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Lenovo ThinkPad T470s (7300U, FHD) Laptop Review

Serious business. Today we evaluate another T470s configuration; this one features an FHD anti-glare touchscreen and a somewhat more mainstream setup than our previous candidate—with a lower price to match. Find out how well it stacks up against the competition in our full review.

It’s been a couple of months since we initially reviewed the Lenovo T470s, but we left our first encounter already mostly impressed. At under 1.4 kg, it’s a remarkably portable 14-inch machine—but at the same time, thanks to the high-quality construction materials, it’s quite sturdy. The machine is loaded with connectivity options and future-proofed with a USB-C/Thunderbolt 3 port, it features excellent battery life, and of course, a terrific keyboard. However, we did have a few reservations: specifically, high temperatures during any sort of heavy CPU usage and the resulting limitations on CPU Turbo performance, as well as the very high price.

Today’s configuration may, in fact, address both of these complaints. It exchanges the Core i7 CPU (which never saw full utilization in the previous unit thanks to thermal limitations) for a Core i5. The massive 1 TB NVMe SSD has been reduced to a much more affordable 256 GB counterpart. The WQHD display panel is traded for an FHD touchscreen, still with anti-glare coating. And rather than 16 GB of RAM, we’re now supplied with 8 GB—but it remains dual-channel (and it should still be plenty for the average user).

With these modifications comes a welcomed reduction in price to $1,649. We also should hopefully see even better battery life thanks to the lower-resolution display, and perhaps the Core i5 can be fully tapped for a change. Our ever-evolving review process will reveal all of this and more.

Lenovo ThinkPad T470s-20HF0012US (ThinkPad T470s Series)
Processor
Intel Core i5-7300U 2 x 2.6 - 3.5 GHz, Kaby Lake
Graphics adapter
Intel HD Graphics 620, Core: 1100 MHz, 21.20.16.4550
Memory
8 GB 
, DDR4 2133 MHz (dual-channel; 4 GB SODIMM + 4 GB soldered)
Display
14.00 inch 16:9, 1920 x 1080 pixel 157 PPI, 10-point multi-touch, LEN40A9 (R140NWF5 R1), IPS, glossy: no
Mainboard
Intel Kaby Lake-U Premium PCH
Storage
Soundcard
Realtek ALC298 @ Intel Sunrise Point PCH - High Definition Audio Controller
Connections
3 USB 3.0 / 3.1 Gen1, 1 USB 3.1 Gen2, 1 Thunderbolt, 1 HDMI, 1 Kensington Lock, Audio Connections: 3.5 combo, Card Reader: SD, 1 Fingerprint Reader
Networking
Intel Ethernet Connection I219-LM (10/100/1000MBit/s), Intel Dual Band Wireless-AC 8265 (a/b/g/n = Wi-Fi 4/ac = Wi-Fi 5/), Bluetooth 4.2
Size
height x width x depth (in mm): 19 x 331 x 227 ( = 0.75 x 13.03 x 8.94 in)
Battery
51 Wh, 4230 mAh Lithium-Ion, 2 separate internal batteries; 24 + 27 Wh
Operating System
Microsoft Windows 10 Pro 64 Bit
Camera
Webcam: 720p HD
Primary Camera: 1 MPix
Additional features
Speakers: 2.0, Keyboard: Chiclet / Lenovo AccuType, Keyboard Light: yes, 36 Months Warranty
Weight
1.362 kg ( = 48.04 oz / 3 pounds), Power Supply: 352 g ( = 12.42 oz / 0.78 pounds)
Note: The manufacturer may use components from different suppliers including display panels, drives or memory sticks with similar specifications.

 

Preliminary Notes

Since the basic design and some other aspects of the ThinkPad T470s we’re reviewing today remain identical to that of the previous configuration, we will be skipping over some of the introductory sections of this review, such as Case, Connectivity, and Input Devices. However, we will quickly summarize our thoughts on those items here as an introduction.

The T470s features a simultaneously lightweight and relatively sturdy build, thanks almost entirely to the high-quality magnesium unibody construction. The carbon fiber hybrid lid is a bit more flexible than the strongest aluminum or magnesium varieties, but all in all, the device feels reassuringly solid. It packs plenty of ports, including a USB-C/Thunderbolt 3 port which helps to future-proof the machine and which can also be used to charge the notebook in conjunction with Lenovo’s protective “Anti-Fry” charging technology. The input devices remain some of the best on a device of this class, and the new Precision touchpad provides better Windows 10 functionality than previous implementations. Finally, maintenance is easy, with the entire bottom panel removable by way of just a handful of Phillips-head screws.

For much more details about any of these items and some other introductory impressions, don’t miss our previous review of the T470s.

SD Card Reader

The integrated SD Card Reader in the ThinkPad T470s does not accept the full SD card, so it is only suitable for temporary transfer purposes. The speeds we received from our benchmarks (using the Toshiba Exceria Pro SDXC 64 GB UHS-II card) were merely average, roughly on par with those of other competing notebooks. Some machines such as many workstations manage transfer speeds multiple times as fast.

SD Card Reader
average JPG Copy Test (av. of 3 runs)
Lenovo ThinkPad T470s-20HGS00V00
 
79.3 MB/s +8%
Lenovo ThinkPad T470-20HD002HGE
 
76.6 MB/s +4%
Dell Latitude 7480
 
75.8 MB/s +3%
Lenovo ThinkPad T470s-20HF0012US
 
73.7 MB/s
Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon 2017-20HQS03P00
 
61.2 MB/s -17%
maximum AS SSD Seq Read Test (1GB)
Dell Latitude 7480
 
92 MB/s +1%
Lenovo ThinkPad T470s-20HF0012US
 
91.2 MB/s
Lenovo ThinkPad T470s-20HGS00V00
 
90.5 MB/s -1%
Lenovo ThinkPad T470-20HD002HGE
 
88.7 MB/s -3%
Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon 2017-20HQS03P00
 
82.9 MB/s -9%

Communication

The T470s does a fine job receiving at high speeds over wireless (today's configuration still leverages the same Intel Dual Band Wireless-AC 8265 adpater), but transmission speeds (while higher than our previous measurements) are still quite a bit below that of the latest X1 Carbon.

