Lenovo ThinkPad T480 review
Lenovo ThinkPad T480 — from 2017, 1.8 kg, performance 35.
Technical specifications
| Type | Business |
| Release year | 2017 |
| Screen | 14" · 1920x1080 |
| Processor | Intel Core i5 , Intel Core i7 8550U , Intel Core i7 8650U , Intel Core i5 8350U , Intel Core i5 8250U |
| Max. RAM | 32 GB |
| Weight | 1.8 kg |
| Battery | 24 Wh |
Performance scores
Where the ThinkPad T480 stands
The Lenovo ThinkPad T480 is a 2017 business laptop positioned in the ultra-budget tier at roughly $256, below the category median of $297. As Lenovo's mainstream 14-inch ThinkPad from that year, it pairs a modest GPU surplus with a notably small battery — a trade-off that defines its position. The GPU score of 6.8 is 77% above the category median of 3.8; the battery capacity of 24 Wh is 47% below the median of 45 Wh.
Graphics: a steady above-median position
The T480's GPU score of 6.8 places it comfortably above office-class peers, enough to handle casual gaming, video playback, and light GPU-accelerated media work. For an ultra-budget business laptop from 2017, this is a meaningful differentiator. It is not a gaming machine, but the headroom is real and useful.
Battery: the binding constraint
The T480's defining trade-off is its small battery. At 24 Wh — 47% below the category median of 45 Wh — the battery capacity is small even by 2017 standards. In practice, this means shorter runtime away from an outlet, particularly under load. Buyers who plan to use the laptop on the go should expect to be near a charger frequently. For desk-bound workflows, the constraint is less impactful.
Price trajectory
From its launch price to $256 today, the T480 has depreciated to the flat tail of its curve. The projected price two years out represents a modest further decline. As a 2017 machine, the depreciation is essentially complete.
How it compares
In the $240-$280 refurbished business range, the T480 sits among several 2017-2018 alternatives. The Dell Latitude 7490 at $232 and the HP EliteBook 850 G6 at $259 are direct competitors from the same era. The T480's distinguishing factor is its combination of above-median GPU and below-median battery — a pairing that makes it a credible pick for desk-bound workflows with light gaming needs. Buyers who need portability should consider alternatives with larger batteries.
Bottom line
The ThinkPad T480 is a 2017 business laptop whose GPU surplus is offset by its small battery. At $256, it is priced below the category median and offers more graphics headroom than typical office alternatives. The trade-off is battery life — the 24 Wh capacity is small even by 2017 standards. For desk-bound workflows with light gaming needs, it earns its asking price; for portable workflows, buyers should look elsewhere.
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⭐ What stands out
-
graphics performance is higher than typical business class (+200%) (office tier).
above class average -
battery capacity is lower than typical business class (+46.7%) (small tier).
budget segment of category -
reliability is lower than typical business class (+31.8%) (low tier).
below class average
🔁 Alternatives
Compromise axis: reliability ↔ price
🎮 What it can run
⚙️ Configuration analysis
Top configuration is built for office apps, web browsing, and basic daily tasks.
🤔 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 T480: verdict
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