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| Powerhouse flagship laptop with 32 GB RAM as standard: Lenovo ThinkPad X9-15p Gen 1 review |
Lenovo's latest ThinkPad X9-15p brings serious performance, a stunning OLED display, and an unprecedented 32GB of RAM to the premium laptop arena. But can it truly compete with Apple's MacBook Pro? We spent weeks with this powerhouse to find out.
Introduction: A New Contender Emerges
When Lenovo introduced the ThinkPad X9 series in 2025, the company had one clear target in its sights: the Apple MacBook Air. The sleek, enterprise-friendly design was meant to win over corporate customers looking for a Windows alternative to Apple's ultraportable. But with the 2026 addition to the lineup—the Lenovo ThinkPad X9-15p Gen 1 Aura Edition—Lenovo has shifted its ambitions significantly upward.
The new X9-15p isn't aiming for the MacBook Air anymore. It's gunning for something much more powerful: the MacBook Pro.
This isn't just marketing speak. With Intel's latest Panther Lake processors, up to 64GB of RAM, and a gorgeous 15.3-inch OLED display, the ThinkPad X9-15p represents Lenovo's most serious attempt yet to challenge Apple's dominance in the premium laptop space. But does it succeed? After extensive testing, we have answers.
🔹 Check the latest price on Amazon: Lenovo ThinkPad X9-15p Gen 1
Design and Build Quality: The Most MacBook-Like ThinkPad Yet
Let's address the elephant in the room immediately: the ThinkPad X9-15p looks a lot like a MacBook. The all-aluminum chassis, the dark-gray colorway with black accents, the hidden drop-down hinges—it's clearly inspired by Apple's design language. And honestly? That's not necessarily a bad thing.
Premium Construction
The build quality here is exceptional. The all-metal chassis feels solid and premium in hand, with virtually no flex or bend when you twist it. Lenovo has maintained the same dimensions as the previous X9-15 model despite adding more powerful components, though the X9-15p is about 200 grams heavier at 1.53 kg.
Key design highlights:
- Premium all-aluminum construction
- 180-degree lay-flat hinge with minimal wobble
- Single-hand lid opening capability
- Dark gray finish with black accent elements
- Up-firing speaker grilles flanking the keyboard
The black port section is slightly wider on the X9-15p to accommodate additional ports and larger cooling fans, but the overall aesthetic remains clean and professional. This is a laptop that looks equally at home in a boardroom or a coffee shop.
Dimensions and Weight Comparison
Laptop Weight Thickness Lenovo ThinkPad X9-15p Gen 1 1.53 kg 18 mm Apple MacBook Air 15 ~1.5 kg 11.5 mm Apple MacBook Pro 14 ~1.6 kg 15.5 mm Dell XPS 16 ~1.6 kg 18-20 mm
The ThinkPad sits between the MacBook Pro and the XPS 16 in terms of size, making it a reasonably portable option for a 15-inch laptop.
🔹 View on Amazon: Lenovo ThinkPad X9-15p Gen 1 Aura Edition
| Laptop | Weight | Thickness |
|---|---|---|
| Lenovo ThinkPad X9-15p Gen 1 | 1.53 kg | 18 mm |
| Apple MacBook Air 15 | ~1.5 kg | 11.5 mm |
| Apple MacBook Pro 14 | ~1.6 kg | 15.5 mm |
| Dell XPS 16 | ~1.6 kg | 18-20 mm |
Display: OLED Excellence with a Few Caveats
The display is one of the standout features of the ThinkPad X9-15p. Lenovo has gone all-in on OLED technology, offering a single display option: a 15.3-inch 2.8K (2880 x 1800) OLED panel with a 120Hz refresh rate.
Display Specifications
Feature Specification Size 15.3 inches Resolution 2880 x 1800 (222 PPI) Panel Type OLED (Samsung ATNA53JB03-0) Refresh Rate 120 Hz Brightness (SDR) ~490 cd/m² Peak Brightness (HDR) ~1,076 cd/m² Color Coverage 100% sRGB, 99.1% DCI-P3, 94.3% AdobeRGB Touch Optional 10-point multitouch
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Size | 15.3 inches |
| Resolution | 2880 x 1800 (222 PPI) |
| Panel Type | OLED (Samsung ATNA53JB03-0) |
| Refresh Rate | 120 Hz |
| Brightness (SDR) | ~490 cd/m² |
| Peak Brightness (HDR) | ~1,076 cd/m² |
| Color Coverage | 100% sRGB, 99.1% DCI-P3, 94.3% AdobeRGB |
| Touch | Optional 10-point multitouch |
Color Accuracy and Performance
The display is an absolute joy for creative work. The OLED panel covers virtually the entire DCI-P3 color gamut, making it ideal for photo and video editing. The color accuracy is impressive, though our review unit's factory calibration showed some room for improvement:
- DeltaE (color accuracy): 4.6 (uncalibrated)
- Greyscale DeltaE: 2.6
- Contrast ratio: 50,900:1 (typical for OLED)
Response Times and Gaming Performance
With response times of just 1.4ms (black-to-white) and 1.1ms (50% grey to 80% grey), this display is exceptionally fast. For perspective, that places it in the top 8% and top 5% of tested devices, respectively. If you enjoy casual gaming, this screen will deliver smooth, blur-free visuals.
