Lenovo IdeaPad S540-13API (81XC) vs. Lenovo ThinkPad T14 Gen 3 (21CF)

Laptop Comparison, Reviews and Tests

Detailed comparison and review of Lenovo IdeaPad S540-13API (81XC) and Lenovo ThinkPad T14 Gen 3 (21CF). With our comprehensive overview, you can simply compare dimensions, performance, storage, functions, but also other key features of both laptops and easily decide which one is the right choice for you. Our goal is to help you identify the main differences between products and find the laptop that best fits your needs and expectations.

Lenovo IdeaPad S540-13API (81XC) Review

Advantages and disadvantages of Lenovo IdeaPad S540-13API (81XC) based on its technical characteristics, features, user experience, expert reviews and price level.

slim, lightweight design

sharp, vibrant display

fast processing speed

good battery life

quiet operation

limited port selection

no optical drive

average graphics performance

higher price point

Lenovo ThinkPad T14 Gen 3 (21CF) Review

Advantages and disadvantages of Lenovo ThinkPad T14 Gen 3 (21CF) based on its technical characteristics, features, user experience, expert reviews and price level.

robust build quality

excellent keyboard feel

powerful processor options

good battery life

impressive security features

heavier than competitors

average display brightness

limited color options

expensive base model

Laptop Comparison and Tests

Difference between Lenovo IdeaPad S540-13API (81XC) and Lenovo ThinkPad T14 Gen 3 (21CF)
81 % - Design
85 % - Display
72 % - Performance
78 % - Connectivity
75 % - Battery
82 % - Design
72 % - Display
85 % - Performance
85 % - Connectivity
85 % - Battery

