Lenovo ThinkBook 14 2-in-1 (Gen 5) vs Lenovo ThinkPad X1 2-in-1 (Gen 9)
The Lenovo ThinkPad X1 2-in-1 is the better laptop on paper: it is lighter, has more memory and has a brighter screen. Pick the Lenovo ThinkBook 14 2-in-1 only if it matters to you that it has an SD card reader and can be upgraded.
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Key differences
- Weight Lenovo ThinkPad X1 2-in-1 wins
The Lenovo ThinkPad X1 2-in-1 is 0.3 kg lighter: 1.35 kg against 1.64 kg.
- Memory Lenovo ThinkPad X1 2-in-1 wins
The Lenovo ThinkPad X1 2-in-1 has 32 GB of memory against 16 GB, so it has more room for big projects and heavy multitasking.
- Brightness Lenovo ThinkPad X1 2-in-1 wins
The Lenovo ThinkPad X1 2-in-1's screen is brighter (400 against 300 nits), so it's easier to see near a window.
- Ports Lenovo ThinkBook 14 2-in-1 wins
Only the Lenovo ThinkBook 14 2-in-1 has an SD card reader.
- Upgrades Lenovo ThinkBook 14 2-in-1 wins
The Lenovo ThinkBook 14 2-in-1's memory can be upgraded later; the Lenovo ThinkPad X1 2-in-1's is fixed.
Which one should you choose?
Choose the Lenovo ThinkBook 14 2-in-1 if…
- You plug things in: it has an SD card reader (for camera cards).
- You might want more memory later: you can add it yourself.
- You prefer the newer model: it came out in 2025.
Choose the Lenovo ThinkPad X1 2-in-1 if…
- You'll carry it every day: at 1.35 kg it's easy to take everywhere.
- You keep lots of tabs and apps open: 32 GB of memory gives it more room.
- You work near windows or outside: its screen is brighter at 400 nits.
Full spec comparison
Add more laptopsThe Lenovo ThinkPad X1 2-in-1 leads on battery and weight and performance; elsewhere the two are closely matched. Highlighted values mark the better spec in each row, and you can hide the rows where they match.
Performance
Each laptop has its strengths on performance.
The Lenovo ThinkBook 14 2-in-1 can be upgraded, while the Lenovo ThinkPad X1 2-in-1 has more memory.
| Spec | Lenovo ThinkBook 14 2-in-1 (Gen 5) | Lenovo ThinkPad X1 2-in-1 (Gen 9) |
|---|---|---|
| Processor | Intel Core Ultra 7 255U | Intel Core Ultra 5 135U |
| Graphics | Intel Graphics | Intel Graphics |
| AI engine (NPU) | 12 TOPS | 11 TOPS |
| Memory (RAM) | 16 GB | 32 GB |
| Memory type | DDR5-5600 | LPDDR5X-6400 |
| Maximum memory | 32 GB | 32 GB |
| Memory upgrades | Upgradeable (slots) | Soldered (not upgradeable) |
| Storage | 512 GB | 512 GB |
| Storage type | SSD | SSD |
| Storage interface | PCIe 4.0 x4 NVMe M.2 2242 | PCIe 4.0 x4 NVMe M.2 2280 |
| Storage slots | 2 | 1 |
Screen
The Lenovo ThinkPad X1 2-in-1 is ahead on the screen.
It has a brighter screen, and the Lenovo ThinkBook 14 2-in-1 doesn't beat it on anything here.
| Spec | Lenovo ThinkBook 14 2-in-1 (Gen 5) | Lenovo ThinkPad X1 2-in-1 (Gen 9) |
|---|---|---|
| Screen size | 14" | 14" |
| Resolution | Full HD+ (1920 x 1200) | Full HD+ (1920 x 1200) |
| Aspect ratio | 16:10 | 16:10 |
| Panel | IPS | IPS |
| Refresh rate | 60 Hz | 60 Hz |
| Brightness | 300 nits | 400 nits |
| Colour range | 100% sRGB | 100% sRGB |
| HDR | — | None |
| Finish | Glossy | Anti-reflective |
| Touchscreen | Yes | Yes |
| Pen standard | — | Lenovo Slim Pen |
Battery and size
The Lenovo ThinkPad X1 2-in-1 is ahead on battery and weight.
