Lenovo ThinkPad Z16 (2023)
| Manufacturer | Lenovo |
|---|---|
| Product family | ThinkPad |
| Release date | January 2023 |
| Discontinued | No |
| Operating system | Windows 11 Pro Windows 11 Home Windows 11 Home Single Language Windows 11 DG Windows 10 Pro 64 Fedora Linux Ubuntu Linux Linux No preload operating system |
| CPU | AMD Ryzen 5 PRO 6650H AMD Ryzen 7 PRO 6850H AMD Ryzen 9 PRO 6950H |
| Memory | 16 or 32 GB LPDDR5-6400 (soldered) |
| Memory slots | None (soldered) |
| Storage | 256 GB, 512 GB, 1 TB, or 2 TB PCIe Gen 4.0 x4 NVMe TLC M.2 SSD |
| Storage slots | 1 user accessible |
| Removable storage | SD card reader, supports UHS-II SD card |
| Display | Screen size: 16 inch Panel type: IPS or OLED Coating: Anti-glare, Anti-reflection Resolution: 1920 x 1200 or 3840 x 2400 Aspect ratio: 16:10 Brightness: 400 nits sRGB: 100 % Refresh rate: 60 Hz Touchscreen: Optional |
| Graphics | AMD Radeon 660M AMD Radeon 680M AMD Radeon RX 6500M 4 GB GDDR6 |
| Sound | Stereo speakers, 2W x2, Dolby Atmos® |
| Camera | Front: 1080p FHD IR camera with E-shutter, fixed focus Front: 1080p FHD IR hybrid camera with E-shutter, fixed focus |
| Touchpad | Glass surface multi-touch Haptic Touchpad, 80 x 120 mm (3.15 x 4.72 inches) |
| Connectivity | Qualcomm® Wi-Fi® 6E NFA725A, 802.11ax 2x2 Wi-Fi® + Bluetooth® 5.1 (Bluetooth® 5.2 hardware ready) 1 x USB-C® 3.2 Gen 2 (support data transfer, Power Delivery 3.0 and DisplayPort™ 1.4a) 2 x USB4® 40Gbps (support data transfer, Power Delivery 3.0 and DisplayPort™ 1.4a) 1 x Headphone / microphone combo jack (3.5mm) 1 x SD card reader |
| Power brick | 135W USB-C® slim (3-pin) AC adapter |
| Battery | Integrated Li-Polymer 72Wh battery |
| Keyboard | LED backlight |
| Chassis | Color: Arctic grey (top), black (bottom) Materials: Aluminium (top), aluminium (bottom) |
| Number pad | No |
| Fingerprint reader | Yes (Touch style, match-on-chip) |
| Facial recognition | Yes (Windows Hello) |
| Website | Lenovo |
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The Lenovo ThinkPad Z16 (2023) is a high-performance business laptop designed to offer robust computing power and premium build quality. It features AMD's Ryzen PRO processors and Radeon graphics, making it suitable for professional workloads and multimedia tasks. The laptop is available in Arctic Grey and Black finishes, with a sleek and modern design.
Primary Hardware
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Processor
The Lenovo ThinkPad Z16 (2023) can be configured with the following processors[1]:
- AMD Ryzen 5 PRO 6650H with 6 cores, 12 threads, a base frequency of 3.3 GHz, and a max frequency of 4.5 GHz, featuring AMD Radeon 660M Graphics.
- AMD Ryzen 7 PRO 6850H with 8 cores, 16 threads, a base frequency of 3.2 GHz, and a max frequency of 4.7 GHz, featuring AMD Radeon 680M Graphics.
- AMD Ryzen 9 PRO 6950H with 8 cores, 16 threads, a base frequency of 3.3 GHz, and a max frequency of 4.9 GHz, featuring AMD Radeon 680M Graphics.
The AMD Ryzen PRO processors are designed for professional use, offering enhanced security features and manageability. The Ryzen 9 PRO 6950H is the most powerful option, suitable for demanding tasks such as video editing and 3D rendering.
