Lenovo ThinkPad X13 Gen 3 review

Lenovo ThinkPad X13 Gen 3

The Lenovo Lenovo ThinkPad X13 Gen 3 ranks as the #127 laptops globally, achieving a LibraScore of 79. Across all metrics, this product stands out most for its #84-ranked connectivity among 462 laptops. Consider the Lenovo ThinkPad L13 Gen 3 or HP ZBook Studio G10, which offer higher scores while staying in the same price range.

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Key takeaways
The Lenovo ThinkPad X13 Gen 3 delivers impressive performance with Core i7-1260P processor, outperforming AMD's Ryzen 76800U.
The Lenovo ThinkPad X13 Gen 3 has a relatively light yet somewhat flexible aluminum and mixed-material construction overall.
The Lenovo ThinkPad X13 Gen 3 boasts an excellent FHD+ IPS display with impressive color accuracy and coverage.
The Lenovo ThinkPad X13 Gen 3 boasts high-end features including facial recognition and Intel's P-series processing power.

Is it Worth it?

The Lenovo ThinkPad X13 Gen 3 is a solid choice for those seeking a high-end laptop with excellent features. Its wide array of options, including Intel P and U-series chips, make it a great performer. However, its battery life falls short, lasting around 10 hours and 20 minutes of web browsing. Upgrade options are limited, with soldered RAM and only one M.2 slot for storage. While it's a great option for those who value security features like facial recognition and fingerprint readers, potential buyers should weigh these trade-offs against the competition. Overall, it's a good device, but not necessarily worth the premium price tag.

Build

The Lenovo ThinkPad X13 Gen 3 boasts a traditional design with two color options: gray and black. The former features a full aluminum chassis, while our review unit has a combination of materials. Weighing between 1.2-1.32 kg, the laptop is relatively light but exhibits some flex in the lid and base. Despite this, we consider it durable. The lid can be opened with one hand, revealing thin bezels and an HD webcam (with FHD option available). The power button doubles as a fingerprint reader, adding to the device's security features. A better alternative might be Lenovo ThinkPad L13 Gen 3, featuring a next-level build.

Display

The Lenovo ThinkPad X13 Gen 3 boasts an impressive FHD+ IPS display, delivering excellent results in our tests. While it could be brighter, maxing out at 290 nits, its 100% sRGB coverage and accuracy make up for it. The stock settings yield a Delta E value of 1.8, while the design and gaming profile improve this to 0.6. This suggests that the laptop is well-suited for creative work. Overall, the display is a highlight of this ThinkPad model. You may find Lenovo ThinkPad X13 Yoga Gen 3 a better fit, thanks to its superior display.

Performance

The Lenovo ThinkPad X13 Gen 3 boasts impressive performance thanks to its wide array of features and processing power. Both Intel P-series and U-series chips are available, making it suitable for demanding tasks. The Core i7-1260P processor delivers excellent results in stress tests, outperforming AMD's Ryzen 76800U. However, the laptop's cooling setup can't handle long loads, with the CPU running at 22W. This leads to a slightly warm base and moderate noise levels during full load. Despite this, the laptop remains comfortable to use and offers decent battery life, lasting up to 10 hours and 20 minutes of web browsing. If you’re after a better performance, Lenovo Yoga 6 could be the ideal option.

Battery and Charging

The Lenovo ThinkPad X13 Gen 3 features a battery that lasts around 10 hours and 20 minutes in web browsing or 7 hours and 32 minutes in video playback. The laptop's power consumption is quiet, but the base heats up to 44°C during full load. Unfortunately, its battery life falls short compared to competitors like the Dell XPS 13 Plus 9320, which offers better power management. Upgrade options are also limited, with soldered RAM and a single M.2 slot for storage expansion.

Connectivity

The Lenovo ThinkPad X13 Gen 3 offers generous connectivity options. On the right side, you'll find one USB Type-A 3.2 Gen 1 port and a smart card reader. The left side features one more Type-A port, two Thunderbolt 4 ports, an HDMI connector, and an audio jack. The latter allows for power delivery and DisplayPort support, making it ideal for adding additional displays to enhance workflow. For an improved connectivity, Lenovo ThinkPad L13 Gen 3 is worth considering.

Features

The Lenovo ThinkPad X13 Gen 3 boasts a wide range of features, including a high-end display, ample processing power from Intel's P-series and U-series chips, and excellent security options like facial recognition and a fingerprint reader. The laptop also offers great input/output options and decent sound quality. You might want to check out Lenovo ThinkPad X13 Yoga Gen 3, featuring an upgraded features for a superior experience.

Support and Maintenance

The ThinkPad X13 Gen 3 offers robust support with a wide array of features, including a great display and ample processing power. However, its maintenance capabilities are limited, with soldered RAM and a single M.2 slot for storage expansion, making upgrades challenging.

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