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Lenovo ThinkPad X395 Laptop Review: A fight for the hegemony of business laptops

AMD or Intel? AMD has been intensifying its competition with Intel recently, as increasingly more Ryzen-powered laptops have been appearing on the market lately. Lenovo has introduced AMD and Intel-powered versions of its 13.3-inch ThinkPad X39 series, the AMD version of which will be the focus of our review. The ThinkPad X390 impressed in our recent review, so how does the AMD-powered X395 do? Read on to find out whether it outdid the X390, along with the advantages and disadvantages of both models.

The ThinkPad X390, which we tested with an Intel Core i5-8265U and an Intel UHD Graphics 620 GPU, scored an impressive 90% in our review in April. Lenovo has since launched the X395, an AMD version of the device that we tested earlier this year, which comes with a Ryzen 3 PRO 3300U processor that integrates a Radeon RX Vega 6 GPU.

Our test device currently costs 927 Euros (~$1,022) when bought from Lenovo, although please keep in mind that this configuration lacks integrated LTE. We shall compare the X395 against not only the ThinkPad X390 and ThinkPad X390 Yoga but also the Dell Latitude 5300 and its Latitude 3400 sibling, along with the Huawei MateBook 13 and the HP EliteBook x360 1030 G3. We tested the Latitude 3400 with a Core i3-8145U processor for reference, which possibly may prove a fairer comparison with the Ryzen 3 PRO 3300U processor than our Core i5-powered comparison devices will.

The X395 shares its chassis, connectivity, input devices, and maintenance options with the X390. Please see our ThinkPad X390 review for our thoughts on these sections.

Lenovo ThinkPad X395
Processor
AMD Ryzen 3 PRO 3300U 4 x 2.1 - 3.5 GHz, Zen+
Graphics adapter
AMD Radeon RX Vega 6 (Ryzen 2000/3000) - 2048 MB VRAM, Core: 1200 MHz, Memory: 1200 MHz, 25.20.14122.15001
Memory
8 GB 
, Dual channel, soldered
Display
13.30 inch 16:9, 1920 x 1080 pixel 166 PPI, no touchscreen, LP133WF7-SPB1, IPS, glossy: no
Mainboard
AMD CZ FCH
Storage
Samsung SSD PM981a MZVLB256HBHQ, 256 GB 
, 165 GB free
Soundcard
AMD Raven - Audio Processor - HD Audio Controller
Connections
1 USB 3.0 / 3.1 Gen1, 3 USB 3.1 Gen2, 1 HDMI, 1 Kensington Lock, Audio Connections: 3.5 mm combined headphone and microphone jack, Card Reader: microSD, 1 SmartCard, 1 Fingerprint Reader
Networking
Realtek RTL8168/8111 Gigabit-LAN (10/100/1000MBit/s), Intel Wireless-AC 9260 (a/b/g/n = Wi-Fi 4/ac = Wi-Fi 5/), Bluetooth Bluetooth 5
Size
height x width x depth (in mm): 16.9 x 312 x 217 ( = 0.67 x 12.28 x 8.54 in)
Battery
48 Wh Lithium-Ion, Battery runtime (according to manufacturer): 14.5 h
Charging
fast charging / Quickcharge
Operating System
Microsoft Windows 10 Pro 64 Bit
Camera
Webcam: 720p HD camera with ThinkShutter
Primary Camera: 1 MPix
Additional features
Speakers: Stereo, Keyboard: Chiclet, Keyboard Light: yes, LAN-Dongle, 24 Months Warranty
Weight
1.281 kg ( = 45.19 oz / 2.82 pounds), Power Supply: 370 g ( = 13.05 oz / 0.82 pounds)
Price
927 Euro
Note: The manufacturer may use components from different suppliers including display panels, drives or memory sticks with similar specifications.

 

#compare_competitor

Rating
Date
Model
Weight
Height
Size
Resolution
Best Price
88.8 %
10/2019
Lenovo ThinkPad X395
R3 PRO 3300U, Vega 6
1.3 kg16.9 mm13.30"1920x1080
90.3 %
05/2019
Lenovo ThinkPad X390-20Q1S02M00
i5-8265U, UHD Graphics 620
1.3 kg16.9 mm13.30"1920x1080
87.4 %
06/2019
Lenovo ThinkPad X390 Yoga-20NQS05R00
i7-8565U, UHD Graphics 620
1.3 kg15.95 mm13.30"1920x1080
84.2 %
06/2019
Huawei Matebook 13-53010FYW
i7-8565U, UHD Graphics 620
1.3 kg15 mm13.00"2160x1440
89.5 %
08/2018
HP EliteBook x360 1030 G3
i5-8250U, UHD Graphics 620
1.3 kg15.8 mm13.30"1920x1080
84.9 %
08/2019
Dell Latitude 5300
i5-8365U, UHD Graphics 620
1.4 kg19 mm13.30"1920x1080

Size Comparison

312 mm / 12.3 inch 217 mm / 8.54 inch 16.9 mm / 0.665 inch 1.3 kg2.82 lbs311.9 mm / 12.3 inch 217.2 mm / 8.55 inch 16.9 mm / 0.665 inch 1.3 kg2.83 lbs310.4 mm / 12.2 inch 219 mm / 8.62 inch 15.95 mm / 0.628 inch 1.3 kg2.76 lbs306 mm / 12 inch 208 mm / 8.19 inch 19 mm / 0.748 inch 1.4 kg3.03 lbs305.8 mm / 12 inch 205 mm / 8.07 inch 15.8 mm / 0.622 inch 1.3 kg2.78 lbs286 mm / 11.3 inch 211 mm / 8.31 inch 15 mm / 0.591 inch 1.3 kg2.88 lbs297 mm / 11.7 inch 210 mm / 8.27 inch 1 mm / 0.03937 inch 5.7 g0.01257 lbs

Connectivity - Some differences compared to the ThinkPad X390

The X395 has a few differences here compared to the X390. Firstly, the two USB Type-C ports do not support Thunderbolt 3, but this is unsurprising considering that the standard currently remains an Intel proprietary interface. However, the Type-C ports support USB Power Delivery (PD) and DisplayPort, allowing you to charge the X395 or connect it to DisplayPort monitors with either Type-C port. The X395 also has an HDMI 2.0 port, an upgrade over the 1.4 port that Lenovo included in the X390. Additionally, the X395 supports AMD FreeSync, although the Radeon RX Vega 6 is not powerful enough to take advantage of this functionality.

Right-hand side: Smartcard reader, fan vent, USB 3.1 Gen2 Type-A (always-on), Kensington lock slot
Right-hand side: Smartcard reader, fan vent, USB 3.1 Gen2 Type-A (always-on), Kensington lock slot
Left-hand side: USB 3.0 Type-C, USB 3.0 Type-C/proprietary Ethernet port, HDMI, 3.5 mm jack
Left-hand side: USB 3.0 Type-C, USB 3.0 Type-C/proprietary Ethernet port, HDMI, 3.5 mm jack
Rear: microSD card reader
Rear: microSD card reader
SD Card Reader
average JPG Copy Test (av. of 3 runs)
Dell Latitude 5300
  (Toshiba Exceria Pro M501 64 GB UHS-II)
176 MB/s +138%
Lenovo ThinkPad X390 Yoga-20NQS05R00
  (Toshiba Exceria Pro M501)
81.4 MB/s +10%
Lenovo ThinkPad X390-20Q1S02M00
  (Toshiba Exceria Pro M501)
79.1 MB/s +7%
Lenovo ThinkPad X395
 
74.1 MB/s
Average of class Subnotebook
  (19.5 - 193.9, n=16, last 2 years)
69.6 MB/s -6%
maximum AS SSD Seq Read Test (1GB)
Dell Latitude 5300
  (Toshiba Exceria Pro M501 64 GB UHS-II)
188.8 MB/s +119%
Lenovo ThinkPad X390-20Q1S02M00
  (Toshiba Exceria Pro M501)
86.5 MB/s 0%
Lenovo ThinkPad X395
 
