Lenovo ThinkPad X1 2-in-1 Aura Edition review: Ultra secure
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Business customers looking for a capable and reliable laptop (or a fleet of them) often need greater security and durability than your average device offers.
Lenovo is one of the most trusted brands for enterprises with its ThinkPad brand, and the flagship convertible of the family has been refreshed for 2025 with a slightly refined design and some new tricks up its sleeves.
The Lenovo ThinkPad X1 2-in-1 (Gen 10) Aura Edition is a mouthful, but it’s also one of the best Windows laptops I’ve used this year so far. Its sturdy design, diverse list of features, consistent performance, and trustworthy battery make it an easy recommendation for those who need a more versatile business-class AI PC.
Not every part of this design wins me over, and not every display matches the price tag, but the quality is there. Is it of enough quality to justify a starting price of around $2,000, though? That’s for you to decide, although it helps that Lenovo is prone to discounting its ridiculously expensive ThinkPad laptops relatively often.
I may not be a corporation looking to equip its workforce with a fleet of devices, but I do know laptops. Design, performance, security, endurance, and value are all essential for a business-grade laptop to succeed, and I test for it all.
This review was made possible thanks to a review sample provided by Lenovo. Lenovo had no input nor saw the contents of this review prior to publication.
X1 2-in-1 G10 review: Cheat sheet
- What is it? A premium, enterprise-focused 2-in-1 Windows laptop with stylus input and optional 5G connectivity.
- Who is it for? Those who need a reliable, versatile, and long-lasting convertible with enterprise-grade security.
- How much does it cost? The Lenovo ThinkPad X1 2-in-1 (Gen 10) Aura Edition starts from $2,125 at Lenovo. You can configure your own ThinkPad X1 2-in-1 from $2,125 at Lenovo, too.
- What did I like? The sturdy aluminum design, the reliable performance, all-day battery life, and the versatile feature set.
- What did I not like? The high starting price, the display hinge feeling, and port placement, the entry-level IPS LCD display.
X1 2-in-1 G10 review: Pricing and specifications
As an X1 product, this laptop sits near the top of the ThinkPad family in Lenovo’s portfolio, making it a premium Windows laptop with all the bells and whistles.
It being a ThinkPad also makes this device expensive. The Lenovo ThinkPad X1 2-in-1 (Gen 10) Aura Edition starts from $2,125 at Lenovo, with entry-level models equipped with an Intel Core Ultra 5, 16GB of RAM, 512GB of SSD storage, and an IPS LCD display.
You can configure your own ThinkPad X1 2-in-1 (Gen 10) from $2,125 at Lenovo, which lets you upgrade the display, CPU, memory, and storage, as well as add optional features like 5G cellular connectivity.
My specific review configuration is powered by an Intel Core Ultra 7 258V, backed by 32GB of RAM and 512GB of SSD storage, and with a 1200p IPS LCD display front and center. You can configure it yourself on Lenovo’s site, or buy it for $2,610 at B&H Photo.
While the ThinkPad X1 2-in-1 is expensive, interested buyers should remember that Lenovo frequently discounts its ThinkPad laptops, often by crazy amounts.
