Lenovo IdeaPad 520-15IKB (81BF) vs. Lenovo ThinkBook 14-IML (20RV)

Laptop Comparison, Reviews and Tests

In depth comparison and review of Lenovo IdeaPad 520-15IKB (81BF) and Lenovo ThinkBook 14-IML (20RV). 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 ThinkBook 14-IML (20RV) Review

Advantages and disadvantages of Lenovo ThinkBook 14-IML (20RV) based on its technical characteristics, features, user experience, expert reviews and price level.

robust build quality

efficient performance

affordable price point

adequate connectivity options

solid keyboard feel

average display quality

moderate battery life

limited graphics power

no thunderbolt support

Laptop Comparison and Tests

Difference between Lenovo IdeaPad 520-15IKB (81BF) and Lenovo ThinkBook 14-IML (20RV)
75 % - Design
72 % - Display
72 % - Performance
73 % - Connectivity
65 % - Battery
82 % - Design
72 % - Display
75 % - Performance
78 % - Connectivity
75 % - Battery

Laptop Specifications Comparison

Lenovo IdeaPad 520-15IKB (81BF) vs. Lenovo ThinkBook 14-IML (20RV) Comparison Chart
DESIGN AND DIMENSIONS Lenovo IdeaPad 520-15IKB (81BF) Lenovo ThinkBook 14-IML (20RV)
Product Type Notebook Notebook
Dimensions (WxDxH) 37.8 cm x 26 cm x 2.2 cm 32.6 cm x 23 cm x 1.79 cm
Weight 2.2 kg 1.5 kg
Case Material Metal Aluminum
Colour Golden Mineral grey
DISPLAY Lenovo IdeaPad 520-15IKB (81BF) Lenovo ThinkBook 14-IML (20RV)
Screen Size (Type) 15.6" - IPS 14"
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 250 cd/m²
Features Anti-glare Anti-glare
PROCESSOR Lenovo IdeaPad 520-15IKB (81BF) Lenovo ThinkBook 14-IML (20RV)
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 ThinkBook 14-IML (20RV)
RAM 8 GB (1 x 4 GB + 4 GB (soldered)) 8 GB (provided memory is soldered)
Max RAM Supported 16 GB 24 GB
RAM Type DDR4 SDRAM DDR4 SDRAM
Speed 2133 MHz 2666 MHz
Rated Speed 2400 MHz 2666 MHz
Form Factor SO-DIMM 260-pin SO-DIMM 260-pin
Slots Qty 1 1
Empty Slots 0 1
STORAGE Lenovo IdeaPad 520-15IKB (81BF) Lenovo ThinkBook 14-IML (20RV)
Main Storage Size (HDD/SSD) 2 TB HDD SATA 6Gb/s / 5400 rpm 256 GB SSD M.2 2280 PCIe - NVM Express (NVMe)
Optical Drive DVD±RW -
AUDIO & VIDEO Lenovo IdeaPad 520-15IKB (81BF) Lenovo ThinkBook 14-IML (20RV)
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 -
Camera Features Fixed focus Fixed focus, ThinkShutter camera privacy
Sound Stereo speakers, dual array microphone Stereo speakers, dual array microphone
Codec - Realtek ALC3287
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 ThinkBook 14-IML (20RV)
Wireless 802.11a/b/g/n/ac, Bluetooth 4.1 802.11a/b/g/n/ac, Bluetooth 5.0
Wireless Controller M.2 Card M.2 Card
Network Interface Gigabit Ethernet Gigabit Ethernet
Features Single stream (1x1) Dual stream (2x2)
BATTERY Lenovo IdeaPad 520-15IKB (81BF) Lenovo ThinkBook 14-IML (20RV)
Technology 2-cell lithium polymer Lithium Ion
Battery Capacity (Size) 35 Wh 45 Wh
Battery Life Up to 6 hours Up to 9 hours
AC ADAPTER Lenovo IdeaPad 520-15IKB (81BF) Lenovo ThinkBook 14-IML (20RV)
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 ThinkBook 14-IML (20RV)
Type Keyboard, touchpad Keyboard, touchpad
Numeric Keypad Yes -
Keyboard Backlight Yes Yes
Features - Spill-resistant, multi-touch touchpad, buttonless touchpad
CONNECTIONS & EXPANSIONS Lenovo IdeaPad 520-15IKB (81BF) Lenovo ThinkBook 14-IML (20RV)
Interfaces USB-C 3.0
2 x USB 3.0
HDMI
LAN
Headphone/microphone combo jack
USB 2.0
USB 3.1 Gen 1 (Always On)
USB 3.1 Gen 1
USB-C 3.1 Gen 1
USB-C 3.1 Gen 2 (supports DisplayPort Alt Mode) (Power Delivery)
HDMI
Headphone/microphone combo jack
LAN
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 ThinkBook 14-IML (20RV)
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 ThinkBook 14-IML (20RV)
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 Kensington security slot
Theft/Intrusion Protection Security lock slot (cable lock sold separately) 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, MIL-STD-810G tested
Compliant Standards RoHS RoHS, Energy-Related Products (ErP) Lot 3
SAR Value - 0.49 W/kg (body), 0.49 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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