Lenovo ThinkPad L15 G2 review: An office laptop for 600 Euros (~$680)
In terms of Lenovo's ThinkPad L15 G2, we already took a look at a model with AMD hardware, and we also already tested the slightly smaller 14-inch Lenovo ThinkPad L14 G2.
It is now the turn of the L15 G2 in an affordable configuration, which is already available for about 600 Euros (~$680) with an Intel Core i3-1115G4, 8 GB of RAM, and a 256-GB SSD. While this should allow it to run office applications without any trouble, we don't expect sufficient reserves for more demanding tasks.
Possible Competitors in Comparison
Rating | Date | Model | Weight | Height | Size | Resolution | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 84.6 % v7 (old) | 12 / 2021 | Lenovo ThinkPad L15 G2-20X4S0KU00 i3-1115G4, UHD Graphics Xe G4 48EUs | 1.9 kg | 21 mm | 15.60" | 1920x1080 | |
| 85.1 % v7 (old) | 07 / 2021 | Lenovo ThinkPad L15 G2 AMD R5 5600U, Vega 7 | 1.9 kg | 21 mm | 15.60" | 1920x1080 | |
| 84.8 % v7 (old) | 11 / 2021 | Asus ExpertBook B1 B1500CEAE, i5-1135G7 i5-1135G7, Iris Xe G7 80EUs | 1.7 kg | 19.4 mm | 15.60" | 1920x1080 | |
| 78.2 % v7 (old) | 12 / 2020 | Dell Inspiron 15 5000 5502 i3-1115G4, UHD Graphics Xe G4 48EUs | 1.6 kg | 17.9 mm | 15.60" | 1920x1080 | |
| 82 % v7 (old) | 07 / 2021 | Samsung Galaxy Book NP750XDA i5-1135G7, Iris Xe G7 80EUs | 1.6 kg | 16 mm | 15.60" | 1920x1080 |
Case and Equipment - ThinkPad L15 G2 with Thunderbolt 4
The case of the Lenovo ThinkPad L15 G2 is made of robust plastic and offers a high-quality workmanship. The lid is very resistant to warping and can be opened up to a 180° angle. We did not notice any faulty workmanship in our test unit.
Because of the bezels being slightly larger compared to other laptops, the dimensions of the ThinkPad L15 G2 also turn out slightly larger. At 1.9 kg (~4.2 lb), the weight is also relatively high, but the L15 G2 is still suited for taking it along.
In addition to optional LTE and a smartcard reader, the Lenovo ThinkPad also offers a Thunderbolt 4 port that is integrated into the docking port. This allows you to add multiple connection options to those that are already available.
Using our AV 60 Pro reference storage card, the microSD card reader of the L15 G2 achieves good speeds at 66.99 MB/s when copying and 86.38 MB/s when reading data, which allow it to lead our test field.
On the other hand, with 687 Mbit/s when transferring and 634 Mbit/s when receiving data in the WLAN test using our Netgear Nighthawk AX12 reference router, the transfer rates turn out relatively low.
The webcam has a low resolution of 0.9 MP, which is widespread in current laptops. The image quality is correspondingly low, showing blurry object edges and pale colors.
Connection Equipment
| SD Card Reader | |
| average JPG Copy Test (av. of 3 runs) | |
| Lenovo ThinkPad L15 G2 AMD (AV Pro V60) | |
| Lenovo ThinkPad L15 G2-20X4S0KU00 (AV 60 Pro) | |
| Average of class Office (22.7 - 198.5, n=33, last 2 years) | |
| Samsung Galaxy Book NP750XDA (AV PRO microSD 128 GB V60) | |
| Asus ExpertBook B1 B1500CEAE, i5-1135G7 (AV Pro V60) | |
| Dell Inspiron 15 5000 5502 (Toshiba Exceria Pro M501 microSDXC 32GB) | |
| maximum AS SSD Seq Read Test (1GB) | |
| Lenovo ThinkPad L15 G2-20X4S0KU00 (AV 60 Pro) | |
| Lenovo ThinkPad L15 G2 AMD (AV Pro V60) | |
| Average of class Office (25 - 249, n=30, last 2 years) | |
| Samsung Galaxy Book NP750XDA (AV PRO microSD 128 GB V60) | |
| Asus ExpertBook B1 B1500CEAE, i5-1135G7 (AV Pro V60) | |
| Dell Inspiron 15 5000 5502 (Toshiba Exceria Pro M501 microSDXC 32GB) | |
Input Devices - A good Lenovo keyboard
The keyboard of the Lenovo ThinkPad L15 G2 is well suited for typing longer texts. The pressure point is clearly noticeable, and the layout isn't marred by annoying keys that have to fulfill double functions. In addition, there is a separate number block.
