The Lenovo ThinkPad E16 Gen 2 with AMD Ryzen 5 7535U is a large-screen business laptop that prioritizes productivity, upgradeability, keyboard quality, and practical connectivity over flashy design.

The Ryzen 5 7535U configuration combines a 6-core, 12-thread AMD processor with Radeon 660M integrated graphics, while the E16 Gen 2 platform supports up to 64GB of DDR5 memory and two internal M.2 SSDs. Lenovo also gives you a 16-inch 16:10 display, full numeric keypad, two USB-C ports, two USB-A ports, HDMI 2.1, and built-in Gigabit Ethernet.

Canadian configurations vary considerably. Examples range from basic 8GB/256GB models to 16GB/512GB and much higher retailer-upgraded configurations. A 16GB/512GB version is the configuration we consider the best starting point for most buyers.

The biggest advantage is serviceability. Unlike many modern laptops with soldered RAM and a single SSD, the AMD E16 Gen 2 provides two DDR5 SODIMM slots and two M.2 SSD slots.

Its weaknesses are equally clear. The basic 300-nit display has mediocre colour coverage, there is no SD card reader, USB4 is absent, and the Ryzen 5 7535U is now an older Zen 3+ processor rather than one of AMD’s latest AI-focused chips.

IRONreviews Rating: 8.8/10

Best for: business users, students, programmers, WordPress users, office work, accounting, home-office setups and buyers who value upgradeability.

Think twice if: you want a premium OLED display, strong AI hardware, serious gaming performance, USB4, or the newest processor generation.

Lenovo ThinkPad E16 Gen 2 Ryzen 5 7535U Specifications

The Ryzen 5 7535U itself uses six Zen 3+ cores and twelve threads, runs from 2.9GHz to 4.55GHz, and includes Radeon 660M graphics.

Design and Build Quality

The E16 Gen 2 looks exactly like a ThinkPad should.

It is understated, professional, and clearly designed as a working computer rather than a fashion accessory.

Lenovo offers versions with:

• aluminum top and PC-ABS bottom
• aluminum top and aluminum bottom

The lighter mixed-material version starts around 3.92 pounds, while the all-aluminum model starts around 3.99 pounds.

That isn’t especially light compared with premium ultraportables, but it is reasonable for a 16-inch business notebook.

Independent testing of the AMD E16 Gen 2 found the chassis impressively resistant to bending and twisting, although the textured surfaces were prone to fingerprints. The hinges also held the display firmly and allowed it to open to 180 degrees.

For:

• home office
• corporate work
• university
• commuting

the size remains manageable.

Design & Build Score: 9.0/10

16-Inch 16:10 Display

The E16’s large display is a significant productivity advantage.

Instead of an old-fashioned 16:9 panel, Lenovo uses a 16:10 aspect ratio.

That gives you additional vertical working space.

For everyday work, you can see more:

• spreadsheet rows
• document text
• website content
• lines of code
• WordPress controls

without scrolling as often.

For a productivity-oriented laptop, 16:10 is exactly what we want.

Four Display Options

Lenovo offers several panels in the AMD E16 Gen 2 platform.

Standard WUXGA

1920 × 1200
300 nits
45% NTSC
60Hz
Anti-glare

WUXGA Touchscreen

1920 × 1200
300 nits
45% NTSC
60Hz

Premium WUXGA

1920 × 1200
400 nits
100% sRGB
60Hz

WQXGA

2560 × 1600
400 nits
100% sRGB
60Hz

This is important because not every E16 Gen 2 has the same display.

Standard 300-Nit Display

The most common Ryzen 5 7535U retail configurations use the basic:

1920 × 1200, 300-nit, 45% NTSC panel

Canadian Staples and Best Buy listings confirm this display on multiple Ryzen 5 7535U models.

For ordinary work, it is perfectly usable.

It is good enough for:

• Word
• Excel
• email
• Chrome
• Zoom
• programming
• WordPress
• YouTube

But colour reproduction is clearly budget-oriented.

