Fujitsu LifeBook T935 Convertible Review

For the original German review, see here.
We now have the LifeBook T935, a new edition of Fujitsu's 13.3-inch business convertible. Outwardly, nothing has changed compared with the former LifeBook T904 model. However, the built-in components have undergone some modifications: The Haswell processors have been replaced by CPUs from the Broadwell generation. Our report reveals whether the LifeBook benefits from the new processors.
The LifeBook finds rivals in various device categories. Of course, convertibles like Lenovo's ThinkPad Yoga 14, Dell's Latitude 13 7350, Toshiba's Portégé Z20t-B are but a few of them. Tablets, such as Microsoft's Surface Pro 3, can also be named. However, even conventional 13.3 and 14-inch laptops, like Acer's TravelMate P645-S or HP's EliteBook 840 G2, are rivals.
Since the LifeBook T904 and the LifeBook T935 both feature an identical build, we will not go into details about casing, connectivity, input devices or speakers. The corresponding information can be found in the review of the LifeBook T904.
Display
The LifeBook T935 is equipped with a 13.3-inch touchscreen. It has a native resolution of 1920x1080 pixels. The laptop is also available with a WQHD touchscreen (2560x1440 pixels). The screen of our review sample has a very low brightness of 192.8 cd/m². Such a low rate is not sufficient for a portable laptop - especially when its screen is glossy. We would have expected a rate of at least 300 cd/m² here. After all, it should be assumed that a laptop would be used in a variety of light conditions.
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Brightness Distribution: 84 %
Center on Battery: 210 cd/m²
Contrast: 836:1 (Black: 0.25 cd/m²)
ΔE Color 3.48 | 0.5-29.43 Ø4.89
ΔE Greyscale 4.96 | 0.5-98 Ø5.1
Gamma: 2.51
The screen's contrast (836:1) and black level (0.25 cd/m²) do not give any cause for complaint. We cannot say anything about the screen's color space coverage because the measuring software crashed every time we tried. The screen's color reproduction is already appealing in state-of-delivery. Its DeltaE shift was 3.48, which just misses the target range (DeltaE less than 3). It does not have a bluish cast.
Fujitsu has equipped the convertible with an IPS screen. The feature of this kind of screen is its wide and stable viewing angles. Therefore, the screen remains legible in every position. However, the screen's low brightness and glossy surface make outdoor use impossible.
Fujitsu LifeBook T935 IPS 1920x1080 | Fujitsu Lifebook T904 IPS 2560x1440 | Dell Latitude 13 7350 IPS 1920x1080 | Lenovo ThinkPad Yoga 14 IPS 1920x1080 | Acer TravelMate P645-S-58HK IPS 1920x1080 | HP EliteBook 840 G2 TN 1600x900 | Microsoft Surface Pro 3 IPS 2160x1440 | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Display | |||||||
Display P3 Coverage | 64.2 | 66.7 | 38.82 | 63.6 | |||
sRGB Coverage | 93.9 | 90.8 | 58.4 | 88.8 | |||
AdobeRGB 1998 Coverage | 65.4 | 66.5 | 40.11 | 65.6 | |||
Screen | 23% | 32% | -1% | 6% | -96% | 12% | |
Brightness middle | 209 | 259 24% | 371 78% | 286 37% | 331 58% | 267 28% | 355.3 70% |
Brightness | 193 | 255 32% | 339 76% | 274 42% | 309 60% | 240 24% | 338 75% |
Brightness Distribution | 84 | 73 -13% | 82 -2% | 90 7% | 82 -2% | 84 0% | 91 8% |
Black Level * | 0.25 | 0.16 36% | 0.27 -8% | 0.3 -20% | 0.4 -60% | 0.8 -220% | 0.33 -32% |
Contrast | 836 | 1619 94% | 1374 64% | 953 14% | 828 -1% | 334 -60% | 1077 29% |
Colorchecker dE 2000 * | 3.48 | 4.27 -23% | 3.1 11% | 5.62 -61% | 4.07 -17% | 12.71 -265% | 4.72 -36% |
Greyscale dE 2000 * | 4.96 | 4.32 13% | 4.65 6% | 6.19 -25% | 4.86 2% | 13.91 -180% | 6.53 -32% |
Gamma | 2.51 88% | 2.67 82% | 2.47 89% | 2.35 94% | 2.49 88% | 2.35 94% | 2.17 101% |
CCT | 6712 97% | 6790 96% | 6986 93% | 5606 116% | 6109 106% | 20099 32% | 6707 97% |
Color Space (Percent of AdobeRGB 1998) | 60 | 59 | 37.2 | 59.37 | |||
Color Space (Percent of sRGB) | 90.6 | ||||||
Total Average (Program / Settings) | 23% /
23% | 32% /
32% | -1% /
-1% | 6% /
6% | -96% /
-96% | 12% /
12% |
* ... smaller is better
Performance
With the LifeBook T935, Fujitsu has a 13.3-inch business convertible in its lineup. It is equipped with a TPM, a docking port, and LTE among other features. Our review sample is available for just under 2000 Euros (~$2244). Fujitsu also has other configurations in the series.
