Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon: Thinner, Lighter, Smarter, But Still Faces Key Issues!

In my assessment, the latest version of the Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon left me astonished. Lenovo’s innovative redesign significantly enhanced an enterprise laptop that was already a timeless legend in its field.

I must admit, I didn’t foresee Lenovo making more chassis alterations after that redesign. Yet, surprisingly, the latest Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon (Gen 13) Aura Edition has managed to slim down and lighten without sacrificing any aspect of its user experience. It retains its robustness and dependability as before, the keyboard remains just as comfortable and responsive, and it offers a decent array of ports for a contemporary ultrabook as always.

The Intel Core Ultra (Series 2) provides innovative AI capabilities, as evidenced by Lenovo’s unique “Aura Edition” labeling, and delivers enhanced everyday performance along with longer battery life. It also comes equipped with a top-tier PCIe Gen5 SSD, making it one of the fastest laptops I’ve ever evaluated. This laptop, which was already impressive in its enterprise-grade capabilities, seems to have improved in all areas… However, my recommendation hasn’t changed because Lenovo isn’t the only company that released a superior laptop this year. The ThinkPad X1 Carbon continues to struggle with familiar shortcomings.

ThinkPad X1 Carbon: Pricing and specifications

The ThinkPad X1 Carbon starts at around $2,500 at Lenovo.
Even months after release, there are still very limited configuration options.
Custom configs, haptic touchpads, cellular, and more aren’t available.
Value rating: ⭐⭐⭐½

The new ThinkPad X1 Carbon (Gen 13) Aura Edition doesn’t introduce a radical change, instead it refines its predecessor by making it thinner, lighter, and more portable. It also boasts improved internal components for better performance and efficiency. If you manage to find the review configuration at B&H Photo, it starts approximately at $1,999. However, if you purchase it directly from Lenovo, the base model of ThinkPad X1 Carbon (Gen 13) currently costs around $2,519. The main difference between these entry-level models lies in the amount of SSD storage: 512GB for the former and 1TB for the latter.

Regrettably, as of now, there isn’t a customizable configurator for the ThinKPad X1 Carbon (Gen 13), and it remains unclear when this feature might become available. Despite the laptop being in stores for several weeks at the time of writing, the anticipated IPS LCD display options, optional haptic touchpad, and built-in 5G cellular connectivity have yet to materialize. Given that the ThinKPad X1 Carbon is Lenovo’s premium enterprise model, it’s reasonable to assume that Intel vPro options will be introduced at some point, but no announcements have been made on this matter either.

Every time, you’re often encountering a higher cost when purchasing commercial PCs, but keep in mind, this model is top-notch and the price isn’t as exorbitant as some others. Moreover, Lenovo’s ThinkPads tend to receive significant discounts shortly after they’ve been launched, so it’s wise to watch for those deals. However, if you’re planning to buy in large quantities for your business, you can likely disregard the need to wait for sales.

Inside the package, you’ll discover the Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon (Gen 13) Aura Edition laptop and a 65W USB Type-C charger that supports Lenovo’s Rapid Charge technology. The packaging is eco-friendly, made from materials that are up to 90% recycled, biodegradable, or sourced sustainably. This laptop comes with Lenovo’s one-year limited warranty.

ThinkPad X1 Carbon: Design and build quality

The new ThinkPad X1 Carbon is somehow thinner and lighter than before.
It’s the same durable, premium magnesium chassis with the same features.
You also get the same port selection, with both T4 ports on one side.
Design rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Upon opening the Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon (Gen 12) for the first time, it momentarily challenged my comprehension. However, Lenovo has taken things a notch higher with this latest model. To start, there are numerous similarities present. The basic design and silhouette of the X1 Carbon have remained quite consistent, with the laptop being manufactured using magnesium (up to 90% recycled in the keyboard base and bottom cover), carbon fiber (up to 3% recycled in the top frame), and plastic (up to 90% post-consumer recycled in areas such as the battery enclosure and power adapter).