86.2 MB/s
Lenovo ThinkPad X390 Yoga-20NQS05R00
  (Toshiba Exceria Pro M501)
84.6 MB/s -2%
Average of class Subnotebook
  (23.6 - 239, n=16, last 2 years)
84.3 MB/s -2%
Networking
iperf3 transmit AX12
Average of class Subnotebook
  (606 - 1339, n=3, last 2 years)
1056 MBit/s +68%
Lenovo ThinkPad X390-20Q1S02M00
Intel Wireless-AC 9560
681 MBit/s +8%
Lenovo ThinkPad X395
Intel Wireless-AC 9260
628 (493min - 645max) MBit/s
HP EliteBook x360 1030 G3
Intel Dual Band Wireless-AC 8265
502 MBit/s -20%
iperf3 receive AX12
Average of class Subnotebook
  (623 - 1690, n=3, last 2 years)
1258 MBit/s +93%
Lenovo ThinkPad X395
Intel Wireless-AC 9260
652 (539min - 675max) MBit/s
Lenovo ThinkPad X390-20Q1S02M00
Intel Wireless-AC 9560
646 MBit/s -1%
HP EliteBook x360 1030 G3
Intel Dual Band Wireless-AC 8265
627 MBit/s -4%
03570105140175210245280315350385420455490525560595630665Tooltip
Lenovo ThinkPad X395; iperf3 receive AX12; iperf 3.1.3: Ø651 (539-675)
Lenovo ThinkPad X395; iperf3 transmit AX12; iperf 3.1.3: Ø628 (493-645)

Security

A closer look at the webcam and integrated ThinkShutter
A closer look at the webcam and integrated ThinkShutter

The Ryzen 3 PRO 3300U offers additional security features over non-pro Ryzen processors, which may prove handy for businesses. The X395 has encrypted RAM (AMD Memory Guard) and Secure Boot, for example, equivalents of which you will receive if you equip the X390 with an Intel vPro processor. Please keep in mind that vPro processors are more expensive than their conventional counterparts, though.

Lenovo has integrated its ThinkShutter webcam cover solution, which is handy. There is a Kensington lock slot too for minimising the risk of your laptop being stolen.

Accessories

Our review unit arrived with a mini Ethernet to RJ-45 dongle in the box. Lenovo included the usual set of warranty documentation too.

Warranty

The ThinkPad X395 comes with a three-year warranty by default. The warranty coverage includes a pick-up and returns service and can be extended when configuring the device.

Please see our Guarantees, Return Policies & Warranties FAQ for country-specific information.

Display - A bright & contrast-rich IPS panel

Sub-pixel array
Sub-pixel array
Our review unit does not suffer from backlight bleeding
Our review unit does not suffer from backlight bleeding

Lenovo offers the X395 with three display options. A 1366x768 TN display is the entry-level panel, while the matte Full HD IPS panel in our review unit is the mid-range choice. Lenovo sells a touch-enabled version of the IPS panel too. The display in our review unit is identical to that of the one with which Lenovo equipped our X390 review unit.

The display in the X395 reached an average maximum luminosity of 336 cd/m² according to X-Rite i1Pro 2, which is brighter than all but the EliteBook x360 1030 G3 of our comparison devices. The EliteBook x360 1030 G3 achieved 443 cd/m² in the same tests, but 336 cd/m² is still a good value. The display in the X395 is also 88% evenly lit, putting it on par with our comparison devices. Our review unit does not suffer from backlight bleeding, at least to our eyes, which is a bonus.

314
cd/m²
331
cd/m²
320
cd/m²
347
cd/m²
356
cd/m²
340
cd/m²
341
cd/m²
342
cd/m²
332
cd/m²
Distribution of brightness
LP133WF7-SPB1 tested with X-Rite i1Pro 2
Maximum: 356 cd/m² (Nits) Average: 335.9 cd/m² Minimum: 2.9 cd/m²
Brightness Distribution: 88 %
Center on Battery: 300 cd/m²
Contrast: 2225:1 (Black: 0.16 cd/m²)
ΔE Color 3.6 | 0.5-29.43 Ø5, calibrated: 1.11
ΔE Greyscale 4.7 | 0.57-98 Ø5.3
96% sRGB (Argyll 1.6.3 3D)
61% AdobeRGB 1998 (Argyll 1.6.3 3D)
65.8% AdobeRGB 1998 (Argyll 2.2.0 3D)
95.2% sRGB (Argyll 2.2.0 3D)
64.1% Display P3 (Argyll 2.2.0 3D)
Gamma: 2.92
Lenovo ThinkPad X395
LP133WF7-SPB1, , 1920x1080, 13.30
Lenovo ThinkPad X390-20Q1S02M00
LP133WF7-SPB1, , 1920x1080, 13.30
HP EliteBook x360 1030 G3
Chi Mei CMN1380, , 1920x1080, 13.30
Lenovo ThinkPad X390 Yoga-20NQS05R00
LP133WF7-SPA1, , 1920x1080, 13.30
Huawei Matebook 13-53010FYW
Chi Mei CMN8201, , 2160x1440, 13.00
Dell Latitude 5300
LGD05ED-133WF6, , 1920x1080, 13.30
Display
1%
3%
2%
5%
3%
Display P3 Coverage
64.1
65.3
2%
66.1
3%
65.2
2%
68.1
6%
68.2
6%
sRGB Coverage
95.2
95.9
1%
97.8
3%
97
2%
99.3
4%
94.4
-1%
AdobeRGB 1998 Coverage
65.8
66.6
1%
67.8
3%
67.3
2%
69.7
6%
68.7
4%
Response Times
-6%
25%
-2%
13%
23%
Response Time Grey 50% / Grey 80% *
55 ?(26, 29)
57.6 ?(28.4, 29.2)
-5%
39.2 ?(20.4, 18.8)
29%
59.2 ?(30, 29.2)
-8%
43.2 ?(23.6, 19.6)
21%
38 ?(19.6, 18.4)
31%
Response Time Black / White *
32 ?(18, 14)
34 ?(18.4, 15.6)
-6%
25.6 ?(14, 11.6)
20%
30.8 ?(16.8, 14)
4%
30.4 ?(17.2, 13.2)
5%
27.2 ?(16, 11.2)
15%
PWM Frequency
26040 ?(62)
60240 ?(30)
Screen
0%
-9%
-21%
-21%
-14%
Brightness middle
356
356
0%
470.1
32%
319
-10%
356
0%
326
-8%
Brightness
336
336
0%
443
32%
306
-9%
346
3%
313
-7%
Brightness Distribution
88
88
0%
88
0%
90
2%
86
-2%
87
-1%
Black Level *
0.16
0.16
-0%
0.38
-138%
0.15
6%
0.35
-119%
0.27
-69%
Contrast
2225
2225
0%
1237
-44%
2127
-4%
1017
-54%
1207
-46%
Colorchecker dE 2000 *
3.6
3.6
-0%
2.47
31%
6.1
-69%
3.3
8%
3.2
11%
Colorchecker dE 2000 max. *
5.5
5.5
-0%
5.73
-4%
9.7
-76%
8.7
-58%
6.3
-15%
Colorchecker dE 2000 calibrated *
1.11
1.1
1%
1.52
-37%
1
10%
1.1
1%
1.6
-44%
Greyscale dE 2000 *
4.7
4.7
-0%
3.7
21%
8.6
-83%
5.8
-23%
3.8
19%
Gamma
2.92 75%
2.48 89%
2.35 94%
2.62 84%
2.21 100%
2.14 103%
CCT
6222 104%
6374 102%
7373 88%
6613 98%
6670 97%
6900 94%
Color Space (Percent of AdobeRGB 1998)
61
61.3
0%
62
2%
61.9
1%
64.1
5%
63.8
5%
Color Space (Percent of sRGB)
96
95.7
0%
98.2
2%
96.8
1%
99.4
4%
94.8
-1%
Total Average (Program / Settings)
-2% / -0%
6% / -3%
-7% / -14%
-1% / -12%
4% / -6%

* ... smaller is better

The black level and contrast ratio of our review unit are as good as those that the X390 achieved, with both outperforming the competition overall. The X395 also had low colour deviations out of the box, but these could be further reduced by calibrating the display. You can try our calibrated profile by downloading the corresponding ICC file found in the box above our comparison table. The X395 covers 96% of the sRGB colour space and 61% of AdobeRGB too, which is in the region of our comparison devices.

The display's response times are a little slow for our tastes, but they are still tolerable enough for a business laptop. They are a touch too high in our opinion, though.

96% sRGB colour-space coverage
96% sRGB colour-space coverage
61% AdobeRGB colour-space coverage
61% AdobeRGB colour-space coverage
Using the ThinkPad X395 outside under direct sunlight
Using the ThinkPad X395 outside under direct sunlight

We had no issues with using the X395 outdoors, with its bright screen remaining readable even on sunny days. Its matte finish diffuses reflections well too, while its high contrast ratio and low black level ensure that content does not look washed-out.

