Lenovo ThinkPad T14s Review - Intel vs AMD

Lisa Gade reviews the ThinkPad T14s, both Intel and AMD Ryzen versions. This is a 14” Ultrabook that replaces the T490s/T495s. Thanks to our video's sponsor, ExpressVPN. Go to expressvpn.com... to find out how you can get 3 months free. The 2.8 lb / 1.27 kg ThinkPad T14s is the more affordable counterpart to the ThinkPad X1 Carbon. It has a 12.95mm matte black magnesium alloy shell, the usual excellent ThinkPad keyboard and is available with a variety of displays. You can get it with AMD Ryzen 5 Pro (6-core) and Ryzen 7 Pro (8-core) CPUs for a significant performance boost, or with Intel 10th gen Comet Lake 4-core CPUs for Thunderbolt 3 support. The laptop has ample ports, optional 4G LTE WWAN, a fingerprint scanner, Windows Hello IR camera and strong battery life.
** Get it on Amazon (AMD): amzn.to/35743Us
** Get it on Amazon (Intel): amzn.to/35cBFAe

[@mochabear1097]

Of all the tech reviewers, Lisa's is most systemic, consistent, and reliable. I appreciate the simplist nature of the review

[@brutalhonesty07]

Exact brand model, but diff CPU performance is EXACTLY what I’ve been looking for and I haven’t found it ANYWHERE else! Thanks Lisa and The mobiletechreview team!

[@xmaverickhunterkx]

There's at least two more reviews like that in KZbin. I suggest you to look deeper. We do need as many as we can tho, so the regular folk understand they don't want Intel.

[@NatesRandomVideo]

Lenovo website is showing 32GB RAM available on the AMD version now. Edit: Only for Ryzen 7 processor option.

[@mobiletechreview]

Great to hear that!

[@eg7326]

I see a bad moon a Ryzen.

[@NatesRandomVideo]

American Parser not sure what this has to do with 32GB of RAM...?

[@guillaumeausset3189]

I've had a 32Gb version for 2 months now :) It's awesome

[@svinatraktore]

Waiting for my order 4750U + 32GB RAM

[@jordanalexander]

I will stop anything I’m watching to catch a Lisa thinkpad review!

[@friendlyinetuser5023]

Edit: its matte but the color gamut sucks

[@hoppysport2872]

Lisa is the best! I'm a longtime Lenovo Thinkpad user...previously an IBM ThinkPad person. I'm always on the lookout for my next Lenovo...usually purchasing mint used. Problem is, the won't die. My 2012 T430s i5 with 16 GB of RAM and 256 GB SSD still works flawlessly. I'm not a gamer or video editor, so the speed is perfect. One thing I regret Lenovo dropping on later models was the dedicated Volume, Mute and Mic buttons. I hate keyboard combinations to adjust those.

[@tamasvarga9862]

two things to add: the AMD one is actually available with 32GB and has been for a while. And another thing, the AMD one doesn't just beat the intel one by 20 or 25% percent. The 8 core one actually beats the i7-10510 one by more than 100% percent. In fact it is on par in terms of cpu performance with the 8 core dell xps 17. I am a coder and have a laptop with an i7 8565u cpu and the difference is absolutely night and day with the 8 core lenovo.

[@anonymcommentator]

Sorry, do you think it is recommended to buy the amd version? I'm coder too. Mostly working on backend services and sometimes frontend stuff.

[@frantisek_heca]

@@anonymcommentator I don't understand why you shouldn't buy AMD, if they are cheaper and more performant. Just doesn't make sense (to me) to question this at all.

[@tek2313]

I would take the AMD version any day over the Intel

[@StarNumbers]

I 15-th that

[@HamboPlayzMC]

unless you need TB3, in which case you're stuck with 4C and 10nm

[@xmaverickhunterkx]

@@HamboPlayzMC Not even true 10nm lol

[@popokatapetl6995]

@@xmaverickhunterkx hehe it is 14+++++++++

[@OE-vc5si]

AMD ??? Saving 150$ ??? Hahahaha

[@keyboard_g]

4k only for Intel is sad considering it’s fan will be spinning just trying to playback this KZbin.

