Hey guys, hope you're all doing well. Yes, this video was actually recorded over a month ago. I've been pretty busy so sorry for taking so long to upload this :) Timestamps: Size and Build Quality - 0:42 Ports and Connectivity - 1:53 Fingerprint Reader - 2:38 Typing Experience - 2:50 Trackpad - 4:41 Screen - 6:04 Speakers - 7:03 Webcam - 7:57 Summary of FIrst Impressions - 8:25 Specs - 8:45 Windows Experience - 9:45 Battery Life - 10:18 Wi-Fi - 11:17 Performance and Thermals - 11:50 Minor Annoyances - 19:36 Conclusion - 22:03 Recap - 22:40
They are absolutely gonna be awesome, and a killer value. I’m especially excited for thin-and-light laptops with 8C/16T, because you actually have a decent amount of power (no more 4 core stuff) under a compact chassis!
@@Tech2Papa 04:19 The TrackPoint is one of the main reasons for mr buying ThinkPads (together with the keyboard and the overall build quality and durability and the port selection). And I do NOT work with gloves or something. I work as a backend web developer and I do type a lot. By using the TrackPoint I a am way more fast and more precice than with any trackpad (if I dont have a mouse connected). My fingers do not have to leave the homerow and the speed an precision is way better, even better than with the best trackpads. There are other manufacturers which also have trackpoint-like "dots" when using the business lines of thier laptops, like Dell or HP, but ther implementation of the TrackPoints is not even close. Lenovo still has it patented since IBM invented the TrackPoint back in the days.
Great review. Organized, detailed, great shots, and you have the voice. Keep it up if you love doing this. I can see you as one of the big time tech reviewers in a couple years
I spent 3 days looking for the perfect MBA replacement since the M1 is out of stock everywhere. At the end of your video I purchased the X395. That's called a darn good review! CLEAR, CONCISE, ACCURATE, THOROUGH.
i have this exact model/spec since few days and i love it so far, the new keyboard layout takes a bit to get used to it but the spec on the other hand is wonderful and the screen colors are amazing with great balck contrast !
I think if you just got a green screen you could make your videos a lot sleeker. Everything on your channel is very well spoken and you sound really professional, but the backgrounds can be a bit distracting and they almost feel “out of place”. Even recording with a blank wall behind you will go a long way. You make some of the best reviews I’ve ever seen, good job!
Thanks for the feedback! I could definitely use a greenscreen for something, though I’m not sure what kind of background I’d have yet. If I save up enough then I might get one :)
Spend a day forcing yourself to exclusively use the track point (shut off the track pad so you can't cheat) and learn the proper hand position for how it is supposed to be used and you'll find the "certain situations where the track point becomes useful" will probably become nearly all situations.
The last best keyboard was on x220i literally nothing replace that yet. Also once you get used to trackpoint, you can never go back. It is much more faster and ergonomic than trackpad.
I am a dedicated trackpoint user also. I'm glad they still make them as it seems few people use them. I can't go without and only buy laptops with trackpoint!
3:30 Older ThinkPads have a BIOS option to swap Fn and Control to match the standard layout. Isn't there an option on X395? Apart from that, great review. Very thorough without being boring at all. Great use of chapters too.
Finally! A proper review of the X395! I've been looking high and low lately for this! What's your opinion on the model with Ryzen 7 3700u, Radeon Vega 10, 16GB DDR4, 512GB PCIe? Am really interested to purchase the X395 with this specs....
Glad I could help! Welcome back to the PC world :) Well, the 3700U will be marginally faster than the 3500U given the same core and thread count with slightly higher clocks. The Vega 10 GPU however has 2 more cores than the Vega 8 (hence Vega 10) so as long as you change the power limits when playing games, it’ll be around 20% faster than the Vega 8. Other than that, it’s identical to my model. I’m not sure what the better value would be though (given pricing and availability are pretty erratic with COVID-19). If you won’t be using the GPU heavily (e.g. gaming), you might be better getting the Ryzen 5/Vega 8 model instead (with every other spec being the same) because the 3500U has almost identical performance compared to the 3700U but will save you quite a lot (in the US, back when they were in stock, the Ryzen 7 model was 200USD more expensive than the Ryzen 5 model with the same specs). If however the Ryzen 7 model doesn’t cost that much more (
Tech2Papa I got a steal mate, I paid about 800USD for the Ryzen7 3700u, with 16GBDDR4, Vega10 and 512PCIe. I am predominantly gonna use it for work, and don’t think I’ll be installing games on it. So I hope it’ll be able to last me at least 5 years... “fingers crossed”
Tech2Papa 875ish USD to be more precise. As I added a bag and also 3 years on site warranty along with 3 year accidental damage warranty. I really couldn’t overlook the value proposition this laptop offered. Was a no brainer in the end. =D do stay safe and away from COVid19
A great review! I also got a X395 about a month ago. What I noticed about mine was that there is a yellow tint on the display out of the box. Mine also came with the same panel model, LG lp133wf7-spb1. I made sure that the night mode both in Windows 10 and Lenovo Vantage is off. Could you please tell me whether the display of your laptop also has the same issue? Thanks.
Thank you! Huh, that’s an issue I haven’t encountered. When I tested the display‘s luminosity with a plain white background at 100% brightness, I didn’t see any hint of yellow. Perhaps it’s a screen protector? If so, there should be guides on how to remove it online. If not then you might need to RMA it unfortunately. Hope this helps :)
Very thorough testing! I saw your video and decided against buying this Thinkpad because of the bad performance in graphic intensive tasks, mainly due to low TDP limits as you have pointed out.