Display Response Times

Display response times show how fast the screen is able to change from one color to the next. Slow response times can lead to afterimages and can cause moving objects to appear blurry (ghosting). Gamers of fast-paced 3D titles should pay special attention to fast response times.
       Response Time Black to White
32 ms ... rise ↗ and fall ↘ combined↗ 18 ms rise
↘ 14 ms fall
The screen shows slow response rates in our tests and will be unsatisfactory for gamers.
In comparison, all tested devices range from 0.1 (minimum) to 240 (maximum) ms. » 84 % of all devices are better.
This means that the measured response time is worse than the average of all tested devices (21.6 ms).
       Response Time 50% Grey to 80% Grey
55 ms ... rise ↗ and fall ↘ combined↗ 26 ms rise
↘ 29 ms fall
The screen shows slow response rates in our tests and will be unsatisfactory for gamers.
In comparison, all tested devices range from 0.2 (minimum) to 636 (maximum) ms. » 90 % of all devices are better.
This means that the measured response time is worse than the average of all tested devices (33.9 ms).

Screen Flickering / PWM (Pulse-Width Modulation)

To dim the screen, some notebooks will simply cycle the backlight on and off in rapid succession - a method called Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) . This cycling frequency should ideally be undetectable to the human eye. If said frequency is too low, users with sensitive eyes may experience strain or headaches or even notice the flickering altogether.
Screen flickering / PWM not detected

In comparison: 53 % of all tested devices do not use PWM to dim the display. If PWM was detected, an average of 18110 (minimum: 5 - maximum: 3846000) Hz was measured.

The X395 also has stable viewing angles thanks to its IPS display. While its viewing angles are not perfect, the slight distortions that do occur should not affect readability in daily use.

Viewing angles - identical to those of the ThinkPad X390
Viewing angles - identical to those of the ThinkPad X390

Performance - A ThinkPad with a handbrake

Our review unit suffers from no DPC latency issues
Our review unit suffers from no DPC latency issues

The X395 makes no secret of its business ambitions, with Lenovo including not only several security features but also a smartcard reader. The Ryzen 3 PRO 3300U offers a good balance between performance and noise too, making the X395 quiet enough for use as an office laptop.

Incidentally, LatencyMon picked up no high latency interrupts during our tests. We ran LatencyMon for two minutes, for reference.

Processor

While our review unit comes with a Ryzen 3 PRO 3300U processor, you can also configure the X395 with a Ryzen 5 PRO 3500U or AMD Ryzen 7 PRO 3700U should you need more performance. The Ryzen 3 PRO 3300U compares best with the Core i3-8145U, with which you can configure the X390. However, since our X390 review unit came with a Core i5-8265U instead of a Core i3-8145U, the Latitude 3400 has the most comparable CPU performance to that of the X395 of our comparison devices.

The Ryzen 3 PRO 3300U is a quad-core processor and can only execute one thread per core as it does not support simultaneous multithreading (SMT). Its integrated Radeon RX Vega 6 GPU is best compared with the Intel UHD Graphics 630 in a broad sense, putting it in the entry-level segment of mobile GPUs.

Our review unit throttled by around 14% under sustained load, a demonstration of which you can see in our Cinebench R15 Multi 64Bit looped benchmark chart below. The X395 throttles during the second and third benchmark pass-throughs, which is behaviour that our comparison devices replicate. While the X395 scores 37% more than the Latitude 3400 in CB R15 Multi 64Bit, it falls 2% short of the EliteBook x360 1030 G3 and scores 18% less than the X390. The X395 has worse single-core performance than all our comparison devices too.

The X395 throttles its CPU heavily when running on battery too. Our review unit scored 24% less in CB R15 Multi 64Bit on battery than when we tested it running on mains power, for reference.

Cinebench R15
Cinebench R15
Cinebench R15 scores on battery
Cinebench R15 scores on battery
Cinebench R11.5
Cinebench R11.5
Cinebench R10
Cinebench R10
03570105140175210245280315350385420455490525560595630665Tooltip
Lenovo ThinkPad X395 AMD Ryzen 3 PRO 3300U, AMD Ryzen 3 PRO 3300U: Ø416 (400.15-479.45)
Lenovo ThinkPad X390-20Q1S02M00 Intel Core i5-8265U, Intel Core i5-8265U: Ø569 (552-686)
HP EliteBook x360 1030 G3 Intel Core i5-8250U, Intel Core i5-8250U: Ø483 (463.47-532.04)
Dell Latitude 3400 Intel Core i3-8145U, Intel Core i3-8145U: Ø313 (269.14-350.09)
Cinebench R15
CPU Single 64Bit
Average of class Subnotebook
  (91.8 - 280, n=62, last 2 years)
234 Points +86%
Lenovo ThinkPad X390 Yoga-20NQS05R00
Intel Core i7-8565U
179 Points +42%
Huawei Matebook 13-53010FYW
Intel Core i7-8565U
175 Points +39%
Lenovo ThinkPad X390-20Q1S02M00
Intel Core i5-8265U
158 Points +25%
Dell Latitude 3400
Intel Core i3-8145U
154 Points +22%
HP EliteBook x360 1030 G3
Intel Core i5-8250U
141 Points +12%
Lenovo ThinkPad X395
AMD Ryzen 3 PRO 3300U
126 Points
Average AMD Ryzen 3 PRO 3300U
 
126 Points 0%
CPU Multi 64Bit
Average of class Subnotebook
  (514 - 2581, n=70, last 2 years)
1705 Points +254%
Lenovo ThinkPad X390-20Q1S02M00
Intel Core i5-8265U
686 (552min - 686max) Points +43%
Huawei Matebook 13-53010FYW
Intel Core i7-8565U
685 Points +42%
Lenovo ThinkPad X390 Yoga-20NQS05R00
Intel Core i7-8565U
623 (498.14min - 623.19max) Points +30%
HP EliteBook x360 1030 G3
Intel Core i5-8250U
532 Points +11%
Lenovo ThinkPad X395
AMD Ryzen 3 PRO 3300U
481 Points
Average AMD Ryzen 3 PRO 3300U
 
481 Points 0%
Dell Latitude 3400
Intel Core i3-8145U
350 Points -27%
Cinebench R11.5
CPU Single 64Bit
Average of class Subnotebook
  (1.38 - 3.33, n=12, last 2 years)
2.84 Points +99%
HP EliteBook x360 1030 G3
Intel Core i5-8250U
1.63 Points +14%
Lenovo ThinkPad X395
AMD Ryzen 3 PRO 3300U
1.43 Points
Average AMD Ryzen 3 PRO 3300U
 
1.43 Points 0%
CPU Multi 64Bit
Average of class Subnotebook
  (9.23 - 30, n=12, last 2 years)
21.7 Points +293%
Lenovo ThinkPad X395
AMD Ryzen 3 PRO 3300U
5.52 Points
Average AMD Ryzen 3 PRO 3300U
 
5.52 Points 0%
HP EliteBook x360 1030 G3
Intel Core i5-8250U
5.41 Points -2%
Cinebench R10
Rendering Single CPUs 64Bit
Average of class Subnotebook
  (11845 - 82102, n=6, last 2 years)
24548 Points +283%
Lenovo ThinkPad X395
AMD Ryzen 3 PRO 3300U
6410 Points
Average AMD Ryzen 3 PRO 3300U
 
6410 Points 0%
Rendering Multiple CPUs 64Bit
Average of class Subnotebook
  (13726 - 70566, n=6, last 2 years)
51405 Points +127%
Lenovo ThinkPad X395
AMD Ryzen 3 PRO 3300U
22657 Points
Average AMD Ryzen 3 PRO 3300U
 
22657 Points 0%
Cinebench R10 Shading 64Bit
7069 Points
Cinebench R10 Rendering Multiple CPUs 64Bit
22657 Points
Cinebench R10 Rendering Single CPUs 64Bit
6410 Points
Cinebench R11.5 CPU Multi 64Bit
5.52 Points
Cinebench R11.5 OpenGL 64Bit
42.86 fps
Cinebench R11.5 CPU Single 64Bit
1.43 Points
Cinebench R15 CPU Single 64Bit
126 Points
Cinebench R15 Ref. Match 64Bit
98 %
Cinebench R15 OpenGL 64Bit
46.42 fps
Cinebench R15 CPU Multi 64Bit
481 Points
Help

System Performance

The X395 performed well in PCMark benchmarks and consistently outscored the class average. However, it generally falls around 6 to 12% short of the X390, a deficit that widens when we compare the X395 against our other comparison devices. Everything runs smoothly in everyday working life, though; even videos always played back without any issues.