As mouse replacement, a ClickPad and a Trackpoint are available. Bot input methods are well suited for navigating the mouse pointer, and clicks are triggered reliably either mechanically or using touch. In our test, the fingerprint reader also responded well to stored fingerprints.
Display - Full HD in the 15-inch laptop
The display of the ThinkPad L15 G2 consists of a 15.6-inch IPS panel offering a resolution of 1920 x 1080 pixels. At 279 cd/m², the maximum brightness turns out relatively low but is completely sufficient for using it indoors. The brightness distribution is the lowest in our test field at 81%. The brightness control isn't using any PWM, so people with sensitive eyes don't need to worry about experiencing any problems.
In addition to the display used here, according to the data sheet, there are also options for a Full HD panel with a touchscreen and 300 cd/m² of brightness or an HD panel with 220 cd/m².
| |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Brightness Distribution: 81 %
Center on Battery: 279 cd/m²
Contrast: 1213:1 (Black: 0.23 cd/m²)
ΔE Color 5.7 | 0.5-29.43 Ø4.91, calibrated: 4.7
ΔE Greyscale 3.5 | 0.5-98 Ø5.2
41.2% AdobeRGB 1998 (Argyll 2.2.0 3D)
59.8% sRGB (Argyll 2.2.0 3D)
39.9% Display P3 (Argyll 2.2.0 3D)
Gamma: 2.4
| Lenovo ThinkPad L15 G2-20X4S0KU00 LP156WFC-SPD1, IPS, 1920x1080, 15.6" | Lenovo ThinkPad L15 G2 AMD N156HCA-EAB, IPS LED, 1920x1080, 15.6" | Asus ExpertBook B1 B1500CEAE, i5-1135G7 CEC Panda LM156LF-5L06, IPS, 1920x1080, 15.6" | Dell Inspiron 15 5000 5502 BOE NV15N3D, IPS, 1920x1080, 15.6" | Samsung Galaxy Book NP750XDA CEC PANDA LM156LF5L03, IPS, 1920x1080, 15.6" | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Display | 10% | 4% | -1% | ||
| Display P3 Coverage | 39.9 | 43.8 10% | 41.6 4% | 39.42 -1% | |
| sRGB Coverage | 59.8 | 65.7 10% | 62.3 4% | 58.7 -2% | |
| AdobeRGB 1998 Coverage | 41.2 | 45.3 10% | 43 4% | 40.73 -1% | |
| Response Times | -4% | -13% | -22% | 24% | |
| Response Time Grey 50% / Grey 80% * | 40 ? | 40 -0% | 44.8 ? -12% | 45.6 ? -14% | 29 ? 27% |
| Response Time Black / White * | 28 ? | 30 -7% | 32 ? -14% | 36.4 ? -30% | 22 ? 21% |
| PWM Frequency | 1020 ? | ||||
| Screen | 13% | 10% | -5% | -8% | |
| Brightness middle | 279 | 298 7% | 304 9% | 233.1 -16% | 325 16% |
| Brightness | 269 | 276 3% | 285 6% | 226 -16% | 297 10% |
| Brightness Distribution | 81 | 86 6% | 89 10% | 90 11% | 86 6% |
| Black Level * | 0.23 | 0.26 -13% | 0.19 17% | 0.21 9% | 0.445 -93% |
| Contrast | 1213 | 1146 -6% | 1600 32% | 1110 -8% | 730 -40% |
| Colorchecker dE 2000 * | 5.7 | 3.7 35% | 5.2 9% | 5.69 -0% | 3.48 39% |
| Colorchecker dE 2000 max. * | 16.4 | 15 9% | 18.5 -13% | 20.62 -26% | 8.07 51% |
| Colorchecker dE 2000 calibrated * | 4.7 | 3.5 26% | 4.5 4% | 5.12 -9% | |
| Greyscale dE 2000 * | 3.5 | 1.7 51% | 2.9 17% | 3.3 6% | 5.27 -51% |
| Gamma | 2.4 92% | 2.21 100% | 2.14 103% | 2.35 94% | 2.41 91% |
| CCT | 6860 95% | 6588 99% | 6639 98% | 6749 96% | 7769 84% |
| Color Space (Percent of AdobeRGB 1998) | 37.1 | 44 | |||
| Color Space (Percent of sRGB) | 58 | 70 | |||
| Total Average (Program / Settings) | 6% /
10% | 0% /
6% | -9% /
-7% | 8% /
-1% |
* ... smaller is better
Display Response Times
| ↔ Response Time Black to White | ||
|---|---|---|
| 28 ms ... rise ↗ and fall ↘ combined | ↗ 17 ms rise |  |
| ↘ 11 ms fall | ||
