.jpg)
The Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 12 continues the legacy of its predecessors as a flagship business ultraportable, blending premium design with enterprise-grade features. However, its high price and mixed performance metrics make it a polarizing choice in 2024. Here’s our in-depth assessment.
Design and Build Quality
The X1 Carbon Gen 12 retains the iconic ThinkPad aesthetic—matte black chassis, carbon fiber construction, and military-grade durability (MIL-STD 810H certification). At 2.42 lbs and 0.59 inches thick, it’s one of the lightest 14-inch laptops available, rivaling even the MacBook Air . Lenovo uses recycled materials extensively, including 90% recycled magnesium in the keyboard deck, appealing to eco-conscious buyers .
The design updates are subtle: a raised "communications bar" for easier lid opening, relocated power button, and a minimalist port layout. While the build feels robust, some reviewers noted the matte finish attracts fingerprints .
Display: OLED Brilliance vs. Practicality
The X1 Carbon offers two display options:
- Base IPS (1920x1200): Adequate for productivity but criticized for mediocre brightness (~317 nits) and lackluster color depth .
- Upgraded OLED (2880x1800): A standout with vibrant colors, 120Hz refresh rate, and 400-nit brightness. However, it drains battery life significantly (8–10 hours vs. 12+ hours for IPS) .
The OLED panel’s matte finish reduces glare, making it suitable for outdoor use, though some noted minor graininess in the coating .
Performance: Intel Core Ultra Meets Mixed Results
Powered by Intel’s Core Ultra 7 155H (12 cores, 14 threads) with integrated Arc graphics, the X1 Carbon targets AI workloads and multitasking. While it handles office tasks smoothly, synthetic benchmarks reveal shortcomings:
- Geekbench 6: Scores lag behind Apple’s M3 MacBook Air (single-core: ~1,511 vs. 3,129) .
- Battery-constrained performance: Under sustained loads, throttling occurs due to thermal limits .
- AI capabilities: The NPU enables Windows Studio Effects (background blur, eye contact), but reviewers found limited real-world utility .
For GPU-intensive tasks, the Intel Arc graphics show modest gains over older Iris Xe chips but fall short of dedicated GPUs .
Keyboard and Trackpad: Typing Joy, Navigation Frustrations
The ThinkPad keyboard remains a highlight, offering 1.5mm key travel, tactile feedback, and a redesigned layout (Ctrl/Fn keys finally swapped). However, the backlighting is dim, and arrow keys feel cramped .
The trackpad draws mixed reviews:
- Mechanical touchpad: Too small and less responsive compared to haptic alternatives (optional upgrade) .
- TrackPoint: Loved by purists but deemed outdated by some .
Battery Life: A Step Back
Battery performance is underwhelming, especially with the OLED display. Tests show:
- OLED models: ~8.5–10.5 hours of light use .
- IPS models: Up to 12 hours, still trailing competitors like the HP Dragonfly G4 (14.5 hours) .
The 57Wh battery struggles against power-hungry Intel silicon, making Snapdragon X Elite laptops more appealing for all-day use .
Ports and Connectivity
Lenovo packs a versatile selection:
- 2x Thunderbolt 4, 2x USB-A 3.2, HDMI 2.1, headphone jack, and optional nano-SIM.
- Missing SD card reader, but retains Kensington lock slot .
Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3 ensure modern wireless connectivity, though 5G support is pending .
Pricing: The Elephant in the Room
The X1 Carbon’s biggest flaw is its $1,624–$4,000 price range, depending on configuration. Even mid-tier models cost ~$2,300, overshadowing rivals like the HP Spectre x360 or AMD-powered ThinkPad Z13 Gen 2 . Enterprise discounts soften the blow, but individual buyers may balk .
Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Lightweight, durable design | Overpriced for performance |
| Best-in-class keyboard | Mediocre battery life (OLED models) |
| Vibrant OLED display option | Underwhelming trackpad |
| Extensive port selection | Middling CPU/GPU vs. competitors |
| Enterprise security features | Dim keyboard backlighting |
Final Verdict
The ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 12 is a niche choice for business travelers prioritizing portability and typing comfort. Its OLED display and MIL-SPEC durability shine, but the steep price and average performance make it hard to recommend over alternatives like the MacBook Air or HP Dragonfly G4.
Who should buy it: Corporate users with deep budgets, ThinkPad loyalists, or those needing a lightweight workhorse.
Alternatives: HP Dragonfly G4 (better value), ThinkPad Z13 Gen 2 (AMD power), or MacBook Air (battery