Lenovo ThinkPad E14 Gen 2 (Intel) review
Lenovo ThinkPad E14 Gen 2 (Intel) — from 2021, 1.59 kg, performance 58.
Technical specifications
| Type | Business |
| Release year | 2021 |
| Screen | 14" · 1920x1080 |
| Processor | Intel Core i3 1115G4 , Intel Core i5 1135G7 , Intel Core i7 1165G7 |
| Graphics | GeForce MX350 2GB , GeForce MX450 2GB |
| Max. RAM | 32 GB |
| Weight | 1.59 kg |
| Battery | 45 Wh |
Performance scores
Lenovo ThinkPad E14 Gen 2 (Intel): the $686 MX350 classic
The 2021 E14 Gen 2 in Intel trim at $686 is the batch's MX350 representative: the card scores 44.73 against a business-class median of 3.84 — 1064.8 percent above, the mainstream band — while the i3 1115G4 and 32GB of RAM post a performance index of 57.67, 39 percent above the class median. Photo design reads 68 high-band and value 67.55 high-band. The flagged weakness is memory: 32GB against a class median of 40, a modest 20 percent shortfall.
Where it holds up
The MX350 still clears its bars: recommended-level passes for Overwatch and Grand Theft Auto V with a measured Far Cry 5 result of 34 frames per second at recommended settings, plus Photoshop and Visual Studio Code minimums — a complete verified toolset from a five-year-old entry card. Photo design at 68 lands high-band, portability of 65.6 reads high-band, and the CPU score of 70 runs 32.2 percent above the median. Value at 67.55 is high-band: the vintage has paid for itself.
Where it falls short
Memory at 32GB is the flagged weakness against a class median that has drifted to 40 — the honest sign of the era. Gaming at 44 is clearance-level comfort, modeling at 42 and CAD at 44 sit mid-band, and office at 72.91 reads the lowest high-band tier. The performance composite holds mid-pack; every ceiling on the sheet is the vintage's, and every one of them is honestly discounted.
Price and depreciation
$686 is mid-tier money for 2021 silicon. No listing history anchors this unit, so the class rate of about 9.45 percent a year is the anchor — among the gentlest in the batch, the arithmetic of a machine whose premium is long since surrendered.
Alternatives to consider
The E15 Gen 2 (model 1859) posts a matching sheet at the same $686 with a bigger panel and worse portability (49 against 65.6). The AMD route, E14 Gen 3 (model 1857) at the same $686, offers Vega 6 graphics (43.85) with a top-band 82 photo figure. The T15 Gen 2 (model 1854) at the same price adds chassis pedigree and 48GB.
Bottom line
Fairly priced for the class. Verified game clearances, high-band photo work and a gentle depreciation curve at $686 make the E14 Gen 2 a rational vintage buy; the 32GB ceiling and clearance-level comfort are the era's signature, plainly printed.
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⭐ What stands out
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graphics performance is higher than typical business class (+200%) (mainstream tier).
top 25% of its category -
overall performance is higher than typical business class (+39%) (mid).
top 25% of its category -
CPU performance is higher than typical business class (+32.2%) (high tier).
top 25% of its category
🎮 What it can run
⚙️ Configuration analysis
Top configuration suits everyday productivity, light photo editing, and esports titles.
🤔 How to choose
Universal advice for any use case.
- Reliability vs price: reliability (median 42.5) ↔ price (median 297.4).
- Weight vs CPU: mobility (median 60) ↔ overall performance (median 41.5).
- Upgradeability vs battery: upgradability (median 62.5) ↔ battery life (median 3.3).
ThinkPad E14 Gen 2 (Intel): verdict
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