Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Extreme FHD vs. 4K display: Which is a better buy?

The four display options — FHD, FHD with HDR, 4K IPS, and 4K OLED — are all built into the same chassis and come with the same ports, the same internal hardware options, and the same battery size. The only thing you won't be able to get with the basic FHD display is an IR camera for Windows Hello. Let's take a close look at these four displays to get an idea of which one works best for you.

Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Extreme FHD vs. 4K tech specs

FHD or 4K display?

The second-generation ThinkPad X1 Extreme from Lenovo comes with four display options to choose from, including FHD, FHD with HDR, 4K IPS, and 4K OLED with touch. Resolution is no doubt the biggest difference here, but there are a bunch of smaller things to be aware of when trying to decide between the four.

The basic FHD model will save you the most money, and it's still an OK display if you're mainly using it indoors — 300 nits brightness can be tough to work with in sunlight — and if you don't have any specialized work in mind. It will suck up the least amount of power out of all three displays, so if battery life is high on your list, it might be quite attractive. There's no pen or touch support here, and it does have the least impressive contrast at 700:1. If facial recognition through an IR camera is important, you'll have to opt for one of the displays with HDR, as the basic model is stuck with a 720p webcam and fingerprint reader.

Stepping things up, you can opt instead for an FHD panel with Dolby Vision HDR 400 for about $60 more. That's not a huge jump in price, and the benefit of a brightness boost and an IR camera for Windows Hello will be worth it for many people. Contrast takes a jump up to 1200:1, which should be noticeable every time you open the lid. There's going to be more draw on the battery, but the tradeoff should be worth it.

If you have an extra $285 or so in your budget, the 4K IPS display will offer a far better picture. It's a sizeable jump in price and battery life will take a hit, but 100% AdobeRGB color reproduction (we tested 98% in our review model) and plenty of brightness is a killer combination if you're interested in specialized work. It doesn't have touch function, but it also lacks a glossy finish that might annoy those working often in well-lit areas.

Finally, the 4K OLED touch model is the most expensive upgrade at about $380. It ships from the factory with X-Rite Pantone color calibration, and we tested 100% sRGB, 100% AdobeRGB, and 97% NTSC color reproduction. Lenovo also claims 100% DCI-P3 color reproduction, making this the best option for editors, designers, and creatives who need precise color accuracy. The main downside here is the glossy finish that doesn't play well with sunlight, and you'll no doubt notice more of a draw on the battery due to the touch function. There is the possibility of an OLED display with pen support, though Lenovo doesn't regularly sell them and has the option under a "Special bid only" category.

Note that an NVIDIA GTX 1650 Max-Q graphics card (GPU) is available with all configurations, and if you plan on gaming with the X1 Extreme, it will no doubt feel wimpy trying to keep up with the higher resolution.

Design and features

Aside from slight differences in weight and the lack of IR camera with the basic FHD display, you're going to essentially get the same ThinkPad X1 Extreme no matter which screen you choose.

All models have plenty of ports, including two USB-A 3.1, two Thunderbolt 3, HDMI 2.0, 3.5mm audio, an Ethernet extension adapter port, and an SD card reader. You get the same touchpad, same comfortable keyboard, and a fingerprint reader next to the keyboard, even if your laptop includes an IR camera. This allows you to get the performance you need without having to make an unnecessary jump in display tech and price.

If you're in search of a 15-inch Ultrabook and want something with excellent durability and plenty of extra security features, any X1 Extreme (Gen 2) model should be a worthwhile investment.

The FHD ThinkPad X1 Extreme models will suit a lot of people

Whether you need HDR or not, you can grab an FHD X1 Extreme for quite a bit less than a 4K model. You should see better battery life and, if you're gaming, better framerates from the NVIDIA GTX 1650 Max-Q GPU. The anti-glare finish helps deal with well-lit spaces, and you're still going to get decent color. As long as you're not getting into any specialized work and don't mind the lower resolution, an X1 Extreme with FHD display should work for most people.

The 4K ThinkPad X1 Extreme models are better for power users

Available in IPS non-touch or OLED touch, the 4K X1 Extreme models are the right choice for pros who need precise color reproduction across multiple gamuts. Go with OLED for the ultimate package, or save a bit of money with IPS and still get an amazing picture. Battery life does take a significant hit here, though, and you will pay quite a bit more, making the upgrade more a niche choice for those who absolutely need it.