Lenovo ThinkPad X9-15 Gen 1 review – So Many Records Broken!
If you thought the 14-inch ThinkPad X9 was a design marvel, prepare to be even more impressed by its 15-inch sibling. The Lenovo ThinkPad X9-15 Gen 1 isn’t just a laptop; it’s a design statement, a sliver of “Thunder Grey” aluminum that feels as robust as it is impossibly thin – we’re talking barely half an inch thick! It’s the kind of machine that makes you wonder how Lenovo’s engineers managed to fit anything inside, let alone components capable of breaking records.
And break records it does. Lenovo has somehow packed in what isn’t just a beautiful 15.3-inch 2.8K OLED screen, but one that rocketed into our Top 3 Laptops with the Best Screens ranking! Then, prepare for this: battery life that doesn’t just impress, it absolutely shatters expectations, lasting over 21 hours on a single charge, making it the best 15-inch laptop we’ve ever tested in that regard.
The question on everyone’s mind, including ours, was: how do they manage this in such a svelte chassis without significant compromises? Can it actually perform? Join us as we unravel the magic behind the ThinkPad X9-15 Gen 1, testing its performance, scrutinizing that incredible, award-worthy display, verifying its marathon battery, and examining whether this futuristic ultrabook truly redefines what’s possible for a thin-and-light 15-inch powerhouse.
You can check the prices and configurations in our Specs System: https://laptopmedia.com/series/lenovo-thinkpad-x9-15-gen-1/
Contents
Specs, Drivers, What’s in the box
Lenovo ThinkPad X9-15 Gen 1 - Specs
- HDD/SSD
- up to 2000GB SSD
- M.2 Slot
- 1x 2242 M.2 NVMe PCIe 4.0 x4 See photo
- RAM
- up to 32GB
- OS
- Windows 11 Pro, Windows 11 Home
- Dimensions
- 339.55 x 228.5 x 12.9 mm (13.37" x 9.00" x 0.51")
- Weight
- 1.40 kg (3.1 lbs)
- Ports and connectivity
- 1x USB Type-A
- 3.2 Gen 2 (10 Gbps), Thunderbolt 4, Sleep and Charge
- 2x USB Type-C
- 4.0, Thunderbolt 4, Power Delivery (PD), DisplayPort
- HDMI
- 2.1
- Card reader
- Ethernet LAN
- Wi-Fi
- Wi-Fi 7
- Bluetooth
- 5.4
- Audio jack
- 3.5mm Combo Jack
- Features
- Fingerprint reader
- Web camera
- UHD 8.0MP with large sensor + IR discrete, with E-shutter, ToF sensor, MIPI, fixed focus
- Backlit keyboard
- Microphone
- Dual-microphone array with smart noise-cancelling
- Speakers
- Stereo speakers, 2W x2 woofers and 2W x2 tweeters, Dolby Atmos
- Security Lock slot
All Lenovo ThinkPad X9-15 Gen 1 configurations
Drivers
All drivers and utilities for this notebook can be found here: https://pcsupport.lenovo.com/us/en/products/laptops-and-netbooks/thinkpad-x-series-laptops/thinkpad-x9-15-gen-1-type-21q6-21q7/downloads
What’s in the box?
Sliding open the box for the Lenovo ThinkPad X9-15 Gen 1, the first things that greet you are the sleek laptop itself and its remarkably tiny 65W power adapter.
Our European version came nestled in a beautifully designed internal box, which was a nice touch, though that was the extent of the included accessories for us.
It’s worth noting that some regions might also find a handy Lenovo USB-C to Ethernet adapter tucked inside, so contents can vary.
Design and construction
If you’ve already encountered our thoughts on its 14-inch sibling (Lenovo ThinkPad X9-14 Gen 1 review – Futuristic Piece of Razor-Thin Metal), the aesthetic of the Lenovo ThinkPad X9-15 Gen 1 will hold few surprises. If not, then prepare for a rather delightful introduction: this machine is, quite simply, one of the most strikingly stylish laptops currently gracing the market.