[@FarhanHafizh]

Hm.. the i3 gen 6 can play 4k easily without spinning its fans. I'm not sure why you're saying that. You can like AMD more or hate Intel, but please don't be so ignorant.

[@keyboard_g]

Farhan Hafizh Fan currently spinning on my Lenovo P1 Intel. Not sure why you’re so ignorant thinking your experience is everyone’s in the youtube comments. Sad.

[@redlkb]

She didn't say about PWM in AMD version with N140HCG-GQ2 screen.

[@JR-uy2nd]

@@keyboard_g in reality the factory thermal manegment of thikpads will put the fans spinning almost constantly, fortunately there is tpfancontrol.

[@theleo07896]

you dont need 4k on that screen size

[@GGJChannel]

If you don’t do heavy computing stuff, processor type won’t make a difference. Therefore, pay more for the slower and less thermal efficient processor. Haha. Rip intel.

[@jonnypena7651]

And way less battery efficiency.

[@codecode1948]

Eh no thunderbolt 3 for amd

[@luxembourger]

I run simultaneously virtual machines, need 32 GB.

[@Shaxzara]

@@codecode1948 most people dont care

[@martingamper6435]

@@Shaxzara but some do. That's why both versions exist. So the customers can choose between the amd and the intel model

[@MarieFlorentine3819]

Lisa, I absolutely love the work you do! You're an absolute professional and someone I look up to. I wonder if we can get get a review of Lenovo's E series? It's a very cost efficient entry into the portable business laptop category and as a budget conscious myself I've been very fond of my 14 inch model. They're basically the cheaper sibling of the T series and they're plagued by some usual low end laptop issues (poor quality 65% srgb panel, bad heat management, lackluster performance especially on previous AMD gens) but I feel like 4000u series processors add some serious value to them, you might get a lot more performance and potentially less heat issues without increasing the price, still maintaining that sweet 500-800 bucks price range

[@varundeshpandevd]

I don't know why but I like your reviews better than all the other reviewers on KZbin. Keep up the good work.

[@adiposerex5150]

Thinkpads were always a typist’s dream. This was my work and home laptop when I still worked. My typing speed was important, and this laptop delivered.

[@skyeplus]

I can't take Lenovo seriously until they start putting vertical nav. block into their models. Old HP Elitebook worked much better for me. 70% of code editing is text navigation. With vertical navigation block you don't even have to move your hand away from the home row.

[@edalder2000]

I just came for The "Mass Effect" shirt. Lisa is totally Paragon.

[@SebisRandomTech]

I got an ad for Express VPN before the video and it showed a “hacker” using a ThinkPad X200! 🤣🤣

[@levyroth]

Sebi's Random Tech I'm using a x230 at home even now lol Lenovo used to be better built than they are nowadays. I'd actually choose an HP over Lenovo for build quality and reliability nowadays.

[@itowilltube]

@@levyroth i thought hp had bad keyboards which hp in the 13 to 14 range replacing dell xps 2017

[@Eric-om2xs]

Good to know that in the same chassis AMD is only about 4% behind Intel in battery life doing light tasks. I received by AMD T14s a few weeks ago and it's great!

[@freen773]

Own the t14 amd and it's brilliant. 32gb of ram 1tb ssd and the 4750u. Can recommend

[@MrKeepItTrill]

32GB configs are definitely available for the AMD version - I ordered a fully loaded one a few days ago. Might just be Lenovo's typical inconsistency of selling different SKUs in different places.

[@TheDesertsweeper]

Here I bought a 40GB ECC version for dirt cheap

[@eliasravn5951]

Just bought this, and then you reviewed it! Still happy with it though

[@TechsCurrent]

I just ordered a T14s a week ago and I've been watching this review every single day since then, I'm sooo excited!! :)

[@pramay5116]

Congrats! Id definitely be doing the same

[@TechsCurrent]

@@pramay5116 Thank you. I actually have a T480s now but since it has many problems with the overall build quality, Lenovo offered a replacement and I was able to order the T14s.

[@pramay5116]

@@TechsCurrent What kind of issues were you having? I was under the impression thinkpads were fairly bulletproof.