Tech2Papa Yeah, was hoping that it could at least handle old games such as Dota2 or GTA V at at least 30 fps but apparently not. The Intel based X390 might be the better buy for Thinkpads of this size.
From a speculation standpoint, regarding the speakers... Older Lenovo models had speakers to left and right of the keyboard. But the microphone might have been picking up the audio resulting in audio-feedback. A downward facing speaker would mitigate that... at the cost of quality, as you've pointed out.
An additional difference between Ryzen 5 3500U and the Pro version, is that the pro-version uses a bit less power and generate a bit less heat. This is repeated in desktop Ryzens, where the Pro versions have a lower TDP rating than their non-pro counterparts. Some Desktop Pro versions, depending on motherboard, are also locked from overclocking.
The reason for the Fn key being there is a legacy issue: old Thinkpads had a wonderful feature called Thinklight (look it up). Since you can't find a light switch if it is dark, the problem had to be solved through positioning: the keyboard combination Fn + Light was a combination of keys situated at the extremes of the keyboard. Fn left down + Light ( right top). So you don't have too search for it. Just put your fingers at the corners, push the keys, and there you go: Light! The new Thinkpads have this monstrosity called backlit keyboards, but it still easy to turn on. Fn + Space bar.
@@Tech2Papa nothing :))) just my preference since i still own the x220 and the thinklight is so great in planes at night. you can search documents, passes and so on :)) it is like a mini desk light
Thanks for the awesome review dude. Been thinking on buying this laptop, but im eager to know could this laptop handle video editing on Davinci Resolve 16 or not.
Thanks for watching! If you need a laptop like this but with more power, I suggest getting its successor, the X13 instead. That thing can be equipped with up to an 8 core 16 thread Ryzen 7 4750U which will surely be good for video editing. I’m testing a Ryzen 5 4650U-equipped X13 as we speak, and in terms of multicore speed, it’s over 60% faster than the Ryzen 5 3500U in the X395!
You asked: who uses trackpoint? I'm a software developer and I write/type much. For around 8 years I do not use touchpad nor mouse at all, only the trackpoint! :). When you use trackpoint you don't have to put your hands off the keyboard, you always have fingers on the keyboard, therefore I see it much more: handy, comfortable, ergonomic when you're writing/typing. And so if you want to mark a text, click apps you don't have to put your hand off the keyboard, just put your finger on trackpoint move the cursor to right position, click button with a thumb and you can continue writing. Or on linux you can click the middle button and using the trackpoint scroll the pages/text/whatever. If your file has thousands of lines it's much more handy than on touchpad having to swipe-scroll dozens of time with your fingers:). Of course if you do graphics then there are better solutions than trackpoint, but for other daily and professional usage once you get used to it, it's great :) . And for me it's a pity that only few models in whole laptop world provide trackpoints. At the beginning the trackpoint is somehow stiff/hard to move, but with the time it will go much smoother. If you want a challenge - give a try using trackopoint ( I suggest to increase it's speed in system settings) for 3/4 weeks without mouse, without touchpad and then tell what you think;).
Thanks for sharing your insight! I guess I haven’t used it long enough to appreciate it. Next time if I’m able to borrow a ThinkPad for the long-term, I‘ll be sure to try only using the TrackPoint :)
That’s alright :) Well you should definitely get 60+fps at high detail, but I don’t play LoL myself so I can’t give you a more precise estimate, sorry. I suggest searching for videos showing live gameplay using the Vega 8 (specifically the 3500U/2500U Vega 8, the 3200G’s Vega 8 runs faster) on LoL to get a solid idea of how it runs.
i just bought a lenovo x395 (reconditionned) and the colors are very light blue and pale, lack of contrast. the blacks are grey-blue... any idea ? i've tried calibration it doesnt solve the problem
You can change the FN / Ctrl layout in the bios settings. To me, removing the Ethernet port is a big disappointment, I setup lots of network equipment and use wired connections over wifi when I can. Additionally, I think it was a big mistake for Lenovo to remove the bridge battery system. Being able to truly hot swap batteries, and being able to upgrade the removable battery with a bigger one is a huge bonus, it is one of my favorite features of my T480. On my T480 with a 3 cell internal battery and 6 cell external battery, I get INSANE battery life, and have gone over 36 hours without charging while using it very frequently in that time window. It makes it through an 8 hour work day easily without using battery saving options and with significant battery to spare.
Ah yes, someone told me about the FN/CTRL thing, thanks :) The Ethernet port is actually accessible, but you have to use a dongle unfortunately. But that battery feature sounds pretty awesome. I wonder why they removed it...
Hi, I wonder which one of this two( X395 with Vega 8 or T480 with MX150) is better for a light gaming? Also I can't figure out is it possible to add another SSD somehow through wwan port to T480 or this one? Please respond if you know, thanks in advance! Cheers!
The trackpoint predates touchpads. That's the origin. Also, the trackpoint allows you to scroll in webpages without taking fingers off keyboard, cuz the middle button is "y axis".
I was surprised to learn that myself! My friend showed me one of his old ThinkPads (an X200 I think), and it had a TrackPoint but no trackpad. The middle button scroll function is also pretty cool.