Laptop Specifications Comparison

Lenovo IdeaPad S540-13API (81XC) vs. Lenovo ThinkPad T14 Gen 3 (21CF) Comparison Chart
DESIGN AND DIMENSIONS Lenovo IdeaPad S540-13API (81XC) Lenovo ThinkPad T14 Gen 3 (21CF)
Product Type Notebook Notebook - 180-degree hinge design
Dimensions (WxDxH) 29.69 cm x 20.86 cm x 1.595 cm 31.77 cm x 22.69 cm x 1.79 cm
Weight 1.25 kg 1.32 kg
Case Material Aluminum, glass Carbon fibre (top), glass-fibre (top), polycarbonate (top), polyphenylene sulfide (bottom)
Colour Light silver Thunder black
DISPLAY Lenovo IdeaPad S540-13API (81XC) Lenovo ThinkPad T14 Gen 3 (21CF)
Screen Size (Type) 13.3" - IPS 14" - IPS
LCD Backlight Technology LED backlight LED backlight
Screen Resolution 2560 x 1600 (WQHD) 1920 x 1200 (WUXGA)
Widescreen Yes Yes
Image Aspect Ratio 16:9 16:10
Image Brightness 300 cd/m² 300 cd/m²
Colour Gamut 100% sRGB, 72% NTSC 45% NTSC
Features Glossy, 72% NTSC colour gamut Anti-glare, 170° viewing angle
PROCESSOR Lenovo IdeaPad S540-13API (81XC) Lenovo ThinkPad T14 Gen 3 (21CF)
CPU AMD Ryzen 7 3750H / 2.3 GHz AMD Ryzen 5 Pro 6650U / 2.9 GHz
Max Turbo Speed 4 GHz 4.5 GHz
Number of Cores Quad-Core 6-core
Cache L3 - 4 MB L3 - 16 MB
64-bit Computing Yes -
Features Integrated memory controller Integrated memory controller
MEMORY Lenovo IdeaPad S540-13API (81XC) Lenovo ThinkPad T14 Gen 3 (21CF)
RAM 8 GB (provided memory is soldered) 8 GB (provided memory is soldered)
RAM Type DDR4 SDRAM LPDDR5 SDRAM
Speed 2400 MHz 6400 MHz
Rated Speed 2400 MHz 6400 MHz
STORAGE Lenovo IdeaPad S540-13API (81XC) Lenovo ThinkPad T14 Gen 3 (21CF)
Main Storage Size (HDD/SSD) 512 GB SSD M.2 2280 PCIe 3.0 x4 - NVM Express (NVMe) 256 GB SSD M.2 2280 PCIe 4.0 x4 - TCG Opal Encryption 2, NVM Express (NVMe)
AUDIO & VIDEO Lenovo IdeaPad S540-13API (81XC) Lenovo ThinkPad T14 Gen 3 (21CF)
Graphics Processor (GPU) AMD Radeon RX Vega 10 AMD Radeon 660M
Max Monitors Supported - 3 external monitor(s)
Camera Yes - 720p Yes - 1080p
Resolution 1 Megapixel -
Camera Features IR camera, fixed focus, ToF sensor Privacy shutter, IR camera, fixed focus
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, Dolby Voice
COMMUNICATIONS Lenovo IdeaPad S540-13API (81XC) Lenovo ThinkPad T14 Gen 3 (21CF)
Wireless 802.11a/b/g/n/ac, Bluetooth 5.0 Bluetooth 5.2, 802.11a/b/g/n/ac/ax (Wi-Fi 6E)
Wireless Controller M.2 Card Qualcomm NFA725A
Network Interface - Gigabit Ethernet
Ethernet Controller - Realtek RTL8111EPV
Compliant Standards - DASH
Features Dual stream (2x2) Wake-on-LAN (WOL), dual stream (2x2)
WWAN
Generation - 4G upgradable
BATTERY Lenovo IdeaPad S540-13API (81XC) Lenovo ThinkPad T14 Gen 3 (21CF)
Technology Lithium Ion Lithium polymer
Battery Capacity (Size) 56 Wh 52.5 Wh
Battery Life Up to 14.7 hours Up to 21.1 hours
AC ADAPTER Lenovo IdeaPad S540-13API (81XC) Lenovo ThinkPad T14 Gen 3 (21CF)
Input AC 120/230 V (50/60 Hz) AC 100-240 V (50/60 Hz)
Output 65 Watt 45 Watt
INPUT Lenovo IdeaPad S540-13API (81XC) Lenovo ThinkPad T14 Gen 3 (21CF)
Type Keyboard, touchpad Keyboard, TrackPoint, UltraNav
Keyboard Backlight Yes Yes
Features Multi-touch touchpad, buttonless touchpad Spill-resistant, multi-touch touchpad, Fn keys with Unified Communications controls
CONNECTIONS & EXPANSIONS Lenovo IdeaPad S540-13API (81XC) Lenovo ThinkPad T14 Gen 3 (21CF)
Interfaces USB 3.1 Gen 1 (Always On)
2 x USB-C 3.1 Gen 1 (supports DisplayPort Alt Mode) (Power Delivery)
Headphone/microphone combo jack
USB 3.2 Gen 1 (Always On)
USB 3.2 Gen 1
2 x USB-C 3.2 Gen 2 (supports DisplayPort 1.4a Alt Mode) (Power Delivery 3.0)
HDMI
LAN
Headphone/microphone combo jack
SOFTWARE Lenovo IdeaPad S540-13API (81XC) Lenovo ThinkPad T14 Gen 3 (21CF)
Operating System (OS) Windows 10 Home 64-bit Edition - English Windows 10 Pro 64-bit Edition (available through downgrade rights from Windows 11 Pro) + Windows 11 Pro Licence - French
Software Included Microsoft Office (30 days trial) Glance by Mirametrix
MISCELLANEOUS Lenovo IdeaPad S540-13API (81XC) Lenovo ThinkPad T14 Gen 3 (21CF)
Included Accessories Power adapter USB-C power adapter
Security Firmware Trusted Platform Module (TPM 2.0) Security Chip Discrete Trusted Platform Module (TPM 2.0) Security Chip with Microsoft Pluton, fingerprint reader, smart card reader
Security Slot Type - Kensington nano security slot
Theft/Intrusion Protection - Security lock slot (cable lock sold separately)
Features Administrator password, hard drive password, power-on password, RapidCharge Administrator password, system password, power-on password, RapidCharge, MIL-STD-810H tested, self-healing BIOS, NVMe password, USB FIDO (Fast Identity Online) device integration, certificate based BIOS authentication
Compliant Standards RoHS, Energy-Related Products (ErP) Lot 3 RoHS, Energy-Related Products (ErP) Lot 3, TCG Certified
SAR Value 0.599 W/kg (body), 0.599 W/kg (limb) -
Specific Absorption Rate (SAR) 0.599 W/kg (body)
0.599 W/kg (limb)
-
Max Operating Temperature - 35 °C
Min Operating Temperature - 5 °C
Humidity Range Operating - 8 - 95%
Manufacturer Warranty Limited warranty - 1 year - pick-up and return Base warranty - 3 years - pick-up and return
Extended warranty - 1 year - on-site
Base warranty - battery - 1 year
Other Comparisons with Lenovo IdeaPad S540-13API (81XC)
Other Comparisons with Lenovo ThinkPad T14 Gen 3 (21CF)
Other Popular Laptop Comparisons
Other projects: