The Lenovo ThinkPad X9-15 Gen 1 Aura Edition is something you wouldn’t have thought of when you think of the ThinkPad line of devices. You probably picture a chunky black box when you hear the name ThinkPad, but Lenovo wants to change that mental image. The company designed this specific machine to compete directly with sleek premium laptops.
With the ThinkPad X9-15 Gen 1, Lenovo built a slim device for small business owners and everyday consumers. I have spent considerable time with this machine. It possesses many unique strengths. It also has some notable weaknesses. I will break down every single detail for you in this comprehensive review. If you're someone who's eyeing for a new ultraportable, then you may be in the right page.
Pros
- Stunning OLED Display
- Exceptional Battery Life
- Solid Performance
- Premium Ultraportable Design
- Useful AI Integration
Cons
- Loss of Iconic Features like the signature red TrackPoint
- Shift to a lower-profile keyboard layout
- Non-Upgradeable Memory
- Reflective Glossy Display Finish
Design
Lenovo pretty much threw out the old playbook with this one. The usual matte black plastic you’d expect from the ThinkPad line, especially the P series, is nowhere to be found. Instead, you get a clean aluminum chassis in what Lenovo calls “Thunder Grey.” It has a textured matte finish that looks refined and feels modern right out of the box.
It’s also impressively portable. The laptop weighs just 3.09 pounds (around 1.4 kg) and measures barely half an inch thick, so it easily slips into a backpack without adding bulk. I travel frequently for work and leisure, so portability matters a lot to me, and this one checks that box without any issues.
Despite how thin it is, the build feels solid. There’s no noticeable flex on the keyboard, and it doesn’t feel flimsy when you pick it up. Lenovo put it through MIL-STD-810H testing, so it’s built to handle dust, heat, cold, and even vibrations. I’ve experienced packing the ThinkPad X9-15 tightly into bags and overhead compartments, and the aluminum body held up without a scratch.
There's also multiple ThinkPad and Lenovo branding positioned in different parts of the laptop. It's a small detail, but it's worth mentioning - you can open the lid with one hand. The hinge also opens up to 180 degrees. These add to the overall usability. It really feels like Lenovo designed this with frequent travelers in mind.
Port Selection + Connectivity Options
The Lenovo ThinkPad X9-15 Gen 1 may be an Ultraportable computing machine, but it does not sacrifice ports and other interface. In fact, the laptop provides a decent selection. You get two Thunderbolt 4 USB-C ports on the side (one on both sides). Both ports support power delivery to charge the battery. You also get one traditional USB-A port which supports 10 Gbps speeds. You get a headphone jack on the right. Plus, there's a full-size HDMI 2.1 output on the left, which I really like. This allows me to connect the laptop to projectors and monitors without a dongle.
Some people will definitely notice the limited ports. If you’re into creative work, you might miss having a dedicated SD card reader. If you work in IT, the lack of an Ethernet port could be a bit inconvenient. For a proper desk setup, you’ll likely end up using a Thunderbolt dock anyway.
On the wireless side, though, it’s fully up to date. We have a Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 5.4, so connections feel fast and stable on supported networks. The laptop also comes with a sharp 1440p IR webcam, which works with Windows Hello for quick facial login. I find the facial reader fast and reliable enough for quick access to the laptop. If you prefer, there’s also a fingerprint reader beside the delete key. And for privacy, there’s a physical shutter you can slide over the camera when it’s not in use.
Display
The display is easily one of the highlights here. It’s the kind of screen you’ll actually enjoy staring at all day, whether you’re working or just unwinding. Lenovo went with a 15.3-inch OLED panel with a sharp 2.8K resolution, and the 16:10 aspect ratio gives you that extra vertical space. It really helps when you’re dealing with spreadsheets, editing documents, or just scrolling through long articles.
In everyday use, it just looks great. Colors pop, blacks are deep, and everything feels more alive thanks to OLED. Watching Netflix or YouTube feels more immersive, especially with darker scenes where the contrast really stands out. If you’re into photo editing, the color accuracy is a big deal. It covers 100 percent of sRGB and DCI-P3, plus 94 percent of Adobe RGB, so you can trust what you’re seeing when tweaking colors. Even for video editing, grading footage feels more precise because of how consistent the colors are.
Brightness goes up to around 500 nits, which is more than enough for indoor use, even in well-lit cafes or offices. And with the 120Hz refresh rate, everything feels smoother - from simple scrolling to navigating timelines in editing apps.
My only real nitpick is the glossy finish. It looks premium, but you’ll notice reflections if you’re working outdoors or under harsh lighting. A matte option would’ve been nice for that. That said, Lenovo does offer anti-glare options if you’re willing to pay extra. On the plus side, it has TÜV Rheinland low blue light certification, so it’s easier on the eyes during long work sessions.