I’m not really looking to game. Just Minecraft, CZcams, Netflix, spread sheets and school ( google classroom) etc. want it to last me a good 3-3.5 years. I just would like better volume and camera. Is there any way I could upgrade it? Would you prefer this? It’s $780 final price. Would you prefer this laptop or a different “better one”? Thanks
1. Lenovo does not offer any alternative speakers or cameras for this laptop (other than the IR camera), so changing the speakers and camera are almost impossible unless you have access to other parts which also fit properly and you know how to replace them yourself. 2. Laptop cameras aren’t very good so unfortunately you’re not gonna find one much better than this. If you need better speakers though, you might need to look somewhere else. I wish I can give you a concrete recommendation but I haven’t tested many laptop speakers out there. 3. When playing GTA 5 for example, it reaches its TDP (17W and 27W modes) within 5-10 minutes, but it depends how hot your environment is. Mine was tested in an air-conditioned room at 22°C/72°F. 4. 8GB RAM should be fine, just be careful when multitasking since you technically only have 6GB of RAM (the Vega 8 uses 2GB as VRAM). Hope this helps!
X395 vs X360 13t: The X395’s 3500U has Vega 8 graphics which are faster than any of Intel’s Ice Lake graphics options on the 13t. The Spectre X360 13t has upward firing speakers. Although I’ve never heard these speakers myself, I’m sure they’ll sound better than the X395’s. The 13t has a touch screen capable of 360° rotation (for use as a tablet) which the X395 doesn’t have. You can also write or draw using the stylus, which could be useful for school work. The 13t also looks more beautiful than the X395, but that’s just a personal opinion. The 13t’s base model costs $200 more than the X395 base model. Whether it’s worth the additional price premium is up to you.
That’s tough. I think in terms of CPU power, the (I assume) i5-8250U will be slightly faster than the R5 3500U with the same core counts, similar clocks, and slightly higher IPC. Other than that, the T480S and X395 are pretty similar laptops with only minor differences in ports, dimensions, and weight. Unless one laptop has a specific feature you want that the other does not, I’d buy whichever one is the cheapest.
I think the hardware inside matters a bit more. Once you decide that, you can choose a suitable ThinkPad model. Is your analytics app heavily multithreaded? And what’s your work environment like? Do you have a dock that connects to a bunch of peripherals (e.g. monitors, storage devices, etc) through ThunderBolt 3?
@@Tech2Papa That's true. My applications are mostly multi-threaded. I don't use many peripherals. But an external monitor with HDMI cable. I was actually waiting for thinkpad edition with Ryzen 5000 series APUs. They are expected to launch these in 2021. Any word on them?
Ah then the Ryzen 4000 ThinkPads are probably a better choice then. Unfortunately there’s not much information about low-power Ryzen 5000 chips yet, so unless you can wait a couple months (and probably more), I’d advise going with a Ryzen 4000 ThinkPad.
Hey buddy, can you please try to look for updates in Lenovo Vantage and tell me if it tells you to install USB-C PDFW Firmware ? For some reason I can't install it, every time i install and reboot vantage asks for it again. Is it just me ?
If 8gb of ram is soldered, and you've got the 16gb ram model does that mean your model is 16gb ram (single channel) or it has 8gb soldered + 8gb (dual channel)?
The Vega 8 manages around 30fps at 1080p low detail (check the performance charts for more details). Just make sure you have the 27W limit activated, otherwise you’ll get 20fps. The laptop will heat up quickly because it’s thin and there’s only one exhaust. I answered the camera question in your other comment.
Tech2Papa thank you so much! Will it work well for 3 years of use using Minecraft Netflix school CZcams will Minecraft or roblox heat up fast? (My brothers like to play a lot. Using minimum bots small programming and designing etc, is there any better option for $780?
If you want something with similar specs but better value, the Lenovo Flex 14 2-in-1 is much cheaper at around 500USD. Its build quality isn’t as good, but in terms of raw performance, it might be a better choice for you. The Yoga C940 is very similar to the X360 13t I mentioned in your other comment. It also costs around the same, so the advantages I mentioned there would also apply to the C940. Whether it’s worth the additional price over the X395, or even the Flex 14 is up to you.
Oh, another Fn whining. I actually like this combination since Fn key is needed for various tasks (more often than) Ctrl, and If need Ctrl it's easier to place combinations with this placement. Any smart person maps Caps Lock key to a Ctrl key.
It does have its merits for sure, but you have to admit it takes time to get used to since most keyboards don’t use that layout. I only borrowed this X395 for 2 weeks and the FN placement was unusual for the first few days of usage.
Well there are quite a few laptops under $900 with a 6-core i7-9750H and GTX 1650. These will definitely be much faster than the X395, but with the cost of additional weight, thickness and cheaper-feeling materials.
Hi. Do you still hold the x395? The on board memory is dual channel? I actually ordered X13 gen 1 AMD RYZEN R7-4750U, 16GB RAM. Im worry the on board RAM not in dual channel mode. Because i saw some of other reviewer said if not in dual channel mode, graphics performance will be drop significantly.
@@Tech2Papa subscribed. Looking forward more video from you. I found that your video and presentation are informative. I love your presentation. Clear and hit all the point. Quality content! Thumbs up~
Hi, sorry I gave back the X395 already. But the onboard RAM is dual channel. The dual/single channel RAM performance difference depends on the game. Sometimes performance is close to dual-channel, but I’ve also seen differences by as much as 30% (look at my A15 review to see this first-hand). The Vega 7 however definitely will be hindered by single-channel RAM because the Vega 7 uses the RAM as its video RAM. If you’re worried about the X13 being single-channel, I highly suggest emailing Lenovo. Thanks for the feedback and the subscription. Enjoy the laptop :)
@@Tech2Papa what computer would you reccomend for an everyday user who is looking for something light weight, matte screen, can be used outside in the sun, doesn't get too hot and the fan is not too loud that will last the test of time . must have hdmi port and ear bud port. looking for 1000 ish to spend. I am looking at the apple m1 but my last mabook air logic board got mold after only 4 yrs
If you prefer a Windows machine, the ThinkPad X13 I reviewed before seems to fulfill your requirements, however I’d recommend looking through the best thin-and-lights of 2020 (www.pcmag.com/picks/the-best-ultraportable-laptops?test_uuid=001OQhoHLBxsrrrMgWU3gQF&test_variant=a) to get a better perspective to see if any of those are more suitable for you.
