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Notebookcheck’s review of the Lenovo ThinkBook 14x ILL found a light, responsive 14-inch laptop with a smooth matte 120 Hz screen and long Wi-Fi browsing battery life. Its strongest fit is everyday productivity, not demanding graphics work. The main catches are a dimmer, less color-rich display, non-upgradeable memory, no USB4, and louder fans under heavy loads. The review’s “under $900” value claim is not a dependable current price: it cites $849 at Lenovo but shows $1,249.99 for a linked Amazon listing, without establishing that the two are the same configuration or that either price remains available. Notebookcheck’s review was published September 25, 2026.
What configuration did Notebookcheck review?
Sebastian Bade’s September 25, 2026 review covers the ThinkBook 14x ILL with an Intel Core Ultra 5 226V processor, eight cores and eight threads, integrated Intel Arc Graphics 130V, 16 GB of onboard LPDDR5X-8533 memory, and a 512 GB Samsung NVMe SSD. These findings apply to that tested configuration; they should not be assumed to describe every laptop sold as a ThinkBook 14x.
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The laptop weighs about 1.013 kg (2.23 lb), and its aluminum chassis makes it notably portable for a 14-inch machine. The power supply adds about 184 g, so include that when estimating the weight of a travel kit.
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Notebookcheck found the tested system responsive in routine use and capable of typical office work, multitasking, and routine image editing. It also reported stable sustained performance. That makes the 14x a plausible choice for documents, browser-based work, video calls, and general productivity rather than a laptop aimed at demanding creative or compute-heavy workloads.
#1 Best Overall
- THIN, DURABLE & PORTABLE - The ThinkBook 14x, a stylish and budget-friendly alternative to the ThinkPad E14, combines portability and durability in a compact design. Weighing just 2.18 lbs, it is tested to MIL-STD-810H military-grade standards for reliable performance in demanding conditions. With up to 14 hours of battery life and Rapid Charge, it quickly powers up to support uninterrupted productivity. Perfect for commuting, business travel, and working on the go
- POWERFUL PERFORMANCE - Powered by the Intel Core Ultra 5 226V (up to 4.5 GHz max turbo, 8 cores) for fast, efficient computing, featuring a dedicated 40 TOPS NPU for AI acceleration and smooth local LLM workloads. Integrated Arc Graphics 130V graphics deliver responsive performance for creative and professional tasks. Paired with 16GB LPDDR5x 8533 MT/s RAM for seamless multitasking and a 512GB SSD for ultra-fast data access and ample storage
- IMMERSIVE VISUALS - Features a 14" WUXGA (1920 x 1200) IPS display with 120Hz, 100% sRGB, 400-nit brightness, and anti-glare, ensuring exceptional visual clarity and viewing comfort for content creation, collaboration, and multimedia. Native dual-display support offers up to 5K@60Hz via USB-C and 4K@60Hz via HDMI 2.1 for an expanded workspace. The 1080p IR camera with privacy shutter supports facial recognition and delivers clear video calls with smart noise-canceling
- VERSATILE CONNECTIVITY - Equipped with 2x USB-C 3.2 Gen 2, 2x USB-A 3.2 Gen 1, HDMI 2.1, and an audio combo jack for versatile connectivity. Includes Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3 for fast, reliable wireless performance. Experience stunning spatial sound through dual stereo speaker system with Dolby Atmos
- OPERATING SYSTEM - Pre-installed with Microsoft Windows 11 Pro, offering enterprise-grade security with BitLocker and Remote Desktop, designed to support demanding professional applications and enhanced by AI Copilot for smarter, more efficient productivity across business and creative tasks
Its integrated graphics are suitable for multimedia and less demanding games. Notebookcheck says demanding graphics workloads are a poor fit, so buyers who need substantial 3D performance should look at a system designed for that use.
What is the screen like?
The 14-inch IPS panel has a 16:10 aspect ratio, 1920 × 1200 resolution, matte finish, and 120 Hz refresh rate. The higher refresh rate makes motion and scrolling feel smoother than on a standard 60 Hz panel, while the matte surface can be useful in reflective environments.
