Lenovo ThinkBook 15 Gen 3

Technical Specifications

• Processor: Options include AMD Ryzen 5000 series mobile processors (up to Ryzen 7 5800U) or 11th Generation Intel Core processors (up to Core i7-1195G7). Some later configurations may feature AMD Ryzen 7000 series or Intel Core 7 processors.

• RAM: Configurable up to 40GB DDR4-3200 (with some memory soldered and one SO-DIMM slot for expansion).

• Storage: Supports flexible configurations including up to two drives, such as a 2.5" HDD and an M.2 PCIe NVMe SSD, or dual M.2 PCIe NVMe SSDs, with capacities up to 2TB.

• Graphics: Integrated AMD Radeon Graphics (e.g., Vega 6, Vega 7, Vega 8) for AMD models or Intel Iris Xe Graphics for Intel models. Discrete NVIDIA GeForce MX450 is an option for some Intel configurations.

• Display: Typically features a 15.6-inch Full HD (1920x1080) IPS anti-glare panel with brightness ranging from 250 to 300 nits. Touchscreen options are available.

• Ports: Includes USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A, USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C (supporting data transfer, Power Delivery 3.0, and DisplayPort 1.4), HDMI 1.4b, Ethernet (RJ-45), a 4-in-1 card reader, and a headphone/microphone combo jack. Some Intel variants may include Thunderbolt 4 / USB4.

• Connectivity: Offers Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) or 802.11ac and Bluetooth 5.0 or 5.1.

• Battery: Available with 45Wh or 60Wh battery options, providing up to 7.5 hours of battery life with the 45Wh model (MobileMark 2018).

• Dimensions & Weight: Starts at 1.7kg (3.75 lbs) with a thickness of 18.9mm.

Analysis: The Lenovo ThinkBook 15 Gen 3 offers a versatile range of technical specifications, catering to various business and productivity needs. The choice between AMD Ryzen 5000 series and Intel 11th Gen processors allows for flexibility in performance and cost. AMD models excel in multi-core performance and integrated graphics for general tasks, while Intel options, especially with discrete graphics, can offer a boost for specific workloads. The ample RAM capacity and dual storage options provide significant upgradeability and flexibility for data management. The Full HD IPS display is standard for business laptops, offering decent viewing angles, though brightness and color accuracy may not be suitable for professional creative work. The comprehensive port selection, including USB-C with Power Delivery and DisplayPort, ensures broad compatibility with peripherals and external displays. The design prioritizes portability and a professional aesthetic, making it suitable for mobile professionals.

Support & Compatibility

• Operating System Support: Supports Windows 10 Pro and Windows 11 Pro. Some models come with Windows 11 Pro pre-installed.

• End of Support Date: Microsoft's support for Windows 10 ends on October 14, 2025. Lenovo typically provides active driver and BIOS updates for 3-4 years post-launch, followed by security updates.

• Available Drivers: Lenovo provides a wide array of drivers and software updates on its support website, covering BIOS/UEFI, audio, Bluetooth, camera, display, Ethernet, Wi-Fi, and more.

• System Compatibility: The laptop supports up to four independent displays (the native display and three external monitors) via HDMI and USB-C/Thunderbolt ports. USB-C ports support Power Delivery 3.0 and DisplayPort 1.4.

Analysis: The ThinkBook 15 Gen 3 offers robust operating system support, primarily for Windows 10 and 11, ensuring compatibility with current business software. Users should be aware of the Windows 10 end-of-support date and plan for an upgrade to Windows 11 to maintain security and receive ongoing feature updates. Lenovo's commitment to providing drivers and firmware updates through its support portal is crucial for system stability and performance. The extensive display support and versatile USB-C functionality enhance its compatibility with modern office setups and external peripherals, making it a flexible tool for various work environments.

Security Status

• Security Features: Includes a Smart Power Button with an integrated touch-style fingerprint reader for secure login, a camera privacy shutter, and a Kensington Nano Security Slot for physical security. It also features Firmware TPM 2.0 integrated into the SoC and BIOS security options like power-on passwords.

• Vulnerabilities: Several UEFI firmware vulnerabilities have been identified in Lenovo laptops, including the ThinkBook series. These include CVE-2022-3430, CVE-2022-3431, CVE-2021-3971, and CVE-2021-3972. These vulnerabilities could potentially allow attackers with elevated privileges to modify secure boot settings or execute malicious code during the boot process by exploiting mistakenly included manufacturing drivers or NVRAM variables. Lenovo has released fixes for these issues.

• Recommendations: Users are strongly advised to keep their system firmware (BIOS) and drivers updated to the latest versions available on the Lenovo support website to mitigate known vulnerabilities. Implementing strong passwords for BIOS access, using antivirus software, applying all necessary security patches, and practicing secure computing habits (e.g., limiting access, securing physical devices, installing trusted applications) are essential.

