Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Fold 16 (2024) - The Verge Review

Lenovo has been pushing the boundaries of laptop design for years, and the ThinkPad X1 Fold 16 is a prime example of their innovation. With a foldable screen and sleek design, this laptop is a game-changer in the industry. The Verge recently got their hands on this revolutionary device and provided an in-depth review of its features and performance. Let's take a closer look at what they had to say.

Design and Build

The Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Fold 16 is undeniably unique in its design, with a foldable 16-inch OLED display that can be used as a tablet or a laptop. The Verge describes the build quality as impressive, noting that the combination of carbon fiber and aluminum gives it a premium feel while still being durable. The hinge mechanism is carefully engineered to allow the screen to fold without any visible gaps, ensuring a seamless transition between modes.

The portability of the ThinkPad X1 Fold 16 is also highlighted in the review, with The Verge noting its slim profile and lightweight nature, making it easy to carry around. Despite its unconventional form factor, Lenovo has managed to maintain the classic black matte finish that is synonymous with the ThinkPad line, giving it a professional and elegant look.

Display

The foldable OLED display is the star of the show, and The Verge has nothing but praise for its performance. The 16:10 aspect ratio provides ample screen real estate, and the 2048 x 1536 resolution delivers crisp and vibrant visuals. The review also highlights the touch responsiveness of the display, noting that it is smooth and accurate, making it a pleasure to use in tablet mode.

While the foldable nature of the screen may raise concerns about durability, The Verge assures readers that Lenovo has put significant effort into ensuring the longevity of the display. The use of a specially designed protective coating and a robust hinge mechanism provides confidence in the device's durability.

Performance

Equipped with an Intel Core i7 processor and up to 1TB of PCIe SSD storage, the ThinkPad X1 Fold 16 is no slouch when it comes to performance. The Verge lauds the device for its snappy and responsive performance, noting that it handles everyday tasks with ease. The review also mentions that the integrated Intel UHD graphics provide adequate power for productivity tasks and streaming content, although it may struggle with more demanding applications and gaming.

The Verge also highlights the versatility of the device, noting that its ability to seamlessly switch between tablet and laptop modes makes it a versatile tool for both work and leisure.

Keyboard and Accessories

One of the unique features of the ThinkPad X1 Fold 16 is the optional detachable keyboard, which The Verge praises for its compact and convenient design. The review notes that while the keyboard may take some getting used to due to the smaller key size, it provides a surprisingly comfortable typing experience. The inclusion of a touchpad on the keyboard is also appreciated, as it adds to the overall usability of the device when used in laptop mode.

In addition to the keyboard, the review also mentions the optional Mod Pen stylus, which provides a natural and precise input method for users who prefer to write or draw on the screen. The Verge notes that while these accessories are optional, they significantly enhance the usability of the device and are worth considering for users who plan to use the ThinkPad X1 Fold 16 for productivity tasks.

Battery Life and Connectivity

The ThinkPad X1 Fold 16's battery life is a point of concern for The Verge, with the review noting that the device falls short of expectations in this department. While Lenovo claims a battery life of up to 8.5 hours, The Verge found that real-world usage resulted in closer to 5-6 hours of battery life, which may not be sufficient for all-day use without access to a power source.

In terms of connectivity, the review praises the inclusion of 5G support, which provides fast and reliable internet access on the go. Additionally, the inclusion of USB-C and a nano-SIM slot ensures that users have a variety of options for connecting peripherals and staying connected while on the move.

Conclusion

The Verge concludes their review by applauding Lenovo for pushing the boundaries of laptop design with the ThinkPad X1 Fold 16. The innovative foldable display, premium build quality, and versatility make it a compelling choice for users in search of a unique and portable computing experience. While the device may not be without its flaws, such as battery life and limited application support for the foldable screen, The Verge believes that the ThinkPad X1 Fold 16 is a glimpse into the future of computing and sets the stage for what's to come in the world of laptop design and functionality.

In summary, The Verge's review of the Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Fold 16 offers a comprehensive and insightful look into the capabilities and limitations of this groundbreaking device, ultimately solidifying its status as a pioneer in the realm of foldable laptops.