As a devoted admirer, I’m thrilled to find that the iconic wedge-shaped chassis, now boasting a sleek matte black finish, is back! The distinctive “Communications Bar” adorning the lid and the iconic ThinkPad logo, with its glowing “i” dot, are still proudly present. This laptop maintains its MIL-STD 810H durability standard certification and offers a spill-resistant keyboard. The expertly balanced hinge that allows for easy one-handed opening is here once again, making the experience feel comfortably familiar as you open the laptop. At first sight, it might be hard to discern any noticeable changes, but upon closer inspection, I can see the subtle improvements that promise an even better user experience!

Indeed, it does! The latest ThinkPad X1 Carbon is not only thinner and lighter than its previous model, making its astonishing portability even more striking. To be specific, the new ThinkPad X1 Carbon measures 14.4mm in thickness (compared to nearly 15mm earlier), and tips the scales at a mere 986g compared to the 1.09kg of its predecessor. While these alterations might appear minimal, keep in mind that any decrease matters significantly when dealing with such a slim and lightweight device.

In addition to the improvements made, there are no sacrifices involved. The available ports are exactly the same as those found in last year’s X1 Carbon model. This means you’ll find two USB Type-C Thunderbolt 4 ports, one with a charging indicator, two USB Type-A 3.2 Gen 1 ports (one offering always-on charging), an HDMI 2.1 port for screen output, a 3.5mm audio jack, a side-mounted power button with an LED light, and a Kensington Nano Security Slot. Unlike previous models, the Nano SIM slot was absent in my specific configuration.

As a researcher, I must clarify that Thunderbolt 5 hasn’t made its debut yet, and should you prioritize future-proofing, it remains absent. The T4 ports are all lined up on the left side of the laptop, which I find less than ideal for charging devices like the X1 Carbon or connecting docks. A more practical arrangement would be to split these ports across both sides of the device for improved convenience. Additionally, I’ve noticed that there’s still no microSD card slot available.

ThinkPad X1 Carbon: Display quality

The ThinkPad X1 Carbon’s display is effectively unchanged.
That means great performance and visual quality, but not best-in-class.
There’s no dynamic refresh rate, and some may struggle with PWM flicker.
Display rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐½

The ThinkPad X1 Carbon (Gen 13) from Lenovo did not receive any improvements in its display for the latest generation, which is somewhat disheartening considering some aspects. To clarify, the 14-inch, 2.8K OLED screen on this laptop remains visually impressive even after a year; it’s no surprise that high-end laptops often feature this panel. However, Lenovo’s implementation falls short compared to other versions I’ve experienced.

This screen delivers crystal-clear images, maintains deep blacks and vivid hues I’ve grown fond of, and features a smooth 120Hz refresh rate that’s hard to let go once you’ve tried it. The color accuracy is reliable with coverage of 100% of both sRGB and DCI-P3 color spaces, and it offers decent brightness for standard content at 400nits and high dynamic range (HDR) content at 500nits, along with an impressively low minimum brightness below 1nit. Dolby Vision is included again, making this laptop a reasonable pick if you consume a lot of HDR content (although the best HDR screens typically need to be much brighter than this).

The details from my testing are presented clearly for you to review. In terms of visual aesthetics, it’s tough to find fault with this display. However, the ThinkPad X1 Carbon (Gen 13) has an issue where it exhibits an oddly warm white balance at its lowest brightness settings, causing colors to appear yellowish. Additionally, it lacks dynamic refresh rate support, meaning you’re stuck using either 60Hz or 120Hz; there’s no option for something in between. A dynamic refresh rate can significantly improve battery life and enhance gaming performance, but unfortunately, this feature is not available on this model.

In conclusion, it’s important to note that the ThinkPad X1 Carbon (Gen 13) regulates brightness using pulse-width modulation (PWM). To clarify, OLED displays may flicker rapidly to maintain brightness, particularly at lower intensity settings. This rapid flickering can lead to eye strain, headaches, and other discomforts in individuals sensitive to such effects. The best OLED displays employ PWM sparingly and at extremely high frequencies (10,000-15,000Hz) to minimize these issues. Although I don’t have the tools to determine the exact position of the ThinkPad X1 Carbon on this spectrum, it seems that this display uses PWM more frequently at higher brightness levels and lower refresh rates than top-tier displays. Therefore, users sensitive to PWM flickering may want to reconsider this laptop. For more information about PWM dimming and flickering, you can consult my colleague’s article on AndroidCentral.com.