Networking
iperf3 transmit AX12
Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon 2017-20HQS03P00
Intel Dual Band Wireless-AC 8265
580 MBit/s +17%
Lenovo ThinkPad T470-20HD002HGE
Intel Dual Band Wireless-AC 8265
512 MBit/s +3%
Lenovo ThinkPad T470s-20HF0012US
Intel Dual Band Wireless-AC 8265
495 MBit/s
Lenovo ThinkPad T470s-20HGS00V00
Intel Dual Band Wireless-AC 8265
297 MBit/s -40%
iperf3 receive AX12
Lenovo ThinkPad T470-20HD002HGE
Intel Dual Band Wireless-AC 8265
657 MBit/s +4%
Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon 2017-20HQS03P00
Intel Dual Band Wireless-AC 8265
644 MBit/s +2%
Lenovo ThinkPad T470s-20HGS00V00
Intel Dual Band Wireless-AC 8265
639 MBit/s +1%
Lenovo ThinkPad T470s-20HF0012US
Intel Dual Band Wireless-AC 8265
634 MBit/s

Display

Subpixel array, ThinkPad T470s FHD
Subpixel array, ThinkPad T470s FHD

Let’s jump right into the first major difference of today’s configuration. Whereas our previous unit featured a WQHD panel, today we have a FHD (1920x1080) touchscreen—and still with a matte finish, to boot. It’s still impressive how Lenovo is able to effectively cover these ultra-thin touchscreens with a matte coating that is also relatively fingerprint resistant without a noticeable effect on the quality of the picture. The touchscreen matrix is visible on our T470s unit, but only from a specific angle in bright light (see the photo of the subpixel arrangement to the right, as well as our photo in the viewing angles section, as evidence of its visibility). Backlight bleeding was not apparent on our review unit.

276.6
cd/m²
273.3
cd/m²
263.5
cd/m²
276.3
cd/m²
271.6
cd/m²
255.4
cd/m²
248.7
cd/m²
268.6
cd/m²
243.9
cd/m²
Distribution of brightness
LEN40A9 (R140NWF5 R1) tested with X-Rite i1Pro Basic 2
Maximum: 276.6 cd/m² (Nits) Average: 264.2 cd/m² Minimum: 2.93 cd/m²
Brightness Distribution: 88 %
Center on Battery: 271.6 cd/m²
Contrast: 1132:1 (Black: 0.24 cd/m²)
ΔE Color 6.1 | 0.5-29.43 Ø5
ΔE Greyscale 3.4 | 0.57-98 Ø5.3
60% sRGB (Argyll 1.6.3 3D)
38% AdobeRGB 1998 (Argyll 1.6.3 3D)
41.72% AdobeRGB 1998 (Argyll 2.2.0 3D)
60.3% sRGB (Argyll 2.2.0 3D)
40.35% Display P3 (Argyll 2.2.0 3D)
Gamma: 2.12
Lenovo ThinkPad T470s-20HF0012US
LEN40A9 (R140NWF5 R1), IPS, 14.00, 1920x1080
Lenovo ThinkPad T470s-20HGS00V00
B140QAN01.5, IPS, 14.00, 2560x1440
Dell Latitude 7480
LG Philips LGD0557, IPS, 14.00, 1920x1080
Lenovo ThinkPad T470-20HD002HGE
N140HCA-EAB, IPS, 14.00, 1920x1080
Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon 2017-20HQS03P00
B140HAN03_1, IPS, 14.00, 1920x1080
Display
65%
58%
3%
48%
Display P3 Coverage
40.35
69
71%
65.4
62%
41.6
3%
61.4
52%
sRGB Coverage
60.3
95.1
58%
92.3
53%
61.9
3%
85.9
42%
AdobeRGB 1998 Coverage
41.72
69.6
67%
65.8
58%
43.06
3%
62.4
50%
Response Times
-7%
-4%
-10%
-6%
Response Time Grey 50% / Grey 80% *
40.8 ?(22.8, 18)
46.4 ?(20.4, 26)
-14%
40.8 ?(19.2, 21.6)
-0%
41.6 ?(20.4, 21.2)
-2%
41.6 ?(20.4, 21.2)
-2%
Response Time Black / White *
28.8 ?(14.8, 14)
28.8 ?(16.4, 12.4)
-0%
31.2 ?(18.8, 12.4)
-8%
34 ?(9.6, 24.4)
-18%
31.6 ?(18.8, 12.8)
-10%
PWM Frequency
219.3 ?(99)
Screen
7%
29%
-3%
12%
Brightness middle
271.6
327
20%
344
27%
306
13%
311
15%
Brightness
264
311
18%
321
22%
287
9%
288
9%
Brightness Distribution
88
88
0%
85
-3%
88
0%
85
-3%
Black Level *
0.24
0.25
-4%
0.32
-33%
0.3
-25%
0.24
-0%
Contrast
1132
1308
16%
1075
-5%
1020
-10%
1296
14%
Colorchecker dE 2000 *
6.1
6.1
-0%
2.6
57%
6.2
-2%
5.5
10%
Colorchecker dE 2000 max. *
28.6
12.2
57%
7.8
73%
13.6
52%
9
69%
Greyscale dE 2000 *
3.4
8.8
-159%
2.6
24%
5.8
-71%
6.2
-82%
Gamma
2.12 104%
2.18 101%
2.28 96%
2.04 108%
2.02 109%
CCT
6077 107%
6172 105%
7050 92%
6277 104%
5950 109%
Color Space (Percent of AdobeRGB 1998)
38
61.56
62%
65.82
73%
39.62
4%
55.96
47%
Color Space (Percent of sRGB)
60
94.88
58%
92.27
54%
61.44
2%
85.77
43%
Total Average (Program / Settings)
22% / 17%
28% / 30%
-3% / -3%
18% / 17%

* ... smaller is better

It’s immediately obvious that the FHD screen lacks the saturation and brightness of the WQHD panel, and even the latter was merely acceptable in these categories. Our measurements reinforce these observations; we recorded just 264 cd/m² on average (with a maximum of 277 cd/m² in the upper left quadrant), along with a brightness distribution of 88% (the two bottom corners are slightly dimmer than the rest of the screen, but this isn’t really noticeable in daily use). Meanwhile, thanks to a low black level of 0.24 cd/m², we measured a good contrast ratio of 1132:1.

