In depth comparison and review of Lenovo ThinkPad L15 Gen 3 (21C3) and Lenovo IdeaPad 520-15IKB (81BF). 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 ThinkPad L15 Gen 3 (21C3) based on its technical characteristics, features, user experience, expert reviews and price level.
robust build quality
excellent keyboard feel
good battery life
reliable performance
decent connectivity options
mediocre display quality
heavier design
limited graphics performance
higher price point
Advantages and disadvantages of Lenovo IdeaPad 520-15IKB (81BF) based on its technical characteristics, features, user experience, expert reviews and price level.
robust metal design
crisp full HD display
backlit keyboard feature
adequate processing power
reasonable price point
average battery life
limited graphics performance
heavier than competitors
no USB-C port
| DESIGN AND DIMENSIONS | Lenovo ThinkPad L15 Gen 3 (21C3) | Lenovo IdeaPad 520-15IKB (81BF) |
|---|
| Product Type | Notebook - 180-degree hinge design | Notebook |
|---|---|---|
| Dimensions (WxDxH) | 36.02 cm x 23.7 cm x 1.993 cm | 37.8 cm x 26 cm x 2.2 cm |
| Weight | 1.76 kg | 2.2 kg |
| Case Material | Polycarbonate ABS (bottom), polycarbonate ABS (top) | Metal |
| Colour | Thunder black | Golden |
| DISPLAY | Lenovo ThinkPad L15 Gen 3 (21C3) | Lenovo IdeaPad 520-15IKB (81BF) |
|---|
| Screen Size (Type) | 15.6" - IPS | 15.6" - IPS |
|---|---|---|
| LCD Backlight Technology | LED backlight | - |
| Screen Resolution | 1920 x 1080 (Full HD) | 1920 x 1080 (Full HD) |
| Widescreen | Yes | Yes |
| Image Aspect Ratio | 16:9 | 16:9 |
| Image Brightness | 250 cd/m² | 250 cd/m² |
| Colour Gamut | 45% NTSC | - |
| Features | Anti-glare, 170° viewing angle | Anti-glare |
| PROCESSOR | Lenovo ThinkPad L15 Gen 3 (21C3) | Lenovo IdeaPad 520-15IKB (81BF) |
|---|
| CPU | Intel Core i5 (12th Gen) 1235U / 1.3 GHz | Intel Core i5 (8th Gen) 8550U / 1.8 GHz |
|---|---|---|
| Max Turbo Speed | 4.4 GHz | 4 GHz |
| Number of Cores | 10-core | Quad-Core |
| Cache | 12 MB | 8 MB |
| Features | Integrated memory controller | Integrated memory controller |
| MEMORY | Lenovo ThinkPad L15 Gen 3 (21C3) | Lenovo IdeaPad 520-15IKB (81BF) |
|---|
| RAM | 8 GB (2 x 4 GB) | 8 GB (1 x 4 GB + 4 GB (soldered)) |
|---|---|---|
| Max RAM Supported | 64 GB | 16 GB |
| RAM Type | DDR4 SDRAM | DDR4 SDRAM |
| Speed | 3200 MHz | 2133 MHz |
| Rated Speed | 3200 MHz | 2400 MHz |
| Form Factor | SO-DIMM 260-pin | SO-DIMM 260-pin |
| Slots Qty | 2 | 1 |
| Empty Slots | 0 | 0 |
| STORAGE | Lenovo ThinkPad L15 Gen 3 (21C3) | Lenovo IdeaPad 520-15IKB (81BF) |
|---|
| Main Storage Size (HDD/SSD) | 256 GB SSD M.2 2242 PCIe 4.0 x4 - TCG Opal Encryption 2, NVM Express (NVMe) | 2 TB HDD SATA 6Gb/s / 5400 rpm |
|---|---|---|
| Optical Drive | - | DVD±RW |
| AUDIO & VIDEO | Lenovo ThinkPad L15 Gen 3 (21C3) | Lenovo IdeaPad 520-15IKB (81BF) |
|---|
| Multi-GPU Configuration | - | 1 single GPU card / integrated GPU |
|---|---|---|
| Graphics Processor (GPU) | Intel Iris Xe Graphics | NVIDIA GeForce MX150 / Intel UHD Graphics 620 |
| Max Monitors Supported | 3 external monitor(s) | - |
| Video Memory | - | 4 GB GDDR5 SDRAM |
| Video System Features | Functions as Intel UHD graphics (for single-channel memory) | - |
| Camera | Yes - 1080p | Yes - 720p |
| Resolution | - | 1 Megapixel |
| Camera Features | Privacy shutter, IR camera, Windows Hello, fixed focus | Fixed focus |
| Sound | Stereo speakers, dual array microphone | Stereo speakers, dual array microphone |
