Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Extreme Gen 3 review
The Lenovo Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Extreme Gen 3 ranks as the #323 laptops globally, achieving a LibraScore of 75. Across all metrics, this product stands out most for its #114-ranked features among 575 laptops. Consider the Lenovo ThinkBook 14s Yoga Gen 2 or Lenovo Yoga Slim 7 Pro, which offer higher scores while staying in the same price range.
Is it Worth it?
The Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Extreme Gen 3 is a solid update to its predecessor, boasting slightly improved specs. While it may not be a revolutionary leap forward, this mobile workstation still impresses with its slim design and powerful performance. The keyboard remains one of the best in its class, and the array of ports is comprehensive. But, is it worth it? For those who prioritize portability and power, the X1 Extreme Gen 3 delivers. However, with a premium price tag to match, this laptop may not be for everyone. If you're already invested in the ThinkPad ecosystem or need top-notch performance on-the-go, then yes, it's well worth considering.
Build
The Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Extreme Gen 3 boasts an impressive build quality. The laptop's compact design is made from a combination of aluminum and ABS plastic, giving it a sturdy feel. The carbon fiber version adds an extra touch of luxury. The bottom cover can be easily removed with Phillips head screws, making maintenance and upgrades a breeze. Ventilation is adequate, but the fans don't get excessively loud when pushed hard. The speakers are surround-mounted around the battery, adding to the overall premium feel of the laptop. Overall, the build quality of the ThinkPad X1 Extreme Gen 3 is top-notch, rivaling that of its competitors like the Dell XPS 15. Consider discovering the power of Lenovo Legion Slim 7i, featuring the latest advancements in build.
Display
The display options in the Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Extreme Gen 3 are varied. The OLED 4K display is stunning, offering vibrant colors and deep blacks. However, it does impact battery life, reducing it to around five hours with mixed productivity use. In contrast, the IPS Full HD option offers better battery life, reaching up to six and a half hours on a single charge. While not the best in class, the X1 Extreme's display is still impressive, making it suitable for professionals who require a reliable and portable workstation. Overall, the display options cater to different needs, but the OLED 4K display is a highlight of this laptop. You might prefer Lenovo Legion Slim 7i, designed with an upgraded display for a better experience.
Performance
The Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Extreme Gen 3 delivers impressive performance in various tasks. The machine's processor options, including Core i7 and i9, provide sufficient power for demanding applications. With multiple cores, multitasking is a breeze, and the laptop handled mixed productivity work, web browsing, social media, and video streaming with ease. However, battery life may suffer when using the more powerful processors, especially with the 4K OLED display. On the other hand, the Intel Core i5 option provides better balance between performance and battery life. Overall, the ThinkPad X1 Extreme Gen 3's performance is excellent, making it a great choice for those who need a powerful laptop for work or creative pursuits. For a superior performance, Lenovo ThinkPad E14 Gen 4 could be the right choice.
Battery and Charging
The battery life on the Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Extreme Gen 3 is decent but not class leading. With a Core i7 vPro configuration and OLED display, it lasted around 5-6 hours on a charge with mixed productivity work. However, switching to an IPS full HD option can add an hour and a half more battery life. The 80Wh battery is respectable, but the charging speed is also worth noting - the included 135W charger can give 80% of a charge in just one hour, which is convenient for users on-the-go.
Connectivity
The Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Extreme Gen 3 boasts an impressive array of connectivity options, including two Thunderbolt 3 ports, full 40Gbps, HDMI 2.0, and USB-A ports. A full-size SD card slot and headphone jack are also present. Additionally, a compact 135W Quick Charger is included, providing up to 80% battery life in an hour. You may find Lenovo IdeaPad Gaming 3 a better fit, thanks to its superior connectivity.
Features
The Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Extreme Gen 3 boasts impressive features, including two Thunderbolt 3 ports, HDMI 2.0, USB-A, and an SD card slot. It also offers optional 4G LTE, a smart card reader, and a compact 135W quick charger, providing decent battery life with up to six hours of use. If you’re after a better features, Lenovo Legion Slim 7i could be the ideal option.
Support and Maintenance
The Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Extreme Gen 3 boasts robust support and maintenance features. It comes with the same compact 135W quick charger that provides an hour's worth of charge in just 80 minutes. The device also has a smart card reader as an optional feature, catering to business-oriented users' needs. Additionally, the laptop offers optional 4G LTE connectivity, although 5G is not yet available.
Pros
1. The ThinkPad still has a better keyboard, no surprise.
2. It's extremely light and powerful, one of my favorite mobile workstations.
3. Battery life is decent, especially with the IPS Full HD options (5-6 hours).
4. Ventilation is good and speaker grills are present.
Cons
1. The Core i7 v Pro configuration with OLED display might not have super duper battery life.
2. CPU core temperatures can go up into the 90s when pushing hard, making it toasty.
3. There's no surprise that ThinkPad has better keyboards, but XPS 15 is still a great option for those who want metal cladding and good aesthetics.
4. The bottom cover requires some effort to remove (Phillips head screws), which might be frustrating for some users.
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