@@Tech2Papa you definitely will need more in 2-3 years. But without possibility to upgrade buying such laptops it is just a waste of money. Plain and obvious waste of money.
You make an excellent point. Even then, thin-and-light machines with this kind of hardware (like 4-core CPUs) probably won’t be used for applications that need more than 16GB, even in the next couple of years. But hey, if you have use case for it, definitely consider something else (and something more powerful at that!) :)
@@JFK_Speedwagon today base RAM needed is 16gb (I think it was max soldered offer 3 years ago). Even three years old T470 RAM, for example, is upgradable to 32GB. My last beating laptop x250 was offering 16 GB RAM upgrade 5 years ago. So in 3 years you definitely will need to buy new machine instead of just buying affordable by then RAM module that would double the life cycle of your laptop. But I think by the end of this year, when market will get a grip of mobile Ryzen 4000 offerings with up to 64GB upgradable RAM, you will see exactly what I mean by waste of money when buying not cheap 16GB soldered RAM laptop, imho
Hey guys, hope you're all doing well. Yes, this video was actually recorded over a month ago. I've been pretty busy so sorry for taking so long to upload this :)
Timestamps:
Size and Build Quality - 0:42
Ports and Connectivity - 1:53
Fingerprint Reader - 2:38
Typing Experience - 2:50
Trackpad - 4:41
Screen - 6:04
Speakers - 7:03
Webcam - 7:57
Summary of FIrst Impressions - 8:25
Specs - 8:45
Windows Experience - 9:45
Battery Life - 10:18
Wi-Fi - 11:17
Performance and Thermals - 11:50
Minor Annoyances - 19:36
Conclusion - 22:03
Recap - 22:40
Tech2Papa do keep up the good work. Slowly but surely, you’ll get more subs! Keep it real!
any thoughts on Ryzen 4 models starting to come out?
Yutaka Hitomi they’re gonna be awesome!
They are absolutely gonna be awesome, and a killer value. I’m especially excited for thin-and-light laptops with 8C/16T, because you actually have a decent amount of power (no more 4 core stuff) under a compact chassis!
@@Tech2Papa
04:19 The TrackPoint is one of the main reasons for mr buying ThinkPads (together with the keyboard and the overall build quality and durability and the port selection).
And I do NOT work with gloves or something.
I work as a backend web developer and I do type a lot. By using the TrackPoint I a am way more fast and more precice than with any trackpad (if I dont have a mouse connected).
My fingers do not have to leave the homerow and the speed an precision is way better, even better than with the best trackpads.
There are other manufacturers which also have trackpoint-like "dots" when using the business lines of thier laptops, like Dell or HP, but ther implementation of the TrackPoints is not even close. Lenovo still has it patented since IBM invented the TrackPoint back in the days.
This guy needs to be hired at LTT, the video is such high quality, especially from a relativity small channel.
Aw thank you!
True
This is an amazingly thorough review from such a new channel. You're going somewhere. Keep it up!
Aw thanks!
I was thinking the same thing. One of the best reviews I've seen in years. This is the first video I'm seeing from your channel and I am Subscribing.
Thank you :)
Great review. Organized, detailed, great shots, and you have the voice. Keep it up if you love doing this. I can see you as one of the big time tech reviewers in a couple years
Aw thank you!
I spent 3 days looking for the perfect MBA replacement since the M1 is out of stock everywhere. At the end of your video I purchased the X395. That's called a darn good review! CLEAR, CONCISE, ACCURATE, THOROUGH.
Thanks! Enjoy the laptop :)
Dude, this has been the best review I've ever watched. Thank you!
Aw thank you!
Awesome review.
You can swap the ctrl and fn keys in the bios.
Wow, I didn’t know that could be done. Thanks!
@@Tech2Papa You can also use it in the control panel of the lenovo software (keyboard manager)
I actually prefer it like that - find it faster to access while coding.
Good review, thinking about getting one of these for my son in September. I really like your focus on production value 👍
Thank you! Enjoy the laptop :)
omg.. the best part is ur voice. so soothing, and not forced
Thank you :)
Most retro tech nerds love the trackpoint. I personally use the trackpoint over the track pad.
your explanation about tdp limit is excellent, I was confused with it
Thanks! Glad I could help :)
i have this exact model/spec since few days and i love it so far, the new keyboard layout takes a bit to get used to it but the spec on the other hand is wonderful and the screen colors are amazing with great balck contrast !
this video showed up on my home page and i recognise a familiar face!! good job marcus!!
Eyy thanks dude :)
I think if you just got a green screen you could make your videos a lot sleeker. Everything on your channel is very well spoken and you sound really professional, but the backgrounds can be a bit distracting and they almost feel “out of place”. Even recording with a blank wall behind you will go a long way. You make some of the best reviews I’ve ever seen, good job!
Thanks for the feedback! I could definitely use a greenscreen for something, though I’m not sure what kind of background I’d have yet. If I save up enough then I might get one :)
Dang, that's a nice review, appreciate all the effort going into it.
Thank you!
Awesome video! Hope you are staying safe in HK.
Thank you! Take care as well :)
This is such a good review, you deserve so much more attention, I hope the best for the growth of your channel
Thank you :)
Spend a day forcing yourself to exclusively use the track point (shut off the track pad so you can't cheat) and learn the proper hand position for how it is supposed to be used and you'll find the "certain situations where the track point becomes useful" will probably become nearly all situations.
