Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon 2018 Series
With security features, such as the ThinkShutter, that protects the front-facing HD webcam, and match-on-chip fingerprint readers with anti-hoaxing technology that safeguards the company’s data, whilst offering a more secure authentication and log-in, the Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon, sure captures interest of tech savvy users. The Intel Quad Core CPU enhances the performance by up to 35 percent, compared to its predecessors. The memory is even increased in its speed with the LPDDR3. The IR camera that includes the Glance by Mirametrix, which combines face, eye and gaze-tracking, to produce a more intuitive and effective connection by automatically highlighting the cursor and transferring the windows with just the movement of the user’s eye. Not to mention, the ThinkPad X1 Carbon, comes in shades of dark black and sleek silver with color-coded hinges. It is also projected with a 14” display option that is bigger and more exclusive. The FHD display offers a low-weight touch option, whilst the Dolby Vision high-dynamic range (HDR) technology option, offers dramatic effects. The ThinkPad X1 also delivers increased brightness, extended contrast, detailed colors, and meticulous details, all in a narrow-bezel design that is only 15.95 mm thin with minimal effect on battery life. With 15 hours of battery life, the minute it starts to run low, the RapidCharge technology offers 80 percent capacity in just 1 hour.
The ThinkPad X1 Carbon also comes with Cortana Premium that enables the feature to have commands narrated from 4 meters / 13 feet distance. Not to mention, the Amazon Alexa enables the user to play music, receive news, or manage one’s smart home or even shop, by just listening to the voice of the user. The ThinkPad X1 Carbon, also comes along with an Intel Thunderbolt 3, the technology that provides incredibly fast data transfer, up to 40 Gbps to USB-C. The ThinkPad X1 Carbon is able to withstand any extreme condition. It has been tested against 12 military-grade conditions and more than 200 quality checks were done. The bonus feature of ThinkShutter minimizes the risk of being watched or have the user’s privacy invaded. This front-facing camera privacy and security is enabled with the option of the HD camera. Not only is privacy of the user protected, but the privacy of the user’s data is also protected with a discrete Trusted Platform Module (dTPM), that encrypts your information. Moreover, FIDO, which is an authentication capability, secures a user’s access information in 3 layers of security.
Hands-on article by Jagadisa Rajarathnam
Processor: Intel Kaby Lake Refresh i5-8250U, Intel Kaby Lake Refresh i5-8550U, Intel Kaby Lake Refresh i7-8650UGraphics Adapter: Intel UHD Graphics 620
Display: 14.00 inch
Weight: 1.1kg, 1.126kg, 1.13kg, 1.2kg, 1.26kg
Price: 1599, 1700, 1800, 1839, 1899, 2500 euro
Average of 21 scores (from 32 reviews)
Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon 2018-20KGS03900
Specifications
Notebook: Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon 2018-20KGS03900Processor: Intel Kaby Lake Refresh i5-8550U
Graphics Adapter: Intel UHD Graphics 620
Display: 14.00 inch, 16:9, 2560 x 1440 pixels
Weight: 1.126kg
Price: 1839 euro
Links: Lenovo homepage
Price comparison
Average Score:
Reviews
Great display, but high temperatures. Lenovo has upgraded its flagship ThinkPad X1 Carbon for 2018. The new model sports both a quad-core ultra-low voltage (ULV) processor and a very bright WQHD HDR display. We have just got the device into our editorial department to give you our first impressions. Update: HDR, fan noise with BIOS 1.27, Thunderbolt dock with eGPU
Source: It Pro
Archive.org versionLenovo’s latest ThinkPad X1 Carbon is dotted with issues, but they’re either small or can be quickly negated. Ultimately, the appeal of this laptop’s design, display and features win out over its more offputting aspects.
Single Review, online available, Short, Date: 02/14/2019
Rating: Total score: 80%
Source: It Pro
Archive.org versionLenovo’s latest ThinkPad X1 Carbon is dotted with issues, but they’re either small or can be quickly negated. Ultimately, the appeal of this laptop’s design, display and features win out over its more offputting aspects.
Single Review, online available, Short, Date: 02/14/2019
Rating: Total score: 80%
Source: It Pro
Archive.org versionLenovo’s latest ThinkPad X1 Carbon is dotted with issues, but they’re either small or can be quickly negated. Ultimately, the appeal of this laptop’s design, display and features win out over its more offputting aspects.
Single Review, online available, Medium, Date: 12/10/2018
Rating: Total score: 80%
Source: It Pro
Archive.org versionLenovo’s latest ThinkPad X1 Carbon is dotted with issues, but they’re either small or can be quickly negated. Ultimately, the appeal of this laptop’s design, display and features win out over its more offputting aspects.
Single Review, online available, Medium, Date: 12/10/2018
Rating: Total score: 80%
Source: Hardware Zone
Archive.org versionLenovo just took the wraps off its ThinkPad X1 devices at CES 2018, and my first impression was of new notebooks that came with several quality-of-life upgrades and a couple of big changes, while still managing to stick to a much-loved design ethos.
Single Review, online available, Very Long, Date: 03/08/2018
Source: Hardware Zone
Archive.org versionLenovo just took the wraps off its ThinkPad X1 devices at CES 2018, and my first impression was of new notebooks that came with several quality-of-life upgrades and a couple of big changes, while still managing to stick to a much-loved design ethos.
Single Review, online available, Very Long, Date: 03/08/2018
Foreign Reviews
Source: PC Welt
DE→EN Archive.org versionSingle Review, online available, Long, Date: 06/11/2018
Rating: Total score: 95% performance: 95% features: 95% display: 91% mobility: 93% ergonomy: 93% emissions: 96%
Source: PC Welt
DE→EN Archive.org versionSingle Review, online available, Long, Date: 06/11/2018
Rating: Total score: 95% performance: 95% features: 95% display: 91% mobility: 93% ergonomy: 93% emissions: 96%
Source: Frankfurter Allgemeine
DE→EN Archive.org versionSingle Review, online available, Medium, Date: 04/04/2018
Source: Frankfurter Allgemeine
DE→EN Archive.org versionSingle Review, online available, Medium, Date: 04/04/2018
Source: PC Guia
PT→EN Archive.org versionSingle Review, online available, Very Short, Date: 04/24/2018
Rating: Total score: 80%
Source: PC Guia
PT→EN Archive.org versionSingle Review, online available, Very Short, Date: 04/24/2018
Rating: Total score: 80%
Source: Computerblog.ro
→EN Archive.org versionPositive: Compact size; light weight; powerful processor; decent autonomy; fast fingerprint sensor. Negative: Relatively high price.
Single Review, online available, Short, Date: 08/17/2018
Source: Computerblog.ro
→EN Archive.org versionPositive: Compact size; light weight; powerful processor; decent autonomy; fast fingerprint sensor. Negative: Relatively high price.
Single Review, online available, Short, Date: 08/17/2018
Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon 2018-20KGS03800
Specifications
Notebook: Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon 2018-20KGS03800Processor: Intel Kaby Lake Refresh i5-8550U
Graphics Adapter: Intel UHD Graphics 620
Display: 14.00 inch, 16:9, 1920 x 1080 pixels
Weight: 0kg
Price: 1599 euro
Links: Lenovo homepage
Price comparison
Average Score:
Foreign Reviews
Source: Com! - 8/18
Single Review, , Short, Date: 08/01/2018
Rating: Total score: 100%
Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon G6-20KG0039GE
Specifications
Notebook: Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon G6-20KG0039GEProcessor: Intel Kaby Lake Refresh i5-8550U
Graphics Adapter: Intel UHD Graphics 620
Display: 14.00 inch, 16:9, 1920 x 1080 pixels
Weight: 1.13kg
Price: 1700 euro
Links: Lenovo homepage
Price comparison
Average Score:
Reviews
Source: PC World
Archive.org versionLenovo's ThinkPad X1 Carbon 6th Gen is a superb business ultrabook, combining light weight, a powerful processor and excellent battery life.
