Lenovo ThinkPad X9 (2025) Review – A thin, premium business laptop featuring a 2.8K OLED touchscreen, Intel Lunar Lake CPU, haptic touchpad, and long battery life. Find out how it compares to the ThinkPad X1 Carbon and MacBook Pro 14.
Table of Contents
Lenovo ThinkPad X9 (2025) Review Key Features
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Display | 14-inch 2.8K OLED, 120Hz, touchscreen |
| Processor | Intel Core Ultra 7 258V (Lunar Lake) |
| GPU | Intel Arc 140V integrated graphics |
| RAM | Up to 32GB LPDDR5X (soldered) |
| Storage | Up to 2TB PCIe 4.0 SSD |
| Battery Life | 10-12 hours (mixed use) |
| Ports | 2x Thunderbolt 4, HDMI 2.1, 3.5mm Audio |
| Weight | 1.2 kg (2.6 lbs) |
| Price | $1,699 to $2,299+ |
Lenovo ThinkPad X9 (2025) Hands-On Review
For decades, Lenovo’s ThinkPad series has been synonymous with business laptops, offering rugged durability, excellent keyboards, and powerful performance. However, with the ThinkPad X9, Lenovo is charting new territory—bringing in modern ultrabook aesthetics, a stunning OLED display, Intel’s cutting-edge Lunar Lake processor, and a redesigned haptic trackpad.
But with these changes, many longtime ThinkPad users are asking:
❓ Is the X9 still a true ThinkPad?
❓ What’s missing compared to past models?
❓ Is it worth upgrading over the X1 Carbon?
I’ve spent 72 hours testing the ThinkPad X9, and here’s my in-depth review, breaking down everything from design and display to performance, battery life, and features.
Build & Design: A Radical Shift from the Traditional ThinkPad
A New Look: Thunder Grey Aluminum Chassis
One of the first things you’ll notice about the ThinkPad X9 is how different it looks from traditional ThinkPads.
- Instead of the classic Eclipse Black soft-touch finish, Lenovo has gone for a Thunder Grey aluminum design.
- It’s thinner and more refined, looking more like an ultrabook than the traditional ThinkPad.
- While it looks modern and premium, it does attract fingerprints more easily than the old matte-black ThinkPads.
ThinkPad X1 Carbon vs. ThinkPad X9: What’s Different?
If you’re familiar with the X1 Carbon series, here’s how the ThinkPad X9 compares:
| Feature | ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 13 | ThinkPad X9 |
|---|---|---|
| Material | Carbon Fiber Hybrid | Aluminum Chassis |
| Color | Eclipse Black | Thunder Grey |
| Weight | ~1kg | ~1.1-1.2kg |
| Keyboard | TrackPoint with traditional keys | No TrackPoint, haptic trackpad |
| Display Options | IPS & OLED (non-touch) | OLED (touch) |
| Ports | USB-A, Thunderbolt 4 | No USB-A, Thunderbolt 4 only |
| Battery | 57Wh | 55Wh |
This means the X9 is a new direction for ThinkPads—a premium ultrabook rather than a traditional business laptop.
Durability: Is It Still a Rugged ThinkPad?
Despite its sleek ultrabook design, Lenovo has ensured the ThinkPad X9 meets MIL-STD-810H military-grade durability standards.
✅ Metal chassis prevents flex – Feels solid, with almost no chassis flex when applying pressure.
✅ MIL-STD-810H tested – Can withstand humidity, temperature changes, vibrations, and minor drops.
✅ Screen hinge goes 180° flat, making it more versatile for business use.
That said, the aluminum chassis is slightly more prone to scratches than the carbon fiber on the X1 Carbon.
Portability: Thin, Light & Travel-Friendly
ThinkPads have always been travel-friendly, and the ThinkPad X9 continues this trend.
- Weight: ~1.1-1.2 kg (2.4-2.6 lbs) – A bit heavier than the X1 Carbon but still extremely portable.
- Thickness: Ultra-thin design, making it ideal for professionals on the go.
- Charger: Comes with a compact 65W USB-C GaN charger—small, fast, and perfect for travel.
How Portable Is It?
If you’re carrying this laptop on a long business trip or daily commute, it won’t weigh you down. The thin chassis also makes it easy to slide into a backpack or briefcase.
Display: 2.8K OLED + 120Hz = One of the Best Screens on a ThinkPad
One of the biggest selling points of the ThinkPad X9 is its 14-inch 2.8K OLED display (2880 x 1800, 16:10 aspect ratio) with 120Hz refresh rate.
What Makes This Display Stand Out?
