Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Nano review: Slim and fast, but short on battery life

Price When Reviewed

$1,714

Best Prices Today: Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Nano

Lenovo’s X1 Nano, now in its third technology, goals to cram an satisfying and performant laptop computer into the smallest footprint attainable. That means it may’t be too small (that might smash the keyboard), but it surely nonetheless must feel and look smaller than its mainstream rivals. The X1 Nano meets this objective, although it requires a number of compromises.

Looking for extra choices? Check out PCWorld’s roundup of the best ultraportable laptops accessible as we speak.

Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Nano: Specs and options

The Lenovo X1 Nano’s identify implies it’s small—and that’s right. It measures lower than a foot throughout and fewer than .58 inches thick. It’s additionally mild, weighing a mere 2.18 kilos.

• CPU: Intel Core i7-1360P
• Memory: 16GB LPDDR5 6400
• Graphics/GPU: Intel Iris Xe
• Display: 13-inch 2,160 x 1,350 IPS touchscreen
• Storage: 512GB PCIe Gen4 SSD
• Webcam: 1080p 
• Connectivity:  2x Thunderbolt 4 / USB 4 with Power Delivery, DisplayPort Alternate Mode, 3.5mm combo audio
• Networking: WiFi 6E, Bluetooth 5.2, elective Nano-SIM
• Biometrics: Fingerprint reader, IR Camera for Windows Hello facial recognition 
• Battery capability: 49.6 watt-hours
• Dimensions: 11.54 x 8.19 x .58 inches
• Weight: 2.18 kilos
• MSRP: $1,217 base MSRP, $1,714 as-tested

However, Lenovo nonetheless equips the X1 Nano with a comparatively fast Core i7-1360P processor. The “P” is necessary—Intel’s Core i7 P-Series processors are usually faster than the U-Series, which may result in some confusion (the Core i7-1365U, for instance, is barely slower, because it has fewer CPU cores and a decrease most energy draw). The X1 Nano additionally packs a wholesome 16GB of RAM and 512GB of storage, with as much as 1TB of storage accessible in top-tier configurations.

Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Nano: Design and construct high quality

The Lenovo X1 Nano is a remarkably petite system even for a laptop computer with a 13-inch show. It’s not as skinny as Apple’s MacBook Air 13, however smaller in each width and depth, and its footprint is an in depth match to the Dell XPS 13. But the X1 Nano’s mere 2.18 kilos of weight makes it lighter than both by roughly half a pound. None of those laptops are heavy, after all, however the X1 Nano’s relative lack of heft is noticeable in-hand.

This doesn’t imply the X1 Nano is fragile, nonetheless. It feels surprisingly inflexible and durable with minimal flex alongside all physique panels together with the show, which simply barely bends whereas opening and shutting the laptop computer (the identical is true of most opponents although, notably, the XPS 13 and MacBook Air 13 are stiff as a board). Lenovo boasts the laptop computer is MIL-STD-810H examined, and whereas this commonplace doesn’t require third-party certification, Lenovo at least mentions the 12 specific tests they perform. 

As for the aesthetic, nicely—it’s a ThinkPad. Lenovo often deviates from the tried-and-true formulation with cheap machines just like the Lenovo ThinkBook, however ThinkPads are nonetheless ThinkPads: easy, black slabs with a grippy exterior and the traditional crimson TrackPoint nub within the middle of the keyboard. It’s not enticing, to make certain, but it surely stays distinctive and provides a extra rugged, workmanlike various to the showy Dell XPS 13 and Apple MacBook Air 13. 

Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Nano: Keyboard, trackpad

IDG / Matthew Smith

Lenovo has a repute for wonderful keyboards, and the X1 Nano doesn’t disappoint. It delivers a surprisingly spacious format and enormous, easy-to-find keys which are wonderful for contact typing. Only a number of keys alongside the sides, corresponding to Backspace, are smaller than ordinary. 

Key really feel is nice, too, with cheap journey and a agency, crisp bottoming motion. It’s not fairly pretty much as good as what’s discovered on bigger, thicker ThinkPads, however I want it to the keyboard discovered on Dell’s XPS 13 (which, to be clear, is sweet—however not this good). The ThinkPad X1 Nano’s key really feel is an in depth match to the Apple MacBook Air 13 M2, which additionally has a agency, clicky keyboard. 

