Lenovo ThinkPad X1 2-in-1 Gen 9 review

Lenovo ThinkPad X1 2-in-1 Gen 9

The Lenovo Lenovo ThinkPad X1 2-in-1 Gen 9 ranks as the #35 laptops globally, achieving a LibraScore of 82. Across all metrics, this product stands out most for its #97-ranked features among 494 laptops. Consider the HP ZBook Ultra G1a or Asus ASUS ProArt Studiobook 16 3D OLED, which offer higher scores while staying in the same price range.

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Key takeaways
The ThinkPad X1 2-in-1 Gen 9 offers decent and reliable everyday performance without excessive power consumption.
The ThinkPad X1 2-in-1 Gen 9 boasts exceptional build quality and durability, perfect for frequent travelers.
The Lenovo ThinkPad X1 2-in-1 Gen 9 offers three distinct display options for varying user needs and preferences exactly.
The Lenovo ThinkPad X1 2-in-1 Gen 9 features Intel Core Ultra processors and up to 64GB of RAM.

Is it Worth it?

The Lenovo ThinkPad X1 2-in-1 Gen 9 is a solid convertible Ultrabook with a 14-inch touchscreen display and Intel Core Ultra processor. While it may not offer top-of-the-line performance, its lower power consumption makes it suitable for everyday use as a tablet or laptop. The redesign is mixed, with some users appreciating the larger Lenovo Slim Pen while others miss the Silo charging dock. Battery life is decent at 10 hours, but the OLED display's shorter battery life is a consideration. Overall, this ThinkPad is a reliable choice for those seeking a convertible Ultrabook.

Build

The Lenovo ThinkPad X1 2-in-1 Gen 9 boasts a sleek design with a magnesium alloy and aluminum build. The Luna gray color scheme is fingerprint-resistant and provides a premium feel to the device. Weighing in at just 1.33 kg, this laptop is incredibly light and compact, measuring 15.5 mm in thickness. The use of magnesium alloy and aluminum ensures exceptional durability, making it perfect for frequent travelers or those who need a rugged laptop. In a drop test, the ThinkPad X1 2-in-1 Gen 9 proved to be remarkably resilient, with only a slight dent on the wood floor. Overall, the build quality is exceptional, reflecting the high standards of Lenovo's ThinkPad series. Get your hands on Lenovo ThinkPad L14 Gen 5 if you're looking for better build.

Display

The Lenovo ThinkPad X1 2-in-1 Gen 9 boasts three display options. The base model features a full HD Plus matte display with a 16:10 aspect ratio, 1920 x 1200 resolution, and 400 nits of brightness. Alternatively, you can opt for the OLED display, which offers a 2.8K resolution (2880 x 1800), 120Hz refresh rate, and is touch-enabled. This display is ideal for media consumption, photo, or video work. The third option is a full HD Plus IPS display with a privacy feature, suitable for those who want to conceal their screen from prying eyes. All three displays support touch and pen input. Consider discovering the power of Lenovo ThinkPad E14 Gen 6, featuring the latest advancements in display.

Performance

The Lenovo ThinkPad X1 2-in-1 Gen 9 boasts Intel Core Ultra processors, which deliver decent performance for everyday tasks. In balanced mode, it performs as expected, but switching to performance mode doesn't yield significant improvements. Unplugging the laptop results in a moderate drop in performance, making it suitable for on-the-go use. The U series CPU prioritizes battery life and lower heat output, rather than raw power. This trade-off is acceptable for a convertible device that's meant to be used as both a laptop and tablet. Overall, the ThinkPad X1 2-in-1 Gen 9 offers reliable performance without excessive power consumption. You might prefer Lenovo ThinkPad L14 Gen 5, designed with an upgraded performance for a better experience.

Battery and Charging

The Lenovo ThinkPad X1 2-in-1 Gen 9 features a 57Wh battery and a 65W fast charger. With the Intel Core Ultra U-series CPU, battery life is decent, despite the slim design. In light productivity usage with brightness set to 60%, I achieved 10 hours of run time on a single charge. The OLED display, however, may have shorter battery life due to its higher power consumption. Overall, the ThinkPad X1 2-in-1 Gen 9's battery performance is satisfactory, making it suitable for daily use and travel.

Connectivity

The Lenovo ThinkPad X1 2-in-1 Gen 9 offers robust connectivity options, including Wi-Fi 6 or 7, Bluetooth 5.3, and Intel's Unison feature for seamless Windows integration. It also features Thunderbolt 4 ports, two USB-A ports, HDMI 2.1, and a headphone jack. A nano SIM card slot is available for those who need cellular connectivity, making it ideal for road warriors on the go. A better alternative might be Lenovo IdeaPad 5x 2-in-1, featuring a next-level connectivity.

Features

The Lenovo ThinkPad X1 2-in-1 Gen 9 boasts a sleek design with a magnesium alloy and aluminum construction. It features Intel Core Ultra processors, three display options (including OLED), and a touchscreen interface. Other notable features include a fingerprint scanner, magnetic pen attachment, USB-C charging for the pen, and multiple port options (including Thunderbolt 4). The laptop is available with up to 64GB of RAM and 2TB SSD storage, making it suitable for demanding users. You may find Lenovo ThinkPad T14s Gen 6 a better fit, thanks to its superior features.

Support and Maintenance

The Lenovo ThinkPad X1 2-in-1 Gen 9 offers reliable support with Intel Core Ultra processors, durable construction, and spillproof keyboard. Maintenance is also made easy with upgradeable M2 SSD storage and soldered DDR5x RAM. Battery life is decent at 10 hours with moderate usage.

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