45% NTSC is not what we would choose for professional:

• photography
• graphics
• colour grading
• video production

Standard Display Score: 7.9/10

The 400-Nit 100% sRGB Panel Is Much Better

If you can find the E16 Gen 2 with Lenovo’s 400-nit 100% sRGB panel, we strongly prefer it.

It gives you:

• stronger colour reproduction
• better outdoor/bright-room usability
• better photo-editing potential
• higher contrast specification

without changing the laptop’s basic productivity-focused character.

For buyers spending eight hours per day looking at the laptop, this is arguably a more valuable upgrade than moving from Ryzen 5 to Ryzen 7.

2560 × 1600 Option

The best official display is the 2560 × 1600 WQXGA panel, also rated at 400 nits and 100% sRGB.

The higher resolution makes:

• text sharper
• photographs more detailed
• small interface elements cleaner

However, it remains limited to 60Hz.

A 90Hz or 120Hz option would have made the E16 Gen 2 feel considerably more modern.

Premium Display Score: 9.0/10

AMD Ryzen 5 7535U Performance

The Ryzen 5 7535U is based on AMD’s Zen 3+ architecture.

It provides:

6 cores

12 threads

2.9GHz base clock

up to 4.55GHz boost

16MB L3 cache

Radeon 660M graphics

It is not a new architecture in 2026. Notebookcheck describes it as a refresh of AMD’s Ryzen 5 6600U, with similar overall performance.

That sounds disappointing until you consider the laptop’s intended workload.

For business productivity, the processor is still plenty fast.

Everyday Performance

The Ryzen 5 7535U should comfortably handle:

• Microsoft Word
• Excel
• PowerPoint
• Outlook
• Teams
• Zoom
• Google Chrome
• WordPress
• accounting software
• Photoshop for lighter projects
• Visual Studio Code
• general programming
• streaming

The six-core/twelve-thread configuration provides enough CPU headroom for serious everyday multitasking.

Notebookcheck’s aggregated testing places the 7535U around 400 points in Cinebench 2024 multi-core and roughly 86 points single-core, though exact results depend on laptop power and cooling settings.

CPU Performance Score: 8.7/10

Ryzen 5 7535U vs 7535HS

Do not confuse:

Ryzen 5 7535U

with

Ryzen 5 7535HS.

Both have six cores and twelve threads, and both boost as high as 4.55GHz, but the HS version has a higher base clock and generally runs at higher power. Lenovo offers both in the E16 Gen 2 family.

The U version reviewed here prioritizes:

• efficiency
• lower heat
• quieter everyday use

over maximum sustained CPU performance.

For Office and business applications, we prefer that balance.

For long rendering or compilation workloads, the HS version is faster.

Radeon 660M Graphics

The Ryzen 5 7535U includes AMD Radeon 660M integrated graphics.

The GPU is based on AMD’s RDNA 2 architecture and has six compute units with speeds up to approximately 1.9GHz.

This makes it considerably better than many old integrated business GPUs.

It works well for:

• 4K video playback
• multiple monitors
• Photoshop acceleration
• light creative work
• casual gaming

But Radeon 660M is nowhere near a modern dedicated gaming GPU.

Graphics Score: 8.0/10

Gaming Performance

The E16 Gen 2 is a business laptop first.

Light gaming is realistic.

You can reasonably use it for games such as:

• League of Legends
• Minecraft
• Valorant
• Rocket League
• indie games
• older PC titles

More demanding games require substantial compromises.

Independent testing of the same E16 Gen 2 chassis with the somewhat faster Ryzen 5 7535HS and the same Radeon 660M achieved about 25.6 fps in F1 24 at 1080p High and around 23 fps in Far Cry 5 at 1080p High. The lower-power 7535U should not be expected to outperform those results.

For modern AAA gaming, buy something with GeForce RTX graphics.

Gaming Score: 7.0/10

RAM Upgradeability: Excellent

This is where the E16 Gen 2 becomes far more attractive than many consumer laptops.

