High-end notebook
The X1 Carbon (Gen 10) is the right choice for anyone who doesn't plan on using their laptop as a tablet. It's absolutely loaded with extra security features, and Intel's 12th Gen Core CPUs can easily handle a heavy workload.
For
- More display options
- Cheaper starting price
- 12th Gen Intel Core U and P chips
- Optional 5G and 4G LTE
- Tons of security features
Against
- Not as versatile
- No inking
Extra versatility
The ThinkPad X1 Yoga (Gen 7) brings many of the same high-end features as the X1 Carbon, though its ability to rotate around 360 degrees adds a ton of versatility. If you like swapping between tablet and PC, this is the way to go.
For
- Convertible build adds versatility
- Built-in active pen for inking
- 12th Gen Intel Core U and P chips
- Tons of security features
- Optional 5G and 4G LTE
Against
- Not as many display options
- Higher starting price
Tech specifications
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These two laptops were both announced at CES 2022, and both are now available to purchase at Lenovo's website and at some third-party retailers. Let's break down the tech specifications available in each laptop to get an idea of how closely they're related.
| Header Cell - Column 0 | ThinkPad X1 Carbon (Gen 10) | ThinkPad X1 Yoga (Gen 7) |
|---|---|---|
| OS | Windows 11 Pro, Windows 11 Home, Fedora Linux, Linux, Ubuntu Linux | Windows 11 Pro, Windows 11 Home, Linux, Ubuntu Linux |
| Processor | 12th Gen Intel Core | 12th Gen Intel Core |
| Row 2 - Cell 0 | i5-1235U, i5-1245U, i5-1240P, i5-1250P | i5-1235U, i5-1245U, i5-1240P, i5-1250P |
| Row 3 - Cell 0 | i7-1255U, i7-1265U, i7-1260P, i7-1270P, i7-1280P | i7-1255U, i7-1265U, i7-1260P, i7-1270P, i7-1280P |
| RAM | 8GB, 16GB, 32GB LPDDR5-5200MHz | 8GB, 16GB, 32GB LPDDR5-5200MHz |
| Graphics | Intel Iris Xe | Intel Iris Xe |
| Storage | 256GB, 512GB, 1TB, 2TB M.2 PCIe 4.0 SSD | 256GB, 512GB, 1TB, 2TB M.2 PCIe 4.0 SSD |
| Display | 14 inches, 16:10 aspect ratio | 14 inches, 16:10 aspect ratio |
| Row 8 - Cell 0 | 1920x1200 (FHD+), Touch, non-touch IPS, 400 nits, AG, 100% sRGB, low power, Eyesafe | 1920x1200 (FHD+), Touch, IPS, 400 nits, AG, 100% sRGB, low power, Eyesafe |
| Row 9 - Cell 0 | 1920x1200 (FHD+), Touch, IPS, 500 nits, AG, 100% sRGB, Privacy Guard | 1920x1200 (FHD+), Touch, IPS, 500 nits, AG, 100% sRGB, Privacy Guard |
| Row 10 - Cell 0 | 2240x1400 (2.2K), IPS, 300 nits, AG, 100% sRGB, low blue light | 1920x1200 (FHD+), Touch, IPS, 400 nits, AR, 100% sRGB, low power, Eyesafe |
| Row 11 - Cell 0 | 2880x1800 (2.8K), OLED, 500 nits, AR, 100% DCI-P3, HDR 500 | 3840x2400 (UHD+), Touch, OLED, 500 nits, AR, 100% DCI-P3, Dolby Vision, HDR 400, low power |
| Row 12 - Cell 0 | 3840x2400 (UHD+), IPS, 500 nits, glossy, 100% DCI-P3, HDR 400, Dolby Vision | Row 12 - Cell 2 |
| Row 13 - Cell 0 | 3840x2400 (UHD+), Touch, IPS, 500 nits, AR, 100% DCI-P3, HDR 400, Dolby Vision, low power | Row 13 - Cell 2 |
| Ports | Two Thunderbolt 4, two USB-A 3.2 (Gen 1), HDMI, Nano-SIM, 3.5mm audio | Two Thunderbolt 4, two USB-A 3.2 (Gen 1), HDMI, 3.5mm audio |
| Audio | Quad speakers, two 2W woofers, two 0.8W tweeters, Dolby Atmos | Quad speakers, two 2W woofers, two 0.8W tweeters, Dolby Atmos |
| Row 16 - Cell 0 | Four microphones, Dolby Voice | Four microphones, Dolby Voice |
| Wireless | Wi-Fi 6, Wi-Fi 6E, 4G LTE, 5G, Bluetooth 5.2 | Wi-Fi 6, Wi-Fi 6E, 4G LTE, 5G, Bluetooth 5.2 |
| Camera | 1080p, privacy shutter | 1080p, privacy shutter |
| Row 19 - Cell 0 | 1080p and IR hybrid, privacy shutter | 1080p and IR hybrid, privacy shutter |
| Row 20 - Cell 0 | 1080p and discrete IR, MIPI, Computer Vision, privacy shutter | 1080p and discrete IR, MIPI, Computer Vision, privacy shutter |
| Security | dTPM 2.0, Kensington Nano lock slot, fingerprint reader, IR camera, Mirametrix Glance | dTPM 2.0, Kensington Nano lock slot, fingerprint reader, IR camera, Mirametrix Glance |
| Battery | 57Wh | 57Wh |
| Dimensions | 12.43 x 8.76 x 0.60 inches | 12.38 x 8.75 x 0.61 inches |
| Row 24 - Cell 0 | 315.6mm x 222.5mm x 15.36mm | 314.4mm x 222.3mm x 15.53mm |
| Weight | From 2.48 pounds (1.12kg) | From 3.04 pounds (1.38kg) |
| Color | Deep Black | Storm Grey |
| Price | From $1,560 | From $1,722 |
Design and features
The ThinkPad X1 Carbon (Gen 10) and the X1 Yoga (Gen 7) share a lot of the same features, though their builds differ due to the form factors. The former is a standard notebook with a lid that can open about 180 degrees, while the latter is a convertible that can rotate around a full 360 degrees for tent, stand, and tablet modes. The X1 Yoga comes in a Storm Grey color, while the X1 Carbon comes in the classis ThinkPad Black. Both are made from aluminum and both have MIL-STD 810H durability certification.
