Lenovo ThinkPad T14s Gen 6 with Snapdragon X Elite: A Business-Class Copilot+ PC Powerhouse

The Lenovo ThinkPad T14s Gen 6 remains a standout in the business laptop arena, leveraging Qualcomm’s Snapdragon X Elite processor to deliver a potent mix of performance, efficiency, and AI-driven features as one of the first Copilot+ PCs. Since its launch, new developments in Copilot+ PC capabilities, Windows 11 updates, and real-world feedback on the T14s have further shaped its place in the market. In this updated review, I’ll dive into what makes this ultraportable tick, highlight the Snapdragon X Elite’s strengths and weaknesses, and incorporate the latest insights on Copilot+ PCs and Windows 11 as of April 18, 2025. Let’s get started.

System Specs at a Glance

Here’s the key spec sheet for the Lenovo ThinkPad T14s Gen 6, based on the configuration spotlighted in this review:

Note: Configurations vary by region. The 2.8K OLED display and 5G options have rolled out in select markets since launch.

What’s a Copilot+ PC, and What’s New?

A Copilot+ PC is Microsoft’s designation for Windows 11 devices optimized for on-device AI, requiring an NPU with at least 40 TOPS, 16GB of RAM, and 256GB of storage. The Snapdragon X Elite’s 45 TOPS Hexagon NPU powers exclusive features like Live Captions (real-time subtitle translation), Windows Studio Effects (background blur and auto-framing for video calls), and Cocreator in Paint (text-to-image generation). Unlike standard Windows 11 PCs, which support the basic Copilot AI assistant, Copilot+ PCs run these advanced tools locally, reducing reliance on cloud processing.

Since the T14s Gen 6’s debut in June 2024, Microsoft has rolled out significant Copilot+ updates via Windows 11 patches, particularly in the 24H2 update (Build 26120.3863 and later). Here’s what’s new as of April 2025:

• Recall Is Finally Here (Sort Of): The controversial Recall feature, which creates a searchable timeline of your PC activity, was delayed due to privacy concerns but began rolling out in beta via Windows Insider channels (Build 26100.3902). It’s now available on select Copilot+ PCs, including the T14s, for users in supported regions (English, Chinese, French, German, Japanese, Spanish). However, it’s opt-in, requires 50GB of free storage, and remains in preview, with some enterprise IT admins disabling it for security reasons.
• Click to Do: A new Windows 11 feature lets you interact directly with on-screen content (e.g., right-click an image to edit or translate it). It’s exclusive to Copilot+ PCs and enhances productivity for quick tasks, though it’s still being refined.
• Improved Narrator and Accessibility: Enhanced image descriptions in Narrator make the T14s more accessible, leveraging the NPU for real-time processing.
• Windows Studio Effects Upgrades: Background blur, lighting correction, and noise suppression are now more robust, with better performance in low-light conditions—ideal for the T14s’s 1080p webcam.

These updates make the T14s’s Copilot+ status more compelling, though some features (like Recall) are still maturing and may not be fully available in all regions or enterprise settings.

Snapdragon X Elite: Strengths and Weaknesses

The Snapdragon X Elite X1E-78-100 (12-core, 3.4GHz) powers the T14s with an Adreno GPU (3.8 TFLOPS) and a 45 TOPS NPU. Configurations range from 16GB to 64GB of LPDDR5x RAM and 256GB to 1TB of PCIe Gen 4 SSD storage. Our test config (32GB RAM, 1TB SSD) is a sweet spot for business users.

Strengths of the Snapdragon X Elite

1. Exceptional Battery Life
   The T14s delivers 20+ hours of battery life for typical workloads (web, Office, streaming), with some users reporting up to 37.4 hours in idle scenarios. The 58Wh battery and low-power 1920x1200 IPS display make it a multi-day workhorse, outlasting Intel Core Ultra and AMD Ryzen competitors. Real-world tests confirm 10-14 hours under moderate loads, rivaling Apple’s M3 MacBooks.
2. Robust Performance
   The X Elite matches or exceeds Apple’s M3 and Intel’s Core Ultra 7 in multi-core benchmarks like Cinebench 2024. It handles Microsoft 365, Zoom, and light creative tasks (e.g., Photoshop) with ease. Microsoft’s Prism emulation ensures smooth performance for most x86 apps, and native Arm64 support for apps like Chrome, Teams, and Adobe Photoshop has expanded since launch.
3. Silent and Cool
   The T14s runs nearly silent, with a low hum from its fan under heavy loads. The rear exhaust and bottom intake keep thermals in check, though some users note the fan runs more often than other Copilot+ PCs. Lenovo’s Commercial Vantage app lets you tweak cooling via Balanced, Best Power Efficiency, or Best Performance modes.
4. AI That’s Getting Smarter
   The 45 TOPS NPU powers Live Captions (now supporting 40+ languages to English), Windows Studio Effects, and Cocreator. Recent Windows updates have improved Cocreator’s image quality and added subtle productivity boosts like real-time meeting summaries in Teams (for enterprise users).

