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Lenovo ThinkPad T470s Laptop Review

lightweight business laptop performance

The Lenovo ThinkPad T470s has established itself as a dependable choice for professionals seeking a balance of performance and durability. With its Intel Core i7 processor, 20GB RAM, and 512GB SSD, it caters to demanding workloads while maintaining portability. The 14-inch FHD display and MIL-STD 810H certification further underscore its suitability for on-the-go use. However, questions linger about its battery life and charging reliability. For those prioritizing functionality and affordability, the T470s presents a compelling case, but its true value becomes clearer when examining user experiences and long-term performance.

Key Takeaways

  • Features an Intel Core i7-6600U processor, 20GB DDR4 RAM, and 512GB SSD for efficient multitasking and fast performance.
  • 14-inch FHD anti-glare display with 1920×1080 resolution ensures sharp visuals and reduced eye strain in various lighting conditions.
  • Lightweight at 3.88 lbs with a durable magnesium and carbon fiber chassis, tested to MIL-STD 810H standards for resilience.
  • Battery life supports extended usage, though some users report inconsistent charging reliability and occasional power delivery issues.
  • Ideal for business productivity, light gaming, and educational use, but lacks a dedicated GPU for high-end gaming demands.

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Top Rated
Lenovo Thinkpad T470s 14" FHD Laptop
Renewed with powerful performance features
This Lenovo Thinkpad offers seamless multitasking with 8GB RAM and a 256GB SSD. Enjoy reliable performance on the go with its Intel Core i5 processor.
Amazon price updated: August 9, 2025 4:03 pm

The Lenovo ThinkPad T470s, equipped with an Intel Core i7-6600U processor and 20GB DDR4 RAM, delivers robust performance for business and productivity tasks. Battery longevity is a key strength, with the device offering extended usage times suitable for all-day work sessions. However, some users have reported variability in charging reliability, with occasional issues related to the charging port or inconsistent power delivery. These concerns, while not universal, highlight the importance of thorough inspection for renewed units. The laptop's power management system efficiently balances performance and energy consumption, guaranteeing peak battery life under typical workloads. For professionals prioritizing mobility, the T470s remains a dependable choice, though potential buyers should verify the condition of the battery and charging components to maintain consistent performance. Additionally, the anti-glare technology in the 14-inch IPS FHD display enhances visual clarity, making it ideal for prolonged use in various lighting conditions.

Features and Benefits

The Lenovo ThinkPad T470s is equipped with an Intel Core i7 processor, delivering robust performance for multitasking and demanding applications. Its 14-inch FHD display, with a resolution of 1920×1080, guarantees sharp visuals, while the integrated Intel HD Graphics 620 provides adequate support for everyday tasks and light graphical workloads. Combined with 20GB of DDR4 RAM, the laptop offers a balance of speed and efficiency for professional and personal use. The MIL-STD 810H durability testing ensures the device can withstand rigorous use in various environments.

Intel Core I7 Processor Performance

Featuring the Intel Core i7-6600U processor, the Lenovo ThinkPad T470s delivers robust performance for demanding tasks, thanks to its dual-core architecture and a base clock speed of 2.60 GHz, which can turbo boost up to 3.40 GHz. This processor speed guarantees efficient handling of multitasking, data processing, and productivity applications, making it ideal for business and professional use. The thermal performance of the i7-6600U is optimized to maintain stability under load, with Intel's advanced power management reducing heat output while sustaining performance. The integration of Intel HD Graphics 620 further enhances its capability for light graphical workloads. While the processor excels in everyday tasks, its thermal design guarantees prolonged usage without significant throttling, striking a balance between power and efficiency in a compact form factor.

0GB DDR4 RAM Capacity

With 20GB of DDR4 RAM, the Lenovo ThinkPad T470s guarantees seamless multitasking and efficient handling of memory-intensive applications, catering to both professional and personal computing needs. The DDR4 technology secures faster ram speed compared to its predecessors, enhancing overall system responsiveness and reducing latency. This capacity allows users to run multiple applications simultaneously without performance degradation, making it ideal for demanding workloads such as data analysis, software development, and multimedia editing. Additionally, the laptop supports memory upgrade options, providing flexibility for users to expand RAM as their needs evolve. The combination of high-capacity DDR4 RAM and upgradeability secures the ThinkPad T470s remains a future-proof solution for users seeking reliable and scalable performance in a compact business laptop.

