Lenovo IdeaPad S540-15IML (81NG) vs. Lenovo ThinkPad Z16 Gen 1 (21D5)

Laptop Comparison, Reviews and Tests

Detailed comparison and review of Lenovo IdeaPad S540-15IML (81NG) and Lenovo ThinkPad Z16 Gen 1 (21D5). 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 S540-15IML (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 Z16 Gen 1 (21D5) Review

Advantages and disadvantages of Lenovo ThinkPad Z16 Gen 1 (21D5) based on its technical characteristics, features, user experience, expert reviews and price level.

robust build quality

excellent keyboard feel

powerful AMD processor

high-resolution display

good battery life

heavier than competitors

expensive base model

limited color options

noisy under load

Laptop Comparison and Tests

Difference between Lenovo IdeaPad S540-15IML (81NG) and Lenovo ThinkPad Z16 Gen 1 (21D5)
82 % - Design
72 % - Display
75 % - Performance
75 % - Connectivity
75 % - Battery
85 % - Design
85 % - Display
85 % - Performance
85 % - Connectivity
85 % - Battery

Laptop Specifications Comparison

Lenovo IdeaPad S540-15IML (81NG) vs. Lenovo ThinkPad Z16 Gen 1 (21D5) Comparison Chart
DESIGN AND DIMENSIONS Lenovo IdeaPad S540-15IML (81NG) Lenovo ThinkPad Z16 Gen 1 (21D5)
Product Type Notebook Notebook
Dimensions (WxDxH) 35.8 cm x 24.5 cm x 1.69 cm 35.44 cm x 23.74 cm x 1.58 cm
Weight 1.95 kg 1.94 kg
Case Material Aluminum, glass Aluminium (top), aluminium (bottom)
Colour Mineral grey Black (bottom), arctic grey (top)
DISPLAY Lenovo IdeaPad S540-15IML (81NG) Lenovo ThinkPad Z16 Gen 1 (21D5)
Screen Size (Type) 15.6" - IPS 16" OLED
Touchscreen - Yes (10-point multi-touch)
LCD Backlight Technology LED backlight -
Screen Resolution 1920 x 1080 (Full HD) 3840 x 2400 (WQUXGA)
Widescreen Yes Yes
Image Aspect Ratio 16:9 16:10
Image Brightness 300 cd/m² 500 cd/m²
Colour Gamut 72% 100% DCI-P3
Features Glossy, glass cover Anti-reflective, One Glass Solution, anti-smudge, Low Blue Light technology, Dolby Vision, 175° viewing angle, 92.3% screen-to-body ratio
PROCESSOR Lenovo IdeaPad S540-15IML (81NG) Lenovo ThinkPad Z16 Gen 1 (21D5)
CPU Intel Core i5 (10th Gen) 10210U / 1.6 GHz AMD Ryzen 7 Pro 6850H / 3.2 GHz
Max Turbo Speed 4.2 GHz 4.7 GHz
Number of Cores Quad-Core 8-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 Z16 Gen 1 (21D5)
RAM 8 GB (1 x 4 GB + 4 GB (soldered)) 32 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 Z16 Gen 1 (21D5)
Main Storage Size (HDD/SSD) 512 GB SSD M.2 2280 PCIe 3.0 x4 - NVM Express (NVMe) 1.024 TB SSD M.2 2280 PCIe 4.0 x4 - TCG Opal Encryption - Western Digital
AUDIO & VIDEO Lenovo IdeaPad S540-15IML (81NG) Lenovo ThinkPad Z16 Gen 1 (21D5)
Graphics Processor (GPU) Intel UHD Graphics AMD Radeon 680M
Max Monitors Supported - 3 external monitor(s)
Camera Yes - 720p Yes - 1080p
Resolution 1 Megapixel -
Camera Features Privacy shutter Windows Hello, fixed focus, e-camera shutter, hybrid FHD/IR camera
Sound Stereo speakers, dual array microphone Stereo speakers, dual 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 Z16 Gen 1 (21D5)
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 Qualcomm NFA725A
Features Dual stream (2x2) -
BATTERY Lenovo IdeaPad S540-15IML (81NG) Lenovo ThinkPad Z16 Gen 1 (21D5)
Technology Lithium Ion 4-cell lithium polymer
Battery Capacity (Size) 70 Wh 72 Wh
Battery Life Up to 15 hours -
AC ADAPTER Lenovo IdeaPad S540-15IML (81NG) Lenovo ThinkPad Z16 Gen 1 (21D5)
Input AC 120/230 V (50/60 Hz) AC 100-240 V (50/60 Hz)
Output 65 Watt 135 Watt, 5 / 9 / 15 / 20 V
INPUT Lenovo IdeaPad S540-15IML (81NG) Lenovo ThinkPad Z16 Gen 1 (21D5)
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
CONNECTIONS & EXPANSIONS Lenovo IdeaPad S540-15IML (81NG) Lenovo ThinkPad Z16 Gen 1 (21D5)
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-C 3.2 Gen 2 (supports DisplayPort 1.4a Alt Mode) (Power Delivery 3.0)
2 x USB4 (supports DisplayPort 1.4a Alt Mode) (Power Delivery 3.0)
Headphone/microphone combo jack
Memory Card Reader 4 in 1 (SD Card, MultiMediaCard, SDHC Card, SDXC Card) Yes (SD Card, SDXC UHS-II Card)
SOFTWARE Lenovo IdeaPad S540-15IML (81NG) Lenovo ThinkPad Z16 Gen 1 (21D5)
Operating System (OS) Windows 10 Home 64-bit Edition - English Windows 11 Pro
Software Included Microsoft Office (30 days trial) -
MISCELLANEOUS Lenovo IdeaPad S540-15IML (81NG) Lenovo ThinkPad Z16 Gen 1 (21D5)
Included Accessories Power adapter USB-C slim 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
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, certificate based BIOS authentication, FIDO (Fast Identity Online) authentication
Compliant Standards RoHS, Energy-Related Products (ErP) Lot 3 RoHS, TUV Rheinland Low Blue Light Certification, Energy-Related Products (ErP) Lot 3, TCG Certified, 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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