Lenovo ThinkBook 14 Gen 8i Review
AI-Powered Performance for 2025
Ushering in the era of the **AI PC**, the Lenovo ThinkBook 14 Gen 8i (Part: 21SJCTO1WWIN1) represents a significant leap forward. This customizable model is built around the new Intel® Core™ Ultra 5 processor, featuring a dedicated Neural Processing Unit (NPU) to accelerate AI workloads and boost power efficiency. Starting at ₹55,596, this laptop is for tech-forward users who want to build a machine on the cutting edge of personal computing, with full control over the OS, memory, and storage.
This review will focus on what makes the Gen 8i a next-generation device. We’ll explore the real-world benefits of the Core Ultra processor’s AI capabilities, its faster DDR5-5600 RAM, and how its flexible, customizable platform serves developers, IT professionals, and early adopters looking to harness the power of AI in 2025.
Next-Gen AI Efficiency & Customization
The Gen 8i’s appeal lies in its forward-looking architecture, providing a platform for the next wave of AI-enhanced applications and offering complete user control.
Intel® Core™ Ultra with Onboard NPU
The game-changing feature is the integrated NPU. This dedicated AI engine offloads tasks like real-time background blur, noise cancellation, and Windows Studio Effects from the CPU, resulting in better performance and significantly improved battery life during collaborative work. It’s the foundation for a new class of responsive, efficient AI applications, offering up to 13 trillion operations per second (TOPS) of AI performance on U-series processors and up to 77 TOPS on the optional H-series chips with Intel® Arc™ Xe2 GPU.
Full Customization and OS Freedom
This “Build Your PC” model is perfect for professionals who want control. The ability to start without a pre-installed OS is a major benefit for Linux developers or businesses with their own Windows licenses. You can also configure the CPU, RAM, storage, and even the battery to your exact specifications. The display has a non-touch option and a more premium touchscreen option.
Faster Memory and Excellent Upgradability
The Gen 8i moves to faster DDR5-5600MT/s RAM, providing more memory bandwidth for the new Core Ultra processor. It maintains the ThinkBook’s signature dual user-accessible RAM and SSD slots, ensuring that this cutting-edge machine can still be easily and affordably upgraded in the future, with support for up to 64GB of RAM and 4TB of storage.
Larger Standard Battery
The base configuration for this customizable model includes a 60Wh battery, larger than the 45Wh battery found in many of the previous generation’s pre-built models. Combined with the efficiency of the Core Ultra platform, this promises improved unplugged runtime. It also supports rapid charging with a 65W or higher adapter.
Seamless AI-Powered Collaboration
The integrated NPU enhances your virtual meetings. Features like automatic background blur, AI-driven gaze correction, and noise suppression are handled by the NPU, freeing up the CPU for other tasks and ensuring you look and sound your best without draining the battery.
Effortless Power Management
The ThinkBook’s AI capabilities extend to its power delivery. The NPU intelligently offloads sustained, low-intensity tasks, which significantly improves battery life. This smart power management allows you to work longer on a single charge while the system efficiently handles a variety of background applications.
Enhanced Creative Workflows
For creative professionals, the new Intel Core Ultra processors and optional Intel Arc™ Xe2 GPU accelerate a new generation of AI-driven creative tools. This allows for faster image and video rendering, more efficient generative AI tasks, and a smoother, more responsive experience in a growing number of applications.
