan cooling system has 4 complete warmth pipes and appears to do job of conserving the Ryzen 7 CPU and built-in graphics cool. The underside does not get scorching, nor does the keyboard, not like the smaller ThinkPad Z13. Beneath heavy load I measured simply 49 decibels of fan noise from a few foot and a half from the display. That is not going to trigger any points, even in a quiet workplace.

The Z16’s AMD Ryzen Professional 6000 platform does not undergo from a noticeable slowdown on battery energy.

AMD’s Ryzen Professional 6000 CPUs can be found, with Ryzen 5, 7, and 9 choices. I’ve the Ryzen 7 Professional in my evaluate unit, full with numerous safety features ala Intel vPro. The chips are made for enterprise and small enterprise alike, including manageability options and Microsoft’s Pluton safety chip.

We have written prior to now about how AMD slows down a few of its programs on battery (DC) energy to stretch battery life. This goes up to now that some laptops even see their SSD switch speeds nerfed when not plugged in. Fortunately, that is not likely a problem with the Z16. The intense SSD velocity does not gradual in any respect when working on battery energy, and general efficiency does not take practically as a lot of a dip as in different AMD programs.

I included AC and DC benchmark numbers in these graphs to provide you an thought of how the Z16 compares to different laptops we have just lately examined. Observe that I examined the Z16 utilizing Home windows 11’s Greatest Efficiency setting.

Picture 1 of 6

ThinkPad Z16 benchmarks — (Picture credit score: Home windows Central)

Hardly any slowdown on DC energy right here.

I ran PCMark 10’s Trendy Workplace battery rundown check on Efficiency and Balanced Home windows 11 energy profiles. Beginning with the latter, the Z16 hit 14 hours and 35 minutes. Retesting on Efficiency mode, the Z16 managed 11 hours and 51 minutes.

Lenovo ThinkPad Z16 battery benchmark

(Picture credit score: Home windows Central)

Take into account that these battery stats had been achieved utilizing the baseline show. Leaping as much as FHD+ with contact or (particularly) UHD+ with OLED will knock the runtime down. Nonetheless, you need to have the ability to run the laptop computer by a workday with out having to plug in, even when the tail finish is on battery saver. A battery threshold setting means that you can change the utmost cost share, very best for these working linked to a laptop computer dock.

Lenovo ThinkPad Z16: Competitors

Dell XPS 15

(Picture credit score: Daniel Rubino | Home windows Central)

The ThinkPad Z16 jogs my memory numerous Dell’s XPS 15, although the Dell laptop computer is not essentially as geared towards the enterprise sector. This makes it a better transfer for individuals who do not want all the additional safety and administration options, and you continue to get a stunning design, robust efficiency, and lengthy battery life.

The latest XPS 15 (9520) fashions use a contemporary Intel platform, beginning at about $1,399 for a mannequin with Core i5-12500H CPU, 16GB of DDR5-4800MHz RAM, 512GB M.2 PCIe SSD, and 15.6-inch FHD+ non-touch show. Configuring an XPS mannequin to hit the identical introductory Z16 worth (about $1,999) nets you a Core i7-12700H CPU, discrete NVIDIA RTX 3050 Laptop computer GPU, 16GB of RAM, a 1TB SSD, and a stunning 3.5K OLED contact show. That is numerous laptop computer.

HP’s ZBook Firefly G9 is one other high competitor made for enterprise with loads of additional safety features. It is doubtless the closest competitors you may discover to the ThinkPad Z16, providing most of the similar safety and high-end perks.

The laptop computer is slim, glossy, and pretty light-weight. Fashions begin simply shy of $2,000, although a model with Core i7-1260P chip, 16GB of DDR5-4800MHz RAM, 512GB M.2 PCIe NVMe SSD, and 16-inch FHD+ non-touch show prices about $2,199.