Analysis: The ThinkBook 15 Gen 3 incorporates essential hardware-based security features like a fingerprint reader and TPM 2.0, which are standard for enterprise devices. However, like many modern laptops, it has faced UEFI firmware vulnerabilities. Lenovo has addressed these issues with patches, underscoring the critical importance of regular firmware updates. Proactive security management, including timely patching and adherence to best practices, is vital to maintain the asset's security posture against evolving threats.

Performance & Benchmarks

• Benchmark Scores: A model with an AMD Ryzen 5 5500U processor achieved a Passmark score of 3,697. In 3DMark Time Spy Graphics, integrated AMD Radeon RX Vega 8 scored 1368, Vega 7 scored 1274, and Vega 6 scored 913.

• Real-world Performance: The laptop is capable of efficiently running and multitasking a variety of business applications. Its AMD Ryzen 5 APU is noted for moderate emissions and good battery life, making it a solid office all-rounder. Integrated graphics are suitable for general use but not for graphic-intensive applications or competitive gaming. For instance, Fortnite runs at around 50-60 frames per second in waiting areas and 23-30 frames per second in DirectX 11/12 tests, indicating limited gaming capability.

• Comparison with Similar Devices: The ThinkBook 15 Gen 3 is positioned as an affordable and solid notebook for private and professional users, competing with devices like the Asus ExpertBook B1, HP ProBook 445 G8, and Acer Extensa 15 EX215-54. Its performance is generally good for its class, especially considering its price point.

Analysis: The Lenovo ThinkBook 15 Gen 3 delivers strong performance for typical office and business workloads, driven by its AMD Ryzen 5000 series or Intel 11th Gen processors. The benchmark scores confirm its capability for productivity tasks and moderate multitasking. While its integrated graphics are sufficient for everyday use and casual content consumption, they are not designed for demanding gaming or professional creative applications requiring dedicated GPUs. The laptop strikes a balance between performance, efficiency, and cost, making it a suitable choice for users prioritizing productivity and value.

User Reviews & Feedback

User reviews generally highlight the Lenovo ThinkBook 15 Gen 3 as a solid and affordable option for business and general use. Users appreciate its lightweight and sleek design, often noting its professional aesthetic. The inclusion of USB-C Power Delivery and a lit keyboard with good tactile feedback are frequently praised features. The matte screen is also a positive point for reducing reflections. The 180-degree hinge is seen as a practical feature for collaboration.

However, some feedback points to areas for improvement. The display's brightness (around 250-271.4 nits) and contrast (776:1) are sometimes considered low compared to competitors, and its color accuracy (e.g., 66% sRGB) is not ideal for tasks requiring color fidelity. Some users in 2021 expressed a desire for higher resolution than Full HD on a 15-inch screen. There are also mentions of the base lacking rigidity in some models and screen response times being too slow for competitive gaming. While generally positive, some users of other Gen 3 models (like the ThinkBook 14 G3) have raised concerns about Lenovo's quality control.

Summary

The Lenovo ThinkBook 15 Gen 3 emerges as a competent and cost-effective enterprise asset, primarily targeting business users and professionals seeking a reliable productivity machine. Its strengths lie in its versatile processor options (AMD Ryzen 5000 series or Intel 11th Gen), offering a good balance of performance for everyday tasks and multitasking. The generous RAM and flexible storage configurations, coupled with a comprehensive port selection including modern USB-C functionality, provide excellent expandability and connectivity. The laptop's lightweight and sleek design, along with features like a fingerprint reader and camera privacy shutter, enhance its appeal for mobile professionals. It delivers solid performance for office applications and general use, with good battery life, making it a dependable "office all-rounder."

However, the asset has some notable weaknesses. The display, while Full HD IPS, often falls short in brightness, contrast, and color accuracy compared to some competitors, limiting its suitability for color-critical work. Its integrated graphics are not designed for demanding gaming or intensive graphical applications. Furthermore, like many devices, it has faced past UEFI firmware vulnerabilities, underscoring the critical need for consistent firmware and driver updates to maintain security.

Overall, the ThinkBook 15 Gen 3 is recommended for users who prioritize value, solid productivity performance, and essential security features in a portable form factor. It is an excellent choice for general business use, administrative tasks, and educational purposes. Users requiring high-fidelity displays for creative work or powerful discrete graphics for gaming or complex simulations may need to consider other options. Proactive management of software and firmware updates is crucial to leverage its security features fully and mitigate potential risks.

Information provided is based on publicly available data and may vary depending on specific device configurations. For up-to-date information, please consult official manufacturer resources.