Lenovo ThinkPad T470 Review: Enduring Business Laptop in 2025
Lenovo ThinkPad T470, Core i5 7th Gen, 16GB RAM, 256GB SSD, 14" FHD. Reliable, portable, and feature-rich for office users.
Introduction
The Lenovo ThinkPad T470, launched around 2017, remains one of the most beloved business laptops for professionals who value functionality, durability, and battery life over flash. Known for its legendary keyboard, generous port selection, and enterprise-grade build, the T470 has stood the test of time. In 2025, while newer ultrabooks and business machines push for sleeker designs and higher refresh rates, the T470 still holds serious appeal — especially in the refurbished market, for those who want solid productivity without unnecessary frills.
In this review, we explore the technical specifications, design, display, performance, battery life, connectivity, and how it stacks up against modern laptops. We also compare it with Dell, HP, and Asus business models, and discuss why the T470 is still worth considering today.
Specifications Overview
| Feature | Specification – ThinkPad T470 |
|---|---|
| Processor | Intel Core i5-7200U (dual-core, 7th Gen) / up to i7 variants |
| RAM | 8-16 GB DDR4 (some units upgradable) |
| Storage | SSD (PCIe NVMe / SATA), 256GB typical review config; options up to larger capacities |
| Graphics | Intel HD Graphics 620 (integrated, shared memory) |
| Display | 14″, Full HD (1920×1080) IPS non-touch (also 1366×768 in base models) |
| Refresh Rate | 60 Hz |
| Touchscreen | No (non-touch panel preferred in many reviews) |
| Dimensions | Approximately 336.6 × 232.5 × ~19.95 mm (varies by battery / panel) |
| Weight | Often ~1.6-1.7 kg for configurations with the standard 3-cell battery; heavier with extended battery units |
| Ports | USB-A, USB-C / Thunderbolt 3 in some models, HDMI, Ethernet (RJ-45), audio jack, SD card reader in some variants |
Design and Build Quality
The T470 continues Lenovo’s signature ThinkPad styling: matte black, minimalist exterior, strong hinges, a rugged keyboard deck. Reviewers repeatedly praise its durable chassis, including MIL-STD testing for shock, vibration, and temperature extremes. The lid, side panels, and bottom are built with reinforced materials (glass-fiber-reinforced plastic or a magnesium hybrid in some panels) that resist flex and wear.
While not ultra-thin, its weight with standard battery is reasonable for a 14-inch business laptop. One of the key design highlights is Lenovo’s PowerBridge battery system: an internal 3-cell battery plus an external 3- or 6-cell battery pack. The external battery can be swapped without shutting down, a huge plus for long travel or intermittent power access.
Comfort-wise, the keyboard stands out. Deep key travel, well-spaced keys, satisfying tactile feedback, and the familiar ThinkPad TrackPoint make typing a joy. The touchpad is precise; click zones feel solid and responsive. Palm rest material and finish are durable, though some users wish for a softer texture.
Display and Audio
The review configurations with the 14-inch Full HD IPS non-touch display are generally the sweet spot. Text is sharp, content looks good, and overall experience is crisp. Base 1366×768 panels exist but are less advisable, given today’s standards where more content on screen and comfortable reading matter.
Brightness is moderate — reports put it at ~230-250 nits on many units, which is acceptable indoors but limited outdoors. Viewing angles are decent, but side angles reveal some fade. Color accuracy is average; sRGB coverage is lower than premium laptops, making it less suitable for color-critical work.
Audio quality is serviceable: speakers are loud enough for small conference rooms or video calls, but bass is weak and high volume causes distortion. The webcam is a standard 720p unit — acceptable for calls, but nothing special. Microphones do the job, especially in quiet environments.
Performance and Everyday Usage
Under the hood, the ThinkPad T470 uses a 7th Gen Intel Core i5-7200U (or optional higher i5/i7 models) processor. Dual-core, but still with Turbo Boost, it performs well for typical business workflows.
- Multitasking with Office, browsers, presentation software runs smoothly.
- SSD storage (PCIe/NVMe in many builds) delivers quick boot times, fast loads, and responsive performance. File copying and general IO benchmarks beat many comparable laptops in the same class.
- Integrated graphics (Intel HD 620) are enough for video playback, multiple displays, light photo editing; not meant for gaming or heavy GPU work, but efficient and stable.
One standout is the thermal / sustained performance: the T470 stays relatively cool under moderate loads, with fan noise being modest. Under heavier tasks, the fan engages more, but the cooling design prevents severe throttling in most real-world usage.
Battery Life
Battery life is possibly the T470’s biggest strength. With the extended 6-cell external battery, real-world tests measured around 17-plus hours of continuous WiFi/web usage. Even with standard battery, users report close to 8-11 hours during mixed use — documents, emails, light browsing.
In practical use, this makes it possible to last a full workday without being tethered to a power outlet. The swappable external battery is a big advantage — swap in the 6-cell at lunch and you regain considerable runtime. For those who travel or work in long stretches, this feature remains valuable.
