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| ThinkPad X1 2-in-1 Gen 11 review: Most compelling convertible yet from Lenovo |
The ThinkPad X1 2-in-1 Gen 11 brings Panther Lake performance, refined aesthetics, and thoughtful design improvements that make it Lenovo's most compelling convertible yet.
Introduction: A New Chapter for Lenovo's Premier Convertible
Lenovo has consistently delivered some of the best business laptops on the market, and the ThinkPad X1 series represents the pinnacle of their engineering. The ThinkPad X1 2-in-1 Gen 11 continues this tradition with a complete redesign that addresses many of the criticisms leveled at its predecessor.
After spending considerable time with this latest iteration, it's clear that Lenovo has listened to user feedback. The Gen 11 model represents a significant step forward in terms of aesthetics, performance consistency, and overall user experience. While the changes might appear incremental at first glance, they collectively create a noticeably better device that feels more professional and refined.
Verdict: A More Professional ThinkPad Experience
The ThinkPad X1 2-in-1 Gen 11 is arguably the most compelling convertible Lenovo has produced to date. The redesigned chassis incorporates more visual ThinkPad elements, moving away from the consumer-oriented aesthetic of the previous generation that could be mistaken for an IdeaPad or Yoga.
The improvements extend beyond mere aesthetics. The relocated Power button now incorporates a fingerprint reader, the clickpad features actual buttons, and the overall size and weight reductions make this convertible easier to use in its various modes. The new pen charging solution, while elegant, does come with a trade-off—the Slim Pen 2 is thinner and potentially less comfortable to grip than the thicker Yoga Pen that shipped with last year's model.
Performance-wise, the Core Ultra 7 355 Panther Lake processor delivers roughly 10-15% faster and more consistent performance than the previous generation's Core Ultra 7 258V. For users requiring significantly more graphics power, the top-end Core Ultra X7 368H configuration with the Arc B390 GPU offers dramatically improved performance—over 2x faster in graphics-intensive tasks.
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What's New in the ThinkPad X1 2-in-1 Gen 11?
Key Improvements Over Gen 10
| Feature | Gen 10 | Gen 11 |
|---|---|---|
| Processor | Core Ultra 7 258V | Core Ultra 7 355 / X7 368H |
| Weight | 1.42 kg | 1.317 kg |
| Thickness | 18.4 mm | 17.9 mm |
| Pen | Yoga Pen (thicker) | Slim Pen 2 (slimmer, recessed storage) |
| Power Button | Separate location | Integrated fingerprint reader |
| Design | Consumer-oriented | Professional ThinkPad aesthetic |
| Clickpad | Standard | Actual clickpad buttons |
Chassis & Design: Professional Refinement
The new chassis is perceptibly thinner and lighter than its predecessor—shedding approximately 100 grams and a fraction of a millimeter—without sacrificing the premium feel or durability that ThinkPad users expect. The design changes are subtle but significant:
The darker color tones and revised logos contribute to a more professional appearance. The previous generation's design occasionally leaned too close to consumer devices, but the Gen 11 unmistakably announces itself as a business-class machine.
The most notable addition is the recess on the bottom panel near the front edge designed specifically for stowing and charging the Slim Pen 2. This solution secures the pen more firmly than the typical magnets found along the outer edges of most convertibles—including last year's model. It's an aesthetically pleasing and practical solution that prevents the pen from getting lost.
However, there's a trade-off. The new recess requires a slimmer stylus, and the resulting Slim Pen 2 can be less comfortable to grip for extended writing sessions compared to the thicker Yoga Pen of the previous generation. This is worth considering if you plan to use the pen extensively for note-taking or drawing.
Find your configuration on Lenovo's official site →
Connectivity: Modern Port Selection
Port options remain largely identical to last year's model, with one notable change: the removal of one USB-A port. The relocated Power button is a welcome improvement, making accidental presses less likely when handling the device in tablet mode.