PCMark 8 Home
PCMark 8 Home
PCMark 8 Work
PCMark 8 Work
PCMark 10
PCMark 10
PCMark 10
Score
Average of class Subnotebook
  (4384 - 7428, n=56, last 2 years)
5810 Points +61%
Huawei Matebook 13-53010FYW
UHD Graphics 620, i7-8565U, WDC PC SN520 SDAPNUW-512G
4138 Points +15%
Lenovo ThinkPad X390 Yoga-20NQS05R00
UHD Graphics 620, i7-8565U, Intel SSD Pro 7600p SSDPEKKF512G8L
4134 Points +15%
Dell Latitude 5300
UHD Graphics 620, i5-8365U, SK Hynix PC401 512GB M.2 (HFS512GD9TNG)
4086 Points +13%
Lenovo ThinkPad X390-20Q1S02M00
UHD Graphics 620, i5-8265U, Intel SSD Pro 7600p SSDPEKKF512G8L
3832 Points +6%
HP EliteBook x360 1030 G3
UHD Graphics 620, i5-8250U, Samsung PM871b MZNLN128HAHQ
3695 Points +2%
Lenovo ThinkPad X395
Vega 6, R3 PRO 3300U, Samsung SSD PM981a MZVLB256HBHQ
3606 Points
Average AMD Ryzen 3 PRO 3300U, AMD Radeon RX Vega 6 (Ryzen 2000/3000)
 
3606 Points 0%
Essentials
Average of class Subnotebook
  (8890 - 11168, n=56, last 2 years)
10202 Points +39%
Lenovo ThinkPad X390 Yoga-20NQS05R00
UHD Graphics 620, i7-8565U, Intel SSD Pro 7600p SSDPEKKF512G8L
9029 Points +23%
Dell Latitude 5300
UHD Graphics 620, i5-8365U, SK Hynix PC401 512GB M.2 (HFS512GD9TNG)
8863 Points +21%
Huawei Matebook 13-53010FYW
UHD Graphics 620, i7-8565U, WDC PC SN520 SDAPNUW-512G
8535 Points +16%
HP EliteBook x360 1030 G3
UHD Graphics 620, i5-8250U, Samsung PM871b MZNLN128HAHQ
8356 Points +14%
Lenovo ThinkPad X390-20Q1S02M00
UHD Graphics 620, i5-8265U, Intel SSD Pro 7600p SSDPEKKF512G8L
7982 Points +9%
Lenovo ThinkPad X395
Vega 6, R3 PRO 3300U, Samsung SSD PM981a MZVLB256HBHQ
7351 Points
Average AMD Ryzen 3 PRO 3300U, AMD Radeon RX Vega 6 (Ryzen 2000/3000)
 
7351 Points 0%
Productivity
Average of class Subnotebook
  (6213 - 10279, n=56, last 2 years)
7803 Points +42%
Huawei Matebook 13-53010FYW
UHD Graphics 620, i7-8565U, WDC PC SN520 SDAPNUW-512G
7171 Points +31%
Lenovo ThinkPad X390 Yoga-20NQS05R00
UHD Graphics 620, i7-8565U, Intel SSD Pro 7600p SSDPEKKF512G8L
7066 Points +29%
Dell Latitude 5300
UHD Graphics 620, i5-8365U, SK Hynix PC401 512GB M.2 (HFS512GD9TNG)
6623 Points +21%
Lenovo ThinkPad X390-20Q1S02M00
UHD Graphics 620, i5-8265U, Intel SSD Pro 7600p SSDPEKKF512G8L
6273 Points +14%
HP EliteBook x360 1030 G3
UHD Graphics 620, i5-8250U, Samsung PM871b MZNLN128HAHQ
5739 Points +5%
Lenovo ThinkPad X395
Vega 6, R3 PRO 3300U, Samsung SSD PM981a MZVLB256HBHQ
5484 Points
Average AMD Ryzen 3 PRO 3300U, AMD Radeon RX Vega 6 (Ryzen 2000/3000)
 
5484 Points 0%
Digital Content Creation
Average of class Subnotebook
  (4093 - 9749, n=56, last 2 years)
6758 Points +114%
Lenovo ThinkPad X395
Vega 6, R3 PRO 3300U, Samsung SSD PM981a MZVLB256HBHQ
3158 Points
Average AMD Ryzen 3 PRO 3300U, AMD Radeon RX Vega 6 (Ryzen 2000/3000)
 
3158 Points 0%
Dell Latitude 5300
UHD Graphics 620, i5-8365U, SK Hynix PC401 512GB M.2 (HFS512GD9TNG)
3154 Points 0%
Huawei Matebook 13-53010FYW
UHD Graphics 620, i7-8565U, WDC PC SN520 SDAPNUW-512G
3142 Points -1%
Lenovo ThinkPad X390-20Q1S02M00
UHD Graphics 620, i5-8265U, Intel SSD Pro 7600p SSDPEKKF512G8L
3050 Points -3%
Lenovo ThinkPad X390 Yoga-20NQS05R00
UHD Graphics 620, i7-8565U, Intel SSD Pro 7600p SSDPEKKF512G8L
3005 Points -5%
HP EliteBook x360 1030 G3
UHD Graphics 620, i5-8250U, Samsung PM871b MZNLN128HAHQ
2855 Points -10%
PCMark 8
Home Score Accelerated v2
Average of class Subnotebook
  (4730 - 5285, n=3, last 2 years)
5030 Points +54%
Lenovo ThinkPad X390 Yoga-20NQS05R00
UHD Graphics 620, i7-8565U, Intel SSD Pro 7600p SSDPEKKF512G8L
3668 Points +13%
Lenovo ThinkPad X390-20Q1S02M00
UHD Graphics 620, i5-8265U, Intel SSD Pro 7600p SSDPEKKF512G8L
3629 Points +11%
Huawei Matebook 13-53010FYW
UHD Graphics 620, i7-8565U, WDC PC SN520 SDAPNUW-512G
3587 Points +10%
Dell Latitude 5300
UHD Graphics 620, i5-8365U, SK Hynix PC401 512GB M.2 (HFS512GD9TNG)
3546 Points +9%
HP EliteBook x360 1030 G3
UHD Graphics 620, i5-8250U, Samsung PM871b MZNLN128HAHQ
3453 Points +6%
Lenovo ThinkPad X395
Vega 6, R3 PRO 3300U, Samsung SSD PM981a MZVLB256HBHQ
3260 Points
Average AMD Ryzen 3 PRO 3300U, AMD Radeon RX Vega 6 (Ryzen 2000/3000)
 
3260 Points 0%
Work Score Accelerated v2
Lenovo ThinkPad X390 Yoga-20NQS05R00
UHD Graphics 620, i7-8565U, Intel SSD Pro 7600p SSDPEKKF512G8L
5071 Points +16%
Huawei Matebook 13-53010FYW
UHD Graphics 620, i7-8565U, WDC PC SN520 SDAPNUW-512G
4958 Points +14%
Lenovo ThinkPad X390-20Q1S02M00
UHD Graphics 620, i5-8265U, Intel SSD Pro 7600p SSDPEKKF512G8L
4896 Points +12%
Lenovo ThinkPad X395
Vega 6, R3 PRO 3300U, Samsung SSD PM981a MZVLB256HBHQ
4356 Points
Average AMD Ryzen 3 PRO 3300U, AMD Radeon RX Vega 6 (Ryzen 2000/3000)
 
4356 Points 0%
HP EliteBook x360 1030 G3
UHD Graphics 620, i5-8250U, Samsung PM871b MZNLN128HAHQ
4336 Points 0%
Average of class Subnotebook
  (2972 - 5271, n=3, last 2 years)
3805 Points -13%
PCMark 8 Home Score Accelerated v2
3260 points
PCMark 8 Work Score Accelerated v2
4356 points
PCMark 10 Score
3606 points
Help

Storage Devices

Lenovo equips the X395 with a 256 GB Samsung PM981a, although the company allows you to configure the device with 512 GB or 1 TB drives should you need more storage. The PM981a is one of the fastest SSDs that we have tested, with our review unit only averaging slower transfer speeds than the ThinkPad X390 Yoga and its Intel SSD 760p Pro of our comparison devices in CrystalDiskMark. Transfer speeds wavered in AS SSD slightly, but the X395 generally has a much faster drive than our other comparison devices.

