Early Verdict
A shift to a larger form factor and newer internal hardware without raising the price sees Lenovo score big when compared to the X1 Fold Gen 1. We still think the foldable display tech has some work to do, though.
Pros
- +
Enlarged screen and keyboard are great
- +
Bright OLED display
- +
Wacom stylus support
Cons
- -
Haptic trackpad feels flimsy
- -
Still fairly expensive
- -
Very thick with the keyboard and kickstand attached
Jump to:
- Price and availability
- Design
- Performance
- Early verdict
When we reviewed the first-generation Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Fold, we were excited by the prospect but felt let down by the execution. The folding screen technology was still in its infancy - some would argue it still is - and the X1 Fold Gen 1 was too small and not powerful enough to warrant a recommendation.
If those who fail to learn from history are doomed to repeat it, we’d like to declare Lenovo the opposite of doomed. Revealed at IFA 2022, the ThinkPad X1 Fold Gen 2 is more than just an improvement on the original; it feels like a whole new product. Gone is the tiny display and keyboard of the Gen 1 model, replaced by a vibrant 16.3-inch folding OLED screen and a bigger Bluetooth keyboard that feels much better to use.
Price and availability
The starting price for the ThinkPad X1 Fold Gen 2 is $2,499, though different internal configurations will be available and it’s unclear at this point what the base model will include; in the 13.3-inch original X1 Fold, the keyboard and Wacom smart stylus were paid extras. It’s worth noting that the X1 Fold Gen 2 actually shares a starting price with the base model of the original, which is impressive considering that it’s much larger and more powerful.
That base model nets you an Intel Core i5 processor, but models with i7 chips will also be available. The other variable specs run up to 32GB of DDR5 RAM, up to 1TB of PCIe 4.0 SSD storage, and an optional Nano SIM slot for the 5G-enabled model.
Design
Like the original, the ThinkPad X1 Fold Gen 2 has a range of orientations for every working environment. The keyboard and kickstand both attach magnetically to each other and the laptop itself, folding together and snapping to the exterior of the chassis when it’s folded away. The optional Wacom pen also connects magnetically to the edge of the screen.
The X1 Fold Gen 2 feels very robust, which is a relief given the propensity of foldable tech to simply break under very mild strain. The exterior panels are made from a pleasant, grippy fabric which is made from 100% recycled plastics. That eco-minded design ethos extends to the rest of the product; the speaker chamber, internal battery enclosure, and AC adapter are all made with at least 90% post-consumer-recycled materials. Even the packaging is entirely compostable.
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The OLED display is quite gorgeous, with 600 nits of brightness and HDR certification. Colors pop and blacks are deep and sharp. Since it’s a bendable panel, the surface is a thin plastic that does display some very slight imperfections around the hinge area, but that’s practically unavoidable at this stage. It feels good to use the touchscreen with either a fingertip or the compatible Wacom stylus, potentially making this a great option for digital artists.
As we mentioned above, the new keyboard has benefited massively from the upgrade to a 16.3-inch form factor. The original X1 Fold’s keyboard was a cramped, uncomfortable affair; this one feels much easier to use, with full-size backlit keys that offer a decent amount of travel. Naturally, it includes Lenovo’s signature red Laptop Nipple (sorry, ‘trackpoint’) in the center. The newly enlarged haptic trackpad is sensitive enough, but feels a bit thin and doesn’t offer a very satisfying click.
Performance
We weren’t able to properly test the Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Fold Gen 2 in our brief time with it, but we’ll be sure to include our usual suite of benchmark results when we receive our own unit and update this review.
Despite this, we’re feeling confident that the X1 Fold Gen 2 will blow its predecessor out of the water. With the generational leap in performance afforded by Intel’s 12th-gen Alder Lake CPUs, we should see improvements across the board. The lack of a discrete GPU means that it likely won’t be capable of very demanding workloads, but everyday use and low- to medium-intensity tasks should be a breeze.
Battery life could vary significantly between models, as the X1 Fold Gen 2 can be configured with a dual-battery setup that places a battery on either side of the central hinge. The default main battery is actually a 48Whr unit compared to the first-gen model’s 50Whr, which is a bit concerning - though Alder Lake’s reduced power consumption will hopefully mitigate this somewhat. The optional secondary battery is a much smaller 16Whr unit.
