On October 5th, Lenovo announced the ThinkPad X1 Carbon and the ThinkPad X1 Yoga in 2020. Two laptops with major upgrades in both performance and features for $1299/£1099 respectively.
The “Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Yoga” is a laptop that can be used as either a tablet or a laptop. It has an Intel Core i7-8550U processor, 16GB of RAM and 512GB SSD storage.
We put the Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Yoga to the test and compared it against the ThinkPad X1 Carbon in terms of performance, price, battery life, display quality, portability, and more.
The rankings with test results can be seen above, while the in-depth reports of the two Lenovo ThinkPad Laptops can be found below.
Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Yoga comes in first.
- Best Computing Performance for Office and Editing Use
- Great Keyboard & Display (for lengthy writing sessions)
- Pen and adaptor are included in the package.
- More costly than the ThinkPad X1 Carbon
Fold, turn, and type. “Pencil,” push, touch: The ThinkPad X1 Yoga 3 from Lenovo is a professional computer that can do it everything, but its heavenly discipline is an understatement. It makes no attempt to hide any of this and is impossible to categorize.
We’ll look at two laptop models in this review, one of which has an HDR 10-capable display with a flash brightness of 500 candelas per square meter. But initially, everything around us becomes incredibly black.
Ports & Design
It’s nice and dark. The ThinkPad X1 is one of the most magnificent business laptops, even though it is less agile. The convertible, however, is worn by the king. Because the 14-inch display can only be folded back 360 degrees here.
Those who do so will be treated to a spectacular display of keys. They retract into the case’s interior. Not as elegant as a Tesla’s electronic door handles. However, in such a manner that the knees have a level surface.
Anyone who hasn’t seen it before will be blown away. This isn’t a flimsy, compromise emergency solution, but a full-fledged conventional keyboard with a stroke length that makes other mobile users jealous.
Despite this, the laptop, which comes in black and, for the first time, grey, is devoid of such gimmicks. Even the realistic, active operational pen, which has a set location in the casing and is likewise powered from there, is only found after you know it’s there.
Another example: ever since we learned about the mechanical slider – dubbed ThinkShutter – we’ve wished for a similar solution from all other manufacturers. It mechanically locks the camera, allowing the “cute” webcam stickers and adhesive residues to be preserved. Perhaps something for the smartphone as well.
The Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Yoga 3rd Generation is available in two models. 3.08 pounds for the standard black version with WQHD display. The gray variant, which includes an NFC module and an HDR display, weights 3.13 pounds. As a result, the 14-inchers aren’t exactly light, but they’re within reason from a convertible standpoint. The Surface Book 2 with a 13-inch touchscreen weighs in at a hefty 3.60 pounds.
If we’re talking about Redmond’s future competitors, the Surface Book 2 seems to be more noble, but the ThinkPad X1 Yoga is certainly more durable. There are no visible holes here, either. The two ThinkPads don’t make a sound no matter how hard we shake them.
Our attempts to bend them against their will are greeted with calm. The ThinkPad series, as a convertible, epitomizes the rugged appeal of a high-tech tool and, in our view, lives up to it.
Unfortunately, the black carbon casing captures fingerprints in the same way that virus scanners do. The soft-touch surface is the explanation behind this. Either you learn to live with it in the sense of a tool that isn’t always cleaned after use, or you learn to live with it in the sense of a tool that isn’t always cleaned after use. Alternatively, you often use the cleaning cloth. The fragrance is another unappealing feature of the black soft-touch variant. The X1 continues to smell like plastic even after two weeks of usage.
The grey variant, on the other hand, is devoid of the soft-touch covering and has no odor. It’s also impervious to fingerprints, making it the more comfortable option for folks who have a cleaning compulsion.
If you purchase a ThinkPad, the absence of connectivity on certain top laptops will only make you grin faintly. The X1 Yoga has two USB 3.0 Type A connectors and two USB 3.1 Type C connections, with the latter supporting Thunderbolt 3 as well as display ports.