Color reproduction analysis revealed that just 60 percent of the sRGB spectrum is covered by the panel, with only 38 percent of AdobeRGB displayed. These figures suggest a dreary, washed-out picture quality, and that’s mostly what we perceived while working with the T470s. It’s not unacceptable for a business machine, but it absolutely will not get the job done for anyone looking to dabble in regular photo editing or graphic design work. Compared with the rest of the field, including the X1 Carbon FHD panel (56 percent AdobeRGB) and Latitude 7480 FHD panel (66 percent AdobeRGB), it’s the worst of the bunch. This is one reason why, even if resolution isn’t a concern, the T470s WQHD panel may prove a better choice for some users: with 61 percent AdobeRGB coverage, its overall picture quality is quite a bit nicer.

vs. sRGB
vs. sRGB
vs. AdobeRGB
vs. AdobeRGB
vs. T470s WQHD
vs. T470s WQHD
vs. Latitude 7480
vs. Latitude 7480

CalMAN measurements were a bit more positive. We recorded a Greyscale DeltaE2000 of 3.4, much lower than the WQHD panel’s 8.8. The Colorchecker DeltaE was consistent at 6.1, which isn’t great, but isn’t terrible, either. This value is driven quite a bit higher by wayward blue and magenta values; most of the rest of the colors are much closer to normal. The Total Gamma value of 2.12 isn’t too far off the mark (ideal: 2.4), and the panel color temperature of 6077K is just a bit on the warm side (ideal: 6500K).

Color analysis (pre-calibration)
Color analysis (pre-calibration)
Saturation sweeps (pre-calibration)
Saturation sweeps (pre-calibration)
Grayscale analysis (pre-calibration)
Grayscale analysis (pre-calibration)
Color analysis (post-calibration)
Color analysis (post-calibration)
Saturation sweeps (post-calibration)
Saturation sweeps (post-calibration)
Grayscale analysis (post-calibration)
Grayscale analysis (post-calibration)

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
28.8 ms ... rise ↗ and fall ↘ combined↗ 14.8 ms rise
↘ 14 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. » 72 % 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
40.8 ms ... rise ↗ and fall ↘ combined↗ 22.8 ms rise
↘ 18 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. » 59 % 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 detected 219.3 Hz ≤ 99 % brightness setting

The display backlight flickers at 219.3 Hz (worst case, e.g., utilizing PWM) Flickering detected at a brightness setting of 99 % and below. There should be no flickering or PWM above this brightness setting.

The frequency of 219.3 Hz is relatively low, so sensitive users will likely notice flickering and experience eyestrain at the stated brightness setting and below.

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.

We were distraught to discover that the FHD panel leverages PWM to manage brightness at all levels below maximum—a disappointing deficiency for a ThinkPad. Because of this, combined with the previously-mentioned brightness and color shortcomings, the WQHD model may make more sense to many users (provided the cost isn’t an issue).

Outdoors, the screen is relatively comfortable in the shade. In sunnier environments, the weak brightness combined with the touchscreen matrix (only visible in very bright light and from specific angles) makes usage more difficult. Regardless, viewing angles in all but the brightest of environments are still as good as just about any other IPS display.

Visibility in the sun
Visibility in the sun
Visibility in the shade
Visibility in the shade
The touchscreen matrix is visible in bright light
The touchscreen matrix is visible in bright light
Wide IPS viewing angles
Wide IPS viewing angles

Performance

A range of 7th-generation Intel Kaby Lake CPUs are available in the T470s, along with up to 16 GB of RAM and a variety of solid-state storage options. While our previous review unit was decked out with the top-of-the-line Core i7 CPU, 16 GB of RAM, and a massive 1 TB NVMe SSD, today’s configuration features a much more modest Core i5, 8 GB of dual-channel memory, and a 256 GB NVMe SSD. This configuration is perfectly adequate for the average user (and should remain so for the reasonable life of the machine). However, it is worth noting that if it’s ever a possibility that more RAM might be desirable down the road, it would be a good idea to preconfigure this from the factory; since one of the two SODIMMs is permanently soldered to the board, the maximum amount of memory (and especially the maximum possible for dual-channel operation) is directly determined by the configuration that the user selects upon initial purchase.

Performance while operating on battery power remains appreciably lower; we recorded a score of 1080 in 3DMark 11 (versus 1578 while plugged in). LatencyMon reports no problems with DPC latencies, suggesting that real-time audio and video streaming should be possible on this machine without any issues.

CPU-Z CPU
CPU-Z CPU
CPU-Z Caches
CPU-Z Caches
CPU-Z Mainboard
CPU-Z Mainboard
CPU-Z Memory
CPU-Z Memory
CPU-Z RAM SPD
CPU-Z RAM SPD
GPU-Z
GPU-Z
SPECviewperf 12
SPECviewperf 12
LatencyMon
LatencyMon

Processor

While we lamented the inability of our previous T470s to exploit the full potential of the Core i7 CPU’s Turbo frequencies, its performance was still very good overall considering its size. The limiting factor was operating temperatures, hamstrung by a relatively weak cooling system and compounded by conservative thermal limits set in the firmware. We have no reason to expect that this has changed with the Intel Core i5-7300U installed in today’s review unit, but perhaps the gap between the two CPUs isn’t as pronounced as one might expect given the thermal constraints.

And, as it turns out, this is precisely the case. Although the Core i7 still wins out in shorter-term single-core tests (such as the Cinebench R11.5/R15 single-core CPU benchmark), the Core i5 actually completed the lengthier Super Pi benchmark 4 seconds ahead of the Core i7. Multi-core tests are just as illuminating: in both Cinebench R11.5 and R15 multi-CPU, the two T470s models are within 1 percent of each other in terms of overall performance.

What this means is precisely what we had theorized before: for most people, the Core i7 option in the T470s really doesn’t add much raw performance—again, thanks to the thermal constraints and the conservative limitations imposed on the CPU by the firmware. The Core i5-7300U in today’s review unit provides a much more affordable and balanced option.

Our Cinebench loop test (a relatively new addition to our repertoire) revealed no significant drops in performance over a long period of time (a series of several dozen consecutive runs of Cinebench R15 multi-CPU). This suggests that, unlike the Core i7-equipped T470s we reviewed previously, this configuration should have no problems maintaining CPU performance in real-world applications over a sustained period.

On the other hand, performance while operating unplugged is considerably below that while connected to an outlet. This problem is not as severe as it was on the WQHD model we reviewed, but it still exists: we recorded roughly 2.4 to 2.6 GHz while running CB R15 multi-CPU. It doesn’t appear that the CPU ever reaches anything above base frequency (2.6 GHz). However it also isn’t far below it (we saw 2.3 GHz once for a moment, but for the most part it’s close to 2.6 GHz). In single-CPU it does go above 2.6 GHz momentarily on occasion, to 2.7 GHz and even very briefly to 3.1 GHz. But it’s still by and large at or around 2.6 GHz.

