In depth comparison and review of Lenovo ThinkPad L15 Gen 3 (21C3) and Microsoft Surface. 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 Microsoft Surface based on its technical characteristics, features, user experience, expert reviews and price level.
versatile form factor
high-resolution touchscreen
lightweight design
solid build quality
good battery life
higher price range
limited port selection
moderate storage options
average graphics performance
| DESIGN AND DIMENSIONS | Lenovo ThinkPad L15 Gen 3 (21C3) | Microsoft Surface |
|---|
| Product Type | Notebook - 180-degree hinge design | Notebook |
|---|---|---|
| Dimensions (WxDxH) | 36.02 cm x 23.7 cm x 1.993 cm | 27.8 cm x 20.6 cm x 1.57 cm |
| Weight | 1.76 kg | 1.13 kg |
| Case Material | Polycarbonate ABS (bottom), polycarbonate ABS (top) | Polycarbonate, anodised aluminium |
| Colour | Thunder black | Platinum |
| DISPLAY | Lenovo ThinkPad L15 Gen 3 (21C3) | Microsoft Surface |
|---|
| Screen Size (Type) | 15.6" - IPS | 12.4" |
|---|---|---|
| Touchscreen | - | Yes (10-point multi-touch) |
| LCD Backlight Technology | LED backlight | - |
| Screen Resolution | 1920 x 1080 (Full HD) | 1536 x 1024 |
| Pixel Density (ppi) | - | 148 |
| Widescreen | Yes | Yes |
| Image Aspect Ratio | 16:9 | 3:2 |
| Image Brightness | 250 cd/m² | - |
| Colour Gamut | 45% NTSC | - |
| Features | Anti-glare, 170° viewing angle | Corning Gorilla glass 3, Color Calibrated, PixelSense, sRGB Mode, enhanced colour |
| PROCESSOR | Lenovo ThinkPad L15 Gen 3 (21C3) | Microsoft Surface |
|---|
| CPU | Intel Core i5 (12th Gen) 1235U / 1.3 GHz | Intel Core i5 (12th Gen) 1235U |
|---|---|---|
| Max Turbo Speed | 4.4 GHz | 4.4 GHz |
| Number of Cores | 10-core | 10-core |
| Cache | 12 MB | 12 MB |
| Features | Integrated memory controller | Intel Smart Cache, Intel Deep Learning Boost (DL Boost) |
| MEMORY | Lenovo ThinkPad L15 Gen 3 (21C3) | Microsoft Surface |
|---|
| RAM | 8 GB (2 x 4 GB) | 8 GB |
|---|---|---|
| Max RAM Supported | 64 GB | - |
| RAM Type | DDR4 SDRAM | LPDDR5 SDRAM |
| Speed | 3200 MHz | - |
| Rated Speed | 3200 MHz | - |
| Form Factor | SO-DIMM 260-pin | - |
| Slots Qty | 2 | - |
| Empty Slots | 0 | - |
| STORAGE | Lenovo ThinkPad L15 Gen 3 (21C3) | Microsoft Surface |
|---|
| Main Storage Size (HDD/SSD) | 256 GB SSD M.2 2242 PCIe 4.0 x4 - TCG Opal Encryption 2, NVM Express (NVMe) | 128 GB SSD |
|---|
| AUDIO & VIDEO | Lenovo ThinkPad L15 Gen 3 (21C3) | Microsoft Surface |
|---|
| Graphics Processor (GPU) | Intel Iris Xe 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 - 1080p | Yes - 720p |
| Camera Features | Privacy shutter, IR camera, Windows Hello, fixed focus | - |
| Sound | Stereo speakers, dual array microphone | Stereo speakers, dual far-field studio microphones |
| Codec | Realtek ALC3287 | - |
| Compliant Standards | High Definition Audio, Dolby Audio, Dolby Voice | Dolby Audio Premium |
| Audio Features | - | Output: Omnisonic speakers |
| COMMUNICATIONS | Lenovo ThinkPad L15 Gen 3 (21C3) | Microsoft Surface |
|---|
| Wireless | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac/ax, Bluetooth 5.2 | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac/ax, Bluetooth 5.1 |
|---|---|---|
| Wireless Controller | Intel Wi-Fi 6 AX 201 - M.2 Card | - |
| Network Interface | Gigabit Ethernet | - |
| Features | Wake-on-LAN (WOL), dual stream (2x2) | - |
| WWAN |
|---|
| Generation | 4G upgradable | - |
|---|
| BATTERY | Lenovo ThinkPad L15 Gen 3 (21C3) | Microsoft Surface |
|---|
| Technology | Lithium polymer | - |
|---|---|---|
| Battery Capacity (Size) | 57 Wh | 41 Wh |
| Battery Life | - | Up to 15 hours |
| AC ADAPTER | Lenovo ThinkPad L15 Gen 3 (21C3) | Microsoft Surface |
|---|
| Input | AC 100-240 V (50/60 Hz) | - |
|---|---|---|
| Output | 65 Watt | 39 Watt |
| INPUT | Lenovo ThinkPad L15 Gen 3 (21C3) | Microsoft Surface |
|---|
| Type | Keyboard, TrackPoint, UltraNav | Keyboard, touchpad |
|---|---|---|
| Numeric Keypad | Yes | - |
| Keyboard Backlight | Yes | - |
| Features | Spill-resistant, multi-touch touchpad, Fn keys with Unified Communications controls | Precision touchpad |
| CONNECTIONS & EXPANSIONS | Lenovo ThinkPad L15 Gen 3 (21C3) | Microsoft Surface |
|---|
| 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 3.2/DisplayPort USB 3.1 Headphone output (mini-phone 3.5 mm) SurfaceConnect |
|---|---|---|
| Memory Card Reader | Yes (microSD) | - |
| SOFTWARE | Lenovo ThinkPad L15 Gen 3 (21C3) | Microsoft Surface |
|---|
| Operating System (OS) | Windows 10 Pro 64-bit Edition (available through downgrade rights from Windows 11 Pro) + Windows 11 Pro Licence - English | Windows 11 Pro |
|---|---|---|
| Software Included | - | Microsoft 365 Business Standard, Business Premium or Microsoft 365 Apps (30 days trial), Microsoft 365 Apps (requires licence or subscription) |
| MISCELLANEOUS | Lenovo ThinkPad L15 Gen 3 (21C3) | Microsoft Surface |
|---|
| Dockable | - | Yes |
|---|---|---|
| Included Accessories | USB-C power adapter | Power adapter |
| Integrated Options | - | Ambient light sensor |
| Security | Discrete Trusted Platform Module (TPM 2.0) Security Chip, fingerprint reader, smart card reader | Firmware Trusted Platform Module (TPM 2.0) Security Chip |
| Security Slot Type | Kensington nano security slot | - |
| Theft/Intrusion Protection | Security lock slot (cable lock sold separately) | - |
| Features | Administrator password, power-on password, RapidCharge, MIL-STD-810H tested, self-healing BIOS, NVMe password | Fast charging |
| Compliant Standards | RoHS, Energy-Related Products (ErP) Lot 3, TCG Certified | - |
| 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 |
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