Lenovo ThinkBook 15-IIL (20SM) vs. Lenovo IdeaPad S540-13API (81XC)

Laptop Comparison, Reviews and Tests
Lenovo ThinkBook 15-IIL (20SM)
Lenovo ThinkBook 15-IIL (20SM)

Our Rating: 75 %

In depth comparison and review of Lenovo ThinkBook 15-IIL (20SM) and Lenovo IdeaPad S540-13API (81XC). 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 ThinkBook 15-IIL (20SM) Review

Advantages and disadvantages of Lenovo ThinkBook 15-IIL (20SM) based on its technical characteristics, features, user experience, expert reviews and price level.

affordable price point

solid build quality

decent battery life

good processor performance

adequate storage options

average display quality

limited graphics capability

no thunderbolt support

heavier design

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

Laptop Comparison and Tests

Difference between Lenovo ThinkBook 15-IIL (20SM) and Lenovo IdeaPad S540-13API (81XC)
78 % - Design
72 % - Display
72 % - Performance
78 % - Connectivity
74 % - Battery
81 % - Design
85 % - Display
72 % - Performance
78 % - Connectivity
75 % - Battery

Laptop Specifications Comparison

Lenovo ThinkBook 15-IIL (20SM) vs. Lenovo IdeaPad S540-13API (81XC) Comparison Chart
DESIGN AND DIMENSIONS Lenovo ThinkBook 15-IIL (20SM) Lenovo IdeaPad S540-13API (81XC)
Product Type Notebook Notebook
Dimensions (WxDxH) 36.4 cm x 24.5 cm x 1.89 cm 29.69 cm x 20.86 cm x 1.595 cm
Weight 1.8 kg 1.25 kg
Case Material Aluminum, polycarbonate ABS Aluminum, glass
Colour Mineral grey Light silver
DISPLAY Lenovo ThinkBook 15-IIL (20SM) Lenovo IdeaPad S540-13API (81XC)
Screen Size (Type) 15.6" - IPS 13.3" - IPS
LCD Backlight Technology LED backlight LED backlight
Screen Resolution 1920 x 1080 (Full HD) 2560 x 1600 (WQHD)
Widescreen Yes Yes
Image Aspect Ratio 16:9 16:9
Image Brightness 250 cd/m² 300 cd/m²
Colour Gamut - 100% sRGB, 72% NTSC
Features Anti-glare Glossy, 72% NTSC colour gamut
PROCESSOR Lenovo ThinkBook 15-IIL (20SM) Lenovo IdeaPad S540-13API (81XC)
CPU Intel Core i5 (10th Gen) 1035G1 / 1 GHz AMD Ryzen 7 3750H / 2.3 GHz
Max Turbo Speed 3.6 GHz 4 GHz
Number of Cores Quad-Core Quad-Core
Cache 6 MB L3 - 4 MB
64-bit Computing Yes Yes
Features Integrated memory controller Integrated memory controller
MEMORY Lenovo ThinkBook 15-IIL (20SM) Lenovo IdeaPad S540-13API (81XC)
RAM 8 GB (1 x 8 GB) 8 GB (provided memory is soldered)
Max RAM Supported 16 GB -
RAM Type DDR4 SDRAM DDR4 SDRAM
Speed 2666 MHz 2400 MHz
Rated Speed 2666 MHz 2400 MHz
Form Factor SO-DIMM 260-pin -
Slots Qty 1 -
Empty Slots 0 -
STORAGE Lenovo ThinkBook 15-IIL (20SM) Lenovo IdeaPad S540-13API (81XC)
Main Storage Size (HDD/SSD) 256 GB SSD M.2 2242 PCIe 3.0 x2 - NVM Express (NVMe) 512 GB SSD M.2 2280 PCIe 3.0 x4 - NVM Express (NVMe)
AUDIO & VIDEO Lenovo ThinkBook 15-IIL (20SM) Lenovo IdeaPad S540-13API (81XC)
Graphics Processor (GPU) Intel UHD Graphics AMD Radeon RX Vega 10
Camera Yes - 720p Yes - 720p
Resolution - 1 Megapixel
Camera Features ThinkShutter camera privacy IR camera, fixed focus, ToF sensor
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 ThinkBook 15-IIL (20SM) Lenovo IdeaPad S540-13API (81XC)
Wireless Bluetooth 5.0, 802.11a/b/g/n/ac/ax 802.11a/b/g/n/ac, Bluetooth 5.0
Wireless Controller M.2 Card M.2 Card
Network Interface Gigabit Ethernet -
Features Dual stream (2x2) Dual stream (2x2)
BATTERY Lenovo ThinkBook 15-IIL (20SM) Lenovo IdeaPad S540-13API (81XC)
Technology Lithium Ion Lithium Ion
Battery Capacity (Size) 45 Wh 56 Wh
Battery Life Up to 9 hours Up to 14.7 hours
AC ADAPTER Lenovo ThinkBook 15-IIL (20SM) Lenovo IdeaPad S540-13API (81XC)
Input AC 120/230 V (50/60 Hz) AC 120/230 V (50/60 Hz)
Output 65 Watt 65 Watt
INPUT Lenovo ThinkBook 15-IIL (20SM) Lenovo IdeaPad S540-13API (81XC)
Type Keyboard, touchpad Keyboard, touchpad
Numeric Keypad Yes -
Keyboard Backlight Yes Yes
Features Spill-resistant, multi-touch touchpad, buttonless touchpad Multi-touch touchpad, buttonless touchpad
CONNECTIONS & EXPANSIONS Lenovo ThinkBook 15-IIL (20SM) Lenovo IdeaPad S540-13API (81XC)
Interfaces USB 2.0
USB 3.1 Gen 1 (Always On)
USB 3.1 Gen 1
USB-C 3.1 Gen 1
USB-C 3.1 Gen 2 (supports DisplayPort Alt Mode) (Power Delivery)
HDMI
Headphone/microphone combo jack
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
Memory Card Reader 4 in 1 (SD Card, MultiMediaCard, SDHC Card, SDXC Card) -
SOFTWARE Lenovo ThinkBook 15-IIL (20SM) Lenovo IdeaPad S540-13API (81XC)
Operating System (OS) Windows 10 Pro 64-bit Edition - French Windows 10 Home 64-bit Edition - English
Software Included Microsoft Office (30 days trial) Microsoft Office (30 days trial)
MISCELLANEOUS Lenovo ThinkBook 15-IIL (20SM) Lenovo IdeaPad S540-13API (81XC)
Included Accessories Power adapter Power adapter
Security Firmware Trusted Platform Module (TPM 2.0) Security Chip, fingerprint reader Firmware Trusted Platform Module (TPM 2.0) Security Chip
Security Slot Type Kensington security slot -
Theft/Intrusion Protection Security lock slot (cable lock sold separately) -
Features Administrator password, hard drive password, power-on password, RapidCharge, MIL-STD-810G tested Administrator password, hard drive password, power-on password, RapidCharge
Compliant Standards RoHS, Energy-Related Products (ErP) Lot 3 RoHS, Energy-Related Products (ErP) Lot 3
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)
Manufacturer Warranty Limited warranty - 1 year - pick-up and return Limited warranty - 1 year - pick-up and return
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