In depth comparison and review of Lenovo IdeaPad S540-13IML (81XA) and Lenovo ThinkPad L14 Gen 3 (21C5). 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.
Advantages and disadvantages of Lenovo IdeaPad S540-13IML (81XA) based on its technical characteristics, features, user experience, expert reviews and price level.
sleek aluminum design
sharp QHD display
impressive battery life
fast charging support
lightweight and portable
limited port selection
no dedicated GPU
average speaker quality
higher price segment
Advantages and disadvantages of Lenovo ThinkPad L14 Gen 3 (21C5) based on its technical characteristics, features, user experience, expert reviews and price level.
robust build quality
efficient performance
excellent keyboard comfort
good battery life
versatile connectivity options
mediocre display resolution
heavier design
limited graphics power
higher price point
DESIGN AND DIMENSIONS | Lenovo IdeaPad S540-13IML (81XA) | Lenovo ThinkPad L14 Gen 3 (21C5) |
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Product Type | Notebook | Notebook |
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Dimensions (WxDxH) | 29.69 cm x 20.85 cm x 1.595 cm | 32.54 cm x 21.7 cm x 1.983 cm |
Weight | 1.25 kg | 1.39 kg |
Case Material | Aluminum, glass | Polycarbonate ABS (bottom), polycarbonate ABS (top) |
Colour | Light silver | Thunder black |
DISPLAY | Lenovo IdeaPad S540-13IML (81XA) | Lenovo ThinkPad L14 Gen 3 (21C5) |
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Screen Size (Type) | 13.3" | 14" - IPS |
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LCD Backlight Technology | LED backlight | LED backlight |
Screen Resolution | 2560 x 1600 (WQXGA) | 1920 x 1080 (Full HD) |
Widescreen | Yes | Yes |
Image Aspect Ratio | 16:10 | 16:9 |
Image Brightness | 300 cd/m² | 250 cd/m² |
Colour Gamut | 100% sRGB | 45% NTSC |
Features | Glossy, Wide Viewing Angle | Anti-glare, 170° viewing angle |
PROCESSOR | Lenovo IdeaPad S540-13IML (81XA) | Lenovo ThinkPad L14 Gen 3 (21C5) |
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CPU | Intel Core i5 (10th Gen) 10210U / 1.6 GHz | AMD Ryzen 5 Pro 5675U / 2.3 GHz |
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Max Turbo Speed | 4.2 GHz | 4.3 GHz |
Number of Cores | Quad-Core | 6-core |
Cache | 6 MB | L3 - 16 MB |
64-bit Computing | Yes | - |
Features | Integrated memory controller | Integrated memory controller |
MEMORY | Lenovo IdeaPad S540-13IML (81XA) | Lenovo ThinkPad L14 Gen 3 (21C5) |
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RAM | 8 GB (provided memory is soldered) | 8 GB (1 x 8 GB) |
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Max RAM Supported | - | 64 GB |
RAM Type | DDR4 SDRAM | DDR4 SDRAM |
Speed | 2666 MHz | 3200 MHz |
Rated Speed | 2666 MHz | 3200 MHz |
Form Factor | - | SO-DIMM 260-pin |
Slots Qty | - | 2 |
Empty Slots | - | 1 |
STORAGE | Lenovo IdeaPad S540-13IML (81XA) | Lenovo ThinkPad L14 Gen 3 (21C5) |
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Main Storage Size (HDD/SSD) | 256 GB SSD M.2 2280 PCIe 3.0 x4 - NVM Express (NVMe) | 256 GB SSD M.2 2242 PCIe 4.0 x4 - TCG Opal Encryption 2, NVM Express (NVMe) |
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AUDIO & VIDEO | Lenovo IdeaPad S540-13IML (81XA) | Lenovo ThinkPad L14 Gen 3 (21C5) |
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Graphics Processor (GPU) | Intel UHD Graphics | AMD Radeon Graphics |
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Max Monitors Supported | - | 3 external monitor(s) |
Camera | Yes - 720p | Yes - 1080p |
Resolution | 1 Megapixel | - |
Camera Features | IR camera, ToF sensor | Privacy shutter, IR camera, Windows Hello, 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 |
COMMUNICATIONS | Lenovo IdeaPad S540-13IML (81XA) | Lenovo ThinkPad L14 Gen 3 (21C5) |
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Wireless | Bluetooth 5.0, 802.11a/b/g/n/ac/ax | Bluetooth 5.2, 802.11a/b/g/n/ac/ax (Wi-Fi 6E) |
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Wireless Controller | M.2 Card | AMD RZ616 - M.2 Card |
Network Interface | - | Gigabit Ethernet |
Ethernet Controller | - | Realtek RTL8111EPV |
Compliant Standards | - | DASH |
Features | Dual stream (2x2) | Wake-on-LAN (WOL), dual stream (2x2) |
WWAN |
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Generation | - | 4G upgradable |
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BATTERY | Lenovo IdeaPad S540-13IML (81XA) | Lenovo ThinkPad L14 Gen 3 (21C5) |
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Technology | Lithium Ion | Lithium polymer |
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Battery Capacity (Size) | 56 Wh | 57 Wh |
Battery Life | Up to 18.5 hours | - |
AC ADAPTER | Lenovo IdeaPad S540-13IML (81XA) | Lenovo ThinkPad L14 Gen 3 (21C5) |
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Input | AC 120/230 V (50/60 Hz) | AC 100-240 V (50/60 Hz) |
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Output | 65 Watt | 65 Watt |
INPUT | Lenovo IdeaPad S540-13IML (81XA) | Lenovo ThinkPad L14 Gen 3 (21C5) |
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Type | Keyboard, touchpad | Keyboard, TrackPoint, UltraNav |
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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 S540-13IML (81XA) | Lenovo ThinkPad L14 Gen 3 (21C5) |
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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 USB 3.2 Gen 1 (Always On) HDMI USB-C 3.2 Gen 1 (supports DisplayPort 1.4 Alt Mode) (Power Delivery 3.0) USB-C 3.2 Gen 2 (supports DisplayPort 1.4 Alt Mode) (Power Delivery 3.0) Headphone/microphone combo jack LAN |
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Memory Card Reader | - | Yes (microSD) |
SOFTWARE | Lenovo IdeaPad S540-13IML (81XA) | Lenovo ThinkPad L14 Gen 3 (21C5) |
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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 - Dutch / English / French / German / Italian |
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Software Included | Microsoft Office (30 days trial) | - |
MISCELLANEOUS | Lenovo IdeaPad S540-13IML (81XA) | Lenovo ThinkPad L14 Gen 3 (21C5) |
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Included Accessories | Power adapter | USB-C power adapter |
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Security | Firmware Trusted Platform Module (TPM 2.0) Security Chip | Discrete Trusted Platform Module (TPM 2.0) Security Chip, 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, power-on password, RapidCharge, MIL-STD-810H tested, self-healing BIOS, NVMe password |
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 - 1 year - pick-up and return Extended warranty - 1 year - on-site |