TheSurface Propopularized 2-in-1 Windows tablets, and hasn’t stopped dominating the category since.
Many companies have offered their own alternative, though, includingLenovowith a laptop aimed squarely at its commercial customers.
I have thousands of hours of experience testing everything that matters in a great Windows laptop.
This review was made possible thanks to a review sample provided by Lenovo.
Lenovo had no input nor saw the contents of this review prior to publication.
You have limited configuration options with this 2-in-1.
The built-in kickstand is versatile and sturdy, and magnetically attached keyboard also props up on the bottom bezel, and you can attach the stylus via magnets on the side or a pen loop on the keyboard.
This gadget is covered with Lenovo’s 1-year onsite warranty.
Lenovo ThinkPad devices are known for their durability and reliability, so I’m not surprised there.
There’s also a Kensington Nano lock slot.
From left to right; a USB Type-C 3.2 Gen 2 port with Power Delivery and DisplayPort 2.1, an LED charging indicator, a Nano SIM slot (present on all models, only functional on those with 4G LTE), a USB Type-C Thunderbolt 4 port with Power Delivery and DisplayPort 2.1, and a 3.5mm audio jack.(Image credit: Windows Central | Zachary Boddy)
With a 60Hz refresh rate, it’s smooth enough but not what I’d consider “smooth.”
To be honest, though, all of that is fine.
The ThinkPad X12 Detachable isn’t designed for media consumption, gaming, or creative workflows.
From left to right; a volume rocker and a Kensington Nano lock slot. The power button is located on the top edge and there are no other ports, as this is where the stylus attaches (it still blocks the volume rocker and lock slot).(Image credit: Windows Central | Zachary Boddy)
It’s a mobile productivity tool; as long as the display isn’tbad, it’s okay.
The one area where I can levy a legitimate complaint is brightness.
During my time with this equipment, I never encountered any overheating or noticeable performance throttling.
This display is bland, but it’s functional and I appreciate the taller 3:2 aspect ratio.
Turn to benchmarks, and the ThinkPad X12 Detachable is predictably middling.
It’s easy to find the limits of this hardware, but this tablet isfine.
This 42Whr battery can only go so far, and it’s notthatfar.
This isn’t a particularly color accurate display, but that’s fine given the target users.
All are preserved in the ThinkPad X12 Detachable despite the compact, detachable nature of the keyboard.
The touchpad is even tinier thanks to physical buttons eating into its already limited space.
You’re looking at an ARM processor, but that benefits the tablet form factor.
I never expected great performance from this device, and my expectations were met.
ThinkPads are built to last, and this gadget feels no different.
If you need a 2-in-1 that truly lasts all day, you’re better off looking toward ARM.
It’s almost impressive just how consistently average the Lenovo ThinkPad X12 Detachable (Gen 2) is.
A decently fast PCIe Gen4 SSD keeps up with other premium devices.(Image credit: Windows Central)
Across every category it scored the same, perfectly balanced between “good” and “bad.”
There are no deal breakers here.
It’s all about function over form, practicality over aesthetics.
This counts among the slowest devices we’ve tested in Cinebench 2024, but I can’t claim to be shocked.(Image credit: Windows Central)
The X12 Detachable does perform better in Geekbench 6 than the ThinkPad X1 2-in-1 with a Core Ultra 7, which is a feat in itself.(Image credit: Windows Central)
In general productivity, the X12 Detachable competes with the Yoga Slim 7x, which I didn’t expect.(Image credit: Windows Central)
Intel Arc graphics still don’t get the X12 Detachable over the aging Surface Pro 7+ in graphical prowess.(Image credit: Windows Central)
If you were considering the ThinkPad X12 Detachable for video editing and creative work… Why?(Image credit: Windows Central)
Windows tablets historically aren’t great with battery life, but that has changed recently… Not this one, though.
The keys and touchpad are small, but it’s a comfortable layout and typing experience. You still get a fingerprint sensor, too.
The speakers are well-placed, and you still get a physical privacy shutter for the front-facing camera.
Nothing about this tablet particularly excites me, but it’s ultimately designed to be a tool and nothing more.