It truly looks and feels like a meticulously crafted, futuristic slab of metal. Lenovo offers it in a single colour option, “Thunder Grey,” and frankly, it’s a perfect match for its sophisticated persona. The all-aluminium construction (top and bottom) not only contributes to this premium look but also results in a chassis that is as sturdy as a proverbial tank; there’s absolutely no flex to be found here. Adding to the pleasure of handling it, the finish is remarkably resistant to fingerprints, keeping the X9-15 looking pristine even after weeks of use.
The designers at Lenovo have truly outdone themselves in sculpting an incredibly thin and light machine. Measuring a mere 12.9 mm (0.51 inches) at its thickest point and with a starting weight of just 1.4 kg (3.08 lbs), it’s a marvel of portability for a 15-inch device. While the design team is undoubtedly celebrating this achievement, one can’t help but spare a thought for the engineers tasked with devising a cooling system potent enough for such a slender, half-inch-thick chassis – a challenge we’ll explore later. Opening the lid is a smooth, one-handed operation, as one would expect from a device of this calibre.
Once open, the display is framed by impressively thin bezels, just 5 mm (approximately 0.20 inches) on the sides. The top bezel features a slight bump, extending to 8.5 mm (approximately 0.33 inches) in the centre, but this is to accommodate a sophisticated camera array complete with ToF Human Presence Detection, IR capabilities for Windows Hello, and an E-shutter. While our general preference leans towards physical privacy shutters, given the X9-15’s thoroughly futuristic design ethos, the electronic shutter feels like an appropriate, integrated solution here.
The screen can recline to approximately 175 degrees; while this is very far back, it might tempt you to push it fully flat, but we’d advise against forcing it beyond this near-horizontal limit.
The keyboard deck continues the minimalist theme, meaning there’s no room for a dedicated NumPad. The keyboard itself is backlit and features an ambient light sensor, allowing it to illuminate automatically in dim conditions. Typing on it is a relatively comfortable experience, though the key travel is noticeably shorter – an expected compromise given the laptop’s exceptionally thin profile. The Up and Down arrow keys are also smaller than the main keys, a common concession. For biometric login, a fingerprint sensor is neatly integrated into the power button. Below the keyboard lies a very generously sized trackpad, measuring 80 x 135 mm (approximately 3.15 x 5.31 inches). Its large surface area and smooth tracking make for a very comfortable and precise navigation experience.
Ports and Connectivity
The Lenovo ThinkPad X9-15 Gen 1 offers a modern, albeit somewhat minimalist, selection of ports, with a strong emphasis on high-speed USB-C connectivity. On the left side, you’ll find an HDMI 2.1 port, specified to support external displays up to 4K resolution at 60Hz. Accompanying this is a versatile USB-C port equipped with Thunderbolt 4 and USB4 40Gbps capabilities. This port supports Power Delivery 3.0 for charging and can output video via DisplayPort 2.1, enabling connection to high-resolution, high-refresh-rate monitors. An interesting design element on this side is what might at first glance appear to be a smart card slot, but is actually one of the device’s speaker grilles – a detail worth noting to avoid confusion.
The right side of the laptop features another of these speaker grilles. More functionally, it houses a second identical USB-C port with Thunderbolt 4 and USB4 40Gbps technology, also supporting Power Delivery 3.0 and DisplayPort 2.1. This provides flexibility for connecting peripherals or chargers to either side. A standard 3.5mm headphone/microphone combo jack is present for audio needs. Additionally, there’s a high-speed USB-A port operating at 10Gbps (often referred to as USB 3.2 Gen 2), which also includes an ‘Always On’ feature for charging devices even when the laptop is powered off. The most notable omissions for some users might be additional USB-A ports or a built-in Ethernet connection, necessitating dongles or a docking station for such needs.
Despite the streamlined physical port count, the ThinkPad X9-15 Gen 1 can support up to three independent displays: its native screen plus two external monitors connected via the HDMI and Thunderbolt ports. The HDMI output is capped at 4K@60Hz, while the Thunderbolt ports can drive displays up to a significantly higher 8K@60Hz resolution, leveraging the DisplayPort 2.1 standard.