One interesting feature of note in our hands-on was the teardown of the hinge, which showed how Lenovo had engineered a pair of graphite plates to touch when the laptop is unfolded. This allows for superior thermal transfer across the two halves of the device - a must, since the X1 Fold Gen 2 is completely fanless.
Early verdict
Competition is finally heating up in the foldable laptop space, with Asus announcing its new Zenbook 17 Fold OLED at the same time. Both Asus and Lenovo itself seem to have taken lessons from the first ThinkPad X1 Fold’s failures, with bigger screens, sturdier designs, and more powerful hardware.
Comparisons are inevitable, but it’ll be impossible to judge which foldable laptop is superior until we can properly test them both. For now, we’ll simply say that the ThinkPad X1 Fold Gen 2 was a joy to use, and we’re a tiny bit sad that we weren’t able to perform a whirlwind heist to nab one from the Lenovo event venue.
IFA 2022 is Europe's biggest tech show, and TechRadar is in Berlin to bring you all the breaking news and announcements, plus our hands-on first impressions of the new TVs, wearables, audio devices and other gadgets on show.
Christian Guyton
Editor, Computing
Christian is TechRadar’s UK-based Computing Editor. He came to us from Maximum PC magazine, where he fell in love with computer hardware and building PCs. He was a regular fixture amongst our freelance review team before making the jump to TechRadar, and can usually be found drooling over the latest high-end graphics card or gaming laptop before looking at his bank account balance and crying.
Christian is a keen campaigner for LGBTQ+ rights and the owner of a charming rescue dog named Lucy, having adopted her after he beat cancer in 2021. She keeps him fit and healthy through a combination of face-licking and long walks, and only occasionally barks at him to demand treats when he’s trying to work from home.
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Latest
FAQs
Is Lenovo X1 Fold good? ›
There's no denying the appeal of the X1 Fold. It's an interesting take on utilising folding, flexible display panels. There aren't many devices like it out there yet, and it's one of the neatest implementations we've seen yet.
Does Lenovo ThinkPad X1 have touch screen? ›With a 14" Full HD 1920 x 1080 IPS (In-Plane Switching) multi-touch panel that's powered by an integrated Intel UHD Graphics 620 chipset, the ThinkPad X1 Carbon outputs crisp and clear content with vivid colors and wide viewing angles.
Is Lenovo ThinkPad better than yoga? ›The ThinkPad provides better connectivity, with two USB-C ports with Thunderbolt 4 support, two USB-A 3.1 Gen 1 ports, a full-size HDMI 2.0b port, and a 3.5mm audio jack.
Is X1 Carbon best laptop? ›Tested battery life:
The 14-inch Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 9 is the best laptop we've tested in the past few years—and it costs several hundred dollars more than most people should pay for an ultrabook.
This model sells with its magnetic attachable keyboard and kickstand included. When not in use, you can fold the ThinkPad X1 Fold into its 12-inch form and snap both accessories onto the PC for easy carrying without needing an additional case.
Does the X1 fold come with a keyboard? ›As a tablet or book. For the $2,600 starting price, you'll only get the X1 Fold itself without a keyboard or stylus, meaning you'll largely be using it as a tablet or "book". It's a serviceable device and is surprisingly well made.
How long does ThinkPad X1 last? ›With 15+ hours of battery life, generous screen real estate and great usability, the ThinkPad X1 Carbon remains the ultrabook of choice for productivity on the go.
Does Lenovo have touch screen? ›Yes, we do our Lenovo ThinkPad, Lenovo Legion, and Lenovo Ideapad, all feature 17-inch touch screen laptop. In addition, we have touchscreen laptops with screen sizes that range from 10 inches to more than 32 inches.
Does the ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 8 have a touch screen? ›Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon 8th Gen 8 Intel Core i7-10510U, FHD(1920x1080) Touch Screen, 16GB RAM, 256GB NVMe SSD, Backlit KYB, Fingerprint Reader,Win10 Pro.
