With the introduction of Intel's 12th-generation Core processors, we've seen a ton of great laptops hit the market. One particular segment that's been suddenly flooded with options us business, and there are a lot of fantastic business laptops to choose from in 2022, including some convertibles. Among those convertibles, we have the iconic Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Yoga Gen 7, but Dell has also introduced the Dell Latitude 7430, which is available in both convertible and classic clamshell form factors.

If you're in the market for a business convertible this year, it can be tough to decide between these two, but we're here to help. We'll be pitting the Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Yoga Gen 7 and the Dell Latitude 7430 against each other in a variety of categories so you can make a more conscious decision. After all, these are expensive laptops, so you certainly want to make the right choice. Let's get right into it.

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Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Yoga Gen 7 vs Dell Latitude 7430: Specs

Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Yoga Gen 7

Dell Latitude 7430

Operating system

  • Windows 11
  • Ubuntu
  • Windows 11
  • Ubuntu

CPU

  • 12th-generation Intel Core i5-1240P (12 cores, 16 threads, up to 4.4GHz, 12MB cache)
  • 12th-generation Intel Core i5-1250P (12 cores, 16 threads, up to 4.4GHz, 12MB cache)
  • 12th-generation Intel Core i7-1260P (12 cores, 16 threads, up to 4.7GHz, 18MB cache)
  • 12th-generation Intel Core i7-1270P (12 cores, 16 threads, up to 4.8GHz, 18MB cache)
  • 12th-generation Intel Core i7-1280P (14 cores, 20 threads, up to 4.8GHz, 24MB cache)
  • 12th-generation Intel Core P-series
    • Intel Core i5-1240P (12 cores, 16 threads, up to 4.4GHz, 12MB cache)
    • Intel Core i5-1250P vPro (12 cores, 16 threads, up to 4.4GHz, 12MB cache)
  • 12th-generation Intel Core U-series (15W)
    • Intel Core i5-1235U (10 cores, 12 threads, up to 4.4GHz, 12MB cache)
    • Intel Core i5-1245U vPro (10 cores, 12 threads, up to 4.4GHz, 12MB cache)
    • Intel Core i7-1255U (10 cores, 12 threads, up to 4.7GHz, 12MB cache)

Graphics

  • Intel Iris Xe
  • Intel Iris Xe

Display

  • 14-inch WUXGA 16:10 (1920 x 1200) IPS low-power, touch, anti-glare, 400 nits, 100% sRGB
  • 14-inch WUXGA 16:10 (1920 x 1200) IPS low-power, touch, anti-reflective, anti-smudge, 400 nits, 100% sRGB
  • 14-inch WUXGA 16:10 (1920 x 1200) IPS low-power, touch, anti-glare, Privacy Guard, 500 nits, 100% sRGB
  • 14-inch WQUXGA 16:10 (3840 x 2400) OLED low-power, touch, anti-reflective, anti-smudge, 500 nits, 100% DCI-P3, Dolby Vision

2-in-1

  • 14-inch 16:9 FHD (1920 x 1080), anti-reflective, anti-smudge, 300 nits, 100% sRGB, super low power, Corning Gorilla Glass 6 DX, touch and pen support

Laptop/clamshell

  • 14-inch 16:9 FHD (1920 x 1080), anti-glare, 250 nits, 45% NTSC
  • 14-inch 16:9 FHD (1920 x 1080), anti-glare, 300 nits, 72% NTSC
  • 14-inch 16:9 FHD (1920 x 1080), anti-glare, 300 nits, 100% sRGB, SafeScreen
  • 14-inch 16:9 FHD (1920 x 1080), anti-glare, 400 nits, 100% sRGB, super low power, low blue light, ComfortView Plus
  • 14-inch 16:9 UHD (3840 x 2160), anti-glare, 400 nits, 100% sRGB, super low power, low blue light, ComfortView Plus