There’s also an HDMI output, a headphone connector, and a microSD card reader on the rear, which is unique. Yes, Lenovo includes a proprietary Ethernet port converter in the package, as well as an HDMI to VGA adapter. Are your desires still unfulfilled?
Touchpad & Keyboard
Not only is Apple adopting slimmer keys in its MacBook (Pro) line, but Dell, as shown with the XPS 15, is also experimenting with novel approaches that aren’t always successful. Is there not enough room for “real” keys? On the ThinkPad, no.
As a result, our fingers detect a total of 86 keys that seem anachronistic in a good way, as if they had gone out of time. Isn’t it true that things used to be better? This may be true for laptop keyboards, yet most users find the ThinkPad keyboard to be quite pleasant. The reason for this is the very lengthy stroke.
In exchange, the spongy pressure point at the conclusion of the key path is a personal preference. We would have preferred more specific input in this case. All keys may be lighted in two phases, automatically or manually; the lighting is highly even and does not show through even when seen from a slanted angle.
The trackpad, on the other hand, does not get nearly as much acclaim. It’s OK, but it pales in compared to the excellent keyboard. It isn’t very huge, with a diagonal of twelve cm, but it has superb glide properties and supports multi-touch gestures under Windows 10.
There are other input choices available if you don’t want to use the trackpad. You may, of course, press the correct entries immediately since it’s a touchscreen. Alternatively, the TrackPoint may be used. The red mini-joystick, which is located between the letters B, G, and H on the keyboard, may gaze at both a moving plot and a dedicated fan base.
Practice is required when using the trackpad in conjunction with the distinct mouse buttons at the top end. Professionals, on the other hand, like the benefit of seldom having to leave the 10-finger basic posture to reach the mouse or trackpad.
The active stylus, often known as a digitizer or stylus, is another option. It’s fantastic that Lenovo was able to fit the so-called ThinkPad Pen Pro within the casing, ensuring that it doesn’t go misplaced while not in use. The fact that you can use the stylus to navigate the whole system rather than relying on the little scroll bars on the side is also a plus. The stylus is suitable for daily usage thanks to this, as well as two well-functioning buttons. Instead of seldom utilized features for graphic artists and designers, the ThinkPad X1 Yoga provides a substantial upgrade.
Display
The test gadget comes with a variety of display configurations, all of which are touch displays that mirror each other. The Full-HD version serves as the foundation.
We have both the standard WQHD (2,160 x 1,440 pixel resolution) and the Dolby Vision HDR-capable 14-inch panel. Even though suitable material is still scarce at the present, it’s worth a look at the latter.
Non-HDR material, on the other hand, benefits from this panel’s dazzling luminance. YouTube videos seem significantly more vivid than in the pure WQHD model, which shines at a maximum of 300 candelas per square meter (manufacturer’s standard) and has a subjectively extremely successful, powerful color presentation.
However, even the HDR panel’s maximum brightness in the open sky isn’t always enough to overcome the powerful display reflections. We also observe minor halos in the corners with a totally black screen, which aren’t as noticeable with the usual display type.
We still prefer the HDR version if you have a choice between the two screens. As we all know, there is never enough brightness (though this does effect battery life), and there will be more suitable material in the near future. It’s easy to forget that this isn’t an OLED panel in front of us because of the strong contrast. In the end, both variants are excellent displays.
By the way, the blinking angles on both displays are comparable, and there are no color inversions even when seen from an acute angle. We don’t miss the 4K resolution since the pixel density on both displays is more than enough.
Life of the battery and performance
Both test machines use Intel’s Core i7-8550U (Kaby Lake Refresh) CPU. In addition, there are eight gigabytes of LPDDR3 main memory, which is soldered to the motherboard and so cannot be replaced afterwards. There is no option for a separate GPU, thus you must rely on the inbuilt Intel UHD Graphics 620 for graphics.
During the two-week test period, there was never a need for greater performance in ordinary usage. With little time to think about it, apps, large tables, and programs appeared. For a full cold start, the X1 Yoga takes less than 20 seconds. The Windows 10 system is instantly ready to use if you shut the lid and then open it again (warm start).