AS SSD
AS SSD
AS SSD Copy
AS SSD Copy
CrystalDiskMark 3
CrystalDiskMark 3
CrystalDiskMark 5
CrystalDiskMark 5
Lenovo ThinkPad X395
Samsung SSD PM981a MZVLB256HBHQ
Lenovo ThinkPad X390-20Q1S02M00
Intel SSD Pro 7600p SSDPEKKF512G8L
HP EliteBook x360 1030 G3
Samsung PM871b MZNLN128HAHQ
Dell Latitude 5300
SK Hynix PC401 512GB M.2 (HFS512GD9TNG)
Lenovo ThinkPad X390 Yoga-20NQS05R00
Intel SSD Pro 7600p SSDPEKKF512G8L
Huawei Matebook 13-53010FYW
WDC PC SN520 SDAPNUW-512G
Average Samsung SSD PM981a MZVLB256HBHQ
 
CrystalDiskMark 5.2 / 6
-2%
-57%
-9%
13%
35%
8%
Write 4K
129.4
120.7
-7%
64.3
-50%
119.2
-8%
144.1
11%
191.2
48%
135.2 ?(87.2 - 169.7, n=15)
4%
Read 4K
41.6
58.5
41%
34.13
-18%
41.43
0%
63.5
53%
53.1
28%
44.6 ?(36 - 58.2, n=15)
7%
Write Seq
2334
1491
-36%
466.4
-80%
1240
-47%
1496
-36%
1768
-24%
2091 ?(1761 - 2343, n=14)
-10%
Read Seq
2151
2760
28%
498.3
-77%
1668
-22%
2677
24%
1710
-21%
2097 ?(1359 - 2516, n=14)
-3%
Write 4K Q32T1
234
237.5
1%
193.3
-17%
381.7
63%
357.4
53%
575
146%
370 ?(208 - 526, n=15)
58%
Read 4K Q32T1
325.7
336.1
3%
179.7
-45%
371.5
14%
482.3
48%
654
101%
372 ?(149.5 - 514, n=15)
14%
Write Seq Q32T1
2348
1512
-36%
396.8
-83%
1369
-42%
1558
-34%
2544
8%
2308 ?(1896 - 2354, n=15)
-2%
Read Seq Q32T1
3563
3154
-11%
547
-85%
2652
-26%
3021
-15%
3433
-4%
3395 ?(2268 - 3569, n=15)
-5%
Write 4K Q8T8
1065
989
208
Read 4K Q8T8
891
883
383
AS SSD
26%
-63%
-12%
21%
30%
5%
Seq Read
2234
2689
20%
488.2
-78%
2123
-5%
2742
23%
2934
31%
2276 ?(992 - 2980, n=15)
2%
Seq Write
2110
1462
-31%
403.2
-81%
744
-65%
1511
-28%
2407
14%
1486 ?(391 - 2187, n=15)
-30%
4K Read
45.78
63.8
39%
31.07
-32%
43.02
-6%
66.3
45%
48.31
6%
49.6 ?(40.3 - 60.3, n=15)
8%
4K Write
102.7
139.8
36%
70.8
-31%
117.4
14%
175.2
71%
179.7
75%
129.5 ?(78 - 188.4, n=15)
26%
4K-64 Read
903
865
-4%
255.1
-72%
680
-25%
873
-3%
1296
44%
683 ?(504 - 947, n=15)
-24%
4K-64 Write
986
1041
6%
156.5
-84%
1039
5%
594
-40%
1459
48%
895 ?(282 - 1970, n=15)
-9%
Access Time Read *
0.064
0.037
42%
0.093
-45%
0.057
11%
0.035
45%
0.103
-61%
0.06433 ?(0.046 - 0.089, n=15)
-1%
Access Time Write *
0.042
0.024
43%
0.048
-14%
0.051
-21%
0.021
50%
0.021
50%
0.04793 ?(0.022 - 0.104, n=15)
-14%
Score Read
1172
1198
2%
335
-71%
935
-20%
1213
3%
1638
40%
960 ?(733 - 1212, n=15)
-18%
Score Write
1300
1328
2%
268
-79%
1230
-5%
920
-29%
1879
45%
1173 ?(593 - 2214, n=15)
-10%
Score Total
3075
3095
1%
781
-75%
2586
-16%
2712
-12%
4334
41%
2598 ?(1649 - 3862, n=15)
-16%
Copy ISO MB/s
1008
1290
28%
208.1
-79%
1725
71%
1474 ?(1008 - 1962, n=10)
46%
Copy Program MB/s
237.6
436.5
84%
74.3
-69%
418.3
76%
426 ?(71 - 847, n=10)
79%
Copy Game MB/s
572
1147
101%
164.5
-71%
687
20%
760 ?(278 - 1632, n=10)
33%
Total Average (Program / Settings)
12% / 16%
-60% / -61%
-11% / -11%
17% / 18%
33% / 32%
7% / 6%

* ... smaller is better

Samsung SSD PM981a MZVLB256HBHQ
Sequential Read: 2496 MB/s
Sequential Write: 2325 MB/s
512K Read: 1710 MB/s
512K Write: 530 MB/s
4K Read: 41.06 MB/s
4K Write: 117.3 MB/s
4K QD32 Read: 295.4 MB/s
4K QD32 Write: 216.7 MB/s

Graphics Card

The Radeon RX Vega 6 will not play modern triple-A titles at 1080p, but it will handle video-decoding with ease and handily outscores the Intel UHD Graphics 620 in 3DMark 11. Our review unit obliterates our comparison devices in this regard, which all come with Intel UHD Graphics 620, outscoring them by between 73 and 91%. 3DMark 2013 paints a similar picture too. In short, the X395 has significantly better 3D performance than its Intel-powered competitors.

The X395 maintains its GPU performance when running on battery too. While it scored slightly less in 3DMark 11 when we tested it on battery compared to on mains power, the difference is within a margin of error.

3DMark 11
3DMark 11
3DMark 11 scores on battery
3DMark 11 scores on battery
3DMark Fire Strike
3DMark Fire Strike
3DMark Cloud Gate
3DMark Cloud Gate
3DMark 11 - 1280x720 Performance GPU
Average of class Subnotebook
  (2979 - 16904, n=55, last 2 years)
8016 Points +141%
Lenovo ThinkPad X395
AMD Radeon RX Vega 6 (Ryzen 2000/3000), AMD Ryzen 3 PRO 3300U
3325 Points
Average AMD Radeon RX Vega 6 (Ryzen 2000/3000)
  (2986 - 3325, n=3)
3101 Points -7%
Huawei Matebook 13-53010FYW
Intel UHD Graphics 620, Intel Core i7-8565U
1927 Points -42%
Dell Latitude 5300
Intel UHD Graphics 620, Intel Core i5-8365U
1926 Points -42%
Lenovo ThinkPad X390-20Q1S02M00
Intel UHD Graphics 620, Intel Core i5-8265U
1841 Points -45%
Lenovo ThinkPad X390 Yoga-20NQS05R00
Intel UHD Graphics 620, Intel Core i7-8565U
1806 Points -46%
HP EliteBook x360 1030 G3
Intel UHD Graphics 620, Intel Core i5-8250U
1738 Points -48%
3DMark
1280x720 Cloud Gate Standard Graphics
Average of class Subnotebook
  (13768 - 65911, n=40, last 2 years)
29002 Points +73%
Average AMD Radeon RX Vega 6 (Ryzen 2000/3000)
  (15850 - 18140, n=3)
16926 Points +1%
Lenovo ThinkPad X395
AMD Radeon RX Vega 6 (Ryzen 2000/3000), AMD Ryzen 3 PRO 3300U
16787 Points
Lenovo ThinkPad X390 Yoga-20NQS05R00
Intel UHD Graphics 620, Intel Core i7-8565U
10322 Points -39%
Huawei Matebook 13-53010FYW
Intel UHD Graphics 620, Intel Core i7-8565U
10255 Points -39%
Lenovo ThinkPad X390-20Q1S02M00
Intel UHD Graphics 620, Intel Core i5-8265U
10126 Points -40%
HP EliteBook x360 1030 G3
Intel UHD Graphics 620, Intel Core i5-8250U
9478 Points -44%
1920x1080 Fire Strike Graphics
Average of class Subnotebook
  (2837 - 12349, n=59, last 2 years)
5881 Points +162%
Lenovo ThinkPad X395
AMD Radeon RX Vega 6 (Ryzen 2000/3000), AMD Ryzen 3 PRO 3300U
2245 Points
Average AMD Radeon RX Vega 6 (Ryzen 2000/3000)
  (2064 - 2312, n=3)
2207 Points -2%
Huawei Matebook 13-53010FYW
Intel UHD Graphics 620, Intel Core i7-8565U
1339 Points -40%
Lenovo ThinkPad X390 Yoga-20NQS05R00
Intel UHD Graphics 620, Intel Core i7-8565U
1278 Points -43%
Lenovo ThinkPad X390-20Q1S02M00
Intel UHD Graphics 620, Intel Core i5-8265U
1266 Points -44%
3DMark 11 Performance
3425 points
3DMark Cloud Gate Standard Score
10619 points
3DMark Fire Strike Score
2025 points
Help

Gaming Performance

While the Radeon RX Vega 6 is more powerful than its Intel counterparts, the GPU will struggle to play triple-A titles at 1080p. Oddly, neither Windows, the Radeon nor Catalyst drivers supported some resolutions like 1366x768 for some reason.