| Codec | Realtek ALC3287 | - |
| Compliant Standards | High Definition Audio, Dolby Audio, Dolby Voice | High Definition Audio, Dolby Audio |
| Audio Features | - | Output: Harman audio technology |
| COMMUNICATIONS | Lenovo ThinkPad L15 Gen 3 (21C3) | Lenovo IdeaPad 520-15IKB (81BF) |
|---|
| Wireless | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac/ax, Bluetooth 5.2 | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac, Bluetooth 4.1 |
|---|---|---|
| Wireless Controller | Intel Wi-Fi 6 AX 201 - M.2 Card | M.2 Card |
| Network Interface | Gigabit Ethernet | Gigabit Ethernet |
| Features | Wake-on-LAN (WOL), dual stream (2x2) | Single stream (1x1) |
| WWAN |
|---|
| Generation | 4G upgradable | - |
|---|
| BATTERY | Lenovo ThinkPad L15 Gen 3 (21C3) | Lenovo IdeaPad 520-15IKB (81BF) |
|---|
| Technology | Lithium polymer | 2-cell lithium polymer |
|---|---|---|
| Battery Capacity (Size) | 57 Wh | 35 Wh |
| Battery Life | - | Up to 6 hours |
| AC ADAPTER | Lenovo ThinkPad L15 Gen 3 (21C3) | Lenovo IdeaPad 520-15IKB (81BF) |
|---|
| Input | AC 100-240 V (50/60 Hz) | AC 100-240 V (50/60 Hz) |
|---|---|---|
| Output | 65 Watt | 65 Watt |
| INPUT | Lenovo ThinkPad L15 Gen 3 (21C3) | Lenovo IdeaPad 520-15IKB (81BF) |
|---|
| Type | Keyboard, TrackPoint, UltraNav | Keyboard, touchpad |
|---|---|---|
| Numeric Keypad | Yes | Yes |
| Keyboard Backlight | Yes | Yes |
| Features | Spill-resistant, multi-touch touchpad, Fn keys with Unified Communications controls | - |
| CONNECTIONS & EXPANSIONS | Lenovo ThinkPad L15 Gen 3 (21C3) | Lenovo IdeaPad 520-15IKB (81BF) |
|---|
| Interfaces | USB 3.2 Gen 1 USB 3.2 Gen 1 (Always On) USB-C 3.2 Gen 1 (supports DisplayPort 1.4 Alt Mode) (Power Delivery 3.0) USB4 (supports Thunderbolt 4, DisplayPort 1.4 Alt Mode) (Power Delivery 3.0) Headphone/microphone combo jack HDMI LAN |
USB-C 3.0 2 x USB 3.0 HDMI LAN Headphone/microphone combo jack |
|---|---|---|
| Memory Card Reader | Yes (microSD) | 4 in 1 (SD Card, MultiMediaCard, SDHC Card, SDXC Card) |
| SOFTWARE | Lenovo ThinkPad L15 Gen 3 (21C3) | Lenovo IdeaPad 520-15IKB (81BF) |
|---|
| Operating System (OS) | Windows 10 Pro 64-bit Edition (available through downgrade rights from Windows 11 Pro) + Windows 11 Pro Licence - English | Windows 10 Home 64-bit Edition - English |
|---|
| MISCELLANEOUS | Lenovo ThinkPad L15 Gen 3 (21C3) | Lenovo IdeaPad 520-15IKB (81BF) |
|---|
| Included Accessories | USB-C power adapter | Power adapter |
|---|---|---|
| Security | Discrete Trusted Platform Module (TPM 2.0) Security Chip, fingerprint reader, smart card reader | Fingerprint reader |
| Security Slot Type | Kensington nano security slot | Kensington mini security slot |
| Theft/Intrusion Protection | Security lock slot (cable lock sold separately) | Security lock slot (cable lock sold separately) |
| Features | Administrator password, power-on password, RapidCharge, MIL-STD-810H tested, self-healing BIOS, NVMe password | Administrator password, hard drive password, power-on password |
| Compliant Standards | RoHS, Energy-Related Products (ErP) Lot 3, TCG Certified | RoHS |
| ENERGY STAR Certified | Yes | - |
| EPEAT Compliant | EPEAT Gold | - |
| Max Operating Temperature | 35 °C | - |
| Min Operating Temperature | 5 °C | - |
| Humidity Range Operating | 8 - 95% | - |
| Manufacturer Warranty | Base warranty - 1 year - pick-up and return Extended warranty - 1 year - on-site |
Limited warranty - 1 year - pick-up and return |
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