The 13th Generation ThinkPad X1 Carbon Aura Edition’s screen isn’t quite a full matte finish, but it offers anti-reflective, anti-glare, and anti-smudge properties (although it’s recommended not to touch it since it’s a non-touch screen). It excels in reducing the impact of unwanted external light sources, making this laptop perform exceptionally well under bright conditions such as direct sunlight or well-lit rooms. This feature is superior compared to most OLED laptop displays in handling high light environments.

ThinkPad X1 Carbon: Performance and thermals

The X1 Carbon makes the move to Intel Core Ultra (Series 2).
That means improved day-to-day performance, efficiency, and AI smarts.
The new X1 Carbon does feel even smoother, but still lags behind others.
Performance rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Previously, one of the drawbacks of the last-gen X1 Carbon was that its performance didn’t measure up to similarly equipped laptops. However, this time around, Lenovo has upgraded to Intel Core Ultra (Series 2), a choice that has shown great potential for lightweight and efficient laptops aiming for a balance between power and efficiency. The improvements are clear, but the main storyline remains largely consistent.

Equipped with an Intel Evo-powered 8-core Intel Core Ultra 7 258V processor, the Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon (Gen 13) offers a smooth and swift performance. As part of the “Aura Edition,” this laptop has been fine-tuned in collaboration with Intel to optimize the new ThinkPad X1 Carbon for the latest Ultra processors. Moreover, it’s among the first laptops available on the market featuring the cutting-edge PCIe Gen 5 SSD – a remarkable upgrade that outperforms most laptops tested by Windows Central, even with its 512GB module.

In terms of benchmark scores alone, the Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon (Gen 13) might seem underwhelming compared to last year’s model. However, it’s important to remember that the previous X1 Carbon wasn’t exactly a powerhouse and was often outperformed by other top-tier ultrabooks. Surprisingly, the new X1 Carbon actually falls behind on some tests, particularly in multi-core performance. However, when it comes to real-world performance, the Intel Core Ultra (Series 2) gives the Gen 13 X1 Carbon an edge over its predecessor.

Despite being relatively quiet, this laptop tends to activate its fans quickly when encountering minor inconveniences, sometimes even persisting in its humming state while seemingly asleep. However, you’ll definitely recognize that the fans are active due to their distinctive sound. Fortunately, it never overheats, and its performance remains satisfactory during prolonged use. Overall, this device performs like a high-end Windows laptop should, although it might not be ideal for heavy graphical or creative tasks.

ThinkPad X1 Carbon: AI and software

Thanks to Intel’s new chips, the X1 Carbon is now a full-blown Copilot+ PC.
This laptop also benefits from Lenovo’s Aura Edition AI features.
Being an enterprise laptop, you get a clean build of Windows, too.
Software rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐½

Lenovo ThinkPads provide a uniform software environment, facilitated by Windows 11. More precisely, the X1 Carbon (Gen 13) operates on Windows 11 Pro, incorporating extra security and remote management functionalities. Lenovo aims to safeguard your laptop and all its data through its comprehensive ThinkShield multi-tier security system, a feature that is often appreciated (and sometimes essential) by businesses. Regrettably, there are no Intel vPro features available for the ThinkPad X1 Carbon at present; however, this may change in the future with the introduction of vPro-enabled Intel Core Ultra (Series 2) processors.

Personally speaking, the brand-new X1 Carbon, setting aside its enterprise capabilities, leverages the potent Neural Processing Unit (NPU) within to activate Copilot+ PC features. In other words, it comes equipped with a dedicated Copilot button on the keyboard. Although AI-powered computers may not seem indispensable to many at this stage due to limited standout features, the X1 Carbon is primed for future advancements and offerings like an AI-boosted Windows Search. Having a robust NPU can be incredibly beneficial for any future AI requirements you might have.