PWM and Eye Comfort
The display uses Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) at 1194 Hz, which is a frequency high enough to avoid eye strain for most users. The brightness distribution is excellent at 98%, ensuring consistent illumination across the screen.
The Glossy Dilemma
There's one significant caveat: the glossy screen surface. While the anti-reflective coating helps somewhat, using the ThinkPad X9-15p in direct sunlight can be challenging. This is a common trade-off with OLED panels, but it's worth noting if you plan to work outdoors frequently.
🔹 Compare with other options: Lenovo ThinkPad X9-15 Aura Edition OLED
Performance: Serious Power Under the Hood
The ThinkPad X9-15p Gen 1 is all about performance. Lenovo has equipped it with Intel's latest Panther Lake processors, and the results are impressive.
Processor and Memory
Our review unit came with the Intel Core Ultra X7 358H, a 16-core, 16-thread processor featuring:
- 4 P-cores (up to 4.8 GHz)
- 8 E-cores (up to 3.7 GHz)
- 4 low-power E-cores (up to 3.3 GHz)
The processor is rated for a typical TDP of 25W but can boost up to 80W. In our tests, Lenovo configured the "Best Performance" mode with a PL1 of 50W and PL2 of 60W, delivering sustained performance without overheating.
Performance Modes
Lenovo offers three performance modes:
- Best Power Efficiency: PL1 15W / PL2 45W
- Balanced: PL1 25W / PL2 50W
- Best Performance: PL1 50W / PL2 60W
Benchmark Results
Benchmark Score Notes Cinebench R23 (Multi) 19,360 Top-tier performance Cinebench R23 (Single) 2,080 Excellent single-core Geekbench 6.7 (Multi) 16,876 Beats most competitors Geekbench 6.7 (Single) 2,901 Strong IPC performance PCMark 10 9,303 Excellent productivity
| Benchmark | Score | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Cinebench R23 (Multi) | 19,360 | Top-tier performance |
| Cinebench R23 (Single) | 2,080 | Excellent single-core |
| Geekbench 6.7 (Multi) | 16,876 | Beats most competitors |
| Geekbench 6.7 (Single) | 2,901 | Strong IPC performance |
| PCMark 10 | 9,303 | Excellent productivity |
Performance Comparison
The ThinkPad X9-15p consistently outperforms its predecessor (the X9-15) by roughly 44% across CPU benchmarks. It also edges out the Dell XPS 16 and matches the Apple MacBook Air 15 in multi-core tasks.
Where it falls slightly behind is against the MacBook Pro 14 with M5 Max—Apple's most powerful chip—which remains the leader in both multi-core and single-core performance. However, the X9-15p more than holds its own, especially considering the price difference.
GPU Performance
The integrated Intel Arc B390 is currently Intel's most powerful integrated GPU, featuring 12 Xe³ cores. The performance is remarkable for integrated graphics:
3DMark Test Score Performance Gain Fire Strike Graphics 17,351 +76% vs Arc 140V Time Spy Graphics 7,257 +64% vs X9-15
Gaming benchmarks (Ultra settings, 1080p):
- Cyberpunk 2077: 50.4 fps
- Baldur's Gate 3: 50.1 fps
- GTA V: 46.2 fps
- Dota 2 Reborn: 117.2 fps
While this isn't a gaming laptop, the integrated graphics deliver surprisingly playable performance for most titles at 1080p medium-to-high settings.
| 3DMark Test | Score | Performance Gain |
|---|---|---|
| Fire Strike Graphics | 17,351 | +76% vs Arc 140V |
| Time Spy Graphics | 7,257 | +64% vs X9-15 |
RAM: 32GB Standard
One of the most compelling features of the ThinkPad X9-15p is the memory configuration. Lenovo offers 32GB LPDDR5X-9600 memory as standard, with a 64GB option available.