Cinebench R11.5
Cinebench R11.5
Cinebench R15
Cinebench R15
Cinebench R15
CPU Single 64Bit
Lenovo ThinkPad T470s-20HGS00V00
Intel Core i7-7600U
162 Points +13%
Dell Latitude 7480
Intel Core i7-7600U
162 Points +13%
Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon 2017-20HQS03P00
Intel Core i7-7500U
143 Points 0%
Lenovo ThinkPad T470s-20HF0012US
Intel Core i5-7300U
143 Points
Lenovo ThinkPad T470-20HD002HGE
Intel Core i5-7200U
126 Points -12%
CPU Multi 64Bit
Lenovo ThinkPad T470s-20HF0012US
Intel Core i5-7300U
369 Points
Lenovo ThinkPad T470s-20HGS00V00
Intel Core i7-7600U
368 Points 0%
Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon 2017-20HQS03P00
Intel Core i7-7500U
360 Points -2%
Dell Latitude 7480
Intel Core i7-7600U
343 Points -7%
Lenovo ThinkPad T470-20HD002HGE
Intel Core i5-7200U
326 Points -12%
Cinebench R11.5
CPU Single 64Bit
Lenovo ThinkPad T470s-20HGS00V00
Intel Core i7-7600U
1.86 Points +17%
Dell Latitude 7480
Intel Core i7-7600U
1.85 Points +16%
Lenovo ThinkPad T470s-20HF0012US
Intel Core i5-7300U
1.59 Points
Lenovo ThinkPad T470-20HD002HGE
Intel Core i5-7200U
1.46 Points -8%
CPU Multi 64Bit
Lenovo ThinkPad T470s-20HGS00V00
Intel Core i7-7600U
4.16 Points +1%
Lenovo ThinkPad T470s-20HF0012US
Intel Core i5-7300U
4.13 Points
Dell Latitude 7480
Intel Core i7-7600U
3.78 Points -8%
Lenovo ThinkPad T470-20HD002HGE
Intel Core i5-7200U
3.67 Points -11%
wPrime 2.10 - 1024m
Dell Latitude 7480
Intel Core i7-7600U
484.3 s * -8%
Lenovo ThinkPad T470s-20HF0012US
Intel Core i5-7300U
446.9 s *
Lenovo ThinkPad T470s-20HGS00V00
Intel Core i7-7600U
441.7 s * +1%

* ... smaller is better

Cinebench R11.5 CPU Single 64Bit
1.59 Points
Cinebench R11.5 CPU Multi 64Bit
4.13 Points
Cinebench R11.5 OpenGL 64Bit
35.82 fps
Cinebench R15 CPU Single 64Bit
143 Points
Cinebench R15 CPU Multi 64Bit
369 Points
Cinebench R15 OpenGL 64Bit
46.4 fps
Cinebench R15 Ref. Match 64Bit
97.7 %
Help
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Cinebench R15 CPU Single 64 Bit

System Performance

The ThinkPad T470s FHD posts strong numbers across the board in our PCMark 8 System Performance tests, within a few percentage points of the top in every scenario. Subjectively, it certainly feels fast, too: we never encountered stutters, hiccups, or any sort of unexpected hangs, applications invariably launched within seconds, and boot times were lightning quick.

PCMark 8 Home Accelerated v2
PCMark 8 Home Accelerated v2
PCMark 8 Creative Accelerated v2
PCMark 8 Creative Accelerated v2
PCMark 8 Work Accelerated v2
PCMark 8 Work Accelerated v2
PCMark 8
Home Score Accelerated v2
Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon 2017-20HQS03P00
HD Graphics 620, i7-7500U, Samsung PM961 NVMe MZVLW512HMJP
4025 Points +1%
Lenovo ThinkPad T470s-20HF0012US
HD Graphics 620, i5-7300U, Samsung PM961 MZVLW256HEHP
3987 Points
Dell Latitude 7480
HD Graphics 620, i7-7600U, Intel SSDSCKKF256H6
3985 Points 0%
Lenovo ThinkPad T470s-20HGS00V00
HD Graphics 620, i7-7600U, Samsung SSD PM961 1TB M.2 PCIe 3.0 x4 NVMe (MZVLW1T0)
3968 Points 0%
Lenovo ThinkPad T470-20HD002HGE
HD Graphics 620, i5-7200U, Samsung PM961 NVMe MZVLW512HMJP
3507 Points -12%
Work Score Accelerated v2
Dell Latitude 7480
HD Graphics 620, i7-7600U, Intel SSDSCKKF256H6
5052 Points +1%
Lenovo ThinkPad T470s-20HF0012US
HD Graphics 620, i5-7300U, Samsung PM961 MZVLW256HEHP
4999 Points
Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon 2017-20HQS03P00
HD Graphics 620, i7-7500U, Samsung PM961 NVMe MZVLW512HMJP
4978 Points 0%
Lenovo ThinkPad T470s-20HGS00V00
HD Graphics 620, i7-7600U, Samsung SSD PM961 1TB M.2 PCIe 3.0 x4 NVMe (MZVLW1T0)
4856 Points -3%
Lenovo ThinkPad T470-20HD002HGE
HD Graphics 620, i5-7200U, Samsung PM961 NVMe MZVLW512HMJP
4667 Points -7%
Creative Score Accelerated v2
Lenovo ThinkPad T470s-20HGS00V00
HD Graphics 620, i7-7600U, Samsung SSD PM961 1TB M.2 PCIe 3.0 x4 NVMe (MZVLW1T0)
5050 Points +3%
Dell Latitude 7480
HD Graphics 620, i7-7600U, Intel SSDSCKKF256H6
4981 Points +1%
Lenovo ThinkPad T470s-20HF0012US
HD Graphics 620, i5-7300U, Samsung PM961 MZVLW256HEHP
4910 Points
Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon 2017-20HQS03P00
HD Graphics 620, i7-7500U, Samsung PM961 NVMe MZVLW512HMJP
4874 Points -1%
Lenovo ThinkPad T470-20HD002HGE
HD Graphics 620, i5-7200U, Samsung PM961 NVMe MZVLW512HMJP
4347 Points -11%
PCMark 8 Home Score Accelerated v2
3987 points
PCMark 8 Creative Score Accelerated v2
4910 points
PCMark 8 Work Score Accelerated v2
4999 points
Help

Storage Devices

Our T470s configuration today includes a 256 GB NVMe SSD, 75% smaller than the massive 1 TB option we received in our first review candidate. The drive is still a Samsung PM961 model, and its performance is comparable as well. As usual, in order to provoke accurate values in AS SSD especially, we were forced to manually download and upgrade the storage driver to the Samsung NVMe driver (version 2.2).