However, the X395 can play older games like The Witcher 3 at 1024x768 on the low graphics preset. While none of our UHD Graphics 620-powered comparison devices can average even 20 FPS on these lowly settings, our review unit managed a playable 38 FPS. In short, the X395 achieves over 125% higher frame rates than the X390 can manage. Similarly, the former averaged 46% higher frame rates in Rise of the Tomb Raider.

Our review unit managed a respectable 47.9 FPS in Rocket League too at 1080p and on the medium graphics preset. Overall, the X395 should be capable of playing most games, but you must make do with 768p or 720p for some demanding titles.

The Witcher 3
1024x768 Low Graphics & Postprocessing
Average of class Subnotebook
  (37 - 249, n=53, last 2 years)
99.5 fps +162%
Average AMD Radeon RX Vega 6 (Ryzen 2000/3000)
  (38 - 39, n=2)
38.5 fps +1%
Lenovo ThinkPad X395
AMD Ryzen 3 PRO 3300U, AMD Radeon RX Vega 6 (Ryzen 2000/3000)
38 fps
Lenovo ThinkPad X390 Yoga-20NQS05R00
Intel Core i7-8565U, Intel UHD Graphics 620
17.7 fps -53%
HP EliteBook x360 1030 G3
Intel Core i5-8250U, Intel UHD Graphics 620
17.2 fps -55%
Lenovo ThinkPad X390-20Q1S02M00
Intel Core i5-8265U, Intel UHD Graphics 620
16.9 fps -56%
1920x1080 High Graphics & Postprocessing (Nvidia HairWorks Off)
Average of class Subnotebook
  (11.2 - 92, n=57, last 2 years)
34.4 fps +255%
Lenovo ThinkPad X395
AMD Ryzen 3 PRO 3300U, AMD Radeon RX Vega 6 (Ryzen 2000/3000)
9.7 fps
Average AMD Radeon RX Vega 6 (Ryzen 2000/3000)
  (7.4 - 9.7, n=2)
8.55 fps -12%
HP EliteBook x360 1030 G3
Intel Core i5-8250U, Intel UHD Graphics 620
6.5 fps -33%
Rise of the Tomb Raider
1024x768 Lowest Preset
Lenovo ThinkPad X395
AMD Ryzen 3 PRO 3300U, AMD Radeon RX Vega 6 (Ryzen 2000/3000)
37.5 fps
Average AMD Radeon RX Vega 6 (Ryzen 2000/3000)
  (29.8 - 37.5, n=2)
33.7 fps -10%
Lenovo ThinkPad X390-20Q1S02M00
Intel Core i5-8265U, Intel UHD Graphics 620
25.7 fps -31%
Lenovo ThinkPad X390 Yoga-20NQS05R00
Intel Core i7-8565U, Intel UHD Graphics 620
23.3 fps -38%
HP EliteBook x360 1030 G3
Intel Core i5-8250U, Intel UHD Graphics 620
20.7 fps -45%
1920x1080 High Preset AA:FX AF:4x
Lenovo ThinkPad X395
AMD Ryzen 3 PRO 3300U, AMD Radeon RX Vega 6 (Ryzen 2000/3000)
12.4 fps
Average AMD Radeon RX Vega 6 (Ryzen 2000/3000)
  (9.7 - 12.4, n=2)
11.1 fps -10%
HP EliteBook x360 1030 G3
Intel Core i5-8250U, Intel UHD Graphics 620
6.6 fps -47%
Rocket League
1280x720 Performance
Lenovo ThinkPad X395
AMD Ryzen 3 PRO 3300U, AMD Radeon RX Vega 6 (Ryzen 2000/3000)
138.1 fps
Average AMD Radeon RX Vega 6 (Ryzen 2000/3000)
  (52.6 - 138.1, n=2)
95.4 fps -31%
1920x1080 Performance
Lenovo ThinkPad X395
AMD Ryzen 3 PRO 3300U, AMD Radeon RX Vega 6 (Ryzen 2000/3000)
78.9 fps
Average AMD Radeon RX Vega 6 (Ryzen 2000/3000)
  (42.2 - 78.9, n=2)
60.6 fps -23%
1920x1080 Quality AA:Medium FX
Lenovo ThinkPad X395
AMD Ryzen 3 PRO 3300U, AMD Radeon RX Vega 6 (Ryzen 2000/3000)
47.9 fps
Average AMD Radeon RX Vega 6 (Ryzen 2000/3000)
  (26.9 - 47.9, n=2)
37.4 fps -22%
1920x1080 High Quality AA:High FX
Lenovo ThinkPad X395
AMD Ryzen 3 PRO 3300U, AMD Radeon RX Vega 6 (Ryzen 2000/3000)
27.7 fps
Average AMD Radeon RX Vega 6 (Ryzen 2000/3000)
  (17.4 - 27.7, n=2)
22.6 fps -18%
low med. high ultra
The Witcher 3 (2015) 38 9.7
Rise of the Tomb Raider (2016) 37.5 12.4
Rocket League (2017) 138.1 47.9 27.7

Emissions - A cool and quiet subnotebook

Fan Noise

The X395 has a restrained fan, which often remains off at idle. The fan occasionally spins up to 30.2 dB(A) when idling and 34.3 dB(A) under load, but this is quiet enough to use the device even in noise-sensitive environments. We did not notice any annoying electrical interference like coil whine either, so the X395 should always operate at least quietly, if not silently during undemanding tasks.

Lenovo ThinkPad X395
Vega 6, R3 PRO 3300U, Samsung SSD PM981a MZVLB256HBHQ
Lenovo ThinkPad X390-20Q1S02M00
UHD Graphics 620, i5-8265U, Intel SSD Pro 7600p SSDPEKKF512G8L
HP EliteBook x360 1030 G3
UHD Graphics 620, i5-8250U, Samsung PM871b MZNLN128HAHQ
Lenovo ThinkPad X390 Yoga-20NQS05R00
UHD Graphics 620, i7-8565U, Intel SSD Pro 7600p SSDPEKKF512G8L
Huawei Matebook 13-53010FYW
UHD Graphics 620, i7-8565U, WDC PC SN520 SDAPNUW-512G
Dell Latitude 5300
UHD Graphics 620, i5-8365U, SK Hynix PC401 512GB M.2 (HFS512GD9TNG)
Noise
2%
6%
1%
4%
5%
off / environment *
30.2
29.2
3%
28.5
6%
29.2
3%
29.2
3%
28.8
5%
Idle Minimum *
30.2
29.2
3%
28.5
6%
29.2
3%
29.2
3%
28.8
5%
Idle Average *
30.2
29.2
3%
28.5
6%
29.2
3%
29.2
3%
28.8
5%
Idle Maximum *
30.2
29.2
3%
28.5
6%
29.2
3%
29.2
3%
29.8
1%
Load Average *
34.3
34.8
-1%
31.3
9%
35
-2%
31.7
8%
31.7
8%
Load Maximum *
34.3
34.8
-1%
33.5
2%
35
-2%
33
4%
33.2
3%

* ... smaller is better

Noise Level

Idle
30.2 / 30.2 / 30.2 dB(A)
Load
34.3 / 34.3 dB(A)
  red to green bar
 
 
30 dB
silent
40 dB(A)
audible
50 dB(A)
loud
 
min: dark, med: mid, max: light   Audix TM1, Arta (15 cm distance)   environment noise: 30.2 dB(A)
dB(A) 0102030405060708090Deep BassMiddle BassHigh BassLower RangeMidsHigher MidsLower HighsMid HighsUpper HighsSuper Highs2030.731.833.730.7253231.232.6323135.632.934.735.64031.130.433.231.15032.330.733.432.36329.828.327.929.88029.329.926.229.310032.12827.332.112531.124.82731.116024.424.523.624.420024.322.723.324.325022.922.322.722.931521.821.621.321.840021.321.820.221.350020.620.219.320.663019.52018.319.580020.620.41820.610002121.317.721125020.720.617.220.7160021.621.917.221.6200023.223.717.223.22500232317.52331502424.117.424400024.824.817.824.8500023.223.317.923.263002120.817.921800019.519.51819.51000018.718.71818.71250018.218.117.818.21600018.218.117.718.2SPL34.434.430.234.4N2.121.42.1median 21.6median 21.8median 18median 21.6Delta21.81.52hearing rangehide median Fan NoiseLenovo ThinkPad X395

Temperature

The X395 also remains cooler than its competitors under load, especially the X390. The palm rest is always among the coolest areas on our review unit, with excess heat concentrating on the middle of the right-hand side of the chassis.