Storage

  • 256GB PCIe Gen 4 SSD
  • 512GB PCIe Gen 4 SSD
  • 1TB PCIe Gen 4 SSD
  • 2TB PCIe Gen 4 SSD
  • 256GB PCIe NVMe SSD (Class 35)
  • 512GB PCIe NVMe SSD (Class 35)
  • 512GB self-encrypting PCIe NVMe SSD (Class 40)
  • 1TB PCIe NVMe SSD (Class 40)

RAM

  • 8GB LPDDR5 5200MHz (soldered)
  • 16GB LPDDR5 5200MHz (soldered)
  • 32GB LPDDR5 5200MHz (soldered)
  • Intel P-series processors:
    • 16GB LPDDR5 4800MHz RAM (soldered)
  • Intel U-series processors:
    • 8GB DDR4 3200MHz RAM (soldered)
    • 16GB DDR4 3200MHz RAM (soldered)
    • 32GB DDR4 3200MHz RAM (soldered)

Battery

  • 57Whr battery
    • Up to 65W USB Type-C power adapter
  • 3-cell 41Whr battery
  • 4-cell 58Whr battery
    • Up to 90W USB Type-C power adapter

Ports

  • 2 x Thunderbolt 4 (USB Type-C)
  • 2 x USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A
  • 1x HDMI 2.0b
  • 3.5mm headphone jack
  • Nano SIM slot
  • 2 x Thunderbolt 4 (USB Type-C)
  • 1 x USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A
  • 1 x HDMI 2.0
  • 3.5mm headphone jack
  • microSD card reader
  • Optional: Nano SIM slot
  • Optional: Smart Card reader (contacted)

Audio

  • 2 x 2W stereo speakers with Dolby Atmos
  • Quad-microphone (far-field) array with Dolby Voice
  • Dual speakers with Waves MaxxAudio Pro
  • Dual noise-canceling microphones

Camera

  • 720p HD RGB webcam
  • 1080p Full HD RGB webcam
  • 1080p Full HD RGB + IR webcam
  • 1080p Full HD MIPI RGB + IR webcam with Computer Vision
  • 720p HD webcam with camera shutter
  • 1080p Full HD + IR camera with Dell Express Sign-In, Intelligent Privacy, ambient light sensor, and camera shutter

Biometric authentication

  • IR webcam (optional)
  • Fingerprint sensor
  • IR webcam (optional)
  • Fingerprint sensor (optional)

Connectivity

  • Intel Wi-Fi 6E
  • Bluetooth 5.2
  • Cellular options:
    • 5G sub-6 Cat2o
    • 4G LTE Cat16
  • Wi-Fi 6E
  • Bluetooth 5.2
  • Cellular options:
    • 5G sub-6
    • 4G LTE Cat16/Cat9

Color

  • Storm Grey
  • Silver (aluminum models)
  • Black (carbon fiber models)

Size (WxDxH)

  • 314.4 x 222.3 x 15.53 mm (12.38 x 8.75 x 0.61 in)
  • 321.35 x 208.69 x 17.27 mm (12.65 x 8.22 x 0.68 in)

Dimensions

  • Starts at 1.38kg (3 lbs)
  • Laptop: Starts at 1.22 kg (2.69 lbs)
  • 2-in-1: Starts at 1.35kg (2.97 lbs)

Price

Starting at $1,749

Starting at $1,969

Performance: The ThinkPad X1 Yoga has more powerful processors

Just like the majority of Windows laptops introduced in 2022, both the Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Yoga Gen 7 and the Dell Latitude 7430 come with 12th-generation Intel processors inside. However, they are different models, and that gives Lenovo's laptop a bit of an advantage here, at least based on the models you can buy right now. The Dell Latitude7430 is available with processors from the P series - which have a 28W base power rating - and the U series - with a lower 15W rating. The P series processors are significantly faster, but right now, you can only go up to a Core i5-1250P. If you want to get a Core i7, it has to be from the U series.