Both laptops have the coveted ThinkPad keyboard with cupped keys, ample travel, and an incorporated TrackPoint system with pointing nub and physical mouse buttons. Flanking the keyboards are top-firing speakers that pump out loud sound thanks to dual tweeters and dual woofers. They also have Dolby Atmos. These are part of the overall updated communication bar on both laptops.
Lenovo has gone all in for these generations, adding quad-array microphones with Dolby Voice, cameras with FHD resolution, IR hybrid or discrete options, and optional "Computer Vision." This is essentially Lenovo's version of human presence detection that utilizes a neural processing unit to see who's in front of the PC. If it's not you, neither laptop will even attempt to wake up. It can also dim the display when you're not looking. Both laptops also have fingerprint readers, camera shutters, dTPM 2.0 chips, lock slot, and some Privacy Guard display options.
Ports are the same across laptops, with dual Thunderbolt 4, dual USB-A, HDMI, and 3.5mm audio. As for physical dimensions, you're getting about the same footprint no matter the laptop you choose. The X1 Carbon does weigh about a half-pound less due to it not having the extra convertible goodies that the X1 Yoga packs in.
Along with Wi-Fi 6 and Wi-Fi 6E, both laptops have optional 4G LTE and 5G connectivity to keep you connected even outside of Wi-Fi range.
Displays and inking
The X1 Carbon (Gen 10) have seven displays from which to choose, ranging from FHD+ to UHD+ with plenty of stops in between. You have a choice of FHD+, 2.2K, 2.8K, and full UHD+ resolution. All use an IPS panel, save for the 2.8K option, which goes for OLED and HDR 500. You get either 100% sRGB or 100% DCI-P3 color reproduction, anti-glare or anti-reflective finish, and most have a low power designation. If you want Dolby Vision, it's available with the UHD+ screens. All have a 16:10 aspect ratio.
The X1 Yoga (Gen 7) understandably only comes with touch displays due to its convertible form. There are four displays from which to choose, including FHD+ and UHD+ resolutions. The high-end option uses an OLED panel with 500 nits brightness, anti-reflective finish, Dolby Vision, HDR 400, and low power designation.
The X1 Yoga also has an incorporated active pen for inking. All you have to do is pull it out of its silo on the side of the laptop. If you're keen on taking notes or sketching diagrams by hand, this is the way to go.
Performance and price
Part of making your decision will come down to how much performance you need. This can often lead you away from one laptop or the other, but Lenovo makes it easier by offering the same hardware across PCs. In both laptops you get the choice of Intel's 12th Gen mobile processors from U- and P-Series lineups. There are vPro and non-vPro chips available, with up to a Core i7-1280P or i7-1265U available.
Memory has been bumped up to LPDDR5-5200MHz for these generations, and you can get up to 32GB in either laptop. Storage options include M.2 PCIe 4.0 SSDs with up to 2TB of storage. Both laptops use integrated Intel Iris Xe graphics; no room for anything discrete here.
As for battery life, it will largely come down to which display and CPU you choose. Both laptops have a 57Wh battery.
Lenovo's pricing is always on the move due to frequent sales and coupons, but as it stands right now the X1 Carbon is a bit more affordable. That's usually the case when comparing convertibles with notebook PCs. These are both some of the best business laptops around, and prices climb quickly to reflect their status. Our roundup of the best Lenovo laptops has some more affordable alternatives if you don't want to pay quite as much for a business partner.
The ThinkPad X1 Carbon (Gen 10) costs a bit less due than its Yoga sibling, and it comes with more display options. If you don't need inking or a convertible build, this is a great premium pick with a focus on business.
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.