What is the difference between a ThinkPad and a laptop? ›Lenovo ThinkPad laptops are specially designed for business use. The ThinkPad offers extra security options to encrypt files. These laptops also use the Pro version of the Windows operating system. Thanks to the very good build quality, they can easily take a beating.
Which series of Lenovo laptop is best? ›
Best Overall - Lenovo IdeaPad S540 11th Gen Intel Core i7 33.78 cm (13.3") QHD IPS Thin & Light Laptop. With its 11th Gen Intel Core i7-1165G7 processor and Intel Iris Xe Integrated graphics, the Lenovo Ideapad S540 is the best overall Lenovo laptop on this list.
Which one is better X1 Carbon or X1 Yoga? ›The ThinkPad X1 Yoga (Gen 7) costs a bit more than the X1 Carbon, but its added versatility and built-in active pen will no doubt be top-of-mind for many people. If you need a high-end convertible business laptop, this is one of the best.
Why do people use ThinkPad? ›ThinkPads have been widely praised for their superior keyboard quality on a laptop computer. ThinkPads were also the first to employ a pointing stick for cursor movement, and some models have built-in key lights. In 1995, the folding "Butterfly" keyboard won awards for its unique design.
Are ThinkPads better than Macs? ›2022 MacBook Pro vs. ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 10: Ports and Connectivity. When it comes to physical ports and wireless connections, the ThinkPad is the winner. The X1 Carbon has two Thunderbolt 4 ports, a USB 3.2 Type-A port, and a full-size HDMI video output.
Which Lenovo X1 Carbon generation is best? ›Unless you're looking for an ultra-performance gaming rig or workstation, the ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 10 is the best notebook you can buy.
What do you call foldable laptop? ›Sometimes referred to as "convertible" or "hybrid" laptops, these innovative devices deliver the processing power and keyboard of a Windows 10 laptop. When you're ready to play, either detach the screen or fold your 2-in-1 into tablet mode to watch movies, play games, read an e-book and more.
What is a ThinkPad? ›ThinkPad is a line of business-oriented laptop computers and tablets designed, developed and marketed by Lenovo, and formerly by IBM until 2005, when IBM's PC business was acquired by Lenovo.
How do you fold a Lenovo laptop? ›Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Fold hands-on: Big upgrades, inside and out
What pen works with Lenovo X1 fold? ›BoxWave Stylus Pen Compatible With Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Fold. The AccuPoint Active Stylus from BoxWave looks and feels just like a real pen!
Do I need to charge my Lenovo laptop before first use? ›Do I need to charge my battery fully when I get a new system or a new battery? While not required, it is recommended to fully charge the battery.
How do you charge a X1 fold pen? ›
Wireless charging (for selected models)
Put your foldable PC in the mini clamshell mode with the camera side upward, and then attach the keyboard to the magnetic side as shown. Fold the computer and the keyboard charges automatically.
In comparison between Lenovo VS Dell, overall, Dell laptops are a good option in terms of price, but when it comes to other factors like innovation, battery life, and specifications, then Lenovo laptops top the list. Aside from being rated as the best laptop by most people, Lenovo laptops offer great value for money.
How good is Lenovo ThinkPad? ›ThinkPads are generally hailed as being awesome business laptops because of their comfortable keyboards and silent operation. With its quiet keyboard, security features, and booming audio, the Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 9 is one such laptop.
What is special about Lenovo X1 Carbon? ›The main change to the 2021 X1 Carbon is the move to 11th-generation Intel processors. Oh, and the new, slightly taller screen, which now has a 16:10 aspect ratio, just like the Dell XPS 13. The new X1 Carbon is not a design revolution.
How do I make my ThinkPad touch screen? ›How To Enable and Disable the Touch Screen In Windows 10
How do I know if my Lenovo laptop is touch screen? ›Right-click the Windows icon, then open System. See the description under System > Pen and Touch: No Pen or Touch Input is available for this Display means the LCD is not touch screen. Full Windows Touch Support with 10 Touch Points means the LCD is touch screen (the description will vary on different hardware).
Why is my ThinkPad touchpad not working? ›Make sure the Touchpad is enabled.