Single Review, online available, Long, Date: 09/17/2018
Rating: Total score: 100%
Source: Ubergizmo English
Archive.org versionLike clockwork, Lenovo announced its 2018 X1 Carbon Gen6 laptop at CES 2018. It’s been on the market for a couple of months now, so it’s an excellent time for a review of the “tip of the spear” of the Lenovo X series, which Lenovo describes as the “Ultraportable Productivity Tools.” Designed for business, the X1 Carbon promises extreme portability and durability, two concepts that rarely mix, yet the five previous X1 Carbon models have proven that it is possible. How good is this 6th Generation of X1 Carbon? Read on…
Single Review, online available, Very Long, Date: 06/05/2018
Rating: Total score: 90%
Source: Reviewed.com
Archive.org versionI hate to say it, but it's hard to justify the lofty starting price. If you're looking for a budget-friendly option, we'd recommend the Dell XPS 13 (2018). The base model is just as powerful as the Carbon and it's about $300 cheaper. Plus, the white and rose gold color scheme is drop-dead gorgeous.
Single Review, online available, Short, Date: 04/27/2018
Rating: Total score: 85%
Source: Neowin
Archive.org versionIf you're looking for a thin and light laptop, this is it. Considering that it has a 14-inch display, the weight of this laptop seems unreal. However, if you're looking for a convertible that you can use a tablet, you'll want to check out the ThinkPad X1 Yoga. We'll be reviewing that next, so make sure to check back soon.
Single Review, online available, Long, Date: 03/27/2018
Rating: Total score: 90%
Source: Techaeris
Archive.org versionWith its tough build quality, industrial yet sexy design, versatile I/O options, and lightweight portability, the Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon 6th Gen is an ideal business ultrabook for those always on the run. This is why it not only earned a Best of CES award from us but also wins a Top Pick Award for 2018.
Single Review, online available, Medium, Date: 03/24/2018
Rating: Total score: 94% price: 90% performance: 95% display: 95% mobility: 95% workmanship: 100%
Source: On MSFT
Archive.org versionAt the end of the day, the Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon 6th gen is a solid option for most businesses or a consumer looking for a new laptop. The latest 8th Gen Intel chip packs plenty of performance into this device, as well as excellent battery life. Lenovo also made slight improvements to the design but also included new security options like the ThinkShutter camera and an improved fingerprint sensor. The dual Microphones are also a cool feature and it is something that will be exciting once Alexa comes to Windows 10 later this year. Prices on our base unit start at $1,519, and the most expensive options go up to $2,579. You can view all configurations of the Thinkpad X1 Carbon 6th Gen on Lenovo.com and have the device ship to your door within 5-7 business days.
Single Review, online available, Long, Date: 03/18/2018
Foreign Reviews
Source: XT Mobile
VN→EN Archive.org versionPositive: Slim size; light weight; very tough; solid workmanship; excellent display; thin frames; nice webcam; decent performance; long battery life. Negative: Overheats while using; relatively high price.
Single Review, online available, Very Long, Date: 07/26/2018
Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon G6-20KG0027GE
Specifications
Notebook: Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon G6-20KG0027GEProcessor: Intel Kaby Lake Refresh i7-8650U
Graphics Adapter: Intel UHD Graphics 620
Display: 14.00 inch, 16:9, 2560 x 1440 pixels
Weight: 1.26kg
Price: 1800 euro
Links: Lenovo homepage
Price comparison
Average Score:
Reviews
Source: Zdnet.com
Archive.org versionLenovo has done little more with the ThinkPad X1 Carbon 6th Gen than keep it up to date with processor and screen upgrades. It would have been good to see some size and/or weight shaved off, and for the screen bezels to slim down. It's also time to think about improving the speakers.
Single Review, online available, Short, Date: 07/09/2018
Rating: Total score: 90%
Source: Think Digit
Archive.org versionThe latest Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon is the best iteration of the iconic laptop thus far. It has everything you would need in a thin and light laptop and more. The higher price tag may not suit everyone but if you have that kind of money, this is a worthy, dependable option for both consumer and commercial customers.
Single Review, online available, Long, Date: 04/13/2018
Rating: Total score: 90%
Source: Hot Hardware
Archive.org versionAll told, the culmination of last year's chassis refinements, a great Intel Kaby Lake R platform upgrade, a few thoughtful tweaks like its web cam shutter, good battery life and a killer HDR display, makes the ThinkPad X1 Carbon 6th Gen laptop easily one of our favorite business-class laptops on the market currently. The X1 Carbon family is pricey, and we'd suggest our absolute top-shelf config at $2500 is overkill for many, but this is one excellent laptop family that's worth the investment, in our humble opinion. It's also a HotHardware.com Editor's Choice.