Dell latitude 7430 2-in-1 tent mode

On the other hand, the Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Yoga Gen 7 is only available with P-series processors at this time, and at writing time, you can get it with up to an Intel Core io7-1270P, which is quite a bit more powerful than what's inside the Latitude. Lenovo also says there'll be a model with an even more powerful Core i7-1280P, which has a whopping 14 cores and 20 threads. However, that will be coming later. Take a look at how some of these P-series and U-series processors compare in the Geekbench 5 benchmark.

Intel Core i7-1270P(see test)

Intel Core i5-1250P(see test)

Intel Core i7-1255U(see test)

Intel Core i5-1245U(see test)

Geekbench 5 (single-core/multi-core)

1,667 / 8,519

1,602 / 7,899

1,663 / 6,754

1,529 / 5,465

While these are early results, you can tell that the P-series processors are going to deliver a bit more performance, and having the option for a Core i7 definitely helps. That difference will be even more stark once the Core i7-1280P option is available. For graphics, the two laptops have an integrated Iris Xe GPU, and it's similar across P-series and U-series processors. The P-series models are clocked slightly higher, but it shouldn't be a huge difference.

One benefit of the Dell Latitude 7430 is going to be battery life, though. That power rating of the P-series processors isn't for nothing, and you can expect these models to chew through your battery much more quickly than the 15W U-series models. Dell gives you the option for either a 41Wh or 58Wh battery, and if you choose the former, things might be a bit more balanced, but with the larger size, it's practically guaranteed that the Latitude 7430 will last longer with the U-series processors.

The Dell Latitude 7430 can last longer on a charger with the 15W U-series processors.

Lenovo pulls ahead again when it comes to RAM and storage. You can get up to 32GB of LPDDR5 RAM and a 2TB SSD. Meanwhile, the Dell Latitude 7430 gives you the option for 32GB of RAM, but it has to be DDR4 and it's paired with the U-series processors. If you get a P-series model, you get 16GB of LPDDR5 RAM, and that's it.

Display and sound: You can get an OLED panel with the ThinkPad

Lenovo's ThinkPad X1 Yoga continues to win more points as we move on to comparing the display with the Dell Latitude 7430. With the Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Yoga, you get a 14-inch panel with a 16:10 aspect ratio, which is taller than your typical 16:9 display. That may seem odd, but the taller screen is ideal for productivity, and thus, it's a perfect fir for a business laptop. Plus, in addition to the base model supporting Full HD+ (1920 x 1200) resolution (with the option for a privacy screen), you can upgrade to a stunning Ultra HD+ (3840 x 2400) OLED panel. Not only is that incredibly sharp, but the OLED technology means you get true blacks, vivid colors, and high contrast ratios you just can't get with an LCD.

X1 Yoga in convertible mode

Meanwhile, the Dell Latitude 7430 comes in fa less interesting configurations. The 14-inch panel has a more traditional 16:9 aspect ratio, which some may still prefer, but if you're buying the convertible model, your only option is Full HD resolution. If you want something that can compete with the ThinkPad X1 Yoga in terms of features, you have to get the regular laptop version, which gives you the option to add a Dell SafeScreen privacy display or upgrade to a 4K panel. Either way, Lenovo simply has more appealing options here if you want something that looks and feels premium.

Dell Latitude 7430 front view

Above that display, the two laptops give you the option for a 1080p webcam, but Lenovo has a better default configuration. The base model already includes a 1080p webcam, but you can then add Windows Hello support or even opt for a higher-quality MIPI camera with Computer Vision. Either way, you should be well served across all tiers. With the Dell Latitude 7430, the base model is still a 720p camera, which is far from impressive in 2022. You can upgrade to a 1080p camera with Windows Hello, though. Speaking of Windows Hello, the Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Yoga has a fingerprint reader included by default, and the Dell Latitude 7430 has it as an optional upgrade.

The Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Yoga has a 1080p webcam by default.