Another option is to use Windows key + S. Type touchpad. Select the Turn the touchpad on or off option (use the arrow key to move down the list and Enter to select). Make sure Touchpad is set to On.
Relying on Intel Iris Xe integrated graphics, the X1 Carbon can run photo and video editing apps but gaming should be avoided.
Is Lenovo X1 Carbon upgradable? ›The ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 10's RAM is soldered onto the motherboard, which means it can't be replaced or upgraded by the end-user after purchasing. However, you can upgrade the solid-state drive (SSD) if you think you need more storage.
What's better IdeaPad or ThinkPad? ›Thinkpads are more powerful in performance as compared to Ideapad. The Lenovo Thinkpad display is better than the Ideapad. Ideapad has a lower contrast ratio and is not as bright as the Thinkpads. The Thinkpad can be used in international space stations while Ideapad cannot be used.
Why is it called ThinkPad? ›
In the beginning: 1992 - 2000. The "ThinkPad" name comes from a slogan coined by IBM employees back in the 1920s. The word "THINK" adorned early IBM mainframes and eventually made its way onto pocket-sized paper notepads. From this, the ThinkPad brand was born.
What is the difference between a Lenovo ThinkPad and a Lenovo Ideapad? ›To explain the difference between the two quite simply, the Lenovo Thinkpad is designed with the business user in mind, whilst the Ideapad is made for the average everyday consumer. Lenovo are one of the biggest selling brands in the world today.
Is Lenovo better than HP laptop? ›Lenovo is the better choice of the two brands if you're looking for the best value for money option, and they dominate the market for work and business laptops. However, HP laptops typically have better quality components, but they cost more than the Lenovo equivalent.
Which is better HP or Lenovo? ›Which brand is better, HP or Lenovo? Lenovo laptops are best in comparison with HP laptops as they provide good value for money. Lenovo laptops have decent build quality, however, HP laptops are better in terms of their quality components, but they are more expensive than Lenovo laptops.
Which one is better Asus or Lenovo? ›If you're looking for an affordable gaming laptop that outperforms the competition, Asus is your best bet. However, if you need a powerful business machine with a broad range of features, Lenovo is the better option.
Is the X1 Carbon Gen 10 worth it? ›Starting at $1,319 ($1,564 as configured), the ThinkPad X1 Carbon (Gen 10) continues this legacy with a fantastic keyboard, a bright and colorful display and solid performance all wrapped up in a lightweight package with strong build quality. It even throws in a sharp, 1080p webcam for good measure.
What is difference between ThinkBook and ThinkPad? ›The ThinkBook was created and built with the casual laptop user in mind, whereas the ThinkPad is aimed at business, work and student consumers due to its 12+ hour battery life, 1T (more storage), Dolby Audio, advanced security features, and sturdy design.
What is yoga computer? ›The Lenovo IdeaPad Yoga is a line of convertible tablet computers that run the Windows operating system (OS). The Lenovo IdeaPad Yoga features a 360-degree hinged display that allows the device to be used as a traditional laptop or as a touchscreen tablet.
Why are ThinkPads the best? ›Thanks to its high-end components and aggressively designed thermals, the ThinkPad X1 Extreme Gen 4 can tackle both creative applications that can utilize the GPU and even some 4K gaming. It's the ThinkPad to buy if you want a laptop that's both powerful and -- thanks to its upgradeable design -- built for the future.
Why do most companies use ThinkPads? ›ThinkPads typically have one of the best keyboards compared to any other laptop. Firstly, the keyboards have a higher travel distance. This makes typing much easier compared to the shallow keyboards found on many laptops. Also, shallower keyboards tend to fail more often compared with the thicker ThinkPad keyboards.
How long will a ThinkPad last? ›
Lenovo laptops typically last between 5 and 7 years. Many factors influence the lifespan of your Lenovo device, including price tag, model, laptop category, and build quality.
What is the price of Lenovo ThinkPad? ›...