Single Review, online available, Very Long, Date: 03/22/2018
Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon G6-20KH006MGE
Specifications
Notebook: Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon G6-20KH006MGEProcessor: Intel Kaby Lake Refresh i5-8550U
Graphics Adapter: Intel UHD Graphics 620
Display: 14.00 inch, 16:9, 2560 x 1440 pixels
Weight: 1.126kg
Price: 2500 euro
Links: Lenovo homepage
Price comparison
Average Score:
Reviews
Source: Pocket Lint
Archive.org versionThe ThinkPad Carbon X1 does everything it should for your business and pleasure needs. It's slim, tough, lightweight, more powerful than before and offers features no other laptop can, including a keyboard that's the pinnacle of typing. However, it's expensive, the battery life should be better, its style won't suit all, and the HDR screen isn't perfect.
Single Review, online available, Long, Date: 08/16/2018
Rating: Total score: 80%
Foreign Reviews
Source: Computerbase
DE→EN Archive.org versionSingle Review, online available, Long, Date: 06/19/2018
Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon 2018-20KH0039MC
Specifications
Notebook: Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon 2018-20KH0039MCProcessor: Intel Kaby Lake Refresh i5-8550U
Graphics Adapter: Intel UHD Graphics 620
Display: 14.00 inch, 16:9, 1920 x 1080 pixels
Weight: 1.1kg
Links: Lenovo homepage
Price comparison
Foreign Reviews
Source: CZC
CZ→EN Archive.org versionPositive: Nice performance; solid workmanship; pleasant ergonomy; silent system; long battery life; fast charging. Negative: Weak hardware; no SD card reader.
Single Review, online available, Very Long, Date: 06/05/2018
Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon 2018-20KHCTO1WW
Lenovo is famous with its business models. With the Carbon series Lenovo also brings lightness and aesthetics to the table as well. I do not mean other ThinkPad models are heavy but the Carbon series in its 6th generation weight only 1.1 kg and competes with Dell XPS and Asus Zenbook S series. With Intel's 8th Gen processors, it is made possible to have high performance with U series processors and this made it possible for manufacturers to expand models in the ultrabook segment. Yes, we used to have 7th gen processors, but compared to 8th gen, they were kind of obsolete. Now, with 8th gen: performance, better battery times and power management is all possible. Okay, going back to the ThinkPad X1 Carbon. I would like to start with the bad parts first. Well it is only DDR3 2133 MHz RAM, oh and they are soldered, so you do not have the chance to upgrade in the future. Other than that, compared to the competition this models comes with a 14-inch screen. It has full HDMI connection, two Thunderbolt 3 connection, an SD card reader… So everything that you will need in an office environment. Here is the thing, yes, it is pricey. It is nice to use, hold, carry, I mean everything is fine with the device. Since we are talking about a Lenovo laptop, keyboard is out of this conversation. This laptop is for people that needs mobility, period. With its business-mindset it will help you do your typing etc. You will have all the looks while this laptop is on the table. But if you want to do some multimedia stuff, well it does not have any dGPU, so you are very limited with iGPU. Therefore before picking this beauty, make sure why do you need it. Of course its price tag will make you ask this question lots of times as well. You know, luxury comes with a price. Overall, if you have the budget go for it. But if you want both mobility and multimedia performance, Dell's XPS 15 models are lightweight (1.8 kg) and comes with dGPUs. Even MSI has some SKUs that can be considered light weight as well, but they are targeted at gamers and their battery runtimes are questionable. Hands-on article by Ümit Yılmaz GüneşSpecifications
Notebook: Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon 2018-20KHCTO1WWProcessor: Intel Kaby Lake Refresh i5-8550U
Graphics Adapter: Intel UHD Graphics 620
Display: 14.00 inch, 16:9, 2560 x 1440 pixels
Weight: 1.2kg
Links: Lenovo homepage
Price comparison
Average Score:
Reviews
Source: It Pro
Archive.org versionLenovo’s latest ThinkPad X1 Carbon is dotted with issues, but they’re either small or can be quickly negated. Ultimately, the appeal of this laptop’s design, display and features win out over its more offputting aspects.