| The screen shows relatively slow response rates in our tests and may be too slow for gamers. In comparison, all tested devices range from 0.1 (minimum) to 240 (maximum) ms. » 68 % of all devices are better. This means that the measured response time is worse than the average of all tested devices (20.9 ms). | ||
| ↔ Response Time 50% Grey to 80% Grey | ||
| 40 ms ... rise ↗ and fall ↘ combined | ↗ 21 ms rise |  |
| ↘ 19 ms fall | ||
| The screen shows slow response rates in our tests and will be unsatisfactory for gamers. In comparison, all tested devices range from 0.165 (minimum) to 636 (maximum) ms. » 57 % of all devices are better. This means that the measured response time is worse than the average of all tested devices (32.8 ms). | ||
Screen Flickering / PWM (Pulse-Width Modulation)
| Screen flickering / PWM not detected |  | ||
In comparison: 53 % of all tested devices do not use PWM to dim the display. If PWM was detected, an average of 8705 (minimum: 5 - maximum: 343500) Hz was measured. | |||
Our measurements attest the ThinkPad L15 G2 with a good contrast ratio of 1213:1 and also a good black value of 0.23 cd/m², which are sufficient for a place in the middle of our test field. At 59.8% of sRGB, the color space coverage is also average for an affordable notebook, even though it is very bad in terms of absolute values.
The CalMAN analysis also shows that the colors are reproduced very balanced already in the state of delivery. However, a calibration can still bring some improvements. You can download the corresponding ICC file in the frame above, on the right of the graphics of the brightness distribution of the display.
Outdoors, the Lenovo laptop can be used easily in shady places, but the display brightness is insufficient for reading it in direct sunlight. The viewing angles of the panel are very stable, and the contents can be read even from very steep angles without being distorted and without distorted colors.
Performance - A stabile performance under load
Lenovo positions the ThinkPads of the L series as affordable work devices with a variable configuration. While our test unit is equipped with entry-level hardware, configurations with a more powerful processor or a larger storage equipment are also available. All of these will allow you to perform various office tasks and run applications with low demands on the graphics performance.
Processor
The Intel Core i3-1115G4 that is used here is a processor with two cores from Intel's Tiger Lake generation. It is able to operate on up to four tasks simultaneously and reach clock speeds between 3 and 4.1 GHz. In addition to the cooling system, the configured TDP is also responsible for the actual performance. Lenovo has configured it here with a short-term value of 25 watts (PL2) and a long-term value of 8 watts (PL1).
In our Cinebench R15 constant load test, the i3-1115G4 in the L15 G2 is able to maintain its performance also constantly over a longer period and higher level than the same processor for example in the Dell Inspiron 15 5502.
Cinebench R15 Multi Constant Load Test
The Lenovo ThinkPad L15 G2 achieves a slightly above-average result in most of the separate disciplines. In our test field, it is often able to leave the Dell Inspiron 15 5502 with the i3-1115G4 behind, but it doesn't achieve the values of the competitors that are equipped with the Intel Core i5-1135G7.
When the "Best Performance" power profile is used, the L15 G2 achieves the performance shown here also in battery operation. On the other hand, when you adjust the profile to "Better Battery Efficiency," the Cinebench R15 Multi score drops from 494 to 125 points.