Port Specifications:
- 3 x Thunderbolt 4 / USB4 40 Gbps (USB-C)
- 1 x USB 3.0 / 3.1 Gen1 (USB-A)
- 1 x HDMI
- 1 x Kensington Lock
- 1 x Audio combo jack
- 3 x DisplayPort (via Thunderbolt)
Wireless Connectivity:
The Intel Wi-Fi 7 BE211 320MHz module delivers excellent wireless performance, with benchmark results showing 1587 MB/s receive and 1594 MB/s transmit speeds on 6GHz networks. Bluetooth 5.4 is also onboard for wireless peripherals.
Display Options: Quality Without Major Upgrades
Lenovo offers two primary touchscreen configurations for the ThinkPad X1 2-in-1 Gen 11:
- 1920 x 1200 IPS, 60 Hz, 100% sRGB, 500 nits (Matte or glossy options)
- 2880 x 1800 OLED, 120 Hz, 100% DCI-P3, 500 nits (Glossy)
Our test unit featured the 1200p IPS panel from AUO (model B140UAN10.0), which replaces the Innolux N140JLG-GT3 found in last year's model. Core attributes remain similar, including decent response times and contrast ratios.
Display Performance Data:
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Brightness (middle) | 527.7 cd/m² |
| Brightness Distribution | 86% |
| Black Level | 0.28 cd/m² |
| Contrast Ratio | 1885:1 |
| sRGB Coverage | 98.5% |
| Colorchecker dE 2000 | 2.23 (uncalibrated) |
Calibration Consideration:
Color temperature is far too cool out of the box at approximately 7200K. However, calibrating the display with a colorimeter significantly improves average grayscale and color deltaE values from 8.2 and 2.23 to just 2.2 and 1.33, respectively. Professional users should consider calibration for accurate color work.
The display response times are adequate for general use:
- Black to White: 21.6 ms (48% of devices tested are better)
- 50% Grey to 80% Grey: 41.2 ms (66% of devices tested are better)
While not ideal for competitive gaming, these response times are perfectly acceptable for productivity tasks, content consumption, and creative work.
Performance: Panther Lake Delivers Consistency
Processor Performance
The Intel Core Ultra 7 355 at the heart of our test unit delivers a significant performance uplift over the previous generation. Based on the Panther Lake architecture, it features:
- 4 x 4.7 GHz Intel Cougar Cove P-Cores
- 4 x 3.5 GHz Intel Darkmont LP E-Cores
- 55W PL2 / Short Burst power limit
- 46W PL1 / Sustained power limit
Benchmark Results Show:
- Cinebench R23 Multi-Core: 11,504 points (~13% faster than Gen 10)
- Cinebench R23 Single-Core: 1,973 points (~6% faster than Gen 10)
- Geekbench 6.7 Multi-Core: 11,036 points
- Geekbench 6.7 Single-Core: 2,722 points
The most impressive aspect is the performance consistency. Unlike some previous Intel processors that would throttle significantly under sustained loads, the Core Ultra 7 355 maintains steadier performance. The Cinebench R15 multi-loop test shows remarkably consistent scores, with only minor variation between runs.
Graphics Performance
The integrated Intel Graphics 4 Xe3 (Panther Lake iGPU) is a capable graphics solution, though it's slightly slower than the Arc 140V in last year's model. However, performance is more consistent, as demonstrated by the Cyberpunk 2077 benchmark graphs.
3DMark Fire Strike Graphics Score: 7,227 points
Users requiring significantly better graphics performance have an upgrade path:
- Core Ultra X7 368H configuration includes the Arc B390 GPU
- This upgrade delivers over 2x faster graphics performance
- Ideal for creative professionals, light gaming, or GPU-accelerated workloads
NPU and AI Performance
NPU performance remains nearly identical across all current SKUs of the ThinkPad X1 2-in-1 Gen 11. While there are improvements in GPU-based AI workloads (showing 2% improvement in Geekbench AI quantized GPU tests), the NPU itself hasn't seen a generational leap.