Processor
An Intel Core i5-5300U (Broadwell) dual-core processor beats inside the LifeBook. It is a frugal ULV processor that clocks at a base speed of 2.3 GHz. Its speed can be boosted to 2.7 GHz (both cores) or 2.9 GHz (one core). The Turbo is utilized in both AC and battery mode. The Multithread tests were mostly performed at 2.2 GHz. The processor sometimes accelerated to 2.7 GHz. However, the Turbo's utilization varied in every run, and thus the scores of the benchmarks we performed were different every time. We ascertained rates ranging from 2.47 to 2.71 GHz in the Multithread test of the Cinebench R11.5 benchmarks. It looked similar in the single thread tests with speeds ranging from 2.7 to 2.9 GHz. In our benchmark tests, the processor remained short of its potential because it could never max out its Turbo. We observed the same behavior in the LifeBook T904.
Sunspider - 1.0 Total Score (sort by value) | |
Fujitsu LifeBook T935 | |
Dell Latitude 13 7350 | |
Lenovo ThinkPad Yoga 14 | |
Toshiba Portege Z20t-B-10C | |
Acer TravelMate P645-S-58HK | |
HP EliteBook 840 G2 |
Mozilla Kraken 1.1 - Total (sort by value) | |
Fujitsu LifeBook T935 | |
Dell Latitude 13 7350 | |
Toshiba Portege Z20t-B-10C | |
Acer TravelMate P645-S-58HK | |
HP EliteBook 840 G2 |
Octane V2 - Total Score (sort by value) | |
Fujitsu LifeBook T935 | |
Dell Latitude 13 7350 | |
Toshiba Portege Z20t-B-10C | |
Acer TravelMate P645-S-58HK | |
HP EliteBook 840 G2 |
Peacekeeper - --- (sort by value) | |
Fujitsu LifeBook T935 | |
Dell Latitude 13 7350 | |
Toshiba Portege Z20t-B-10C | |
Acer TravelMate P645-S-58HK | |
HP EliteBook 840 G2 |
* ... smaller is better
System Performance
Thanks to its strong processor and a fast solid-state drive, the laptop runs smoothly. We did not experience any problems. Overall, the PCMark benchmark scores are good, but they lag behind comparable laptops like the LifeBook S935. We see two reasons for this: First, the CPU cannot fully utilize its Turbo, and second, the working memory in the T935 operates in single-channel mode. The user cannot change either of these points because the LifeBook has only one working memory bank.
PCMark 7 Score | 4476 points | |
PCMark 8 Home Score Accelerated v2 | 2743 points | |
PCMark 8 Creative Score Accelerated v2 | 3414 points | |
PCMark 8 Work Score Accelerated v2 | 3905 points | |
Help |
PCMark 8 - Home Score Accelerated v2 (sort by value) | |
Fujitsu LifeBook T935 | |
Dell Latitude 13 7350 | |
Toshiba Portege Z20t-B-10C | |
Acer TravelMate P645-S-58HK | |
HP EliteBook 840 G2 | |
HP Elitebook 745 G2 |
Storage Device
Fujitsu has installed a fast solid-state drive in the LifeBook. The SSD comes from Samsung and has a total capacity of 256 GB. The owner has approximately 200 GB available for use. The rest is reserved for the recovery partition and Windows installation. The SSD achieves good transfer rates. It is a 2.5-inch model (7 mm/~0.27 in height). Theoretically, replacing the SSD would be easy, but it proved difficult in practice. Since the LifeBook does not have a maintenance cover, the base unit's tray has to be removed for accessing the hardware. Even after removing all the screws, the tray still fits very firmly on both sides. Eventually we dispensed with opening the case to prevent damaging it.
Graphics Card
The LifeBook does not have a dedicated graphics card; Fujitsu relies on Intel's integrated HD Graphics 5500. The GPU supports DirectX 11.2 and clocks at up to 900 MHz. The 3DMark benchmark results are in line with the GPU's performance potential. It could achieve somewhat better results if the working memory in the LifeBook operated in dual-channel mode. However, this is not possible because only one working memory bank is available. The LifeBook T904 sister model still features the precursor of the HD Graphics 5500 core - the HD Graphics 4400. The new GPU offers roughly 10 to 20% more graphics power than its precursor. The graphics core is not only responsible for rendering graphics; it also unloads the main processor when playing videos. The processor's load is below 20% when playing a Full HD video (H.264 encoding).
