Lenovo ThinkBook 13x Gen 4 with Magic Bay Light
The Lenovo ThinkBook 13x Gen 4 is a compelling alternative to the premium ThinkPad line, offering impressive performance and exceptional battery life at a more affordable price. This 13-inch business laptop prioritizes portability without compromising on power, making it an ideal companion for professionals on the go.
A Budget-Friendly Powerhouse
The ThinkBook 13x Gen 4 undercuts the ThinkPad X1 Carbon significantly in price, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious businesses. While it lacks some of the premium features of its pricier counterpart, it excels in practical areas like battery life and performance. This review explores the ThinkBook 13x Gen 4’s strengths and weaknesses to help you determine if it’s the right laptop for your needs.
Lenovo ThinkBook 13x Gen 4: Specifications
Lenovo ThinkBook 13x Gen 4 Closed
- CPU: Intel Core Ultra 5 125H
- Memory: 16GB LPDDR5X-8400MHz (Soldered)
- Graphics/GPU: Intel Arc Graphics
- Display: 13.5-inch 2880×1920 IPS Touchscreen, 120Hz Refresh Rate
- Storage: 512GB M.2 PCIe Gen 4 SSD
- Webcam: 1080p with Physical Privacy Shutter
- Connectivity: 3x Thunderbolt 4 (USB-C), 1x Combo Audio Jack
- Networking: Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.3
- Biometrics: IR Camera for Windows Hello
- Battery: 74 Watt-hours
- Dimensions: 11.6 x 8.1 x 0.5 inches
- Weight: 2.7 pounds
- Price (as reviewed): $1,106
Design and Build
Lenovo ThinkBook 13x Gen 4 Partially Open
The ThinkBook 13x sports a sleek, all-metal design in shades of gray and silver. The rounded edges provide a comfortable grip, and the build quality feels robust. A unique feature is the Lenovo Magic Bay connection, allowing magnetic attachment of accessories like the included Magic Bay Light for enhanced video calls. However, the availability of other Magic Bay accessories remains limited.
Keyboard and Trackpad
Lenovo ThinkBook 13x Gen 4 Keyboard
The keyboard offers a pleasant typing experience with good key travel and responsiveness, though it doesn’t quite match the premium feel of the ThinkPad X1 Carbon. White LED backlighting enhances visibility in low-light conditions. The trackpad is smooth and responsive, providing accurate navigation.
Display and Audio
Lenovo ThinkBook 13x Gen 4 Webcam
The 13.5-inch IPS display with a 3:2 aspect ratio, 2880×1920 resolution, and 120Hz refresh rate provides ample vertical space and smooth visuals. The 500-nit brightness is commendable, although the glossy finish can be reflective. Touchscreen functionality adds another layer of interaction. The Harman Kardon speakers deliver surprisingly good audio quality for a laptop, making it suitable for media consumption.
Webcam and Connectivity
The 1080p webcam delivers crisp video quality, significantly better than typical 720p laptop webcams. A physical privacy shutter adds a welcome layer of security. The Magic Bay Light can further enhance video calls, though its brightness might be distracting for some. Connectivity is limited to three Thunderbolt 4 (USB-C) ports and a combo audio jack. The lack of USB-A ports necessitates the use of dongles for many peripherals.
Lenovo ThinkBook 13x Gen 4 Ports
Performance
The ThinkBook 13x Gen 4 handles everyday tasks with ease, thanks to its Intel Core Ultra 5 processor. Benchmark results reveal impressive performance, even surpassing the ThinkPad X1 Carbon in some tests. The Intel Arc graphics deliver a noticeable improvement over previous-generation Intel integrated graphics.
Lenovo ThinkBook 13x Gen 4 Benchmark Results – PCMark, Cinebench, Handbrake, 3DMark
Lenovo ThinkBook Cinebench results
Lenovo ThinkBook Handbrake results
Lenovo ThinkBook 3DMark results
Battery Life
Lenovo ThinkBook 13x Gen 4 Battery Life Results
The 74 Watt-hour battery delivers exceptional battery life, exceeding 13 hours in our video playback test. While real-world usage will vary, the ThinkBook 13x should comfortably last a full workday on a single charge, a significant advantage over many competitors.
Conclusion
The Lenovo ThinkBook 13x Gen 4 is a compelling choice for those seeking a portable and powerful business laptop without the premium price tag. Its excellent battery life, strong performance, and good display make it a practical and productive machine. However, the limited connectivity and soldered RAM might be drawbacks for some users. Ultimately, the ThinkBook 13x Gen 4 offers a compelling balance of performance, portability, and affordability, making it a strong contender in the business laptop market.