We expected as much considering that this is also the location of the fan vent from which all excess heat is ejected. A vent on the left or back of the device would probably have better positions for most people, as the vent exhausts warm air over the area where an external mouse would typically be used. However, this will not be an issue if you connect your device to an external monitor on a desk or do not plan to use an external mouse.

Lenovo ThinkPad X395
Vega 6, R3 PRO 3300U, Samsung SSD PM981a MZVLB256HBHQ
Lenovo ThinkPad X390-20Q1S02M00
UHD Graphics 620, i5-8265U, Intel SSD Pro 7600p SSDPEKKF512G8L
HP EliteBook x360 1030 G3
UHD Graphics 620, i5-8250U, Samsung PM871b MZNLN128HAHQ
Lenovo ThinkPad X390 Yoga-20NQS05R00
UHD Graphics 620, i7-8565U, Intel SSD Pro 7600p SSDPEKKF512G8L
Huawei Matebook 13-53010FYW
UHD Graphics 620, i7-8565U, WDC PC SN520 SDAPNUW-512G
Dell Latitude 5300
UHD Graphics 620, i5-8365U, SK Hynix PC401 512GB M.2 (HFS512GD9TNG)
Heat
4%
-4%
-11%
2%
-5%
Maximum Upper Side *
38.4
44.6
-16%
38
1%
41.7
-9%
39.7
-3%
43
-12%
Maximum Bottom *
39.7
41.1
-4%
45.4
-14%
50.1
-26%
44.4
-12%
53
-34%
Idle Upper Side *
28.1
23.2
17%
26.4
6%
27.8
1%
24.7
12%
23.9
15%
Idle Bottom *
28
22.8
19%
30
-7%
30.2
-8%
25.3
10%
24.7
12%

* ... smaller is better

Max. Load
 32 °C
90 F
38.4 °C
101 F
37 °C
99 F
 
 30.5 °C
87 F
36.9 °C
98 F
36.7 °C
98 F
 
 27.9 °C
82 F
28.5 °C
83 F
31 °C
88 F
 
Maximum: 38.4 °C = 101 F
Average: 33.2 °C = 92 F
38.8 °C
102 F
39.7 °C
103 F
33.4 °C
92 F
31.8 °C
89 F
36.4 °C
98 F
31.7 °C
89 F
29.2 °C
85 F
30.1 °C
86 F
28.8 °C
84 F
Maximum: 39.7 °C = 103 F
Average: 33.3 °C = 92 F
Power Supply (max.)  34 °C = 93 F | Room Temperature 22.4 °C = 72 F | FIRT 550-Pocket
(±) The average temperature for the upper side under maximal load is 33.2 °C / 92 F, compared to the average of 30.7 °C / 87 F for the devices in the class Subnotebook.
(+) The maximum temperature on the upper side is 38.4 °C / 101 F, compared to the average of 35.9 °C / 97 F, ranging from 21.4 to 59 °C for the class Subnotebook.
(+) The bottom heats up to a maximum of 39.7 °C / 103 F, compared to the average of 39.4 °C / 103 F
(+) In idle usage, the average temperature for the upper side is 26.7 °C / 80 F, compared to the device average of 30.7 °C / 87 F.
(+) The palmrests and touchpad are cooler than skin temperature with a maximum of 31 °C / 87.8 F and are therefore cool to the touch.
(-) The average temperature of the palmrest area of similar devices was 28.3 °C / 82.9 F (-2.7 °C / -4.9 F).

We also subjected the X395 to a combined FurMark and Prime95 stress test, after a few seconds of which the processor downclocked below its 2.1 GHz base close. Clock speeds gradually reduced further before levelling out at 1.4 GHz after an hour's stress testing. CPU core temperatures were at around 69 °C by the end of our stress test too, well below its critical operating temperature.

Likewise, the Radeon RX Vega 6 downclocked from 541 MHz at the start of our stress test to only 200 MHz after an hour of running FurMark and Prime95.

These tests reveal that Lenovo has throttled performance in favour of the X395 running quietly and coolly. While this is not necessarily a bad thing for an office laptop or subnotebook, the stubborn throttling is somewhat disappointing.

System information at the start of a FurMark and Prime95 stress test
System information at the start of a FurMark and Prime95 stress test
System information after an hour of FurMark and Prime95 stress testing
System information after an hour of FurMark and Prime95 stress testing
System information at the start of running AMDuProf
System information at the start of running AMDuProf
System information at the end of an AMDuProf stress test
System information at the end of an AMDuProf stress test
Heat map of the top of the device at idle
Heat map of the top of the device at idle
Heat map of the bottom of the device at idle
Heat map of the bottom of the device at idle
Heat map of the top of the device under load
Heat map of the top of the device under load
Heat map of the bottom of the device under load
Heat map of the bottom of the device under load

Speakers

One should not expect compact laptops with even smaller speakers to create a great soundscape. The speakers in the X395 are a bit too quiet for our liking and reproduce hardly any bass. You can connect external audio devices like speakers and headphone either via the 3.5 mm jack or Bluetooth. The former combines a microphone and headphone jack, for reference.

dB(A) 0102030405060708090Deep BassMiddle BassHigh BassLower RangeMidsHigher MidsLower HighsMid HighsUpper HighsSuper Highs2033.733.733.72535.932.635.93135.434.735.44030.933.230.95035.333.435.36328.127.928.18028.126.228.110029.427.329.412530.52730.516037.923.637.920040.123.340.125045.522.745.531559.321.359.340063.720.263.750057.619.357.663056.418.356.4800711871100068.317.768.3125062.117.262.1160059.117.259.1200060.217.260.225006417.564315060.617.460.6400064.417.864.4500059.517.959.5630058.617.958.680006118611000061.21861.21250058.817.858.8160005017.750SPL75.530.275.5N361.436median 59.3median 18median 59.3Delta6.11.56.135.335.132.931.831.83236.535.132.428.93328.936.328.848.32761.52752.924.860.92462.822.763.32269.521.267.82174.82075.919.472.718.97117.770.117.86917.671.817.668.117.671.417.673.717.670.417.571.617.671.617.669.617.459.717.583.630.662.51.5median 69.6median 17.84.72.4hearing rangehide median Pink NoiseLenovo ThinkPad X395Apple MacBook 12 (Early 2016) 1.1 GHz
Frequency diagram (checkboxes can be checked and unchecked to compare devices)
Lenovo ThinkPad X395 audio analysis

(-) | not very loud speakers (71 dB)
Bass 100 - 315 Hz
(-) | nearly no bass - on average 18.8% lower than median
(±) | linearity of bass is average (12.6% delta to prev. frequency)
Mids 400 - 2000 Hz
(+) | balanced mids - only 4.2% away from median
(±) | linearity of mids is average (11.9% delta to prev. frequency)
Highs 2 - 16 kHz
(+) | balanced highs - only 2.2% away from median
(+) | highs are linear (6.6% delta to prev. frequency)
Overall 100 - 16.000 Hz
(±) | linearity of overall sound is average (20.5% difference to median)
Compared to same class
» 61% of all tested devices in this class were better, 7% similar, 31% worse
» The best had a delta of 5%, average was 19%, worst was 53%
Compared to all devices tested
» 49% of all tested devices were better, 8% similar, 43% worse
» The best had a delta of 4%, average was 25%, worst was 134%

Apple MacBook 12 (Early 2016) 1.1 GHz audio analysis

(+) | speakers can play relatively loud (83.6 dB)
Bass 100 - 315 Hz
(±) | reduced bass - on average 11.3% lower than median
(±) | linearity of bass is average (14.2% delta to prev. frequency)
Mids 400 - 2000 Hz
(+) | balanced mids - only 2.4% away from median
(+) | mids are linear (5.5% delta to prev. frequency)
Highs 2 - 16 kHz
(+) | balanced highs - only 2% away from median
(+) | highs are linear (4.5% delta to prev. frequency)
Overall 100 - 16.000 Hz
(+) | overall sound is linear (10.2% difference to median)
Compared to same class
» 5% of all tested devices in this class were better, 2% similar, 93% worse
» The best had a delta of 5%, average was 19%, worst was 53%
Compared to all devices tested
» 3% of all tested devices were better, 1% similar, 96% worse
» The best had a delta of 4%, average was 25%, worst was 134%

Power Management - An economic and long-lasting Lenovo laptop

Power Consumption

The X395 has comparatively low power consumption. Our review unit remains economical even under sustained load, and more so than all but the EliteBook x360 1030 G3 of our comparison devices. The 65 W power supply that Lenovo includes in the box is powerful enough to keep the X395 charging even under full load.

