Lenovo ThinkPad L15 Gen 3 (21C4) vs. Lenovo IdeaPad S540-15IML (81NG)

Laptop Comparison, Reviews and Tests

Detailed comparison and review of Lenovo ThinkPad L15 Gen 3 (21C4) and Lenovo IdeaPad S540-15IML (81NG). With our comprehensive overview, you can simply compare dimensions, performance, storage, functions, but also other key features of both laptops and easily decide which one is the right choice for you. Our goal is to help you identify the main differences between products and find the laptop that best fits your needs and expectations.

Lenovo ThinkPad L15 Gen 3 (21C4) Review

Advantages and disadvantages of Lenovo ThinkPad L15 Gen 3 (21C4) based on its technical characteristics, features, user experience, expert reviews and price level.

robust build quality

excellent keyboard comfort

good battery life

solid performance

adequate port selection

average display brightness

heavier than competitors

limited graphics performance

no thunderbolt support

Lenovo IdeaPad S540-15IML (81NG) Review

Advantages and disadvantages of Lenovo IdeaPad S540-15IML (81NG) based on its technical characteristics, features, user experience, expert reviews and price level.

sleek aluminum design

sharp full HD display

fast processing speeds

ample storage capacity

good battery life

heavier than competitors

no optical drive

limited port selection

average graphics performance

Laptop Comparison and Tests

Difference between Lenovo ThinkPad L15 Gen 3 (21C4) and Lenovo IdeaPad S540-15IML (81NG)
85 % - Design
72 % - Display
75 % - Performance
86 % - Connectivity
74 % - Battery
82 % - Design
72 % - Display
75 % - Performance
75 % - Connectivity
75 % - Battery

Laptop Specifications Comparison

Lenovo ThinkPad L15 Gen 3 (21C4) vs. Lenovo IdeaPad S540-15IML (81NG) Comparison Chart
DESIGN AND DIMENSIONS Lenovo ThinkPad L15 Gen 3 (21C4) Lenovo IdeaPad S540-15IML (81NG)
Product Type Notebook - 180-degree hinge design Notebook
Dimensions (WxDxH) 36.02 cm x 23.7 cm x 1.993 cm 35.8 cm x 24.5 cm x 1.69 cm
Weight 1.76 kg 1.95 kg
Case Material Polycarbonate ABS (bottom), polycarbonate ABS (top) Aluminum, glass
Colour Thunder black Mineral grey
DISPLAY Lenovo ThinkPad L15 Gen 3 (21C4) Lenovo IdeaPad S540-15IML (81NG)
Screen Size (Type) 15.6" - IPS 15.6" - IPS
LCD Backlight Technology LED backlight 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 300 cd/m²
Colour Gamut 45% NTSC 72%
Features Anti-glare, 170° viewing angle Glossy, glass cover
PROCESSOR Lenovo ThinkPad L15 Gen 3 (21C4) Lenovo IdeaPad S540-15IML (81NG)
CPU Intel Core i5 (12th Gen) 1235U / 1.3 GHz Intel Core i5 (10th Gen) 10210U / 1.6 GHz
Max Turbo Speed 4.4 GHz 4.2 GHz
Number of Cores 10-core Quad-Core
Cache 12 MB 6 MB
64-bit Computing - Yes
Features Integrated memory controller Integrated memory controller
MEMORY Lenovo ThinkPad L15 Gen 3 (21C4) Lenovo IdeaPad S540-15IML (81NG)
RAM 16 GB (1 x 16 GB) 8 GB (1 x 4 GB + 4 GB (soldered))
Max RAM Supported 64 GB 12 GB
RAM Type DDR4 SDRAM DDR4 SDRAM
Speed 3200 MHz 2400 MHz
Rated Speed 3200 MHz 2400 MHz
Form Factor SO-DIMM 260-pin SO-DIMM 260-pin
Slots Qty 2 1
Empty Slots 1 0
STORAGE Lenovo ThinkPad L15 Gen 3 (21C4) Lenovo IdeaPad S540-15IML (81NG)
Main Storage Size (HDD/SSD) 512 GB SSD M.2 2242 PCIe 4.0 x4 - TCG Opal Encryption - Kioxia 512 GB SSD M.2 2280 PCIe 3.0 x4 - NVM Express (NVMe)
AUDIO & VIDEO Lenovo ThinkPad L15 Gen 3 (21C4) Lenovo IdeaPad S540-15IML (81NG)
Graphics Processor (GPU) Intel Iris Xe Graphics Intel UHD Graphics
Max Monitors Supported 3 external monitor(s) -
Camera Yes - 1080p Yes - 720p
Resolution - 1 Megapixel
Camera Features Privacy shutter, IR camera, Windows Hello, fixed focus Privacy shutter
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 ThinkPad L15 Gen 3 (21C4) Lenovo IdeaPad S540-15IML (81NG)
Wireless 802.11a/b/g/n/ac/ax, Bluetooth 5.2 802.11a/b/g/n/ac, Bluetooth 4.2
Wireless Controller Intel Wi-Fi 6 AX 201 M.2 Card
Network Interface Gigabit Ethernet -
Features - Dual stream (2x2)
BATTERY Lenovo ThinkPad L15 Gen 3 (21C4) Lenovo IdeaPad S540-15IML (81NG)
Technology 3-cell lithium polymer Lithium Ion
Battery Capacity (Size) 57 Wh 70 Wh
Battery Life - Up to 15 hours
AC ADAPTER Lenovo ThinkPad L15 Gen 3 (21C4) Lenovo IdeaPad S540-15IML (81NG)
Input AC 100-240 V (50/60 Hz) AC 120/230 V (50/60 Hz)
Output 65 Watt, 5 / 9 / 15 / 20 V 65 Watt
INPUT Lenovo ThinkPad L15 Gen 3 (21C4) Lenovo IdeaPad S540-15IML (81NG)
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 Multi-touch touchpad, buttonless touchpad
CONNECTIONS & EXPANSIONS Lenovo ThinkPad L15 Gen 3 (21C4) Lenovo IdeaPad S540-15IML (81NG)
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
LAN
USB 3.1 Gen 1
USB 3.1 Gen 1 (Always On)
USB-C 3.1 Gen 1
HDMI
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 (21C4) Lenovo IdeaPad S540-15IML (81NG)
Operating System (OS) Windows 10 Pro 64-bit Edition (available through downgrade rights from Windows 11 Pro) + Windows 11 Pro Licence Windows 10 Home 64-bit Edition - English
Software Included - Microsoft Office (30 days trial)
MISCELLANEOUS Lenovo ThinkPad L15 Gen 3 (21C4) Lenovo IdeaPad S540-15IML (81NG)
Included Accessories USB-C power adapter Power adapter
Security Discrete Trusted Platform Module (TPM 2.0) Security Chip, fingerprint reader Firmware Trusted Platform Module (TPM 2.0) Security Chip, fingerprint reader
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 Administrator password, hard drive password, power-on password, RapidCharge
Compliant Standards RoHS, Energy-Related Products (ErP) Lot 3, TCG Certified RoHS, Energy-Related Products (ErP) Lot 3
SAR Value - 1.81 W/kg (body), 1.81 W/kg (limb)
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 - Limited warranty - 1 year - pick-up and return
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