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Lenovo ThinkPad L470 (i5-7200U, FHD-IPS) Laptop Review

Gray mouse with legacy features. In Lenovo's wide lineup of 14-inch ThinkPads, the L470 finds its place in the lower midfield: below the T series, but above the E series. Why the low-priced business notebook is highly recommended and which advantages it has over the other models, you can find out in our extensive review.

For the original German review, click here.

However, for certain firms and organizations, such as schools and public administration, the most important criterion is the lowest price possible. Here the ThinkPad L series comes into play, which has a significantly lower price than the T series. We have already reviewed the 15.6-inch sister model L570, and today we shall examine the smaller L470.

Our review model comes with a Kaby Lake i5 CPU, 256 GB SSD, 8 GB of RAM and costs 700 Euros (~$814) without Windows 10. In order to buy this model, one must sign up for Lenovo’s Campus Program. A comparable non-campus-program model with Windows 10 (20J4000LGE) costs 850 Euros (~$988). The immediate competitors of the L470 are  the HP ProBook 440 G4, the HP ProBook 640 G3 and the Dell Latitude 5480. In terms of in-house competition, there is also the ThinkPad E470.

Because Lenovo kept the L460 and L450 predecessors design, we shall skip the sections regarding the case, the interfaces and the input devices and start with the display right away. For information contained in the skipped sections, we recommend looking at the reviews of both devices.

Lenovo ThinkPad L470-20J5S00C00 (ThinkPad L470 Series)
Processor
Intel Core i5-7200U 2 x 2.5 - 3.1 GHz, Kaby Lake
Graphics adapter
Memory
8 GB 
, DDR4-2400, Single-Channel, 2 slots (one of the two slots is occupied), max. 32 GB
Display
14.00 inch 16:9, 1920 x 1080 pixel 157 PPI, N140HCA-EAB, IPS, glossy: no
Mainboard
Intel Kaby Lake-U Premium PCH
Storage
SanDisk X400 256GB, SATA (SD8SB8U-256G), 256 GB 
, 220 GB free
Soundcard
Intel Kaby Lake-U/Y PCH - High Definition Audio
Connections
3 USB 3.0 / 3.1 Gen1, 1 VGA, 1 DisplayPort, 1 Kensington Lock, 1 Docking Station Port, Audio Connections: 3.5 mm combined audio jack, Card Reader: 4-in-1 (MMC, SD, SDHC, SDXC), 1 Fingerprint Reader
Networking
Intel Ethernet Connection I219-V (10/100/1000MBit/s), Intel Dual Band Wireless-AC 8265 (a/b/g/n = Wi-Fi 4/ac = Wi-Fi 5/), Bluetooth 4.1
Size
height x width x depth (in mm): 23.9 x 339 x 235 ( = 0.94 x 13.35 x 9.25 in)
Battery
48 Wh Lithium-Ion, removeable, 6 cells
Camera
Webcam: 720p HD
Additional features
Speakers: Stereo, Keyboard: Chiclet, Keyboard Light: no, 45-watt AC adapter, quick start guide, warranty information, 12 Months Warranty
Weight
1.94 kg ( = 68.43 oz / 4.28 pounds), Power Supply: 292 g ( = 10.3 oz / 0.64 pounds)
Price
739 Euro
Sold in
DACH
Note: The manufacturer may use components from different suppliers including display panels, drives or memory sticks with similar specifications.

 

Size Comparison

340 mm / 13.4 inch 237 mm / 9.33 inch 27 mm / 1.063 inch 2 kg4.3 lbs343.2 mm / 13.5 inch 239 mm / 9.41 inch 20.3 mm / 0.799 inch 1.7 kg3.75 lbs339 mm / 13.3 inch 235 mm / 9.25 inch 23.9 mm / 0.941 inch 1.9 kg4.28 lbs339 mm / 13.3 inch 242 mm / 9.53 inch 23.7 mm / 0.933 inch 1.9 kg4.12 lbs334.4 mm / 13.2 inch 228.9 mm / 9.01 inch 22.5 mm / 0.886 inch 1.8 kg3.92 lbs297 mm / 11.7 inch 210 mm / 8.27 inch 1 mm / 0.03937 inch 5.7 g0.01257 lbs

Connectivity

left side: DC power socket, USB 3.0 Type-A (powered), 3.5-mm combined audio jack
left side: DC power socket, USB 3.0 Type-A (powered), 3.5-mm combined audio jack
right side: SIM card slot , 2 USB 3.0 Type-A ports, one Mini DisplayPort output, Ethernet port, VGA port, Kensington Lock
right side: SIM card slot , 2 USB 3.0 Type-A ports, one Mini DisplayPort output, Ethernet port, VGA port, Kensington Lock
frontside: SD card reader
frontside: SD card reader
backside: external battery
backside: external battery
SD Card Reader
average JPG Copy Test (av. of 3 runs)
Dell Latitude 5480
 
131.3 MB/s +76%
Lenovo ThinkPad L470-20J5S00C00
 
74.7 MB/s
HP ProBook 440 G4-Y8B51EA
 
74.3 MB/s -1%
HP ProBook 640 G3 Z2W33ET
 
68.1 MB/s -9%
Lenovo ThinkPad E470-20H2S00400
 
67.3 MB/s -10%
Lenovo ThinkPad L460-20FVS01400
 
61.7 MB/s -17%
maximum AS SSD Seq Read Test (1GB)
Dell Latitude 5480
 
251.9 MB/s +201%
HP ProBook 440 G4-Y8B51EA
 
85.9 MB/s +3%
Lenovo ThinkPad L470-20J5S00C00
 
83.8 MB/s
Lenovo ThinkPad L460-20FVS01400
 
82.4 MB/s -2%
Lenovo ThinkPad E470-20H2S00400
 
81 MB/s -3%
HP ProBook 640 G3 Z2W33ET
 
38.4 MB/s -54%

Communication

There is a small update to the Wi-Fi module to report. Instead of the Intel Wireless 8260 (which was used in the L460), Lenovo uses the 8265. For the user, this makes only a tiny difference, because both Wi-Fi modules are very similar. Both support AC-Wireless and come as 2x2 wireless cards.