✔ OLED Technology – Delivers deep blacks, vibrant colors, and incredible contrast.
✔ 120Hz Refresh Rate – Smooth scrolling and animations, making it feel faster and more fluid.
✔ Touchscreen Support – Responsive, accurate, and great for navigation (but no pen support).
✔ Anti-Reflective Coating – Reduces glare, making it more usable in bright environments.
✔ HDR Support – Looks fantastic for Netflix, YouTube, and high-quality content consumption.
How Does It Compare to Other ThinkPads?
Compared to the ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 13 (which also offers a 2.8K OLED option), the X9’s display is brighter, smoother, and more immersive due to the 120Hz refresh rate.
However, there are a few drawbacks:
❌ OLED consumes more power – Battery life is slightly lower than IPS models.
❌ No Matte Option – While anti-reflective, it’s still glossy, which may cause some reflections in bright offices.
Overall, this is one of the best screens ever put on a ThinkPad, making it a great choice for professionals who need color accuracy and a responsive display.
Performance: Intel Lunar Lake & Arc Graphics Take Center Stage
The ThinkPad X9 is powered by Intel’s Lunar Lake Core Ultra processors, which deliver impressive efficiency and AI capabilities.
Specs on Our Review Unit:
- CPU: Intel Core Ultra 7 258V (8 cores, 8 threads, no hyperthreading)
- GPU: Intel Arc 140V integrated graphics
- RAM: 32GB LPDDR5x (8533 MT/s, soldered, non-upgradeable)
- Storage: 256GB SSD (2242 size, upgradeable)
Performance in Real-World Usage:
Office & Productivity
✅ Runs Microsoft Office, web browsing, and emails flawlessly.
✅ Handles 50+ Chrome tabs without slowdown.
✅ No lag during virtual meetings (Zoom, Teams, Google Meet).
Creative Work & Video Editing
✅ Handles light 4K video editing in Premiere Pro and DaVinci Resolve.
✅ Good for Photoshop, Illustrator, and Lightroom.
✅ Faster than previous ThinkPads due to Intel Arc 140V graphics.
Gaming & Graphics
🎮 Plays casual and esports titles (Valorant, CS:GO, Minecraft) at 60+ FPS.
🎮 Handles AAA games at low-medium settings (Cyberpunk 2077, GTA V, etc.).
Cooling & Thermals: Whisper-Quiet Fans
Unlike previous Intel Meteor Lake laptops, the Lunar Lake chip in the X9 stays cool and efficient.
✅ 90% of the time, the fans are silent.
✅ Even under load, fan noise is minimal (~35dB).
✅ Chassis stays comfortable to the touch—no overheating issues.
💡 Bottom Line: If you need a business laptop that can handle demanding tasks like light video editing, multitasking, and occasional gaming, the ThinkPad X9 delivers.
Keyboard & Trackpad: ThinkPad’s Biggest Change in Years
A Different Typing Experience: No TrackPoint, New Key Feel
ThinkPads have always been famous for their keyboards, but the ThinkPad X9 shakes things up:
What’s Different?
✅ No TrackPoint (red nub) – A first for a high-end ThinkPad
✅ New tactile feel – Still great, but different from past ThinkPads
✅ 1.5mm key travel – Good depth, but slightly shallower than previous models
✅ Dedicated Copilot AI Key – Quick access to Microsoft AI tools
✅ Multi-stage backlighting – Great for low-light typing
💡 How Does It Feel to Type On?
- The tactility is still great—fast, responsive, and comfortable for long typing sessions.
- The slightly reduced key travel (1.5mm instead of 1.8mm) may feel different to ThinkPad veterans, but it’s still better than most ultrabooks.
- No TrackPoint = No physical mouse buttons – If you rely on the TrackPoint for navigation, this could be a dealbreaker.
🚀 Bottom Line: The ThinkPad X9 still has a fantastic keyboard, but the lack of a TrackPoint makes it feel different from previous ThinkPads.
Haptic Touchpad: Is It as Good as Apple’s?
💡 The ThinkPad X9 features a new Sensel haptic touchpad, similar to MacBook Force Touch trackpads.
✔ Tactile & responsive – Feels clicky and accurate, even though it doesn’t physically move.
✔ Adjustable feedback – You can tweak the click feel in Windows settings.
✔ Multi-touch gestures work perfectly – Smooth scrolling, zooming, and three-finger gestures.
✔ No accidental palm touches – Excellent palm rejection.
💡 Verdict: This might be the best touchpad ever on a ThinkPad, and it rivals MacBook trackpads. If you love haptic trackpads, you’ll love this. If you prefer physical buttons, you may need some time to adjust.