Rank #2
- Processor Intel Core Ultra 5 226V Processor (LPE-cores up to 3.50 GHz P-cores up to 4.50 GHz / 16 GB MOP)
- Memory 16 GB LPDDR5X-8533MT/s (Memory on Package)
- Storage 256 GB SSD M.2 2242 PCIe Gen4 TLC
- Display 14" WUXGA (1920 x 1200), IPS, Anti-Glare, Non-Touch, 100%sRGB, 400 nits, 120Hz
- Operating System Windows 11 Home 64
The trade-off is that Notebookcheck found brightness and color-gamut coverage weaker than higher display standards. That matters if you often work in bright settings or need dependable color for professional photo or design work. The screen’s refresh rate alone does not make it a strong choice for color-critical tasks.
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Notebookcheck measured the 65 Wh battery in its own tests. These are lab results under the publication’s conditions, not a promise of personal runtime:
Rank #3
- THIN, DURABLE & PORTABLE - The ThinkBook 14x, a stylish and budget-friendly alternative to the ThinkPad E14, combines portability and durability in a compact design. Weighing just 2.18 lbs, it is tested to MIL-STD-810H military-grade standards for reliable performance in demanding conditions. With up to 14 hours of battery life and Rapid Charge, it quickly powers up to support uninterrupted productivity. Perfect for commuting, business travel, and working on the go
- POWERFUL PERFORMANCE - Powered by the Intel Core Ultra 5 226V (up to 4.5 GHz max turbo, 8 cores) for fast, efficient computing, featuring a dedicated 40 TOPS NPU for AI acceleration and smooth local LLM workloads. Integrated Arc Graphics 130V graphics deliver responsive performance for creative and professional tasks. Paired with 16GB LPDDR5x 8533 MT/s RAM for seamless multitasking, and a 2*512GB SSD (dual 512GB SSDs separate the system and storage drives, helping keep the system more stable while improving file management and multitasking performance)
- IMMERSIVE VISUALS - Features a 14" WUXGA (1920 x 1200) IPS display with 120Hz, 100% sRGB, 400-nit brightness, and anti-glare, ensuring exceptional visual clarity and viewing comfort for content creation, collaboration, and multimedia. Native dual-display support offers up to 5K@60Hz via USB-C and 4K@60Hz via HDMI 2.1 for an expanded workspace. The 1080p IR camera with privacy shutter supports facial recognition and delivers clear video calls with smart noise-canceling
- VERSATILE CONNECTIVITY - Equipped with 2x USB-C 3.2 Gen 2, 2x USB-A 3.2 Gen 1, HDMI 2.1, and an audio combo jack for versatile connectivity. Includes Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3 for fast, reliable wireless performance. Experience stunning spatial sound through dual stereo speaker system with Dolby Atmos
- OPERATING SYSTEM - Pre-installed with Microsoft Windows 11 Pro, offering enterprise-grade security with BitLocker and Remote Desktop, designed to support demanding professional applications and enhanced by AI Copilot for smarter, more efficient productivity across business and creative tasks
| Notebookcheck test | Measured runtime |
|---|---|
| Wi-Fi web browsing | 16 hours 56 minutes |
| 1080p H.264 video playback | 21 hours 26 minutes |
| Load at maximum brightness | 2 hours 26 minutes |
Actual battery life varies with workload, brightness, wireless use, and other settings. The browsing result is the most useful of these figures for gauging light mobile work; video playback and maximum-brightness load represent different test conditions.
Can you upgrade the memory or storage?
The 16 GB of LPDDR5X memory is onboard and cannot be expanded. Choose the memory capacity you need at purchase; adding a larger SSD will not change that limitation.