As for sound, both laptops have a dual-speaker setup that should do just fine for audio playback, though we wouldn't expect a mind-blowing experience on either one. The ThinkPad does have a more advanced microphone setup with four mics in total, which could result in better voice quality for calls and meetings.

Design: Both laptops are fairly subdued

Business laptops don't typically look all that interesting, and suffice it to say that neither of these two is an exception to that. However, they are different from each other in a few ways. Lenovo's ThinkPad X1 Yoga Gen 7 is every bit a ThinkPad as you'd expect it to be. It's silver instead of black, but you still get the iconic red accents and ThinkPad features like red TrackPoint in the middle of the keyboard and duplicate mouse buttons above the touchpad. It may seem pointless to younger users, but long-time ThinkPad users love these features.

The Dell Latitude 7430 is a bit more modern in the sense that it's lacking those classic ThinkPad flourishes. It's a sleek-looking laptop with a very clean and minimalist design, which is probably just fine for most people. It does have the benefit of being available with a carbon fiber chassis if you want a darker color, but if you go that route, you can't get it in a 2-in-1 form factor. The convertible model is only available in aluminum, and thus, in a classic silver colorway.

Dell Latitude 7430 keyboard and touchpad overhead view

On the more technical side of the things, the two laptops are similarly portable. If you opt out of the convertible design, the Latitude 7430 is a bit lighter at 2.69lbs (versus 3lbs for the ThinkPad), but the 2-in-1 model weighs 2.97lbs, so there's almost no difference. The Dell Latitude 7430 is also wider and thicker than the Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Yoga, though Lenovo's laptop is taller thanks to the taller display.

Ports and connectivity

Finally, we round things out with ports, an area where business laptops tend to excel, and truth be told, both of these do. The Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Yoga comes with two Thunderbolt 4/USB Type-C ports, two USB Type-A ports, HDMI, a headphone jack, and a nano-SIM slot if you opt for a model with cellular connectivity.

The Dell Latitude 7430 is nearly identical, but it exchanges one of the USB Type-A ports for a microSD card reader, plus you have the option for a contacted Smart Card reader, too. These are things not everyone will need, but they might be useful for specific people.

The Dell Latitude 7430 only has a 5G option in the clamshell model.

And while we're on the topic of connectivity, yes, both of these laptops support cellular networks as an optional upgrade, meaning you can connect to the internet even when there's no Wi-Fi available. Both laptops advertise the option for either 4G LTE or 5G support, but there are some caveats. On Lenovo's side, the 5G configuration isn't actually available yet at writing time. Meanwhile, while you can get the Latitude 7430 with 5G support, it has to be the clamshell version - the 2-in-1 model only supports 4G LTE.

Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Yoga vs Dell Latitude 7430: Final thoughts

After taking a look at all of this, you'd be hard-pressed to give Dell the advantage here. The Dell Latitude 7430 does have a slightly more modern look, and you might get better battery life from it by choosing a U-series processor, but in almost every other regard, the Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Yoga is just better.

It has more powerful (albeit more power-hungry) processors, options for faster RAM, and more storage. Plus, it has a 16:10 display that's great for productivity (with a fantastic OLED upgrade option), a better webcam by default, and a better microphone setup. And it does all of that with a starting price that's still somehow lower than that of the Dell Latitude 7430.

Of course, you might still prefer what Dell's laptop is offering, so we'll leave both options below.

The Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Yoga Gen 7 is a powerful business convertible with 12th-gen Intel processors and up to an Ultra HD+ OLED display. It also has a lot of ports and configuration options.
Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Yoga Gen 7

The Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Yoga Gen 7 is a powerful convertible with 12th-gen Intel processors and up to an Ultra HD+ OLED display. Plus, you can get it with a Full HD webcam.

The Dell latitude 7430 is available with 12th-generation Intel Core processors and other top-notch specs for business users.
Dell Latitude 7430

The Dell latitude 7430 is available with 12th-generation Intel Core processors and other top-notch specs for business users.