This is a significant move for two reasons:
Future-proofing: 32GB has become the sweet spot for professional workloads
Value: Most competitors offer 16GB at similar price points
The soldered LPDDR5X memory operates in dual-channel mode at 9600 MHz, delivering exceptional memory bandwidth:
- Memory Read: 120,727 MB/s
- Memory Write: 134,848 MB/s
- Memory Copy: 129,389 MB/s
🔹 Find the best deal: Lenovo ThinkPad X9-15p Gen 1
Future-proofing: 32GB has become the sweet spot for professional workloads
Value: Most competitors offer 16GB at similar price points
Storage: Blazing Fast PCIe 5.0 SSD
Lenovo has upgraded the storage solution from the previous generation's M.2 2242 PCIe 4.0 drive to a faster M.2 2280 PCIe 5.0 SSD. Our review unit came with a Samsung PM9E1 1TB drive.
Storage Performance
Test Speed Sequential Read 10,401 MB/s Sequential Write 9,596 MB/s 4K Random Read 78.9 MB/s 4K Random Write 181.3 MB/s AS SSD Score 11,377 points
The performance is exceptional, placing the ThinkPad X9-15p well ahead of most competitors in storage speeds. The drive's sequential read speeds are over 10 GB/s, which translates to near-instant application launches and file transfers.
| Test | Speed |
|---|---|
| Sequential Read | 10,401 MB/s |
| Sequential Write | 9,596 MB/s |
| 4K Random Read | 78.9 MB/s |
| 4K Random Write | 181.3 MB/s |
| AS SSD Score | 11,377 points |
A Note on Throttling
During sustained load, the SSD does experience some throttling. This is a common characteristic of PCIe 5.0 drives, which generate significant heat. Under normal usage, you're unlikely to notice this, but heavy file transfers or extended benchmarks may show performance dips.
Keyboard and Input: Typing Excellence with One Compromise
Keyboard Experience
Lenovo has retained the same keyboard design from the 2025 X9-15 model, which is a departure from traditional ThinkPad keyboards. The keycaps are squarer with less travel (1.35mm) and a different feel compared to the classic ThinkPad keyboards.
The typing experience remains excellent—it's responsive, comfortable, and makes long writing sessions effortless. However, it's not quite at the same level as other ThinkPads like the X1 Carbon or T-series.
Keyboard layout changes:
- No TrackPoint (a controversial omission for ThinkPad fans)
- Compressed vertical arrow keys
- Six-row chiclet layout
- No numpad (which we appreciate)
Touchpad: Best in Class
The touchpad is where the ThinkPad X9-15p truly shines. At 13.5 x 8.5 cm, it's the largest touchpad ever fitted to a ThinkPad. The glass surface is smooth and responsive, and the haptic feedback provides a satisfying click anywhere on the surface.
Touchpad highlights:
- Haptic forcepad technology
- Excellent responsiveness
- Precise tracking
- Premium glass surface
For Windows laptops, this is arguably the best touchpad available, rivaling or even exceeding the MacBook's trackpad experience.
Connectivity and Ports: Modern and Versatile
Lenovo has significantly upgraded the connectivity options on the X9-15p compared to its predecessor.
Port Selection
Port Location 3 x Thunderbolt 4 Left (2), Right (1) 1 x USB 3.1 Gen2 Right HDMI Left 3.5mm Audio Jack Left SD Card Reader Right
What's new:
- Additional Thunderbolt 4 port on the left side
- SD card reader (missing on the previous model)
- USB-C ports on both sides for charging flexibility
| Port | Location |
|---|---|
| 3 x Thunderbolt 4 | Left (2), Right (1) |
| 1 x USB 3.1 Gen2 | Right |
| HDMI | Left |
| 3.5mm Audio Jack | Left |
| SD Card Reader | Right |
Networking
- Wi-Fi 7: Intel BE211 320MHz
- Bluetooth 5.4
- No RJ45 Ethernet
- No 5G/4G options
SD Card Reader Performance
The SD card reader performs adequately, with average transfer speeds that are suitable for occasional use.
Webcam
The 10MP webcam delivers surprisingly mediocre results for a premium laptop. It's adequate for video calls but falls short of the quality you'd expect from a business-focused machine.
