Lenovo's new ThinkPad X12 Detachable is basically a more powerful Surface Pro

Lenovo Thinkpad X12
Lenovo Thinkpad X12 (Image credit: Daniel Rubino / Windows Central)

What you need to know

  • Lenovo announced the new ThinkPad X12 Detachable at CES 2021.
  • The PC features a form factor similar to Microsoft's Surface Pro, but with specs far and above what Microsoft currently offers.
  • The ThinkPad X12 Detachable is expected to go on sale later in January starting at $1,149.

Lenovo is going all-out for CES 2021, announcing a slew of new laptops. Among the latest is the new Lenovo ThinkPad X12 Detachable, a detachable PC that should appeal to anyone who is a fan of Microsoft's Surface Pro form factor.

While the ThinkPad X12 Detachable certainly takes its cues from the Surface Pro, it sets itself apart with a range of specs that outclass Microsoft's offering. That includes Intel's latest 11th Gen processors with vPro, along with Intel Iris Xe graphics for added integrated graphics horsepower. Thunderbolt 4 ports are on board here as well, along with Wi-Fi 6 and 4G LTE support.

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CategoryThinkPad X12 Detachable (Gen 1)
OSWindows 10 Pro
ProcessorUp to 11th Gen Intel Core i7 vPro
RAMUp to 16GB LPDDR4x
GraphicsIntel Iris Xe
StorageUp to 1TB M.2 PCIe NVMe SSD
Display12.3 inches
FHD+
3:2 aspect ratio
400 nits, touch
PenLenovo Precision Pen
Tilt support
PortsThunderbolt 4
USB-C 3.2
Nano SIM
3.5mm audio
AudioDolby Premium
Dual array microphones
ConnectivityWi-Fi 6
4G LTE
Bluetooth 5.1
CameraFront-facing 5MP
Rear-facing 8MP
SecurityIR camera
Fingerprint reader
Battery42Wh
Dimensions11.15 x 8.01 x 0.35 inches
(283.3mm x 203.5mm x 8.8mm)
Weight1.67 pounds (760g)
2.42 pounds (1.1kg) with keyboard
ColorBlack

The ThinkPad X12 Detachable can be pulled away from its keyboard to be used in tablet mode, and it's compatible with the Lenovo Precision Pen or Lenovo Digital Pen for inking. The backlit keyboard also includes Lenovo's iconic red keyboard nub for those who are fans. An IR camera and fingerprint reader also ensure that you've got multiple options to keep your PC secure with Windows Hello.

With a 3:2 aspect ratio and a 12.3-inch display, it's hard to ignore the similarities to the Surface Pro here. For those intrigued by the Surface Pro's design who want to go a little higher-end on specs, the Lenovo ThinkPad X12 Detachable may be just what you're looking for.

Lenovo says the ThinkPad X12 Detachable is set to go on sale later in January starting at $1,149.

Dan Thorp-Lancaster

Dan Thorp-Lancaster is the former Editor-in-Chief of Windows Central. He began working with Windows Central, Android Central, and iMore as a news writer in 2014 and is obsessed with tech of all sorts. You can follow Dan on Twitter @DthorpL and Instagram @heyitsdtl