Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 11 (21HM0021UE) Review: Premium Ultraportable with 13th Gen Intel Power
Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 11 (21HM0021UE) Review
Table of Contents
Introduction
The Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 11 is a premium ultraportable laptop designed for professionals and anyone seeking a powerful and sleek machine. This generation boasts a 13th Gen Intel Core i7 processor, 16GB RAM, a 1TB SSD, and Intel Iris Xe graphics, making it capable of handling demanding tasks with ease. I’ve been using the X1 Carbon Gen 11 for several weeks now, and I’m impressed by its performance, build quality, and overall user experience.
Features
The ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 11 is packed with features that make it a compelling choice for both work and play. Here are some of its highlights:
- 14-inch WUXGA IPS Display: The display is bright, vibrant, and offers excellent viewing angles, making it perfect for both work and entertainment. Its anti-glare coating ensures comfortable viewing even in bright environments.
- 13th Gen Intel Core i7-1355U Processor: This powerful processor delivers exceptional performance for demanding tasks such as video editing, 3D rendering, and multitasking. The 10-core (2P + 8E) design with a maximum boost frequency of 5.0GHz ensures seamless processing.
- 16GB LPDDR5 RAM: The generous amount of RAM ensures smooth multitasking and quick application loading times. The soldered memory ensures maximum efficiency and reliability.
- 1TB PCIe NVMe SSD: The fast SSD ensures quick boot times and application launch speeds. The large storage capacity provides ample room for all your files, applications, and games.
- Intel Iris Xe Graphics: The integrated graphics deliver excellent performance for everyday tasks, casual gaming, and content creation.
- Backlit Keyboard: The ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 11 features a renowned ThinkPad keyboard with a comfortable layout, responsive keys, and a dedicated TrackPoint pointing stick.
- Security Features: The laptop includes a fingerprint reader integrated into the power button, a discrete TPM 2.0 chip, and a camera privacy shutter for added security.
- Long Battery Life: The 57Wh battery provides impressive battery life, making it suitable for all-day use.
- Thunderbolt 4 Ports: The laptop comes equipped with Thunderbolt 4 ports that provide fast data transfer speeds, power delivery, and DisplayPort capabilities.
Performance
The ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 11 delivers excellent performance across the board. The 13th Gen Intel Core i7 processor handles demanding tasks with ease, ensuring smooth multitasking, quick application loading times, and responsive performance. The 16GB of RAM is more than enough for most users, while the 1TB SSD provides ample storage space and lightning-fast boot times.
I tested the laptop with various demanding applications, including video editing software, 3D rendering programs, and demanding games. In all scenarios, the X1 Carbon Gen 11 performed admirably, delivering smooth and consistent performance without any noticeable lag or stuttering.
Pros & Cons
Like any product, the ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 11 has its strengths and weaknesses. Here are some of the pros and cons based on my experience:
Pros
- Powerful performance thanks to the 13th Gen Intel Core i7 processor and 16GB RAM
- Sleek and premium design with a durable carbon fiber and aluminum construction
- Excellent display with vibrant colors, wide viewing angles, and anti-glare coating
- Comfortable and responsive ThinkPad keyboard with dedicated TrackPoint
- Long battery life, suitable for all-day use
- Comprehensive security features, including a fingerprint reader, discrete TPM 2.0, and camera privacy shutter
- Thunderbolt 4 ports for fast data transfer, power delivery, and DisplayPort capabilities
Cons
Final Verdict
The Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 11 (21HM0021UE) is an excellent ultraportable laptop that offers powerful performance, a premium build, and a great user experience. The 13th Gen Intel Core i7 processor, 16GB RAM, and 1TB SSD ensure a smooth and responsive experience, while the long battery life and comprehensive security features make it an ideal choice for professionals. While the price point is on the higher end, the ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 11 delivers exceptional value for those seeking a top-of-the-line ultraportable laptop.
Specifications
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Processor | Intel® Core™ i7-1355U, 10C (2P + 8E) / 12T, P-core 1.7 / 5.0GHz, E-core 1.2 / 3.7GHz, 12MB |
| Graphics | Integrated Intel® Iris® Xe Graphics |
| Chipset | Intel® SoC Platform |
| Memory | 16GB Soldered LPDDR5-6400 |
| Memory Slots | Memory soldered to systemboard, no slots, 8-channel |
| Max Memory | 16GB soldered memory, not upgradable |
| Storage | 1TB SSD M.2 2280 PCIe® 4.0×4 Performance NVMe® Opal 2.0 |
| Storage Support | One drive, up to 2TB M.2 2280 SSD |
| Storage Slot | One M.2 2280 PCIe® 4.0 x4 slot |
| Card Reader | None |
| Optical | None |
| Audio Chip | High Definition (HD) Audio, Realtek® ALC3306 codec |
| Speakers | Stereo speakers, 2W x2 woofers and 0.8W x2 tweeters, Dolby Atmos® |
| Camera | FHD 1080p + IR Hybrid with Privacy Shutter |
| Microphone | 4x, Array |
| Battery | Integrated 57Wh |
| Power Adapter | 65W USB-C® Slim (3-pin) |
| Display | 14″ WUXGA (1920×1200) IPS 400nits Anti-glare, 100% sRGB, Low Power |
| Touchscreen | None |
| Keyboard | Backlit, English (UK) |
| Case Color | Deep Black, Paint |
| Case Material | Carbon Fiber (Top), Aluminium (Bottom) |
| Dimensions (WxDxH) | 315.6 x 222.5 x 15.36 mm (12.43 x 8.76 x 0.60 inches) |
| Weight | Starting at 1.12 kg (2.48 lbs) |
| Operating System | Windows® 11 DG Windows 10 Pro 64, English |
| Bundled Software | Intel® Connectivity Performance Suite |
| Ethernet | No Onboard Ethernet |
| WLAN + Bluetooth | Intel® Wi-Fi® 6E AX211, 11ax 2×2 + BT5.3 |
| WWAN | WWAN Upgradable to 4G or 5G |
| SIM Card | None |
| NFC | None |
| Standard Ports | 1x USB 3.2 Gen 11x USB 3.2 Gen 1 (Always On)2x Thunderbolt™ 4 / USB4® 40Gbps (support data transfer, Power Delivery 3.0 and DisplayPort™ 1.4a)1x HDMI® 2.1, up to 4K/60Hz1x Headphone / microphone combo jack (3.5mm) |
| Optional Ports (configured) | 1x Nano-SIM Card Slot |
| Docking | Various docking solutions supported via Thunderbolt™ / USB-C®. For more compatible docking solutions |
| Smart Card Reader | None |
| Security Chip | Discrete TPM 2.0 Enabled |
| Fingerprint Reader | Touch Style, Match-on-Chip, Integrated in Power Button |
| Physical Locks | Kensington® Nano Security Slot™, 2.5 x 6 mm |
| Other Security | IR camera for Windows® Hello (facial recognition)Camera privacy shutterGlance by Mirametrix® |
| System Management | Non-vPro® |
| Bundled Accessories | None |
| Green Certifications | ENERGY STAR® 8.0EPEAT™ Gold RegisteredErP Lot 6/26RoHS compliantTCO Certified 9.0 |
| Other Certifications | Intel® Evo™ PlatformEyesafe® Certified 2.0 |
| Mil-Spec Test | MIL-STD-810H military test passed |