Reviewers have noted that the Ryzen 7 PRO 6850H performs well in most tasks but is outpaced by Intel's 12th generation CPUs in both single and multicore performance, particularly in tasks that require high single-threaded performance.[2]
Benchmarks:
Graphics
The Lenovo ThinkPad Z16 (2023) offers the following GPU configurations[1]:
- AMD Radeon 660M, integrated, shared memory, DirectX® 12
- AMD Radeon 680M, integrated, shared memory, DirectX® 12
- AMD Radeon RX 6500M, discrete, 4 GB GDDR6, DirectX® 12 Ultimate
The AMD Radeon RX 6500M is the most powerful option, designed for gaming and content creation. It performs similarly to the NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050 Ti in benchmarks but shows throttling under load, which can affect gaming performance. In battery operation, the graphics performance drops by about 23%.[2]
Benchmarks:
- 3DMark Time Spy: ~4795 points[2]
- 3DMark Fire Strike: ~13980 points[2]
- 3DMark 11: ~17548 points[2]
- 3DMark Cloud Gate: ~92553 points[2]
- The Witcher 3 (1920x1080 High): ~57.4 fps[2]
Memory
The Lenovo ThinkPad Z16 (2023) supports dual-channel memory and comes with the following configurations[1]:
- 16 GB LPDDR5-6400 RAM (soldered)
- 32 GB LPDDR5-6400 RAM (soldered)
The memory is soldered, making it non-upgradeable. The RAM is fast and adequate for multitasking and demanding applications. However, the soldered nature limits upgrade options, which may be a concern for users looking to extend the laptop's lifespan.[2]
Benchmarks:
- AIDA64 Memory Copy: ~48504 MB/s[2]
- AIDA64 Memory Read: ~42736 MB/s[2]
- AIDA64 Memory Write: ~51157 MB/s[2]
- Memory Latency: ~132.1 ns[2]
Storage
The Lenovo ThinkPad Z16 (2023) offers the following storage options[1]:
- 256 GB PCIe Gen 4.0 x4 NVMe TLC M.2 SSD
- 512 GB PCIe Gen 4.0 x4 NVMe TLC M.2 SSD
- 1 TB PCIe Gen 4.0 x4 NVMe TLC M.2 SSD
- 2 TB PCIe Gen 4.0 x4 NVMe TLC M.2 SSD
The storage is user-replaceable, and the SSD offers fast read and write speeds. Reviewers have noted that the SSD provides excellent performance, though it is not the fastest in its class, with performance varying under constant load.[2]
Benchmarks:
- AS SSD:
- DiskSpd:
Co-processors
The Lenovo ThinkPad Z16 (2023) does not include any additional co-processors.[1]
Input Devices
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Keyboard
The Lenovo ThinkPad Z16 (2023) features a 6-row, spill-resistant keyboard with multimedia Fn keys and Unified Communications controls. The keyboard is backlit with LED lighting.[1]
Reviewers have noted that the keyboard is comfortable for typing but lacks the traditional ThinkPad feel, with flatter key tops and a reduced key stroke compared to previous models.[2]
Touchpad
The Lenovo ThinkPad Z16 (2023) features a large glass surface multi-touch Haptic Touchpad measuring 80 x 120 mm (3.15 x 4.72 inches). The touchpad is praised for its high-quality haptics and excellent sliding characteristics.[1][2]
Webcam
The Lenovo ThinkPad Z16 (2023) comes with two webcam options[1]:
- 1080p FHD IR camera with E-shutter, fixed focus
- 1080p FHD IR hybrid camera with E-shutter, fixed focus
The webcam supports Windows Hello face recognition and offers decent video quality, though it still lags behind modern smartphone cameras in terms of clarity and detail.[2]
Microphone
The Lenovo ThinkPad Z16 (2023) includes a dual-microphone array with 360° far-field and Dolby Voice®. Reviewers have noted that the microphone quality is adequate for video calls and voice recordings, but not exceptional.[2]
Output Devices
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Display
The Lenovo ThinkPad Z16 (2023) features a 16-inch display with the following configurations[1]:
- 16" WUXGA (1920x1200), Anti-glare, IPS, 400 nits, 16:10