[@TechsCurrent]

@@pramay5116 It was some build-quality issues such as the TrackPad getting stuck when pressed (which really sucks since you won't be able to click with it), and also the power button which stopped working all of a sudden. I already had 2 repairs before and since the issues came back, they agreed that I could have a replacement. Most likely it was just some particular issue with the machine's build (such as the battery expanding and pushing the TrackPad into a stuck position). But definitely, if all the components are installed properly and are not defective, then ThinkPads are definitely strong and fairly bulletproof.

[@pramay5116]

@@TechsCurrent That's good to hear. I was thinking about getting the L15 but I've never owned a thinkpad before so I'm a bit sceptical.

[@gt_cdub]

I came here for the shirt choice, and was not disappointed! A++ as always

[@papagen00]

I tested the T14s at Costco and found its keyboard to be vastly superior to that of the X1 Carbon Gen 9 and Gen 10.

[@gruiz1766]

I need to upgrade my x1 from a 7th gen i5. It's showing its age. Thank you for the great comparison!

[@RedouaneSebbar]

I have been waiting for Lisa to review these laptops side by side for a few months now! Was hoping for the non s version but still. Love your way of reviewing!

[@Raintiger88]

Thanks, Lisa. I really love lenovo laptops, but they ABSOLUTELY need to address the crappy displays on the T14. No valid reason for that in 2020. For now, I'll just stick with X1

[@mobiletechreview]

Yes, Lenovo does this for IT departments on a budget. And to up-sell you to an X1 Carbon ;)

[@billk460]

I understand that the X1 Carbon will not be released with AMD. Can anyone confirm this? If this is the case, I am thinking of buying the T14s. It would be great if it came out with the AMD 7 4800u. Let's hope so..

[@ElijsDima]

Is there a 2k display panel option? (2560 c 1440 or similar) Those panels on thinkpads are usually pretty decent colour-wise, much moreso than their 1080p panels stock.

[@vovical]

Just choose the higher end display model; you don't have to choose the lowest end if you're making a personal purchasee

[@adamwalter2573]

Ken, I own T490 touch and display simply lacks colors. Do you happen to know whether T14 is better ? I mean T14 FHD.

[@thanhavictus]

That CPU used just by itself is the perfect component for a budget X1Extreme. Can ditch the dedicated GPU altogether for efficiency.

[@ElijsDima]

I'm still sad about these thinkpads losing the removable memory and storage ports... Have a T480, with ram upgraded to 32 gigs and a 1tb ssd + 256gig 2nd ssd, and it all together cost many hundreds less than what it would have in a confing from lenovo... Changed out the keyboard module too some months ago, due to a spill accident. Didn't even need to take the back off.

[@nicholaschapman2883]

Thanks!! Hoped you'd mention the e14...hopefully you get one of those to review at some point. You always give great info!

[@JustAnotherDayToday]

Another excellent review, Lisa.

[@DoRC]

Every moderately technical person, including I am assuming you included, knows that VPNS are basically redundant for Data encryption. Nearly every website and definitely every website that handles private information is already encrypted. Also the vast majority of streaming services block the vast majority of vpn services these days so it doesn't work very well for that anymore either.

[@alexander_strachan]

VPNs are only useful for 'virtual locations' to be honest. They do block ISPs from logging activity, but then do just that themselves -- regardless of what they say they do.

[@DoRC]

@@alexander_strachan they aren't even great at that. Most things that you would use a spoofed location for these days block the ability to do it.

[@Riggzilla]

I can't wait for the T15g. Please do a review of that when its released.

[@Bob_Mugisha]

This channel is the home all tech... mobile reviews... keep it up

[@jagsfanrick]

The latest AMD laptop at 15w smokes the intel counterpart.

[@user-wk2gi5cp9y]

@Lenovo Support Pakistan r u rly a lenovo support?

[@directlinkrexx4409]

No everyone unzips and renders

[@vovical]

@@directlinkrexx4409 That's an incredibly moronic thing to say. Those tasks measure performance overall... it's not like an AMD chip would be shit at rendering and amazing at unzipping files...

[@directlinkrexx4409]

@@vovical lmao are you kidding me Ahahaha

[@y73]

Hi Lisa! May I please know if you’re reviewing the P14s and P15s? Thank you!

