They updated the display. How could that not be ‘visually noticeable’?

Replacing screens for IPS / FHD ones on old Thinkpads is a fairly standard practice among those still using them as they’re readily available from multiple manufacturers.

I could see that. back in 2012 or so putting in a solid state disk and maxing the ram could make an older laptop perform awesome. granted it was much more than 25 bucks.