Keyboard + Touch Pad
If there’s one thing ThinkPad fans care about the most, it’s the keyboard. So this change might be a dealbreaker for some. On the ThinkPad X9-15 Gen 1 Aura Edition, Lenovo decided to remove the iconic red TrackPoint from the center of the keyboard. Long-time ThinkPad users will definitely notice, and some probably won’t be happy about it. There are professionals who rely on the TrackPoint daily, and for them, this could be enough reason to skip this model altogether. Personally, I never really used it, so I didn’t miss it at all. But if that’s a feature you depend on, this is something you’ll want to keep in mind.
The keyboard feels a bit different compared to classic ThinkPads. The keys are slightly lower profile and have a softer, quieter feel. You still get decent tactile feedback, but it doesn’t have that signature “snap” older ThinkPads are known for.
The layout also takes some getting used to. There’s no dedicated number pad this time, and the arrow keys feel a bit cramped, with the up and down keys squeezed into half-size buttons. If you’ve used older ThinkPads, you’ll definitely notice the difference. It’s still a good keyboard overall, just not quite at that same legendary level.
On the bright side, the touchpad more than makes up for it. Lenovo went with a large 6.5-inch haptic glass trackpad, and it’s excellent. It responds well to taps and swipes, and since it’s haptic, you can click anywhere on the surface - not just the bottom corners. The glass feels smooth, and the whole experience just feels precise and modern. This is one area Lenovo really nailed.
Performance
Let’s talk about what’s inside. Lenovo sticks with Intel for this one, and you can choose between a Core Ultra 5 or step up to a Core Ultra 7. The unit I’ve been using runs on the Core Ultra 7 258V, paired with 32GB of RAM and a 1TB SSD. It’s based on Intel’s Lunar Lake architecture, which really focuses on power efficiency.
The laptop's Intel Core Ultra 7 258V processor delivers specific performance metrics within Cinebench 2026 and Geekbench 6.6. This Lunar Lake chip achieves a Cinebench 2026 single-thread score of 475 and a multi-thread score of 1,778. Geekbench 6.6 benchmarks record a single-core score of 2,712 and a multi-core score of 10,782. Integrated Intel Arc graphics produce an OpenCL score of 30,742 and a Vulkan score of 31,737. These results establish the computational and graphical output for the Lenovo 21Q6000EPH system.
In day-to-day use, performance feels quick and reliable. I usually have a lot going on like multiple browser tabs, video calls, large documents; and it handles all of that without slowing down. It’s definitely the laptop I can just rely on for work without thinking about it. The 32GB of RAM also helps a lot, especially when you’re juggling heavier apps or multitasking throughout the day.
That said, this isn’t a machine built for heavy graphics work. There’s no dedicated GPU here, just Intel’s integrated Arc 140V graphics. So if you’re planning to edit complex 4K videos or work on 3D rendering, you’ll probably want something more powerful.
It puts up a decent showing in benchmarks when it comes to demanding creative workloads. I did some light video editing in DaVinci Resolve and a few photo editing sessions, and the laptop handled both without any slowdowns.
I also tried some gaming, including the PC version of Hogwarts Legacy and Valorant, which are fairly graphics-heavy. Surprisingly, it managed to run well with minimal stuttering, as long as you keep the settings on the lower side.
One thing to keep in mind: the RAM is soldered, so you can’t upgrade it later. It’s important to choose the right configuration from the start. The good news is the storage is upgradeable, so you can swap out the M.2 SSD if you need more space down the line.
Audio Quality and Speakers
The audio here honestly caught me off guard. Most business laptops don’t sound great, but this one breaks that pattern. The quad-speaker Dolby Atmos setup delivers rich bass, clear highs, and gets loud enough to fill a room easily.
At max volume, there’s a tiny bit of distortion, but mid to high levels sound clean and crisp. This clearly shows that the laptop is not only good for work; but is also great for binge-watching your favorite shows or streaming music. With my time with the laptop, I have enjoyed movie sessions and playlists without feeling like the sound is holding me back.
Software + Aura Edition
The laptop's moniker comes with an “Aura Edition” tag on it. This signals Lenovo’s big push into AI. This model is a Microsoft Copilot+ PC, so we get all the usual AI tools from Microsoft for text, images, and more. Lenovo added their own twist with something called Lenovo AI Now.
Think of it as a smart local assistant built right into the laptop. It runs on Meta’s Llama 3 model and can answer questions, help you with tasks, and even tweak system settings automatically based on how you use the device. Because it runs locally on the machine, your data stays private instead of being sent to the cloud. It’s a really handy feature that makes everyday work smoother. I frequently use it when hunting for information, adjusting performance settings, or just exploring what this AI feature can do on the laptop.
