In depth comparison and review of Lenovo ThinkBook 15-IIL (20SM) and Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Extreme Gen 5 (21DE). 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.
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
Advantages and disadvantages of Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Extreme Gen 5 (21DE) based on its technical characteristics, features, user experience, expert reviews and price level.
powerful intel processors
robust build quality
excellent 4k display
advanced security features
wide connectivity options
high price point
heavier than competitors
average battery life
loud under load
| DESIGN AND DIMENSIONS | Lenovo ThinkBook 15-IIL (20SM) | Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Extreme Gen 5 (21DE) |
|---|
| Product Type | Notebook | Notebook |
|---|---|---|
| Dimensions (WxDxH) | 36.4 cm x 24.5 cm x 1.89 cm | 35.95 cm x 25.38 cm x 1.79 cm |
| Weight | 1.8 kg | 1.88 kg |
| Case Material | Aluminum, polycarbonate ABS | Aluminium (bottom), carbon fibre (top) |
| Colour | Mineral grey | Black paint |
| DISPLAY | Lenovo ThinkBook 15-IIL (20SM) | Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Extreme Gen 5 (21DE) |
|---|
| Screen Size (Type) | 15.6" - IPS | 16" - IPS |
|---|---|---|
| LCD Backlight Technology | LED backlight | LED backlight |
| Screen Resolution | 1920 x 1080 (Full HD) | 2560 x 1600 (WQXGA) |
| V-Sync Rate at Max Res. | - | 165 Hz |
| Widescreen | Yes | Yes |
| Image Aspect Ratio | 16:9 | 16:10 |
| Image Brightness | 250 cd/m² | 500 cd/m² |
| Colour Gamut | - | 100% sRGB |
| Features | Anti-glare | Anti-glare, 178° viewing angle, Low Blue Light technology, X-Rite Pantone factory color calibration |
| PROCESSOR | Lenovo ThinkBook 15-IIL (20SM) | Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Extreme Gen 5 (21DE) |
|---|
| CPU | Intel Core i5 (10th Gen) 1035G1 / 1 GHz | Intel Core i7 (12th Gen) 12700H / 2.3 GHz |
|---|---|---|
| Max Turbo Speed | 3.6 GHz | 4.7 GHz |
| Number of Cores | Quad-Core | 14-core |
| Cache | 6 MB | 24 MB |
| 64-bit Computing | Yes | - |
| Features | Integrated memory controller | Integrated memory controller |
| MEMORY | Lenovo ThinkBook 15-IIL (20SM) | Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Extreme Gen 5 (21DE) |
|---|
| RAM | 8 GB (1 x 8 GB) | 16 GB (1 x 16 GB) |
|---|---|---|
| Max RAM Supported | 16 GB | 64 GB |
| RAM Type | DDR4 SDRAM | DDR5 SDRAM |
| Speed | 2666 MHz | 4800 MHz |
| Rated Speed | 2666 MHz | 4800 MHz |
| Form Factor | SO-DIMM 260-pin | SO-DIMM 262-pin |
| Slots Qty | 1 | 2 |
| Empty Slots | 0 | 1 |
| STORAGE | Lenovo ThinkBook 15-IIL (20SM) | Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Extreme Gen 5 (21DE) |
|---|
| 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 2, NVM Express (NVMe), Performance |
|---|
| AUDIO & VIDEO | Lenovo ThinkBook 15-IIL (20SM) | Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Extreme Gen 5 (21DE) |
|---|
| Multi-GPU Configuration | - | 1 single GPU card / integrated GPU |
|---|---|---|
| Graphics Processor (GPU) | Intel UHD Graphics | NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050 Ti / Intel Iris Xe Graphics |
| Max Monitors Supported | - | 4 external monitor(s) |
| Video Memory | - | 4 GB GDDR6 SDRAM |
| Camera | Yes - 720p | Yes - 1080p |
| Camera Features | ThinkShutter camera privacy | Privacy shutter, IR camera, Windows Hello, fixed focus |
| Sound | Stereo speakers, dual array microphone | Stereo speakers, dual array microphone |
| Codec | Realtek ALC3287 | Realtek ALC3306 |
| Compliant Standards | High Definition Audio, Dolby Audio | High Definition Audio, Dolby Audio Premium, Dolby Voice |
| COMMUNICATIONS | Lenovo ThinkBook 15-IIL (20SM) | Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Extreme Gen 5 (21DE) |
|---|
| Wireless | Bluetooth 5.0, 802.11a/b/g/n/ac/ax | NFC, Bluetooth 5.2, 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) | Dual stream (2x2) |
| BATTERY | Lenovo ThinkBook 15-IIL (20SM) | Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Extreme Gen 5 (21DE) |
|---|
| Technology | Lithium Ion | Lithium polymer |
|---|---|---|
| Battery Capacity (Size) | 45 Wh | 90 Wh |
| Battery Life | Up to 9 hours | - |
| AC ADAPTER | Lenovo ThinkBook 15-IIL (20SM) | Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Extreme Gen 5 (21DE) |
|---|
| Input | AC 120/230 V (50/60 Hz) | AC 100-240 V (50/60 Hz) |
|---|---|---|
| Output | 65 Watt | 170 Watt |
| INPUT | Lenovo ThinkBook 15-IIL (20SM) | Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Extreme Gen 5 (21DE) |
|---|
| 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 |
| CONNECTIONS & EXPANSIONS | Lenovo ThinkBook 15-IIL (20SM) | Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Extreme Gen 5 (21DE) |
|---|
| Slots | - | 2 x M.2 (PCI Express 4.0 x4) (1 free) |
|---|---|---|
| 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 1.4 Alt Mode) (Power Delivery 3.0) HDMI Headphone/microphone combo jack |
| Memory Card Reader | 4 in 1 (SD Card, MultiMediaCard, SDHC Card, SDXC Card) | Yes (SD Express Card) |
| SOFTWARE | Lenovo ThinkBook 15-IIL (20SM) | Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Extreme Gen 5 (21DE) |
|---|
| 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 - German |
|---|---|---|
| Software Included | Microsoft Office (30 days trial) | Glance by Mirametrix |
| MISCELLANEOUS | Lenovo ThinkBook 15-IIL (20SM) | Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Extreme Gen 5 (21DE) |
|---|
| Included Accessories | Power adapter | 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, USB FIDO (Fast Identity Online) device integration, Firmware Resiliency 3.0, certificate based BIOS authentication |
| Compliant Standards | RoHS, Energy-Related Products (ErP) Lot 3 | RoHS, Energy-Related Products (ErP) Lot 3, TCG Certified, TÜV Rheinland Low Blue Light Method 2 |
| ENERGY STAR Certified | - | Yes |
| EPEAT Compliant | - | EPEAT Gold |
| TCO Certified | - | TCO Certified Notebooks 9 |
| 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 |
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