Weaknesses of the Snapdragon X Elite

1. App Compatibility Gaps Persist
   While Prism emulation is solid, some enterprise software and legacy apps either run poorly or not at all. Gaming remains a weak point—titles like Far Cry 5 struggle even with beta drivers, lagging behind AMD’s Radeon 780M or Intel’s Arc iGPUs. Compatibility has improved since June 2024, but power users with niche workflows should verify app support.
2. AI Features Still Maturing
   Despite updates, Copilot+ features like Recall and Click to Do feel like works in progress. Recall’s limited rollout and enterprise restrictions dampen its appeal, and some AI tools (e.g., Cocreator) are optimized for English, which may frustrate non-English users. Expect more polish through 2025.
3. Configuration Constraints
   The 2.8K OLED display and 5G sub-6 connectivity are now available, but the base 1920x1200 IPS lacks touch support in some configs, and OLED models are pricier (starting ~$2,000). Compared to Intel/AMD T14s Gen 6 variants (now available with Ryzen AI 7 PRO), the Snapdragon model has fewer display options.

The ThinkPad T14s Experience

The T14s Gen 6 is quintessential ThinkPad: a 2.72-pound, 0.67-inch-thick chassis in Eclipse Black carbon-fiber and magnesium. The 14-inch 16:10 IPS display (400 nits, 100% sRGB) is glare-free and work-friendly, though the 2.8K OLED option (100% DCI-P3, HDR True Black 500) is now a premium upgrade for creative pros. The keyboard is sublime—1.5mm travel, tactile edges, and a red TrackPoint nub—paired with a dedicated Copilot key.

Ports include two USB-C (Thunderbolt 4), two USB-A, HDMI, and a headphone jack. The 1080p webcam with privacy shutter supports Windows Hello but trails the 5MP cams on Intel-based T14s models. Dual 2W speakers are clear for calls but lack bass. Wi-Fi 7 and optional 5G ensure robust connectivity, a boon for hybrid workers.

Recent Feedback: Users praise the T14s’s build quality and keyboard, with reviewers like Thurrott.com calling it the “best business-class Copilot+ PC” for its balance of performance and efficiency. However, some note the matte IPS display, while practical, isn’t as vibrant as glossy OLEDs on competitors like the Lenovo Yoga Slim 7x.

Who’s It For?

The T14s Gen 6 is ideal for business users who value portability, battery life, and ThinkPad’s legendary keyboard. It’s a top pick for professionals running Microsoft 365, Teams, or light creative apps, and early adopters keen on Copilot+ features. Priced at ~$1,889 for the 32GB/1TB config (up from $1,699 due to demand and OLED/5G options), it’s competitive against the HP EliteBook Ultra G1q but pricier than consumer-focused Copilot+ PCs like the Surface Laptop 7 ($999).

If you need niche software, heavy gaming, or a budget-friendly option, consider the Intel/AMD-based T14s Gen 6 or Lenovo Yoga Slim 7x.

The Verdict

The Lenovo ThinkPad T14s Gen 6 with Snapdragon X Elite is a near-perfect business laptop, blending stellar battery life, strong performance, and a best-in-class keyboard with Copilot+ PC’s AI potential. Recent Windows 11 updates like Recall and Click to Do enhance its appeal, though app compatibility and AI polish remain hurdles. For ThinkPad fans and hybrid workers, it’s a premium but worthwhile investment; for others, it’s a glimpse at Windows’ AI-driven future.

A superb Copilot+ PC that’s stronger than ever, held back only by Arm quirks and evolving AI features.