Lenovo ThinkPad E16 Gen 2
8.7/10TOP PICK
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Business Laptops
TOP PICKReviewed March 2025

Lenovo ThinkPad E16 Gen 2 Review: AI-Ready Business Laptop with Intel Ultra

The ThinkPad E16 Gen 2 with Intel Core Ultra 5 is the most capable E-series ThinkPad yet. The AI-ready processor, touchscreen display, and Thunderbolt 4 connectivity make it a serious contender for power users who want ThinkPad reliability at a sub-$1,000 price.

8.7
Overall Score / 10
$921
Amazon Price
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Pros

  • Intel Core Ultra 5-125U is a next-generation AI-capable processor
  • 16-inch touchscreen WUXGA display is gorgeous
  • 32GB DDR5 RAM is plenty for demanding workloads
  • 2TB SSD provides fast, spacious storage
  • Thunderbolt 4 port enables full docking station support
  • ThinkPad keyboard quality remains excellent

Cons

  • Premium price over the AMD E16 variant
  • Heavier than 14-inch alternatives
  • Touchscreen adds glare compared to matte panels

Full Review

Lenovo's ThinkPad E16 Gen 2 represents a significant upgrade over its predecessor, bringing Intel's latest Core Ultra architecture to a price point that was previously reserved for mid-range AMD processors.

**Intel Core Ultra 5-125U**

The Core Ultra 5-125U is Intel's latest generation processor, featuring dedicated NPU (Neural Processing Unit) hardware for AI workloads. In practical terms, this means faster performance in AI-enhanced applications like Microsoft Copilot, real-time transcription, and background removal in video calls.

**Touchscreen Display**

The 16-inch WUXGA (1920x1200) touchscreen is a standout feature. The touch functionality is responsive and well-integrated with Windows 11, making it genuinely useful for annotation, navigation, and casual use. The IPS panel delivers accurate colors and wide viewing angles.

**Connectivity**

Thunderbolt 4 support is the key connectivity upgrade over the AMD variant. This enables full compatibility with high-end docking stations like the Plugable 12-in-1, supporting triple 4K displays and 96W charging through a single cable.

**Verdict**

For businesses that want to future-proof their laptop fleet with AI-capable hardware, the ThinkPad E16 Gen 2 is the smart choice. The Intel Core Ultra processor, touchscreen, and Thunderbolt 4 justify the premium over the AMD variant.

Specifications

ProcessorIntel Core Ultra 5-125U (12-core, up to 4.3GHz)
RAM32GB DDR5
Storage2TB SSD
Display16" WUXGA (1920x1200) IPS Touchscreen
GraphicsIntel Arc (integrated)
PortsThunderbolt 4, USB-A 3.2, HDMI 2.1, RJ-45
Weight4.3 lbs
OSWindows 11 Pro

Score Breakdown

Performance8.8
Display9.0
Keyboard9.5
Connectivity9.0
Value8.2
Overall Score8.7/10
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