The benchmark results support the perception of a high operating speed. The test device, for example, scored an average of 620 multi-core points in Cinebench R15. An average of 48.5 frame repeats per second are on the clock once the OpenGL test is completed. Excellent outcomes on the bench. (Benchmarks are for a version with an Intel Core i7-8550U processor and 16 GB of RAM.)
In terms of battery life, there are discrepancies between the two test laptops. In simulated usage, when the brightness on both laptops is set to 100%, the lights on the HDR version go out after little under seven hours (surfing and writing).
Here, the standard WQHD version lasts roughly two hours longer. As a result, the Lenovo X1 Yoga isn’t an endurance runner, which is regrettable, particularly for a business convertible. Turning down the brightness and turning off the wifi connections, on the other hand, will result in much longer runtimes.
Features
Although the X1 looks wonderful on a desk (laptop mode), at a business dinner (tent mode), or in an aircraft (presentation mode), it may also be useful in a Sunday late riser bed. Then you may adjust the display to your preferences and listen to the pretty loud sound that emanates from the downward-facing speakers in laptop mode.
They are audible and of similar quality to those found in the MacBook Pro. We advocate the use of decent headphones for a true cinema experience, particularly with the HDR display.
Fortunately, the ThinkPad’s multimedia capabilities will not be thwarted by an overactive fan. The paddle wheel often comes to a full stop. Under load, you’ll notice a continual hissing noise, which you’ll get used to and which will normally pass shortly.
Verdict
In most contexts, the Lenovo Thinkpad X1 Yoga cuts a fine figure, whether in the ICE, the conference room, or at the breakfast table.
The sturdy, well-thought-out casing, with its excellent keyboard, wide variety of connectors, and thoughtful touches like the ThinkShutter and pen, were particularly appealing. In the Yoga, the fact that it is a convertible is hardly visible.
Is it really necessary to get the HDR version, given the expensive price? Although the high brightness may be an issue, most users should be satisfied with the standard WQHD version.
Overall, the Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Yoga outperforms the ThinkPad X1 Carbon in terms of overall performance.
Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon is ranked second.
- Exceptionally small and light.
- a lower cost than the ThinkPad X1 Yoga
- Excellent speakers and quiet fans
- Battery life is rather short.
Intel’s newest generation of Comet Lake CPUs is now available in Lenovo’s leading models across the globe. After the 7th generation X1 Carbon could already be ordered with Comet Lake CPUs outside of the EMEA region (Europe and the Middle East), the new ThinkPad X1 Carbon of the 8th generation now completely relies on the “new” CPUs, but otherwise provides a comparatively smaller update to its predecessor. We put the X1 Carbon 20UAS04T00 to the test with a Core i7-10510U processor.
We’d like to offer you a first impression here since this is a new gadget, but this test report will be updated on a regular basis!
Ports & Design
The ThinkPad X1 Carbon 8th Gen retains the casing from the previous model, which we previously reviewed. The X1 Carbon is the smallest and lightest 14-inch ThinkPad, measuring 323mm x 217mm x 14.9mm and weighing just 2.40 lbs. If the user chooses the Privacy Guard display (more on display choices below), the device’s thickness rises to 15.4mm and its weight rises to 2.67 lbs.
Even though its name implies otherwise, the X1 Carbon is not completely comprised of carbon. The magnesium alloy bottom component, into which the keyboard is formed from below, is composed of.
Despite the fact that this makes replacing a keyboard costly and difficult without voiding the warranty, Lenovo saves total height and can achieve a convincing key stroke despite the tiny chassis. The case’s interfaces are on the left and right sides, and the fan outlet is on the right — terrible news for right-handed users who use an external mouse.
The bottom maintenance flap is very stable, and it’s most likely composed of magnesium alloy as well. The display cover is eventually constructed of carbon, and it seems to be highly sturdy, can’t be twisted easily, and doesn’t give way even under strain, preventing brilliant areas in the display from being harmed by pressure, such as while carrying a backpack.
Overall, the X1 Carbon 8th Gen seems to be well-made and of good quality. The fact that the whole casing, including the display bezel, is coated in a matt rubber covering also helps.
