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The Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Fold 16 is a laptop with a foldable screen. The concept is very interesting, but Lenovo makes some unfortunate mistakes in its implementation. Laptops
The Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Fold 16 is a laptop with a foldable screen. The concept is very interesting, but Lenovo makes some unfortunate mistakes in its implementation.
Laptops with folding screens, round two. Lenovo already experimented with a foldable concept in 2021, but this device required significantly more time in the oven. Three years later there is the Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Fold 16 (from 4,478 euros excl. VAT).
In these three years, technology has advanced so much that this concept almost offers added value over a traditional laptop. We almost emphasize: all the elements are there for a unique device. The only thing missing is a more comfortable overall package.
The most important improvement over the first generation is undoubtedly the large screen. As a foldable model, the 16-inch model is much more convenient to handle than the 13-inch model. The larger the screen, the more screen real estate you have left when you fold it in half and use it as a laptop.
The Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Fold 16 can easily be used as a laptop, tablet or (mini) all-in-one. In the two weeks we were able to use it, there wasn’t a single scenario that the notebook wasn’t made for. The large screen is particularly pleasant when traveling. We no longer feel the need to take an additional (portable) screen with us on multi-day press trips.
The fact that the OLED touchscreen looks very good also helps. The 4:3 screen ratio works very well. You need to be careful about the attention you will receive when working with it in public places. In laptop mode it’s not so bad, but on a plane, for example, everyone can see what a special device you’re working with.
A major disadvantage is the glossy surface of the OLED touchscreen. On a traditional laptop, the screen is flat, so there may be reflections if the light bothers you. A foldable screen ripples, which means you’re much more likely to be bothered by reflections.
When it comes to screen size, Lenovo is taking a huge step forward compared to its experimental predecessor. It is all the more unfortunate that the main disadvantage of the ThinkPad X1 Fold 16 was already resolved by Lenovo earlier. With the first generation, you could leave the detachable keyboard between the laptop as if you were carrying a “normal” laptop. Not anymore, and that is by far the biggest downside to this device.
The Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Fold 16 comes with a Bluetooth keyboard and a holder to use the device in hybrid scenarios. Result: A somewhat thick device suddenly becomes much thicker. Plus, you often have to figure out how to hold everything together magnetically. It all feels like Lenovo wanted to get this product to market quickly and is therefore making do with what it has.
Quickly using the device as a laptop on your lap works great with the keyboard that magnetically snaps onto the bottom screen. Suddenly things have to move on quickly? Bad luck, because the keyboard can’t be left in between, otherwise the device will break.
The keyboard also has a very flat tap, which is something we’re not used to from Lenovo. The holder snaps magnetically onto the keyboard, but this has to be done in a very specific way. If you start a fraction too far to the left or right, you can pull it apart again. This was a source of pure frustration for two weeks. To the right of this there is a loop for inserting the included active pen.
So close to the ideal foldable screen laptop, only to mess it up when it comes to accessories. By the way, they contribute significantly to the weight. The X1 Fold 16 weighs 1,280 grams without the keyboard and holder. If you click on it magnetically, the counter shows 1,940 grams. We can’t really call it “mobile” anymore.
The Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Fold 16 looks very good, except for the strange magnetic sandwich of accessories hanging underneath. The workmanship is of a very high standard, with a beautiful accent of a woven top made from 100 percent recycled PET plastic.
The placement of the USB-C ports and speakers is ideal in laptop mode, but not in hybrid mode with the cradle. If you want to use the entire screen productively, you have to do without a USB-C port and two speakers on the bottom. Result: Mono sound with a muted stereo effect. Unless you want to say goodbye to the power button and rotate the screen 180 degrees. Then you have stereo sound. Or you can set the screen to portrait mode.
In full-screen hybrid mode, the placement of the USB-C ports is also a bit unfortunate. You lose one at the bottom while the other is at the top. There’s another one on the right, nothing on the left. Things like this seem to me to be another example of haste and not enough optimization.
If we ignore the special form factor and just look at the performance, the Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Fold 16 is an average laptop. The Intel Core i7 chip, which is powerful on paper, is passively cooled. Lenovo kept the device sufficiently cool, which reduced the clock speeds. The result is Core i5 performance with a Core i7 chip.
Fortunately, that doesn’t stop this device from performing well. This device is too boring for creative professionals, but we can’t fault it for office work. Intense multitasking is no problem. It’s not the fastest notebook in the package, but it’s fast enough.
If we look critically at the price, we must realize that for the same money you can configure a monster from a conventional laptop. Without foldable screen. Cutting-edge technology is rarely cheap.
A big foldable screen better be a good screen. Fortunately, Lenovo has paid enough attention to this. With an average DeltaE value of two for colors and 2.5 for grayscale, you are presented with a very accurate image. For creative professionals, a DeltaE value below two makes sense.
The color temperature of 6,513 Kelvin is incredibly close to the ideal 6,500 Kelvin. The only flaw on the coat of arms is the blue color. In the graphic above you can clearly see that a little fine-tuning is still needed to get the image perfect. It shows how good the picture is when the average remains at DeltaE 2 with such an outlier.
In practice, you will hardly notice the slightly stronger blue color unless you are a creative professional. Those that do will need to do a little calibration. With a DCI-P3 color gamut of 116 percent, you already have enough leeway.
Unfortunately, there is no 90 Hz or 120 Hz refresh rate on the Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Fold 16. Here you have to make do with the conventional 60 Hz. The screen is HDR 600 certified. At maximum brightness, we measured 411 nits, which is above average for a laptop.
The Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Fold 16’s large screen suggests that battery life will be disappointing. Fortunately, that is not the case. It’s no marathon runner, but with light use we can barely make it to the end of the workday without a power outlet. Using only half the screen in laptop mode can add a few extra hours. There is a 64 Wh battery inside.
The included 65-watt USB-C charger takes more than 40 minutes to charge it to 50 percent. A sprint to 80 percent takes almost 80 minutes. That’s quite a long one, especially in this premium category.
The dream of the ideal laptop with a large, foldable screen is within reach. Lots of work space in a compact size is the dream. The Lenovo ThinkPad The huge leap forward compared to the first generation three years ago is enormous.
Now a slightly larger screen, a keyboard that can stay in between, an integrated kickstand in the case, and we’re there. And maybe lower the price a little? Back to the drawing board, the finish line is in sight.
Specification Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Fold 16 (21ESCTO1WWBE2): Intel Core i7-1250U, Intel Iris
The Lenovo ThinkPad Each model comes with a three-year carry-in manufacturer’s warranty.
Source: IT Daily
As an experienced journalist and author, Mary has been reporting on the latest news and trends for over 5 years. With a passion for uncovering the stories behind the headlines, Mary has earned a reputation as a trusted voice in the world of journalism. Her writing style is insightful, engaging and thought-provoking, as she takes a deep dive into the most pressing issues of our time.