For wireless connectivity, the device is equipped with Intel’s Wi-Fi 7 BE201 module. This supports the latest 802.11be standard with a 2×2 antenna configuration, offering the potential for significantly faster speeds and improved performance on compatible Wi-Fi 7 networks. Bluetooth 5.4 is also included for connecting a wide array of wireless peripherals.
Display and Sound Quality, Display Profiles
Our X9-15 doesn’t have touchscreen capabilities but if you need them, you can order the laptop in a touchscreen version.
Except for the touch/non-touch, there’s only one display option but it’s a pretty good one. Actually, it’s not just good. Currently, this is the best 15-inch laptop panel, as you can see in our Top 100 Laptops with the Best Screens.
| Lenovo ThinkPad X9-15 Gen 1 | – | ATNA53JB01-1 (INT3481) |
| Diagonal | 15.3 inches (38.9 cm) | 15.3 inches (38.9 cm) |
| Panel Type | OLED | OLED |
| Resolution | 2880 x 1800 pixels | 2880 x 1800 pixels |
| Touch | Multi-touch | None |
| Surface | Anti-reflection, anti-fingerprint | Anti-reflection, anti-fingerprint |
| Aspect Ratio | 16:10 | 16:10 |
| Color Gamut | 100% DCI-P3 | 100% DCI-P3 |
| Refresh Rate | 30–120 Hz (VRR) | 30–120 Hz (VRR) |
| Pixel Density | 222 PPI | 222 PPI |
| ‘Retina’ Distance | ≥ 39 cm | ≥ 39 cm |
Viewing Angles
Viewing angles are good. We take photos from different angles to evaluate the quality.
Also, a video with locked focus and exposure.
Color Coverage
The whole “sail-shaped” map below (Fig. 1) consists of all the colors we can see, while the black crooked line shows all the colors from real-world scenes and nature around us.
Then, we’ve drawn some of the most important and interesting color spaces, compared to the colors the panel of Lenovo ThinkPad X9-15 Gen 1 can show:
Standard/For Web: sRGB – widely used color space for most consumer devices, ideal for Web design and development
For Print: AdobeRGB – used in professional photo editing, graphic design, and print
For Photographers/Video Editors: DCI-P3 – used in high-end film production, post-production, and digital cinema
Premium HDR: Rec.2020 – the widest consumer ITU color standard, covering a massive 75.8% of the visible spectrum, a benchmark for premium HDR content
Lenovo ThinkPad X9-15 Gen 1: the yellow dashed triangle (– – – – – –) represents the range of colors this monitor can show.
In our tests, we calculated the total color coverage of the display at 100% of the sRGB color gamut and 100% of the DCI-P3 color gamut.
(Fig.1) Lenovo ThinkPad X9-15 Gen 1 covers 100% of the DCI-P3 gamut
The Lenovo ThinkPad X9-15 Gen 1 emulates Display P3 and sRGB color spaces.
(Fig.2) Display P3
(Fig.3) sRGB
Brightness and Contrast
The maximum brightness in HDR mode is 1108 cd/m² at 8% white fill and 610 cd/m² on a full white screen.
The maximum brightness in SDR mode is 519 cd/m² in the center of the screen and 519 cd/m² averaged across the surface with a maximum deviation of 2%.
The Correlated Color Temperature (CCT) on a white screen at maximum brightness is 6490K (“Lenovo Native” profile in ).
The contrast ratio of OLED panels is excellent because the pixels turn off completely when displaying black.
Uniformity: Luminance, Contrast, and Color Deviation
The figure below shows the results from our uniformity test across different sections of the screen. It’s measured at 183 nits (Windows slider = 64%) — a brightness level we consider typical for standard working conditions.
DeltaE values below 4.0 are acceptable for regular users. For those working with colors, screens with DeltaE values no higher than 2.0 are recommended.
Color Accuracy
Let’s check the difference between real colors and those you’ll see on the Lenovo ThinkPad X9-15 Gen 1. We measure that distance in DeltaE – the higher the number, the more different they look.
Values below 4.0 are acceptable for regular users, while values below 2.0 are suitable for color-sensitive work. A value below 1.0 means the difference is indistinguishable to the naked eye.