Networking
iperf3 transmit AX12
HP ProBook 640 G3 Z2W33ET
Intel Dual Band Wireless-AC 7265 (jseb)
596 MBit/s +18%
Lenovo ThinkPad L470-20J5S00C00
Intel Dual Band Wireless-AC 8265
506 MBit/s
Lenovo ThinkPad E470-20H2S00400
Atheros/Qualcomm QCA6174
413 MBit/s -18%
Dell Latitude 5480
Qualcomm QCA6174
314 MBit/s -38%
iperf3 receive AX12
Lenovo ThinkPad L470-20J5S00C00
Intel Dual Band Wireless-AC 8265
674 MBit/s
Dell Latitude 5480
Qualcomm QCA6174
645 MBit/s -4%
Lenovo ThinkPad E470-20H2S00400
Atheros/Qualcomm QCA6174
621 MBit/s -8%
HP ProBook 640 G3 Z2W33ET
Intel Dual Band Wireless-AC 7265 (jseb)
543 MBit/s -19%

Display

pixel arrangement - Innolux N140HCA-EAB
pixel arrangement - Innolux N140HCA-EAB
backlight bleeding and IPS glow
backlight bleeding and IPS glow

The L470 is offered with the same display options as the T470 and the E470. An HD display (1366x768) and a Full HD display (1920x1080) are available for the base configuration. The similarities between both displays: Both are matte and 14 inches in size. The difference: The HD screen is a TN panel, whereas the Full HD display is based on IPS technology. Fortunately, our review device comes equipped with the Full HD IPS display. One can learn how a typical HD TN panel performs in this E470 review update.

The comparison with the other ThinkPads is particularly exciting because Lenovo has put the same LCD panel from the manufacturer Innolux in all three devices. Even though, all three panels have the same model number, the contrast ratio and brightness vary from device to device significantly. The display of the T470 has a brightness of almost 290 cd/m², whereas the LCD panel in the E470 barely cracks the 230-cd/m² mark. The same panel in the L470, with an average brightness of 256 cd/m², lies squarely in between, the same can be said about the contrast ratio. 

When compared to its own predecessor, the L460, the display brightness has improved, however the contrast ratio has gotten worse. The screens in the HP ProBook 440 G4 and the Dell Latitude 5480 are 50 cd/m² dimmer. By contrast, the Full HD TN panel in the ProBook 640 G3 is 80 cd/m² brighter than the Innolux display in the L470. However, what we are dealing with here is a TN panel.

The Innolux panel does not use PWM and, therefore, exhibits strong backlight bleeding, which is amplified by the IPS glow effect.

259
cd/m²
268
cd/m²
261
cd/m²
264
cd/m²
274
cd/m²
258
cd/m²
241
cd/m²
251
cd/m²
232
cd/m²
Distribution of brightness
N140HCA-EAB tested with X-Rite i1Pro 2
Maximum: 274 cd/m² (Nits) Average: 256.4 cd/m² Minimum: 2.9 cd/m²
Brightness Distribution: 85 %
Center on Battery: 273 cd/m²
Contrast: 783:1 (Black: 0.35 cd/m²)
ΔE Color 6.1 | 0.5-29.43 Ø5
ΔE Greyscale 5.7 | 0.57-98 Ø5.3
62.4% sRGB (Argyll 1.6.3 3D)
40.2% AdobeRGB 1998 (Argyll 1.6.3 3D)
43.71% AdobeRGB 1998 (Argyll 2.2.0 3D)
62.7% sRGB (Argyll 2.2.0 3D)
42.21% Display P3 (Argyll 2.2.0 3D)
Gamma: 2.11
Lenovo ThinkPad L470-20J5S00C00
N140HCA-EAB, , 1920x1080, 14.00
Lenovo ThinkPad T470-20HD002HGE
N140HCA-EAB, , 1920x1080, 14.00
Lenovo ThinkPad E470-20H2S00400
N140HCA-EAB, , 1920x1080, 14.00
HP ProBook 440 G4-Y8B51EA
AUO1E3D, , 1920x1080, 14.00
HP ProBook 640 G3 Z2W33ET
Chi Mei, , 1920x1080, 14.00
Dell Latitude 5480
LG Philips LGD0553, , 1920x1080, 14.00
Lenovo ThinkPad L460-20FVS01400
Lenovo N140HCE-EAA, , 1920x1080, 14.00
Display
-1%
-2%
-11%
18%
-3%
-0%
Display P3 Coverage
42.21
41.6
-1%
41.23
-2%
37.6
-11%
49.46
17%
40.62
-4%
42.2
0%
sRGB Coverage
62.7
61.9
-1%
61.4
-2%
56.6
-10%
74.5
19%
61.2
-2%
62.3
-1%
AdobeRGB 1998 Coverage
43.71
43.06
-1%
42.67
-2%
38.85
-11%
51.1
17%
41.96
-4%
43.72
0%
Response Times
4%
10%
18%
11%
25%
8%
Response Time Grey 50% / Grey 80% *
50.4 ?(27.6, 22.8)
41.6 ?(20.4, 21.2)
17%
40.8 ?(22, 18.8)
19%
43.2 ?(21.2, 22)
14%
41 ?(19, 22)
19%
32.8 ?(14, 18.8)
35%
44.4 ?(20.4, 24)
12%
Response Time Black / White *
30.8 ?(16.4, 14.4)
34 ?(9.6, 24.4)
-10%
30.4 ?(8.4, 22)
1%
24.4 ?(7.2, 17.2)
21%
30 ?(13, 17)
3%
26.4 ?(5.2, 21.2)
14%
29.6 ?(17.2, 12.4)
4%
PWM Frequency
192 ?(90)
Screen
7%
-5%
-26%
-17%
6%
-2%
Brightness middle
274
306
12%
244
-11%
216
-21%
343
25%
215.9
-21%
245
-11%
Brightness
256
287
12%
231
-10%
203
-21%
332
30%
205
-20%
225
-12%
Brightness Distribution
85
88
4%
89
5%
83
-2%
88
4%
90
6%
83
-2%
Black Level *
0.35
0.3
14%
0.37
-6%
0.47
-34%
0.69
-97%
0.22
37%
0.24
31%
Contrast
783
1020
30%
659
-16%
460
-41%
497
-37%
981
25%
1021
30%
Colorchecker dE 2000 *
6.1
6.2
-2%
6.41
-5%
8.98
-47%
9.06
-49%
5.1
16%
6.89
-13%
Colorchecker dE 2000 max. *
13.8
13.6
1%
13.4
3%
14.07
-2%
14.84
-8%
15.6
-13%
17.62
-28%
Greyscale dE 2000 *
5.7
5.8
-2%
5.94
-4%
9.61
-69%
9.87
-73%
4
30%
6.45
-13%
Gamma
2.11 104%
2.04 108%
2.28 96%
2.63 84%
2.5 88%
2.41 91%
2.46 89%
CCT
6419 101%
6277 104%
6101 107%
11265 58%
11115 58%
6856 95%
6857 95%
Color Space (Percent of AdobeRGB 1998)
40.2
39.62
-1%
39.3
-2%
35.9
-11%
47
17%
41.96
4%
40.1
0%
Color Space (Percent of sRGB)
62.4
61.44
-2%
61.1
-2%
56.7
-9%
75
20%
61.15
-2%
61.8
-1%
Total Average (Program / Settings)
3% / 5%
1% / -2%
-6% / -17%
4% / -6%
9% / 7%
2% / -0%