Cinebench R20: CPU (Multi Core) | CPU (Single Core)
Cinebench R15: CPU Multi 64Bit | CPU Single 64Bit
Blender: v2.79 BMW27 CPU
7-Zip 18.03: 7z b 4 | 7z b 4 -mmt1
Geekbench 5.5: Multi-Core | Single-Core
HWBOT x265 Benchmark v2.2: 4k Preset
LibreOffice : 20 Documents To PDF
R Benchmark 2.5: Overall mean
| Cinebench R23 / Multi Core | |
| Average of class Office (1577 - 15743, n=97, last 2 years) | |
| Lenovo ThinkPad L15 G2 AMD | |
| Asus ExpertBook B1 B1500CEAE, i5-1135G7 | |
| Lenovo ThinkPad L15 G2-20X4S0KU00 | |
| Average Intel Core i3-1115G4 (2725 - 3244, n=6) | |
| Cinebench R23 / Single Core | |
| Average of class Office (618 - 1995, n=97, last 2 years) | |
| Lenovo ThinkPad L15 G2 AMD | |
| Lenovo ThinkPad L15 G2-20X4S0KU00 | |
| Average Intel Core i3-1115G4 (1242 - 1319, n=5) | |
| Asus ExpertBook B1 B1500CEAE, i5-1135G7 | |
| Cinebench R20 / CPU (Multi Core) | |
| Average of class Office (590 - 5980, n=96, last 2 years) | |
| Lenovo ThinkPad L15 G2 AMD | |
| Samsung Galaxy Book NP750XDA | |
| Asus ExpertBook B1 B1500CEAE, i5-1135G7 | |
| Lenovo ThinkPad L15 G2-20X4S0KU00 | |
| Average Intel Core i3-1115G4 (961 - 1251, n=6) | |
| Dell Inspiron 15 5000 5502 | |
| Cinebench R20 / CPU (Single Core) | |
| Average of class Office (229 - 766, n=96, last 2 years) | |
| Lenovo ThinkPad L15 G2 AMD | |
| Average Intel Core i3-1115G4 (504 - 515, n=6) | |
| Dell Inspiron 15 5000 5502 | |
| Lenovo ThinkPad L15 G2-20X4S0KU00 | |
| Asus ExpertBook B1 B1500CEAE, i5-1135G7 | |
| Samsung Galaxy Book NP750XDA | |
| Cinebench R15 / CPU Multi 64Bit | |
| Average of class Office (246 - 2642, n=98, last 2 years) | |
| Lenovo ThinkPad L15 G2 AMD | |
| Samsung Galaxy Book NP750XDA | |
| Asus ExpertBook B1 B1500CEAE, i5-1135G7 | |
| Lenovo ThinkPad L15 G2-20X4S0KU00 | |
| Average Intel Core i3-1115G4 (385 - 507, n=6) | |
| Dell Inspiron 15 5000 5502 | |
| Cinebench R15 / CPU Single 64Bit | |
| Average of class Office (98 - 284, n=97, last 2 years) | |
| Lenovo ThinkPad L15 G2 AMD | |
| Asus ExpertBook B1 B1500CEAE, i5-1135G7 | |
| Samsung Galaxy Book NP750XDA | |
| Samsung Galaxy Book NP750XDA | |
| Dell Inspiron 15 5000 5502 | |
| Lenovo ThinkPad L15 G2-20X4S0KU00 | |
| Average Intel Core i3-1115G4 (137 - 197, n=6) | |
| Blender / v2.79 BMW27 CPU | |
| Dell Inspiron 15 5000 5502 | |
| Average Intel Core i3-1115G4 (940 - 1188, n=6) | |
| Lenovo ThinkPad L15 G2-20X4S0KU00 | |
| Asus ExpertBook B1 B1500CEAE, i5-1135G7 | |
| Samsung Galaxy Book NP750XDA | |
| Average of class Office (208 - 1956, n=98, last 2 years) | |
| Lenovo ThinkPad L15 G2 AMD | |
| 7-Zip 18.03 / 7z b 4 | |
| Average of class Office (7532 - 65460, n=98, last 2 years) | |
| Lenovo ThinkPad L15 G2 AMD | |
