Navigating the world of business laptops can be a daunting task, especially when faced with two seemingly similar yet distinct options. The Lenovo ThinkPad T470 and its sleeker sibling, the T470s, have long been favorites for professionals seeking reliability and performance. But what truly separates these two powerhouses, and which one should be your next work companion?
Both laptops boast the legendary ThinkPad build quality and a focus on productivity, making the decision even tougher. We’re diving deep into the nuances of the Lenovo T470 vs T470s to help you pinpoint the perfect fit for your workflow and budget. Get ready to discover the key differences that matter.
From portability to internal specifications, each model offers a unique blend of features designed to meet different user needs. Whether you prioritize ultimate portability or robust connectivity, understanding these distinctions is crucial for making an informed choice. Let’s explore what sets the T470 and T470s apart.
Specs at a Glance
| Feature | Lenovo T470 | T470s |
|---|---|---|
| Processor | 7th Gen Intel Core i3/i5/i7 | 7th Gen Intel Core i5/i7 |
| RAM | Up to 32GB DDR4 | Up to 24GB DDR4 |
| Storage | Up to 1TB SSD/HDD | Up to 1TB SSD |
| Display | 14-inch HD/FHD/WQHD | 14-inch FHD/WQHD |
| Graphics | Intel HD Graphics 620 | Intel HD Graphics 620 |
| Weight | Starting at 3.49 lbs (1.58 kg) | Starting at 2.9 lbs (1.31 kg) |
| Thickness | 0.79 inches (19.95 mm) | 0.72 inches (18.45 mm) |
| Ports | USB-C, USB-A, HDMI, Ethernet, SD Card Reader | USB-C, USB-A, HDMI, SD Card Reader |
| Battery | Dual battery system (internal + external) | Integrated battery |
| Build Material | Plastic and aluminum | Magnesium alloy and carbon fiber |
| Cooling | Standard cooling system | Optimized for slimmer design |
| Upgradeability | Easier RAM and storage upgrades | More integrated components |
Feature-by-Feature Breakdown
Processor
- Lenovo T470: Offers a range of Intel Core i5 and i7 processors (7th Gen Kaby Lake). It provides solid performance for everyday tasks and moderate multitasking. The flexibility in CPU choice can cater to different user needs.
- T470s: Also features 7th Gen Intel Core i5 and i7 processors. It generally offers slightly higher clock speeds or more efficient models within the same generation, often tuned for better battery life. Performance is comparable to the T470, with a slight edge in efficiency.
- Winner: Tie
RAM (Memory)
- Lenovo T470: Features two SODIMM slots, supporting up to 32GB of DDR4 RAM. This makes it highly upgradeable and ideal for users who run memory-intensive applications or virtual machines. The dual-channel configuration offers good memory bandwidth.
- T470s: Typically comes with 8GB or 16GB of DDR4 RAM, with one slot often soldered and one user-accessible. While upgradeable to a certain extent (e.g., up to 24GB or 32GB depending on configuration), it’s less flexible than the T470. This is a concession for its thinner design.
- Winner: lenovo t470
Storage
- Lenovo T470: Offers more storage flexibility, typically supporting a 2.5-inch SATA drive (HDD or SSD) and sometimes an M.2 NVMe SSD. This allows for larger storage capacities or a combination of fast SSD and high-capacity HDD.
- T470s: Primarily features an M.2 NVMe SSD slot. While NVMe drives are very fast, the M.2 form factor limits the maximum physical size compared to a 2.5-inch drive. This is a trade-off for its slimmer profile.
- Winner: lenovo t470
Display
- Lenovo T470: Available in 14-inch HD (1366×768), Full HD (1920×1080), and WQHD (2560×1440) resolutions. The Full HD and WQHD options provide excellent clarity and color reproduction for productivity and media consumption.
- T470s: Also offers 14-inch displays, commonly with Full HD (1920×1080) and sometimes WQHD (2560×1440) options. The panel quality on the T470s is often considered slightly superior, with better brightness and color accuracy out-of-the-box, contributing to a premium feel.
- Winner: t470s
Battery Life
- Lenovo T470: Features a unique Power Bridge system with an internal battery and a hot-swappable external battery. This allows for exceptional battery life, especially with larger external batteries, and the ability to swap batteries without shutting down.
- T470s: Has an integrated, non-removable battery. While it offers very good battery life for its class, it cannot match the extreme longevity or hot-swapping capability of the T470. The battery is optimized for the slimmer design.
- Winner: lenovo t470
Build Quality & Design
- Lenovo T470: Built with a robust polycarbonate and glass-fiber reinforced plastic chassis, it’s durable and designed for the rigors of business travel. It has a slightly thicker and heavier profile due to its components and battery options.
- T470s: Features a more premium build with a magnesium alloy chassis, making it lighter and slimmer. It still adheres to MIL-STD testing for durability but offers a more refined and portable aesthetic.
- Winner: t470s
Port Selection
- Lenovo T470: Boasts a comprehensive port selection including multiple USB 3.0 ports, USB-C (Thunderbolt 3 support), HDMI, Ethernet (RJ45), and an SD card reader. This makes it highly versatile for connecting peripherals and external displays.
- T470s: Also offers a good selection of ports, including USB 3.0, USB-C (Thunderbolt 3 support), HDMI, and Ethernet. However, it may have one less USB-A port or lack an SD card reader compared to the T470, a common compromise for its thinner form factor.
- Winner: lenovo t470
Weight & Portability
- Lenovo T470: Weighs around 3.5 – 4.0 lbs (1.58 – 1.81 kg) depending on the battery configuration. While still portable, it is noticeably heavier and bulkier than its ‘s’ counterpart.