3DMark 11 Performance | 986 points | |
3DMark Ice Storm Standard Score | 39545 points | |
3DMark Cloud Gate Standard Score | 4382 points | |
3DMark Fire Strike Score | 541 points | |
Help |
Gaming Performance
The frame rates in games are lower than a comparably equipped laptop, such as the LifeBook S935 (dual-channel mode enabled), because the working memory in the LifeBook operates only in single-channel mode. Thus, even games with a low hardware requirement provide playable frame rates only in low resolutions and low quality settings at best.
low | med. | high | ultra | |
---|---|---|---|---|
Tomb Raider (2013) | 41.9 | 21.9 | 14.5 | 7.3 |
Thief (2014) | 10.9 | 6.8 | 4.3 | 2.4 |
GRID: Autosport (2014) | 67 | 22.9 | 13.6 | 12.5 |
Emissions
System Noise
The user of the T935 will be spared from any noise. The fan is normally inactive in idle mode. The convertible then runs silently. The fans increase their speed very slightly under load. We measured a noise level of 32.7 dB(A) during the stress test. Many other laptops achieve this rate just in idle mode.
Noise Level
Idle |
| 29.2 / 29.2 / 29.2 dB(A) |
Load |
| 32.4 / 32.4 dB(A) |
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30 dB silent 40 dB(A) audible 50 dB(A) loud |
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Fujitsu LifeBook T935 5500/5300U | Fujitsu Lifebook T904 4400/4600U | Lenovo ThinkPad Yoga 14 840M/5500U | Acer TravelMate P645-S-58HK 5500/5200U | HP EliteBook 840 G2 5500/5200U | Microsoft Surface Pro 3 4400/4300U | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Noise | -10% | -3% | -5% | -1% | -9% | |
Idle Minimum * | 29.2 | 29.6 -1% | 29.6 -1% | 29.6 -1% | 29.1 -0% | 30.1 -3% |
Idle Average * | 29.2 | 29.6 -1% | 29.6 -1% | 29.6 -1% | 29.1 -0% | 30.2 -3% |
Idle Maximum * | 29.2 | 29.6 -1% | 29.6 -1% | 30.2 -3% | 29.1 -0% | 30.4 -4% |
Load Average * | 32.4 | 40.2 -24% | 34.2 -6% | 35.6 -10% | 32.2 1% | 31.9 2% |
Load Maximum * | 32.4 | 40.4 -25% | 34.5 -6% | 35.9 -11% | 34.2 -6% | 44.4 -37% |
* ... smaller is better
Temperature
The CPU clocks at 2.3 GHz and the GPU at 900 MHz in the first few minutes, before throttling to 1.3 to 1.4 (processor) and 650 to 700 MHz (graphics core). These rates are maintained for approximately 30 minutes. The graphics core's speed drops to 500 to 550 MHz, while the CPU accelerates to 2.2 GHz. These speeds then remain stable. The LifeBook does not get excessively warm. The casing's temperatures come close to forty degrees Celsius (~104 °F) at two measuring points.
(+) The maximum temperature on the upper side is 39.7 °C / 103 F, compared to the average of 35.3 °C / 96 F, ranging from 19.6 to 60 °C for the class Convertible.
(+) The bottom heats up to a maximum of 35.1 °C / 95 F, compared to the average of 36.8 °C / 98 F
(+) In idle usage, the average temperature for the upper side is 27 °C / 81 F, compared to the device average of 30.2 °C / 86 F.
(+) The palmrests and touchpad are cooler than skin temperature with a maximum of 31.6 °C / 88.9 F and are therefore cool to the touch.
(-) The average temperature of the palmrest area of similar devices was 28 °C / 82.4 F (-3.6 °C / -6.5 F).
Fujitsu LifeBook T935 5500/5300U | Fujitsu Lifebook T904 4400/4600U | Dell Latitude 13 7350 5300/5Y10 | Lenovo ThinkPad Yoga 14 840M/5500U | Acer TravelMate P645-S-58HK 5500/5200U | HP EliteBook 840 G2 5500/5200U | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Heat | 5% | -1% | -11% | -8% | -3% | |
Maximum Upper Side * | 39.7 | 39.1 2% | 38.3 4% | 43.5 -10% | 41.6 -5% | 37.5 6% |
Maximum Bottom * | 35.1 | 34.1 3% | 34.2 3% | 47 -34% | 41.7 -19% | 38.4 -9% |
Idle Upper Side * | 28.2 | 26.3 7% | 30.9 -10% | 26.7 5% | 30.6 -9% | 28.7 -2% |
Idle Bottom * | 27.8 | 25.7 8% | 28 -1% | 28.8 -4% | 27.5 1% | 30.1 -8% |
* ... smaller is better
Energy Management
Power Consumption
Fujitsu's convertible did not display high power consumption while idling. We measured a maximum power consumption of 5.6 watts, which is a touch less than its T904 sister model. The energy requirement climbed to 38 watts for a moment in the stress test. Since both the CPU and GPU were throttled, the power consumption dropped to 22.8 watts. The power supply has enough reserves with a rated output of 65 watts.