[@kodaloid]

Express VPN does not keep you private! It's verging illegal to claim so, and I'm getting sick of KZbinrs saying so in sponsorship segments. If you sign into any persistent account (say like a Google account) your VPN becomes useless at avoiding tracking as you literally carry your identity around with you. Also the only encryption you get is SSL which you get for free anyway. Please either choose a more responsible sponsor, or choose your words more wisely.

[@Noodles.FreeUkraine]

So true. Running ads is one thing, making unjustified claims is another.

[@AgataSzybowska]

Thank you for the review! I love ThinkPad since forever, and I just came across the new P14 with AMD processor and I felt like this deal is too good to be true, especially with extra BlackFriday discount. I have to wait 6 weeks for delivery with custom config, but your review made me feel confident I have made an excellent choice for myself and stayed within the budget :)

[@BlueGearReviews]

How has it held up? Any issues?

[@AgataSzybowska]

@@BlueGearReviews Actually, yes! One issue. I figured I don't need a magnificent screen so took the basic option. And I sometimes struggled with it, especially when living in sunny Morocco. The screen is not very bright and the battery optimisation algorithm makes it darker when off cable - and there's nothing to control this, other than completely turn off battery optimisation, took me ages to understand this. I would've splashed out for a better screen. Other than that, I am very happy with it and as long as you do not go out working in the sun, it's perfectly fine.

[@panosnord9978]

I wish the AMD version had Thunderbolt 3

[@mostlymessingabout]

I wouldn't invest in Thunderbolt. USB4 will be the same, and universal

[@midi-sama]

@@mostlymessingabout indeed but it would take some time to get OEMs to adopt it, maybe next gen, maybe the one after.

[@AndroidSTheOfficialKnight]

Thunderbolt is an exclusive technology from Intel and Apple. USB4 is the equivalent

[@amaldb5373]

Even though the thunderbolt 3 patent has expired,the USB 4 is going to replace it,but it necessarily doesn't need to meet thunderbolt 3 standards, USB 4 only needs to be 10 Gbps compared to 40 in thunderbolt, and no need to include power delivery, it's upto OEM upto which rates these should perform

[@mostlymessingabout]

@@amaldb5373 you'd be surprised how fast OEMs work. A lot of features are already available in USB-C ports right now. Using a dock I already have HDMI DisplayPort Audio Ethernet Power Delivery Memory Cards USB3.1 etc... the only thing missing is external GPU. But that's a very niche application since an external GPU box is $500 and a card is another $500-1,500 for worthwhile upgrades to a $1000+ laptop. Not really worth it for most people since it's not really portable. Cheaper to just get another desktop

[@NishadAhsan]

Thanks Lisa! Was eagerly waiting for this one.

[@dove227]

t14 seems to be better in terms of cooling with dual heatpipes and better fan

[@Dang3rRoom]

so...you are saying.....there are people that's actually buy the intel version?

[@andreseloyostos]

I only trust Lisa to be honest, when is the RTX 3080 review going to be out?

[@robertoarmstrong7317]

Lisa can you please review the E14 Thinkpad? Thanks for all of your work!

[@secondaccount9930]

I don't get why people choose T14s over T14.

[@wreckervilla]

weird that the intel gets the higher resolution option, but the amd has the higher end video output hdmi 2.0

[@SCTproductionsJ5]

Sounds like the HDMI is a replacement (attempt) to the Thunderbolt 3, as the Thunderbolt 3 is known for being able to push high refresh rates and stuff!

[@RedBricksTraffic]

just ordered a t14s AMD version with the ryzen 5. Very excited to get it.

[@jlu]

ThinkPads in 2020 should have 99% sRGB displays at the minimum :(

[@kelvinotieno4381]

Well some people will not notice the performance difference but they sure will notice the price difference.

[@KKNUNDY]

Any plans on reviewing the T14? Great comparison as always.

[@MattTheriot]

One big difference is, while neither of these are gaming laptops, the integrated graphics performance in games is MUCH better on the AMD models.

[@cenkaetaya]

It's really something to consider even outside of gaming. The 3D graphics performance on the AMD means the laptop will last longer and be more relevant years down the line. Its really something to not rely on a secondary graphics chip to achieve this level of integrated performance.