- 16" WUXGA (1920x1200), On-cell touch, Anti-reflection, IPS, 400 nits, 16:10
- 16" WQUXGA (3840x2400), touch, OLED, 400 nits, 16:10
The display offers excellent color accuracy, high contrast, and good brightness levels, with a measured brightness of 446 nits for the WUXGA IPS panel. The display is suitable for outdoor use and provides good color accuracy and coverage, but lacks a 2.5K option and higher refresh rates.[2]
Benchmarks:
- Maximum Brightness: ~446 cd/m²[2]
- Contrast: ~1571:1[2]
- Color Accuracy (Delta E): ~1.8 for color, ~2.3 for greyscale[2]
- 99.7% sRGB coverage[2]
Audio
The Lenovo ThinkPad Z16 (2023) comes with stereo speakers, 2W x2, Dolby Atmos®. The speakers are located on both sides of the keyboard and provide decent sound quality for casual listening, though they lack bass compared to competitors like the Apple MacBook Pro.[2]
Connectivity
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WiFi
The Lenovo ThinkPad Z16 (2023) offers the following Wi-Fi option[1]:
- Qualcomm® Wi-Fi® 6E NFA725A, 802.11ax 2x2 Wi-Fi® + Bluetooth® 5.1 (Bluetooth® 5.2 hardware ready)
Reviewers have noted that the Wi-Fi performance is very good, providing stable connections and high speeds.[2]
Benchmarks:
Bluetooth
The Lenovo ThinkPad Z16 (2023) includes Bluetooth 5.1, with hardware ready for Bluetooth 5.2.[1]
SD Card Reader
The Lenovo ThinkPad Z16 (2023) includes a full-size SD card reader that supports UHS-II SD cards.[1]
Reviewers have noted that the card reader is fast but does not accept cards fully, which may be inconvenient for some users.[2]
Benchmarks:
USB
The Lenovo ThinkPad Z16 (2023) is equipped with the following USB ports[1]:
- 1 x USB-C® 3.2 Gen 2 (support data transfer, Power Delivery 3.0 and DisplayPort™ 1.4a)
- 2 x USB4® 40Gbps (support data transfer, Power Delivery 3.0 and DisplayPort™ 1.4a)
- 1 x Headphone / microphone combo jack (3.5mm)
- 1 x SD card reader
Reviewers have noted that the USB options are good but lack USB-A ports, which may be a drawback for some users.[2]
Display Outputs
The Lenovo ThinkPad Z16 (2023) supports up to 4 independent displays (native display and 3 external monitors via USB4® and USB-C®). The USB-C® ports support up to 4K@60Hz (4 displays output), 5K@60Hz (3 displays output) or 5K@120Hz (up to 2 displays output). The USB4® ports support up to 8K@30Hz (8K resolution support needs 2 display pipes).[1]
Reviewers have noted that the lack of HDMI is a significant drawback for a business laptop.[2]
Case
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The Lenovo ThinkPad Z16 (2023) features a compact aluminum case with a modern design, featuring a silver aluminum display lid and black lacquered bottom. The laptop is lightweight and compact, with a sturdy build quality.[1]
Reviewers have noted that the display lid is thinner and weaker than the base, which may affect durability. The overall build quality is praised, but it is not as robust as some competitors.[2]
Maintenance
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The Lenovo ThinkPad Z16 (2023) is designed to be user-serviceable to some extent. The bottom panel is secured by five screws, making it relatively easy to open.[2]
Upgradeable components:[2]
- M.2 2280 PCIe4 x4 SSD (user-replaceable)
- Battery (user-replaceable)
The RAM is soldered and not upgradeable, so users must choose their desired memory configuration at the time of purchase. The Wi-Fi module is also not user-replaceable.[1]
Cooling System
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The Lenovo ThinkPad Z16 (2023) features an efficient cooling system but struggles under heavy load, leading to high temperatures. The cooling system is effective, keeping surface temperatures manageable even under heavy load.[2]
Heat