|
Spec |
Lenovo ThinkPad X1 2-in-1 (Gen 10) Aura Edition |
|---|---|
|
Display |
Up to 14-inch OLED, 16:10 aspect ratio, 2.8K (2,880 x 1,800) resolution, 30-120Hz Variable Refresh Rate (VRR), 500 nits max brightness, VESA DisplayHDR True Black 500 support, 100% DCI-P3 color gamut, anti-reflection, multi-touch support, Eyesafe 2.0 certified, Low Blue Light support |
|
CPU |
Up to Intel Core Ultra 7 268V (Lunar Lake architecture, 8 cores, 8 threads, up to 5.0GHz Turbo Boost) w/ Intel vPro |
|
GPU |
Up to Intel Arc 140V (Xe2 architecture, 16GB) |
|
NPU |
Intel AI Boost (Up to 48 TOPS) |
|
Memory |
Up to 32GB LPDDR5X @ 8,533MHz |
|
Storage |
Up to 2TB M.2 2280 NVMe PCIe Gen 5×4 SSD |
|
Ports |
2x USB Type-C Thunderbolt 4 (40GBps, DisplayPort 2.1, 65W Power Delivery 3.0), 1x USB Type-A 3.2 Gen 1 (5GBps, Always On), 1x USB Type-A 3.2 Gen 1 (5GBps), 1x HDMI 2.1, 1x 3.5mm audio jack, 1x Kensington Nano Security Slot, 1x Nano SIM slot (optional) |
|
Connectivity |
Wi-Fi 7 2×2, Bluetooth 5.4, 5G Sub6 cellular (optional) |
|
Battery |
57Whr, 65W USB Type-C charger, Rapid Charge support |
|
Dimensions |
312.8 x 217.7 x 15.5mm (12.31 x 8.57 x 0.61in) |
|
Weight |
~1.30kg (~2.87lbs) |
|
Warranty |
1-year standard |
In the box, you’ll find the Lenovo ThinkPad X1 2-in-1 (Gen 10) Aura Edition laptop and a 65W USB Type-C charger. Most ThinkPad X1 2-in-1s also come with Lenovo’s Yoga Pen active stylus in the box, too, but it’s not guaranteed.
X1 2-in-1 G10 review: Design and build quality
Year-over-year, this laptop hasn’t changed much compared to the Lenovo ThinkPad X1 2-in-1 (Gen 9) we reviewed in 2024, apart from being slightly lighter. That’s not a bad thing, though, as this laptop was already impressively pieced together.
The all-metal chassis (constructed of new and recycled aluminum) still passes MIL-STD 810H military-grade durability standards, and there’s no hint of weakness anywhere. The brushed metal finish on the sides gives this laptop more personality, too.
My only concern is the display hinge, which noticeably knocks as you move the screen through the X1 2-in-1’s different postures, and generally feels looser than it should. The rest of the laptop feels like it could take a bullet or two, but the hinges give me some concern as a potential breaking point.
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For ports, the Lenovo ThinkPad X1 2-in-1 (Gen 10) is reasonably equipped with dual Thunderbolt 4 ports, dual USB Type-A ports, an HDMI 2.1 port, an audio jack, and a security lock slot for those who need it.
It’s a good selection, but I wish one of the left-mounted Thunderbolt 4 ports would swap sides with the right-mounted HDMI port, just so you had one of each USB port on either side. Some will also lament the lack of a microSD card slot, but considering some X1 2-in-1s will have a Nano SIM slot for cellular connectivity, this doesn’t surprise me.
One nice detail is how the optional Lenovo Yoga Pen attaches to the ThinkPad X1 2-in-1. Like other laptops, it magnetically clips to the side — but that blocks some of your ports. Fortunately, Lenovo has matching magnets on the right side of the display, so you can dock your stylus without blocking your ports, and still have easy access to it.
That, combined with the side-mounted power button, makes the ThinkPad X1 2-in-1 feel more competent as a convertible laptop than many others, which often seem like the company simply slapped 360-degree hinges on a regular laptop.
X1 2-in-1 G10 review: Display quality
You can equip the ThinkPad X1 2-in-1 with one of two main displays: the low-resolution, low refresh rate IPS LCD panel my review unit boasts, or the premium OLED screen available with more expensive configurations.
Lenovo also offers a handful of options for the IPS LCD display, with users able to upgrade to a matte, anti-glare coating or a privacy filter for the most security-conscious.
Whichever you choose, don’t expect to be too impressed by the LCD screens. At only 1200p and 60Hz, this display is soft and borderline grainy, and lacks the smoothness of the best laptop panels.