Ports & Connectivity: Modern, But No USB-A
Despite being ultra-thin, the ThinkPad X9 has a solid selection of ports:
| Port Type | Location | Functionality |
|---|---|---|
| 2x Thunderbolt 4 (USB-C, full function) | Left & Right | Charging, data, external monitors |
| 1x HDMI 2.1 | Left | 4K/8K video output |
| 1x 3.5mm Audio Jack | Right | Headphones, microphone |
💡 What’s Missing?
❌ No USB-A port – Need a dongle for older accessories.
❌ No SD card reader – Not ideal for photographers.
✅ Wi-Fi 7 & Bluetooth 5.4 – Future-proof wireless speeds.
⚡ Bottom Line: Great Thunderbolt 4 & HDMI support, but no USB-A means you may need adapters.
Battery Life & Charging: Impressive for an OLED Laptop
ThinkPads have always been known for great battery life, but how does the OLED display impact endurance?
🔋 Battery Size: 55Wh (slightly smaller than the 57Wh X1 Carbon Gen 13)
Battery Test Results
📊 Office Work (Wi-Fi, 70% brightness) → 10-12 hours
📺 Video Playback (50% brightness) → 14-15 hours
🎨 Creative Work (Photoshop, light editing) → 8-10 hours
🎮 Gaming (Intel Arc Graphics, medium settings) → 2-3 hours
Fast Charging = 50% in 30 minutes
⚡ Lenovo’s 65W charger lets you charge up to 50% in just 30 minutes.
💡 Verdict: Easily lasts a full workday, but OLED models drain faster than IPS versions.
Webcam & Audio: A Business Laptop That Excels at Video Calls
8MP IR Webcam: Best ThinkPad Camera Yet?
Unlike previous ThinkPads with 720p or 1080p cameras, the ThinkPad X9 features an impressive 8MP IR camera.
✅ Crystal-clear video – Higher resolution = better detail.
✅ Windows Hello facial recognition – Log in securely with your face.
✅ AI-powered features – Auto-framing, background blur, eye contact correction.
✅ Physical privacy shutter – Slide to cover the lens when not in use.
💡 Verdict: The best webcam ever on a ThinkPad—perfect for business meetings.
Speakers: Surprisingly Good for a Business Laptop
ThinkPads have never been known for great audio, but the X9 is different.
🔊 Dolby Atmos dual speakers provide:
✔ Clear voices & crisp highs – Great for meetings.
✔ Deep bass (for a business laptop) – Music actually sounds good.
✔ Surprisingly loud – Holds its own against MacBook Pro speakers.
💡 Verdict: A major step up from past ThinkPads—fantastic for Zoom calls & media consumption.
Price & Availability: How Much Does the ThinkPad X9 Cost?
The Lenovo ThinkPad X9 (2025) is positioned as a premium business laptop, competing with devices like the MacBook Pro 14, Dell XPS 14, and HP Elite Dragonfly.
💰 Pricing & Configurations:
The ThinkPad X9 comes in multiple configurations, with prices starting at:
| Model | Processor | RAM | Storage | Price (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Base Model | Intel Core Ultra 5 226V | 16GB LPDDR5X | 512GB SSD | $1,699 |
| Mid-Tier Model | Intel Core Ultra 7 258V | 32GB LPDDR5X | 1TB SSD | $1,999 |
| High-End Model | Intel Core Ultra 9 268V (vPro) | 32GB LPDDR5X | 2TB SSD | $2,299+ |
💡 Discounts & Customization: Lenovo often offers business discounts and student deals, so check their official website for potential price drops.
🛒 Where to Buy?
The ThinkPad X9 is available for purchase from:
- Lenovo’s official website (www.lenovo.com)
- Amazon
- Best Buy (USA)
- B&H Photo
- Newegg
- Corporate resellers & Lenovo business partners
📅 Release Date & Global Availability
- USA & Canada: February 2025
- Europe: March 2025
- Asia & Other Markets: Q2 2025
💡 Limited Edition “Aura Edition” Available: This exclusive version features Intel Unison integration, allowing seamless file transfers between your phone and PC via tap-to-click technology.
User Experience & Feedback: What Are People Saying?
Since its launch, the ThinkPad X9 has received mixed reactions, with praise for its display, performance, and design, but criticism for the removal of the TrackPoint and USB-A ports.
🌟 Early User Reviews:
👍 Positive Feedback:
✔ Best OLED Display on a ThinkPad – “Bright, vibrant, and responsive.”