The internal SSD can be easily replaced later following the removal of just the bottom cover. For much more information on maintenance and upgrades for the T470s, don’t miss our previous review, where we covered these items in depth.

AS SSD
AS SSD
CrystalDiskMark
CrystalDiskMark
HD Tune
HD Tune
AS SSD Copy Benchmark
AS SSD Copy Benchmark
PCMark 8 Storage Accelerated v2
PCMark 8 Storage Accelerated v2
The internal NVMe SSD
The internal NVMe SSD
Lenovo ThinkPad T470s-20HF0012US
Samsung PM961 MZVLW256HEHP
Lenovo ThinkPad T470s-20HGS00V00
Samsung SSD PM961 1TB M.2 PCIe 3.0 x4 NVMe (MZVLW1T0)
Dell Latitude 7480
Intel SSDSCKKF256H6
Lenovo ThinkPad T470-20HD002HGE
Samsung PM961 NVMe MZVLW512HMJP
Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon 2017-20HQS03P00
Samsung PM961 NVMe MZVLW512HMJP
CrystalDiskMark 3.0
12%
-56%
-10%
10%
Read Seq
1399
1760
26%
486.5
-65%
1155
-17%
1827
31%
Write Seq
1213
1666
37%
418.6
-65%
1076
-11%
1383
14%
Read 512
831
832
0%
354.3
-57%
811
-2%
814
-2%
Write 512
856
1064
24%
306.8
-64%
862
1%
1098
28%
Read 4k
60.7
53.2
-12%
29.25
-52%
55.5
-9%
61
0%
Write 4k
159.2
167.4
5%
90.5
-43%
134.6
-15%
172.2
8%
Read 4k QD32
580
630
9%
280.2
-52%
496.2
-14%
601
4%
Write 4k QD32
499.4
533
7%
252.8
-49%
425.4
-15%
495.6
-1%
Samsung PM961 MZVLW256HEHP
Transfer Rate Minimum: 1354 MB/s
Transfer Rate Maximum: 1572 MB/s
Transfer Rate Average: 1518 MB/s
Access Time: 0.1 ms
Burst Rate: 291 MB/s
CPU Usage: 7.9 %

GPU Performance

The ThinkPad T470s only offers integrated GPU options—specifically, Intel HD Graphics 620, which is a part of the ULV Kaby Lake CPU package which powers all of the possible configurations. Unlike the CPU performance idiosyncrasies, however, GPU performance is one area in which the more power Core i7 CPU does seem to provide tangible benefits with few strings attached. In 3DMark 11 Performance GPU, the Core i7 T470s musters a 13% higher score of 1777 points (versus today’s Core i5 model, for which we recorded 1578 points). This helps the former to a 21% victory margin over the Core i5-7300U configuration’s 1494 in Performance Combined. In 3DMark Fire Strike, once again, a gap of 13% separates the two competitors, along with a 10% difference in Cloud Gate.

3DMark 06
3DMark 06
3DMark 11
3DMark 11
3DMark
3DMark
3DMark 11
1280x720 Performance GPU
Lenovo ThinkPad T470s-20HGS00V00
Intel HD Graphics 620, i7-7600U
1777 Points +13%
Dell Latitude 7480
Intel HD Graphics 620, i7-7600U
1648 Points +4%
Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon 2017-20HQS03P00
Intel HD Graphics 620, i7-7500U
1641 Points +4%
Lenovo ThinkPad T470s-20HF0012US
Intel HD Graphics 620, i5-7300U
1578 Points
Lenovo ThinkPad T470-20HD002HGE
Intel HD Graphics 620, i5-7200U
1432 Points -9%
1280x720 Performance Combined
Lenovo ThinkPad T470s-20HGS00V00
Intel HD Graphics 620, i7-7600U
1811 Points +21%
Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon 2017-20HQS03P00
Intel HD Graphics 620, i7-7500U
1653 Points +11%
Dell Latitude 7480
Intel HD Graphics 620, i7-7600U
1530 Points +2%
Lenovo ThinkPad T470s-20HF0012US
Intel HD Graphics 620, i5-7300U
1494 Points
Lenovo ThinkPad T470-20HD002HGE
Intel HD Graphics 620, i5-7200U
1207 Points -19%
3DMark
1280x720 Cloud Gate Standard Graphics
Lenovo ThinkPad T470s-20HGS00V00
Intel HD Graphics 620, i7-7600U
9610 Points +10%
Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon 2017-20HQS03P00
Intel HD Graphics 620, i7-7500U
8971 Points +3%
Lenovo ThinkPad T470s-20HF0012US
Intel HD Graphics 620, i5-7300U
8725 Points
Dell Latitude 7480
Intel HD Graphics 620, i7-7600U
8555 Points -2%
Lenovo ThinkPad T470-20HD002HGE
Intel HD Graphics 620, i5-7200U
6824 Points -22%
1920x1080 Fire Strike Graphics
Lenovo ThinkPad T470s-20HGS00V00
Intel HD Graphics 620, i7-7600U
1176 Points +13%
Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon 2017-20HQS03P00
Intel HD Graphics 620, i7-7500U
1093 Points +5%
Lenovo ThinkPad T470s-20HF0012US
Intel HD Graphics 620, i5-7300U
1044 Points
Dell Latitude 7480
Intel HD Graphics 620, i7-7600U
1008 Points -3%
Lenovo ThinkPad T470-20HD002HGE
Intel HD Graphics 620, i5-7200U
818 Points -22%
1920x1080 Ice Storm Extreme Graphics
Dell Latitude 7480
Intel HD Graphics 620, i7-7600U
48374 Points
3DMark 06 Standard Score
9671 points
3DMark 11 Performance
1741 points
3DMark Ice Storm Standard Score
67756 points
3DMark Cloud Gate Standard Score
6945 points
3DMark Fire Strike Score
971 points
Help

Gaming Performance

The T470s fares a bit better on our actual gaming performance tests, with a 54.6 fps recorded at low settings in BioShock Infinite. However, it’s important to keep in mind that this is a game from 2011, and that the Low settings also imply a resolution of 1280x720. Newer games or higher resolutions and settings will quickly overwhelm the T470s and its integrated ULV GPU.