Wearers of a watch with a metal band will likely have to be cautious when it comes to the palm rest, since scratches are otherwise pre-programmed. This has a great vibe about it. Only the ThinkShutter slider detracts from the overall appearance, since it isn’t coated and so varies in color and structure from the rest of the casing.
The interfaces are logically organized: two USB 3.2 Type-C Gen2/Thunderbolt 3 ports are located on the left, one of which is merged into the side docking port. The gadget may be charged using both ports. The native Intel I219-V Ethernet chip is connected to the outside through the second socket in the docking connector; the corresponding adapter is supplied in the scope of delivery of the device.
A USB 3.2 Gen1 type A connection, an HDMI 1.4b port, and a 3.5mm jack socket for headsets or headphones are also located on the left. Because the ports are so close together, a bigger USB stick and an HDMI cable might get in the way.
The eyelet for a laptop lock, another USB 3.2 Gen1 type A port with Always On capability, and the power button are all on the right side.
The Intel Wi-Fi 6 AX201 chip in the ThinkPad X1 Carbon 8th Gen supports 802.11ax and Bluetooth 5.1, however Windows presently only supports Bluetooth 5.0. LTE-A is offered as an option, and the Fibocom L850-GL LTE card also comes in a 22 MIMO version that doubles the data throughput. Lenovo also provides the option of using an eSIM. As previously mentioned, Ethernet may be connected directly using an adaptor.
Touchpad & Keyboard
The keyboard of the ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 8 is in the current 6-row configuration. In contrast to the predecessor, Lenovo has given function keys F10 and F11 to answer and hang up calls, respectively. Of course, the keyboard has two levels of backlighting, which can be toggled with the Fn space bar key combination.
Despite the tiny shell, Lenovo has created a keyboard that provides a satisfying typing sensation. With a low mistake rate, typing lengthy texts in 10-finger method is also quite pleasant on the X1 Carbon 8th Gen. This is further helped by the fact that, owing to the 14′′ form factor, it has a standard-sized keyboard with no tiny keys like the 13.3′′ ThinkPads.
ELAN seems to have supplanted Synaptics as the main producer of ThinkPad mouse hardware, and this device’s TrackPoint and touchpad are likewise made by ELAN. The TrackPoint is flawless and provides for accurate pointer control.
The TrackPoint buttons are nearly totally flat and hardly protrude from the casing, as they are in the X1 Carbon 7th Gen, yet they are still enjoyable to use. They’re intended as click switches, like most recent ThinkPads, but they still have a distinct pressure point.
The glass touchpad is likewise impressive, with a silky smooth surface and a deep pressure point. The available area is well used.
Unfortunately, the mouse driver does not allow you to modify the track point’s scroll speed individually. You scroll considerably too slowly using the touchpad if you set it up for scrolling with the trackpoint.
Display
Our test equipment has a BOE low-power full HD-IPS display with the type name NE140FHM-N61, which is listening to the type designation NE140FHM-N61. While Lenovo claims a brightness of 400 nits, 72 percent NTSC color space coverage, and an 800:1 contrast ratio, the manufacturer claims a contrast of 1500:1.
Although the picture is fairly compelling in its current form, the panel might need a calibration to remove a minor yellow/green hue. The color spaces sRGB and Adobe RGB are covered to 94 percent and 74 percent, respectively, whereas NTSC is covered to 74 percent. At the conclusion of the report, you may obtain a color profile. The X1 Carbon 8th Gen may still be utilized for image and video editing, even if it lacks comprehensive coverage of the sRGB color space, which is also accomplished by other displays.
The highest recorded brightness is 421 nits, so using it outside in the sun should be no issue. It can be dimmed up to 5.2 nits, making it comfortable to operate in low-light conditions.
Because the regulation is non-linear, the display doesn’t even achieve half of its luminosity with 168 nits at 70% brightness – presumably to account for the fact that you’ll want to alter the brightness in little increments in gloomy environments with low brightness settings.