There are also Smart Modes on this laptop. Attention Mode helps you stay focused by blocking distracting websites and muting notifications. One nifty mode is the Shield Mode. It kicks in when you’re in a coffee shop, automatically blurring your screen if someone’s trying to peek over your shoulder. Collaboration Mode instantly optimizes your camera and microphone for those surprise video calls, while Wellness Mode keeps an eye on your posture and reminds you to take screen breaks.
Lenovo also adds Smart Share wherein I can just tap my Android or iOS phone against the side of the laptop, and the devices connect instantly. You can then drag and drop photos seamlessly. And if you ever need help, Smart Care gives you fast access to Lenovo tech support right from your desktop. It’s a thoughtful set of features that makes daily work and multitasking feel much easier.
Battery
I know very well that battery anxiety ruins productivity. Thankfully, I did not experienced that during my time with the Lenovo ThinkPad X9-15 Gen 1 Aura Edition. In fact, this computing machine delivers exceptional battery life. Lenovo and Intel designed a new internal layout called the Engine Hub.
This design groups components together on the bottom of the laptop. It improves temperature control and power efficiency. This also allows Lenovo to cram most of the components in this area which, in turn, makes the laptop looks slimmer anywhere else.
Real-time usage, I easily get through a full nine-hour workday. The laptop always has plenty of charge remaining at the end of the day. Of course, you can confidently leave your charger at home for a trip to the office. The battery boasts an 80-watt-hour capacity and supports rapid charge technology. You can restore 80 percent of the battery in just 60 minutes with the included 65-watt USB-C charger.
Verdict
The Lenovo ThinkPad X9-15 Gen 1 Aura Edition demands a premium budget. The base model starts at Php 107,555.55 in Lenovo's website. This configuration gives you an Intel Core Ultra 5 226V. It includes 16GB of RAM and a 256GB solid state drive. My specific review unit currently cost. The top configuration pushes the price to Php 118,204.94. In the Philippines, the laptop sells for roughly P106,229. You definitely pay a premium for the thin chassis and the OLED screen.
The Lenovo ThinkPad X9-15 Gen 1 Aura Edition represents a massive shift for the historic brand. Lenovo abandoned the bulky corporate aesthetic. The company created a sleek and powerful machine for modern professionals. You must accept some compromises. The keyboard feels like a step backward from older ThinkPads. The performance falls short of heavy-duty workstation laptops. You lose the famous red TrackPoint.
However, the benefits heavily outweigh the negatives. You get an absolutely gorgeous OLED display. The battery easily lasts all day. The AI features actually provide useful tools instead of mere gimmicks. The aluminum chassis looks stunning. It survives rough travel effortlessly. If you want a premium business laptop with a large screen, you should put this machine at the top of your list. It successfully challenges the MacBook Pro in the premium laptop space. Lenovo proved they can innovate and evolve a classic brand.
Lenovo ThinkPad X9-15 Gen 1 Aura Edition
15.3-inch 2.8K (2880 x 1800) OLED panel120Hz Variable Refresh Rate (VRR)
500 nits brightness and HDR 600 True Black
100 percent DCI-P3 and X-Rite factory color calibration
Anti-reflection and anti-fingerprint coating
Intel Core Ultra 7 268V Series 2 processor
Integrated Intel AI Boost NPU with 48 TOPS
Integrated Intel Arc 140V graphics
32GB soldered LPDDR5x-8533 RAM
2TB M.2 2242 PCIe Gen4 NVMe Opal 2.0 storage
80Wh 4-cell rechargeable battery
65W USB-C Slim GaN Rapid Charge
3.08 pounds (1.4 kg) starting weight
12.9 mm (0.51 inches) thickness
Thunder Grey or Glacier White aluminum chassis
MIL-STD-810H military-grade durability
Two Thunderbolt 4 (USB 40Gbps) ports
One USB-A (10Gbps) Always On port
HDMI 2.1 (4K@60Hz) output
3.5mm headphone and microphone combo jack
Wi-Fi 7 (BE201) and Bluetooth 5.4
8MP UHD IR camera with E-shutter and ToF sensor
Fingerprint reader integrated with power button
Discrete TPM 2.0 and Human Presence Detection
Quad stereo speakers (2W x2 woofers and 2W x2 tweeters)
Dolby Atmos and dual-microphone array
Backlit spill-resistant 6-row keyboard
80 x 135 mm haptic glass Trackpad
Microsoft Copilot+ PC certified
Windows 11 Pro 64-bit