It is lighter, and the Lenovo ThinkBook 14 2-in-1 doesn't beat it on anything here.
| Spec | Lenovo ThinkBook 14 2-in-1 (Gen 5) | Lenovo ThinkPad X1 2-in-1 (Gen 9) |
|---|---|---|
| Battery life (maker claim) | Up to 11.2 hours | Up to 23.2 hours |
| Battery capacity | 60 Wh | 57 Wh |
| Charger | 65 W | 65 W |
| Charges via | USB-C | USB-C |
| Fast charging | Rapid Charge | Rapid Charge: up to 80% in 1 hour |
| Weight | 1.64 kg | 1.35 kg |
| Dimensions | 313 x 224 x 16.9-18.5 mm | 312.80 x 217.65 x 15.49 mm |
| Materials | Aluminium (Top), Aluminium (Bottom); anodizing sandblasting finish | aluminium top and bottom |
| Durability | MIL-STD-810H | MIL-STD-810H |
| Hinge | 360-degree convertible (laptop, tent, stand, tablet) | 360-degree convertible |
| Colour | Luna Grey | Grey |
| Colours available | Luna Grey | Grey |
Ports and wireless
The Lenovo ThinkBook 14 2-in-1 is ahead on ports and wireless.
It has an SD card reader, and the Lenovo ThinkPad X1 2-in-1 doesn't beat it on anything here.
| Spec | Lenovo ThinkBook 14 2-in-1 (Gen 5) | Lenovo ThinkPad X1 2-in-1 (Gen 9) |
|---|---|---|
| Ports | 1x USB-A 3.2 Gen 1 (5Gbps), 1x USB-A 3.2 Gen 1 (5Gbps, always on), 1x USB-C 3.2 Gen 2 (10Gbps, charging PD 45-65W, DisplayPort 1.4), 1x Thunderbolt 4 / USB4 40Gbps (charging PD 45-65W, DisplayPort 1.4), 1x HDMI 2.1 (up to 4K/60Hz), 1x 3.5 mm headphone/mic combo, 1x microSD | 2x USB-A 3.2 Gen 1 (one Always On), 2x Thunderbolt 4 / USB4 40Gbps (Power Delivery 3.0, DisplayPort 2.1), 1x HDMI 2.1 (up to 4K/60Hz), 1x 3.5 mm audio |
| Thunderbolt / USB4 | Thunderbolt 4 | Thunderbolt 4 / USB4 40Gbps |
| External displays (max) | — | 3 |
| Card reader | microSD | None |
| Ethernet | None | None |
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6E | Wi-Fi 6E |
| Wi-Fi card | — | Intel Wi-Fi 6E AX211 |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.3 | Bluetooth 5.3 |
| Mobile data | None | None |
Features
Both have much the same extras.
From the keyboard to the webcam and login, there is little between them.
| Spec | Lenovo ThinkBook 14 2-in-1 (Gen 5) | Lenovo ThinkPad X1 2-in-1 (Gen 9) |
|---|---|---|
| Webcam | 1080p + IR | 1080p + IR |
| Webcam privacy | physical shutter | physical shutter |
| Backlit keyboard | Yes | Yes |
| Keyboard | Backlit, 6-row, spill-resistant | UK English, backlit, spill-resistant |
| Login | Fingerprint, Face | Fingerprint, Face |
| Number pad | — | No |
| Touchpad | Buttonless glass-like Mylar surface, Precision TouchPad, 75 x 120 mm | Trackpad |
| Speakers | Stereo speakers, 2W x2, Dolby Atmos, audio by HARMAN | 2x 2 W, Dolby Atmos |
| Microphones | 2x array | dual-array |
| Pen | Supported (sold separately) | Supported (sold separately) |
| Security | Discrete TPM 2.0, Kensington Nano Security Slot, Fingerprint reader (match-on-chip), Camera privacy shutter, IR camera for Windows Hello | discrete TPM 2.0, Kensington Nano Security Slot, fingerprint, face recognition |
Software and model
The Lenovo ThinkBook 14 2-in-1 is ahead on software and updates.
It is newer, and the Lenovo ThinkPad X1 2-in-1 doesn't beat it on anything here.
| Spec | Lenovo ThinkBook 14 2-in-1 (Gen 5) | Lenovo ThinkPad X1 2-in-1 (Gen 9) |
|---|---|---|
| Operating system | Windows 11 Pro | Windows 11 Pro |
| Model number | 21SQ000EUK | 21KE0080UK |
| Released | 2025 | 2024 |