Lenovo ThinkPad L480 Review: Reliable Business Workhorse in 2025
Lenovo ThinkPad L480, Core i5 8th Gen, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD, 14" FHD. Durable, secure, and versatile workhorse for professionals.
Introduction
When Lenovo released the ThinkPad L480 back in 2018, it was designed to provide business professionals with a balance of durability, performance, and affordability. Positioned below the premium T-series but still carrying ThinkPad DNA, the L480 offered a practical machine for productivity-focused users who needed reliability more than flashy looks.
Fast-forward to 2025, and the Lenovo ThinkPad L480 still holds relevance in the refurbished laptop market. With its solid build quality, comfortable ThinkPad keyboard, and robust performance powered by Intel’s 8th Gen Core i5 processors, it continues to be a go-to option for professionals, students, and organizations looking for dependable machines at an accessible price point.
In this review, we’ll explore every aspect of the L480 — from design and display to performance and battery life. We’ll also compare it with similar business laptops from Dell, HP, and Asus, and discuss why it still makes sense to buy a refurbished ThinkPad L480 in 2025.
Specifications Overview
| Feature | Lenovo ThinkPad L480 |
|---|---|
| Processor | Intel Core i5, 8th Gen, 4 cores |
| RAM | 16GB DDR4, expandable |
| Storage | 512GB SSD, expandable |
| Graphics | Intel HD Graphics 620 (integrated, shared) |
| Display | 14″, Full HD (1920×1080), 60Hz |
| Touchscreen | No |
| Dimensions | 33.5 × 23.6 × 2.29 cm |
| Weight | ~1.9 kg |
| Ports | USB-C, USB-A, HDMI, Ethernet, Audio Jack |
| Keyboard | Spill-resistant ThinkPad keyboard |
| Battery Life | 8–10 hours typical use |
| Special Features | Business-class security, MIL-STD durability, upgrade-friendly design |
Design and Build Quality
The ThinkPad L480 follows Lenovo’s tried-and-tested ThinkPad design philosophy: practical, professional, and built to last. The matte-black chassis features the signature soft-touch finish with the classic red TrackPoint in the middle of the keyboard.
At 1.9 kg and a thickness of 2.29 cm, the L480 is slightly heavier and bulkier than ultrabooks, but it makes up for that with durability and upgradeability. The machine was built to meet business demands, featuring a reinforced hinge, spill-resistant keyboard, and MIL-STD tested reliability.
It’s not the thinnest or flashiest laptop, but the ThinkPad L480’s build inspires confidence for professionals who carry their machines daily.
Display and Audio
The ThinkPad L480 comes with a 14-inch Full HD (1920×1080) IPS display. While it doesn’t feature the ultra-brightness or color richness of Lenovo’s higher-end T-series, it delivers accurate visuals, good sharpness, and wide viewing angles suitable for productivity, presentations, and general media use.
The 60Hz refresh rate is standard, and though modern laptops now offer 120Hz or higher, for office and professional workflows, 60Hz remains sufficient.
Audio-wise, the stereo speakers are tuned for clarity, focusing on mid-range frequencies. They are good enough for video calls and casual streaming but don’t expect deep bass or cinematic sound. Thankfully, the 3.5mm audio jack remains available for external headphones.
Keyboard and Trackpad
One of the standout features of any ThinkPad is its keyboard, and the L480 doesn’t disappoint. The spill-resistant ThinkPad keyboard delivers excellent tactile feedback, deep key travel, and comfortable typing even during long work sessions.
The red TrackPoint nub in the center of the keyboard is still beloved by many professionals who prefer precise navigation without lifting their hands off the keys. The large precision touchpad with multi-gesture support complements it well.
If you’re someone who types a lot, the L480 is among the most comfortable laptops in this class.
Performance and Everyday Usage
The ThinkPad L480 is powered by the 8th Gen Intel Core i5 processor with 4 cores, paired with 16GB DDR4 RAM and a 512GB SSD. While it’s not a powerhouse by 2025 standards, it remains very capable for everyday business use:
- Running office applications like Word, Excel, and PowerPoint
- Managing large email inboxes and cloud-based tools
- Web browsing with multiple tabs open
- Light programming and development environments
- Handling video conferencing without lag
The integrated Intel HD Graphics 620 is not designed for gaming or heavy creative workloads, but it manages tasks like streaming, presentations, and light image editing without issue.
One of the biggest advantages of the L480 is its upgradeability. Unlike many modern ultrabooks, it allows RAM and storage upgrades, which extends its usability in 2025.
Battery Life
The ThinkPad L480 provides 8–10 hours of typical use, depending on workload and screen brightness. While not as impressive as today’s ultraportables with Apple Silicon or Intel Evo-certified efficiency, it’s still enough for a full workday with moderate use.
With a USB-C charging port, it supports fast charging, letting you recharge up to 80% in about an hour — a useful feature for professionals on the go.