For the next graph, we’ve selected 24 common colors, including dark/light skin, blue sky, green grass, etc.
Below are the results of the Lenovo ThinkPad X9-15 Gen 1 in its factory condition (HDR off) compared to Display P3 and sRGB color spaces. In this case, we compare the factory “Lenovo Native” profile with Display P3 color space and “Lenovo sRGB” with sRGB color space.
(Fig. 4) Lenovo ThinkPad X9-15 Gen 1 in Display P3
(Fig. 5) Lenovo ThinkPad X9-15 Gen 1 in sRGB
Visibility in dark scenes
Have you ever watched a movie with dark scenes where you could barely see anything? This often happens because many display panels struggle to differentiate the darkest nuances, making them appear the same.
The next figure illustrates how well the display reproduces these dark nuances. The left side of the image shows the display with stock settings, and the right side shows it with our Design and Gaming profile activated.
On the horizontal axis are the grayscale levels, and on the vertical axis – the corresponding display brightness.
You can also check how your display handles the darkest nuances but keep in mind that this also depends on the settings of your current display and the surrounding light conditions.
Health Impact: PWM (Screen flickering)
Some use PWM to regulate their brightness, which means that instead of reducing the light intensity, they pulse or flicker. Our brain merges the image, so it appears darker, but this strains both it and our vision, especially when the frequency of the pulses is low. You can read more about that in our dedicated article on PWM.
In the graph below, you see the intensity of light at different brightness levels—on the vertical axis is the brightness of the emitted light, and on the horizontal axis—time.
The light of the Lenovo ThinkPad X9-15 Gen 1 display is not pulse-width modulated, providing visual comfort in the discussed aspect. We only observe pulsations with limited amplitude. A possible reason for their presence could be electromagnetic interference, for example from the power supply, which we have definitely found in certain laptops.
Health Impact: Blue light emissions
Installing our Health-Guard profile reduces harmful Blue Light emissions while keeping the colors of the screen perceptually accurate.
If you’re not familiar with the Blue light, the TL;DR version is – emissions that negatively affect your eyes, skin, and your whole body. You can find more information about that in our dedicated article on Blue Light.
Health Impact: Screen Reflectance
Glossy-coated displays can cause eye fatigue in high ambient light conditions due to reflections. We measure the level of screen reflection with the display turned off, at a 60° angle.
The reflectance of the Lenovo ThinkPad X9-15 Gen 1’s screen is 81.8 GU. This is a good result.
High Gloss: >70 GU
Medium Gloss: 30 – 70 GU
Low Gloss: <30 GU
Get our profiles
Since our profiles are tailored for each individual display model, this article and its respective profile package are meant for Lenovo ThinkPad X9-15 Gen 1 configurations with ATNA53JB01-0 (INT3480), 2880 х 1800, OLED panel.
*Should you have problems with downloading the purchased file, try using a different browser to open the link you’ll receive via e-mail. If the download target is a .php file instead of an archive, change the file extension to .zip or contact us at [email protected].
Read more about the profiles HERE.
In addition to receiving efficient and health-friendly profiles, by buying LaptopMedia's products you also support the development of our labs, where we test devices in order to produce the most objective reviews possible.
Design and Office
The Design and Office profile makes display colors as close to real as possible.Ideal not only for professionals but also for everyday users, it meets sRGB standards (D65 white point, sRGB gamma) with minimal DeltaE for precise color reproduction on your panel.
Gaming and Movies
Have you ever watched a movie where, during dark scenes, you can barely see anything? Many displays fail to distinguish dark tones properly. Our Gaming and Movies profile enhances low-light performance, like HDR tech, using a gamma curve tailored to human perception — ideal for gamers seeking faster reactions and clearer visuals.
Health-Guard
Our Health-Guard profile protects your eyes by eliminating PWM flickering, reducing strain and fatigue, and minimizing harmful Blue light exposure that can disrupt sleep and health. It uses software dimming and a gamma curve tailored to human perception for comfort and safety during screen use.
Get All The Profiles With 33% Discount!
Sound
The Lenovo ThinkPad X9-15 Gen 1’s sound is of very good quality. The low, mid, and high frequencies are clear.
