Lenovo ThinkBook 15-IIL (20SM) vs. Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 11 (21HN)

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 ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 11 (21HN). 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 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 ThinkBook 15-IIL (20SM) and Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 11 (21HN)
78 % - Design
72 % - Display
72 % - Performance
78 % - Connectivity
74 % - Battery
81 % - Design
85 % - Display
90 % - Performance
85 % - Connectivity
85 % - Battery

Laptop Specifications Comparison

Lenovo ThinkBook 15-IIL (20SM) vs. Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 11 (21HN) Comparison Chart
DESIGN AND DIMENSIONS Lenovo ThinkBook 15-IIL (20SM) Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 11 (21HN)
Product Type Notebook Notebook - 180-degree hinge design
Dimensions (WxDxH) 36.4 cm x 24.5 cm x 1.89 cm 31.56 cm x 22.25 cm x 1.536 cm
Weight 1.8 kg 1.12 kg
Case Material Aluminum, polycarbonate ABS Aluminium (bottom), carbon fibre (top)
Colour Mineral grey Deep black paint
DISPLAY Lenovo ThinkBook 15-IIL (20SM) 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 250 cd/m² 400 cd/m²
Colour Gamut - 100% sRGB
Features Anti-glare Anti-glare, Low Power, Eyesafe technology
PROCESSOR Lenovo ThinkBook 15-IIL (20SM) Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 11 (21HN)
CPU Intel Core i5 (10th Gen) 1035G1 / 1 GHz Intel Core i7 (13th Gen) 1365U / 1.8 GHz
Max Turbo Speed 3.6 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 ThinkBook 15-IIL (20SM) Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 11 (21HN)
RAM 8 GB (1 x 8 GB) 16 GB (provided memory is soldered)
Max RAM Supported 16 GB -
RAM Type DDR4 SDRAM LPDDR5 SDRAM
Speed 2666 MHz 6400 MHz
Rated Speed 2666 MHz 6400 MHz
Form Factor SO-DIMM 260-pin -
Slots Qty 1 -
Empty Slots 0 -
STORAGE Lenovo ThinkBook 15-IIL (20SM) Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 11 (21HN)
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 4.0 x4 - TCG Opal Encryption - Kioxia
AUDIO & VIDEO Lenovo ThinkBook 15-IIL (20SM) 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
Camera Features ThinkShutter camera privacy 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 ALC3287 Realtek ALC3306
Compliant Standards High Definition Audio, Dolby Audio High Definition Audio, Dolby Atmos
Audio Features - Input: Dolby Voice, 360° far-field
COMMUNICATIONS Lenovo ThinkBook 15-IIL (20SM) Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 11 (21HN)
Wireless Bluetooth 5.0, 802.11a/b/g/n/ac/ax Bluetooth 5.1, 802.11a/b/g/n/ac/ax (Wi-Fi 6E)
Wireless Controller M.2 Card Intel Wi-Fi 6E AX 211
Network Interface Gigabit Ethernet -
Features Dual stream (2x2) -
BATTERY Lenovo ThinkBook 15-IIL (20SM) Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 11 (21HN)
Technology Lithium Ion 4-cell lithium polymer
Battery Capacity (Size) 45 Wh 57 Wh
Battery Life Up to 9 hours -
AC ADAPTER Lenovo ThinkBook 15-IIL (20SM) 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 ThinkBook 15-IIL (20SM) Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 11 (21HN)
Type Keyboard, touchpad Keyboard, TrackPoint, UltraNav
Numeric Keypad Yes -
Keyboard Backlight Yes Yes
Features Spill-resistant, 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 ThinkBook 15-IIL (20SM) Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 11 (21HN)
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 3.2 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 ThinkBook 15-IIL (20SM) Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 11 (21HN)
Operating System (OS) Windows 10 Pro 64-bit Edition - French 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 ThinkBook 15-IIL (20SM) 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 security slot Kensington nano security slot
Theft/Intrusion Protection Security lock slot (cable lock sold separately) Security lock slot (cable lock sold separately)
Features Administrator password, hard drive password, power-on password, RapidCharge, MIL-STD-810G tested 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
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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