Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon 2020: Just get the 2019 model and save some money

The new 8th generation of the ThinkPad X1 Carbon is just a minor update with new Comet Lake processors. From a technical point of view, these CPUs are comparable to the old CPUs and as we have found out in our comprehensive review, the performance is also on the same level. This means there are basically just two now things, the slightly faster Wi-Fi 6 module as well as the more compact power adapter.

The case was not changed except for some minor visual changes and it still convinces us with good stability as well as the low weight of little more than 1 kg. The keyboard is also very good for a slim device, but thicker ThinkPads (like the T-series) just offer a slightly better typing experience thanks to the longer key travel.

Similar to last year, there are different versions of the LowPower 1080p screen, and there are noticeable differences between the individual panels. As a customer, you just have to accept this panel lottery because there is no possibility to check the panel ID ahead of the purchase.

All in all, the 2020 ThinkPad X1 Carbon is just a small update and there will be no version with an AMD processor, at least for this generation. Lenovo still sells both the 2019 and 2020 models at the moment, and many retailers give big discounts on 2019 models, so we recommend you just get the old model and save some money.