Lenovo ThinkPad X9 Aura Edition (Intel Core Ultra 7) Review: A Compact Creative Gem

Lenovo’s ThinkPad X9 14 Aura Edition (2025) with the Intel Core Ultra 7 258V processor is a sleek, 12-inch ultraportable laptop that redefines the ThinkPad line for content creators, graphic designers, and digital artists. With a vibrant OLED display, solid performance, and AI-driven features, it’s a compelling choice for creatives seeking portability without compromise. I’ve tested this model, and here’s why it’s a standout for creative workflows, with all measurements in metric units, plus a few areas to improve.

Design: Slim and Modern

The X9 14 Aura Edition features a dark gray aluminum chassis, measuring 31.18 x 21.2 x 1.3 cm and weighing 1.24 kg—matching the MacBook Air 13 M3’s weight but slightly thicker (1.1 cm). Its “engine hub” design—a raised strip housing fans and ports—enhances cooling while adding a sleek, industrial look. The aluminium resists fingerprints better than traditional black ThinkPads, though the trackpad’s machining showed minor imperfections in some units.

The keyboard has 1.35 mm travel, offering a modern, feel but less depth than the ThinkPad X1 Carbon, which may fatigue writers drafting long scripts. The oversized haptic touchpad is a creator’s delight—precise and smooth for editing in Adobe Photoshop or Premiere Pro. Lenovo’s bold move to ditch the TrackPoint caters to creatives who prefer touchpads or external mice, though it’s controversial among ThinkPad purists.

Display: Stunning for Creators

The 35.56 cm (14-inch) 2.8K (2880×1800) 120Hz OLED touchscreen is a highlight, covering 100% sRGB, 94% P3, and 83% Adobe RGB with 474 cd/m² brightness. Its vibrant colors and deep blacks are ideal for photo editing, color grading, and HDR video work. The 120Hz refresh rate ensures smooth playback for animations or motion graphics, and the anti-reflective coating minimizes glare during outdoor shoots. A 480Hz flicker issue was resolved with updates, but sensitive users might notice it rarely.

Performance: Efficient and Capable

The Intel Core Ultra 7 258V (Lunar Lake) with 32GB soldered LPDDR5x RAM and a 1TB SSD delivers solid performance. It scored 9266 in Geekbench 6 (Multi-Core) and 9454 in Cinebench R23 (Multi-Core), handling Adobe Creative Suite multitasking well. The Intel Arc 140V GPU supports GPU-accelerated tasks in Premiere or DaVinci Resolve and light gaming. The SSD speed (around 5GB/s) is decent but slower than the X1 Carbon Gen 13.

The 55Wh battery lasts 11 hours 51 minutes in mixed-use tests at 150 cd/m², solid but behind the X9 15’s 17.5 hours due to its smaller capacity. however the battery power is sufficient for a full workday of editing or design, especially with the 30-120Hz dynamic refresh rate optimising power.

Creator-Centric Features

The “Aura Edition” brings AI tools that boost creative workflows. Smart Share, via Intel Unison, allows instant photo transfers by tapping an Android or iOS phone—perfect for photographers syncing RAW files. Smart Care offers 24/7 diagnostics to ensure reliability during deadlines. The 8MP (UHD) webcam with IR and auto-framing is great for client calls or vlogging, and Wi-Fi 7 with Bluetooth 5.4 ensures fast file transfers and reliable peripheral connections, like drawing tablets.

Ports: Compact but Limited

Ports include two Thunderbolt 4/USB-C (one per side for flexible charging), an HDMI 2.1, and a 3.5 mm audio jack. The lack of USB-A (unlike the X9 15) may require a dock for creators using legacy devices, but the HDMI port is a rare inclusion for ultraportables, ideal for external monitor setups.

Comparison with Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 13

Here’s how the ThinkPad X9 14 Aura Edition compares to the Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 13 Aura Edition (2025):

The X1 Carbon’s lighter weight and extra USB-A port suit enterprise users, but the X9’s lower price and slimmer profile appeal to creators prioritising portability and cost.

Pros and Cons for Creators

Pros:

• Vibrant 35.56 cm 2.8K OLED display with 120Hz for color-accurate editing.
• Smart Share simplifies photo transfers from phones.
• Slim 1.3 cm, 1.24 kg design for on-the-go creatives.
• Precise haptic touchpad for editing tasks.
• HDMI 2.1 port for external displays.

Cons:

• Shallower keyboard may tire long typists.
• SSD speed lags behind premium competitors.
• No USB-A port limits legacy device connectivity.
• Battery life trails larger X9 15 model.

Verdict

The Lenovo ThinkPad X9 14 Aura Edition (2025) with Intel Core Ultra 7 258V is a stellar ultraportable for content creators needing a compact, powerful device. Its 35.56 cm OLED display, AI features like Smart Share, and sleek 1.24 kg design make it ideal for video editing, photography, and design on the go. Priced at R42999, it’s a cost-effective MacBook Air 13 M3 rival.