Security Features
The ThinkPad X9-15p has a more limited security suite compared to traditional ThinkPads:
- No smart card reader
- No Kensington lock slot
- Electronic camera shutter (instead of physical)
- Fingerprint reader
- IR camera for Windows Hello
Audio: Surprisingly Excellent
The ThinkPad X9-15p features a six-speaker setup:
- 2 x 2W tweeters (up-firing)
- 4 x 2W woofers (up-firing)
The result is impressive sound quality with notable bass response—unusual for a laptop of this size. The speaker grilles flanking the keyboard deliver clear, balanced audio that makes media consumption a pleasure.
Audio analysis highlights:
- Linear frequency response
- Strong bass (4.2% deviation from median)
- Balanced mids and highs
- 80.3 dB maximum volume
While the volume could be slightly higher, the overall sound quality places the X9-15p among the best-sounding Windows laptops available.
Thermal Management and Noise
System Noise
Despite its powerful components, the ThinkPad X9-15p is remarkably quiet:
Scenario Noise Level Idle ~22.9 dB (fans off) Load Average 31.4 dB Maximum Load 43.7 dB
The fan remains off during normal use, and even under sustained load, the noise is well-controlled—quieter than both the MacBook Pro 14 and Dell XPS 16. No coil whine was detected during testing.
| Scenario | Noise Level |
|---|---|
| Idle | ~22.9 dB (fans off) |
| Load Average | 31.4 dB |
| Maximum Load | 43.7 dB |
Temperatures
The cooling system handles the powerful components effectively:
Measurement Temperature Upper side (idle) ~28.5°C (83°F) Upper side (max load) 43.3°C (110°F) Bottom (max load) 38.6°C (101°F) Palmrest 29.9°C (85.8°F)
The temperatures are well within acceptable limits, with only a single hotspot above the keyboard during extended gaming or rendering.
| Measurement | Temperature |
|---|---|
| Upper side (idle) | ~28.5°C (83°F) |
| Upper side (max load) | 43.3°C (110°F) |
| Bottom (max load) | 38.6°C (101°F) |
| Palmrest | 29.9°C (85.8°F) |
Stress Test
During our one-hour stress test, the ThinkPad maintained consistent performance without throttling—a testament to the effective thermal design.
Battery Life: All-Day Performance
The 88Wh lithium-polymer battery delivers impressive longevity:
- Idle: ~15-18 hours
- Mixed usage: 8-10 hours
- Heavy load: ~3-4 hours
- Video playback: ~13 hours
The included 100W GaN USB-C charger (with an additional 15W USB-C port for charging other devices) can recharge the laptop from 0-100% in approximately 1.5 hours.
For more in-depth battery performance analysis, our affiliate partners at LaptopsCheck.com provide detailed charts and comparisons.
Repairability and Sustainability
Maintenance
The ThinkPad X9-15p is relatively repair-friendly:
- Six Phillips-head screws for bottom panel access
- Fans can be cleaned without reapplying thermal paste
- Ports are on daughterboards for easy replacement
- Internal battery isn't screwed down (easy removal)
The downside:
- RAM is soldered (no upgrades)
- Wi-Fi card is soldered
- Keyboard is difficult to replace
- No WWAN support
Sustainability
Lenovo continues its commitment to sustainability:
- Plastic-free, compostable packaging
- 50% recycled aluminum in the chassis
- 138 kg CO2e lifecycle emissions
- Long-term parts availability
- Comprehensive repair manuals
Warranty
The German version includes a 36-month warranty with:
- 1 year Premier Support (on-site)
- 2 years bring-in service
- International warranty coverage
Pros and Cons
What We Love
✅ Exceptional Performance - The Intel Core Ultra X7 358H delivers top-tier productivity and creative performance
✅ 32GB RAM Standard - Future-proof memory configuration at no extra cost
✅ Stunning OLED Display - Vibrant colors, deep blacks, and 120Hz refresh rate
✅ Superb Build Quality - Premium all-metal construction with excellent durability
✅ Outstanding Touchpad - The best haptic touchpad on any Windows laptop
✅ Great Battery Life - All-day endurance for most usage scenarios
✅ Quiet Operation - Fans remain off during normal use
✅ Excellent Speakers - Six-speaker system with impressive bass
✅ Modern Connectivity - Three Thunderbolt 4 ports, Wi-Fi 7, and SD card reader
✅ Strong Graphics Performance - Intel Arc B390 iGPU handles gaming well
Areas for Improvement
❌ Reflective Display - Glossy screen can be challenging outdoors
❌ Keyboard Layout - Not quite up to traditional ThinkPad standards
❌ Limited Upgrade Options - RAM and Wi-Fi are soldered
❌ Mediocre Webcam - 10MP camera disappoints for the price
❌ SSD Throttling - Performance dips under sustained load
❌ No TrackPoint - A significant departure for ThinkPad loyalists
❌ Keyboard Replacement - Difficult to service compared to other components
Verdict: A Strong Contender Against MacBooks
The Lenovo ThinkPad X9-15p Gen 1 Aura Edition occupies an interesting space in the market—somewhere between the Apple MacBook Air and MacBook Pro. It's more versatile and practical than the Air, with better ports and memory options, but slightly less powerful than a MacBook Pro.