Single Review, online available, Medium, Date: 09/10/2018
Rating: Total score: 80%
Foreign Reviews
Source: Tweakers
NL→EN Archive.org versionSingle Review, online available, Short, Date: 06/24/2018
Rating: Total score: 100%
Lenovo Thinkpad X1 Carbon G6 2018-20KH006DSP
Specifications
Notebook: Lenovo Thinkpad X1 Carbon G6 2018-20KH006DSPProcessor: Intel Kaby Lake Refresh i5-8250U
Graphics Adapter: Intel UHD Graphics 620
Display: 14.00 inch, 16:9, 1920 x 1080 pixels
Weight: 1.13kg
Links: Lenovo homepage
Price comparison
Foreign Reviews
Source: Putoinformatico
ES→EN Archive.org versionPositive: Compact size; decent hardware; nice display; good connectivity.
Single Review, online available, Short, Date: 08/03/2018
Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon 2018-20KGS5DU00
Specifications
Notebook: Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon 2018-20KGS5DU00Processor: Intel Kaby Lake Refresh i5-8550U
Graphics Adapter: Intel UHD Graphics 620
Display: 14.00 inch, 16:9, 2560 x 1440 pixels
Weight: 1.13kg
Price: 1899 euro
Links: Lenovo homepage
Price comparison
Reviews
We already tested the sixth generation of the ThinkPad X1 Carbon several times, and now we also take a look at a model with the matte WQHD display. Is this possibly the best compromise?
Comment
Lenovo: Lenovo ("Le" from English legend, novo (Latin) for new) was founded in 1984 as a Chinese computer trading company. As of 2004, the company was the largest laptop manufacturer in China and, after acquiring IBM's PC division in 2005, the fourth largest in the world. In addition to desktops and notebooks, the company manufactures monitors, projectors, servers, etc, and specializes in developing, manufacturing and marketing consumer electronics, personal computers, software, enterprise solutions and related services.
In 2016, the company ranked first in the world in computer sales. It still held it in 2023 with about 23% global market share. Important product lines are Thinkpad, Legion and Ideapad.
In 2011, it acquired a majority stake in Medion AG, a European computer hardware manufacturer. In 2014, Motorola Mobility was purchased, which gave Lenovo a boost in the smartphone market.
Modern games should be playable with these graphics cards at low settings and resolutions. Casual gamers may be happy with these cards.
Intel UHD Graphics 620: Integrated GPU (GT2, 24 EUs) found on some Kaby-Lake-Refresh CPU models (15 W ULV series). Technically identical to the previous Kaby-Lake GPU called HD Graphics 620.
» Further information can be found in our Comparison of Mobile Graphics Cards and the corresponding Benchmark List.
Intel Kaby Lake Refresh:
i5-8550U: Kaby-Lake-Refresh based low power quad-core processor. The four cores are clocked between 1.8 and 4 GHz (Turbo Boost) and support HyperThreading. The integrated GPU is clocked between 300 and 1,150 MHz. The SoC is manufactured in a 14nm+ FinFET process.
i7-8650U: Kaby-Lake-Refresh based low power quad-core processor. The four cores are clocked between 1.9 and 4.2 GHz (Turbo Boost) and support HyperThreading. The integrated GPU is clocked between 300 and 1,150 MHz. The SoC is manufactured in a 14nm+ FinFET process.
i5-8250U: Kaby-Lake-Refresh based low power quad-core processor. The four cores are clocked between 1.6 and 3.4 GHz (Turbo Boost) and support HyperThreading. The integrated GPU is clocked between 300 and 1,100 MHz. The SoC is manufactured in a 14nm+ FinFET process.
» Further information can be found in our Comparison of Mobile Processsors.
14.00:
14 inch display size represents a middle ground between the small subnotebook formats and the screens of the standard 15 inch laptops.
The reason for the popularity of mid-sized displays is that this size is reasonably easy on the eyes, provides good resolutions with usable detail sizes, yet does not consume too much power and the devices can still be reasonably compact.
In the past, 14-inch devices were very rare, but now they are the standard for laptops after the 15-inchers.
» To find out how fine a display is, see our DPI List.
No weight comment found (one expected)!
88.06%: This is an above-average rating. Nevertheless, it should not be forgotten that about one fifth of all tested models receive a better rating.
» Further information can be found in our Notebook Purchase Guide.