| Samsung Galaxy Book NP750XDA | |
| Asus ExpertBook B1 B1500CEAE, i5-1135G7 | |
| Lenovo ThinkPad L15 G2-20X4S0KU00 | |
| Average Intel Core i3-1115G4 (11122 - 13422, n=6) | |
| Dell Inspiron 15 5000 5502 | |
| 7-Zip 18.03 / 7z b 4 -mmt1 | |
| Lenovo ThinkPad L15 G2 AMD | |
| Average of class Office (2972 - 6687, n=98, last 2 years) | |
| Samsung Galaxy Book NP750XDA | |
| Asus ExpertBook B1 B1500CEAE, i5-1135G7 | |
| Dell Inspiron 15 5000 5502 | |
| Average Intel Core i3-1115G4 (4497 - 4674, n=6) | |
| Lenovo ThinkPad L15 G2-20X4S0KU00 | |
| Geekbench 5.5 / Multi-Core | |
| Average of class Office (1018 - 11980, n=96, last 2 years) | |
| Lenovo ThinkPad L15 G2 AMD | |
| Samsung Galaxy Book NP750XDA | |
| Asus ExpertBook B1 B1500CEAE, i5-1135G7 | |
| Average Intel Core i3-1115G4 (2341 - 2983, n=8) | |
| Lenovo ThinkPad L15 G2-20X4S0KU00 | |
| Dell Inspiron 15 5000 5502 | |
| Geekbench 5.5 / Single-Core | |
| Average of class Office (510 - 1995, n=97, last 2 years) | |
| Samsung Galaxy Book NP750XDA | |
| Lenovo ThinkPad L15 G2 AMD | |
| Dell Inspiron 15 5000 5502 | |
| Asus ExpertBook B1 B1500CEAE, i5-1135G7 | |
| Average Intel Core i3-1115G4 (1190 - 1352, n=8) | |
| Lenovo ThinkPad L15 G2-20X4S0KU00 | |
| HWBOT x265 Benchmark v2.2 / 4k Preset | |
| Average of class Office (1.72 - 18.7, n=96, last 2 years) | |
| Lenovo ThinkPad L15 G2 AMD | |
| Samsung Galaxy Book NP750XDA | |
| Asus ExpertBook B1 B1500CEAE, i5-1135G7 | |
| Lenovo ThinkPad L15 G2-20X4S0KU00 | |
| Average Intel Core i3-1115G4 (3.25 - 4.1, n=6) | |
| Dell Inspiron 15 5000 5502 | |
| LibreOffice / 20 Documents To PDF | |
| Dell Inspiron 15 5000 5502 | |
| Average of class Office (31.3 - 129.6, n=96, last 2 years) | |
| Samsung Galaxy Book NP750XDA | |
| Asus ExpertBook B1 B1500CEAE, i5-1135G7 | |
| Average Intel Core i3-1115G4 (40.6 - 62.8, n=7) | |
| Lenovo ThinkPad L15 G2 AMD | |
| Lenovo ThinkPad L15 G2-20X4S0KU00 | |
| R Benchmark 2.5 / Overall mean | |
| Lenovo ThinkPad L15 G2-20X4S0KU00 | |
| Average Intel Core i3-1115G4 (0.636 - 0.671, n=7) | |
| Dell Inspiron 15 5000 5502 | |
| Asus ExpertBook B1 B1500CEAE, i5-1135G7 | |
| Samsung Galaxy Book NP750XDA | |
| Lenovo ThinkPad L15 G2 AMD | |
| Average of class Office (0.4244 - 1.135, n=95, last 2 years) | |
* ... smaller is better
System Performance
The ThinkPad L15 G2 also places ahead of the Dell Inspiron 15 5502 in the PCMark 10 test that evaluates the system performance. The overall result also reflects the values in the single disciplines.
In everyday operation during our test, the L15 G2 always performed well, and the system and the applications started up quickly. We did not encounter any micro stutters or similar delays while testing the laptop.