* ... smaller is better

color accuracy
color accuracy
saturation
saturation
grayscale
grayscale
color accuracy (after calibration)
color accuracy (after calibration)
saturation (after calibration)
saturation (after calibration)
grayscale (after calibration)
grayscale (after calibration)

The contrast ratio of 783:1 is considerably better than what competing models with TN panels can offer. However, in the broader field of the IPS displays, this result is average. Straight out of the box, the panel has a slight green cast, which can be remedied by way of calibration. For this, you can use our ICC profile, which can be downloaded for free.

The color reproduction of the display should suffice for office use, however one can forget about image editing: 62.4% of the sRGB color space is a weak result, and the screen reveals itself to be an IPS panel of the cheaper sort. 

sRGB: 62.4%
sRGB: 62.4%
AdobeRGB: 40.2%
AdobeRGB: 40.2%
outdoors (sun)
outdoors (sun)
outdoors (sun)
outdoors (sun)

For outdoor use, 250 cd/m² is just enough, and the matte surface of the display helps as well. In the shade, the screen can be read with ease, however one should avoid direct sunlight whenever possible. The panel is not bright enough to be able to cope with it.

Display Response Times

Display response times show how fast the screen is able to change from one color to the next. Slow response times can lead to afterimages and can cause moving objects to appear blurry (ghosting). Gamers of fast-paced 3D titles should pay special attention to fast response times.
       Response Time Black to White
30.8 ms ... rise ↗ and fall ↘ combined↗ 16.4 ms rise
↘ 14.4 ms fall
The screen shows slow response rates in our tests and will be unsatisfactory for gamers.
In comparison, all tested devices range from 0.1 (minimum) to 240 (maximum) ms. » 81 % of all devices are better.
This means that the measured response time is worse than the average of all tested devices (21.6 ms).
       Response Time 50% Grey to 80% Grey
50.4 ms ... rise ↗ and fall ↘ combined↗ 27.6 ms rise
↘ 22.8 ms fall
The screen shows slow response rates in our tests and will be unsatisfactory for gamers.
In comparison, all tested devices range from 0.2 (minimum) to 636 (maximum) ms. » 85 % of all devices are better.
This means that the measured response time is worse than the average of all tested devices (33.9 ms).

Screen Flickering / PWM (Pulse-Width Modulation)

To dim the screen, some notebooks will simply cycle the backlight on and off in rapid succession - a method called Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) . This cycling frequency should ideally be undetectable to the human eye. If said frequency is too low, users with sensitive eyes may experience strain or headaches or even notice the flickering altogether.
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 18110 (minimum: 5 - maximum: 3846000) Hz was measured.

Unlike with a TN display, the colors do not get inverted on IPS screens. The brightness falls considerably at extreme angles, which is apparently the case with the L470. There are significantly better IPS panels out there, however the display of the L470 is more than fit for work despite its brightness drops.

viewing angles - N140HCA-EAB
viewing angles - N140HCA-EAB

Performance

Lenovo offers its ThinkPads both as pre-configured models in various retail stores and as configurable laptops on its website (one can configure one’s own laptop in the configurator on Lenovo’s website). If one wishes to get the lowest-priced configuration of the L470, then one must order it directly from Lenovo. In this lowest configuration (Intel Celeron 3965U, 500 GB HDD, HD LCD display, 4 GB of RAM), it costs 540 Euros (~$628). The best possible configuration is comprised of a 512 GB PCIe SSD, 16 GB of DDR4 2133 RAM (expandable up to 32 GB), the Intel Core i7-7500U, LTE in the form of the Qualcomm Snapdragon X7 LTE modem as well as the AMD Radeon M430 (2GB) GPU and the Full HD IPS panel. In such a configuration, the L470 costs 1400 Euros (~$1628). As previously mentioned, our review device, with a regular price of 850 Euros (~$988), finds its place in the middle of the field.

HWiNFO
HWiNFO
CPU-Z
CPU-Z
CPU-Z Caches
CPU-Z Caches
CPU-Z Motherboard
CPU-Z Motherboard
CPU-Z Memory
CPU-Z Memory
CPU-Z SPD
CPU-Z SPD
GPU-Z
GPU-Z
LatencyMon
LatencyMon

Processor

The Intel Core i5-7200U is a widespread ultra-low-voltage CPU with two cores and a maximum TDP of 15 watts. Both cores (four threads thanks to Hyperthreading) operate at 2.5 GHz (base clock) and 3.1 GHz (boost clock). For comparisons with other CPUs, look at the “CPU Benchmarks” section.

We simulate a continuous load for the CPU via a Cinebench loop by running the Cinebench R15 Multi-Core CPU benchmark for 30 minutes. During this stress test, we have not observed any drops in performance; the L470 consistently delivers a result of some 317 points.