Power Consumption
Off / Standbydarklight 0.3 / 0.55 Watt
Idledarkmidlight 4 / 6.3 / 9.3 Watt
Load midlight 34 / 42 Watt
 color bar
Key: min: dark, med: mid, max: light        Metrahit Energy
Currently we use the Metrahit Energy, a professional single phase power quality and energy measurement digital multimeter, for our measurements. Find out more about it here. All of our test methods can be found here.
Lenovo ThinkPad X395
R3 PRO 3300U, Vega 6, Samsung SSD PM981a MZVLB256HBHQ, IPS, 1920x1080, 13.30
Lenovo ThinkPad X390-20Q1S02M00
i5-8265U, UHD Graphics 620, Intel SSD Pro 7600p SSDPEKKF512G8L, IPS LED, 1920x1080, 13.30
HP EliteBook x360 1030 G3
i5-8250U, UHD Graphics 620, Samsung PM871b MZNLN128HAHQ, IPS, 1920x1080, 13.30
Lenovo ThinkPad X390 Yoga-20NQS05R00
i7-8565U, UHD Graphics 620, Intel SSD Pro 7600p SSDPEKKF512G8L, IPS LED, 1920x1080, 13.30
Huawei Matebook 13-53010FYW
i7-8565U, UHD Graphics 620, WDC PC SN520 SDAPNUW-512G, IPS, 2160x1440, 13.00
Dell Latitude 5300
i5-8365U, UHD Graphics 620, SK Hynix PC401 512GB M.2 (HFS512GD9TNG), IPS, 1920x1080, 13.30
Average AMD Radeon RX Vega 6 (Ryzen 2000/3000)
 
Average of class Subnotebook
 
Power Consumption
-10%
4%
-14%
-20%
-12%
-13%
-32%
Idle Minimum *
4
3.4
15%
3.8
5%
3.46
13%
3.84
4%
3.8
5%
5.15 ?(4 - 6.3, n=2)
-29%
4.9 ?(1.77 - 11.8, n=63, last 2 years)
-23%
Idle Average *
6.3
5.6
11%
7.5
-19%
5.88
7%
7.68
-22%
6.9
-10%
7.75 ?(6.3 - 9.2, n=2)
-23%
8.4 ?(4.6 - 17.4, n=63, last 2 years)
-33%
Idle Maximum *
9.3
8.7
6%
8.6
8%
9.12
2%
9.36
-1%
7.5
19%
9.45 ?(9.3 - 9.6, n=2)
-2%
10.4 ?(5.1 - 22.4, n=63, last 2 years)
-12%
Load Average *
34
43.6
-28%
33.1
3%
45.6
-34%
43.2
-27%
41.4
-22%
36 ?(34 - 38, n=2)
-6%
46.1 ?(19.1 - 83.3, n=62, last 2 years)
-36%
Load Maximum *
42
65
-55%
31.8
24%
65.9
-57%
64.8
-54%
63.1
-50%
44 ?(42 - 46, n=2)
-5%
66.2 ?(24.2 - 121.2, n=63, last 2 years)
-58%

* ... smaller is better

Battery Life

The performance throttling about which we complained earlier proved a good thing during our battery life tests. Our review unit lasted significantly under load on its 48 Wh battery than all our comparison devices, with even the larger capacity EliteBook x360 1030 G3 trailing by over half an hour. Ultimately, you must weigh up the importance of battery life over performance, as the X395 will throttle its CPU more so than the EliteBook will.

Lenovo's "smart" power plan seems to be less efficient when playing videos, though. Typically, devices last longer in our looped H.264 video test than our practical Wi-Fi test, but the opposite is the case with the X395. The X390, for instance, managed almost 4:30 hours more in the former than the latter, a runtime that is also nearly 2:30 hours longer than what the X395 achieved. Regardless, our review unit lasted 10:20 hours in our looped H.264 video test.

Conversely, the X395 held out over 2:30 hours longer than the X390 in our practical Wi-Fi test with a runtime of 10:55 hours. The former also achieved double the runtime that the latter did under sustained load, another example of the positive effect of the throttling behaviour that the X395 exhibits.

Battery Runtime
Idle (without WLAN, min brightness)
18h 23min
WiFi Websurfing
10h 55min
WiFi Websurfing max. Brightness
8h 01min
Big Buck Bunny H.264 1080p
10h 20min
Load (maximum brightness)
3h 47min
Lenovo ThinkPad X395
R3 PRO 3300U, Vega 6, 48 Wh
Lenovo ThinkPad X390-20Q1S02M00
i5-8265U, UHD Graphics 620, 48 Wh
HP EliteBook x360 1030 G3
i5-8250U, UHD Graphics 620, 56.2 Wh
Dell Latitude 5300
i5-8365U, UHD Graphics 620, 60 Wh
Lenovo ThinkPad X390 Yoga-20NQS05R00
i7-8565U, UHD Graphics 620, 50 Wh
Huawei Matebook 13-53010FYW
i7-8565U, UHD Graphics 620, 41.7 Wh
Average of class Subnotebook
 
Battery Runtime
-20%
0%
-24%
-29%
-23%
-5%
Reader / Idle
1103
1381
25%
1416
28%
1197 ?(581 - 2550, n=10, last 2 years)
9%
H.264
620
764
23%
600
-3%
778 ?(426 - 1153, n=30, last 2 years)
25%
WiFi v1.3
655
499
-24%
602
-8%
500
-24%
492
-25%
419
-36%
623 ?(303 - 1144, n=64, last 2 years)
-5%
Load
227
94
-59%
189
-17%
91
-60%
88
-61%
115.4 ?(61 - 197, n=47, last 2 years)
-49%

Pros

+ HDMI 2.0
+ excellent input devices
+ Smart Card slot
+ numerous security features
+ bright & contrast-rich display
+ three-year warranty
+ quiet and cool
+ low power consumption
+ better graphics performance than Intel models
+ good battery life

Cons

- awkward to reach microSD card slot
- CPU performance throttles quickly under load
- system throttles CPU performance on battery
- no Thunderbolt 3
- soldered RAM
- poorly placed fan vent
- slow display response times

Verdict - A great subnotebook with bearable CPU throttling

The Lenovo ThinkPad X395 laptop review. Test device courtesy of Lenovo.
The Lenovo ThinkPad X395 laptop review. Test device courtesy of Lenovo.

The ThinkPad X390 and its Intel CPU scored 90% when we reviewed it in April, 1% more than the ThinkPad X395 has. This does not make the former better overall than the latter though, as we have moved to a new ratings system since April. The ThinkPad X390 and X395 are about as good each other, but they both have their idiosyncrasies.

The two devices share the same excellent input devices and great display, along with the awkwardly placed microSD card slot. Lenovo has equipped both devices with soldered RAM and a fan vent on the right-hand side of their chassis too, the latter of which will exhaust warm air over your mouse-holding hand if you are right-handed.

However, the X395 offers more security features than the X390 does, along with significantly better graphics performance while using less power under load too. Hence, the X395 may just get its nose ahead of the X390 in a direct comparison.

With that said, while the X395 offers better GPU performance than the X390, it also throttles its CPU more heavily under sustained load. Lenovo appears to have done this to keep the X395 running quietly, coolly and economically, albeit it at the expense of CPU performance. Incidentally, the X395 also lacks a Thunderbolt 3 port, which currently remains a proprietary Intel interface, but it does have HDMI 2.0 instead of the older 1.4 standard.

The Lenovo ThinkPad X395 is a great sub and office notebook that revealed few weaknesses during our tests. The AMD-powered machine is at least equal to its Intel sibling, but while running more quietly, coolly and economically. The X395 has stronger GPU performance than the X390 too, which is a bonus.

Lenovo currently sells our test configuration for around 927 Euros (~$1,022), but third-party retailers may soon start offering the X395 at more affordable prices. Overall, we would recommend the X395 to not only businesses but also private individuals who are after a solid 13.3-inch subnotebook.

Lenovo ThinkPad X395 - 10/14/2019 v7
Christian Hintze

Chassis
87 / 98 → 89%
Keyboard
89%
Pointing Device
92%
Connectivity
64 / 75 → 85%
Weight
72 / 20-75 → 94%
Battery
87%
Display
88%
Games Performance
56 / 78 → 72%
Application Performance
77 / 85 → 91%
Temperature
93%
Noise
97%
Audio
60 / 91 → 66%
Camera
37 / 85 → 44%
Average
77%
89%
Subnotebook - Weighted Average

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> Expert Reviews and News on Laptops, Smartphones and Tech Innovations > Reviews > Lenovo ThinkPad X395 Laptop Review: A fight for the hegemony of business laptops
Christian Hintze, 2019-10-15 (Update: 2019-12- 1)