Lenovo Thinkpad Laptops Price List In India.
| Best Lenovo Thinkpad Laptops Price List In India Models | Price |
|---|---|
| Lenovo Ideapad 320E (80XL03FUIN) Laptop (15.6 Inch | Core i5 7th Gen | 8 GB | DOS | 1 TB HDD) | ₹40890 |
An ideal choice for work, school and entertainment, Lenovo touch-screen Chromebooks are built for performance and flexibility. Some of these Lenovo Chromebooks are part tablet, part laptop, giving you mode options as you complete a multitude of tasks related to your job or leisure activities.
Which is better Lenovo Yoga or MacBook air? ›The Lenovo is a 2-in-1 convertible that runs Windows, whereas the Apple is a traditional clamshell laptop that runs macOS. The Apple has a sturdier build, a much bigger touchpad with better tracking, and a webcam that captures a more detailed image for video calls.
Is ThinkPad X1 a good laptop? ›The Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon (Gen 10) is a stunning 14-inch laptop. Extremely well made yet still lightweight, with plenty of configuration options including mobile broadband, an excellent keyboard, great speakers and the 1080p webcam that's a necessity of modern working, it delivers on almost all fronts.
What is the latest generation of X1 Carbon? ›...
Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 10 specs.
| CPU | 12th generation Intel Core i7-1260P, 16 Threads, 4 P-cores, 8 E-cores, 18MB cache |
|---|---|
| Storage | 512GB PCIe SSD Gen 4 |
ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 10.
When did the Lenovo ThinkPad X1 fold come out? ›...
| ThinkPad X1 Fold | ||
|---|---|---|
| Performance | Processors | Up to Intel vPro with 12th Gen Intel® Core™ U9 i5 and i7 Processors |
| OS | Up to Windows 11 Pro | |
| Memory | Up to 32GB LPDDR5 | |
ThinkPad is a line of business-oriented laptop computers and tablets designed, developed and marketed by Lenovo, and formerly by IBM until 2005, when IBM's PC business was acquired by Lenovo.
What is a Lenovo? ›Lenovo is a manufacturer of personal computers, smartphones, televisions, and wearable devices. Some of the company's earliest products included the KT8920 mainframe computer and a circuit board that allowed IBM-compatible personal computers to process Chinese characters.
Do I need to charge my Lenovo laptop before first use? ›
Do I need to charge my battery fully when I get a new system or a new battery? While not required, it is recommended to fully charge the battery.
How do you rotate the screen on a ThinkPad? ›- Change your machine from Laptop mode to Tent/Stand/Tablet mode.
- Enter the words Settings into the search box on the taskbar, and then select Settings from the list of results.
- Click System (Display, notifications, apps, power).
- Scroll down and toggle Lock rotation of this display to On or Off.
One device. So many ways to use. Fold it like a book for side-by-side pages.
Why do people use ThinkPad? ›ThinkPads have been widely praised for their superior keyboard quality on a laptop computer. ThinkPads were also the first to employ a pointing stick for cursor movement, and some models have built-in key lights. In 1995, the folding "Butterfly" keyboard won awards for its unique design.
Is ThinkPad the best laptop? ›Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 9 – Best overall
ThinkPads are generally hailed as being awesome business laptops because of their comfortable keyboards and silent operation. With its quiet keyboard, security features, and booming audio, the Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 9 is one such laptop.
Lenovo ThinkPad laptops are specially designed for business use. The ThinkPad offers extra security options to encrypt files. These laptops also use the Pro version of the Windows operating system. Thanks to the very good build quality, they can easily take a beating.
Which is better HP or Lenovo? ›Which brand is better, HP or Lenovo? Lenovo laptops are best in comparison with HP laptops as they provide good value for money. Lenovo laptops have decent build quality, however, HP laptops are better in terms of their quality components, but they are more expensive than Lenovo laptops.
How long does ThinkPad last? ›Thinkpad models often last 5 years or more. The rest of the Lenovo laptop models are often guaranteed in 1 year. These laptop models, therefore, often last 3 or 4 years.
Which series of Lenovo laptop is best? ›Best Overall - Lenovo IdeaPad S540 11th Gen Intel Core i7 33.78 cm (13.3") QHD IPS Thin & Light Laptop. With its 11th Gen Intel Core i7-1165G7 processor and Intel Iris Xe Integrated graphics, the Lenovo Ideapad S540 is the best overall Lenovo laptop on this list.