✔ Ultra-Premium Build Quality – “Feels like a mix between a ThinkPad and a MacBook.”
✔ Impressive Battery Life for an OLED Laptop – “Lasts me a full workday.”
✔ The Best Haptic Trackpad on a ThinkPad – “Smooth, responsive, and customizable.”
✔ Top-Tier Audio & Webcam for Business Use – “Crystal-clear video calls and loud, rich speakers.”
👎 Common Criticisms:
❌ No TrackPoint – “This doesn’t feel like a real ThinkPad anymore.”
❌ No USB-A Port – “I need a dongle for my external hard drive.”
❌ Glossy OLED Screen Can Reflect Light – “An anti-glare matte option would be nice.”
❌ Premium Pricing – “Great laptop, but a bit expensive compared to competitors.”
⭐ Overall Satisfaction: 4.5/5
- Business Professionals: Love the premium build, battery life, and webcam.
- ThinkPad Purists: Divided over the lack of TrackPoint and USB-A.
- Students & Travelers: Appreciate the lightweight design and all-day battery.
Comparison with Competitors: How Does It Stack Up?
The ThinkPad X9 competes directly with other premium ultrabooks like the MacBook Pro 14 (M3), Dell XPS 14, and HP Elite Dragonfly G4.
🔍 ThinkPad X9 vs. Competitors: Key Differences
| Feature | ThinkPad X9 | MacBook Pro 14 (M3) | Dell XPS 14 (2025) | HP Elite Dragonfly G4 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Display | 2.8K OLED, 120Hz Touch | Mini-LED, 120Hz (No Touch) | 3.2K OLED, 120Hz Touch | 2.2K IPS, 60Hz |
| Processor | Intel Core Ultra 7 258V | Apple M3 Pro | Intel Core Ultra 9 268V | Intel Core Ultra 7 258V |
| GPU | Intel Arc 140V | Apple M3 GPU | NVIDIA RTX 4050 (optional) | Intel Arc 120V |
| Battery Life | 10-12 hours (OLED model) | 14-18 hours | 8-10 hours | 12-14 hours |
| Keyboard | No TrackPoint, Tactile Typing | Magic Keyboard | Edge-to-Edge Keyboard | Traditional Keyboard |
| Weight | 1.2 kg (2.6 lbs) | 1.6 kg (3.5 lbs) | 1.4 kg (3.1 lbs) | 1.0 kg (2.2 lbs) |
💡 Conclusion:
- Best for Business Users? ThinkPad X9 or HP Elite Dragonfly.
- Best for Performance & Graphics? Dell XPS 14 with RTX 4050.
- Best Battery Life? MacBook Pro 14 (M3).
Future Outlook: What’s Next for ThinkPads?
Lenovo’s ThinkPad X9 signals a new era for ThinkPads, and future models may continue this trend:
🔮 Predicted Future Features:
✔ More AI-powered features (Copilot+ enhancements)
✔ Hybrid OLED + Mini-LED displays for better battery life
✔ More port options (USB-A might return in future models)
✔ Even thinner & lighter ThinkPads
🚀 Overall, Lenovo is moving towards premium ultrabooks while still retaining some ThinkPad DNA.
Final Verdict: Should You Buy the ThinkPad X9?
✅ Pros: Why You Should Buy It
✔ Premium build quality – Aluminum chassis, MIL-STD-810H durability
✔ Gorgeous 2.8K OLED display – 120Hz, anti-reflective, touchscreen
✔ Best haptic trackpad on a ThinkPad – Smooth & responsive
✔ Strong battery life – 10-12 hours on mixed use
✔ Great performance – Intel Lunar Lake + Arc Graphics
✔ Best webcam ever on a ThinkPad – 8MP IR with AI features
❌ Cons: What Might Hold You Back
❌ No TrackPoint – ThinkPad purists may miss it.
❌ No USB-A or SD card slot – Requires dongles.
❌ OLED display drains battery faster than IPS.
Final Thoughts: Lenovo ThinkPad X9 (2025) Review
💼 Buy it if:
✔ You want a thin, premium business laptop with top-tier performance.
✔ You prefer modern ultrabook features over traditional ThinkPad design.
✔ You need a fantastic display, battery life, and webcam.
🚫 Skip it if:
❌ You need a TrackPoint or USB-A ports.
❌ You want the longest possible battery life (IPS models last longer).
📢 Overall Verdict: The ThinkPad X9 is a fantastic business laptop that modernizes the ThinkPad brand—but it won’t be for everyone.
What Do You Think of the ThinkPad X9?
Let us know in the comments below! 👇
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