Lenovo ThinkPad P14S Gen 2 (Touch) Review: Portable Powerhouse for Daily Users

Introduction

The Lenovo ThinkPad P14S Gen 2 (Touch) is a 14-inch mobile workstation designed for professionals who require power, portability, and flexibility in a compact form. Unlike standard business laptops, the P14S Gen 2 balances performance and mobility without sacrificing the workstation-grade capabilities that engineers, architects, designers, and content creators rely on.

Equipped with an 11th Gen Intel Core i7 processor, 16GB of LPDDR4x RAM, a 512GB PCIe NVMe SSD, and a dedicated Nvidia T500 graphics card, the laptop is capable of handling demanding applications while remaining light enough to carry during business trips or campus life. The addition of a touchscreen enhances productivity for tasks such as digital sketching, reviewing designs, and navigating complex workflows.

By 2025, this laptop remains a relevant choice in the refurbished market. While it may not rival the very latest Ultrabooks or high-end mobile workstations in raw performance, it offers a strong combination of reliability, efficiency, and expandability for professionals who need a balance of power and portability.

Specifications Overview

This combination of specifications positions the P14S Gen 2 as a reliable workstation capable of delivering smooth performance for a wide range of professional applications.

Design and Build Quality

Lenovo has maintained its reputation for durable, business-oriented ThinkPad designs with the P14S Gen 2. The chassis is solid, featuring the iconic matte black finish that resists fingerprints while providing a professional look.

The laptop weighs 1.47 kg, making it light for a workstation-class device, yet sturdy enough to withstand daily use. Its thin profile does not compromise durability; the hinges are robust, and the keyboard deck is reinforced to endure frequent typing.

The touchscreen adds an extra layer of versatility, allowing professionals to interact naturally with documents, presentations, and design tools. For users who often switch between tablet-style interaction and traditional input, this feature can enhance workflow efficiency.

Compared to older ThinkPad P-series laptops, the Gen 2 model is sleeker and lighter while retaining enterprise-grade resilience. It fits comfortably in backpacks and briefcases, making it suitable for both office and remote work scenarios.

Display and Visual Experience

The 14-inch Full HD touchscreen display is bright, sharp, and colour-accurate enough for most professional tasks. Designers and engineers will appreciate the precision of the touch interface, especially when combined with Lenovo’s stylus support.

While not a 4K panel, the Full HD resolution ensures crisp text, clear spreadsheets, and accurate visuals for CAD, modelling, or multimedia editing. The touchscreen supports multi-touch gestures, enhancing productivity during presentations or collaborative sessions.

For professionals who rely on colour fidelity, the display may fall slightly short of dedicated colour-accurate screens. However, for office work, data visualisation, and general multimedia, it provides a satisfying and comfortable viewing experience.

Performance and Productivity

The Intel Core i7-1165G7, with its 4 cores and 8 threads, provides ample processing power for professional workloads such as:

• CAD and 3D modelling with moderate complexity
• Photo and video editing
• Spreadsheet management and multitasking
• Running virtual machines for software testing

Paired with 16GB LPDDR4x RAM and a 512GB PCIe SSD, the laptop boots quickly, opens applications without lag, and supports smooth multitasking. The Nvidia T500 GPU adds dedicated graphics power, enabling acceleration for rendering tasks and graphics-intensive applications.

Users working in engineering, architecture, or scientific computing will find the GPU particularly beneficial, as it supports professional drivers and optimisations for CAD and 3D design software.

Keyboard, Touchpad, and Touchscreen

ThinkPad keyboards are legendary for their comfort, and the P14S Gen 2 is no exception. The keys are responsive, with deep travel and solid feedback, allowing extended typing sessions without fatigue.

The trackpad is precise and supports multi-finger gestures, while the touchscreen allows intuitive interaction, particularly useful for presentations, design review, and annotating documents. Together, these input options enhance the versatility of the device, catering to diverse professional workflows.

Battery Life and Portability

The P14S Gen 2 offers respectable battery life for a workstation, typically ranging from 6 to 8 hours under light to moderate workloads. Users performing graphics-intensive tasks may see reduced endurance.

