Why you can trust TechRadar
We spend hours testing every product or service we review, so you can be sure you’re buying the best. Find out more about how we test.
Depending on your role in the professional world, your day-to-day routine could change quite a bit. If you’re like me, your daily tasks vary from admin to project management, emails, web work, AI work, contract signing, spreadsheets, and beyond. When my days are this well-rounded, having a machine that can adjust to my needs is helpful. In one meeting, I could be typing up a document for a team; the next, I could be drawing out a mind map for a team brainstorming, and so on. With the ThinkPad X13 2-in-1 Gen 5, my one machine can do it all — at least in theory. But does it rank among the best Lenovo ThinkPad laptops we’ve reviewed?
(Image credit: Collin Probst // Future)
Lenovo ThinkPad X13 2-in-1 Gen 5: Unboxing & first impressions
In my time, I’ve unboxed quite a few Lenovo ThinkPads, let alone Lenovo machines. All of them look about the same. This one was no different. It has good packaging with protective materials; it includes a 65W USB-C power adapter and an integrated stylus with a home within the computer.
I have owned and heavily used iPads for years, so the idea of an integrated stylus, not one magnetically hanging off the end, is a nice change-up. Another piece I just mentioned is that Lenovo chose to use the popular USB-C connection for this computer, not a proprietary charger or an awful barrel connector.
You may like
(Image credit: Collin Probst // Future)
Right off the bat, this business laptop looks and feels like a professional ThinkPad model. At the same time, I do like the matte black finish. It looks stylish and accessible, and I can take this to whatever meetings I may have that day or in whatever job I may have. It’s compact and lightweight, making it super easy to carry around, meaning that I would take it around, unlike some super hefty computers I have tested.
The keyboard is functional, comfortable, and familiar, reminding me of every other ThinkPad keyboard in a good way. It’s responsive and reliable, and it has good key travel for what it is, allowing for high accuracy levels.
The hinge mechanism is one of the most vital for a 2-in-1 machine. If this hinge is stiff, it will directly detriment the 2-in-1 features. Thankfully, the hinge works great and is easy to use, flying back around without a problem.
Lenovo ThinkPad X13 2-in-1 Gen 5: Design & build quality
Specs
Processor: Up to Intel Core Ultra 7 165U
Graphics: Integrated Intel Graphics (4-core iGPU)
Memory: Up to 64GB LPDDR5x-6400 (soldered)
Storage: Up to 2TB M.2 PCIe 4.0 x4 SSD
Display: 13.3″ WUXGA (1920 x 1200) IPS, 300 nits, 16:10 aspect ratio
Ports: 2x USB-C (Thunderbolt 4), 2x USB-A 3.2 Gen 1, HDMI 2.1, 3.5mm audio jack, optional Nano SIM slot
Connectivity: Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.3, optional LTE support
Battery: 41Wh or optional 54.7Wh, Rapid Charge support
Dimensions: 301.7 x 210.8 x 16.4 mm
Weight: Starting at 1.2 kg (2.65 lbs)
The Lenovo ThinkPad X13 2-in-1 Gen 5 has a sleek design, as mentioned; it’s got a sturdy magnesium alloy construction, a 360-degree hinge to allow for the 2-in-1 features of folding around and turning into a tablet form, an integrated stylus, an excellent keyboard, and a quality touchpad. It’s a great machine in specs.
However, the two main areas I wish it were a little better would be the screen and the battery. The screen is mediocre, but sadly, as most would think of it, it’s still good enough for the professional business world. Most of the business world is still rocking 1080p monitors, and they don’t think twice. So this monitor is more than satisfactory.
The built-in stylus feels solid, though I’m sure there are going to be plenty of people who lose this stylus, regardless of just how secure this is in the stylus garage.
The hinge works well, though I am nervous about it breaking. But for everyday use, it feels quite lovely to fold this device around and use it as a tablet or back around as a tent for displays or as normal as a laptop.
(Image credit: Collin Probst // Future)
Lenovo ThinkPad X13 2-in-1 Gen 5: In use
The Lenovo ThinkPad X13 2-in-1 Gen 5 is an easy device to take from the office, home, coffee shop, and back to the office again.
It’s excellent at handling everyday tasks, though I wouldn’t be too far away from any outlets or without one of my portable power stations. Another reason for needing multiple daily charges may be for those heavy users or those who run a large program.
My team benchmarked this machine, and it did not score very well. But that doesn’t mean it’s automatically a bad machine.
(Image credit: Collin Probst // Future)
Lenovo ThinkPad X13 2-in-1 Gen 5: Final verdict
The Lenovo ThinkPad X13 2-in-1 Gen 5 is a highly portable and flexible machine that can adapt to whatever working mode you need, whether you need to write, mark up a document, draw, present, or read. For an office professional, that flexibility could make a huge difference.
However, this laptop isn’t perfect. The screen is nothing special, and the battery life is not the best. So, as long as you don’t need an incredibly long battery life or a high-resolution screen, this device is a good one to consider.
Swipe to scroll horizontally
Attributes
Notes
Rating
Design
Compact and simple
⭐⭐⭐⭐
Ease of use
Easy to use
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Practicality
Practical for few
⭐⭐⭐
Price
Decent price
⭐⭐⭐⭐
We’ve tested out the best 2-in-1 laptops for the best of both worlds