4-Inch FHD Display Resolution

Boasting a 14-inch FHD display with a resolution of 1920×1080, the Lenovo ThinkPad T470s delivers sharp, vibrant visuals ideal for both professional and personal use. The display clarity guarantees crisp text and detailed images, enhancing productivity for tasks like document editing, graphic design, and video playback. With ample screen brightness, the panel remains readable even in well-lit environments, reducing eye strain during extended use. The anti-glare coating further minimizes reflections, improving usability in various lighting conditions. This combination of high resolution and brightness makes the T470s suitable for multitasking and multimedia consumption, offering a balanced viewing experience. While not designed for high-end gaming or color-critical work, the display excels in everyday scenarios, providing reliable performance for business and casual users alike.

Integrated Intel HD Graphics 620

The 14-inch FHD display of the Lenovo ThinkPad T470s is complemented by the integrated Intel HD Graphics 620, which provides reliable performance for everyday tasks and light multimedia use. The Intel HD Graphics 620 delivers adequate graphics performance for office productivity, web browsing, and video playback, ensuring smooth visuals on the high-quality display. While not designed for intensive gaming or professional-grade graphic design, it handles 1080p content efficiently, enhancing the overall display quality. The GPU supports hardware-accelerated video decoding, reducing CPU load during multimedia tasks. Its energy-efficient design aligns with the laptop's portability, making it suitable for professionals on the go. However, users may need to manually update drivers to optimize performance and resolve minor graphics lag, ensuring consistent functionality across applications.

Product Quality

Although the Lenovo ThinkPad T470s is a renewed product, its build quality and performance reflect the durability and reliability synonymous with the ThinkPad series. The laptop undergoes a rigorous inspection process as part of its renewed condition, ensuring it meets Amazon Renewed standards. The magnesium and carbon fiber chassis maintains its robustness, while the keyboard retains its signature tactile feedback, a hallmark of ThinkPad design. Minor cosmetic imperfections, typical of renewed devices, do not compromise functionality. The 14-inch FHD display remains sharp, and the Intel Core i7-6600U processor delivers consistent performance for everyday tasks. While some users report minor issues like battery life or charging port concerns, these are exceptions rather than the norm. The built-in fingerprint reader enhances security, ensuring data protection for professionals handling sensitive information. Overall, the T470s exemplifies the quality expected from a renewed ThinkPad.

What It's Used For

The Lenovo ThinkPad T470s is designed for business productivity tasks, offering robust performance for multitasking, document processing, and enterprise applications. Its Intel HD Graphics 620 and Core i7 processor make it capable of handling light online gaming, though it is not optimized for high-end gaming demands. Additionally, its portability and reliable performance make it a practical choice for educational and school use, supporting research, assignments, and collaborative projects. The laptop also features enhanced fingerprint security for reliable user authentication, ensuring data protection in professional environments.

Business Productivity Tasks

Designed to meet the demands of modern business environments, the Lenovo ThinkPad T470s excels in handling productivity tasks such as document editing, spreadsheet management, and multitasking across multiple applications. Powered by an Intel Core i7-6600U processor and 20GB DDR4 RAM, it guarantees smooth performance for resource-intensive workflows. The 512GB SSD provides fast data access, enhancing efficiency in file handling and software loading. Battery efficiency is a standout feature, supporting extended work sessions without frequent recharging. Port compatibility, including USB 2.0 and 3.0 ports, secures seamless connectivity with peripherals like external drives and docking stations. The 14-inch FHD display offers crisp visuals, ideal for detailed data analysis and presentations. Overall, the T470s is a reliable tool for professionals seeking robust performance in business productivity tasks.