| PCMark 10 / Score | |
| Average of class Office (2463 - 7344, n=88, last 2 years) | |
| Lenovo ThinkPad L15 G2 AMD | |
| Samsung Galaxy Book NP750XDA | |
| Asus ExpertBook B1 B1500CEAE, i5-1135G7 | |
| Average Intel Core i3-1115G4, Intel UHD Graphics Xe G4 48EUs (3898 - 4390, n=6) | |
| Lenovo ThinkPad L15 G2-20X4S0KU00 | |
| Dell Inspiron 15 5000 5502 | |
| PCMark 10 / Essentials | |
| Average of class Office (5575 - 20841, n=88, last 2 years) | |
| Lenovo ThinkPad L15 G2 AMD | |
| Samsung Galaxy Book NP750XDA | |
| Asus ExpertBook B1 B1500CEAE, i5-1135G7 | |
| Average Intel Core i3-1115G4, Intel UHD Graphics Xe G4 48EUs (8205 - 9090, n=6) | |
| Lenovo ThinkPad L15 G2-20X4S0KU00 | |
| Dell Inspiron 15 5000 5502 | |
| PCMark 10 / Productivity | |
| Lenovo ThinkPad L15 G2 AMD | |
| Average of class Office (3041 - 10415, n=88, last 2 years) | |
| Average Intel Core i3-1115G4, Intel UHD Graphics Xe G4 48EUs (6166 - 6488, n=6) | |
| Asus ExpertBook B1 B1500CEAE, i5-1135G7 | |
| Dell Inspiron 15 5000 5502 | |
| Lenovo ThinkPad L15 G2-20X4S0KU00 | |
| Samsung Galaxy Book NP750XDA | |
| PCMark 10 / Digital Content Creation | |
| Average of class Office (2126 - 9773, n=88, last 2 years) | |
| Lenovo ThinkPad L15 G2 AMD | |
| Samsung Galaxy Book NP750XDA | |
| Asus ExpertBook B1 B1500CEAE, i5-1135G7 | |
| Lenovo ThinkPad L15 G2-20X4S0KU00 | |
| Average Intel Core i3-1115G4, Intel UHD Graphics Xe G4 48EUs (3161 - 3895, n=6) | |
| Dell Inspiron 15 5000 5502 | |
| PCMark 10 Score | 4130 points | |
Help | ||
DPC Latencies
In the test with LatencyMon, the ThinkPad L15 G2 shows some slightly elevated latencies with our test configuration. This makes it only suited for real-time applications to a limited extent.
| DPC Latencies / LatencyMon - interrupt to process latency (max), Web, Youtube, Prime95 | |
| Lenovo ThinkPad L15 G2 AMD | |
| Dell Inspiron 15 5000 5502 | |
| Asus ExpertBook B1 B1500CEAE, i5-1135G7 | |
| Samsung Galaxy Book NP750XDA | |
| Lenovo ThinkPad L15 G2-20X4S0KU00 | |
* ... smaller is better
Storage Solution
The SSD built into our test unit achieves good average speeds in our storage benchmarks that are sufficient for a place in the middle of our test field.
| Lenovo ThinkPad L15 G2-20X4S0KU00 Samsung SSD PM981a MZVLB256HBHQ | Lenovo ThinkPad L15 G2 AMD SK Hynix HFS512 GDE9X081N | Asus ExpertBook B1 B1500CEAE, i5-1135G7 WDC PC SN530 SDBPNPZ-512G | Dell Inspiron 15 5000 5502 Toshiba BG4 KBG40ZNS128G | Samsung Galaxy Book NP750XDA Lite-On CL1-8D512 | Average Samsung SSD PM981a MZVLB256HBHQ | Average of class Office | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| AS SSD | 113% | 65% | -94% | -33% | 48% | 123% | |
| Seq Read | 1990 | 2721 37% | 1928 -3% | 1142 -43% | 1780 -11% | 2276 ? 14% | 3492 ? 75% |
| Seq Write | 391.3 | 1329 240% | 963 146% | 199.8 -49% | 843 115% | 1486 ? 280% | 2413 ? 517% |
| 4K Read | 40.67 | 51.5 27% | 48.31 19% | 39.5 -3% | 24.25 -40% | 49.6 ? 22% | 58.5 ? 44% |
| 4K Write | 176.9 | 132.5 -25% | 223.3 26% | 165.7 -6% | 102.2 -42% | 129.5 ? -27% | 168.7 ? -5% |
| 4K-64 Read | 504 | 932 85% | 1043 107% | 461.2 -8% | 369 -27% | 683 ? 36% | 1095 ? 117% |
| 4K-64 Write | 377 | 1856 392% | 1170 210% | 203 -46% | 717 90% | 895 ? 137% | 1623 ? 331% |
| Access Time Read * | 0.067 | 0.038 43% | 0.062 7% | 0.124 -85% | 0.076 -13% | 0.06433 ? 4% | 0.07839 ? -17% |
| Access Time Write * | 0.022 | 0.028 -27% | 0.051 -132% | 0.181 -723% | 0.124 -464% | 0.04793 ? -118% | 0.0678 ? -208% |
| Score Read | 744 | 1256 69% | 1284 73% | 615 -17% | 571 -23% | 960 ? 29% | 1503 ? 102% |
| Score Write | 593 | 2122 258% | 1489 151% | 389 -34% | 904 52% | 1173 ? 98% | 2033 ? 243% |
| Score Total | 1649 | 3961 140% | 3392 106% | 1284 -22% | 1726 5% | 2598 ? 58% | 4263 ? 159% |
* ... smaller is better
Constant Performance Reading: DiskSpd Read Loop, Queue Depth 8
Graphics Card
The Intel UHD Graphics Xe G4 48EUs integrated into the processor is responsible for the display of image content. It is suited for applications with low demands on the graphics performance, such as simple image processing.
