Heavy performance specs come at the cost of a bulky laptop body. The advent of the Lenovo ThinkPad series has wiped out the myth. Among all Lenovo ThinkPad laptops, ThinkPad T490s and ThinkPad X1 Carbon are the 2 most popular choices right now for valid reasons.
If you are sceptical about Lenovo T490s vs X1 Carbon and can’t decide what to choose, this guide will help you. At first glance, the Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon is the pricier point of view than the ThinkPad T490s. Let’s see whether you can trust the latter one as your next purchase or should stick to the former one.
Lenovo ThinkPad T490s vs X1 Carbon
We have compared the Lenovo ThinkPad devices’ design, portability, performance, specs, strengths and weaknesses. So, you have to review them to decide the best between Lenovo T490s vs X1 Carbon. Let’s get started with a brief specs review of each of these Lnovo laptops.
Technical Specifications of Lenovo T490s
This is a classic Lenovo ThinkPad laptop, and you will get a handful of variants to choose from. You can settle down for the best variant according to your memory or storage requirements. Here’s what you need to know about its specs before jumping into the conflict between T490s vs X1 Carbon.
- CPU: 8th Generation Intel Core i5, Core i7 (1.6GHz, up to 4.8GHz)
- GPU: On-board or Integrated Intel UHD Graphics 620
- Screen: 14-inch FHD (1920×1080, 250, 300, 400 nits), WQHD (2560×1440, 500 nits)
- Memory: Soldered 8GB, 16GB, and 32GB DDR4 RAM (2400MHz)
- Storage: 256GB, 512GB, and 1 TB PCIe SSD
Technical Specifications of Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon
Are you looking for a sturdy and built-to-last ThinkPad? Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon may be the best selection for you. However, let’s take a look at the offered specs by Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon:
- CPU: 8th Generation Intel Core i7/ i5 (1.6GHz, up to 4.8GHz), 10th Generation Intel Core i7/ i5 (1.6GHz, up to 4.7GHz)
- GPU: Integrated Intel UHD Graphics 620
- Screen: 14-inch FHD (1920×1080, 300, 400 nits), WQHD (2560×1440, 300 nits), UHD (3840×2160, HDR 500 nits)
- Memory: Soldered 8GB, 16GB, and 32GB DDR4 RAM
- Storage: 256GB, 512GB, and 1TB PCIe SSD
Let’s now check out where Lenovo ThinkPad T490s stands out from the Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon.
Design
The battle between Lenovo ThinkPad T490s vs X1 Carbon is not a serious issue as there’s not much difference between them. Talking about the design of the Lenovo ThinkPad T490s, you will get a minimalist look. If you are a fan of the classic aesthetics of the Lenovo ThinkPad series, then you will fall for T490s.
There’s no significant change in styling. However, a comfortable and spacious keyboard is guaranteed with the purchase of the T490s. Additionally, the 3-button trackpad and the tiny joystick will help you to stay on track. On the other hand, the added fingerprint scanner has elevated the security metrics to a whole new level.
Moreover, these laptops flaunt their beauty in a usual black build with red accents. Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon offers a shallower keyboard compared to Lenovo ThinkPad T490s. In addition, X1 Carbon offers a wider trackpad and Windows Hello login through its precise fingerprint scanner.
On top of that, this Lenovo ThinkPad laptop comes with a ThinkShutter Privacy panel that can slide over the webcam. And, it delivers extra privacy. In addition, you will get 2 different screen resolutions and quality options with Lenovo T490s, but it lacks a 4K option.
Whereas Lenovo X1 Carbon offers you up to 4K screen resolution, Dolby Vision HDR support, and a brightness of up to 500 nits. So, you will get limited screen options up to WQHD with Lenovo T490s.
Connectivity
This is important in deciding the best option from the ThinkPad T490s vs X1 Carbon duo. We have found that Lenovo ThinkPad Carbon X1 offers the following ports for connectivity:
- 2 USB-C ports with Thunderbolt 4 support
- 2 USB-A 3.2 ports
- 1 HDMI 2.0 port
- MicroSD
- MicroSIM
- 1 Docking station connector or Ethernet port (this may need an optional adapter)
On the other hand, Lenovo ThinkPad T490s comes with the following ports or connectors:
- 1 USB-C AC power port
- 1 USB-C Thunderbolt 3 port
- USB 3.1 (Gen 1) port
- 1 HDMI 1.4 port
- 1 Ethernet extension
Hence, you will get better connectivity options and faster data transmission rates with Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon. Furthermore, you can get Bluetooth 5.0 and Wi-Fi 6.0 support from both these laptops.
Performance
The 8th Generation Intel Core i5 and i7 processors empower the Lenovo T490s model. And, it lacks support for the 10th Generation Intel Core i5 and i7 processors. Whereas the Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon supports the 10th Generation Intel Core processors.
Therefore, you can expect higher-end performance from the Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon. However, both laptops get their graphical powers from the same integrated Intel UHD graphics 620 chip. The latest X1 Carbon Gen 9 model uses an Intel Iris Xe GPU chip for improved performance.
So, you can choose the X1 Carbon Gen 9 model if you want outstanding graphics from the Lenovo T490s vs X1 Carbon battle. On the other hand, both Lenovo ThinkPad laptops offer RAM options up to 32GB. Therefore, you can get smooth and flawless performance for day-to-day laptop browsing, professional activities, and more.
Portability
The Lenovo ThinkPad T490s and X1 Carbon are lightweight laptops compared to their 14-inch FHD, WQHD, and IPS touchscreen panels. Well, Lenovo ThinkPad T490s has dimensions of up to 12.96 inches x 8.90 inches x 0.67 inches. In addition, the variants of this model can weigh up to 1.49kg.
Whereas Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon comes in a more compact chassis. The dimensions are 12.7 inches x 8.5 inches x 0.6 inches. Moreover, this device’s weight starts from 1.13kg. So, this implies that you will get a more lightweight experience with Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon. If you are concerned about portability, X1 Carbon is the clear winner.
Battery Life
All you need is a productive laptop that will significantly last for hours. Interestingly, you will get amazing battery backup if you are tied between Lenovo T490s vs X1 Carbon. As the manufacturer claims, the Lenovo ThinkPad T490s comes with a 57Wh battery that can last up to 20 hours.
During our tests, the laptop battery sustained for almost 16 hours with video playback, streaming, and regular web browsing. The same Lenovo ThinkPad device also supports Rapid Charge technology with 65W AC.
On the other hand, Lenovo ThinkPad X1 can last up to 15.5 hours. However, it uses the same 57Wh battery. It also supports 65W AC charging with Rapid Charge technology. Therefore, Lenovo T490s performs better in terms of battery backup and support.
Final Verdict
Now, Lenovo ThinkPad T490s is comparatively more affordable than X1 Carbon. Additionally, you will get a more extended battery backup with Lenovo T490s. However, Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon offers better processors, screen resolution options, portability, performance, and connectivity port availability.
Therefore, you can choose Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon if the battery life doesn’t bother you. Otherwise, you can opt for T490s if you are searching for a cost-efficient laptop. Remember, none of these laptops offers RAM expansion. Hopefully, this guide helps you understand the best choice from the Lenovo T490s vs X1 Carbon conflict.