0102030405060708090100110120130140150160170180190200210220230240250260270280290300310320Tooltip
Cinebench R15 CPU Multi 64 Bit

The maximum result that we have measured in one Cinebench R15 Multi-Core benchmark run was 320 points – not perfect for the Core i5-7200U, which has the potential to reach some 330 points, but it is not too bad, either.

When running on battery power, the CPU can achieve the same performance as when the notebook is plugged in.

Cinebench R15
CPU Single 64Bit
Dell Latitude 5480
Intel Core i7-7600U
161 Points +28%
HP ProBook 440 G4-Y8B51EA
Intel Core i7-7500U
145 Points +15%
Lenovo ThinkPad E470-20H2S00400
Intel Core i5-7200U
129 Points +2%
Lenovo ThinkPad L460-20FVS01400
Intel Core i7-6500U
127 Points +1%
HP ProBook 640 G3 Z2W33ET
Intel Core i5-7200U
126 Points 0%
Lenovo ThinkPad T470-20HD002HGE
Intel Core i5-7200U
126 Points 0%
Lenovo ThinkPad L470-20J5S00C00
Intel Core i5-7200U
126 Points
CPU Multi 64Bit
Dell Latitude 5480
Intel Core i7-7600U
355 Points +11%
HP ProBook 440 G4-Y8B51EA
Intel Core i7-7500U
335 Points +5%
Lenovo ThinkPad E470-20H2S00400
Intel Core i5-7200U
331 Points +3%
HP ProBook 640 G3 Z2W33ET
Intel Core i5-7200U
327 Points +2%
Lenovo ThinkPad T470-20HD002HGE
Intel Core i5-7200U
326 Points +2%
Lenovo ThinkPad L470-20J5S00C00
Intel Core i5-7200U
320 Points
Lenovo ThinkPad L460-20FVS01400
Intel Core i7-6500U
303 Points -5%
Cinebench R15 CPU Single 64Bit
126 Points
Cinebench R15 CPU Multi 64Bit
320 Points
Cinebench R15 OpenGL 64Bit
37.98 fps
Cinebench R15 Ref. Match 64Bit
97.7 %
Help

System Performance

In the PCMark benchmarks that we use to evaluate the overall system performance, our review device does not do particularly well, when compared to the competition. However, these small differences do not amount to much in everyday use.

PCMark 8
Home Score Accelerated v2
Dell Latitude 5480
HD Graphics 620, i7-7600U, Toshiba SG5 256GB THNSNK256GVN8
3913 Points +19%
HP ProBook 440 G4-Y8B51EA
GeForce 930MX, i7-7500U, SanDisk SD8SNAT256G1002
3614 Points +10%
Lenovo ThinkPad E470-20H2S00400
GeForce 940MX, i5-7200U, SanDisk X400 SED 256GB, SATA (SD8TB8U-256G)
3546 Points +8%
Lenovo ThinkPad T470-20HD002HGE
HD Graphics 620, i5-7200U, Samsung PM961 NVMe MZVLW512HMJP
3507 Points +6%
HP ProBook 640 G3 Z2W33ET
HD Graphics 620, i5-7200U, Samsung PM951 NVMe MZVLV256
3414 Points +4%
Lenovo ThinkPad L470-20J5S00C00
HD Graphics 620, i5-7200U, SanDisk X400 256GB, SATA (SD8SB8U-256G)
3294 Points
Lenovo ThinkPad L460-20FVS01400
Radeon R5 M330, 6500U, Toshiba HG6 THNSFJ256GCSU
3092 Points -6%
Work Score Accelerated v2
Dell Latitude 5480
HD Graphics 620, i7-7600U, Toshiba SG5 256GB THNSNK256GVN8
4992 Points +21%
HP ProBook 440 G4-Y8B51EA
GeForce 930MX, i7-7500U, SanDisk SD8SNAT256G1002
4837 Points +18%
Lenovo ThinkPad T470-20HD002HGE
HD Graphics 620, i5-7200U, Samsung PM961 NVMe MZVLW512HMJP
4667 Points +14%
Lenovo ThinkPad E470-20H2S00400
GeForce 940MX, i5-7200U, SanDisk X400 SED 256GB, SATA (SD8TB8U-256G)
4642 Points +13%
Lenovo ThinkPad L460-20FVS01400
Radeon R5 M330, 6500U, Toshiba HG6 THNSFJ256GCSU
4591 Points +12%
HP ProBook 640 G3 Z2W33ET
HD Graphics 620, i5-7200U, Samsung PM951 NVMe MZVLV256
4545 Points +11%
Lenovo ThinkPad L470-20J5S00C00
HD Graphics 620, i5-7200U, SanDisk X400 256GB, SATA (SD8SB8U-256G)
4111 Points
PCMark 8 Home Score Accelerated v2
3294 points
PCMark 8 Creative Score Accelerated v2
4172 points
PCMark 8 Work Score Accelerated v2
4111 points
Help

Storage Devices

The supplied SATA III SSD from the manufacturer SanDisk is an unequivocal representative of the low-priced flash-based storage devices. We have already tested the SSD with the model number X400 in our review of the E470, where it delivered similar results. The Samsung PCIe SSD P961, which can be found in the ThinkPad T470, is significantly faster.

The L470 also offers optional PCIe SSDs – an advantage over the E470, which is limited only to SATA III. However, it should be noted that the SSDs are connected via PCIe x2, which can lead to limited performance with very fast PCIe NVMe SSDs that use PCIe x4, if one puts one of those SSDs in the L470 afterwards.

For comparisons with other SATA III SSDs, PCIe SSDs and hard drives, take a look at our “SSD/HDD Benchmarks” section.