A traditional Lenovo touchpad with Trackpoint gives mouse navigation. It has an uncommon design with bodily separated left, proper, and middle mouse buttons just under the house. These buttons are meant to be used with the Trackpoint nub within the middle of the keyboard: when utilizing it, they fall instantly underneath your thumb. 

Whether you want this is determined by your ideas on the Trackpoint. Lenovo’s crimson nub helps you to use the mouse with out shifting your palms away from the keyboard, however the Trackpoint is extra delicate and sensitive than a touchpad. This design additionally reduces the bodily measurement of the touchpad, which is extra slender than what you’ll discover on the Dell XPS 13, Apple MacBook AIr 13, or Asus Zenbook S 13 OLED. Put merely—the Trackpoint is nice, however the touchpad feels cramped.

Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Nano: Display, audio

IDG / Matthew Smith

The Lenovo X1 Nano provides two show choices. Both use an IPS show panel and have an uncommon 2,160 x 1,350 decision, however patrons have the choice so as to add touchscreen assist. I acquired the touchscreen, which additionally has an “anti-glare, anti-smudge” end, however the two shows ought to carry out equally. 

Choosing an IPS show results in a number of weaknesses and one energy. First, the energy: the X1 Nano’s show is extraordinarily shiny with a most of 472 nits. That’s in direction of the excessive finish for a laptop computer show and, when mixed with the anti-reflective coat, it makes for a show that’s usable in almost any state of affairs. That’s an necessary trait for a small, transportable laptop computer just like the X1 Nano, because it’s probably for use in a company workplace, airport, and different brightly lit areas.

Unfortunately, the show’s efficiency in any other case disappoints. It gives a distinction ratio of simply 1690:1 and spans simply 78 p.c of the DCI-P3 coloration gamut. Neither result’s dangerous, however many trendy laptops have turned in direction of OLED shows that, although not as shiny, present superior picture high quality in each leisure and content material creation. I can perceive why Lenovo caught a shiny IPS show for the X1 Nano, however the trade-off in picture high quality is noticeable when it’s time to chill, calm down, and watch some Netflix. 

Audio high quality is mediocre, although it stays acceptable for a laptop computer this measurement. The audio system’ most quantity is simply loud sufficient to fill a small, quiet workplace with sound, and the shortage of low-end oomph saps drama from music and flicks. Dialogue stays clear, at the least.

Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Nano: Webcam, microphone, biometrics

IDG / Matthew Smith

A 1080p webcam with built-in bodily privateness shutter slips into the Lenovo X1 Nano’s prime bezel. It’s a strong digicam, offering a crisp, clear, vibrant picture even in dim inside lighting. I wouldn’t suggest it for launching a YouTube profession, after all, but it surely’s nice for video calls.

The similar might be mentioned of the microphone array. It picks up extraordinarily sturdy, clear dialogue even when the laptop computer is a number of ft away, or when not trying immediately on the laptop computer. Noise cancellation was additionally strong, because the microphone was in a position to filter out the sound of my typing and (normally) minimized the annoyance of a close-by barking canine. 

Lenovo provides two types of biometric login: a fingerprint reader and an IR digicam with assist for facial recognition login. I personally want to make use of facial recognition over a fingerprint reader, but it surely’s good to have an possibility.

Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Nano: Connectivity

The ThinkPad X1 Nano aggressively leans into Thunderbolt 4 and USB 4. It provides two such ports, each of which assist Power Delivery (for charging the laptop computer) and DisplayPort Alternate Mode—and, apart from a 3.5mm combo audio jack, that’s all of the ports you get.

This isn’t a shock, given the laptop computer’s measurement and its competitors. Most small, mild, and costly laptops go for Thunderbolt 4 and USB 4, as they supply a variety of connectivity in a handful of small, easy-to-use ports. Still, consumers who want to attach with older peripherals needs to be cautious. A Thunderbolt 4 / USB 4 dock or hub will likely be required. 