Lenovo’s personal ThinkPad X1 Carbon (Gen 10) may be what you are in search of should you desire a extra conventional ThinkPad look. Fashions at the moment begin at about $1,852 and climb shortly from there. The X1 Carbon has extra ports (together with Thunderbolt 4, USB-A, and HDMI), twelfth Gen Intel Core U- and P-series CPUs, LPDDR5-5200MHz RAM, and M.2 PCIe 4.0 NVMe storage.

There are many 14-inch show choices, starting from FHD+ non-touch to UHD+ contact with anti-reflective end, 100% DCI-P3 coloration, Dolby Imaginative and prescient, and HDR 400. These laptops are sturdy and compact, and so they come filled with additional safety and administration options very best for the enterprise sector.

Our assortment of the general greatest Home windows laptops has way more {hardware} to take a look at if none of those PCs are fairly what you need.

Do you have to purchase the ThinkPad Z16?

Lenovo ThinkPad Z16

(Picture credit score: Home windows Central)

Who it is for …

Those that need a ThinkPad however desire a non-traditional look
Those that desire the AMD platform
Those that want robust efficiency and lengthy battery life
Those that recognize wonderful audio and video

Who it is not for …

Those that cannot spend $2,000+ on a laptop computer
Those that do not want additional enterprise options
Those that desire the Intel platform

Lenovo tried one thing totally different with the ThinkPad Z Collection. A transfer away from the soft-touch black paint and magnesium alloy chassis is essentially the most noticeable change, whereas the brand new keyboard is certain to take some getting used to for anybody coming from, say, a T-series ThinkPad. Shifting to haptic touchpads is a great thought, although this specific model plagued me with ghost touches even on the bottom sensitivity setting.

Is the Z16 the greatest Lenovo laptop computer on the market? No, but it surely is among the sleekest ThinkPads you should buy proper now. Its inner {hardware} is properly balanced, and all exterior traces contribute to creating it look thinner than it truly is. The wedge form does subtract from the flexibility to incorporate a full array of ports — together with USB-A, Ethernet, and HDMI — however twin USB4 is suitable with a lot of the greatest Thunderbolt 4 docks.

Audio is excellent, the digicam array ought to fulfill anybody who’s involved about wanting good in conferences or remaining safe in public, and the 16-inch FHD+ display appears to stretch to all sides whereas providing loads of brightness and ideal sRGB coloration copy.

Maybe most attention-grabbing is the AC and DC efficiency of the AMD platform. Whereas we have seen important decreases throughout the system on DC energy in different AMD laptops, the Z16 does not undergo the identical points. Efficiency stays robust irrespective of the way you’re utilizing the laptop computer, and the battery life hit between about 12 and 15 hours relying on the Home windows 11 energy profile.

The Z16 does not come low-cost, and there are some competing laptops that supply practically the identical collection of options for much less cash. Nevertheless, should you love all of the options and design decisions of ThinkPad however need one thing that does not fairly look like a ThinkPad, the Z16 may be simply the change you search.

Lenovo’s ThinkPad Z16 is a glossy 16-inch enterprise powerhouse utilizing the AMD Ryzen Professional 6000 platform. Battery life is excellent, the laptop computer is filled with high-end options, and you may select as much as a UHD+ OLED display to actually wow you every time you open the lid.

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Lenovo ThinkPad Z16 evaluate: Is that this a have a look at the enterprise model’s future?

Hardly any slowdown on DC energy right here.

There is a extra pronounced dip right here, however nothing out of the unusual. Utilizing the laptop computer for every day work on battery energy does not really feel any totally different than utilizing it plugged in.

Geekbench 5 takes a a lot bigger dip on DC energy, however once more this is not readily evident in on a regular basis use.

No want to incorporate DC efficiency right here; the SSD was really a bit sooner once I unplugged the laptop computer. The Samsung PM91A M.2 PCIe 4.0 SSD is totally blazing, plus you may improve after buy if required.

Nothing out of the unusual right here, both.

The built-in Radeon 680M GPU blows away each different built-in graphics chip we have examined in 3DMark’s Evening Raid benchmark. Hardly any slowdown on DC energy, both.

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