The results in the 3DMark benchmarks turn out comparatively low and are only sufficient for the last place in our test field. You can achieve an improvement in the performance by using a second RAM module, allowing for dual-channel operation.
When the charger is disconnected, the ThinkPad is able to maintain its graphics performance, as long as you set the power profile to give the best performance. But even when using the "More Efficiency" power profile, the 3DMark 11 result only drops slightly from 2,972 down to 2,520 points.
| 3DMark 11 Performance | 3031 points | |
| 3DMark Cloud Gate Standard Score | 9268 points | |
| 3DMark Fire Strike Score | 1551 points | |
| 3DMark Time Spy Score | 743 points | |
Help | ||
Gaming Performance
The performance of the Xe G4 48EUs is only sufficient for simple or older games. This means that reduced detail levels and a lower resolution setting was necessary to achieve smooth frame rates in the games that we tested.
You can find out what performance to expect in additional games in our GPU games list.
| low | med. | high | ultra | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| The Witcher 3 (2015) | 30.8 | 21.6 | 10.4 | |
| Dota 2 Reborn (2015) | 75.9 | 36.4 | 23.3 | 21.4 |
| Final Fantasy XV Benchmark (2018) | 15.8 | |||
| X-Plane 11.11 (2018) | 31.5 | 23.7 | 22.3 |
Emissions and Power Management - An almost silent laptop
Noise Emissions
The ThinkPad L15 G2 is very quiet in daily operation, and even under load, the fans take a long time before they turn on. They then produce an even whirring sound, which increases up to a volume of 37.86 dB(A) in our stress test scenario. However, since such a load hardly ever occurs in daily operation, the Lenovo laptop is also well suited for quiet surroundings.
Noise Level
| Idle |
| 25.96 / 25.96 / 25.96 dB(A) |
| Load |
| 25.96 / 37.86 dB(A) |
 | ||
30 dB silent 40 dB(A) audible 50 dB(A) loud |
||
min:  , med:  , max:  Earthworks M23R, Arta (15 cm distance) environment noise: 25.96 dB(A) | ||
Temperature
According to our measurements, the surface temperatures of the L15 G2 increase to a maximum of 53.1 °C (127.6 °F) under load. Since the responsibility for this can also be found in the extraordinary load of our stress test scenario, you should not encounter any problems with warm surfaces in everyday operation.
During our hour-long constant load test, the temperatures inside the ThinkPads briefly increased up to 100 °C (212 °F). At that time, the clock rates dropped below the basic clock speed of 3 GHz, but the cooling system was quickly able to stabilize it at that value, and a speed of about 2.8 GHz could be maintained until the end of the test. You therefore should not have to expect any limitations due to temperatures being too high, even under heavy load.
(±) The maximum temperature on the upper side is 44.4 °C / 112 F, compared to the average of 34.3 °C / 94 F, ranging from 21.2 to 62.5 °C for the class Office.
(-) The bottom heats up to a maximum of 53.1 °C / 128 F, compared to the average of 36.8 °C / 98 F
(+) In idle usage, the average temperature for the upper side is 20.8 °C / 69 F, compared to the device average of 29.5 °C / 85 F.
(+) The palmrests and touchpad are cooler than skin temperature with a maximum of 24 °C / 75.2 F and are therefore cool to the touch.
(+) The average temperature of the palmrest area of similar devices was 27.6 °C / 81.7 F (+3.6 °C / 6.5 F).
Speakers
The speakers of the ThinkBook L15 G2 produce a relatively low volume and offer a wide sound spectrum. This makes them only suitable for reproducing media content in very quiet surroundings, and external speakers are recommended for longer listening sessions.