Individual variants of the 400 nits Full HD display with 10-finger multitouch are also available from Lenovo. The panel with Privacy Guard option with 500 nits of brightness is another Full HD alternative; a privacy filter may be installed here at the press of a button.
The highest model may be set with a 4K display (“DolbyVision HDR400”) with 500 nits of brightness and 90 percent P3 coverage, however it is only available with a glossy surface. In certain areas, a WQHD panel with 300 nits is still available, although it offers no substantial benefits.
Biometrics, audio, and camera
In the X1 Carbon 8th Gen, Lenovo has two 2W downward radiating speakers as well as two 0.8W Dolby Atmos certified speakers above the keyboard. The system is convincing as soon as the Dolby software is set up and operational, despite the fact that the loudspeaker grids 2020 are practically unknown.
The sound quality is exceptional for an Ultrabook, with incredible loudness and punchy bass. Only the high frequencies muddy the sound picture, whereas the mid-range is very clear. With the software’s equalization, you may fine-tune the sound to your liking.
It’s easy to fill a medium-sized conference room with this amount of sound. It’s also nice because with disabled Dolby software (e.g. under Linux), the loudspeakers are only slightly quieter – but the bass frequencies are gone.
Four 360° wide field microphones are mounted on the display lid’s top edge, allowing for clear conversation during a conference call. In excellent lighting situations, the camera seems to have improved somewhat in contrast to previous ThinkPads, with a greater dynamic range. However, the image is still a little blurry and only has a resolution of 1280720 pixels — Full HD should be mainstream by 2020.
Face identification via infrared camera works perfectly and swiftly, and since the X1 Carbon wakes up rapidly from standby, you’re signed in practically instantly after opening the lid.
You may also use a fingerprint reader to log in biometrically, which is placed to the right of the touchpad and works flawlessly.
Performance
The Intel Core i7-10510U is a 14nm++ 4-core CPU from Intel’s 10th generation “Comet Lake” generation. It has a base speed of 1.8 GHz and can turbo boost to 4.9 GHz. The CPU, which has a TDP of 15W but may be upgraded to 25W, is supported by an 8MB L3 cache.
Cinebench R20 was used to evaluate the Core i7-10510U. The CPU obtains an average of 1531 points in the multi-core test and 417 points in the single-core test when used in mains mode, resulting in a multi-core ratio of 3.67.
In the test, we’ll aim to undervolt the device using Intel’s Xtreme Tuning Utility (XTU).
The integrated Intel UHD Graphics GPU is similar to the Intel UHD Graphics 620 that was previously installed.
Benchmarks for FurMark and 3DMark are still in the works.
In our test device, Lenovo installs a Samsung PM981a SSD with 512GB RAM (MZVLB512HBJQ-000L7). The SSD employs TLC memory and is linked through PCIe 3.0 x4. The system seems exceptionally quick in normal use, and the benchmark is likewise compelling.
In the coming weeks, we’ll put the ThinkPad X1 Carbon 8th Gen’s cooling system to the test. However, the fan is already audible in everyday usage and only makes mild sounds even when running at full speed.
The right side of the casing warms up quite a bit, and you can feel the waste heat on the keys there. However, there is no heat development in the wrist-rest region.
Battery life
Lenovo claims a runtime of up to 18 hours with a 51 Wh battery in the ThinkPad X1 Carbon 8th Gen, which was manufactured by SMP in our test unit. In the next weeks, we’ll put this to the test.
The gadget comes with a 65W USB Type C power supply in the new “slim” form, which is similar to the design of the Dell XPS power supply. This, on the other hand, might be seen positively: you can simply coil the cord on the power source to save room.
Verdict
So far, the ThinkPad X1 Carbon in the 8th generation has impressed us, but it could only come close to matching the ThinkPad X1 Yoga, which is why the ThinkPad X1 Carbon trails the ThinkPad X1 Yoga.
The X1 Carbon, on the other hand, is less expensive.
The “lenovo yoga 9i vs thinkpad x1 yoga” is a comparison of the upcoming 2020 release of the Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon and X1 Yoga. The two laptops are very similar, but there are some differences between them that might be important to consider before purchasing one.
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