Work Performance: CPU, Storage, AI
All tests are conducted with the Best Performance mode set in Windows Settings. It is synchronized with Lenovo’s Commercial Vantage app.
CPU and Work Performance
You can order the Lenovo ThinkPad X9-15 Gen 1 with a Core Ultra processor of your choice:
Intel® Core™ Ultra 7 268V
Intel® Core™ Ultra 7 258V
Intel® Core™ Ultra 5 238V
Intel® Core™ Ultra 5 228V
Intel® Core™ Ultra 5 226V
We’ve got the Ultra 7 258V variant.
Single-core performance ensures smooth operation and responsiveness in operating systems, providing a better user experience.
Results are from the Geekbench 6 Single-Core test (higher is better)
Multi-core performance is essential for handling complex and demanding tasks, such as Video editing, CAD, and Scientific simulations.
Results are from the Geekbench 6 Multi-Core test (higher is better)
Here, we evaluate the CPU's performance using a real-world 3D rendering task, assessing its ability to handle complex computations and rendering workloads efficiently.
Results are from the Cinebench 2024 Multi-Core test (higher is better)
Storage Performance
The 1TB storage version of X9-15 comes with SKHynix HFS001TEM4X169N SSD. It’s a good M.2 2242 PCIe Gen 4 x4 model with 6.6GB/sec sequential read, and 5.9GB/sec sequential write speed.
AI Performance
The integrated AI Boost NPU in the Core Ultra 5 models meets the Microsoft criteria for Copilot+ AI PCs with its 40 TOPS. The Ultra 7 variants 258V and 268V exceed the requirement with 47, and 48 TOPS, respectively.
Check out our full AI Performance Rankings.
GPU and Gaming Performance
There are no dedicated GPU options so you’ll rely on Intel® Arc™ Graphics 130V, or Intel® Arc™ Graphics 140V, depending on the CPU. The 140V GPU comes with the Ultra 7 CPU models, while the 130V is integrated in the Core Ultra 5s.
You can find the performance rating of all the GPUs on the market in our Top Laptop Graphics Ranking.
The results are from 3DMark Time Spy (Graphics). Higher is better.
The results are from 3DMark Wild Life Extreme Unlimited. Higher is better.
Lenovo ThinkPad X9-15 Gen 1 GPU variants
Here you can see an approximate comparison between the GPUs that can be found in the Lenovo ThinkPad X9-15 Gen 1 models on the market. This way you can decide for yourself which Lenovo ThinkPad X9-15 Gen 1 model is the best bang for your buck.
Note: The chart shows the cheapest different GPU configurations so you should check what the other specifications of these laptops are by clicking on the laptop’s name / GPU.
The results are from 3DMark Time Spy (Graphics). Higher is better.
Results are from the 3DMark: Wild Life (Graphics) benchmark (higher the score, the better)
Gaming tests
Although the Lenovo ThinkPad X9-15 Gen 1 is clearly built for productivity and business, its Intel Arc Graphics 140V shows that casual gaming is very much possible.
In Counter-Strike 2, the laptop managed a respectable 74 FPS at 1800p Medium settings – smooth enough for competitive play on the go.
| Counter Strike 2 | 1800p, Medium (Check settings) |
| Average FPS | 74 FPS |
Black Myth: Wukong, a far more demanding title, averaged 45 FPS at 1800p Low, which is playable for those willing to tone down the visuals.
| Black Myth: Wukong | 1800p, Low (Check settings) |
| Average FPS | 45 FPS |
Shadow of the Tomb Raider ran at 43 FPS at 1200p Medium, but dipped to 23 FPS at 1800p Medium, suggesting that lower resolutions are preferable for a stable experience.
| Shadow of the Tomb Raider | 1200p, Medium (Check settings) | 1800p, Medium (Check settings) |
| Average FPS | 43 FPS | 23 FPS |
Metro Exodus Enhanced Edition, known for its graphical intensity, hovered around 25 FPS at 1200p High, again highlighting the limits of integrated GPUs in the most demanding titles.
| Metro Exodus Enhanced Edition | 1200p, High (Check settings) |
| Average FPS | 25 FPS |
Temperatures and Comfort, Noise, Stability
At idle, the CPU package of the Lenovo ThinkPad X9-15 Gen 1 maintains a temperature of 46ºC, and the notebook remains completely silent.