[@joeykeilholz925]

For higher end devices you could get a 15W AMD in place of a 35W Intel part and just get insane battery life or have a 20W GPU power delivery improvement.

[@vikasahlawat01]

Why qHD or 2k resolution is not more common. ??? 1080 p still strains eyes on regular use.

[@TheFrontyer]

I got the T14s with the Ryzen 7. Insanely good computer.

[@fareedchaudhry6814]

how much? 16gb /512 gb

[@TheFrontyer]

@@fareedchaudhry6814 That was the specs yes, but I have now sold it

[@dhatudf9366]

@@TheFrontyer why you sold it? any issues?

[@TheFrontyer]

@@dhatudf9366 No, I got a real good deal on a fully specced X1 carbon

[@larryps]

You are my favorite reviewer by far. Another great video. Thank you

[@Mamo878]

It's time for them to have a 3:2 display option for the ThinkPad.

[@linuxdragon57]

Lenovo's T Series Lineup just keeps getting worse and worse. I wish there was an AMD version of my 2018 ThinkPad T480

[@tuffytoys9707]

Is there any decent New laptops where you can upgrade RAM and SSD and change a battery alone etc. within a normal consumer budget of around USD$600.?

[@StarNumbers]

Got the Lenovo 2-in-1 with Ryzen 5, touch screen, pen. In plastic that's very sturdy, warm to touch, and not slippery. Would not buy without Ryzen.

[@5615212]

Will you review e14 gen2 amd soon, i would like to hear your opinion before buying.

[@datatran07]

Why compared AMD vs Intel i5, should be i7 instead?

[@AJ-tp4wg]

I'm still debating between Lenovo X1 Carbon and Macbook Air M1.

[@KAZAM707]

Lisa's quivering bean curtain is on point

[@shiishani3302]

As always very enjoyable content. Could you make an E14s comparison video, please?

[@lavkmr1]

You have been long on this platform doing nice job molly

[@h.j_9285]

Hows the T14S fares compared with the X13 Gen 1?

[@django5411]

Waiting for you review of extreme gen3, should I buy gen2 or gen3?

[@MakeMoneyGuide]

Keep posting interesting contents like this!

[@leuphoniemusic]

Why don't they make these T14s/15s + X1 and P series laptops with the new Tiger Lake chip?! WHY?

[@Frontlaven]

Great review, thanks!

[@brainthesizeofplanet]

The product segmentation is strange: In Germany the T14s AMD is available with 32GB of RAM but only as an educational model !? - WTF Lenovo??? The 4K screen clearly, and maybe even the 32GB RAM option, is clearly a courtesy to Intel to keep their sales up....

[@antoniobifulco623]

That T-shirt

[@shashankshekhar2611]

loved it :) this channel is awesome.

[@tnetroP]

The ONLY advantage the Intel has is Thunderbolt which most people will not need and a 4K screen which is not needed on such a small device and kills battery life. EVERYONE else should get the AMD version. Faster and cheaper.

[@Westkyguy]

I’m torn between the 9th gen x1 carbon and the T14s (amd). My work consistently consists of Excel and some spatial management software. Which do you prefer and which do you think would be more durable in the long run. My head says T14s but my heart says x1 carbon! Haha thank you.

[@facunicobarri]

Idem...t14s 2 geb vs p14s 2 gen???

[@cab9191]

The T14 (no s) is more configurable in the ram... I ordered the T14 with 16gb soldered and am ordering a second stick of 16gb off Amazon for much much cheaper.... and the T14 is much cheaper, especially for the Labor Day sale.

[@slodoco]

I don't know why anyone would get the S version.

[@HamboPlayzMC]

Lisa: they were running out of numbers. the mathematicians at Intel: FOOOL! YOU CAN NEVER RUN OUT MUAHAHAH!

[@zion3830]

you are amazing ! thank you for the awesome information.

[@MarcoLopez-sl5qz]

Great video Lisa, do you plan to review the Thinkpad P15 and 17?

[@amerelliotrancekeehl6287]

Finally Lisa is reviewing a AMD ryzen thinkpad!

[@TheDohboy7778]

Love that shirt, and as always great review. 😀

[@zeniktorres4320]

Useful ports on this laptop. Its not available here yet. Looking to get the AMD version.