Online Gaming Performance

While the Lenovo ThinkPad T470s is primarily designed for business productivity, its hardware specifications also make it capable of handling online gaming, albeit with limitations. The Intel HD Graphics 620 integrated GPU and dual-core i7-6600U processor provide modest gaming performance, suitable for less demanding titles or older games at lower graphics settings. In gaming benchmarks, the T470s struggles with modern AAA titles, often requiring reduced resolutions and minimal settings to achieve playable frame rates. However, it performs adequately for casual or indie games, such as Minecraft or League of Legends, at medium settings. The 20GB DDR4 RAM guarantees smooth multitasking, but the lack of a dedicated GPU limits its gaming potential. For users seeking a business laptop with occasional gaming capabilities, the T470s offers a balanced compromise.

Educational and School Use

Beyond its modest gaming capabilities, the Lenovo ThinkPad T470s is well-suited for educational and school use, offering reliable performance for tasks such as document editing, research, and online learning. The Intel Core i7-6600U processor and 20GB DDR4 RAM guarantee smooth multitasking, enhancing student performance during demanding academic workloads. Its 14-inch FHD display provides clear visuals, ideal for classroom compatibility and collaborative projects. The lightweight design (3.88 lbs) and durable build make it portable for students on the go. While the integrated Intel HD Graphics 620 suffices for educational software, some users noted minor driver updates for peak functionality. The 512GB SSD guarantees quick access to files, supporting efficient study sessions. Overall, the T470s balances performance and practicality, making it a dependable choice for educational environments.

Product Specifications

The Lenovo ThinkPad T470s Business Laptop is equipped with an Intel Core i7-6600U processor, featuring a 4M cache and a base clock speed of up to 3.40 GHz, ensuring robust performance for multitasking and demanding applications. The device includes 20GB DDR4 RAM and a 512GB SSD, providing ample storage capacity and fast data access. Its 14-inch FHD display with 1920×1080 resolution delivers sharp visuals, while Intel HD Graphics 620 handles integrated graphics tasks efficiently. The laptop runs Windows 10 Pro 64-bit and supports multiple languages, making it versatile for global users. Below is a summary of its key specifications:

FeatureSpecificationDetails
ProcessorIntel Core i7-6600U4M cache, up to 3.40 GHz
RAM20GB DDR4High-speed memory
Storage512GB SSDFast storage capacity
Display14-inch FHD1920×1080 resolution

The laptop also incorporates advanced security measures, including a fingerprint reader and TPM 2.0 chip, ensuring enhanced data protection and secure authentication.

Who Needs This

For professionals and students seeking a reliable, high-performance laptop for multitasking and productivity, the Lenovo ThinkPad T470s is a compelling choice. Its Intel Core i7 processor, 20GB DDR4 RAM, and 512GB SSD guarantee smooth performance for demanding tasks, making it ideal for student professionals and remote workers. The 14-inch FHD display and lightweight design enhance portability, while Windows 10 Pro supports multi-language functionality, catering to diverse user needs. Its robust build and integrated Intel HD Graphics 620 make it suitable for office applications, online collaboration, and light creative work. However, its renewed status may appeal to budget-conscious users prioritizing value over brand-new devices. The laptop also features a backlit keyboard, which improves usability in low-light conditions, making it suitable for both work and study environments. Overall, the T470s is a practical option for those requiring a durable, efficient laptop for professional or academic use.

Pros

While the Lenovo ThinkPad T470s is a renewed product, it offers several notable advantages that make it a strong contender in its category. Its robust performance, portability, and reliability stand out, particularly for business and academic use. Key strengths include:

  1. Battery Life: The T470s delivers solid battery performance, supporting extended work sessions without frequent recharging.
  2. Charging Port: Equipped with a reliable charging port, it guarantees consistent power delivery, minimizing downtime.
  3. Build Quality: The durable, lightweight design (3.88 lbs) and premium materials enhance portability without compromising durability.

Additionally, the 14-inch FHD display and 20GB DDR4 RAM provide a smooth multitasking experience, while the Intel Core i7 processor guarantees efficient performance for demanding tasks. The WUXGA display resolution ensures sharp visuals and vibrant colors, making it ideal for tasks requiring high-quality visuals. These features make the T470s a practical choice for users seeking a balance of power and portability.