BioShock Infinite
1280x720 Very Low Preset (sort by value)
Lenovo ThinkPad T470s-20HF0012US
HD Graphics 620, i5-7300U, Samsung PM961 MZVLW256HEHP
54.6 fps
Lenovo ThinkPad T470s-20HGS00V00
HD Graphics 620, i7-7600U, Samsung SSD PM961 1TB M.2 PCIe 3.0 x4 NVMe (MZVLW1T0)
47.1 fps -14%
Dell Latitude 7480
HD Graphics 620, i7-7600U, Intel SSDSCKKF256H6
54.5 fps 0%
Lenovo ThinkPad T470-20HD002HGE
HD Graphics 620, i5-7200U, Samsung PM961 NVMe MZVLW512HMJP
40.5 fps -26%
Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon 2017-20HQS03P00
HD Graphics 620, i7-7500U, Samsung PM961 NVMe MZVLW512HMJP
59.2 fps +8%
1366x768 Medium Preset (sort by value)
Lenovo ThinkPad T470s-20HF0012US
HD Graphics 620, i5-7300U, Samsung PM961 MZVLW256HEHP
31.7 fps
Lenovo ThinkPad T470s-20HGS00V00
HD Graphics 620, i7-7600U, Samsung SSD PM961 1TB M.2 PCIe 3.0 x4 NVMe (MZVLW1T0)
26.7 fps -16%
Dell Latitude 7480
HD Graphics 620, i7-7600U, Intel SSDSCKKF256H6
31.6 fps 0%
Lenovo ThinkPad T470-20HD002HGE
HD Graphics 620, i5-7200U, Samsung PM961 NVMe MZVLW512HMJP
23.9 fps -25%
Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon 2017-20HQS03P00
HD Graphics 620, i7-7500U, Samsung PM961 NVMe MZVLW512HMJP
31.4 fps -1%
1366x768 High Preset (sort by value)
Lenovo ThinkPad T470s-20HF0012US
HD Graphics 620, i5-7300U, Samsung PM961 MZVLW256HEHP
26 fps
Lenovo ThinkPad T470s-20HGS00V00
HD Graphics 620, i7-7600U, Samsung SSD PM961 1TB M.2 PCIe 3.0 x4 NVMe (MZVLW1T0)
23.4 fps -10%
Dell Latitude 7480
HD Graphics 620, i7-7600U, Intel SSDSCKKF256H6
26.3 fps +1%
Lenovo ThinkPad T470-20HD002HGE
HD Graphics 620, i5-7200U, Samsung PM961 NVMe MZVLW512HMJP
19.9 fps -23%
Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon 2017-20HQS03P00
HD Graphics 620, i7-7500U, Samsung PM961 NVMe MZVLW512HMJP
26.6 fps +2%
1920x1080 Ultra Preset, DX11 (DDOF) (sort by value)
Lenovo ThinkPad T470s-20HF0012US
HD Graphics 620, i5-7300U, Samsung PM961 MZVLW256HEHP
8.2 fps
Lenovo ThinkPad T470s-20HGS00V00
HD Graphics 620, i7-7600U, Samsung SSD PM961 1TB M.2 PCIe 3.0 x4 NVMe (MZVLW1T0)
7.6 fps -7%
Dell Latitude 7480
HD Graphics 620, i7-7600U, Intel SSDSCKKF256H6
8.4 fps +2%
Lenovo ThinkPad T470-20HD002HGE
HD Graphics 620, i5-7200U, Samsung PM961 NVMe MZVLW512HMJP
6.4 fps -22%
Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon 2017-20HQS03P00
HD Graphics 620, i7-7500U, Samsung PM961 NVMe MZVLW512HMJP
8.6 fps +5%
low med. high ultra
BioShock Infinite (2013) 54.6 31.7 26 8.2

Stress Test

Combined system stress for an extended period of time
Combined system stress for an extended period of time

During our stress testing, we encountered the same firmware-dictated 75 °C thermal limit that afflicted the T470s WQHD review unit. However, unlike in that situation, the CPU in our FHD review unit did exceed 3.0 GHz under synthetic stress—we witnessed it at 3.2 to 3.4 GHz during CPU stress alone, though it did drop to between 2.5 and 2.6 GHz with combined GPU stress. In the latter scenario, the GPU posted a solid 1 GHz clock rate, though when stressed independently of the CPU it held closer to 1050—1100 MHz. In all scenarios, temperatures were consistently 75 °C. To check whether this throttling affects real-world performance, we performed a secondary run of 3DMark 06 immediately following full system stress; the result was virtually unchanged, confirming that the system quickly returns to normal in such situations.

CPU Clock (GHz) GPU Clock (MHz) Average CPU Temperature (°C) Average GPU Temperature (°C)
Prime95 Stress 3.2 - 3.4 - 75 -
FurMark Stress - 1050 - 1100 - 75
Prime95 + FurMark Stress 2.5 - 2.6 1000 75 75

Emissions

System Noise

The fan is tolerable under all circumstances.
The fan is tolerable under all circumstances.

Like many business notebooks, the T470s is essentially silent while idle or during light workloads. But even during heavier operation, the machine rarely becomes obtrusive. We measured a median noise level of 34.8 dB(A), which is a bit lower than the WQHD/Core i7-equipped version of the machine. Apart from the reading we received during max load—42 dB(A)—it’s right in line with all of the other notebooks in our comparison field… which is to say, it’s relatively quiet.

Noise Level

Idle
27.8 / 27.8 / 27.8 dB(A)
Load
34.8 / 42 dB(A)
  red to green bar
 
 
30 dB
silent
40 dB(A)
audible
50 dB(A)
loud
 
min: dark, med: mid, max: light   BK Precision 732A (15 cm distance)   environment noise: 27.8 dB(A)
Lenovo ThinkPad T470s-20HF0012US
HD Graphics 620, i5-7300U, Samsung PM961 MZVLW256HEHP
Lenovo ThinkPad T470s-20HGS00V00
HD Graphics 620, i7-7600U, Samsung SSD PM961 1TB M.2 PCIe 3.0 x4 NVMe (MZVLW1T0)
Dell Latitude 7480
HD Graphics 620, i7-7600U, Intel SSDSCKKF256H6
Lenovo ThinkPad T470-20HD002HGE
HD Graphics 620, i5-7200U, Samsung PM961 NVMe MZVLW512HMJP
Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon 2017-20HQS03P00
HD Graphics 620, i7-7500U, Samsung PM961 NVMe MZVLW512HMJP
Noise
-4%
6%
3%
-4%
off / environment *
27.8
28.9
-4%
28
-1%
29.3
-5%
Idle Minimum *
27.8
28.9
-4%
28.6
-3%
28
-1%
29.3
-5%
Idle Average *
27.8
28.9
-4%
28.6
-3%
28
-1%
29.3
-5%
Idle Maximum *
27.8
30.1
-8%
28.6
-3%
29.4
-6%
32.2
-16%
Load Average *
34.8
39.2
-13%
30.2
13%
31.4
10%
34.3
1%
Witcher 3 ultra *
42
Load Maximum *
42
39.2
7%
31.2
26%
34.6
18%
39.3
6%