This comment is Team Red Nipple approved
i got good at trackpoint coz my trackpad broke :p
Brutal review mate. 10/10.
Thanks a lot!
Thanks! If you’re looking to buy the X395, I’d advise checking the X13 instead. It’s a refreshed version with Ryzen 4000 CPUs.
@@Tech2Papa Cheers buddy!!
Just found a sweet deal on a X395 i'm going for. It is more than enough.
Mate, you are outstading!
Bravo!
Awesome! Enjoy the laptop :)
The last best keyboard was on x220i literally nothing replace that yet.
Also once you get used to trackpoint, you can never go back. It is much more faster and ergonomic than trackpad.
I am a dedicated trackpoint user also. I'm glad they still make them as it seems few people use them. I can't go without and only buy laptops with trackpoint!
3:30 Older ThinkPads have a BIOS option to swap Fn and Control to match the standard layout. Isn't there an option on X395?
Apart from that, great review. Very thorough without being boring at all. Great use of chapters too.
Ah yes thanks! A few people have told me about that trick as well.
Great, concise, review. that ram limit is a dead end for me. I love Thinkpads but hopefully the next gen 4000 series will have a better ram option.
Thank you! I hope so too :)
Awesome review dude!!!
Thanks!
@@Tech2Papa helped me decide to buy one even though it is a bit older) your reviews are awesome!
Finally! A proper review of the X395! I've been looking high and low lately for this! What's your opinion on the model with Ryzen 7 3700u, Radeon Vega 10, 16GB DDR4, 512GB PCIe? Am really interested to purchase the X395 with this specs....
I’m making the jump from Apple. This will be my first PC in 12 years
Glad I could help! Welcome back to the PC world :)
Well, the 3700U will be marginally faster than the 3500U given the same core and thread count with slightly higher clocks. The Vega 10 GPU however has 2 more cores than the Vega 8 (hence Vega 10) so as long as you change the power limits when playing games, it’ll be around 20% faster than the Vega 8. Other than that, it’s identical to my model.
I’m not sure what the better value would be though (given pricing and availability are pretty erratic with COVID-19). If you won’t be using the GPU heavily (e.g. gaming), you might be better getting the Ryzen 5/Vega 8 model instead (with every other spec being the same) because the 3500U has almost identical performance compared to the 3700U but will save you quite a lot (in the US, back when they were in stock, the Ryzen 7 model was 200USD more expensive than the Ryzen 5 model with the same specs). If however the Ryzen 7 model doesn’t cost that much more (
Tech2Papa I got a steal mate, I paid about 800USD for the Ryzen7 3700u, with 16GBDDR4, Vega10 and 512PCIe. I am predominantly gonna use it for work, and don’t think I’ll be installing games on it. So I hope it’ll be able to last me at least 5 years... “fingers crossed”
Wow, that is absolutely a steal if you got it for 800USD! Enjoy the laptop :)
Tech2Papa 875ish USD to be more precise. As I added a bag and also 3 years on site warranty along with 3 year accidental damage warranty. I really couldn’t overlook the value proposition this laptop offered. Was a no brainer in the end. =D do stay safe and away from COVid19
Solid review. Good info, no fluff, and a bit of humor. Subscribed.
Thank you :)
small thing about the function key placement: there is a setting in the bios to switch their positions
Man the video editing 👌👌
A great review! I also got a X395 about a month ago. What I noticed about mine was that there is a yellow tint on the display out of the box. Mine also came with the same panel model, LG lp133wf7-spb1. I made sure that the night mode both in Windows 10 and Lenovo Vantage is off. Could you please tell me whether the display of your laptop also has the same issue? Thanks.
Thank you!
Huh, that’s an issue I haven’t encountered. When I tested the display‘s luminosity with a plain white background at 100% brightness, I didn’t see any hint of yellow. Perhaps it’s a screen protector? If so, there should be guides on how to remove it online. If not then you might need to RMA it unfortunately.
Hope this helps :)
Very thorough testing! I saw your video and decided against buying this Thinkpad because of the bad performance in graphic intensive tasks, mainly due to low TDP limits as you have pointed out.
Thank you!
Yeah it’s not the best graphics performer. The ThinkPad P series seems to offer better graphics options so you could consider that.
Tech2Papa Yeah, was hoping that it could at least handle old games such as Dota2 or GTA V at at least 30 fps but apparently not. The Intel based X390 might be the better buy for Thinkpads of this size.
Nice review. I've planned to buy one .
Thanks! Enjoy the laptop :)
Thanks for the review I actually got mine today
Awesome! Enjoy the laptop :)
From a speculation standpoint, regarding the speakers...
Older Lenovo models had speakers to left and right of the keyboard.
But the microphone might have been picking up the audio resulting in audio-feedback.
A downward facing speaker would mitigate that... at the cost of quality, as you've pointed out.
An additional difference between Ryzen 5 3500U and the Pro version, is that the pro-version uses a bit less power and generate a bit less heat.
This is repeated in desktop Ryzens, where the Pro versions have a lower TDP rating than their non-pro counterparts.
Some Desktop Pro versions, depending on motherboard, are also locked from overclocking.
The reason for the Fn key being there is a legacy issue: old Thinkpads had a wonderful feature called Thinklight (look it up). Since you can't find a light switch if it is dark, the problem had to be solved through positioning: the keyboard combination Fn + Light was a combination of keys situated at the extremes of the keyboard. Fn left down + Light ( right top). So you don't have too search for it. Just put your fingers at the corners, push the keys, and there you go: Light! The new Thinkpads have this monstrosity called backlit keyboards, but it still easy to turn on. Fn + Space bar.