Cons

Although the Lenovo ThinkPad T470s offers notable strengths, it is not without its drawbacks. The device has been reported to exhibit several issues that may hinder its overall usability:

  1. Battery Issues: Some users have noted inconsistent battery performance, with the device draining faster than expected under moderate workloads.
  2. Charging Problems: The charging port and adapter have been flagged for occasional malfunctions, leading to interrupted power delivery.
  3. Driver Compatibility: Manual driver updates are often required for components like the touchpad and fingerprint scanner, adding unnecessary complexity.
  4. Upgrade Challenges: Users considering upgrading to Windows 11 may face compatibility issues with older hardware, potentially requiring additional investments in new components or software.

These concerns, particularly the battery and charging problems, can disrupt productivity and require additional troubleshooting. While the T470s excels in many areas, these technical shortcomings may deter users seeking a seamless experience.

What Customers Are Saying

Customers have shared a range of experiences with the Lenovo ThinkPad T470s, highlighting both its strengths and areas for improvement. Many users praise its robust performance, lightweight design, and reliable build quality, which enhance customer satisfaction for business and school use. The 14-inch FHD display and Intel Core i7 processor are frequently commended for delivering a smooth user experience. However, some customers report issues with battery life, charging port reliability, and driver updates, which occasionally detract from overall satisfaction. Mixed feedback on product condition upon delivery, particularly for renewed units, has also been noted. Despite these concerns, the majority of users appreciate the laptop's affordability and value, making it a popular choice for those seeking a dependable, high-performance device. The inclusion of Human Presence Detection technology in newer models like the ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 11 highlights advancements in user privacy and security, which could be a valuable addition to future ThinkPad T470s iterations.

Overall Value

The Lenovo ThinkPad T470s offers a compelling balance of performance, portability, and affordability, making it a strong contender in the renewed laptop market. Its renewed affordability makes it an attractive option for budget-conscious buyers seeking a reliable business laptop. With a 20GB DDR4 RAM, 512GB SSD, and Intel Core i7 processor, it delivers robust performance for office tasks, light gaming, and schoolwork. The refurbished reliability, backed by Amazon Renewed Guarantee, guarantees the device is professionally inspected and tested, minimizing risks associated with pre-owned products. While some users report minor issues like battery life or driver updates, the overall value proposition remains strong, particularly for those prioritizing cost-efficiency without sacrificing essential features. This makes the T470s a practical choice in the renewed laptop segment. Additionally, the Intel UHD Graphics 620 ensures vibrant displays and smooth rendering, enhancing the user experience for multimedia tasks.

Tips and Tricks For Best Results

To maximize the performance and longevity of the Lenovo ThinkPad T470s, users should prioritize regular system maintenance and software optimization. For battery optimization, adjust power settings to balance performance and energy efficiency, and avoid overcharging by unplugging once fully charged. Regularly update drivers, particularly for the touchpad, fingerprint scanner, and Intel HD Graphics 620, to guarantee compatibility and resolve performance issues. Use Lenovo Vantage or the manufacturer's website to access the latest driver updates. Additionally, keep the operating system updated to address security vulnerabilities and improve stability. Uninstall unnecessary software to free up resources, and periodically clean the SSD to maintain peak storage performance. These practices will enhance the laptop's efficiency and extend its lifespan.

Conclusion

While the Lenovo ThinkPad T470s offers a compelling blend of performance and portability, its overall value hinges on user expectations and specific use cases. The device excels in delivering reliable performance for office tasks, light gaming, and academic use, supported by its Intel Core i7 processor and 20GB RAM. However, its renewed status introduces variability in battery life and hardware condition, which may affect long-term reliability. The overall impression is positive for users seeking affordability and functionality, though manual driver updates and potential Windows 11 incompatibility may deter some. In final thoughts, the T470s remains a solid choice for budget-conscious professionals, provided they are prepared to address minor technical quirks inherent to renewed devices.

Author

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