Indeed, the Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon (Gen 13) carries the “Aura Edition” label, signifying its compatibility with several AI-driven features developed by Lenovo. These include Smart Modes for seamless PC settings management, Smart Share for effortless file transfers between devices, and Smart Care to simplify customer service interactions. To most users, these terms might not hold significant weight, but it’s worth noting that the X1 Carbon operates on a pristine Windows build, Lenovo Commercial Vantage serves as a robust software center, and its Intel Core Ultra (Series 2) processor ensures it keeps pace with advancements in AI technology.

ThinkPad X1 Carbon: Battery experience

I criticized the X1 Carbon (Gen 12) for its lacklustre battery life.
Intel Core Ultra (Series 2) does make the latest X1 Carbon longer lasting.
It still dies long before the best, but the X1 Carbon is more consistent now.
Battery rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

To create the compact design for this laptop, Lenovo had to make some trade-offs, particularly with the battery size. With a 57Whr capacity, the battery is relatively small compared to modern 14-inch Windows laptops, and the power-hungry 2.8K OLED display, which doesn’t even have a dynamic refresh rate, puts additional strain on this modest battery. Last year’s X1 Carbon often couldn’t last a full day of casual work due to these factors, but this year it seems there have been improvements.

The Intel Core Ultra (Series 2) offers substantial efficiency improvements over its predecessor, nearly matching the impressive battery life seen in laptops except for those powered by Qualcomm’s Snapdragon X series ARM chips. However, it’s important to note that the ThinkPad X1 Carbon (Gen 13) doesn’t quite reach the top tier of long-lasting batteries.

In the Procyon benchmark suite, I mimicked an hour of typical Microsoft Office work followed by another hour of playing an HD video. Using the Balanced performance setting, I adjusted the keyboard backlighting, speaker volume to half, screen brightness to 200 nits, and set a refresh rate of 120Hz. This was done to illustrate that premium laptops like the ThinkPad X1 Carbon shouldn’t require disabling features just for decent battery life. In both tests, the ThinkPad X1 Carbon lost 14% of its battery in the first test and 13% in the second. To give you an idea, current laptops powered by Intel, AMD, or Qualcomm typically use up 6-9% of their battery during these one-hour tests.

After several weeks of continuous use, including taking my laptop to CES 2025, I ran a Windows Battery Report, and the findings were consistent – my usage indicated an average real-world screen-on time of about 5.5 hours, while the Gen 12 X1 Carbon advertised 4.75 hours. The ThinkPad X1 Carbon (Gen 13) undeniably offers longer and more reliable battery life compared to its previous version, but it still falls short of what top-tier 14-inch laptops can deliver today.

ThinkPad X1 Carbon: Keyboard and touchpad

ThinkPads are infamous for their keyboards, including the X1 Carbon.
In addition to an excellent keyboard, you get the legendary TrackPoint.
The X1 Carbon is also supposed to have a haptic touchpad option.

As a tech enthusiast, I can confidently say that Lenovo and HP are among my favorite laptop brands when it comes to keyboard quality, and I don’t hesitate to express this. Interestingly, Lenovo manages both their enterprise and consumer lines independently, ensuring consistently top-notch keyboards across the board. For instance, the Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon (Gen 13) boasts one of the best keyboards in the enterprise laptop market, making it a standout choice.

The design offers a cozy and intuitive setup, large keys with sufficient distance between them, a deep key travel that resets swiftly, and a delightfully tactile response contribute to an exceptional typing experience. Moreover, it boasts two levels of white LED illumination that provides even lighting and good visibility. Although I’d prefer if holding down the “Fn” key highlighted functional keys as on Lenovo’s consumer laptops, the X1 Carbon is superb overall.

The Microsoft Precision touchpad on the ThinkPad X1 Carbon is generally good, however, it’s compact due to the inclusion of three physical buttons that also house the TrackPoint. Personally, I don’t prefer the TrackPoint, but there exists a dedicated group who highly value it. Unfortunately, the model featuring the Sensel haptic touchpad, which was supposedly designed for the ThinkPad X1 Carbon, isn’t available in my review unit or in the United States at this moment, which is regrettable.