It still feels responsive enough for touch and stylus input, but visually, it’s a boring screen with no defining characteristics. I sadly wasn’t able to test the OLED display option for comparisons, but I expect that panel to be similar in quality to many of the best Windows laptops we’ve seen recently.
|
Setting |
Brightness (nits) |
Black |
Contrast |
White point |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
0% |
3.9 |
0 |
Infinite |
5,900 (0.324, 0.328) |
|
25% |
50 |
0.03 |
1,830:1 |
6,000 (0.323, 0.328) |
|
50% |
99.5 |
0.06 |
1,810:1 |
6,000 (0.322, 0.328) |
|
75% |
193.1 |
0.10 |
2,000:1 |
6,000 (0.322, 0.328) |
|
100% |
476.4 |
0.25 |
1,920:1 |
6,100 (0.321, 0.327) |
This IPS LCD display boasts slightly above average contrast ratios and gets decently bright (and ridiculously dim), but otherwise doesn’t impress in terms of color accuracy or white balance.
Some users don’t need a flashy or high-end screen, though, and this IPS LCD display almost certainly leads to better battery life. Users who want a nicer visual experience can upgrade to the OLED panel, but then you may have to deal with Pulse-Width Modulation (PWM) for dimming, which can cause eye fatigue and even headaches in some users.
I wish Lenovo offered a middle-ground display alternative, possibly a 1600p IPS LCD screen with a 90-120Hz refresh rate, but having more than one option is still better than a lot of modern premium laptops.
X1 2-in-1 G10 review: Performance and thermals
Lackluster performance held back previous ThinkPad X1 2-in-1s, but the latest version massively improves on that front without compromising on efficiency.
That’s thanks to new Intel Core Ultra (Series 2) chipsets, which aren’t particularly powerful compared to the best from AMD and Qualcomm, but are consistently responsive and capable.
So, the Lenovo ThinkPad X1 2-in-1 (Gen 10) performs excellently for everyday work, and is Intel Evo certified for that added guarantee of smooth use. This laptop feels every bit like the premium machine it’s supposed to be.
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The latest X1 2-in-1 isn’t winning any awards in synthetic tests, but the year-over-year improvements are considerable and immediately noticeable. Lenovo prioritized consistent and efficient performance here, and it pays off.
One of the biggest leaps over the X1 2-in-1 predecessors is in graphical prowess. This is far from a gaming laptop, but it’s still more than competent enough to play casual games and even handle some light video and photo editing, which is more than you could say before.
Performance is just as great off the charger, too. CPU performance hardly changed at all, and the GPU actually scored a little higher on battery power. It’s one of the greatest strengths of the new Intel and Qualcomm silicon.
X1 2-in-1 G10 review: Software and AI experience
The ThinkPad X1 2-in-1 (Gen 10) runs Windows 11, of course, but it’s also a Copilot+ PC thanks to its Neural Processing Unit (NPU). That means access to all the latest and greatest AI features in Windows, including Recall, Click to Do, enhanced search, and more.
It has taken months, but “Copilot+ PC” finally feels like it means something, with some genuinely useful features and enhancements, and more on the way. This is also an “Aura Edition” PC, which is basically Lenovo’s branding for its own premium AI PCs.
That means a handful of additional artificial intelligence features, like smart modes for managing your hardware and settings across situations. There’s also the Lenovo AI Now app, an AI companion that can answer questions, manage your PC, organize and parse files, and much more.
It’s Windows but better, and Lenovo doesn’t inject a ton of unwanted bloatware into the ThinkPad X1 2-in-1, either.
Another ThinkPad advantage? Some of the highest-grade security you’ll find in a laptop. Lenovo’s ThinkShield platform protects your laptop and your data on multiple levels, and optional Intel vPro provides even more enterprise-ready features.
X1 2-in-1 G10 review: Battery experience
The Lenovo ThinkPad X1 2-in-1 (Gen 10) doesn’t boast the largest battery at 57Whr, but it can squeeze an impressive number of hours out of that battery. That’s mostly thanks to the new Intel Core Ultra (Series 2) chipsets, and that low-resolution, 60Hz IPS LCD display certainly helps.
Looping an hour of general Microsoft Office tasks consumed 7% of the X1 2-in-1’s battery life (with standard settings and at around 200 nits display brightness), while looping an HD video for an hour at 50% volume knocked 9% off.
I also ran a Windows Battery Report, which showed that I could expect 7-8 hours of actual screen-on usage with the ThinkPad X1 2-in-1.