Ethernet is lacking, however the X1 Nano goes all-in on wi-fi connectivity with assist for Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.1, and an elective Nano-SIM slot for 4G LTE connectivity. The X1 Nano I examined didn’t have the Nano-SIM put in, however Wi-FI efficiency was wonderful. I noticed sustained speeds as much as the restrict of my Gigabit Internet connection when utilizing the laptop computer in the identical room because the router. I noticed speeds of as much as 120 Mbps in my exterior workplace, which is positioned 50 ft and several other partitions away from my router, and had no points with the Wi-Fi connection’s reliability on this (or another) location.

Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Nano: Performance

The Lenovo X1 Nano is small on the surface, however its {hardware} is just like many thin-and-light laptops with bigger shows (just like the LG Gram SuperSlim). It has an Intel Core i7-1360P processor with a complete of 12 cores (4 efficiency cores and eight environment friendly cores) and a most Turbo increase pace of 5GHz. All fashions include 16GB of RAM (which isn’t user-serviceable, because it’s soldered to the mainboard) and a PCIe Gen 4 strong state drive. 

IDG / Matthew Smith

Intel’s Core i7-1360P performs nicely within the Lenovo X1 Nano and led the laptop computer to a rating of 5,654 in PCMark 10. That’s a superb rating for a laptop computer with Intel Iris Xe graphics (as graphics efficiency is an element on this take a look at).

IDG / Matthew Smith

The Lenovo X1 Nano’s efficiency in Cinebench R15, a benchmark that depends on multi-threaded processor efficiency over a brief length, was extra muted. It achieved a rating of 1,717 which, though not dangerous, does place the X1 Nano behind the Framework Laptop 13. And Lenovo’s personal Slim 7 Pro with Ryzen 7735HS as soon as once more jets forward of the Intel pack with a rating of 1,938.

IDG / Matthew Smith

It’s clever to not count on a lot from the Lenovo X1 Nano’s graphics. It depends on Intel’s ageing Iris Xe, which achieves a rating of 1,715 in 3DMark Time Spy. This is typical for a laptop computer with Intel Iris Xe, but it surely’s not spectacular in comparison with even entry-level discrete graphics, which may obtain a rating a number of instances larger. 

The Lenovo X1 Nano’s general efficiency is strong. The Intel Core i7-1360P does nicely and offers the Nano a bonus over opponents that stick to much less performant Intel Core i5 and i7 U-Series processors. The lack of discrete graphics is a draw back, but it surely’s unreasonable to count on a 13-inch, 2.18 pound Windows laptop computer to ship sturdy graphics efficiency. Those who need to play 3D video games, or use a GPU to speed up a particular app, might want to purchase a bigger laptop computer. And, that limitation apart, the Lenovo X1 Nano is a succesful machine that may deal with not solely fundamental productiveness (like Word and Excel) but additionally some extra demanding duties, like photograph modifying and 1080p video modifying.

Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Nano: Battery life

While Lenovo gives good efficiency in a small bundle, it needed to make powerful selections concerning the battery. Larger batteries take up extra space and add extra weight, so Lenovo sticks with a small 49.6 watt-hour battery. That’s not a big battery for a contemporary Windows laptop computer, and it sadly results in modest battery life.

IDG / Matthew Smith

I noticed seven hours and 10 minutes of battery life in PC World’s commonplace battery take a look at, which loops a 4K file of the quick movie Tears of Steel. Real-world use was related, as I noticed the battery dip by virtually half in a single three and a half-hour lengthy searching session that made reasonable use of browser tabs. That’s not sufficient to nudge the Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Nano via a full workday. 

Lenovo shipped my X1 Nano with the usual 65-watt USB-C cost I’ve discovered with different Lenovo laptops. It’s a nasty match for a small, mild laptop computer. Stranger nonetheless, Lenovo itself sells a smaller 65-watt GaN energy brick, and it’s cheaper on Lenovo’s retailer. Lenovo would do nicely to begin delivery the GaN energy brick as a substitute of the bigger, commonplace energy brick.

Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Nano: Should you purchase it?

The Lenovo X1 Nano is an efficient possibility for enterprise professionals, frequent fliers, and different on-the-go customers who don’t need the burden of a big, heavy laptop computer. The X1 Nano is each small and light-weight but it nonetheless provides a superb keyboard and speedy processor efficiency. Battery life is the laptop computer’s most severe flaw, and it might show an issue if journey typically leaves you with out entry to an influence outlet. If you’ll be able to work round that downside, although, the X1 Nano will show a succesful, transportable machine.