The Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Nano Gen 3, the latest iteration of Lenovo’s ultraportable laptop, retains the iconic ThinkPad design. While instantly recognizable, this design is starting to feel a little dated compared to modern trends and even Lenovo’s own innovative ThinkPad Z13. This updated model focuses on internal upgrades while keeping the external aesthetics largely unchanged. While a great option for ThinkPad purists, the X1 Nano Gen 3 faces stiff competition in the crowded 13-inch laptop market.
Specifications and Configurations
| Feature | Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Nano Gen 3 |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 11.5 inches x 8.19 inches x 0.58 inches |
| Weight | 2.19 pounds |
| Processor | Intel Core i5-1340P, Intel Core i5-1350P vPro, Intel Core i7-1360, Intel Core i7-1370P vPro |
| Graphics | Intel Iris Xe |
| RAM | 16GB |
| Display | 13.0-inch 16:10 2K (2,160 x 1,350) IPS, 13.0-inch 16:10 2K IPS touch |
| Storage | 256GB SSD, 512GB SSD, 1TB SSD |
| Touchscreen | Optional |
| Ports | 2 x USB-C with Thunderbolt 4, 1 x 3.5mm audio jack, 1 x optional Nano-SIM slot |
| Wireless | Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.1, Optional 4G WWAN |
| Webcam | 1080p with infrared camera for Windows 11 Hello |
| Operating System | Windows 11 |
| Battery | 49.6 watt-hour |
| Starting Price | $1,217+ |
Lenovo’s pricing and configuration options for the ThinkPad X1 Nano Gen 3 can be complex and fluctuate. The base model starts at $1,217 and includes a Core i5-1340P processor, 16GB of RAM, a 256GB SSD, and a 13.0-inch 2K non-touch IPS display. A higher-end configuration with a Core i7-1370P with vPro, a 1TB SSD, and a touchscreen can reach $1,895.
Design and Build: Classic ThinkPad, Modern Drawbacks
Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Nano Gen 3 front angled view showing display and keyboard.
While Lenovo has embraced more modern design languages in recent laptops like the ThinkPad Z13, the X1 Nano Gen 3 adheres to the classic ThinkPad aesthetic. The all-black chassis with red accents, including the illuminated ThinkPad logo and the TrackPoint nub, evokes a sense of nostalgia. However, the large display bezels and overall design feel dated compared to competitors like the Dell XPS 13 Plus.
The build quality remains a strong point. The X1 Nano Gen 3 features a carbon fiber lid and a magnesium-aluminum alloy chassis, resulting in a durable yet lightweight device. While the keyboard deck exhibits some flex, it’s not a significant concern. Lenovo’s military-grade certifications further reinforce its ruggedness. At just 2.19 pounds, the X1 Nano Gen 3 is exceptionally portable, though slightly thicker than the ultra-thin Apple MacBook Air M2.
Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Nano Gen 3 top down view showing keyboard and touchpad.
The familiar ThinkPad keyboard with sculpted keycaps and generous key spacing returns. The keys offer deep travel and a firm action, though requiring slightly more pressure than some users might prefer. The touchpad, while responsive and featuring quiet clicks, feels somewhat cramped due to the space occupied by the TrackPoint buttons.
Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Nano Gen 3 left side showing ports.
Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Nano Gen 3 right side showing vents.
Connectivity is limited to two Thunderbolt 4 ports and a 3.5mm audio jack, a welcome inclusion absent in some competitors. An optional Nano-SIM slot supports 4G WWAN connectivity, complementing the Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.1. The 1080p webcam delivers a quality image and includes a physical privacy shutter. Windows 11 Hello facial recognition via an infrared camera and a fingerprint reader offer secure login options. Lenovo’s Computer Vision user-presence sensing adds further security by automatically locking the laptop when the user is away.
Performance: Solid Productivity, Limited Gaming
Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Nano Gen 3 rear view showing lid and logo.
The ThinkPad X1 Nano Gen 3 offers various 13th-gen Intel CPU configurations, including the Core i7-1360P, a 12-core (4 Performance, 8 Efficient) processor. Benchmark results show solid productivity performance, comparable to other laptops with the same CPU. Interestingly, some 12th-gen Core i7-1260P laptops outperformed their 13th-gen counterparts, indicating that newer generations don’t always guarantee superior performance.
Overall, the X1 Nano Gen 3 handles productivity tasks effectively but isn’t designed for demanding creative workflows or gaming. The integrated Intel Iris Xe graphics delivered underwhelming results in 3DMark Time Spy. The availability of vPro processors makes this laptop a viable option for businesses requiring enhanced security and management features.
| Benchmark | Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Nano (Core i7-1360P) |
|---|---|
| Geekbench (single/multi) | Bal: 1813 / 8755, Perf: 1795 / 8877 |
| Handbrake (seconds) | Bal: 138, Perf: 109 |
| Cinebench R23 (single/multi) | Bal: 1572 / 6467, Perf: 1619 / 7301 |
| PCMark 10 Complete | 5312 |
Battery Life: A Mixed Bag
Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Nano Gen 3 top down view showing logo.
The ThinkPad X1 Nano Gen 3’s 49.6 watt-hour battery delivers inconsistent battery life. While performing poorly in web browsing tests, it achieved slightly above average results in PCMark 10 Applications and average results in video playback. This discrepancy raises questions about the laptop’s overall battery optimization. Compared to competitors like the Dell XPS 13 Plus and Asus Zenbook S 13 OLED, the X1 Nano Gen 3’s battery life is a definite area for improvement.
| Test | Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Nano Gen 3 (Core i7-1360P) |
|---|---|
| Web browsing | 6 hours, 10 minutes |
| Video | 10 hours, 38 minutes |
| PCMark 10 Applications | 11 hours, 13 minutes |
Display and Audio: Bright Screen, Average Colors
Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Nano Gen 3 front view showing display.
The X1 Nano Gen 3’s 2K IPS display, available with or without touchscreen functionality, offers good brightness at 480 nits and excellent contrast at 1,570:1. Color accuracy is average for an IPS panel, covering 100% of the sRGB gamut and 76% of AdobeRGB with a DeltaE of 1.5. This display is well-suited for productivity tasks and media consumption but falls short for color-critical creative work. The upward-firing speakers provide clear audio but lack bass, making them adequate for casual use but not ideal for immersive multimedia experiences.
Conclusion: A ThinkPad for Traditionalists
The Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Nano Gen 3, despite its dated design and inconsistent battery life, offers strong performance in a remarkably lightweight package. Its appeal lies primarily in its portability and adherence to the classic ThinkPad experience. However, with strong competition from more modern alternatives like the Dell XPS 13 Plus, prospective buyers should carefully consider their priorities before choosing the X1 Nano Gen 3.