But here's the thing: This combination works remarkably well.
Who Should Buy This?
- Content Creators - The OLED display and powerful CPU/GPU combination excel for photo and video editing
- Business Professionals - Premium build, excellent keyboard, and great battery life make it perfect for work
- Software Developers - 32GB RAM and strong multi-core performance handle complex compilation tasks
- Designers - Wide color gamut coverage and accurate display are ideal for creative work
- Windows Enthusiasts - If you want a premium Windows experience that rivals MacBooks
What to Consider Before Buying
- If you work outdoors frequently, consider the glossy display carefully
- If you're a ThinkPad purist, the lack of TrackPoint might be a dealbreaker
- If you need frequent RAM or Wi-Fi upgrades, the soldered components limit future flexibility
- If you're a professional photographer, the SD card reader performance might be a bottleneck
The Bottom Line
The Lenovo ThinkPad X9-15p Gen 1 is arguably the best ThinkPad of the year, alongside the ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 14. It offers a compelling combination of performance, display quality, build excellence, and future-proof specifications.
Our Rating: 4.5/5 Stars
Buying Options
Ready to upgrade your workstation? Here are the best places to buy the Lenovo ThinkPad X9-15p Gen 1:
🛒 Check Price on Amazon - Competitive pricing with fast shipping
🛒 View on Amazon (Aura Edition) - Available in multiple configurations
🛒 Find Best Deal on Amazon - Compare prices and configurations
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the ThinkPad X9-15p better than a MacBook Pro?
It depends on your priorities. The ThinkPad offers better value with 32GB RAM as standard, a superior display for creative work, and more versatile ports. However, the MacBook Pro still leads in raw CPU/GPU performance and battery efficiency.
Is 32GB RAM enough for 2026?
Absolutely. 32GB is the sweet spot for professional workloads, content creation, and software development. It provides significant headroom for multiple applications and large files.
Can I upgrade the RAM later?
No, the RAM is soldered to the motherboard. Choose your configuration carefully at purchase.
Is the display good for photo editing?
Yes, the OLED panel offers excellent color accuracy, wide gamut coverage (100% sRGB, 99% DCI-P3), and deep blacks, making it ideal for photo editing.
How does gaming performance compare?
The Intel Arc B390 iGPU delivers solid 1080p gaming performance at medium-to-high settings in most modern titles. Cyberpunk 2077 runs at ~50 fps on Ultra settings, while esports titles easily hit 100+ fps.
What's the battery life like?
Expect 8-10 hours of mixed usage, up to 13 hours for video playback, and 3-4 hours under heavy load.
Final Thoughts
The Lenovo ThinkPad X9-15p Gen 1 represents a bold step forward for Lenovo's premium laptop lineup. By targeting the MacBook Pro segment with aggressive specifications—especially the 32GB RAM as standard—Lenovo has created a compelling alternative for Windows users who demand the best.
Yes, there are compromises. The lack of TrackPoint will disappoint traditional ThinkPad users, the glossy display can be challenging outdoors, and the soldered components limit future upgrades. But for most users, these are minor trade-offs for a laptop that excels in nearly every other category.
If you're in the market for a powerful, future-proof Windows laptop with a stunning display, excellent build quality, and enough memory to handle anything you throw at it, the Lenovo ThinkPad X9-15p Gen 1 should be at the top of your list.
This is the ThinkPad that finally makes Windows users forget about MacBooks.
Disclaimer: This review is based on hands-on testing of the Lenovo ThinkPad X9-15p Gen 1 Aura Edition. Performance may vary based on configuration, software, and usage conditions. Prices and availability are subject to change. Some links in this article are affiliate links, and we may earn a commission if you make a purchase through them.
Source : Notebookcheck
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| Lenovo ThinkPad X9-15p Gen 1 |
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| Lenovo ThinkPad X9-15p Gen 1 |
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| Lenovo ThinkPad X9-15p Gen 1 |