Connectivity and Ports
True to its business roots, the T470 offers a generous set of ports:
- USB-Type A ports for legacy compatibility
- USB-C / Thunderbolt 3 in later/configured models, allowing faster external display, docks, and high-speed data transfer
- HDMI output for external monitors
- Ethernet (RJ-45) for wired networks — important for offices or situations where WiFi is unreliable
- SD card / sometimes microSD in some models (depending on configuration)
- Audio jack, fingerprint reader, TPM encryption, vPro in some CPU variants for remote management and security
These ports ensure flexibility: many users won’t need dongles, and the machine integrates well into existing setups of desks, docks, and monitors.
Comparison with Dell, HP, and Asus Business Laptops
To see whether the T470 still competes, let’s compare it with modern (or recent) business alternatives.
| Feature | ThinkPad T470 | Dell Latitude 5410 / 5420 / 7000 Series | HP EliteBook 840 G7 / G8 | Asus ExpertBook / AsusPro Business Series |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Processor | 7th Gen Intel Dual-core i5 / i7 | 10-12th Gen Intel / some AMD Ryzen | Similar newer gens, often more efficient CPUs | Similar, though some older gen in lower tiers |
| RAM & Storage | 8-16 GB DDR4; SSD (256-512 GB) | Newer laptops offer 16-32 GB, faster SSDs | Similar or better, often soldered in ultrabooks | Mixed; some models focus on upgradeability |
| Display | Full HD IPS (non-touch) | Often brighter, higher res or privacy option | High quality panels, often low power / high brightness | Varies; some AsusPro models have premium panels |
| Build & Durability | Rugged ThinkPad build, MIL standard | Dell leads in rugged & premium materials | HP EliteBooks are durable too | AsusPro focuses on lighter weight, sometimes trades off on durability |
| Weight & Portability | Moderate (~1.6-1.8 kg with standard battery) | Newer models lighter; 1.3-1.5 kg in ultrabooks | Similar or lighter depending on configuration | Often lighter, thinner in mid-tier models |
| Battery Life | Excellent, especially with 6-cell external battery | Strong battery life in newer models | Very good, especially with low-power panels | Good, though performance varies widely |
| Port Selection | Generous selection (USB-A, C, HDMI, Ethernet) | Similar, though newer ultrabooks drop legacy ports | EliteBooks often retain ports | Some models cut ports for slimness |
Verdicts:
- Dell: Lighter, more efficient models, but often cost more; the T470 still beats many in durability and keyboard comfort.
- HP: Competes closely; some EliteBooks may offer better displays or battery, but the ThinkPad’s keyboard and port range are often superior.
- Asus: Offers lightweight options; useful if portability is priority. But many AsusPro/ExpertBooks in similar price tiers cut back on durability or legacy ports.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Outstanding battery life, especially with external battery option.
- Excellent keyboard and typing experience.
- Wide port variety including Ethernet, USB-A, USB-C/Thunderbolt in some variants.
- Business-grade durability and build quality.
- SSD storage gives responsive performance in real-world tasks.
Cons
- Display brightness is only moderate; viewing angles and color vibrancy are limited versus premium panels.
- Dual-core CPU architecture lags behind modern quad-core or more cores for heavy workloads.
- Integrated graphics limit creative workloads or gaming.
- Weight with battery can be bulky compared to ultrabooks.
- Base configurations may come with low resolution or small battery, wanting in contrast and longevity unless upgraded.
Why Buying Refurbished ThinkPad T470 Still Makes Sense
For many professionals, students, or small businesses in 2025, the ThinkPad T470 remains a compelling option when refurbished because:
- Value for money – you get enterprise durability and input devices for far less than newer machines.
- Upgradeability – SSD swap, RAM upgrades (in many models), external battery options.
- Legacy ports preserved – USB-A, Ethernet, full-sized HDMI. Many modern ultraportables discard or reduce them.
- Battery life – especially with the extended external battery, T470 still outlasts many new mid-tier laptops.
- Reliability – ThinkPad’s build, support ecosystem, parts availability make older units serviceable for longer.
Conclusion
The Lenovo ThinkPad T470 is not new, but it continues to stand out in 2025. If your needs are business productivity, typing comfort, multiple ports, and long battery life, the T470 delivers. It doesn’t compete with newer Intel 12-14 gen chips or Apple Silicon in raw speed or display technology, but for its intended audience, it covers what matters: work, performance, durability.
If you’re looking at a refurbished laptop and want proven reliability without paying for features you may never use, the ThinkPad T470 remains a strong choice. With the right configuration (Full HD display, sufficient RAM, SSD, and possibly extended battery), it gives you years of effective service.
FAQs
Q: Is the ThinkPad T470 still worth buying in 2025?
A: Yes. It’s great for office work, content creation (light), remote work, and students. With proper battery and display choices, it still offers excellent value.
Q: Can I upgrade the RAM and storage?
A: Yes, many T470 units allow RAM upgrades and SSD swaps. Choosing NVMe SSD and higher RAM helps future-proof.
Q: How long does the battery last?
A: On standard battery, typical 8-11 hours in mixed use. Using the extended 6-cell external battery pushes that sharply higher (some tests reported ~17+ hours).
Q: How does thermal performance hold up?
A: Good. Under typical office tasks, the laptop remains cool and quiet. Under sustained heavy tasks, fan noise increases, though throttling is modest in most real-world cases.
Q: How does it compare to newer business laptops from Dell, HP, Asus?
A: Newer models often offer better CPUs, lighter designs, brighter displays, and more efficiency. But the T470 beats many in keyboard, port selection, durability, and battery when refurbished at the right price.