Lenovo ThinkPad L15 G2 AMD audio analysis
(-) | not very loud speakers (71.2 dB)
Bass 100 - 315 Hz
(-) | nearly no bass - on average 21.3% lower than median
(±) | linearity of bass is average (12.7% delta to prev. frequency)
Mids 400 - 2000 Hz
(+) | balanced mids - only 3% away from median
(+) | mids are linear (3.9% delta to prev. frequency)
Highs 2 - 16 kHz
(+) | balanced highs - only 2.7% away from median
(+) | highs are linear (6.9% delta to prev. frequency)
Overall 100 - 16.000 Hz
(±) | linearity of overall sound is average (20.1% difference to median)
Compared to same class
» 38% of all tested devices in this class were better, 11% similar, 51% worse
» The best had a delta of 7%, average was 22%, worst was 53%
Compared to all devices tested
» 48% of all tested devices were better, 8% similar, 44% worse
» The best had a delta of 4%, average was 25%, worst was 134%
Asus ExpertBook B1 B1500CEAE, i5-1135G7 audio analysis
(±) | speaker loudness is average but good (78.3 dB)
Bass 100 - 315 Hz
(-) | nearly no bass - on average 16.9% lower than median
(±) | linearity of bass is average (10.5% delta to prev. frequency)
Mids 400 - 2000 Hz
(+) | balanced mids - only 2.4% away from median
(+) | mids are linear (5.1% delta to prev. frequency)
Highs 2 - 16 kHz
(+) | balanced highs - only 3.7% away from median
(±) | linearity of highs is average (7.4% delta to prev. frequency)
Overall 100 - 16.000 Hz
(+) | overall sound is linear (14.4% difference to median)
Compared to same class
» 8% of all tested devices in this class were better, 3% similar, 88% worse
» The best had a delta of 7%, average was 22%, worst was 53%
Compared to all devices tested
» 16% of all tested devices were better, 4% similar, 81% worse
» The best had a delta of 4%, average was 25%, worst was 134%
Power Consumption
Our measurements attest the Lenovo laptop with a power consumption of 8 watts on average in our idle scenario and up to 60.31 watts under load. However, this maximum value is only reached for a short time before it stabilizes between 30 and 40 watts.
The included power supply is rated at 65 watts, so it offers a sufficient amount of power.
| Off / Standby | 0.56 / 1.33 Watt |
| Idle | 4.08 / 8 / 8.89 Watt |
| Load |
25.64 / 60.31 Watt |
   
| |
Key:
min: ,
med: ,
max: Metrahit Energy | |
Power Consumption The Witcher 3 / Stress Test
Power Consumption with an External Monitor
Battery Life
In our realistic WLAN test, the ThinkPad L15 G2 is able to last for 6 hours and 19 minutes. With this, it doesn't last as long as other laptops that are equipped with a similar battery capacity.
Pros
Cons
Verdict - A good price combined with a stable performance
Because of its affordable price, the Lenovo ThinkPad L15 G2 can clearly be recommended to all those who are looking for a robust laptop for office tasks and who might want to upgrade it later. The quality of the case and input devices is very good, and the WLAN and storage performance is also at the same level as that of the competitors.
The affordable version of the Lenovo ThinkPad L15 G2 with an Intel CPU offers a very good price-performance ratio.
Lenovo did cut some corners in the storage equipment. Even though at 8 GB it is sufficient in single-channel operation, it turns out a bit tight due to the shared access between the CPU and graphics unit. Here the good maintenance options can bring some remedy, since they allow inserting a second RAM module without any complications.
Compared to competitors such as the Samsung Galaxy Book and Dell Inspiron 15 5502, particularly the battery life leaves something to be desired, and the speakers also don't deliver the best quality. However, those are only minor complaints that don't stand in the way of a purchase recommendation.
Price and Availability
While a Lenovo ThinkPad L15 G2 with an Intel Core i5-1135G7 is listed at Lenovo for $629, it is currently unavailable. Amazon and BestBuy currently offer it for $1049.
Lenovo ThinkPad L15 G2-20X4S0KU00
- 11/29/2021 v7 (old)
Mike Wobker
More articles related to this device
Lenovo ThinkPad L15 G2-20X4S0KU00 (ThinkPad L15 Series)Related Articles
Price comparison