Off / Standby | ![]() ![]() |
Idle | ![]() ![]() ![]() |
Load |
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Key:
min: ![]() ![]() ![]() |
Fujitsu LifeBook T935 5500/5300U | Fujitsu Lifebook T904 4400/4600U | Dell Latitude 13 7350 5300/5Y10 | Lenovo ThinkPad Yoga 14 840M/5500U | Acer TravelMate P645-S-58HK 5500/5200U | HP EliteBook 840 G2 5500/5200U | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Power Consumption | -4% | -21% | -36% | -27% | -9% | |
Idle Minimum * | 2.1 | 2.7 -29% | 4.3 -105% | 3.1 -48% | 3.2 -52% | 2.6 -24% |
Idle Average * | 5 | 6 -20% | 6.9 -38% | 7.2 -44% | 6.3 -26% | 5.1 -2% |
Idle Maximum * | 5.6 | 6.2 -11% | 9.1 -63% | 7.7 -38% | 8.6 -54% | 5.8 -4% |
Load Average * | 24.6 | 24 2% | 14.6 41% | 36.2 -47% | 30.3 -23% | 28.7 -17% |
Load Maximum * | 38 | 24 37% | 16.1 58% | 38.5 -1% | 30.4 20% | 36.8 3% |
* ... smaller is better
Battery Runtime
The LifeBook achieved an idle runtime of 20:17 hours. Rivals such as Lenovo's ThinkPad Yoga 14 (12:17h), are depleted sooner. Idle mode is ascertained using the Battery Eater Reader test. The screen is set to minimum, the energy saving profile is enabled, and the Wi-Fi modules are off. The LifeBook shut down after 1:40 hours of load. We did not perform this test with the ThinkPad. The load runtime is measured with the Battery Eater Classic test using maximum screen brightness, the high performance plan, and enabled wireless modules.
The T935 stopped the real-life Wi-Fi test after 6:08 hours. The ThinkPad (5:25 h) is on par. In this test, websites are opened automatically every 40 seconds. The "Balanced" profile is enabled, and the screen's brightness is set to approximately 150 cd/m². We test the video playback time by running the short movie Big Buck Bunny (H.264 encoding, 1920x1080 pixels) in a loop. The wireless modules are disabled, and the screen's brightness is set to approximately 150 cd/m². The LifeBook managed a runtime of 5:35 hours. This test was not performed on the ThinkPad.
Overall, the T935's battery life is roughly on par with that of its LifeBook T904 sister model. Apart from the idle runtimes, the rates did not really impress us. We would have expected more from a 13.3-inch ULV convertible. Fujitsu does not have secondary batteries in its range.
Fujitsu LifeBook T935 45 Wh | Fujitsu Lifebook T904 45 Wh | Dell Latitude 13 7350 50 Wh | Lenovo ThinkPad Yoga 14 56 Wh | Acer TravelMate P645-S-58HK 54 Wh | HP EliteBook 840 G2 50 Wh | Microsoft Surface Pro 3 42.2 Wh | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Battery Runtime | 4% | 66% | -39% | 27% | 1% | 7% | |
Reader / Idle | 1217 | 1055 -13% | 953 -22% | 747 -39% | 1143 -6% | 961 -21% | 1096 -10% |
H.264 | 335 | 472 41% | 525 57% | 324 -3% | |||
WiFi v1.3 | 368 | 535 45% | 422 15% | ||||
Load | 100 | 120 20% | 278 178% | 113 13% | 112 12% | 124 24% | |
WiFi | 411 | 522 | 352 | 504 |
Pros
Cons
Verdict
The name of the LifeBook T935 does not immediately suggest that it is the Broadwell upgrade of the LifeBook T904. Fujitsu's 13.3-inch convertible features everything that is expected from a laptop: TPM, docking port, LTE. The installed processor is sufficient for everyday use. Unfortunately, it cannot develop its full potential. However, the laptop runs mostly silently and barely heats up. A fast SSD ensures a speedy system, and the input devices are impressive.
Despite the purchase price of just under 2000 Euros (~$2244), Fujitsu's convertible has weaknesses.
The battery life in our real-life Wi-Fi and video tests was good, but it is nothing to brag about. We would have expected a little more from a 13.3-inch ULV computer. The screen is not entirely impressive either. Although Fujitsu has installed a high-contrast Full HD IPS screen, it has a very low brightness.
Fujitsu LifeBook T935
- 05/04/2015 v4 (old)
Sascha Mölck