Connectivity and Ports
The ThinkPad L480 offers a robust set of ports, especially compared to modern laptops that sacrifice connectivity for slimness. It includes:
- USB-C (for charging, data, and display)
- USB-A (multiple, for legacy peripherals)
- HDMI (for external displays)
- Ethernet (RJ-45) (essential for secure, stable connections)
- 3.5mm Audio Jack
This selection ensures professionals don’t need multiple dongles to stay productive.
Security and Business Features
Lenovo designed the L480 with enterprise users in mind, and it includes several security features such as:
- TPM 2.0 chip for encryption
- Fingerprint reader (on select models)
- Spill-resistant keyboard
- Support for docking solutions
These features made it a reliable choice for IT departments and professionals who needed secure, managed devices.
Why the ThinkPad L480 Still Matters in 2025
Despite being released in 2018, the ThinkPad L480 continues to hold value in today’s refurbished market. Reasons include:
- Durable design built to last years of use
- Excellent keyboard and input experience unmatched by most modern laptops
- Upgradeable hardware, extending lifespan
- Strong port selection, including Ethernet
- Affordable pricing compared to new ultrabooks
For students, small businesses, and professionals looking for a solid everyday machine at a fraction of the cost of new premium laptops, the L480 is still a smart buy.
Comparison with Dell, HP, and Asus Alternatives
To understand the L480’s position better, let’s compare it with similar business laptops from Dell, HP, and Asus.
| Feature | Lenovo ThinkPad L480 (2018) | Dell Latitude 5491 (2018) | HP ProBook 440 G6 (2019) | Asus ExpertBook P2 (2020) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Processor | Intel Core i5, 8th Gen (4 cores) | Intel Core i5, 8th Gen (4 cores) | Intel Core i5, 8th Gen (4 cores) | Intel Core i5, 10th Gen (4 cores) |
| RAM | 16GB DDR4, expandable | 16GB DDR4, expandable | 8–16GB DDR4 | 8–16GB DDR4 |
| Storage | 512GB SSD, expandable | 256–512GB SSD | 256–512GB SSD | 256–512GB SSD |
| Display | 14″ FHD (1920×1080) | 14″ FHD (1920×1080) | 14″ FHD (1920×1080) | 14″ FHD (1920×1080) |
| Weight | 1.9 kg | 1.65 kg | 1.6 kg | 1.5 kg |
| Ports | USB-C, USB-A, HDMI, Ethernet | USB-C, USB-A, HDMI, Ethernet | USB-C, USB-A, HDMI, Ethernet | USB-C, USB-A, HDMI, Ethernet |
| Keyboard | ThinkPad keyboard, TrackPoint | Standard Latitude keyboard | Decent but less tactile | Business-focused, comfortable |
| Battery Life | 8–10 hours | 8–9 hours | 8–9 hours | 9–10 hours |
Verdict:
- Dell Latitude 5491 offers similar specs but is slightly lighter.
- HP ProBook 440 G6 is a good mid-range competitor, but its keyboard doesn’t match the ThinkPad’s.
- Asus ExpertBook P2 offers newer CPUs but doesn’t have the same rugged build or enterprise legacy as Lenovo.
The L480 wins in keyboard quality, durability, and upgradeability, making it stand out in the refurbished market.
Why Buying Refurbished Makes Sense
In 2025, buying a refurbished ThinkPad L480 is a smart move:
- Lower cost compared to new laptops, often 50% cheaper
- Proven reliability with business-grade durability
- Still supported by Windows 11 and business software
- Eco-friendly choice, extending the lifecycle of hardware
At refurbished prices starting around ₹22,000–₹25,000, the ThinkPad L480 is a cost-effective machine for students, professionals, and organizations.
Conclusion
The Lenovo ThinkPad L480 may not be the flashiest or most powerful laptop in 2025, but it remains a reliable, durable, and practical workhorse for productivity. With its robust build, legendary keyboard, upgradeable design, and strong port selection, it delivers long-lasting value.
Compared to Dell, HP, and Asus rivals, the L480 holds its ground with its ThinkPad DNA — a focus on durability, typing comfort, and enterprise readiness. And as a refurbished option, it offers unbeatable affordability without compromising reliability.
If you’re looking for a business-class laptop that can handle everyday workloads, provide typing comfort, and last for years, the Lenovo ThinkPad L480 is still a smart buy in 2025.
FAQs
Q: Is the Lenovo ThinkPad L480 still good in 2025?
A: Yes, it remains a reliable laptop for office work, browsing, programming, and light multitasking.
Q: Can I upgrade the RAM and storage on the ThinkPad L480?
A: Yes, both RAM and storage are upgradeable, which extends its usability.
Q: How does the L480 compare to the ThinkPad T-series?
A: The T-series offers a slimmer, more premium design, but the L480 provides similar durability and better affordability.
Q: Does the ThinkPad L480 support Windows 11?
A: Yes, it supports Windows 11 with full compatibility.
Q: Is the ThinkPad L480 good for students?
A: Absolutely. Its durability, keyboard quality, and affordability make it an excellent choice for students in 2025.
