Lenovo ThinkPad L15 Gen 2 (Intel) review
Lenovo ThinkPad L15 Gen 2 (Intel) — from 2021, 2 kg, performance 65.
Technical specifications
| Type | Business |
| Release year | 2021 |
| Screen | 15.6" · 1920x1080 |
| Processor | Intel Core i3 1115G4 , Intel Core i5 1135G7 , Intel Core i5 1145G7 , Intel Core i7 1165G7 , Intel Core i7 1185G7 |
| Graphics | GeForce MX450 2GB , Radeon RX Vega Graphics |
| Max. RAM | 64 GB |
| Weight | 2 kg |
| Battery | 45 Wh |
Performance scores
ThinkPad L15 Gen 2 — the rare fully-rounded business value machine
The L15 Gen 2 (2021) is the value-tier 15-inch ThinkPad, here in a strong configuration: a Core i3-1115G4, a GeForce MX450 2GB, and 64GB of RAM at $447 — above the $297 business-class median. The measured profile is unusually complete: graphics 44.73 against the near-floor class median (a top-quartile placing for a real modern entry dGPU), performance index 64.7 versus 41.5 (a 56% uplift, top quartile), and memory 64GB versus 40 (top quartile). The named weakness is mobility: 44 against 60, a mid-tier placing for a 15-inch chassis.
What it does well
By ok-flags the MX450 clears recommended settings — not just minimum — for Overwatch, Grand Theft Auto V (measured 34 fps in Far Cry 5 at rec), and Adobe Photoshop at minimum, alongside Visual Studio Code. With 64GB of RAM and a 56%-above-median performance index, this is one of the most complete capability packages in the business band: real compute, real memory, genuine light-gaming clearance.
The trade-offs, stated plainly
Mobility at 44 versus 60 is the honest cost: a 15-inch value chassis that carries like one. The i3-1115G4 is the entry dual-core of its generation — quick per-core, modest in multithreaded work, which caps heavy compute despite the RAM pool. The MX450 is entry-tier: light gaming and content work, not modern AAA at high settings.
Price trajectory
From a $1,300 launch configuration it has declined at about 9.5% per year to $447, with a projected $366 in two years (18% further). Complete configurations hold value better than base ones — the RAM and GPU slow the personal decline.
Against its neighbors
A Dell Latitude 5530 at $475 and a Latitude 5440 at $509 sit above; an HP ProBook 450 G8 at $410 and a ProBook 455 G8 at $393 below. The ProBook 455 G8 at $393 is the value rival for $54 less — the L15 counters with the discrete MX450 and 64GB of RAM, a real capability edge for the money.
Bottom line
Fairly priced for what is genuinely a rare shape: a business machine with top-quartile performance, pro-tier memory, and real recommended-settings light gaming. For the buyer who wants one laptop that works hard and plays lightly, this is the strongest pick in its band.
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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 -
memory capacity is higher than typical business class (+60%) (professional).
top 25% of its category -
overall performance is higher than typical business class (+56%) (mid).
top 25% of its category
🔁 Alternatives
Compromise axis: reliability ↔ price
🎮 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 L15 Gen 2 (Intel): verdict
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