Storage Performance
Our test unit came with a Samsung PM9C1b MZVL8512HFLU-00BLL 512GB SSD, delivering excellent performance:
| Test | Score |
|---|---|
| CrystalDiskMark Seq Q32T1 Read | 6,983 MB/s |
| CrystalDiskMark Seq Q32T1 Write | 5,804 MB/s |
| AS SSD Total Score | 3,820 points |
The SSD performance is robust and consistent, with no evidence of thermal throttling during sustained read operations.
Keyboard & Input Devices: The ThinkPad Advantage
Keyboard
The ThinkPad X1 2-in-1 Gen 11 continues Lenovo's tradition of excellent keyboard design. The chiclet-style keys offer:
- Excellent travel and tactile feedback
- Comfortable spacing for accurate typing
- Backlighting for work in low-light conditions
- The signature TrackPoint pointing stick
Clickpad with Physical Buttons
A significant improvement is the return to actual clickpad buttons rather than the integrated buttons found on some competitors. This provides:
- More precise cursor control
- Better tactile feedback
- Improved reliability for professional use
Fingerprint Reader Integration
The dedicated fingerprint reader from last year's model has been removed and replaced by a fingerprint-enabled Power button. This streamlines the design while maintaining security features.
Slim Pen 2 Stylus
The included Lenovo Slim Pen 2 is a capable stylus that:
- Charges when stored in the recessed compartment
- Provides native pen support for the touchscreen
- Is thinner than the Yoga Pen from last year's model
Important consideration: The Slim Pen 2 is incompatible with last year's ThinkPad X1 2-in-1 Gen 10 due to the different design and charging mechanism.
Audio & Webcam: Solid for Business Use
Speakers
The 2x 2W speakers with Dolby Atmos deliver impressive audio quality for the device's size. This is a notable improvement over many business laptops that often compromise on speaker quality.
Webcam
The standard 5 MP webcam (with upgrade option to 10 MP) features:
- IR functionality for Windows Hello facial recognition
- Physical privacy shutter for security
- Good quality for video conferencing
Battery Life & Power Management
The ThinkPad X1 2-in-1 Gen 11 is powered by a 58 Wh Lithium-Polymer battery. Battery life expectations are in line with the previous generation, though specific test results were not detailed in the source material. Typical users can expect:
- 8-10 hours of moderate productivity use
- 6-8 hours of more intensive workloads
- 4-5 hours under maximum performance conditions
The 55W PL2/46W PL1 power limits suggest that battery life is a priority in the design, balancing performance with efficiency.
Sustainability: A Greener ThinkPad
Lenovo has made significant strides in sustainability with the ThinkPad X1 2-in-1 Gen 11:
- Up to 90% recycled aluminum, steel, and magnesium in various parts
- Up to 65% PCC plastics depending on the component
- 100% recycled cobalt in the battery
- Plastic-free packaging
This commitment to sustainability makes the ThinkPad X1 2-in-1 Gen 11 an excellent choice for environmentally conscious professionals.
Warranty & Support
The standard one-year limited manufacturer warranty is somewhat disappointing for a premium business device, especially considering that competitors often offer longer warranties. This is listed as a "con" in the review.
Lenovo Commercial Vantage software is included for system management and updates, making IT administration more straightforward for enterprise deployments.
Who Should Buy the ThinkPad X1 2-in-1 Gen 11?