Lenovo provides:

2 × DDR5 SODIMM slots

with dual-channel support.

The platform supports up to 64GB DDR5-4800.

That means RAM is not permanently soldered.

You can upgrade it later.

This is excellent for long-term ownership.

8GB vs 16GB

Some Canadian Ryzen 5 7535U configurations still ship with only 8GB RAM. Staples currently lists an 8GB/256GB model.

We would not choose 8GB in 2026 unless the laptop is extremely cheap and you plan to upgrade immediately.

16GB is our recommended minimum.

It provides much more breathing room for:

• browser tabs
• Teams
• WordPress
• Photoshop
• programming
• large spreadsheets

32GB Is Easy to Recommend for Power Users

Because memory is replaceable, upgrading to 32GB later is straightforward.

For developers, heavy multitaskers, or business users keeping the laptop for many years, a 2 × 16GB dual-channel configuration is ideal.

Retailers even sell Ryzen 5 7535U versions with 32GB and larger memory configurations, while Lenovo’s platform officially supports up to 64GB.

Memory & Upgradeability Score: 9.7/10

Two SSD Slots

Storage upgradeability is just as impressive.

Lenovo gives you:

1 × M.2 2242 PCIe 4.0 x4

and

1 × M.2 2280 PCIe 4.0 x4.

The laptop supports two SSDs simultaneously.

Lenovo normally sells the machine with one SSD, leaving the second slot available for user expansion.

That is excellent.

256GB vs 512GB vs 1TB

Some basic configurations ship with 256GB.

That is usable but small.

We recommend:

512GB

for general business and student use.

1TB

for long-term ownership, development, photography or users storing substantial files locally.

Because the second M.2 slot is available, buying a 256GB or 512GB model is much less risky than on a laptop with soldered storage.

You can simply add another SSD later.

Storage Score: 9.6/10

Battery: 47Wh or 57Wh

Lenovo offers two batteries:

47Wh

and

57Wh.

The 47Wh version supports Rapid Charge Pro, while the 57Wh battery supports charging up to 80% in approximately one hour under Lenovo’s specified conditions.

We strongly prefer the 57Wh battery if available.

A 16-inch productivity notebook benefits from the additional capacity.

Battery Life

Battery endurance varies considerably depending on screen and battery configuration.

Lenovo tested a Ryzen 5 7535U touchscreen configuration with:

• 16GB RAM
• 47Wh battery
• WUXGA touchscreen

and reported up to approximately 7.75 hours in MobileMark 25 and 10.96 hours of local video playback under its controlled conditions.

Other E16 Gen 2 AMD configurations with the larger 57Wh battery achieved Lenovo-rated MobileMark results above 11 hours.

Real-world runtime will depend on brightness, Wi-Fi use, workload, background applications and battery health.

Battery Score: 8.5/10

65W USB-C Charging

Lenovo uses a 65W USB-C power adapter.

USB-C charging is convenient because you are not tied to a proprietary power connector.

A compatible charger can potentially be shared between:

• laptop
• tablet
• phone
• other USB-C devices

which reduces travel clutter.

Ports: One of the Biggest Strengths

The ThinkPad E16 Gen 2 provides an excellent set of physical connections.

You get:

1 × USB-A 5Gbps

1 × USB-A 10Gbps

1 × USB-C 5Gbps

1 × USB-C 10Gbps

HDMI 2.1

Gigabit Ethernet

3.5mm audio

Both USB-C ports support charging and DisplayPort 1.4.

Ports Score: 9.4/10

Built-In Ethernet

Gigabit RJ45 is especially valuable on a business laptop.

It gives you a direct wired connection for:

• corporate networks
• network troubleshooting
• large file transfers
• unreliable Wi-Fi environments

without requiring an adapter.

That is something many expensive ultraportables no longer provide.

HDMI 2.1

The HDMI connection supports output up to 4K at 60Hz.

That makes the laptop easy to connect directly to:

• office monitors
• conference-room displays
• TVs
• projectors

without carrying an HDMI dongle.

