A Comprehensive Review of the Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Yoga Gen 6
Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Yoga Gen 6: Specifications
- CPU: Intel Core i7-1165G7
- Graphics: Intel Iris Xe
- RAM: 16GB
- Screen: 14-inch, 1920 x 1200p, IPS touchscreen,
- Storage: 512GB PCIe SSD
- Ports: 2 x USB Type-C Thunderbolt 4 (DisplayPort, Power, and Data), 2 x USB Type-A Gen 1 (One always on), 1 x HDMI 2.0, 1 x 3.5mm combo jack, 1 x Kensington lock
- Connectivity: Wifi 6, Bluetooth 5.2
- Camera: 720p w/ privacy cover
- Weight: 3.0 lbs (1.35kg)
- Size (W x D x H): 12.32 x 8.77 x 0.59 ins (313 x 223 x 14.9 mm)
- Battery: 57WHr
Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Yoga Gen 6: Design
The Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Yoga Gen 6 is a simple gray laptop with a small Lenovo logo. The only bit of color is the red cursor button on the keyboard.
However, the X1 Yoga Gen 6 impresses with its lightweight and size. It's easy to carry around at just 3lbs and slim at about half an inch thick. Typing on Lenovo keyboards is always pleasant, and this laptop is no exception.
The cursor button doesn't interfere with typing, and the trackpad is responsive, although it's a bit shorter due to extra mouse buttons. The speakers deliver clear sound for video calls, but they're not top-notch for audiophiles. The display resolution is crisp enough for a 14-inch screen.
The included stylus is handy, although not as comfortable as a regular pen. It's convenient that it's stored in the laptop and charges quickly.
More ports, like an SD card slot, would have been nice, especially for creative professionals who rely on photography. Also, having a USB Type-C port on both sides would have been more convenient for charging.
Overall, the Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Yoga Gen 6 is a reliable choice, especially for business users accustomed to Lenovo's style.
Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Yoga Gen 6: Performance
The refreshed Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Yoga Gen 6 now comes with new Intel Tiger Lake processors, making it the first in its line to have Intel Evo certification and the latest Intel Iris Xe graphics. This upgrade brings a noticeable improvement.
Its main competitors this year include last year's Dell XPS 13 2-in-1, this year's HP Elite Dragonfly G2 and HP Envy x360 15, and the newest LAPTOP Lenovo Yogi 9i and Lenovo ThinkBook 14s Yoga. While these are all great laptops, they tend to excel in only one or two areas, falling behind in others.
The Envy x360 15 is perhaps its strongest rival, especially in multicore performance, which is crucial for business users. If you need to run multiple apps simultaneously or have them running in the background, the Envy x360 15 is worth considering, especially given its lower price.
However, overall, the X1 Yoga Gen 6 consistently outperforms its competitors in its class. Even where it lags behind in some aspects, the difference isn't significant. Other Lenovo 2-in-1s can put up a fight against the X1 Yoga Gen 6, but they typically can only win in one or two areas before falling short in others, aside from being more affordable.
Battery Life
Thanks to its Intel Evo certification, users can expect the Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Yoga Gen 6 to offer a minimum of nine hours of battery life right out of the box. In general use performance tests conducted with PCMark 10, it lasted even longer, averaging around 13 hours and 14 minutes.
The Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Yoga Gen 6 can manage to maintain an average of 10 hours and 39 minutes, with its best time reaching 12 hours and 31 minutes. This ample battery life makes it suitable for all-day use, whether for work or school, and it can easily handle extended periods of use, even for those working from home.
For users who need extra battery power to last through a particularly long day, the X1 Yoga Gen 6 features Rapid Charge technology, capable of quickly recharging the battery during a lunch break, provided the power source is at least 65W.
Webcam and Microphone
On ultrabooks with such slim bezels, it's unlikely to find a webcam better than 720p unless you're okay with it being placed underneath the display, which isn't ideal during video calls. However, users have the option to upgrade to an IR camera, a recommendation supported by many. Additionally, like most Lenovo laptops, the webcam includes a physical privacy shutter, a feature that deserves recognition and appreciation. Ideally, every webcam should come with such a shutter.
Regarding the microphone, while it may not be suitable for recording professional-grade audio, it performs well enough for clear communication during video meetings, which is typically the primary concern for users.
Software And Features
Being a premium enterprise device, the Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Yoga Gen 6 doesn't come loaded with unnecessary software except for McAfee, which users are advised to remove promptly. Despite its reputation, the intrusive desktop notifications it generates are reason enough to opt for an alternative antivirus solution, which is likely to offer better performance anyway.
Furthermore, being a ThinkPad, it boasts several security features, including the aforementioned webcam privacy shutter and a fingerprint scanner integrated into the power button for added convenience. Additionally, it features a discrete Trusted Platform Module (dTPM) 2.0, ensuring compatibility with future updates such as Windows 11.
Final Thoughts
The X1 Yoga Gen 6 stands out as a leader. It's widely regarded as one of the best-performing 2-in-1 laptops available. For users prioritizing long battery life, the X1 Yoga Gen 6 delivers. With its 57WHr battery and Intel Evo certification, users can expect exceptional battery performance. Moreover, it surpasses the minimum nine-hour requirement set by Intel Evo, providing several additional hours of usage.
Individuals who frequently misplace items, such as styluses, may find the garaged stylus feature of particular appeal. By securely storing the stylus within the laptop's chassis, users can alleviate concerns about losing it, and the added bonus of it charging while docked further enhances convenience.
For those seeking to blend into the crowd rather than stand out, the plain appearance of this laptop may be appealing, akin to the discretion favored by skilled spies communicating with headquarters.
However, for users with financial constraints, it's important to note that this laptop starts at a high price point and quickly enters the premium category.