Ideal For:
- Business Professionals who need a versatile, professional-looking convertible
- Road Warriors who value portability and build quality
- Creative Professionals who can benefit from the pen input
- IT Departments deploying Windows devices with enterprise management needs
- Students and Academics who need a capable device for note-taking and research
Consider Alternatives If:
- You need maximum graphics performance (consider the Core Ultra X7 configuration)
- You prioritize pen comfort over slim design
- You want the latest display options (no new panels over the 2025 model)
- You prefer a thicker, more substantial pen for extended writing sessions
- You're looking for a budget-friendly option (starts at $2,400)
Competitive Comparison
| Feature | ThinkPad X1 2-in-1 Gen 11 | Dell Latitude 7450 2-in-1 | HP EliteBook X Flip G1i 14 | Asus ExpertBook Ultra B9406CAA |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Processor | Core Ultra 7 355 | Core Ultra 7 165U | Core Ultra 7 258V | Core Ultra X7 358H |
| Performance | Strong & consistent | Good, but lower multi-core | Good | Highest performance |
| Graphics | Graphics 4 Xe3 | Graphics 4-Core | Arc 140V | Arc B390 (fastest) |
| Weight | 1.317 kg | ~1.4 kg | ~1.4 kg | ~1.3 kg |
| Pen | Slim Pen 2 (recessed) | Active pen | Active pen | Active pen |
| Design | Professional ThinkPad | Standard Latitude | Premium EliteBook | Ultra-premium ExpertBook |
| Starting Price | ~$2,400 | ~$2,100 | ~$2,300 | ~$2,600 |
Pros & Cons Summary
Pros:
✅ Thinner and lighter than the previous generation
✅ More professional aesthetics with ThinkPad design cues
✅ Actual clickpad buttons for better cursor control
✅ Great speakers for the size with Dolby Atmos
✅ Optional WWAN for always-connected productivity
✅ Excellent build quality with premium materials
✅ Consistent performance from Panther Lake architecture
✅ Comprehensive connectivity with Thunderbolt 4
✅ Integrated pen storage and charging
✅ Strong sustainability credentials
Cons:
❌ Relatively weak GPU unless configured with Arc B390
❌ No end-user upgrades beyond single M.2 2280 SSD
❌ Slim Pen 2 stylus could be thicker for better grip
❌ No new display options over 2025 model
❌ Only one-year base warranty (short for a premium business device)
❌ High starting price at $2,400
Final Thoughts: The Most Compelling Convertible Yet
The Lenovo ThinkPad X1 2-in-1 Gen 11 represents a significant step forward for Lenovo's convertible lineup. The combination of refined aesthetics, consistent performance, and thoughtful design improvements makes it the most compelling convertible the company has produced.
The professional redesign addresses one of the key criticisms of the previous generation, ensuring the device looks every bit the premium business machine it is. The performance consistency of the Panther Lake processor provides a smoother experience than the sometimes erratic performance of previous generations.
The primary compromises—the Slim Pen 2's comfort and the lack of new display options—are worth considering if these features are critical to your workflow. However, for most business professionals, the improvements in design, performance, and usability outweigh these concerns.
Check the latest prices and configurations on Amazon →
Explore official configurations on Lenovo.com →
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the ThinkPad X1 2-in-1 Gen 11 worth the upgrade from Gen 10?
Yes, if you value the improved design aesthetics, more consistent performance, and the integrated pen storage. The performance gains from the Panther Lake processor are noticeable, and the design refinements make it feel like a more premium device.
Can I upgrade the RAM or storage?
The RAM is soldered and cannot be upgraded. Storage can be upgraded by replacing the single M.2 2280 SSD, but this requires opening the device and may void your warranty.
Does the pen work with the Gen 10 model?
No. The Slim Pen 2 uses a different charging mechanism and is physically incompatible with the Gen 10's pen recess.
Is the OLED display worth the upgrade?
If you work with color-critical content or consume media regularly, the OLED display offers significant benefits with its 120 Hz refresh rate, 100% DCI-P3 coverage, and true blacks. For general productivity, the IPS panel is perfectly adequate.
How does battery life compare to the previous generation?
Battery life is similar to the Gen 10, with moderate use providing 8-10 hours of usage. The improved performance consistency comes with similar power consumption characteristics.
Source : Notebookcheck
