Lenovo IdeaPad 520-15IKB (81BF) vs. Lenovo IdeaPad S540-15IML (81NG)

Laptop Comparison, Reviews and Tests

In depth comparison and review of Lenovo IdeaPad 520-15IKB (81BF) and Lenovo IdeaPad S540-15IML (81NG). Compare sizes, performance, storage capacities, batteries and other important specifications and features to easily choose the right laptop for you. Our goal is to help you uncover differences between the products and find the laptop that will best fit your needs.

Lenovo IdeaPad 520-15IKB (81BF) Review

Advantages and disadvantages of Lenovo IdeaPad 520-15IKB (81BF) based on its technical characteristics, features, user experience, expert reviews and price level.

robust metal design

crisp full HD display

backlit keyboard feature

adequate processing power

reasonable price point

average battery life

limited graphics performance

heavier than competitors

no USB-C port

Lenovo IdeaPad S540-15IML (81NG) Review

Advantages and disadvantages of Lenovo IdeaPad S540-15IML (81NG) based on its technical characteristics, features, user experience, expert reviews and price level.

sleek aluminum design

sharp full HD display

fast processing speeds

ample storage capacity

good battery life

heavier than competitors

no optical drive

limited port selection

average graphics performance

Laptop Comparison and Tests

Difference between Lenovo IdeaPad 520-15IKB (81BF) and Lenovo IdeaPad S540-15IML (81NG)
75 % - Design
72 % - Display
72 % - Performance
73 % - Connectivity
65 % - Battery
82 % - Design
72 % - Display
75 % - Performance
75 % - Connectivity
75 % - Battery