Lenovo ThinkPad L470-20J5S00C00
SanDisk X400 256GB, SATA (SD8SB8U-256G)
Lenovo ThinkPad T470-20HD002HGE
Samsung PM961 NVMe MZVLW512HMJP
Lenovo ThinkPad E470-20H2S00400
SanDisk X400 SED 256GB, SATA (SD8TB8U-256G)
HP ProBook 440 G4-Y8B51EA
SanDisk SD8SNAT256G1002
HP ProBook 640 G3 Z2W33ET
Samsung PM951 NVMe MZVLV256
Dell Latitude 5480
Toshiba SG5 256GB THNSNK256GVN8
Lenovo ThinkPad L460-20FVS01400
Toshiba HG6 THNSFJ256GCSU
CrystalDiskMark 3.0
116%
-2%
-14%
57%
3%
-7%
Read Seq
495.2
1155
133%
476.5
-4%
491.2
-1%
1285
159%
469.4
-5%
480.9
-3%
Write Seq
485.7
1076
122%
458.7
-6%
322.2
-34%
283.6
-42%
264.8
-45%
426.4
-12%
Read 512
323.4
811
151%
346.4
7%
310.1
-4%
679
110%
408.1
26%
361.8
12%
Write 512
291.5
862
196%
291.1
0%
276
-5%
300.8
3%
265.5
-9%
220.9
-24%
Read 4k
34.2
55.5
62%
35.15
3%
19.57
-43%
41.79
22%
24.66
-28%
21.51
-37%
Write 4k
74.3
134.6
81%
78.8
6%
77.8
5%
138.6
87%
114.8
55%
71.5
-4%
Read 4k QD32
321.3
496.2
54%
276
-14%
146.3
-54%
507
58%
380.3
18%
277.6
-14%
Write 4k QD32
188
425.4
126%
178.3
-5%
241.4
28%
293.3
56%
207.2
10%
230.4
23%
SanDisk X400 256GB, SATA (SD8SB8U-256G)
Sequential Read: 495.2 MB/s
Sequential Write: 485.7 MB/s
512K Read: 323.4 MB/s
512K Write: 291.5 MB/s
4K Read: 34.2 MB/s
4K Write: 74.3 MB/s
4K QD32 Read: 321.3 MB/s
4K QD32 Write: 188 MB/s

Graphics Card

There is an optional dedicated GPU, in the form of the AMD Radeon R5 M430, for the L470, however our review device comes equipped with the integrated Intel HD Graphics 620. As an iGPU, the HD 620 has to rely on the RAM; the graphics chip itself has 24 executive units at its disposal. As the standard graphics unit of the 7th generation of the Intel Core i CPUs, the HD 620 is one of the most often tested GPUs on Notebookcheck. Our “GPU Benchmarks” section enables one to compare the HD 620 GPU with many other graphics chips.

The GPU benchmark results of our review device are below those of many competitors. This can be explained easily, Lenovo equips our review device with 8 GB of RAM in the form of a single memory module. Therefore, the system runs in slower single channel mode, which means that the GPU, which has to rely on the RAM, is correspondingly slower. A small increase in performance is possible if one installs another RAM module.

Unlike the CPU, the GPU is limited when running on battery power. With 730 points, it achieves only half of the score it reached when the device was plugged in.

3DMark 11 - 1280x720 Performance GPU
Lenovo ThinkPad E470-20H2S00400
NVIDIA GeForce 940MX, Intel Core i5-7200U
2556 Points +80%
HP ProBook 440 G4-Y8B51EA
NVIDIA GeForce 930MX, Intel Core i7-7500U
2206 Points +55%
Lenovo ThinkPad L460-20FVS01400
AMD Radeon R5 M330, Intel Core i7-6500U
1736 Points +22%
Dell Latitude 5480
Intel HD Graphics 620, Intel Core i7-7600U
1685 Points +19%
Lenovo ThinkPad T470-20HD002HGE
Intel HD Graphics 620, Intel Core i5-7200U
1432 Points +1%
HP ProBook 640 G3 Z2W33ET
Intel HD Graphics 620, Intel Core i5-7200U
1423 Points 0%
Lenovo ThinkPad L470-20J5S00C00
Intel HD Graphics 620, Intel Core i5-7200U
1419 Points
3DMark
1280x720 Cloud Gate Standard Graphics
Lenovo ThinkPad E470-20H2S00400
NVIDIA GeForce 940MX, Intel Core i5-7200U
9501 Points +33%
HP ProBook 440 G4-Y8B51EA
NVIDIA GeForce 930MX, Intel Core i7-7500U
9056 Points +27%
Dell Latitude 5480
Intel HD Graphics 620, Intel Core i7-7600U
8740 Points +22%
Lenovo ThinkPad L470-20J5S00C00
Intel HD Graphics 620, Intel Core i5-7200U
7153 Points
HP ProBook 640 G3 Z2W33ET
Intel HD Graphics 620, Intel Core i5-7200U
6956 Points -3%
Lenovo ThinkPad T470-20HD002HGE
Intel HD Graphics 620, Intel Core i5-7200U
6824 Points -5%
Lenovo ThinkPad L460-20FVS01400
AMD Radeon R5 M330, Intel Core i7-6500U
5210 Points -27%
1920x1080 Fire Strike Graphics
Lenovo ThinkPad E470-20H2S00400
NVIDIA GeForce 940MX, Intel Core i5-7200U
1752 Points +115%
HP ProBook 440 G4-Y8B51EA
NVIDIA GeForce 930MX, Intel Core i7-7500U
1621 Points +99%
Dell Latitude 5480
Intel HD Graphics 620, Intel Core i7-7600U
1027 Points +26%
Lenovo ThinkPad L460-20FVS01400
AMD Radeon R5 M330, Intel Core i7-6500U
984 Points +21%
Lenovo ThinkPad T470-20HD002HGE
Intel HD Graphics 620, Intel Core i5-7200U
818 Points 0%
Lenovo ThinkPad L470-20J5S00C00
Intel HD Graphics 620, Intel Core i5-7200U
816 Points
HP ProBook 640 G3 Z2W33ET
Intel HD Graphics 620, Intel Core i5-7200U
808 Points -1%
3DMark 11 Performance
1540 points
3DMark Ice Storm Standard Score
55477 points
3DMark Cloud Gate Standard Score
5839 points
3DMark Fire Strike Score
771 points
Help

Gaming Performance

iGPUs, such as the Intel HD Graphics 620, are not intended for PC games, just like the L470 itself. Therefore, the poor results in the gaming benchmarks are not surprising. With a second RAM module, the result can be potentially improved. However, even the entry-level graphics card AMD Radeon R5 M430 will not turn the L470 into a gaming notebook.

low med. high ultra
BioShock Infinite (2013) 41.4 23.1 19.6 6.5
Battlefield 4 (2013) 30.4 24.7 16.1
The Witcher 3 (2015) 13.4

Emissions

System Noise

fan noise profile - ThinkPad L470
fan noise profile - ThinkPad L470

At idle, the fan of the review device is turned off, however it is not silent. Unfortunately, the L470 joins the ranks of the devices that suffer from coil whine, which is especially annoying here.

