Lenovo IdeaPad S540-15IML (81NG) vs. Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 11 (21HN)

Laptop Comparison, Reviews and Tests

Side by side comparison and review of Lenovo IdeaPad S540-15IML (81NG) and Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 11 (21HN). Compare dimensions, processors, batteries, storage capacities and other key specifications and features to simplify the choice of your perfect laptop. Our goal is to make it easier for you to decide on the laptop that will best meet your expectations by revealing the main differences between the products.

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 X1 Carbon Gen 11 (21HN) Review

Advantages and disadvantages of Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 11 (21HN) based on its technical characteristics, features, user experience, expert reviews and price level.

lightweight and portable

robust build quality

excellent keyboard feel

impressive battery life

high-resolution display

high price point

limited graphics performance

fewer ports available

average webcam quality

Laptop Comparison and Tests

Difference between Lenovo IdeaPad S540-15IML (81NG) and Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 11 (21HN)
82 % - Design
72 % - Display
75 % - Performance
75 % - Connectivity
75 % - Battery
81 % - Design
85 % - Display
90 % - Performance
85 % - Connectivity
85 % - Battery

Laptop Specifications Comparison

Lenovo IdeaPad S540-15IML (81NG) vs. Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 11 (21HN) Comparison Chart
DESIGN AND DIMENSIONS Lenovo IdeaPad S540-15IML (81NG) Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 11 (21HN)
Product Type Notebook Notebook - 180-degree hinge design
Dimensions (WxDxH) 35.8 cm x 24.5 cm x 1.69 cm 31.56 cm x 22.25 cm x 1.536 cm
Weight 1.95 kg 1.12 kg
Case Material Aluminum, glass Aluminium (bottom), carbon fibre (top)
Colour Mineral grey Deep black paint
DISPLAY Lenovo IdeaPad S540-15IML (81NG) Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 11 (21HN)
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 400 cd/m²
Colour Gamut 72% 100% sRGB
Features Glossy, glass cover Anti-glare, Low Power, Eyesafe technology
PROCESSOR Lenovo IdeaPad S540-15IML (81NG) Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 11 (21HN)
CPU Intel Core i5 (10th Gen) 10210U / 1.6 GHz Intel Core i7 (13th Gen) 1365U / 1.8 GHz
Max Turbo Speed 4.2 GHz 5.2 GHz
Number of Cores Quad-Core 10-core
Cache 6 MB 12 MB
64-bit Computing Yes -
Features Integrated memory controller Integrated memory controller
MEMORY Lenovo IdeaPad S540-15IML (81NG) Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 11 (21HN)
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 LPDDR5 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 X1 Carbon Gen 11 (21HN)
Main Storage Size (HDD/SSD) 512 GB SSD M.2 2280 PCIe 3.0 x4 - NVM Express (NVMe) 512 GB SSD M.2 2280 PCIe 4.0 x4 - TCG Opal Encryption - Kioxia
AUDIO & VIDEO Lenovo IdeaPad S540-15IML (81NG) Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 11 (21HN)
Graphics Processor (GPU) Intel UHD Graphics Intel Iris Xe Graphics
Max Monitors Supported - 3 external monitor(s)
Video System Features - Functions as Intel UHD graphics (for single-channel memory)
Camera Yes - 720p Yes - 1080p
Resolution 1 Megapixel -
Camera Features Privacy shutter Privacy shutter, Windows Hello, fixed focus, hybrid FHD/IR camera
Sound Stereo speakers, dual array microphone Stereo speakers, two tweeters, two woofers, quad array microphone
Codec - Realtek ALC3306
Compliant Standards High Definition Audio, Dolby Audio High Definition Audio, Dolby Atmos
Audio Features - Input: Dolby Voice, 360° far-field
COMMUNICATIONS Lenovo IdeaPad S540-15IML (81NG) Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 11 (21HN)
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 Intel Wi-Fi 6E AX 211
Features Dual stream (2x2) -
BATTERY Lenovo IdeaPad S540-15IML (81NG) Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 11 (21HN)
Technology Lithium Ion 4-cell lithium polymer
Battery Capacity (Size) 70 Wh 57 Wh
Battery Life Up to 15 hours -
AC ADAPTER Lenovo IdeaPad S540-15IML (81NG) Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 11 (21HN)
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 X1 Carbon Gen 11 (21HN)
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, glass touchpad, air intake key design
CONNECTIONS & EXPANSIONS Lenovo IdeaPad S540-15IML (81NG) Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 11 (21HN)
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
USB 3.2 Gen 1 (Always On)
2 x USB4 (supports Thunderbolt 4, DisplayPort 1.4a Alt Mode) (Power Delivery 3.0)
HDMI (4K support)
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 X1 Carbon Gen 11 (21HN)
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
Software Included Microsoft Office (30 days trial) -
MISCELLANEOUS Lenovo IdeaPad S540-15IML (81NG) Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 11 (21HN)
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, fingerprint 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 -
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