Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Yoga review
The Lenovo Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Yoga ranks as the #556 laptops globally, achieving a LibraScore of 70. Across all metrics, this product stands out most for its #99-ranked features among 510 laptops. Consider the Lenovo ThinkPad X13 Gen 1 or Lenovo ThinkBook 13s Gen 2, which offer higher scores while staying in the same price range.
Is it Worth it?
The Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Yoga is a solid business laptop, but its value lies in its incremental improvements over last year's model rather than revolutionary design changes. The 12th gen processor offers decent performance, but fans are prioritized over power, resulting in thermal throttling at high temperatures. While the battery life and build quality are impressive, the laptop's shortcomings make it hard to justify the price of around $2,100 for the i7 model. For those who primarily use Excel or other office software, this laptop might suffice, but others may find better value in similarly priced options from Lenovo's own lineup or competitors.
Build
The Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Yoga's design feels outdated compared to its competitors. The sharp edges and lack of refinement make it uncomfortable to hold. Despite having plenty of I/O options, the build quality is not exceptional. The weight is still manageable at around 3 pounds, but the convertible design does offer flexibility in terms of viewing angles. Overall, while the ThinkPad X1 Yoga's build quality is good, it feels like a step back from Lenovo's other offerings, particularly the Yoga 9i and Slim 7 Pro X. For an improved build, Lenovo V14 Gen 4 is worth considering.
Display
The Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Yoga's display is a highlight. I opted for the 1920x1200 resolution, which offers good brightness at around 400 nits and supports Dolby Vision. There are three different 1920x1200 displays to choose from, each with its own strengths - anti-reflective, anti-smudge, or ips. While a QHD+ OLED option is available for those who want it, I found the standard display more than sufficient for everyday use. You might want to check out Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3 Chromebook, featuring an upgraded display for a superior experience.
Performance
The Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Yoga's performance is adequate for basic tasks, but underwhelming in demanding situations. The 12th gen processor provides a bump from last year's model, but fan noise prioritization limits its potential. Even at best performance settings, the laptop gets quite loud and thermal throttles at high temperatures. This may be suitable for casual use like Excel work, but it falls short when tackling resource-intensive tasks like video editing or gaming. Take a look at Lenovo V14 Gen 4 - its improved performance sets a new standard.
Battery and Charging
The Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Yoga features a big 57 Wh battery that provides around 8-8.5 hours of use before needing to charge. This is suitable for everyday tasks, but may not be enough for more demanding activities like video editing. The battery life is consistent with last year's model, and the laptop also has captive screws and upgrade options for the NVMe SSD and Wi-Fi card.
Connectivity
The Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Yoga boasts an impressive array of ports, including two Thunderbolt 4 ports with power delivery capabilities, a USB-A port, HDMI 2.0 B, and an audio jack. The laptop also features a fingerprint scanner embedded in the power button and supports facial recognition via Windows Hello. It’s worth checking out Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Titanium Yoga Gen 1, delivering remarkable connectivity.
Features
The Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Yoga features a 14-inch display with up to 1920x1200 resolution, Intel 12th gen processors, 16GB RAM, and a 512GB NVMe SSD. It has two Thunderbolt 4 ports, USB-A, HDMI, and an audio jack. The laptop is convertible, with tent, tablet, and laptop modes. Give Lenovo IdeaPad Pro 5i a try—it’s designed to provide an unparalleled features.
Support and Maintenance
The Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Yoga has a robust feature set, including support for up to 32GB RAM and a 512GB NVMe SSD. However, its performance is hindered by prioritizing fan noise over power consumption. The laptop's thermal throttling kicks in at high temperatures, limiting its potential. Despite this, it offers great battery life with an 8-hour runtime.
Pros
1. The laptop has a very attractive design, with a comfortable feel to hold in the hand.
2. It has tons of I/O ports, including two Thunderbolt 4 ports that support power delivery.
3. The keyboard is excellent, with tactile typing experience and backlighting.
4. The sound system is good, supporting Dolby Atmos and getting quite loud.
Cons
1. The design does not have the same refinement as the Yoga 9i, with sharp edges.
2. The laptop prioritizes fan noise over performance, which can be a drawback for demanding users.
3. It thermal throttles when temperatures reach 100 degrees Celsius.
4. The track point (nipple) is no longer needed and takes up touchpad space.
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