When utilizing both the CPU and the GPU, the fan begins to spin, however, with 35.4 dB(A), it is not excessively loud. Interestingly enough, it works louder under pure CPU load with Prime95, where it reaches 37.5 dB(A). However, this is also well within reasonable bounds.

Noise Level

Idle
29.3 / 29.3 / 29.3 dB(A)
Load
33.8 / 37.5 dB(A)
  red to green bar
 
 
30 dB
silent
40 dB(A)
audible
50 dB(A)
loud
 
min: dark, med: mid, max: light   Audix TM1, Arta (15 cm distance)   environment noise: 29.3 dB(A)
dB(A) 0102030405060708090Deep BassMiddle BassHigh BassLower RangeMidsHigher MidsLower HighsMid HighsUpper HighsSuper Highs2030.829.930.933.42533.731.532.432.93129.829.429.431.24030.527.827.629.25026.727.727.9286325.225.925.325.58025.725.725.426.710025.42625.526.212524.323.824.425.316022.822.121.922.920021.822.421.822.825021.821.320.722.631522.421.120.422.940020.920.319.322.25002221.318.622.763024.622.217.626.180023.521.917.125.1100023.922.916.425.7125025.323.616.227.4160023.52216.126200022.421.116.625250023.221.716.625.8315026.723.716.527.9400024.122.318.128.1500021.320.516.623.5630020.819.71822.7800017.917.618.519.51000017.117.31817.81250017.117.317.517.116000171717.816.9SPL35.433.829.537.5N2.21.91.32.7median 22.4median 21.7median 18median 23.5Delta1.91.31.42.832.532.631.531.132.532.131.730.430.532.133.936.233.335.133.930.630.330.730.630.630.12928.529.130.127.927.627.726.927.926.127.326.826.926.127.226.226.225.927.225.725.225.624.325.724.324.12423.624.323.523.823.22323.523.123.322.321.623.122.523.321.620.822.521.422.320.720.421.420.621.319.119.620.620.721.319.118.520.72020.818.418.32019.119.618.21819.119.920.917.817.819.919.820.717.517.319.820.721.517.617.820.721.923.217.617.821.920.421.618.117.820.419.119.618.118.219.11919.618.318.31918.71918.618.218.718.718.718.518.618.718.818.918.718.718.818.81918.818.818.81919.119.1191932.232.930.630.532.21.71.81.51.41.7median 20.4median 21.3median 18.7median 18.6median 20.4221.91.22hearing rangehide median Fan NoiseLenovo ThinkPad L470-20J5S00C00Lenovo ThinkPad E470

Temperature

stress test (Prime95 + FurMark)
stress test (Prime95 + FurMark)

At idle, the case does not heat up, however under load it can get noticeably hot. Above all, keeping the device in one’s lap can become uncomfortable, because here the temperatures exceed the 50 °C mark (122 °F). We have measured the maximum temperature of 56.6 °C (~134 °F) at the fan vents. 

We conduct our stress test with Prime95 and FurMark. Under simultaneous CPU and GPU load, the system draws 22.5 watts, which is possible, given that Lenovo has specified a maximum TDP of 25 watts. Therefore, our review device can continuously maintain its full performance, with one limitation: After 30 minutes the CPU temperatures reach 80 °C (176 °F). At this point, the CPU throttles down to 2.4 GHz and a power draw of 17.2 watts, until it cools down and then operates at 3.1 GHz again. This sequence repeats itself until the end of the stress test. 

The 3DMark11 benchmark that we ran right after the stress test handed in normal results.

Max. Load
 39.6 °C
103 F
33.2 °C
92 F
29.3 °C
85 F
 
 40.1 °C
104 F
36.5 °C
98 F
34.3 °C
94 F
 
 37.2 °C
99 F
35.4 °C
96 F
33.6 °C
92 F
 
Maximum: 40.1 °C = 104 F
Average: 35.5 °C = 96 F
30.1 °C
86 F
29.7 °C
85 F
28 °C
82 F
33.9 °C
93 F
51 °C
124 F
43.7 °C
111 F
30.5 °C
87 F
47.3 °C
117 F
44 °C
111 F
Maximum: 51 °C = 124 F
Average: 37.6 °C = 100 F
Power Supply (max.)  41.7 °C = 107 F | Room Temperature 21.6 °C = 71 F | Voltcraft IR-900
(±) The average temperature for the upper side under maximal load is 35.5 °C / 96 F, compared to the average of 29.5 °C / 85 F for the devices in the class Office.
(±) The maximum temperature on the upper side is 40.1 °C / 104 F, compared to the average of 34.2 °C / 94 F, ranging from 21.2 to 62.5 °C for the class Office.
(-) The bottom heats up to a maximum of 51 °C / 124 F, compared to the average of 36.7 °C / 98 F
(+) In idle usage, the average temperature for the upper side is 21.6 °C / 71 F, compared to the device average of 29.5 °C / 85 F.
(±) The palmrests and touchpad can get very hot to the touch with a maximum of 37.2 °C / 99 F.
(-) The average temperature of the palmrest area of similar devices was 27.7 °C / 81.9 F (-9.5 °C / -17.1 F).
upper side (under load)
upper side (under load)
underside (under load)
underside (under load)

Speakers

With an office/business notebook, the speakers are not the focus. Windows sounds and video conferences are presumably what these speakers, which are located on the underside, were intended for. These speakers have poor sound and are not fit for listening to music because the bass is missing completely and the speakers are not particularly loud.