Up to Three External Displays

Lenovo supports the built-in display plus up to three external monitors simultaneously using HDMI and USB-C.

Maximum listed output includes:

• HDMI up to 4K/60
• USB-C 10Gbps up to 5K/60
• USB-C 5Gbps up to 4K/60

That makes the E16 Gen 2 a very capable desktop-replacement setup when connected to a dock and external screens.

No USB4

One disappointment is that neither USB-C port supports USB4.

The fastest one reaches 10Gbps.

For:

• charging
• displays
• ordinary USB SSDs
• docks

that is enough.

But professionals using extremely fast external storage may prefer the newer E16 Gen 3 AMD, which includes a 40Gbps USB4 connection.

No SD Card Reader

Lenovo does not include an SD or microSD card reader.

That is one of the laptop’s most obvious omissions.

Photographers and camera users will need a USB reader.

Wi-Fi 6 and Wi-Fi 6E

Wireless hardware varies by configuration.

Lenovo offered both Wi-Fi 6 and Wi-Fi 6E adapters with Bluetooth 5.3.

Wi-Fi 6 remains sufficient for almost every normal home or office connection.

Wi-Fi 7 would provide better long-term future-proofing, but its absence is not a major problem on an older value-oriented business machine.

Connectivity Score: 8.9/10

ThinkPad Keyboard

The keyboard remains one of the main reasons to buy a ThinkPad.

Lenovo uses a six-row, spill-resistant layout with approximately 1.5mm key travel, multimedia keys and a full numeric keypad. Backlighting is available depending on configuration.

The 16-inch chassis allows Lenovo to include the number pad without making the main keyboard excessively cramped.

That is particularly valuable for:

• Excel
• accounting
• bookkeeping
• invoices
• data entry

Keyboard Score: 9.4/10

TrackPoint and Trackpad

The classic red TrackPoint remains in the middle of the keyboard.

The touchpad is approximately 68 × 115mm and uses a three-button design supporting the TrackPoint.

It isn’t as enormous as the trackpads found on some consumer laptops, but the combination of:

• trackpad
• dedicated buttons
• TrackPoint

gives business users multiple ways to navigate.

Keyboard & Trackpad Score: 9.1/10

Webcam

Camera options include:

• 720p
• 1080p
• 1080p + IR

with a physical privacy shutter.

Canadian Ryzen 5 configurations are commonly sold with the 1080p webcam, which is the version we would choose.

The optional IR camera enables Windows Hello facial login.

For:

• Teams
• Zoom
• Google Meet
• online classes

1080p is perfectly appropriate.

Webcam Score: 8.6/10

Speakers

The E16 Gen 2 uses two 2W stereo speakers with Dolby Atmos and Harman tuning.

They are sufficient for:

• meetings
• podcasts
• YouTube
• occasional movies

but this is not a media-focused laptop.

For music, headphones or external speakers remain preferable.

Audio Score: 8.1/10

Cooling and Noise

The lower-power Ryzen 5 7535U should generally be easier to cool than the higher-wattage HS configurations.

Notebookcheck tested the same E16 Gen 2 AMD chassis with a Ryzen 5 7535HS and found the machine quiet at idle, with reasonable temperatures even under heavy workloads. Maximum measured exterior temperatures were in the low-40°C range during demanding testing.

Since the 7535U uses a lower-power profile, it is reasonable to expect the U-series version to emphasize efficiency and quieter everyday operation rather than maximum sustained CPU speed. This is an inference from the processor and chassis characteristics.

Cooling Score: 8.9/10

ThinkPad E16 Gen 2 for Business

This is where the laptop makes the most sense.

You get:

• excellent keyboard
• large display
• numeric keypad
• Ethernet
• HDMI
• two USB-C ports
• two USB-A ports
• replaceable RAM
• dual SSD slots

in one machine.

For small businesses, accounting, administration and office productivity, the E16 Gen 2 remains very practical.