Wow, that’s pretty clever! Thanks for the explanation! Not sure what’s so wrong with backlit keyboards though ;)
@@Tech2Papa nothing :))) just my preference since i still own the x220 and the thinklight is so great in planes at night. you can search documents, passes and so on :)) it is like a mini desk light
Thanks for the awesome review dude. Been thinking on buying this laptop, but im eager to know could this laptop handle video editing on Davinci Resolve 16 or not.
Thanks for watching! If you need a laptop like this but with more power, I suggest getting its successor, the X13 instead. That thing can be equipped with up to an 8 core 16 thread Ryzen 7 4750U which will surely be good for video editing.
I’m testing a Ryzen 5 4650U-equipped X13 as we speak, and in terms of multicore speed, it’s over 60% faster than the Ryzen 5 3500U in the X395!
@@Tech2Papa wow that is a huge speed upgrade. Thanks for the prompt answer, keep making reviews man, this is so good.
You asked: who uses trackpoint? I'm a software developer and I write/type much. For around 8 years I do not use touchpad nor mouse at all, only the trackpoint! :). When you use trackpoint you don't have to put your hands off the keyboard, you always have fingers on the keyboard, therefore I see it much more: handy, comfortable, ergonomic when you're writing/typing. And so if you want to mark a text, click apps you don't have to put your hand off the keyboard, just put your finger on trackpoint move the cursor to right position, click button with a thumb and you can continue writing. Or on linux you can click the middle button and using the trackpoint scroll the pages/text/whatever. If your file has thousands of lines it's much more handy than on touchpad having to swipe-scroll dozens of time with your fingers:). Of course if you do graphics then there are better solutions than trackpoint, but for other daily and professional usage once you get used to it, it's great :) .
And for me it's a pity that only few models in whole laptop world provide trackpoints. At the beginning the trackpoint is somehow stiff/hard to move, but with the time it will go much smoother. If you want a challenge - give a try using trackopoint ( I suggest to increase it's speed in system settings) for 3/4 weeks without mouse, without touchpad and then tell what you think;).
Thanks for sharing your insight! I guess I haven’t used it long enough to appreciate it. Next time if I’m able to borrow a ThinkPad for the long-term, I‘ll be sure to try only using the TrackPoint :)
I couldn't tell, call you instead a 2nd ssd and is full size or not?
the whole review - proper bargain and proper nice as well!
Thanks!
My g, thanks for the review innit bruv.
Awesome video dude!! Keep it up
Thanks!
The Andrea Galeazzi of Singapore :). thanks for the hones review!
Great review. Thanks for the info.
In the future will there be timestamps? And also great review!
Thanks! But I already put timestamps in the comments. I pinned it just now so it’s easier for everyone to see.
@@Tech2Papa Oh sorry about that! Thank you! By the way this might be a dumb question but what is the best guess for performance on League of legends?
That’s alright :)
Well you should definitely get 60+fps at high detail, but I don’t play LoL myself so I can’t give you a more precise estimate, sorry. I suggest searching for videos showing live gameplay using the Vega 8 (specifically the 3500U/2500U Vega 8, the 3200G’s Vega 8 runs faster) on LoL to get a solid idea of how it runs.
i just bought a lenovo x395 (reconditionned) and the colors are very light blue and pale, lack of contrast. the blacks are grey-blue... any idea ? i've tried calibration it doesnt solve the problem
Excellent review. Well done.
Thanks!
Very very good review!
Thanks!
You can change the FN / Ctrl layout in the bios settings.
To me, removing the Ethernet port is a big disappointment, I setup lots of network equipment and use wired connections over wifi when I can. Additionally, I think it was a big mistake for Lenovo to remove the bridge battery system. Being able to truly hot swap batteries, and being able to upgrade the removable battery with a bigger one is a huge bonus, it is one of my favorite features of my T480. On my T480 with a 3 cell internal battery and 6 cell external battery, I get INSANE battery life, and have gone over 36 hours without charging while using it very frequently in that time window. It makes it through an 8 hour work day easily without using battery saving options and with significant battery to spare.
Ah yes, someone told me about the FN/CTRL thing, thanks :)
The Ethernet port is actually accessible, but you have to use a dongle unfortunately. But that battery feature sounds pretty awesome. I wonder why they removed it...
Hi, I wonder which one of this two( X395 with Vega 8 or T480 with MX150) is better for a light gaming? Also I can't figure out is it possible to add another SSD somehow through wwan port to T480 or this one? Please respond if you know, thanks in advance! Cheers!
U need more subs
Thanks :)
The trackpoint predates touchpads. That's the origin.
Also, the trackpoint allows you to scroll in webpages without taking fingers
off keyboard, cuz the middle button is "y axis".
I was surprised to learn that myself! My friend showed me one of his old ThinkPads (an X200 I think), and it had a TrackPoint but no trackpad. The middle button scroll function is also pretty cool.
Never expected this quality when clicking on the video😂😂😂
Thank you :)
great review of a great laptop. i'm waiting for the X13 which is basically the newer version of this, and i will also get the AMD version
Thanks!
That’s awesome! Those new low-power Ryzen 4000 CPUs are gonna be epic :)
@@Tech2Papa yes ;) i hope so!
I like ur voice
Thanks!
Nice video man, I'm getting one
Thanks!
Though at this point, I’d advise getting the X13. It’s basically the X395 but with the new Ryzen 4000 CPUs.
@@Tech2Papa Ah thanks I'll have a look, earned yourself a new sub!