Laptop Specifications Comparison

Lenovo IdeaPad 520-15IKB (81BF) vs. Lenovo IdeaPad S540-15IML (81NG) Comparison Chart
DESIGN AND DIMENSIONS Lenovo IdeaPad 520-15IKB (81BF) Lenovo IdeaPad S540-15IML (81NG)
Product Type Notebook Notebook
Dimensions (WxDxH) 37.8 cm x 26 cm x 2.2 cm 35.8 cm x 24.5 cm x 1.69 cm
Weight 2.2 kg 1.95 kg
Case Material Metal Aluminum, glass
Colour Golden Mineral grey
DISPLAY Lenovo IdeaPad 520-15IKB (81BF) Lenovo IdeaPad S540-15IML (81NG)
Screen Size (Type) 15.6" - IPS 15.6" - IPS
LCD Backlight Technology - LED backlight
Screen Resolution 1920 x 1080 (Full HD) 1920 x 1080 (Full HD)
Widescreen Yes Yes
Image Aspect Ratio 16:9 16:9
Image Brightness 250 cd/m² 300 cd/m²
Colour Gamut - 72%
Features Anti-glare Glossy, glass cover
PROCESSOR Lenovo IdeaPad 520-15IKB (81BF) Lenovo IdeaPad S540-15IML (81NG)
CPU Intel Core i5 (8th Gen) 8550U / 1.8 GHz Intel Core i5 (10th Gen) 10210U / 1.6 GHz
Max Turbo Speed 4 GHz 4.2 GHz
Number of Cores Quad-Core Quad-Core
Cache 8 MB 6 MB
64-bit Computing - Yes
Features Integrated memory controller Integrated memory controller
MEMORY Lenovo IdeaPad 520-15IKB (81BF) Lenovo IdeaPad S540-15IML (81NG)
RAM 8 GB (1 x 4 GB + 4 GB (soldered)) 8 GB (1 x 4 GB + 4 GB (soldered))
Max RAM Supported 16 GB 12 GB
RAM Type DDR4 SDRAM DDR4 SDRAM
Speed 2133 MHz 2400 MHz
Rated Speed 2400 MHz 2400 MHz
Form Factor SO-DIMM 260-pin SO-DIMM 260-pin
Slots Qty 1 1
Empty Slots 0 0
STORAGE Lenovo IdeaPad 520-15IKB (81BF) Lenovo IdeaPad S540-15IML (81NG)
Main Storage Size (HDD/SSD) 2 TB HDD SATA 6Gb/s / 5400 rpm 512 GB SSD M.2 2280 PCIe 3.0 x4 - NVM Express (NVMe)
Optical Drive DVD±RW -
AUDIO & VIDEO Lenovo IdeaPad 520-15IKB (81BF) Lenovo IdeaPad S540-15IML (81NG)
Multi-GPU Configuration 1 single GPU card / integrated GPU -
Graphics Processor (GPU) NVIDIA GeForce MX150 / Intel UHD Graphics 620 Intel UHD Graphics
Video Memory 4 GB GDDR5 SDRAM -
Camera Yes - 720p Yes - 720p
Resolution 1 Megapixel 1 Megapixel
Camera Features Fixed focus Privacy shutter
Sound Stereo speakers, dual array microphone Stereo speakers, dual array microphone
Compliant Standards High Definition Audio, Dolby Audio High Definition Audio, Dolby Audio
Audio Features Output: Harman audio technology -
COMMUNICATIONS Lenovo IdeaPad 520-15IKB (81BF) Lenovo IdeaPad S540-15IML (81NG)
Wireless 802.11a/b/g/n/ac, Bluetooth 4.1 802.11a/b/g/n/ac, Bluetooth 4.2
Wireless Controller M.2 Card M.2 Card
Network Interface Gigabit Ethernet -
Features Single stream (1x1) Dual stream (2x2)
BATTERY Lenovo IdeaPad 520-15IKB (81BF) Lenovo IdeaPad S540-15IML (81NG)
Technology 2-cell lithium polymer Lithium Ion
Battery Capacity (Size) 35 Wh 70 Wh
Battery Life Up to 6 hours Up to 15 hours
AC ADAPTER Lenovo IdeaPad 520-15IKB (81BF) Lenovo IdeaPad S540-15IML (81NG)
Input AC 100-240 V (50/60 Hz) AC 120/230 V (50/60 Hz)
Output 65 Watt 65 Watt
INPUT Lenovo IdeaPad 520-15IKB (81BF) Lenovo IdeaPad S540-15IML (81NG)
Type Keyboard, touchpad Keyboard, touchpad
Numeric Keypad Yes Yes
Keyboard Backlight Yes Yes
Features - Multi-touch touchpad, buttonless touchpad
CONNECTIONS & EXPANSIONS Lenovo IdeaPad 520-15IKB (81BF) Lenovo IdeaPad S540-15IML (81NG)
Interfaces USB-C 3.0
2 x USB 3.0
HDMI
LAN
Headphone/microphone combo jack
USB 3.1 Gen 1
USB 3.1 Gen 1 (Always On)
USB-C 3.1 Gen 1
HDMI
Headphone/microphone combo jack
Memory Card Reader 4 in 1 (SD Card, MultiMediaCard, SDHC Card, SDXC Card) 4 in 1 (SD Card, MultiMediaCard, SDHC Card, SDXC Card)
SOFTWARE Lenovo IdeaPad 520-15IKB (81BF) Lenovo IdeaPad S540-15IML (81NG)
Operating System (OS) Windows 10 Home 64-bit Edition - English Windows 10 Home 64-bit Edition - English
Software Included - Microsoft Office (30 days trial)
MISCELLANEOUS Lenovo IdeaPad 520-15IKB (81BF) Lenovo IdeaPad S540-15IML (81NG)
Included Accessories Power adapter Power adapter
Security Fingerprint reader Firmware Trusted Platform Module (TPM 2.0) Security Chip, fingerprint reader
Security Slot Type Kensington mini security slot -
Theft/Intrusion Protection Security lock slot (cable lock sold separately) -
Features Administrator password, hard drive password, power-on password Administrator password, hard drive password, power-on password, RapidCharge
Compliant Standards RoHS RoHS, Energy-Related Products (ErP) Lot 3
SAR Value - 1.81 W/kg (body), 1.81 W/kg (limb)
Manufacturer Warranty Limited warranty - 1 year - pick-up and return Limited warranty - 1 year - pick-up and return
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