The laptop runs hot under load, with maximum temperatures reaching 56.8 °C. The warmest area is the keyboard center, but it remains cooler than expected for a small chassis.[2]
Benchmarks:
Noise
The Lenovo ThinkPad Z16 (2023) is generally quiet under low load but can get loud under maximum load. Reviewers have noted that the fan noise is noticeable but not overly distracting during intensive tasks.[2]
Benchmarks:
Energy Management
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Power Consumption
The Lenovo ThinkPad Z16 (2023) ships with a 135W USB-C® slim (3-pin) AC adapter that supports Power Delivery 3.0. The laptop is efficient in its power usage, with low idle consumption compared to competitors.[1][2]
Benchmarks:
Battery Life
The Lenovo ThinkPad Z16 (2023) comes with a 72 Wh Lithium-Polymer battery that supports Rapid Charge, allowing it to charge up to 80% in 1 hour. The battery life is considered good for a Windows laptop, especially given the battery capacity.[1][2]
Benchmarks:
- WiFi Websurfing (150 cd/m²): ~9h 54min[2]
- WiFi Websurfing max. Brightness: ~7h 57min[2]
- Big Buck Bunny H.264 1080p: ~11h 55min[2]
- Load (maximum brightness): ~2h 03min[2]
Biometrics
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The Lenovo ThinkPad Z16 (2023) supports Windows Hello face recognition through its 1080p IR camera. It also includes a touch style fingerprint reader integrated into the keyboard key, providing quick and secure logins.[1][2]
Software
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The Lenovo ThinkPad Z16 (2023) ships with various operating systems, including Windows 11 Pro, Windows 11 Home, Windows 11 Home Single Language, Windows 11 DG, Windows 10 Pro 64, Fedora Linux, Ubuntu Linux, Linux, or no preload operating system.[1]
Preinstalled Software
- Lenovo Commercial Vantage: For system management and updates.
- Dolby Voice®: For enhanced audio quality during calls.
- McAfee LiveSafe™ (30-day trial version)
- Microsoft Office (30-day trial version)
Linux Support
The Lenovo ThinkPad Z16 (2023) has limited Linux support, as it is primarily designed for Windows. Users have reported that some features may not work out of the box on Linux distributions.[2]
Accessories & Warranty
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The Lenovo ThinkPad Z16 (2023) comes with a 135W USB-C® slim (3-pin) AC adapter and paperwork. The laptop includes a one-year limited manufacturer warranty if purchased in the US.[1]
Reviews Summary
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Overall Sentiment
The Lenovo ThinkPad Z16 (2023) is considered a powerful and well-built business laptop. It is praised for its performance, build quality, and input devices. However, it has some drawbacks, such as system stability issues, high temperatures under load, and the lack of essential ports like HDMI.[2]
Problems Summary
- System stability issues and high temperatures under load.
- Lack of essential ports like HDMI.
- Soldered RAM, limiting upgradeability.
- Thinner and weaker display lid compared to the base.
- Fan noise under maximum load.
- Limited Linux support.
Links
Community Reception
Overall Sentiment
Problems Summary
References
- ↑ 1.00 1.01 1.02 1.03 1.04 1.05 1.06 1.07 1.08 1.09 1.10 1.11 1.12 1.13 1.14 1.15 1.16 1.17 1.18 1.19 1.20 "Lenovo ThinkPad Z16 (2023) Specifications" (PDF). Lenovo.
- ↑ 2.00 2.01 2.02 2.03 2.04 2.05 2.06 2.07 2.08 2.09 2.10 2.11 2.12 2.13 2.14 2.15 2.16 2.17 2.18 2.19 2.20 2.21 2.22 2.23 2.24 2.25 2.26 2.27 2.28 2.29 2.30 2.31 2.32 2.33 2.34 2.35 2.36 2.37 2.38 2.39 2.40 2.41 2.42 2.43 2.44 2.45 2.46 2.47 2.48 2.49 2.50 2.51 2.52 2.53 2.54 2.55 2.56 2.57 2.58 2.59 2.60 2.61 2.62 "Lenovo ThinkPad Z16 G1 laptop review: Powerful AMD flagship with a hiccup". NotebookCheck.