Which one better x395 or t480s?
Is there any way to disable the power button LED? Or some other solution? It is so distracting.
That t-shirt feels very different today
I’m not really looking to game. Just Minecraft, CZcams, Netflix, spread sheets and school ( google classroom) etc. want it to last me a good 3-3.5 years. I just would like better volume and camera. Is there any way I could upgrade it? Would you prefer this? It’s $780 final price. Would you prefer this laptop or a different “better one”? Thanks
How fast does it take to heat up? Is it good outside? Is 8 GB good?
1. Lenovo does not offer any alternative speakers or cameras for this laptop (other than the IR camera), so changing the speakers and camera are almost impossible unless you have access to other parts which also fit properly and you know how to replace them yourself.
2. Laptop cameras aren’t very good so unfortunately you’re not gonna find one much better than this. If you need better speakers though, you might need to look somewhere else. I wish I can give you a concrete recommendation but I haven’t tested many laptop speakers out there.
3. When playing GTA 5 for example, it reaches its TDP (17W and 27W modes) within 5-10 minutes, but it depends how hot your environment is. Mine was tested in an air-conditioned room at 22°C/72°F.
4. 8GB RAM should be fine, just be careful when multitasking since you technically only have 6GB of RAM (the Vega 8 uses 2GB as VRAM).
Hope this helps!
Tech2Papa also does it sound the same as a HP Spector x360?
Tech2Papa would you prefer this or the hp Spector x360?
X395 vs X360 13t:
The X395’s 3500U has Vega 8 graphics which are faster than any of Intel’s Ice Lake graphics options on the 13t.
The Spectre X360 13t has upward firing speakers. Although I’ve never heard these speakers myself, I’m sure they’ll sound better than the X395’s.
The 13t has a touch screen capable of 360° rotation (for use as a tablet) which the X395 doesn’t have. You can also write or draw using the stylus, which could be useful for school work.
The 13t also looks more beautiful than the X395, but that’s just a personal opinion.
The 13t’s base model costs $200 more than the X395 base model. Whether it’s worth the additional price premium is up to you.
Wish they'd make this with the bridge battery system that the x270 uses
I just recently heard about this feature from another comment and I agree. I wonder why they removed it...
It could be interesting see how this laptop works with linux
Soldered RAM should be illegal
😅
The t14 is a better option?
is a good laptop for 600 dollars right now?
is the keyboard backlit?
It is and you use FN+Space to change the brightness.
@@Tech2Papa thanks man, great review btw.
Thanks :)
upgradable poba?
my friend thanks for nice review. please wich the best t480s i5 8th or x395 ryzen5 3500u i want to bay one of them
That’s tough. I think in terms of CPU power, the (I assume) i5-8250U will be slightly faster than the R5 3500U with the same core counts, similar clocks, and slightly higher IPC.
Other than that, the T480S and X395 are pretty similar laptops with only minor differences in ports, dimensions, and weight.
Unless one laptop has a specific feature you want that the other does not, I’d buy whichever one is the cheapest.
You are very good.
Thanks!
is this laptop touch screen?
Hi, which lenovo thinkpad model would you recommend for a heavy analytics user in US? Given, pricing to be under 1k.
I think the hardware inside matters a bit more. Once you decide that, you can choose a suitable ThinkPad model.
Is your analytics app heavily multithreaded? And what’s your work environment like? Do you have a dock that connects to a bunch of peripherals (e.g. monitors, storage devices, etc) through ThunderBolt 3?
@@Tech2Papa That's true. My applications are mostly multi-threaded. I don't use many peripherals. But an external monitor with HDMI cable.
I was actually waiting for thinkpad edition with Ryzen 5000 series APUs. They are expected to launch these in 2021. Any word on them?
Ah then the Ryzen 4000 ThinkPads are probably a better choice then.
Unfortunately there’s not much information about low-power Ryzen 5000 chips yet, so unless you can wait a couple months (and probably more), I’d advise going with a Ryzen 4000 ThinkPad.
Hey buddy, can you please try to look for updates in Lenovo Vantage and tell me if it tells you to install USB-C PDFW Firmware ? For some reason I can't install it, every time i install and reboot vantage asks for it again. Is it just me ?
Sorry but I gave the laptop back already, so I won’t be able to check that or run anymore tests on it.
If 8gb of ram is soldered, and you've got the 16gb ram model does that mean your model is 16gb ram (single channel) or it has 8gb soldered + 8gb (dual channel)?
All the RAM is soldered, and both 8GB and 16GB models have it in dual channel.
@@Tech2Papa Awesome, thanks!
Good Job 👍
Thanks!
That Ethernet port is for a dongle. It's not native.
It is for a dongle, but it’s called a “Native Ethernet” port on the X395 webpage.
@@Tech2Papa I didn't know that. Clever name for a non-native port.
Is AMD Ryzen 3 strong enough for streaming Netflix or should we upgrade to Ryzen 5?
Definitely. 4 cores and 4 threads should be plenty for streaming videos.
@@Tech2Papa Awesome!
Is there anyway I could upgrade the camera and volume?
And gta 5 does it run smoothly with the Vega 8 without heating up so fast?
The Vega 8 manages around 30fps at 1080p low detail (check the performance charts for more details). Just make sure you have the 27W limit activated, otherwise you’ll get 20fps.
The laptop will heat up quickly because it’s thin and there’s only one exhaust.
I answered the camera question in your other comment.
Tech2Papa thank you so much! Will it work well for 3 years of use using Minecraft Netflix school CZcams will Minecraft or roblox heat up fast? (My brothers like to play a lot. Using minimum bots small programming and designing etc, is there any better option for $780?