Office Work, Web Development, Design
Short periods (0:00 – 0:10 s) of 100 % CPU load
This test shows the CPU behavior during short periods of serious load. It’s important for users who are looking for laptops suitable for tasks like Web Design and Programming.
| Intel Core Ultra 7 258V | Avg. P-Core Clock | Avg. CPU Temp. | Avg. CPU Power |
| Lenovo Yoga 9 2-in-1 (14ILL10) | 3897 MHz | 78 °C | 36 W |
| Lenovo ThinkPad X9-14 Gen 1 | 3785 MHz | 79 °C | 36 W |
| Lenovo ThinkPad X9-15 Gen 1 | 3743 MHz | 77 °C | 36 W |
The ThinkPad X9-15 Gen 1 exhibits strong performance during short CPU loads. It maintains an average CPU clock of 3743 MHz over the initial 10 seconds, drawing 36 W. The average CPU temperature is 77 °C, which is a good operating temperature for short tasks. The CPU peak temperature briefly reached 92 °C, indicating a high thermal spike before stabilization. Compared to other Intel Core Ultra 7 258V laptops, its 3743 MHz average clock is slightly below the Yoga 9 (3897 MHz) and X9-14 Gen 1 (3785 MHz). However, its 77 °C average temperature is more favorable than the others, showcasing effective thermal handling for brief demanding tasks.
Video editing, Scientific computing, Software compilation, 3D rendering
Long periods (0:00 – 30:00 min) of 100 % CPU load
This test shows the CPU behavior during long periods of serious load. It’s important for users who are looking for laptops suitable for tasks like Video Editing and 3D Rendering.
| Intel Core Ultra 7 258V | Avg. P-Core Clock | Avg. CPU Temp. | Avg. CPU Power |
| Lenovo Yoga 9 2-in-1 (14ILL10) | 3578 MHz | 74 °C | 30 W |
| Lenovo ThinkPad X9-14 Gen 1 | 3352 MHz | 94 °C | 31 W |
| Lenovo ThinkPad X9-15 Gen 1 | 3228 MHz | 74 °C | 25 W |
For extended CPU loads, the ThinkPad X9-15 Gen 1 averages 3228 MHz over 30 minutes, drawing 25 W. A 675 MHz clock speed drop to 3125 MHz was observed within the first 5 minutes. Despite this initial drop, the average CPU temperature remains an excellent 74 °C throughout the 30-minute test. Compared to other Intel Core Ultra 7 258V laptops, the X9-15 Gen 1’s average clock speed is lower than the Yoga 9’s 3578 MHz and the X9-14 Gen 1’s 3352 MHz. Crucially, its 74 °C average temperature is excellent and notably superior to the X9-14 Gen 1’s high 94 °C average, showcasing strong thermal stability for sustained workloads thanks to the bigger chassis.
Battery Life
Lenovo ThinkPad X9-15 Gen 1 is equipped with 80Wh battery unit.
We tested the laptop with Best power efficiency selected in Lenovo Vantage Commercial.
The laptop 21 hours and 30 minutes on a single charge! This is a great result which puts the laptop in the second place of our Top 100 Laptops with the best Battery Life ranking!
Brightness: 180 nits; Display Mode: SDR
Time to Full Discharge: Higher is Better
Disassembly, Upgrade options, and Maintenance
Accessing the internals starts by loosening six captive screws on the bottom panel. They stay attached, which helps avoid accidental misplacement. The panel itself can be removed without force using a plastic pry tool.
The 80 watt-hour Li-ion battery is secured by seven additional captive screws, including one located centrally. Disconnecting the battery connector is a simple step once the screws are loosened.
Storage options are somewhat limited compared to other 15-inch devices. There’s only one compact M.2 slot – 2242 PCIe 4.0 x4 with shielding over the SSD for additional protection.