While the built-in speakers can serve as a stop-gap solution when trying to listen to music, the 3.5-mm audio jack delivers an impeccable sound to a pair of external speakers or headphones.

dB(A) 0102030405060708090Deep BassMiddle BassHigh BassLower RangeMidsHigher MidsLower HighsMid HighsUpper HighsSuper Highs2034.334.92532.733.23131.934.34027.932.85031.133.16326.834.3802637.410024.935.512524.338.816023.239.620022.144.22502254.831524.759.640019.258.750018.760.263017.361.680017.164.8100016.776.3125016.773.8160016.567.7200016.464.9250016.461.7315016.864400018.464.2500016.563630017.861.3800018.961.9100001855.81250017.655.31600017.954.2SPL29.880N1.342.5median 17.9median 61.3Delta2.453336.432.635.528.436.629.234.626.23225.934.926.138.325.936.924.339.922.741.62245.324.550.52159.519.262.21862.218.668.618.573.420.369.216.56814.66614.962.814.466.514.771.315.160.214.867.11569.915.357.215.257.614.960.914.953.828.879.71.247.3median 16.5median 62.23.18hearing rangehide median Pink NoiseLenovo ThinkPad L470-20J5S00C00Lenovo ThinkPad T470-20HD002HGE
Lenovo ThinkPad L470-20J5S00C00 audio analysis

(±) | speaker loudness is average but good (80 dB)
Bass 100 - 315 Hz
(-) | nearly no bass - on average 15.9% lower than median
(±) | linearity of bass is average (10% delta to prev. frequency)
Mids 400 - 2000 Hz
(±) | higher mids - on average 5.6% higher than median
(±) | linearity of mids is average (8.6% delta to prev. frequency)
Highs 2 - 16 kHz
(+) | balanced highs - only 1.9% away from median
(+) | highs are linear (5% delta to prev. frequency)
Overall 100 - 16.000 Hz
(±) | linearity of overall sound is average (18.8% difference to median)
Compared to same class
» 29% of all tested devices in this class were better, 7% similar, 64% worse
» The best had a delta of 7%, average was 22%, worst was 53%
Compared to all devices tested
» 38% of all tested devices were better, 8% similar, 55% worse
» The best had a delta of 4%, average was 25%, worst was 134%

Lenovo ThinkPad T470-20HD002HGE audio analysis

(±) | speaker loudness is average but good (80.4 dB)
Bass 100 - 315 Hz
(-) | nearly no bass - on average 16.6% lower than median
(±) | linearity of bass is average (8.8% delta to prev. frequency)
Mids 400 - 2000 Hz
(+) | balanced mids - only 4.3% away from median
(+) | mids are linear (6.7% delta to prev. frequency)
Highs 2 - 16 kHz
(±) | higher highs - on average 5.4% higher than median
(±) | linearity of highs is average (13.3% delta to prev. frequency)
Overall 100 - 16.000 Hz
(±) | linearity of overall sound is average (18.7% difference to median)
Compared to same class
» 29% of all tested devices in this class were better, 6% similar, 66% worse
» The best had a delta of 7%, average was 22%, worst was 53%
Compared to all devices tested
» 37% of all tested devices were better, 8% similar, 55% worse
» The best had a delta of 4%, average was 25%, worst was 134%

frequency diagram in comparison (checkboxes can be checked and unchecked!)

Energy Management

Energy Consumption

In terms of energy consumption, the L470 beats every device that we have selected for comparison purposes, except for the HP ProBook 640 G3. The ProBook performs better in every category, whether it is under load or at idle. All in all, Lenovo seems to have done a great job optimizing the L470 for low energy consumption, because its predecessor L460 draws more power both while idling and when under load (which can be attributed to a dedicated GPU). 

With 45 watts, the AC adapter can supply the device with enough power without any problems. 

Power Consumption
Off / Standbydarklight 0.22 / 0.34 Watt
Idledarkmidlight 2.6 / 6.3 / 7 Watt
Load midlight 29.1 / 42.3 Watt
 color bar
Key: min: dark, med: mid, max: light        Metrahit Energy
Currently we use the Metrahit Energy, a professional single phase power quality and energy measurement digital multimeter, for our measurements. Find out more about it here. All of our test methods can be found here.
Lenovo ThinkPad L470-20J5S00C00
i5-7200U, HD Graphics 620, SanDisk X400 256GB, SATA (SD8SB8U-256G), IPS, 1920x1080, 14.00
Lenovo ThinkPad L460-20FVS01400
6500U, Radeon R5 M330, Toshiba HG6 THNSFJ256GCSU, IPS, 1920x1080, 14.00
Lenovo ThinkPad E470-20H2S00400
i5-7200U, GeForce 940MX, SanDisk X400 SED 256GB, SATA (SD8TB8U-256G), IPS, 1920x1080, 14.00
HP ProBook 440 G4-Y8B51EA
i7-7500U, GeForce 930MX, SanDisk SD8SNAT256G1002, TN, 1920x1080, 14.00
HP ProBook 640 G3 Z2W33ET
i5-7200U, HD Graphics 620, Samsung PM951 NVMe MZVLV256, TN LED, 1920x1080, 14.00
Dell Latitude 5480
i7-7600U, HD Graphics 620, Toshiba SG5 256GB THNSNK256GVN8, IPS, 1920x1080, 14.00
Lenovo ThinkPad T470-20HD002HGE
i5-7200U, HD Graphics 620, Samsung PM961 NVMe MZVLW512HMJP, IPS, 1920x1080, 14.00
Power Consumption
-14%
-18%
-13%
18%
-31%
0%
Idle Minimum *
2.6
3.1
-19%
2.7
-4%
3
-15%
2.3
12%
6.64
-155%
3.21
-23%
Idle Average *
6.3
6.3
-0%
5.5
13%
5.4
14%
5.2
17%
6.67
-6%
6.15
2%
Idle Maximum *
7
7.9
-13%
6.5
7%
6.3
10%
5.6
20%
7.78
-11%
6.82
3%
Load Average *
29.1
29.5
-1%
44.2
-52%
37.5
-29%
27.2
7%
30.83
-6%
28.5
2%
Load Maximum *
42.3
57.3
-35%
65.2
-54%
61.1
-44%
28.7
32%
31.7
25%
34.5
18%

* ... smaller is better

Battery Life

48 Wh Lithium-ion battery
48 Wh Lithium-ion battery
charging time: 148 minutes
charging time: 148 minutes

The battery configuration is one of the most important differences between the E470, the T470 and the L470. The E470 has the worst configuration with an internal battery with 45 Wh. The T470 has the best configuration: One small internal battery (23 Wh) that can be combined with an optional (non-protruding) external 23-Wh battery or two larger batteries (48 or 72 Wh) that protrude from the case. Therefore, the T470 can offer up to 95 Wh.

