When it comes to finding a reliable, high-performance laptop without spending a fortune, the used Lenovo ThinkPad L480 is often one of the top choices for budget-minded buyers. Built for business users, the L480 offers the durability, stability, and performance that the ThinkPad series is famous for—and even as a used device, it continues to deliver impressive value. With a combination of an Intel Core i5 8th Gen processor, 8GB of RAM, and a 256GB SSD, this laptop stands strong against many modern budget notebooks. But the big question remains: Is the used Lenovo ThinkPad L480 still worth buying today?
This article breaks down its performance, features, build quality, pros, cons, and overall value to help you decide.

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A Dependable Business Laptop Built to Last

Lenovo ThinkPads have long been recognized as some of the most durable and dependable laptops ever made. The L480 belongs to Lenovo’s L-series, which offers essential ThinkPad features at a more affordable price point. Even after years of use, the L480 continues to impress with:

Strong and rigid chassis

Comfortable, world-class keyboard

Long-term reliability

Simple maintenance and easy upgrade options


Since this model was originally designed for enterprise use, it was built to handle heavy workloads and long working hours. That’s why even in the second-hand market, the L480 remains a reliable companion for both professional and personal use.


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Performance Powered by Intel Core i5 8th Generation

One of the biggest reasons people still consider the ThinkPad L480 is its processor: the Intel Core i5-8250U (8th Gen). This CPU marked a major leap in performance thanks to its quad-core architecture, which delivers noticeably better multitasking and processing power compared to older dual-core models.

What you can comfortably do with the L480:

Use productivity apps like Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint

Conduct online meetings via Zoom, Google Meet, or Microsoft Teams

Perform research and browse with multiple tabs open

Edit light photos or create simple content

Run business software such as accounting tools, POS systems, CRM apps, and more


For everyday work and even medium workloads, the 8th Gen i5 still performs smoothly in 2025. This makes the L480 a strong contender for anyone who needs consistent performance at a low cost.


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8GB RAM: Smooth Multitasking for Daily Use

With 8GB of DDR4 RAM, the ThinkPad L480 handles multitasking with ease. Whether you're switching between applications, working with large documents, or browsing intensively, the laptop stays responsive. For users who need even more power, the RAM is upgradeable—another advantage of buying a business-class laptop.

But for the majority of users—students, office workers, and home users—8GB is already more than enough for daily workloads.


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Fast 256GB SSD for Responsive Performance

Storage plays a huge role in how fast a laptop feels, and the L480 comes equipped with a 256GB SSD, which offers:

Quick boot times

Fast app loading

Improved system responsiveness

Greater durability compared to HDDs


While 256GB isn’t massive, it’s ideal for storing important documents, software, and media. It also provides enough space for school or office work. For those who need more storage, the SSD can be upgraded easily.


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A Practical and Comfortable 14-Inch Display

The 14-inch Full HD display offers a perfect balance between portability and usability. It is large enough to work on documents comfortably, yet compact enough for daily travel. Its anti-glare coating reduces reflections, allowing you to work easily under indoor lighting or near windows. For long work sessions, this improves comfort significantly.


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Classic ThinkPad Keyboard: One of the Best in the World

The ThinkPad keyboard has built a reputation as the best laptop keyboard ever made, and the L480 keeps this tradition. Users get:

Deep key travel

Excellent tactile feedback

Comfortable spacing

Spill-resistant design


Whether you type for work, school, or business, the L480 delivers a satisfying and fatigue-free typing experience. For writers, office workers, and students, this is a major advantage.


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Modern Connectivity Options

Even though the ThinkPad L480 isn’t new, it still offers a solid range of ports—something many ultra-thin laptops lack today.

Available ports include:

USB-C (with charging and docking support)

USB 3.0

HDMI

Ethernet (RJ-45)

Headphone jack

SD card reader

Bluetooth and WiFi


This makes it great for office use, presentations, external monitors, and accessories. The USB-C port also allows docking, giving you a full desktop setup when needed.


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Battery Life: Decent but Dependent on Usage

As a used device, battery performance varies depending on the previous owner. However, the L480 originally offered 6–9 hours of battery life. Most second-hand units today provide:

4–6 hours for light use

2–4 hours for mixed workloads


The good news: ThinkPad batteries are replaceable, so if you need longer battery life, swapping in a new battery is easy and inexpensive.


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Real-World Usage: Who Is This Laptop Best For?

The Lenovo ThinkPad L480 is ideal for users who prioritize reliability and performance without overspending.

Best for:

Students: perfect for assignments, research, and online classes

Office workers: handles documents, spreadsheets, emails, and meetings smoothly

Remote workers: great for project management, communication, and cloud apps

Small business owners: stable and durable for daily operations

Travelers: portable and rugged


This laptop is less suitable for heavy gaming or advanced video editing, but it excels at all productivity tasks.


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Why a Used ThinkPad Is Often Better Than a New Budget Laptop

Many buyers wonder whether they should buy a cheap brand-new laptop or a used business laptop like the L480. In many cases, a second-hand ThinkPad is the better choice.

Here’s why:

Stronger performance than most brand-new entry-level laptops

Superior build quality

Better keyboard and ergonomics

Longer lifespan

More stable and reliable


You get a machine built for business professionals—but at a fraction of the original price.


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Is the Used Lenovo ThinkPad L480 Still Worth Buying in 2025?

Absolutely—yes.
If your primary tasks include working on documents, studying, browsing, video meetings, basic editing, or running business tools, the Lenovo ThinkPad L480 offers everything you need. Even in 2025, its 8th Gen Intel Core i5 processor, 8GB RAM, and SSD storage ensure smooth everyday performance.

The build quality and keyboard comfort alone make it a better choice than many new low-cost laptops. Add the affordability of the second-hand market, and the L480 becomes one of the best value laptops you can buy today.