The integration of ARM chips into Windows computers hasn’t been smooth. Initially targeted at the high-end market, it turns out that Qualcomm is gaining ground in the entry-level and mid-range segments. The 2025 Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3x features a basic Qualcomm Snapdragon X1 chip to reduce costs, but is it enough to make the product appealing?
Technical Specifications
| Model | Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3x Gen 10 (15″ Snapdragon) |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 343.4 mm x 16.9 mm |
| Resolution | 1920 x 1200 pixels |
| Display Technology | LCD |
| Touch Screen | No |
| Processor (CPU) | Snapdragon X X1-26-100 |
| RAM | 16 GB |
| Internal Storage | 512 GB |
| Material | Plastic |
| Operating System (OS) | Microsoft Windows 11 |
| Weight | 1600 grams |
| Depth | 239.5 mm |
| Product Sheet |
Design
This is undoubtedly an entry-level laptop considering the entire chassis is made of plastic. However, there are different types of plastic, and it must be said that here, Lenovo’s formula works. This IdeaPad Slim 3x is pleasant to the touch, and remains understated by retaining the brand’s signature grey tone without any overly distinct markings.
It is also quite portable, weighing 1.6 kilograms and measuring 1.69 centimeters in thickness. A few years ago, these were the dimensions of the best ultraportables. Here, it is simply an efficient computer, not necessarily trying to stand out, but primarily aiming to meet user expectations. Simplicity has its benefits.
Keyboard and Touchpad
Here is where the quality dips. The keyboard’s layout is good, and its 15-inch size allows it to incorporate a somewhat cramped, yet still useful, numeric keypad. However, the keys are terribly soft and have almost no feedback. You get used to it, and most laptops at this price point have this issue, but Lenovo hasn’t made an effort to enhance comfort. There’s a lot of flex, but nothing that really hinders use.
The touchpad is also efficient. While its surface is plastic, it is sufficiently large and smooth. For its category, we are satisfied.
Connectivity
On the left, we find a rounded-tip power port, a 5 Gbps USB A port, an HDMI 1.4 port, a 5 Gbps USB-C port, and a combo jack. On the right, there is a second 5 Gbps USB A port, a full-size SD card reader, and Lenovo’s signature power button.
The connectivity options are quite outdated. From HDMI 1.4 to all USB ports limited to 5 Gbps (USB 3.0 standard), it’s hard to consider this product as a modern computer. Pragmatically, the targeted users here may not necessarily need more, but at the same time, it’s hard to justify these choices when the chip can handle better.
Webcam and Audio
While Qualcomm SoCs have been noted for their ability to handle photos beautifully, it still requires a good integrated sensor. Here, we’re back to a 720p resolution and rather poor light management that doesn’t help the Snapdragon X1 deliver its usual processing.
The audio setup is similar, reminiscent of entry-level smartphones. There’s nothing noteworthy here except that you can at least enjoy Bluetooth 5.3 to connect devices capable of much better performance.
Screen
The IdeaPad Slim 3x we are reviewing features a 15-inch IPS LCD panel with a resolution of 1920 x 1200 pixels, which is a 16:10 aspect ratio. The refresh rate is capped at 60 Hz, the bare minimum these days.
Under our probe and with the Calman Color Calibration software from Portrait Displays, we find a coverage of only 57% of the sRGB space and 38% of the DCI-P3 space. The maximum brightness is measured at 319 cd/m², with a contrast ratio of 1130:1 and an average color temperature of 6060, which is slightly too warm. The average delta e00 measured is 4.95 in the sRGB space, with a huge maximum deviation of 21 in the blue and pink tones.
Let’s drop a certain journalistic deference: it’s bad. While some concessions can be accepted in the entry-level segment, such as not supporting DCI-P3 or offering compromised brightness like this, reverting to a “45% NTSC” screen like this is not acceptable in 2025. It was acceptable five years ago, but not now when decent IPS LCD panels are not difficult to source.
Software
Unsurprisingly, the IdeaPad Slim 3x comes with a fair amount of adware, including McAfee. This is more acceptable on products in this price range to lower the cost for consumers, but it’s still something to uninstall the moment you start using your PC.
The Lenovo Vantage software continues to be one of the most user-friendly on the market. The interface is clear, easy to read, and everything works perfectly well. However, the manufacturer continues to promote its paid services, even though what they offer (automatic diagnostics and optimizations) is often available for free from others.
Performance
The IdeaPad Slim 3x is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon X1 26 100 SoC, an 8-core processor operating up to 2.98 GHz. It is paired with 16 GB of LPDDR5X RAM at 8448 MHz, and 256 GB of storage on PCIe Gen 4.
Benchmarks
In Cinebench 2024, we see scores of 623 points in multi-core and 96 points in single-core. While the single-core performance supports the case for a modern laptop, the multi-core capabilities are half that of its contemporaries. This computer is definitely designed for office use only, without much potential for productivity beyond web browsing and writing.
The Adreno graphics aren’t the most powerful either, scoring 1088 points on Steel Nomad. If the Snapdragon X Elite was a bit more competitive in this area, this cheaper variant sacrifices that aspect.
At least, the storage is quite modern. While the read rate is satisfactory, the write rate lags behind what we’ve come to expect from PCIe Gen 4. Cost optimization is thorough.
Cooling and Noise
Now, Qualcomm maintains a significant advantage: this PC doesn’t overheat and is almost noiseless. The fan seems almost there for decoration or to reassure consumers used to seeing a fan in their setups.
Battery Life
The Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3x includes a 50 Wh battery, which is decent, and comes with a 65-watt power adapter. It uses a rounded-tip adapter, even though the PC is compatible with USB-C. In 2025? With a Qualcomm setup? Again, it’s hard to justify.
Under typical office use, with brightness set to 50%, we see a battery life of about twenty hours. Qualcomm still has this advantage in battery life, especially in the entry-level segment where Intel and AMD don’t make as much effort.
Price and Availability
The Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3x is already available in France, starting at 679 euros for a configuration with 512 GB of storage.
Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3x Gen 10 (15″ Snapdragon)
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Maya Singh is a senior editor covering tablets and hybrid devices. Her work explores how these tools reshape digital productivity and learning. She also contributes to feature editorials on emerging tech.