- T470s: Weighs approximately 2.9 lbs (1.32 kg). Its significantly lighter and thinner profile makes it an excellent choice for frequent travelers who prioritize mobility and a sleeker design.
- Winner: t470s
Winner by Category
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Portability | T470s |
| Battery Life (Potential) | Lenovo T470 |
| Performance | Tie (depends on specific configuration) |
| Build Quality | T470s |
| Value | Lenovo T470 |
| Upgradeability | Lenovo T470 |
What They Have in Common
- Performance: Both laptops are equipped with 7th generation Intel Core processors, offering robust performance for everyday business tasks, multitasking, and even some more demanding applications. The specific CPU options will influence the exact speed, but both lines deliver reliable processing power.
- Display Options: You can find both the T470 and T470s with a variety of 14-inch display resolutions, including HD, Full HD, and even WQHD. This allows users to choose a screen that best suits their visual needs, whether for sharp text or detailed graphics.
- Connectivity: Both models offer a comprehensive selection of ports, including USB-C for modern peripherals and docking, traditional USB-A ports, HDMI for external displays, and an SD card reader for easy file transfer from cameras. This ensures broad compatibility with existing and future hardware.
- Durability: As part of Lenovo’s ThinkPad line, both the T470 and T470s are built to withstand the rigors of daily use, featuring robust construction and passing MIL-STD 810G tests for shock, vibration, and environmental resistance.
- Keyboard and Trackpoint: Both laptops boast Lenovo’s renowned ThinkPad keyboard, celebrated for its comfortable typing experience and excellent key travel. The iconic TrackPoint pointing stick is also present on both, offering an alternative navigation method to the touchpad.
Lenovo T470 Vs T470S Buying Guide
Portability and Design
The T470S prioritizes a sleeker, lighter profile, making it the ideal choice for frequent travelers and those who value minimal bulk. Its chassis is crafted from premium materials, offering a more refined aesthetic and feel. The T470, while still portable for a business laptop, is slightly thicker and heavier, catering to users who might not need to prioritize extreme portability above all else. (See Also: Adobe Pro Vs Docusign )
Performance and Configuration
Both laptops can be configured with similar Intel Core i5 and i7 processors, offering comparable raw processing power for everyday business tasks. However, the T470’s slightly larger chassis allows for potentially better thermal management under sustained heavy loads, which might translate to slightly more consistent performance in demanding scenarios. The T470S, while powerful, might throttle slightly sooner due to its thinner design.
Battery Life and Power Options
The T470 boasts a significant advantage in battery life due to its larger capacity battery options and the ability to hot-swap batteries. This means you can potentially keep working for extended periods without needing to find a power outlet. The T470S offers decent battery life for its size but cannot match the endurance of the T470 when equipped with its extended battery options.
Connectivity and Expandability
While both offer a good range of ports for business use, the T470 typically provides a slightly more comprehensive selection, including potentially more USB ports and a full-size Ethernet port without the need for dongles. The T470S, in its pursuit of slimness, might rely more on USB-C docking solutions for full connectivity. RAM and storage upgrades are generally more straightforward on the T470. (See Also: 40 Vs 32 Tv )
Who Should Buy What?
Buy Lenovo T470 If…
- You prioritize maximum battery life and the flexibility of an external, hot-swappable battery.
- You need the most affordable entry point into the T470 generation ThinkPads.
- You value slightly easier internal component access for potential upgrades.
- Weight and thickness are not primary concerns for your daily usage.
Buy T470s If…
- Portability and a slimmer, lighter design are crucial for your mobile workflow.
- You appreciate a more premium build with materials like magnesium alloy and carbon fiber.
- You prefer a sleeker aesthetic without compromising on essential ThinkPad features.
- Slightly less internal upgradeability is an acceptable trade-off for a more compact form factor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more durable, the T470 or T470S?
Both laptops are built to Lenovo’s ThinkPad standards, known for their robust construction and durability. The T470S, with its premium materials like magnesium alloy and carbon fiber, might feel slightly more premium and resistant to minor scuffs. However, both are designed to withstand the rigors of daily business use and pass MIL-STD testing.
Can I upgrade the RAM and SSD on both models?
Yes, both the T470 and T470S allow for upgrades to their RAM and SSD. The T470 generally offers easier access and potentially more slots for RAM, sometimes supporting larger capacities. The T470S, due to its slimmer design, might have soldered RAM in some configurations or fewer accessible slots, but the SSD is typically user-replaceable on both.
Which model has better keyboard and trackpad?
Both the T470 and T470S feature the legendary ThinkPad keyboard and TrackPoint pointing stick, which are widely considered among the best in the laptop industry. You can expect an exceptional typing experience on both machines. Any subtle differences in feel are usually negligible and come down to personal preference rather than a significant disparity in quality. (See Also: Lansky Vs Work Sharp )
Is the T470S significantly lighter than the T470?
Yes, the T470S is noticeably lighter and thinner than the T470. While the T470 is still a portable business laptop, the T470S is specifically designed for users who prioritize mobility and a more compact form factor. This difference in weight and thickness is one of the primary distinguishing features between the two models.
Which model is better for gaming?
Neither the T470 nor the T470S are designed for serious gaming. They are business-oriented laptops with integrated Intel graphics. While they can handle very light, older, or casual games, they lack the dedicated graphics power required for modern, demanding titles. For gaming, you would need a dedicated gaming laptop.
Final Verdict
The Lenovo T470 and T470S are both excellent business laptops, but they cater to slightly different needs. The T470 shines with its superior battery life, hot-swappable batteries, and slightly more robust connectivity and upgrade potential. The T470S, however, excels in portability with its thinner and lighter design, making it the preferred choice for frequent travelers and those who prioritize a premium feel and sleeker profile.
Winner: Lenovo T470