* ... smaller is better

Temperature

Similar to its noise profile, the T470s FHD isn’t much warmer than room temperature while idling (24 °C / 24.9 °C on top/bottom versus 21 °C room temperature). Under synthetic stress, the machine’s temperatures rise considerably (and rather quickly) to 34.2 °C / 37.1 °C with notable hot spots in the center-left and center quadrants on top/bottom, respectively. Also worth mentioning is that the left side of the machine (the “right” side when flipped) posts temperatures that are some 10 °C above those on the opposite side, so heavier use while on the lap is not exactly comfortable. The same is true of the top of the base unit, where most of the heat is concentrated in the keyboard.

Max. Load
 38.4 °C
101 F
32.6 °C
91 F
28.6 °C
83 F
 
 45.4 °C
114 F
39.6 °C
103 F
29.4 °C
85 F
 
 33.8 °C
93 F
31 °C
88 F
29 °C
84 F
 
Maximum: 45.4 °C = 114 F
Average: 34.2 °C = 94 F
31 °C
88 F
40 °C
104 F
40.6 °C
105 F
30.6 °C
87 F
51.2 °C
124 F
40 °C
104 F
30 °C
86 F
36.8 °C
98 F
33.8 °C
93 F
Maximum: 51.2 °C = 124 F
Average: 37.1 °C = 99 F
Power Supply (max.)  45 °C = 113 F | Room Temperature 21 °C = 70 F | Fluke 62 Mini IR Thermometer
(±) The average temperature for the upper side under maximal load is 34.2 °C / 94 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 45.4 °C / 114 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 51.2 °C / 124 F, compared to the average of 36.7 °C / 98 F
(+) In idle usage, the average temperature for the upper side is 24 °C / 75 F, compared to the device average of 29.5 °C / 85 F.
(+) The palmrests and touchpad are reaching skin temperature as a maximum (33.8 °C / 92.8 F) and are therefore not hot.
(-) The average temperature of the palmrest area of similar devices was 27.7 °C / 81.9 F (-6.1 °C / -10.9 F).
Thermal profile, top of base unit
Thermal profile, top of base unit
Thermal profile, underside
Thermal profile, underside

Speakers

The speakers are small, but at least the sound profile is decent
The speakers are small, but at least the sound profile is decent

We measured a maximum volume of 72 dB(A) from the two down-firing stereo speakers, which isn’t particularly loud. However, the sound is relatively balanced overall apart from the lack of bass.

dB(A) 0102030405060708090Deep BassMiddle BassHigh BassLower RangeMidsHigher MidsLower HighsMid HighsUpper HighsSuper Highs2037.637.837.62536.936.936.93137.235.737.24035.438.235.45034.532.434.56334.433.834.48032.532.332.510031.731.131.712532.430.132.416035.529.535.520042.42842.425050.228.750.23155827.85840058275850056.526.656.563052.925.552.980063.125.663.1100063.624.963.6125057.224.457.2160055.924.455.9200051.324.251.3250053.924.253.9315052.524.152.540005823.95850006323.863630065.823.865.8800058.323.958.31000061.823.961.81250058.823.958.8160005023.850SPL7236.872N29.82.829.8median 56.5median 24.4median 56.5Delta5.31.25.3353934.235.634.531.532.733.231.231.930.630.930.530.630.137.828.443.227.246.326.647.226.352.125.651.524.651.324.549.523.751.523.758.223.560.823.456.222.956.622.860.123.162.12365.52365.222.961.922.962.623.168.12368.523.162.623.266.535.4752.533.7median 23.4median 58.215.7hearing rangehide median Pink NoiseLenovo ThinkPad T470s-20HF0012USDell Latitude 7480
Lenovo ThinkPad T470s-20HF0012US audio analysis

(±) | speaker loudness is average but good (72 dB)
Bass 100 - 315 Hz
(-) | nearly no bass - on average 15.3% lower than median
(±) | linearity of bass is average (14.1% delta to prev. frequency)
Mids 400 - 2000 Hz
(+) | balanced mids - only 3.2% away from median
(±) | linearity of mids is average (11% delta to prev. frequency)
Highs 2 - 16 kHz
(+) | balanced highs - only 4.4% away from median
(±) | linearity of highs is average (12.5% delta to prev. frequency)
Overall 100 - 16.000 Hz
(±) | linearity of overall sound is average (24.8% difference to median)
Compared to same class
» 71% of all tested devices in this class were better, 8% similar, 22% worse
» The best had a delta of 7%, average was 22%, worst was 53%
Compared to all devices tested
» 72% of all tested devices were better, 6% similar, 23% worse
» The best had a delta of 4%, average was 25%, worst was 134%

Dell Latitude 7480 audio analysis

(±) | speaker loudness is average but good (75 dB)
Bass 100 - 315 Hz
(±) | reduced bass - on average 11.9% lower than median
(±) | linearity of bass is average (10.6% delta to prev. frequency)
Mids 400 - 2000 Hz
(+) | balanced mids - only 3.8% away from median
(±) | linearity of mids is average (7.8% delta to prev. frequency)
Highs 2 - 16 kHz
(±) | higher highs - on average 6.6% higher than median
(+) | highs are linear (6.3% delta to prev. frequency)
Overall 100 - 16.000 Hz
(±) | linearity of overall sound is average (23.2% difference to median)
Compared to same class
» 61% of all tested devices in this class were better, 9% similar, 30% worse
» The best had a delta of 7%, average was 22%, worst was 53%
Compared to all devices tested
» 64% of all tested devices were better, 6% similar, 29% worse
» The best had a delta of 4%, average was 25%, worst was 134%

Frequency Comparison (Checkbox selectable!)
Graph 1: Pink Noise 100% Vol.; Graph 2: Audio off

Energy Management

Power Consumption

The FHD T470s configuration averages a few watts lower overall than its WQHD cousin, with an average of 6.6 W while idle and 39.2 W under load. We measured as high as 44.8 W at the extreme (as compared to 47.3 W on the WQHD unit). The load values are considerably higher than those of the T470 and Dell Latitude 7480, but idle readings were right in line.

