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
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Performance
Lenovo ThinkPad X1 2-in-1 wins
Same class of processor, but the Lenovo ThinkPad X1 2-in-1 has more memory (32 GB against 16 GB).
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Gaming
Evenly matched
Neither is made for modern games.
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Display
Lenovo ThinkPad X1 2-in-1 wins
The Lenovo ThinkPad X1 2-in-1 has the better screen: 14" Full HD 400 nits against 14" Full HD 300 nits.
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Battery life
Lenovo ThinkPad X1 2-in-1 wins
The Lenovo ThinkPad X1 2-in-1 should last longer: up to 23.2 hours against up to 11.2 hours.
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Connectivity
Evenly matched
Much the same, except that only the Lenovo ThinkBook 14 2-in-1 has a card reader.
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Portability
Lenovo ThinkPad X1 2-in-1 wins
The Lenovo ThinkPad X1 2-in-1 is easier to carry at 1.35 kg, against 1.64 kg.
Other differences
- 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.
- 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.
Green cells with a ✓ mark the better spec in that row. Tick "Show differences only" to 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 |