Looking for a powerful, stylish, and versatile laptop? The 2025 ThinkPad X1 2-in-1 (Gen 10) Aura Edition REVIEW has everything you need to know about this business convertible-features, real-world performance, and why it might just be the best choice for 2025.
Video by Andrew Marc David on YouTube. Watch the full video here.
1. First Impressions: Sleek Looks, Matte Display, and Aura Appeal
Let’s start with what you see first: the 2025 ThinkPad X1 2-in-1 (Gen 10) Aura Edition’s design. The gray finish is modern and subtle, and the matte display is a game-changer. If you’ve ever been annoyed by glare, you’ll love this anti-glare, anti-smudge screen-think MacBook Pro nano-texture, but on a ThinkPad.
Key Display Highlights:
- Four display options (including OLED, though not in the US yet)
- Full HD+ IPS with 60Hz refresh (maximizes battery life)
- Matte finish minimizes reflections
Witty Take:
If you’re tired of seeing your own reflection more than your spreadsheet, this matte display is your new best friend.
2. Convertible Versatility: Modes for Every Mood
This isn’t just a laptop-it’s a shape-shifter. The ThinkPad X1 2-in-1 (Gen 10) Aura Edition easily flips into tent, stand, or tablet mode. Presentation at 9, Netflix at 5, sketching at midnight? Covered.
Modes at a Glance:
| Mode | Use Case |
|---|---|
| Tent | Media, presentations |
| Stand | Watching, presenting |
| Tablet | Drawing, note-taking |
Storytime: I once tried to balance a regular laptop on my knees during a flight-never again. This convertible’s tent mode is a lifesaver for cramped spaces.
3. Keyboard and Trackpad: Typing Nirvana
If you’re a keyboard snob (guilty!), this ThinkPad will make your fingers happy. The 1.5mm key travel is just right, and the classic TrackPoint is back for those who love the red dot.
Trackpad Choices:
- Traditional trackpad (responsive, reliable)
- Optional Sensel haptic touchpad (coming soon)
Fun Fact: Double-tapping the TrackPoint brings up a handy menu for voice typing and more. It’s like a secret handshake for ThinkPad fans.
4. Build Quality and Port Selection: Tough and Practical
This laptop is built like a tank (military standard 810H!), but stylish. The all-metal chassis feels premium, and the lighter gray finish resists fingerprints better than classic black.
Port Selection Table:
| Side | Ports |
|---|---|
| Left | USB-A (5Gbps), 2 x Thunderbolt 4 (40Gbps, data/charge/display out) |
| Right | USB-A (5Gbps), HDMI 2.1 (4K60), 3.5mm jack, power button, Kensington lock |
Wish List: No SD card reader, and both Thunderbolt ports are on one side-minor gripes, but worth noting.
5. Display Quality: Matte Magic, But No High Refresh Rate
The display is color-accurate, with excellent contrast and no screen flicker (a win for your eyes). While the OLED option (with 120Hz refresh) isn’t available yet in the US, the IPS panel still shines for business work.
Display Comparison Table:
| Feature | IPS (Current) | OLED (Upcoming) |
|---|---|---|
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 120Hz |
| Glare | Low (matte) | Low |
| Color Gamut | Very Good | Excellent |
| Battery Life | Excellent | TBD |
Personal Note: I wish the high refresh OLED was available now, but the matte finish makes up for it in most situations.
6. Pen Support: Creativity Unleashed
The redesigned Yoga Pen sticks magnetically to the side (though it blocks some ports-oops). It charges quickly via USB-C and is perfect for notes or sketching.
Tip: If you do a lot of digital drawing or annotating, the pen is a must-have. Just remember to check if it’s included in your configuration.
7. Performance: Lunar Lake and Beyond
Under the hood, the 2025 ThinkPad X1 2-in-1 (Gen 10) Aura Edition runs on Intel’s Lunar Lake Core Ultra 7 258V (up to 32GB RAM). Lenovo also announced an Arrow Lake H version, which supports up to 64GB RAM for power users.
Performance Table:
| Processor | Max RAM | Upgradeable? | Graphics |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lunar Lake Ultra 7 | 32GB | No | Intel AR 140V |
| Arrow Lake H | 64GB | No | TBA |
Real Talk: For everyday business tasks-Office, email, web-performance is flawless. For heavy video editing or gaming, you’ll want to tweak settings, but integrated graphics hold their own.
8. Battery Life and Cooling: Stays Cool, Runs Long
With a 57Wh battery, you get solid battery life-better than most, though not quite as big as the Yoga 9i’s 75Wh. The dual-fan system keeps things cool, and the laptop stays quiet in normal use.
Battery & Cooling Highlights:
- 57Wh battery (very good for a 2-in-1)
- Dual fans, minimal thermal throttling
- Stays cool and quiet under typical workloads
Analogy: It’s like a marathon runner who never breaks a sweat-reliable and composed.
9. Connectivity and Internals: Future-Proof Features
Inside, you’ll find Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth, both soldered for reliability. The SSD is fast, and there’s an extra slot for optional mobile broadband.
Upgrade Note:
RAM and Wi-Fi are soldered, so choose your configuration wisely-you can’t upgrade later.
10. Webcam and Security: Ready for Hybrid Work
The 1080p IR webcam supports Windows Hello facial recognition, and there’s a fingerprint scanner for extra security. A physical shutter switch keeps your privacy intact, and studio effects like background blur are built in.
Question for You: Do you value privacy features, or is a good webcam all you need?
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Does the 2025 ThinkPad X1 2-in-1 (Gen 10) Aura Edition have an OLED display?
A: OLED is an option, but not yet available in the US.
Q: Is the RAM upgradeable?
A: No, it’s soldered. Choose your RAM (up to 32GB or 64GB with Arrow Lake) at purchase.
Q: How’s the battery life?
A: Very good, especially with the 60Hz matte display.
Q: Is the pen included?
A: The Yoga Pen may be included or optional, depending on configuration.
Q: Any SD card slot?
A: No SD or microSD slot.
Should You Buy the 2025 ThinkPad X1 2-in-1 (Gen 10) Aura Edition?
If you want a business convertible that’s tough, stylish, and packed with features, the 2025 ThinkPad X1 2-in-1 (Gen 10) Aura Edition is a top contender. The matte display, stellar keyboard, solid performance, and excellent battery life make it a smart choice for professionals and creatives alike.
My Take:
It’s not perfect (missing SD slot, no high-refresh OLED-yet), but it nails the essentials. If you’re shopping for a 2025 convertible, this should be on your shortlist.
Further Reading & Trusted Sources
- The Verge – Lenovo’s ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 12 Review: Still the Business Laptop to Beat
“Lenovo’s latest ThinkPad X1 Carbon continues to set the standard for business laptops with its lightweight design and robust performance.” - NotebookCheck – Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Yoga Gen 9 Review: The Best Convertible for Business?
“The X1 Yoga Gen 9 impresses with its versatile form factor and premium build quality.” - PCMag – Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Yoga Gen 8 Review
“A premium convertible laptop with a stellar keyboard and business-friendly features.” - Windows Central – Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 11 Review: Still the Best Business Laptop
“The X1 Carbon Gen 11 remains a top pick for business users, thanks to its durability and performance.” - Tom’s Hardware – Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Yoga Gen 8 Review: A Convertible Classic
“Lenovo’s X1 Yoga Gen 8 is a convertible classic, balancing power and portability.”