[@ListenToPumpkinMusic]

Is there a cut at the start of this video where you lower the two laptops while stumbling over a couple of words? The lighting changes very slightly.

[@evanie1659]

Ohmygod yes! I was just looking at this laptop

[@1439loverboy]

Thank you very much for an awesome review. I now know which to get.

[@infiltr80r]

Why would anyone buy the Intel version? Enlighten me.

[@NickChapmanThe]

Good to know! I appreciate this head-to-head comparison...helps me make the decision for our bulk purchases!

[@post-leftluddite]

I'm sure the unfairness has to do with Intel bribing... I mean offering "discounts" and "rebates" to OEMs to either keep AMD builds without premium upgrades or to keep AMD out of premium builds altogether... We all know Renoir wipes the floor with 10th gen Intel while being more efficient and cheaper, and yet it's not in any of the top builds. P.S. I may write this off as paranoia as well if Intel hasn't literally been convicted of paying off OEMs, like Dell, in several courts of law around the world

[@johnclarke1319]

Can you plug ina 4K monitor plus a FHD monitor? , nobody ever mentions this.

[@aa-xn5hc]

Great these AMD Vs Intel videos. Please a 17 inch AMD,

[@NickAm01]

Other enhancements and features for Lenovo's latest Gen Notebooks. X1 Carbon/X1 Yoga/X13 Yoga/X13/ T14s/T14/T15/L14/L15/L13 Yoga • New far-field microphones for reception up to 13' feet. • Instant wake with fingerprint • Updated 6th row keys with communications and VOIP buttons (settings, call buttons) • Smart Display Blur: Blurs displays the user is not actively looking at. Including multiple display configurations.​ X13/L14/T14s/T14/T15 • Intel and Ryzen offering • Up to 2TB SSD L13/L13 Yoga • Up to 1TB SSD • Now Mechanical dock compatible L14 /L15 • Intel and Ryzen offering • 2TB HDD and 1TB SSD • Now mechanical dock compatible

[@todorkolev7565]

I was looking all over the internet for this video (too late for me)! One thing I would add is some gaming benchmark. I know it's not the purpose of these machines but your viewers will be personal-buyers and personal people might want to play games :) There's this whole story about AMD built-in graphics being quite good and I'd loved to see some FPS numbers :) Just bought a "New old stock" T14s with the AMD chip. There are some typical AMD unpolished areas like flickering in multi-screen (I always find AMD bugs!) but it was so much cheaper and I think it might be the faster chip overall and - yeah, the battery life doesn't feel amazing (I don't have the intel-equivalent to compare)

[@jeyendeoso]

Excellent review, thanks Lisa! Also very good benchmark graphs! I wonder what is Lisa's daily driver ? Desktop or Laptop? Which laptop? :)

[@mobiletechreview]

Thanks. I haven't used a desktop in a few years, all laptops. Though is a laptop with a desktop CPU cheating? hehe

[@leroylimll]

I noticed from the spec sheets and photos the P14 and T14 have identical chassis. Will it be possible to do the same for the P14s series (Intel vs AMD) and prob do a 6 way smackdown between all 6 models (T14, T14s, P14s)?

[@TaylorMMontgomery]

So glad AMD is in the mobile game now! Love to see the underdog taking on the big guys, been building desktops with Ryzen for years now

[@AngelosAntonopoulos]

That Mass Effect t-shirt!!!

[@ksa4979]

Hi, do you think MSI summit or Thinkpad T14?

[@iamdmc]

Thanks for this Lisa! How does the T14s compare with the T480s? They look identical

[@adityapatel9735]

They are older generation laptop I think.

[@popokatapetl6995]

They are, case are the same sd micro cars at the back rest of the case and weight differences in 10g 1.33kg vs 1.32kg

[@OperationXX1]

Who's paying $150 more for less performance ?!

[@comicsans1689]

Intel drones and people who have a need for Thunderbolt 3. Besides Thunderbolt 3, there is zero reason to buy a laptop with an Intel processor.

[@eradshahee1527]

Thank you for your information.

[@lukas6839]

Thanks Lisa. Could you review the ThinkPad e14 👍😁😁.?

[@skyeplus]

Intel: "More for less." AMD: "You've got that wrong!"