Tech2Papa or the yoga c940?
If you want something with similar specs but better value, the Lenovo Flex 14 2-in-1 is much cheaper at around 500USD. Its build quality isn’t as good, but in terms of raw performance, it might be a better choice for you.
The Yoga C940 is very similar to the X360 13t I mentioned in your other comment. It also costs around the same, so the advantages I mentioned there would also apply to the C940. Whether it’s worth the additional price over the X395, or even the Flex 14 is up to you.
How much fps do you get in gta 5 at 720p low?
I got around 50fps (only with the 27W power limit) which is very playable
@@Tech2Papa thanks bro! You just gained another sub
IBM invented the trackpoint:)
They did! I was surprised to know that ThinkPad used to be an IBM brand as well
Oh, another Fn whining. I actually like this combination since Fn key is needed for various tasks (more often than) Ctrl, and If need Ctrl it's easier to place combinations with this placement. Any smart person maps Caps Lock key to a Ctrl key.
It does have its merits for sure, but you have to admit it takes time to get used to since most keyboards don’t use that layout. I only borrowed this X395 for 2 weeks and the FN placement was unusual for the first few days of usage.
Fn/Ctrl is known feature of Thinkpads and the trackpoint aka "the nipple" as well. :-)
"If you're looking for a flat-out powerhouse, you're gonna have a very bad time." What laptops under $900 are more of a powerhouse than this one?!
Well there are quite a few laptops under $900 with a 6-core i7-9750H and GTX 1650. These will definitely be much faster than the X395, but with the cost of additional weight, thickness and cheaper-feeling materials.
@@Tech2Papa Ahhhh, gotcha. Thanks man.
1:15 STOPPP!! XD
Yeah man big man innit boss CHEEEERS
#Ask Will ram still 8GB if I use egpu?
Sadly you can’t use an eGPU since this laptop doesn’t have Thunderbolt 3 (no Ryzen laptop right now supports it)
Pls review X13 GEN 1 AMD RYZEN R7 4750U. tq~
I’ll definitely do that if I get access to one :)
Hi. Do you still hold the x395? The on board memory is dual channel?
I actually ordered X13 gen 1 AMD RYZEN R7-4750U, 16GB RAM. Im worry the on board RAM not in dual channel mode. Because i saw some of other reviewer said if not in dual channel mode, graphics performance will be drop significantly.
@@Tech2Papa tq
@@Tech2Papa subscribed. Looking forward more video from you. I found that your video and presentation are informative. I love your presentation. Clear and hit all the point. Quality content! Thumbs up~
Hi, sorry I gave back the X395 already. But the onboard RAM is dual channel.
The dual/single channel RAM performance difference depends on the game. Sometimes performance is close to dual-channel, but I’ve also seen differences by as much as 30% (look at my A15 review to see this first-hand). The Vega 7 however definitely will be hindered by single-channel RAM because the Vega 7 uses the RAM as its video RAM. If you’re worried about the X13 being single-channel, I highly suggest emailing Lenovo.
Thanks for the feedback and the subscription. Enjoy the laptop :)
Sexy content mate!
Thanks man!
ugh the speakers killed it for me:(
Yeah sadly they’re not great on this model.
@@Tech2Papa what computer would you reccomend for an everyday user who is looking for something light weight, matte screen, can be used outside in the sun, doesn't get too hot and the fan is not too loud that will last the test of time . must have hdmi port and ear bud port. looking for 1000 ish to spend. I am looking at the apple m1 but my last mabook air logic board got mold after only 4 yrs
If you prefer a Windows machine, the ThinkPad X13 I reviewed before seems to fulfill your requirements, however I’d recommend looking through the best thin-and-lights of 2020 (www.pcmag.com/picks/the-best-ultraportable-laptops?test_uuid=001OQhoHLBxsrrrMgWU3gQF&test_variant=a) to get a better perspective to see if any of those are more suitable for you.
No RAM update? Not interested!
Yeah it sucks that you can’t upgrade the RAM. But if the available model already has 16GB, you might not actually need it.
@@Tech2Papa you definitely will need more in 2-3 years. But without possibility to upgrade buying such laptops it is just a waste of money. Plain and obvious waste of money.
You make an excellent point. Even then, thin-and-light machines with this kind of hardware (like 4-core CPUs) probably won’t be used for applications that need more than 16GB, even in the next couple of years. But hey, if you have use case for it, definitely consider something else (and something more powerful at that!) :)
Yeah, what this laptop is meant for I don’t think you will really need more than 16gb even in 3 years
@@JFK_Speedwagon today base RAM needed is 16gb (I think it was max soldered offer 3 years ago). Even three years old T470 RAM, for example, is upgradable to 32GB. My last beating laptop x250 was offering 16 GB RAM upgrade 5 years ago. So in 3 years you definitely will need to buy new machine instead of just buying affordable by then RAM module that would double the life cycle of your laptop. But I think by the end of this year, when market will get a grip of mobile Ryzen 4000 offerings with up to 64GB upgradable RAM, you will see exactly what I mean by waste of money when buying not cheap 16GB soldered RAM laptop, imho
U ar pervect
Who cares about one hand opening...
I do, and I’m sure some people are curious so it doesn’t hurt to add that detail in.
is the keyboard backlight?
This model has a backlit keyboard, but not all models come with the option.
@@Tech2Papa can you tell me your specific model number? i'm looking for it
My model number is 20NLS02X00. But keep in mind this is for the Hong Kong store, so depending on your region, you might not be able to find it.
@@Tech2Papa thank you so much. Keep the hard work!