Rank #4
- THIN, DURABLE & PORTABLE - The ThinkBook 14x, a stylish and budget-friendly alternative to the ThinkPad E14, combines portability and durability in a compact design. Weighing just 2.18 lbs, it is tested to MIL-STD-810H military-grade standards for reliable performance in demanding conditions. With up to 14 hours of battery life and Rapid Charge, it quickly powers up to support uninterrupted productivity. Perfect for commuting, business travel, and working on the go
- POWERFUL PERFORMANCE - Powered by the Intel Core Ultra 5 226V (up to 4.5 GHz max turbo, 8 cores) for fast, efficient computing, featuring a dedicated 40 TOPS NPU for AI acceleration and smooth local LLM workloads. Integrated Arc Graphics 130V graphics deliver responsive performance for creative and professional tasks. Paired with 16GB LPDDR5x 8533 MT/s RAM for seamless multitasking and a 256GB SSD for ultra-fast data access and ample storage
- IMMERSIVE VISUALS - Features a 14" WUXGA (1920 x 1200) IPS display with 120Hz, 100% sRGB, 400-nit brightness, and anti-glare, ensuring exceptional visual clarity and viewing comfort for content creation, collaboration, and multimedia. Native dual-display support offers up to 5K@60Hz via USB-C and 4K@60Hz via HDMI 2.1 for an expanded workspace. The 1080p IR camera with privacy shutter supports facial recognition and delivers clear video calls with smart noise-canceling
- VERSATILE CONNECTIVITY - Equipped with 2x USB-C 3.2 Gen 2, 2x USB-A 3.2 Gen 1, HDMI 2.1, and an audio combo jack for versatile connectivity. Includes Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3 for fast, reliable wireless performance. Experience stunning spatial sound through dual stereo speaker system with Dolby Atmos
- OPERATING SYSTEM - Pre-installed with Microsoft Windows 11 Pro, offering enterprise-grade security with BitLocker and Remote Desktop, designed to support demanding professional applications and enhanced by AI Copilot for smarter, more efficient productivity across business and creative tasks
The reviewed laptop has a 512 GB M.2-2242 SSD. Notebookcheck says there is space for a longer M.2-2280 drive, which offers a possible storage upgrade route. That is a storage distinction, not evidence that the RAM is replaceable.
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Notebookcheck reports USB ports, HDMI, a headphone/microphone combo jack, Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.4, and a docking-station port. It also lists a fingerprint reader and an FHD infrared webcam with a privacy shutter.
Best Value
- AI-POWERED PERFORMANCE: Intel Core Ultra 5 226V with 8 cores and up to 4.5GHz turbo, plus Intel AI Boost NPU delivering up to 40 TOPS for AI-enhanced productivity and multitasking.
- IMMERSIVE 14-inch DISPLAY: 14-inch WUXGA IPS display with 1920 x 1200 resolution, 400 nits, 100% sRGB, anti-glare coating, and a smooth 120Hz refresh rate for vibrant, fluid visuals.
- SLIM & LIGHTWEIGHT DESIGN: Starting at just 2.18 lbs with a slim 0.51-0.61 inch profile, the Luna Grey ThinkBook 14X AI is designed for effortless portability and everyday productivity.
- RICH AUDIO & CLEAR VIDEO: Stereo 2W x2 speakers with Dolby Atmos deliver immersive sound, while the FHD 1080p + IR hybrid camera with privacy shutter supports clear video calls and Windows Hello facial recognition.
- FAST CONNECTIVITY: Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3 provide reliable wireless connections, while USB-C, USB-A, HDMI 2.1, and a 3.5mm audio jack offer versatile options for peripherals and external displays.
The omissions may matter more than the headline wireless specifications for some desks: the review notes there is no USB4, card reader, or wired Ethernet. Check your monitor, dock, and network requirements before buying, particularly if your setup depends on USB4 or a built-in Ethernet connection.
Is it quiet?
Notebookcheck describes the laptop as very quiet during routine operation, with fan noise rising under heavier workloads. That fits its everyday-productivity emphasis: ordinary office use is the stronger scenario, while sustained demanding work may make the cooling system more noticeable. The review also lists DPC latencies and a one-year warranty among its drawbacks.
Does the ThinkBook 14x cost less than $900?
Not consistently on the evidence in Notebookcheck’s review. It states a Lenovo price of $849, but the linked Amazon listing displayed $1,249.99. Those are separate retailer references; the review does not establish that they refer to the exact same configuration, and neither figure should be treated as a verified current offer.
Before making a purchase decision, confirm the exact model and configuration on the retailer’s listing and check its live price. The tested 16 GB / 512 GB ILL configuration is the basis for this review, but a similarly named listing may differ.
Quick Recap
Who should consider the Lenovo ThinkBook 14x?
- A good match: people who prioritize low carry weight, responsive everyday performance, a matte screen, and potentially long browsing runtime.
- Think carefully: buyers who need a brighter or more color-capable display, expandable memory, USB4, wired Ethernet, or a card reader.
- Look elsewhere: people whose main workloads involve demanding graphics or sustained heavy processing, or who need a machine that stays quiet under heavy load.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
