Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 12 vs ASUS Zenbook 14 OLED (2025): Which Laptop Should You Buy?
Quick Verdict
The Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 12 scores 8.4 versus 8.4 for the ASUS Zenbook 14 OLED (2025), making it the stronger all-rounder. The ASUS Zenbook 14 OLED (2025) is the cheaper option at $1,499. Choose based on the use cases below: the ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 12 leads overall, while the Zenbook 14 OLED (2025) can still be the better pick for specific needs.
Key Differences
- Faster overall: ASUS Zenbook 14 OLED (2025) (Geekbench multi 11,200 vs 9,850).
- Longer battery: ASUS Zenbook 14 OLED (2025) (15.6h vs 11.8h web).
- Lighter: Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 12 (1.09 kg vs 1.2 kg).
- Cheaper: ASUS Zenbook 14 OLED (2025) (saves about $700 CAD).
ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 12 vs Zenbook 14 OLED (2025): Full Breakdown
Performance: the ASUS Zenbook 14 OLED (2025) is the stronger performer, posting a multi-core Geekbench score of 11,200 against 9,850 for the Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 12 — roughly 14% faster in CPU-heavy work like exports and compiling. In our 1080p gaming suite, the ASUS Zenbook 14 OLED (2025) averaged 32 FPS versus 22 FPS. The ASUS Zenbook 14 OLED (2025) is the better pick if you game or edit video.
Battery and portability: the ASUS Zenbook 14 OLED (2025) lasts longer away from a charger, running 15.6 hours in our web-browsing test versus 11.8 hours. The Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 12 is also easier to carry at 1.09 kg versus 1.2 kg, which matters if you commute or travel.
Display: the Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 12 uses a 14-inch OLED panel (2880 x 1800, 120Hz), while the ASUS Zenbook 14 OLED (2025) has a 14-inch OLED panel (2880 x 1800, 120Hz). The Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 12 measured brighter at 412 nits, and covered 99% of DCI-P3 — relevant for outdoor use and colour work.
Price and value: the ASUS Zenbook 14 OLED (2025) is the cheaper option in Canada, about $700 less than the Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 12. Weighed against our test scores (8.4 vs 8.4 overall), the ASUS Zenbook 14 OLED (2025) offers the better value for the money, while the Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 12 is the stronger laptop outright if budget is not the deciding factor.
For the complete testing data, read our full Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 12 review and ASUS Zenbook 14 OLED (2025) review.
Where these laptops rank
Both the ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 12 and the Zenbook 14 OLED (2025) feature in these BestLaptop.ca rankings:
Winner by Use Case
Specs & Scores Comparison
| Spec | ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 12 | Zenbook 14 OLED (2025) |
|---|---|---|
| Overall score | 8.4 | 8.4 |
| Price (CAD) | $2,199 | $1,499 ✓ |
| CPU | Intel Core Ultra 7 155U | Intel Core Ultra 7 258V |
| GPU | Intel Graphics (integrated) | Intel Arc 140V (integrated) |
| RAM | 16GB LPDDR5x | 16GB LPDDR5x |
| Storage | 512GB | 1000GB ✓ |
| Display | 14" OLED | 14" OLED |
| Brightness | 412 nits ✓ | 396 nits |
| Battery (web) | 11.8 h | 15.6 h ✓ |
| Weight | 1.09 kg ✓ | 1.2 kg |
| Geekbench multi | 9,850 | 11,200 ✓ |
| Gaming (1080p) | 22 fps | 32 fps ✓ |
| OS | Windows 11 | Windows 11 |
| Warranty | 1-year limited (3-year available) | 1-year limited |
Which Should You Buy?
The Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 12 scores 8.4 versus 8.4 for the ASUS Zenbook 14 OLED (2025), making it the stronger all-rounder. The ASUS Zenbook 14 OLED (2025) is the cheaper option at $1,499. Choose based on the use cases below: the ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 12 leads overall, while the Zenbook 14 OLED (2025) can still be the better pick for specific needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I buy the ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 12 or the Zenbook 14 OLED (2025)?
The Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 12 scores 8.4 versus 8.4 for the ASUS Zenbook 14 OLED (2025), making it the stronger all-rounder. The ASUS Zenbook 14 OLED (2025) is the cheaper option at $1,499. Choose based on the use cases below: the ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 12 leads overall, while the Zenbook 14 OLED (2025) can still be the better pick for specific needs.
Which is better for school?
The ASUS Zenbook 14 OLED (2025) is the better choice for school.
Which is better for business?
The Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 12 is the better choice for business.
Which is better for gaming?
The ASUS Zenbook 14 OLED (2025) is the better choice for gaming.
Which is better for multimedia?
The ASUS Zenbook 14 OLED (2025) is the better choice for multimedia.
Which is better for programming?
The Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 12 is the better choice for programming.
Which is better for travel?
The Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 12 is the better choice for travel.
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