ThinkPad X1 Carbon: Other hardware

The X1 Carbon gives you plenty of security and privacy options.
Wireless connectivity is also future proofed, and there’s a 5G option.
The front-facing camera is just okay, though, as are the speakers.
Other hardware rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

As a researcher focusing on portable and secure enterprise laptops, I can confidently affirm that the X1 Carbon is brimming with pertinent features. The convenience of Windows Hello biometric authentication is provided, thanks to the 1080p front-facing camera equipped with an IR sensor for facial recognition and a fingerprint sensor integrated within the keyboard deck. To safeguard your privacy, there’s a physical shutter for the webcam and a Kensington Nano Security Slot to prevent unauthorized removal of your X1 Carbon.

The Intel Core Ultra (Series 2) incorporates Wi-Fi 7 technology, which is impressive. However, I encountered a problem where the X1 Carbon wouldn’t establish a stable internet connection despite showing as connected on certain occasions. The Bluetooth version remains at 5.3 instead of upgrading to 5.4, but this shouldn’t matter for most users except those with high security requirements. Regarding cellular connectivity, it’s not accessible yet, and unfortunately, my model lacks a Nano SIM slot.

Returning to the previously mentioned camera, it’s fairly good. The Full High Definition sensor sometimes has trouble maintaining sharpness, and it easily introduces noise in all but the best-lit conditions. However, it generally performs well with white balance and exposure. The quad microphone array, boosted by Dolby Voice, is better than average for a laptop. Lastly, there are two speakers hidden beneath the keyboard that are powered by Dolby Atmos; these speakers get louder than anticipated and sound acceptable, but they can become uncomfortably metallic, distort, and lose detail at higher volumes. Suitable for video calls, but not my first pick for music or media consumption.

ThinkPad X1 Carbon: Final thoughts

You should buy this if …

✅You want the lightest enterprise-grade laptop you can buy

The Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Generation 13 is often associated with the term “compact,” as it’s slimmer and lighter than previous versions, making it incredibly portable. Its build quality is robust enough that you can carry it effortlessly, and its durability gives you peace of mind even when handling it roughly.

✅You absolutely need the TrackPoint

Although you might not be many in number, you possess significant strength. Individuals who prioritize the unique TrackPoint feature in the center of the keyboard and opt exclusively for Lenovo ThinkPad laptops will find satisfaction with the X1 Carbon. This model takes the lead at the pinnacle of the premium ThinkPad range.

You should not buy this if …

❌You need true all-day battery life from your laptop

The newest iteration of the ThinkPad X1 Carbon outperforms its predecessors significantly, boasting enhanced endurance. This laptop maintains performance for a longer duration and delivers tasks with greater consistency than before; however, it still lags behind the longest-lasting laptops available in this category.

I have a strong affection for the Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon; its design strikes a unique balance between the time-honored, rugged industrial aesthetic of Lenovo’s black enterprise series and an astonishingly lightweight structure that maintains top-tier durability. It’s a paradoxical device – on one hand, it’s just another ThinkPad, but on the other, it’s among Lenovo’s most intriguing offerings. The ThinkPad X1 Carbon (Gen 13) carries forward this distinctive feel in a superb fashion.

The revamped structure of the ThinkPad X1 Carbon from last year (considering design aesthetics, display, connectivity, and other aspects) has been refined to become slimmer, lighter, more intelligent, quicker, and longer-lasting. While enhancements in each category are minimal, they collectively ensure that the ThinkPad X1 Carbon remains a formidable, secure, and highly portable enterprise powerhouse for another year. However, it’s worth noting that the latest X1 Carbon still trails its main rivals slightly in terms of raw performance and battery life. Lenovo could speed up the release of more configuration options to further improve this laptop.

As a researcher prioritizing portability, security, and keyboard excellence in my next laptop, I find the Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon (Gen 13) Aura Edition to be an outstanding choice. Currently available at Lenovo for $2519, this model can be yours right now. However, keep in mind that additional options are on the horizon and these devices often go on sale.

2025-01-29 19:43