ThinkPad P16 Vs. P1: Best High-Performance Mobile Workstation

For professionals who need maximum power and performance in a mobile workstation, Lenovo’s ThinkPad P series laptops are top choices. The P16 and P1 models in particular pack impressive specs and features into slim yet durable chassis.

But what exactly sets these two apart, and which one is the better buy for your needs? This comprehensive guide examines the key differences.

Brief Comparison Table

Specs	ThinkPad P16	ThinkPad P1
Display	16-inch 4K IPS	15.6-inch 4K OLED
CPU	Up to 12th Gen Intel Core i9	Up to 12th Gen Intel Core i9
GPU	Up to NVIDIA RTX A5500	Up to NVIDIA RTX A5500
RAM	Up to 64GB DDR5	Up to 64GB DDR5
Storage	Up to 8TB PCIe 4 SSD	Up to 8TB PCIe 4 SSD
Weight	1.99kg / 4.4 lbs	1.7kg / 3.76 lbs

Detailed Comparison

Displays

One of the biggest differences between the P16 and P1 lies in the display size and panel technology. The P16 sports a 16-inch screen with IPS (in-plane switching) panel and 16:10 aspect ratio. Resolution maxes out at 4K+ (3840 x 2400). The 16:10 ratio gives you some extra vertical space compared to widescreen 16:9 displays, which is useful for viewing documents and web pages.

The P1 has a smaller 15.6-inch 4K display, but uses OLED technology for superior contrast and pixel response times. OLED panels can display true blacks since each pixel provides its own illumination. The tradeoff versus IPS is usually reduced peak brightness. If visual accuracy for creative work is crucial, the P16’s display may have an edge. But the P1 offers a more vibrant, immersive viewing experience.

Performance Hardware

Both the P16 and P1 can be configured with the latest 12th gen Intel Core i9 processors for top-tier multi-core performance. The P16 maxes out with the i9-12950HX while the P1 goes up to the i9-12900HX – but benchmark differences between the two are minor. These chips offer similar power across heavy workloads like 3D rendering, video editing, data analysis and more.

For the graphics card, NVIDIA’s workstation-class RTX A-series GPUs are offered on both systems. The P16 accommodates up to an RTX A5500 while the P1 can be configured with up to an A4500. In terms of 3D rendering speeds, the A5500 is around 15% faster based on benchmarks. It also packs more CUDA cores (7424 Vs. 6144) and higher memory bandwidth.

If GPU accelerated tasks are vital, the P16 has a performance advantage here. But both GPUs deliver excellent results for CAD, animation, simulation and other professional graphics uses.

In the memory department, you can outfit both laptops with up to 64GB of fast DDR5 RAM clocked at 4800MHz. For storage, PCIe Gen 4 solid state drives up to 8TB provide lightning quick access to your files and projects. Overall, the P16 and P1 are neck-and-neck when it comes to raw performance hardware. Power users will appreciate what both models bring to the table.

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Portability

At 1.99kg (4.4lbs), the 16-inch P16 is no featherweight – but still impressively portable for its size. By comparison, the 15.6-inch P1 shaves off a bit more weight at 1.7kg (3.76lbs). Side by side, the P1 will have a noticeable edge in mobility. But both utilize lightweight and rigid magnesium alloy chassis to strike a balance between durability and heft.

If your work entails frequent travel or use on the go, the P1’s smaller footprint may be preferred. But the P16 still delivers ample power in a reasonably slim, rugged build that’s easier to transport than larger 17-inch mobile workstations. For steady desktop use or occasional mobility, the minor weight difference shouldn’t be a deciding factor.

Connectivity

The ThinkPad P1 packs a good selection of ports into its slim frame including 2x Thunderbolt 4, 2x USB-A 3.2, HDMI 2.1, an SD card reader, and a 3.5mm audio jack.

But the thicker P16 adds more connectivity for good measure. You’ll find the same Thunderbolt and USB-A ports, plus two extra USB-C ports, an ethernet jack, HDMI 2.1, SD card reader, and 3.5mm audio.

If your peripherals rely heavily on USB-A or ethernet, the P16 provides more onboard connectivity. Both laptops support Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.2 wireless. But if your workflow benefits from wired connections, the P16 is the better equipped machine.

Battery Life

With its larger 16-inch chassis, the P16 can accommodate a bigger 90Wh battery compared to the P1’s 80Wh unit. In practical use, this gives the P16 a slight edge in battery life – expect up to 2 hours more runtime away from an outlet.

Under taxing workloads, both laptops will consume power quicker than normal. But with brightness reduced and less intensive tasks, the P16 can likely last a little longer on a charge. Road warriors and frequent travelers may gain some extra untethered time from the bigger battery.

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Software And Security

All ThinkPad mobile workstations ship with Lenovo’s business-centric software preloaded. On the security front, you’ll find ThinkShield and features like the webcam privacy shutter and fingerprint reader. When it comes to OS and software, the P16 and P1 offer identical setups.

Lenovo preloads Windows 10 Pro, but both laptops are eligible for a free upgrade to Windows 11 Pro. You’ll also find Lenovo’s ThinkPad productivity software suite covering things like system management, conferencing tools and device security. The software experience is nearly identical between both models.

Which Should You Buy?

For most professional users shopping in this performance tier, either ThinkPad model will provide ample muscle and mobility for demanding work. But let’s recap the key differences that may sway your purchasing decision:

• The P16’s 16-inch display gives you more real estate and crisp 4K IPS visuals. Go P1 for a more portable 15.6-inch OLED screen.
• The P16 packs a faster RTX A5500 GPU for 3D rendering and graphics work. But the P1’s A4500 still delivers excellent results.
• At 1.7kg, the P1 has a slight portability edge over the 1.99kg P16. But the P16’s bigger 90Wh battery outlasts the P1’s 80Wh unit.
• With extra USB and ethernet ports, the P16 offers more wired connectivity if that’s important for your peripherals.

For most shoppers, performance should be the top priority – and in this regard the ThinkPad P16 and P1 trade blows. Creative pros who want maximum graphics capability for 3D workflows may favor the P16’s A5500 GPU. Road warriors who crave a lighter machine can turn to the P1. But for raw speed across both CPU and GPU tasks, either model will supply tremendous power.

Ultimately, you can’t go wrong with Lenovo’s flagship P-series ThinkPads. Let your display size, portability and connectivity preferences guide your final decision between the P16 and P1 powerhouse contenders. Both represent the pinnacle of portable workstation performance.

Also watch the review video of P16!

FAQs

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Conclusion

When you need maximum horsepower and performance in a mobile workstation, Lenovo’s ThinkPad P series has compelling options. The P16 and P1 represent the best balance of power, portability, and durability. For most professionals, choosing between these two models ultimately comes down to display size preference, GPU needs, battery life, and connectivity.

With careful configuration, either ThinkPad can be an excellent investment to boost productivity and creativity on the go or at your desk. For no-compromise performance in an enduring yet portable package, Lenovo’s latest P-series laptops prove you can have it all.