Those aren’t the best numbers we’ve seen, and the OLED display option would absolutely drain more power, but the X1 2-in-1 still boasts impressive, true all-day endurance.
Charging is quick and easy via either of the USB Type-C Thunderbolt 4 ports, too, so the ThinkPad X1 2-in-1 is ready to survive a day out in the field as a tablet or a laptop.
X1 2-in-1 G10 review: Keyboard and touchpad
Some people seemingly can’t function without the iconic ThinkPad keyboard, and Lenovo isn’t reinventing the wheel with the X1 2-in-1.
This is an awesome keyboard, with a spacious layout, a responsive and tactile key action, smartly divided function and page navigation keys, and enhanced durability (including spill resistance).
The white LED backlighting is uneven across the keyboard, and actionable keys won’t highlight when you hold down the Fn key (one of my favorite features in other laptops), but there’s little to complain about here.
Love it or hate it, there is the red TrackPoint in the middle of the keyboard, though. Fortunately, you can disable it if it hampers your typing. What you can’t so easily ignore are the three physical touchpad buttons.
Again, some people love this setup and can’t go without, but for those who don’t care, this touchpad is tiny, and Microsoft Precision drivers can’t change that. The ThinkPad X1 2-in-1 does come with a haptic touchpad option, but Lenovo apparently doesn’t love me, because my review units never come with that option.
X1 2-in-1 G10 review: Other hardware
Your video conferencing needs are serviced by the average FHD webcam and competent dual-array microphones. It’s nothing special, but you do get an IR sensor for Windows Hello facial recognition and a proximity sensor for very basic Human Presence Detection (HPD) support.
There’s also a fingerprint sensor in the keyboard deck for added biometric security, which works quickly and reliably. Audio is handled by dual stereo speakers hidden underneath the keyboard, which are suitably loud and support Dolby Atmos, but otherwise aren’t exceptional.
For wireless connectivity, at least, the ThinkPad X1 2-in-1 only provides the best. Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 5.4 work great, and there’s even optional 5G cellular for those who need to stay connected wherever they go.
You won’t find all the bells and whistles with this laptop, but all the basics are handled well. Of course, you also get the active stylus in the box, which is comfortable to use, pairs instantly, is responsive and precise, and easily handles all of Windows’ inking features.
I doubt professional artists will want to rely on this pen for drawing, but the ThinkPad X1 2-in-1 is great for notetaking, and the stylus does enhance the tablet experience.
X1 2-in-1 G10 review: Also consider
X1 2-in-1 G10 review: My final thoughts
✅You should buy this if …
- You need a long-lasting 2-in-1 that can handle some abuse.
- You actually need those enterprise-grade security features.
- You’re attached to the ThinkPad keyboard and can’t go without it.
❌You should not buy this if …
- You’re simply looking for a great, premium 2-in-1 Windows laptop.
- You need as much power as possible for demanding tasks.
At a glance, the Lenovo ThinkPad X1 2-in-1 is a boring laptop. It doesn’t innovate or push boundaries, nor does it boast an exciting or outlandish design. It’s made for business customers, and that means staying within the lines.
What this is, though, is a damn good laptop. Boring doesn’t always mean bad, and the ThinkPad X1 2-in-1 (Gen 10) takes the same versatile, ultra-durable design of yesteryear and pairs it with more powerful and more efficient hardware.
The result is a capable convertible Windows laptop that’s perfect for working on the go, especially with optional 5G connectivity. It’s expensive, but all ThinkPads are — just wait for the inevitable sales from Lenovo, they’ll happen.
If this is the laptop for you, configure your own Lenovo ThinkPad X1 2-in-1 (Gen 10) Aura Edition from $2,125 at Lenovo. That name is a mouthful, but you’ll be getting a reliable, secure, and capable AI PC.
Lenovo ThinkPad X1 2-in-1 (Gen 10) Aura Edition
It’s not as sleek as the impossibly light ThinkPad X1 Carbon, but this 2-in-1 is far more versatile thanks to its convertible design and included stylus. Optional features like a haptic touchpad and cellular connectivity make this an even more potent option for mobile workers who need a device they can trust.