Lenovo IdeaPad S540-15IML (81NG) vs. Lenovo ThinkPad T14 Gen 4 (21K3)

Laptop Comparison, Reviews and Tests

In depth comparison and review of Lenovo IdeaPad S540-15IML (81NG) and Lenovo ThinkPad T14 Gen 4 (21K3). 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 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

Lenovo ThinkPad T14 Gen 4 (21K3) Review

Advantages and disadvantages of Lenovo ThinkPad T14 Gen 4 (21K3) 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

pricey base model

Laptop Comparison and Tests

Difference between Lenovo IdeaPad S540-15IML (81NG) and Lenovo ThinkPad T14 Gen 4 (21K3)
82 % - Design
72 % - Display
75 % - Performance
75 % - Connectivity
75 % - Battery
83 % - Design
85 % - Display
85 % - Performance
85 % - Connectivity
85 % - Battery

Laptop Specifications Comparison

Lenovo IdeaPad S540-15IML (81NG) vs. Lenovo ThinkPad T14 Gen 4 (21K3) Comparison Chart
DESIGN AND DIMENSIONS Lenovo IdeaPad S540-15IML (81NG) Lenovo ThinkPad T14 Gen 4 (21K3)
Product Type Notebook Notebook - 180-degree hinge design
Dimensions (WxDxH) 35.8 cm x 24.5 cm x 1.69 cm 31.77 cm x 22.69 cm x 1.79 cm
Weight 1.95 kg 1.39 kg
Case Material Aluminum, glass Carbon fibre hybrid (top), polyphenylene sulfide (bottom)
Colour Mineral grey Thunder black
DISPLAY Lenovo IdeaPad S540-15IML (81NG) Lenovo ThinkPad T14 Gen 4 (21K3)
Screen Size (Type) 15.6" - IPS 14" - IPS
LCD Backlight Technology LED backlight -
Screen Resolution 1920 x 1080 (Full HD) 1920 x 1200 (WUXGA)
Widescreen Yes Yes
Image Aspect Ratio 16:9 16:10
Image Brightness 300 cd/m² 300 cd/m²
Colour Gamut 72% 45% NTSC
Features Glossy, glass cover Anti-glare
PROCESSOR Lenovo IdeaPad S540-15IML (81NG) Lenovo ThinkPad T14 Gen 4 (21K3)
CPU Intel Core i5 (10th Gen) 10210U / 1.6 GHz AMD Ryzen 5 Pro 7540U / 3.2 GHz
Max Turbo Speed 4.2 GHz 4.9 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 S540-15IML (81NG) Lenovo ThinkPad T14 Gen 4 (21K3)
RAM 8 GB (1 x 4 GB + 4 GB (soldered)) 16 GB (provided memory is soldered)
Max RAM Supported 12 GB -
RAM Type DDR4 SDRAM LPDDR5X SDRAM
Speed 2400 MHz 6400 MHz
Rated Speed 2400 MHz 6400 MHz
Form Factor SO-DIMM 260-pin -
Slots Qty 1 -
Empty Slots 0 -
STORAGE Lenovo IdeaPad S540-15IML (81NG) Lenovo ThinkPad T14 Gen 4 (21K3)
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 S540-15IML (81NG) Lenovo ThinkPad T14 Gen 4 (21K3)
Graphics Processor (GPU) Intel UHD Graphics AMD Radeon 740M
Max Monitors Supported - 3 external monitor(s)
Camera Yes - 720p Yes - 1080p
Resolution 1 Megapixel -
Camera Features Privacy shutter Privacy shutter, Windows Hello, fixed focus, hybrid FHD/IR camera, Ultrasonic Human Presence Detection
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 - Input: Dolby Voice, 360° far-field
COMMUNICATIONS Lenovo IdeaPad S540-15IML (81NG) Lenovo ThinkPad T14 Gen 4 (21K3)
Wireless 802.11a/b/g/n/ac, Bluetooth 4.2 Bluetooth 5.1, 802.11a/b/g/n/ac/ax (Wi-Fi 6E)
Wireless Controller M.2 Card MediaTek RZ616
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 S540-15IML (81NG) Lenovo ThinkPad T14 Gen 4 (21K3)
Technology Lithium Ion Lithium polymer
Battery Capacity (Size) 70 Wh 52.5 Wh
Battery Life Up to 15 hours -
AC ADAPTER Lenovo IdeaPad S540-15IML (81NG) Lenovo ThinkPad T14 Gen 4 (21K3)
Input AC 120/230 V (50/60 Hz) AC 100-240 V (50/60 Hz)
Output 65 Watt 65 Watt
INPUT Lenovo IdeaPad S540-15IML (81NG) Lenovo ThinkPad T14 Gen 4 (21K3)
Type Keyboard, touchpad Keyboard, TrackPoint, UltraNav
Numeric Keypad Yes -
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 S540-15IML (81NG) Lenovo ThinkPad T14 Gen 4 (21K3)
Interfaces USB 3.1 Gen 1
USB 3.1 Gen 1 (Always On)
USB-C 3.1 Gen 1
HDMI
Headphone/microphone combo jack
USB 3.2 Gen 1 (Always On)
USB 3.2 Gen 1
USB-C 3.2 Gen 2 (supports DisplayPort 1.4a Alt Mode) (Power Delivery 3.0)
USB4 (supports DisplayPort 1.4a Alt Mode) (Power Delivery 3.0)
HDMI (4K support)
LAN
Headphone/microphone combo jack
Memory Card Reader 4 in 1 (SD Card, MultiMediaCard, SDHC Card, SDXC Card) -
SOFTWARE Lenovo IdeaPad S540-15IML (81NG) Lenovo ThinkPad T14 Gen 4 (21K3)
Operating System (OS) Windows 10 Home 64-bit Edition - English Windows 11 Pro - English
Software Included Microsoft Office (30 days trial) Glance by Mirametrix
MISCELLANEOUS Lenovo IdeaPad S540-15IML (81NG) Lenovo ThinkPad T14 Gen 4 (21K3)
Included Accessories Power adapter USB-C power adapter
Security Firmware Trusted Platform Module (TPM 2.0) Security Chip, fingerprint reader 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, NVMe password, certificate based BIOS authentication, FIDO (Fast Identity Online) authentication
Compliant Standards RoHS, Energy-Related Products (ErP) Lot 3 RoHS, Energy-Related Products (ErP) Lot 6, TCG Certified, Energy-Related Products (ErP) Lot 26, TCO Certified 9.0
SAR Value 1.81 W/kg (body), 1.81 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
Base warranty - battery - 1 year
Extended warranty - 3 years - on-site
Extended warranty - 1 year - on-site - response time: next business day
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