ThinkPad E16 Gen 2 for Students

The laptop is also a strong student option if you don’t mind carrying a roughly four-pound machine.

The large 16-inch display is excellent for:

• research
• PDFs
• essays
• split-screen work
• online classes

The Ryzen 5 processor is easily powerful enough for normal university workloads, while upgradeable RAM and storage give the laptop good longevity.

ThinkPad E16 Gen 2 for Programming

This is one of its strongest use cases.

Programmers benefit from:

• 16-inch 16:10 screen
• excellent keyboard
• six-core/twelve-thread CPU
• up to 64GB RAM
• two SSD slots
• Ethernet
• multiple external-monitor support

It works well for:

• HTML/CSS
• JavaScript
• PHP
• Python
• Java
• C#
• Visual Studio Code
• WordPress development
• moderate Docker use

For heavier virtualization, upgrade to 32GB RAM.

ThinkPad E16 Gen 2 for WordPress

For website management, this computer has more than enough CPU performance.

A realistic workflow involving:

• WordPress
• Chrome with many tabs
• Canva
• Analytics
• Search Console
• SEO tools
• email
• spreadsheets
• light Photoshop

should run comfortably with 16GB or 32GB RAM.

The large 16:10 screen is also excellent for editing pages and viewing analytics dashboards.

ThinkPad E16 Gen 2 for Photo Editing

The processor and Radeon graphics are capable enough for moderate Photoshop and Lightroom workloads.

The display is the deciding factor.

If you have the basic 45% NTSC screen, it is not suitable for serious colour work.

If photography matters, look specifically for the:

400-nit 100% sRGB WUXGA

or

2560 × 1600 100% sRGB

panel.

Those configurations are dramatically better suited to creative applications.

ThinkPad E16 Gen 2 for Video Editing

Basic and moderate video work is possible.

The six-core CPU and Radeon 660M can manage:

• simple 1080p projects
• social-media video
• lightweight YouTube editing

But this isn’t a workstation.

For complex 4K effects, long professional exports, or 3D work, choose a laptop with dedicated graphics.

ThinkPad E16 Gen 2 vs E16 Gen 3

This comparison matters in 2026.

Lenovo Canada now sells the ThinkPad E16 Gen 3 AMD, using newer Ryzen 200-series processors. The newer model also adds USB4 40Gbps while retaining two SODIMM slots and two SSD slots.

Lenovo Canada currently lists the Gen 3 AMD line starting around CA$1,639.

That means the E16 Gen 2 only makes sense if you receive a meaningful discount.

Current Canadian Value

This is where shoppers need to be careful.

A Staples listing currently asks CA$1,329 for an 8GB/256GB Ryzen 5 7535U model.

Best Buy Marketplace currently lists some 16GB/512GB versions around CA$1,638, which is essentially Gen 3 territory.

At those higher prices, we would not recommend the Gen 2.

Our view is simple:

Good buy

When heavily discounted below newer E16 models.

Poor buy

When a Ryzen 5 7535U Gen 2 costs almost as much as a Gen 3.

This is especially important because the 7535U architecture dates back to 2023.

Pros and Cons

What We Like

Excellent ThinkPad keyboard

Great for long work sessions.

Large 16-inch 16:10 display

Excellent productivity workspace.

Good Ryzen 5 performance

Six cores and twelve threads remain plenty for mainstream productivity.

Upgradeable RAM

Two SODIMM slots support up to 64GB.

Two SSD slots

Excellent for long-term storage expansion.

Radeon 660M

Reasonably capable integrated graphics.

Two USB-A ports

Excellent compatibility.

Two USB-C ports

Both support charging and video output.

HDMI 2.1

Supports up to 4K/60Hz.

Built-in Ethernet

Excellent for business environments.

1080p webcam options

Good for remote work.

Optional 100% sRGB displays

Much better than the basic panel.

What We Don’t Like

Basic display has weak colour

45% NTSC is disappointing.

60Hz only

There is no high-refresh option.

No USB4

The fastest USB-C port reaches only 10Gbps.

No SD card reader

Photographers need an adapter.

Not particularly lightweight

Around 3.9–4 pounds depending on chassis.

Older CPU architecture

The Ryzen 5 7535U is a Zen 3+ refresh rather than a current AI-focused processor.

No dedicated NPU

It isn’t a Copilot+ PC.

Radeon 660M has gaming limits

Dedicated graphics remain far faster.

Gen 3 is already available

Gen 2 needs a substantial price advantage in 2026.

Best Configuration

Our preferred version would be:

AMD Ryzen 5 7535U

16GB DDR5 Dual Channel

512GB or 1TB SSD

16-Inch WUXGA 400-Nit 100% sRGB Display

57Wh Battery

1080p Webcam

Backlit Keyboard

16GB is enough for most users.

32GB is easy to add later because both memory slots are replaceable.

Likewise, there is little reason to overpay for huge factory storage because a second M.2 slot is available for expansion.

Who Should Buy the ThinkPad E16 Gen 2 Ryzen 5?

Business Users

Highly recommended when discounted.

Excellent keyboard, ports and upgradeability.

Students

Very good.

The only downside is its roughly four-pound weight.

Programmers

Excellent value.

Upgradeable RAM and dual SSDs are major advantages.

WordPress Users

Excellent.

The Ryzen 5 has plenty of performance.

Accountants

Excellent.

The numeric keypad and 16-inch screen are particularly useful.

Photographers

Only with the 100% sRGB display.

Avoid the 45% NTSC panel for serious editing.

Video Editors

Good for lighter projects.

Gamers

Only for casual gaming.

Is the Lenovo ThinkPad E16 Gen 2 Ryzen 5 7535U Worth Buying in 2026?

Yes—but only at the right price.

The hardware itself remains surprisingly practical.

The Ryzen 5 7535U is old enough that it should no longer command premium pricing, but it is still fast enough for mainstream business use.

More importantly, the laptop surrounding that processor is excellent.

You get:

• two RAM slots
• two SSD slots
• full-size keyboard
• numeric keypad
• Ethernet
• HDMI
• four USB connections
• large 16:10 display

Those features can make the E16 Gen 2 more useful over five years than a thinner laptop with soldered memory and no expansion.

The problem is current pricing.

With the newer E16 Gen 3 AMD currently available in Canada, there is little reason to pay close to CA$1,600 for a Gen 2 Ryzen 5 7535U machine.

At a substantial clearance or refurbished discount, however, the E16 Gen 2 becomes much more compelling.

Final Verdict

The Lenovo ThinkPad E16 Gen 2 Ryzen 5 7535U is a traditional business laptop in the best possible sense.

It prioritizes the features people who actually work on their computers need.

The keyboard is comfortable.

The screen is large.

The numeric keypad is useful.

Ethernet and HDMI are built in.

There are both USB-A and USB-C connections.

RAM is replaceable.

Storage is expandable.

And the Ryzen 5 7535U still has enough performance to handle everyday business, school, programming and website-management workloads without difficulty.

Its shortcomings mostly come from age and cost cutting.

The basic display has limited colour.

USB4 is missing.

There is no SD reader.

The integrated GPU is only suitable for casual gaming.

And the processor belongs to an older Zen 3+ generation.

But none of those things prevent it from being an excellent productivity tool.

The real question in 2026 is price.

With the newer ThinkPad E16 Gen 3 already available, do not pay near-new-generation prices for the Gen 2.

Find the Ryzen 5 7535U version at a strong clearance or refurbished price, upgrade it to 16GB or 32GB if necessary, and you have a durable, expandable 16-inch business laptop that could remain useful for years.

IRONreviews Final Rating: 8.8/10

IRONreviews Verdict

Recommended when discounted — the ThinkPad E16 Gen 2 Ryzen 5 7535U combines excellent upgradeability, a superb productivity keyboard, a large 16:10 screen and strong business connectivity. Avoid paying Gen 3-level prices.