At 1.47 kg, it is portable enough for daily commuting or client visits, though professionals should note that power-intensive workloads will require access to an external power source for sustained high performance.

The combination of lightweight design, long battery life, and touchscreen functionality makes the P14S Gen 2 ideal for mobile professionals who need flexibility without sacrificing capability.

Connectivity and Ports

The laptop includes a versatile set of ports to accommodate modern and legacy peripherals:

• USB-C for fast data transfer and charging
• Thunderbolt 4 for docking, high-speed external drives, and multiple displays
• HDMI for external monitor connectivity

This range ensures seamless integration with office environments, studios, and collaborative setups, reducing the need for additional adapters or dongles.

Security and Reliability

Lenovo’s ThinkPad line is renowned for security and reliability, and the P14S Gen 2 continues this tradition. It includes TPM support, optional fingerprint readers, and enterprise-grade BIOS security features.

The laptop is built to withstand daily handling, commuting, and rigorous professional use. Its durable chassis and robust design make it a dependable choice for professionals who need consistent performance over several years.

Why the ThinkPad P14S Gen 2 Still Matters in 2025

The P14S Gen 2 remains relevant for several reasons:

• Dedicated GPU for accelerated professional applications
• Compact 14-inch form factor without sacrificing performance
• Touchscreen functionality for flexibility and collaboration
• Expandable SSD and LPDDR4x memory for future-proofing
• Durable build quality and enterprise-level security

For budget-conscious professionals seeking workstation capabilities without investing in larger, heavier laptops, refurbished P14S Gen 2 units offer excellent value.

Comparison with Similar Laptops

Analysis

• The P14S Gen 2 excels in workstation tasks thanks to its dedicated Nvidia GPU, making it ideal for engineers and designers.
• The T14S Gen 3 is lighter and faster for general productivity but lacks dedicated graphics for intensive design or 3D work.
• The Dell Pro 14 Plus provides newer CPU architecture but a lower SSD and less dedicated GPU performance.
• The HP EliteBook 660 G11 is heavier and focuses on high RAM and storage, suitable for large datasets, but its integrated graphics limit creative workflows.

For professionals prioritising graphics performance and a touch interface, the P14S Gen 2 remains an excellent choice.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Compact workstation with touchscreen
• Dedicated Nvidia T500 GPU
• Strong build quality and ThinkPad reliability
• Good selection of ports including Thunderbolt 4
• Decent battery life for mobile work

Cons

• Slightly heavier than ultrabooks
• Touchscreen can increase power consumption
• Limited RAM upgrade compared to full-sized workstations
• Not designed for extreme gaming or very high-end rendering

Conclusion

The Lenovo ThinkPad P14S Gen 2 (Touch) strikes a rare balance between portability, performance, and flexibility. Its combination of Intel i7 CPU, Nvidia T500 GPU, touchscreen, and solid build quality makes it ideal for professionals who need a reliable mobile workstation without carrying the weight of a full-sized device.

Refurbished models in 2025 provide excellent value for engineers, designers, and other creative professionals seeking workstation capabilities in a portable form factor. The P14S Gen 2 remains a compelling choice for anyone requiring dedicated graphics, enterprise-level reliability, and mobile flexibility.

FAQs

Q: Is the ThinkPad P14S Gen 2 (Touch) suitable for CAD work?
A: Yes, with its Nvidia T500 GPU, it can handle CAD and moderate 3D modelling efficiently.

Q: Can the RAM be upgraded?
A: LPDDR4x memory is soldered, so upgrades are limited; consider configurations with higher RAM if needed.

Q: How long does the battery last?
A: Typically 6 to 8 hours under standard office workloads; intensive tasks will reduce endurance.

Q: Is the touchscreen useful for professional tasks?
A: Yes, it enhances productivity for reviewing designs, presentations, and annotation-heavy work.

Q: Should I buy refurbished or new?
A: Refurbished units offer excellent value and retain workstation capabilities at a lower cost, making them a practical choice.