Power Consumption
Off / Standbydarklight 0.3 / 0.4 Watt
Idledarkmidlight 4.8 / 6.6 / 7 Watt
Load midlight 39.2 / 44.8 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 T470s-20HF0012US
i5-7300U, HD Graphics 620, Samsung PM961 MZVLW256HEHP, IPS, 1920x1080, 14.00
Lenovo ThinkPad T470s-20HGS00V00
i7-7600U, HD Graphics 620, Samsung SSD PM961 1TB M.2 PCIe 3.0 x4 NVMe (MZVLW1T0), IPS, 2560x1440, 14.00
Dell Latitude 7480
i7-7600U, HD Graphics 620, Intel SSDSCKKF256H6, IPS, 1920x1080, 14.00
Lenovo ThinkPad T470-20HD002HGE
i5-7200U, HD Graphics 620, Samsung PM961 NVMe MZVLW512HMJP, IPS, 1920x1080, 14.00
Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon 2017-20HQS03P00
i7-7500U, HD Graphics 620, Samsung PM961 NVMe MZVLW512HMJP, IPS, 1920x1080, 14.00
Power Consumption
-15%
16%
19%
-3%
Idle Minimum *
4.8
4.64
3%
4.32
10%
3.21
33%
3.84
20%
Idle Average *
6.6
8.93
-35%
6.27
5%
6.15
7%
6.3
5%
Idle Maximum *
7
9.12
-30%
6.35
9%
6.82
3%
8.6
-23%
Load Average *
39.2
42.2
-8%
29.82
24%
28.5
27%
41.9
-7%
Load Maximum *
44.8
47.3
-6%
30.64
32%
34.5
23%
48.7
-9%

* ... smaller is better

Battery Life

The ThinkPad T470s FHD managed 8 hours and 7 minutes in our Wi-Fi Surfing benchmark, some 14 percent higher than the i7/WQHD-equipped model (417 minutes). This is a very good result overall, and it should translate to all-day battery life for most business professionals. Only the Dell Latitude 7480 posts a notably higher result (nearly 12 hours, which is borderline nuts), thanks in part to its large 60 Wh battery.

Our Battery Eater Readers and Classic tests also produced good results (17:42 / 2:52, respectively)—both of which were, again, quite a bit longer runtimes than those of the WQHD configuration. If battery life is of paramount importance, the FHD model looks like a winner.

BatteryEater Classic Test
BatteryEater Classic Test
BatteryEater Readers Test
BatteryEater Readers Test
Surfing with Wi-Fi
Surfing with Wi-Fi
Battery Runtime
Idle (without WLAN, min brightness)
17h 42min
WiFi Websurfing
8h 07min
Load (maximum brightness)
2h 52min
Lenovo ThinkPad T470s-20HF0012US
i5-7300U, HD Graphics 620, 51 Wh
Lenovo ThinkPad T470s-20HGS00V00
i7-7600U, HD Graphics 620, 51 Wh
Dell Latitude 7480
i7-7600U, HD Graphics 620, 60 Wh
Lenovo ThinkPad T470-20HD002HGE
i5-7200U, HD Graphics 620, 48 Wh
Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon 2017-20HQS03P00
i7-7500U, HD Graphics 620, 57 Wh
Battery Runtime
-29%
34%
-23%
-5%
Reader / Idle
1062
787
-26%
1662
56%
1252
18%
WiFi v1.3
487
417
-14%
719
48%
438
-10%
496
2%
Load
172
93
-46%
171
-1%
110
-36%
110
-36%

Pros

+ expensive, attractive construction
+ lightweight for its class
+ terrific battery life
+ excellent input devices
+ fast SSD and application performance
+ stable CPU performance
+ good connectivity

Cons

- unfortunate PWM used in screen dimming
- weak brightness
- muted color saturation
- weak CPU performance while operating unplugged
- quickly heats up under load
- temperatures unevenly distributed across casing

Verdict

In review: Lenovo ThinkPad T470s FHD. Test model provided by Lenovo US
In review: Lenovo ThinkPad T470s FHD. Test model provided by Lenovo US

With a featherweight build that’s equal parts portable and durable (thanks to high-end magnesium and carbon fiber hybrid construction), terrific battery life, and excellent input devices for which the ThinkPad brand has long been known, the Lenovo ThinkPad T470s FHD already ought to have the attention of business professionals looking for their next daily driver. But pile onto that the blazing application performance (made possible by a very fast Samsung NVMe SSD), solid CPU performance from the Core i5 chip, and easy maintenance, and this is a difficult device to turn down.

Negatives? Yes, there are a few. For starters, the screen isn’t nearly as impressive as that of many competitors, and a considerable step down from the WQHD model not only in terms of resolution but also brightness, contrast, and color reproduction. We detected PWM at all brightness levels except maximum, which is a disappointment for a ThinkPad. And finally, the device does heat up very quickly, soon reaching bothersome case temperatures (under load), especially while in use on the lap.

Apart from the unfortunate PWM flicker, pedestrian display quality, and a bit of unwelcomed heat during heavier workloads, the Lenovo ThinkPad T470s FHD is an excellent choice.

If the user doesn’t mind a slightly lower (but still very good) battery runtime and a higher price, we’d strongly recommend taking a look at the T470s WQHD model we recently reviewed, as its display not only features better brightness and color but also does not resort to PWM to manage brightness reductions. However, the Core i5 CPU we reviewed in today’s configuration seems like a more rational investment considering the excellent performance and relative stability versus the i7 of the WQHD configuration we evaluated. The Dell Latitude 7480 is also a terrific choice—or, if budget permits, the ThinkPad X1 Carbon. But apart from the display issues, provided the user doesn’t mind a bit of heat during heavier workloads, the T470s FHD is an immediate contender for one of the best 14-inch business notebooks on the market today.

Lenovo ThinkPad T470s-20HF0012US - 05/13/2017 v6(old)
Steve Schardein

Chassis
93 / 98 → 95%
Keyboard
94%
Pointing Device
87%
Connectivity
73 / 80 → 91%
Weight
71 / 20-67 → 100%
Battery
90%
Display
81%
Games Performance
58 / 68 → 85%
Application Performance
92 / 92 → 100%
Temperature
87%
Noise
94%
Audio
69%
Camera
53 / 85 → 62%
Add Points
-2%
Average
74%
88%
Office - Weighted Average

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> Expert Reviews and News on Laptops, Smartphones and Tech Innovations > Reviews > Lenovo ThinkPad T470s (7300U, FHD) Laptop Review
Steve Schardein, 2017-05-12 (Update: 2019-04-30)