The L470 finds its place in between the other ThinkPads. However, it lacks the internal battery that the T470 enjoys. Instead, it has only the external battery. Therefore, it is significantly more flexible than the E470, however one will have to learn to live with a battery that raises the case by 1.5 cm (~0.6 in). With 23 Wh, the only non-protruding battery is simply too small to deliver usable battery run times. Our review device is equipped with a Lithium-ion battery with a capacity of 48 Wh.

Due to the low energy consumption, the L470 delivers good battery run times in all the tests. Only the HP ProBook 640 G3 and the Dell Latitude 5480 hand in better results (the former thanks to the low power consumption, the latter thanks to the larger battery). However, as already mentioned, one can put an optional 72 Wh battery into the L470.

In order to charge the battery, the system needs 148 minutes, this translates to almost 2.5 hours. 

runtime at idle: 1398 minutes
runtime at idle: 1398 minutes
runtime underload: 130 minutes
runtime underload: 130 minutes
Big Buck Bunny runtime: 647 minutes
Big Buck Bunny runtime: 647 minutes
Wi-Fi runtime: 480 minutes
Wi-Fi runtime: 480 minutes
Battery Runtime
Idle (without WLAN, min brightness)
23h 18min
WiFi Websurfing (Edge 38.14393.0.0)
8h 00min
Big Buck Bunny H.264 1080p
10h 47min
Load (maximum brightness)
2h 10min
Lenovo ThinkPad L470-20J5S00C00
i5-7200U, HD Graphics 620, 48 Wh
Lenovo ThinkPad L460-20FVS01400
6500U, Radeon R5 M330, 48 Wh
Lenovo ThinkPad T470-20HD002HGE
i5-7200U, HD Graphics 620, 48 Wh
Lenovo ThinkPad E470-20H2S00400
i5-7200U, GeForce 940MX, 45 Wh
HP ProBook 440 G4-Y8B51EA
i7-7500U, GeForce 930MX, 48 Wh
HP ProBook 640 G3 Z2W33ET
i5-7200U, HD Graphics 620, 46 Wh
Dell Latitude 5480
i7-7600U, HD Graphics 620, 68 Wh
Battery Runtime
-22%
-9%
-21%
-8%
8%
42%
Reader / Idle
1398
1153
-18%
1043
-25%
1083
-23%
1477
6%
1448
4%
H.264
647
431
-33%
623
-4%
503
-22%
571
-12%
519
-20%
WiFi v1.3
480
425
-11%
438
-9%
326
-32%
414
-14%
523
9%
964
101%
Load
130
97
-25%
110
-15%
124
-5%
151
16%
177
36%
159
22%

Verdict

Pros

+ matte Full HD IPS screen
+ replaceable battery with good battery runtimes
+ conformable touchpad and keyboard
+ VGA port and a docking station port
+ robust plastic case

Cons

- no USB Type-C
- annoying coil whine
- GPU throttling on battery power
- poor color space coverage
- only one year of warranty out of the box
In the review: Lenovo ThinkPad L470, provided courtesy of: CampusPoint
In the review: Lenovo ThinkPad L470, provided courtesy of: CampusPoint

With the L470, Lenovo delivers a budget-oriented ThinkPad that, above all, should be interesting for students and firms.

For a relatively low price, the L470 offers the well-known, superb ThinkPad keyboard, including the TrackPoint. Also in the box: A Full HD IPS display, which cannot be taken for granted in this price category. The plastic case does not feel very high-value, however it feels quite robust and has durable hinges. As a business notebook, the L470 offers a good array of ports. Here one must lament the lack of a USB Type-C port, however this is somewhat offset by the fact that Lenovo still integrates a dedicated docking port. Therefore, one is not dependent on USB Type-C docking stations. What is also good is that Lenovo still equips the L470 with a VGA port, which is a unique feature among the current ThinkPads. For schools, universities and businesses that still use old projectors, this is an important selling point. In this case, the good battery life and the flexibility of a replaceable battery should be appreciated, even if it does raise the device somewhat. 

Lenovo does not make any big mistakes. The most regrettable shortcoming is the annoying coil whine, which is a great pity, because otherwise the device would have been completely silent during idle operation. The GPU throttling, when running on battery power, is understandable. The low color space coverage of the display should not be viewed too negatively with a device intended for business use, but it should be mentioned, nevertheless. Finally, one must criticize the standard warranty period; one year is just not enough.

The price/performance winner: With a low price and legacy features, such as a VGA port, and a replaceable battery, the L470 is an interesting 14-inch business notebook.

Despite these drawbacks, the L470 deserves a recommendation as an attractive price/performance package. Against its closest in-house competitor, the E470, the somewhat more expensive L470 can distinguish itself through a dedicated docking station port, a VGA port and the replaceable battery. However, with the Nvidia GeForce 940MX, the E470 is more interesting for casual gamers. Above all, the L470 beats the HP 440 and 640 ProBooks thanks to the IPS display, because both Probooks come with TN screens. The toughest competitor is the Dell Latitude 5480, which, in terms of price, competes more with the ThinkPad T470 than the L470.

Lenovo ThinkPad L470-20J5S00C00 - 11/02/2017 v6(old)
Benjamin Herzig

Chassis
82 / 98 → 83%
Keyboard
89%
Pointing Device
85%
Connectivity
56 / 80 → 70%
Weight
64 / 20-67 → 93%
Battery
91%
Display
83%
Games Performance
54 / 68 → 80%
Application Performance
84 / 92 → 91%
Temperature
90%
Noise
85%
Camera
53 / 85 → 62%
Average
76%
85%
Office - Weighted Average

Pricecompare

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> Expert Reviews and News on Laptops, Smartphones and Tech Innovations > Reviews > Lenovo ThinkPad L470 (i5-7200U, FHD-IPS) Laptop Review
Benjamin Herzig, 2017-11- 6 (Update: 2019-04-30)