Refurbished Lenovo ThinkPad T480s — Slim Premium 14-Inch ThinkPad from 1.32kg
The refurbished Lenovo ThinkPad T480s is Lenovo’s slim-and-light version of the T-series — a 14-inch business laptop that weighs from just 1.32kg while keeping built-in Ethernet, Thunderbolt 3, a full USB-A port selection and MIL-STD-810G build quality. The “s” suffix means slim — the T480s is noticeably lighter and thinner than the standard T480, without the dock-only Ethernet compromise of the X280. Powered by an Intel Core i5-8350U 8th Generation quad-core processor, 16GB DDR4 RAM and a fast SSD, the refurbished Lenovo ThinkPad T480s is one of the best all-round business ThinkPads available. According to NotebookCheck’s independent review, the T480s earns high marks for its slim design, keyboard quality and performance.
Verified Key Specifications
- Screen: 14-inch Full HD 1920×1080 IPS anti-glare
- Processor: Intel Core i5-8350U, 8th Gen, quad-core, 1.7GHz base, up to 3.6GHz Turbo Boost
- RAM: 16GB DDR4 (8GB soldered + 8GB SO-DIMM)
- Storage: 128GB or 256GB SSD (PCIe NVMe)
- Graphics: Intel UHD Graphics 620
- Connectivity: Wi-Fi 802.11ac, Bluetooth 4.1, Gigabit Ethernet (built-in)
- Ports: 2x USB 3.1 Gen 1 Type-A (one Always On), 1x Thunderbolt 3 USB-C, 1x USB-C 3.1 Gen 1 (charging + DisplayPort), HDMI 1.4b, RJ-45 Ethernet, MicroSD card reader, 3.5mm audio, Side docking connector
- Weight: From 1.32kg
- Operating System: Windows 11
- Condition: A-grade Certified Refurbished
- Warranty: 14 months
Slim and Light — with Built-In Ethernet
At 1.32kg the T480s is one of the lightest 14-inch ThinkPads available — lighter than the T480, T470 and T460 — yet it retains a full-size RJ-45 Ethernet port that the even lighter X280 dropped. For professionals who travel and also need wired network access at client sites or hotels, this combination of low weight and practical connectivity is genuinely valuable. HDMI, two USB-C ports (one Thunderbolt 3) and two USB-A ports are all built directly into the chassis.
Thunderbolt 3 and Two USB-C Ports
The T480s includes both a Thunderbolt 3 USB-C port and a standard USB 3.1 Gen 1 USB-C port — two USB-C ports in total. The Thunderbolt 3 port supports 40Gbps data transfer, external displays, Power Delivery charging and compatible docking stations. The second USB-C port supports charging, DisplayPort output and USB data. Both USB-C ports can charge the laptop.
16GB RAM — Note on Configuration
This unit has 16GB DDR4 RAM — 8GB is soldered directly to the motherboard and 8GB is in the single SO-DIMM slot. This means the RAM can be partially upgraded: the soldered 8GB is fixed, but the SO-DIMM slot can be upgraded to a higher capacity module if needed. For most professional workloads — running Office, video calls, multiple browser sessions and development tools — 16GB provides comfortable headroom.
MIL-STD-810G and ThinkPad Build Quality
The T480s was tested against MIL-STD-810G military standards covering dust, vibration, humidity, altitude and temperature extremes. The chassis uses a combination of carbon-fibre reinforced plastic and magnesium alloy — rigid and lightweight. The full-size ThinkPad keyboard is backlit, spill-resistant and features the deep key travel and tactile feedback the T-series is renowned for. The red TrackPoint provides precise cursor control without leaving the keyboard.
Who Is This For?
The refurbished Lenovo ThinkPad T480s is ideal for mobile professionals, commuters and home office workers who want the best combination of portability and full connectivity in a 14-inch ThinkPad. For the standard T480 with dual battery support see our refurbished Lenovo ThinkPad T470. For an even lighter 12.5-inch option see our refurbished Lenovo ThinkPad X280. Browse our full laptop range to compare all available models.
Our 30-Point Quality Inspection
Every laptop sold by Technology Core passes our 30-point inspection by in-house technicians. We test processor performance, RAM stability, SSD health and speed, display quality, keyboard and trackpad function, battery capacity, all USB and Thunderbolt ports, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and Ethernet, and overall system stability. Any component that does not meet our standards is repaired or replaced before sale.
What’s in the Box
- Refurbished Lenovo ThinkPad T480s
- Compatible charger
Frequently Asked Questions
Does it have built-in Ethernet? Yes — a full RJ-45 Gigabit Ethernet port is built into the chassis, unlike the X280 which requires a dongle.
Is the RAM upgradeable? Partially — 8GB is soldered to the motherboard and cannot be changed. The SO-DIMM slot holds the other 8GB and can be upgraded to a higher capacity module. Total maximum RAM is 40GB.
What is the difference between the two USB-C ports? One is Thunderbolt 3 (40Gbps, external GPU support, dual 4K display). The other is USB 3.1 Gen 1 (5Gbps, charging, DisplayPort). Both support charging.
Does it have MicroSD or standard SD? MicroSD — standard SD cards require an adapter.
About Technology Core
Technology Core is one of the UK’s leading certified refurbished laptop retailers. We offer a 14-month warranty — one of the longest in the UK refurbished market. Every unit is inspected and tested by our in-house technicians before sale. Contact us with any questions before or after purchase.
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