Verdict
The Lenovo ThinkPad X9-15 Gen 1 continues the striking, futuristic design language of its smaller sibling X9-14 (in-depth review), presenting as an exceptionally sleek and impressively engineered slab of “Thunder Grey” aluminum. Its all-metal construction is not just for show; it delivers a chassis that feels incredibly robust – genuinely “tank-like” – while remaining remarkably resistant to fingerprints and impressively thin and light for a 15-inch device. This is a machine that exudes premium quality from every angle.
Undoubtedly, the centrepiece of the X9-15 is its absolutely phenomenal 15.3-inch 2.8K OLED display – it got in Top 3 Laptops with the Best Screens!
With its 120Hz variable refresh rate, full DCI-P3 coverage, excellent brightness in both SDR and HDR, and a virtually PWM-free backlight, it offers a truly stunning visual experience that ranks among the best laptop screens currently available.
Equally, if not more, astounding is the battery life; achieving over 21 hours on a single charge is a monumental feat that firmly establishes the X9-15 as a true road warrior, capable of lasting through multiple workdays without needing its impressively tiny 65W power adapter. The best 15-inch laptop, in that regard! Check out our full Top 100 Laptops with the best Battery Life ranking!
Beyond its stunning looks and endurance, the X9-15 delivers strong performance for productivity and even light creative tasks, thanks to the capable Intel Core Ultra processors and their integrated Arc graphics, paired with a fast NVMe SSD. Impressively, given its razor-thin profile, thermal management is excellent under sustained loads, keeping temperatures in check more effectively than its 14-inch counterpart, ensuring consistent performance without excessive fan noise. The keyboard, while offering shorter travel due to the thin chassis, remains comfortable for typing, and the generously sized trackpad is a pleasure to use.
However, achieving such an incredibly thin and light form factor does come with certain compromises, primarily in connectivity. The port selection, while modern with dual Thunderbolt 4 ports and HDMI 2.1, is minimalist, featuring only a single USB-A port and notably omitting a built-in Ethernet connection. This means users will likely need to rely on dongles or a docking station for broader peripheral compatibility. The keyboard also lacks a dedicated NumPad, a common omission on thin-and-lights but potentially missed by some 15-inch users. Internally, storage expansion is limited to a single M.2 2242 slot.
Ultimately, the Lenovo ThinkPad X9-15 Gen 1 is a triumph of design and engineering, offering a truly premium ultrabook experience. It masterfully balances a breathtakingly slim and robust chassis with an exceptional display, almost unbelievable battery life, and strong everyday performance. It’s an ideal choice for professionals who prioritize portability, an outstanding visual experience, and all-day (and then some) endurance, and who are comfortable working within the modern USB-C ecosystem. If these trade-offs align with your needs, the ThinkPad X9-15 Gen 1 stands as one of the most desirable and capable thin-and-light 15-inch laptops on the market today, successfully pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in this form factor.
You can check the prices and configurations in our Specs System: https://laptopmedia.com/series/lenovo-thinkpad-x9-15-gen-1/
Pros
- Stunning, futuristic, and incredibly robust all-aluminum design
- Exceptionally thin and lightweight for a 15-inch laptop
- Phenomenal 15.3-inch 2.8K 120Hz VRR OLED display
- Full DCI-P3 color coverage and excellent factory color accuracy
- Outstanding, world-leading battery life (21+ hours)
- Strong performance from Intel Core Ultra processors and Arc graphics
- Excellent thermal management under sustained load
- Fast NVMe SSD storage
- Modern connectivity with dual Thunderbolt 4, HDMI 2.1, and Wi-Fi 7
- Large and comfortable trackpad
- Virtually PWM-free display backlight
- Fingerprint-resistant finish
- Very compact 65W power adapter
Cons
- Minimalist port selection (only one USB-A, no Ethernet)
- Keyboard offers short key travel due to thinness
- No dedicated NumPad
- Single M.2 2242 slot limits internal storage expansion
Author: Simeon NikolovEditor-in-Chief at LaptopMedia.com with 20+ years of experience in testing and analyzing laptops and mobile devices.
Author: Kroum NikolovHead of Engineering at LaptopMedia.com, inventor and innovator with 40+ years of experience in electronics and high technology.
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