Detailed Specifications
General & OS
- Model Number: 21SJCTO1WWIN1
- Series: ThinkBook 14 Gen 8i (Customizable)
- Color: Arctic Grey
- Operating System: No Operating System (Configurable up to Windows 11 Pro)
- Warranty: 1 Year On-site (Configurable)
Performance
- Processor: Up to Intel® Core™ Ultra (Series 2) 7 255H & 255U
- CPU Architecture: P-cores, E-cores, and NPU
- Max Clock Speed: Up to 4.80 GHz (P-cores)
- Graphics: Intel® integrated graphics (U-series) or Intel® Arc™ Xe2 GPU (H-series)
- Memory (RAM): Up to 64GB DDR5-5600MT/s (SODIMM)
- Memory Slots: 2x DDR5 SODIMM
- Storage: Up to 4TB SSD M.2 PCIe Gen4 TLC
- Storage Slots: 2x M.2 PCIe Gen4 SSD Slots (2280/2242 compatible)
Display, Camera & Audio
- Screen Size: 14 inches (35.56cm)
- Resolution Options: WUXGA (1920 x 1200) or WQXGA (2880 x 1620)
- Panel Type: IPS (In-Plane Switching)
- Aspect Ratio: 16:10
- Brightness: Up to 400 nits
- Color Gamut: 45% NTSC or 100% sRGB
- Refresh Rate: Up to 120Hz (on WQXGA model)
- Webcam: FHD 1080p RGB or with Infrared (IR) with privacy shutter
- Audio: Dolby Audio™ with dual-array microphones
Connectivity & Design
- Wireless: Wi-Fi 6E 2×2 AX with Bluetooth® 5.3
- Ports: USB-C® Thunderbolt™ 4, USB-C® (10Gbps), 2x USB-A (5Gbps), HDMI® 2.1, Headphone/mic combo, Ethernet (RJ45), SD card reader
- Keyboard: Backlit, Spill-resistant
- TouchPad: Enlarged 120mm x 75mm
- Dimensions (H x W x D): 17.5mm x 313.5mm x 224mm
- Weight: Starting at 1.36kg / 3.0lbs
Security & Durability
- Security Chip: Discrete TPM 2.0
- Fingerprint Reader: Smart Power On: match-on-chip (MOC) fingerprint reader integrated with power button
- Zero-touch login: With Microsoft Windows Hello (requires optional IR camera)
- Durability Standard: MIL-STD-810H Military-Grade Tested
- BIOS: Self-healing BIOS
Sustainability & Certifications
The ThinkBook 14 Gen 8i isn’t just a powerful machine; it’s also built with a commitment to the environment. Lenovo has incorporated recycled materials into key components and achieved notable sustainability certifications.
Recycled Materials
- 90% PCC Recycled Plastic: Used in the AC adapter.
- 90% Recycled Ocean-Bound Plastic: Used in the device bag.
- 50% PCC Recycled Plastic: Used in the keycaps.
- 30% PCC Recycled Plastic: Used in the speaker enclosure.
Certifications & Registries
- ENERGY STAR® 9.0: Ensures energy efficiency.
- TCO 10.0 Certified: A rigorous certification for sustainability.
- TÜV Eyesafe® Certified: Reduces blue light emissions to protect your eyes.
- Forest Stewardship Council® (FSC): Certified for the carton and accessory box.
What’s in the Box?
- ThinkBook 14 Gen 8 (14, Intel) laptop
- USB-C® 65W AC adapter
- Quick Start Guide
Pros and Cons: A Balanced View for Buyers
Pros
- Cutting-Edge AI Performance: The Intel Core Ultra CPU with its NPU offers superior efficiency and performance in AI-driven tasks, especially on the high-end H-series processors.
- Complete Customization: Ideal for experts, with full control over specs, from a 2.8K 120Hz display to up to 4TB of storage, and the ability to purchase without an OS.
- Faster Memory Standard: Upgraded to faster DDR5-5600MT/s RAM for improved system responsiveness, supporting up to 64GB.
- Comprehensive Port Selection: Includes Thunderbolt 4, HDMI 2.1, and a variety of USB ports for robust connectivity.
- Sleek and Sustainable Design: A lightweight and durable chassis made with a significant amount of recycled plastic.
Cons
- Requires Technical Skill: The base model’s lack of a pre-installed OS means users must be comfortable with the installation process.
- Weak Base Configuration: While customizable, the starting specs of 8GB of RAM and a 256GB SSD are not sufficient for a professional workload and will require additional investment.
- Longer Ship Times: As a custom-built PC, expect longer delivery times compared to pre-configured stock.
Who Is This Laptop For? Tailored Recommendations
The Customizable ThinkBook 14 Gen 8i is the perfect choice for:
- Early Adopters & Tech Enthusiasts: Who want to be on the forefront of AI PC technology and have the freedom to configure their system.
- Developers & Linux Users: Who can leverage the OS-free option and build a powerful machine for coding and testing, especially with AI frameworks.
- IT Professionals: Who need a modern, efficient, and customizable platform for company-wide deployment with strong security features like fTPM 2.0.
- Power Users Focused on Efficiency: Who understand the long-term battery and performance benefits of offloading tasks to a dedicated NPU.
Competitive Edge: ThinkBook 14 Gen 8i vs. The Rivals
The Gen 8i’s primary advantage is its new, AI-ready architecture, offered in a uniquely flexible package.
- Dedicated AI Hardware: The Intel Core Ultra’s NPU gives it a distinct advantage in efficiency and performance for a growing number of AI-accelerated tasks over older Intel chips and current AMD rivals without similar hardware.
- Freedom from Fixed Configurations: Like its predecessor, the “Build Your PC” model offers a level of choice (especially the OS-free option) that is rare among major manufacturers.
- Future-Proof Platform: By adopting the new AI-centric platform and faster DDR5-5600 RAM, this ThinkBook is better prepared for the next generation of software than its competitors.