In depth comparison and review of Lenovo ThinkPad L490 (20Q5) and Lenovo ThinkPad Z16 Gen 1 (21D5). 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 L490 (20Q5) based on its technical characteristics, features, user experience, expert reviews and price level.
robust build quality
excellent keyboard comfort
good security features
decent battery life
solid performance
average display quality
heavier design
limited graphics power
no thunderbolt support
Advantages and disadvantages of Lenovo ThinkPad Z16 Gen 1 (21D5) based on its technical characteristics, features, user experience, expert reviews and price level.
robust build quality
excellent keyboard feel
powerful AMD processor
high-resolution display
good battery life
heavier than competitors
expensive base model
limited color options
noisy under load
DESIGN AND DIMENSIONS | Lenovo ThinkPad L490 (20Q5) | Lenovo ThinkPad Z16 Gen 1 (21D5) |
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Product Type | Notebook | Notebook |
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Dimensions (WxDxH) | 33.5 cm x 23.5 cm x 2.25 cm | 35.44 cm x 23.74 cm x 1.58 cm |
Weight | 1.69 kg | 1.94 kg |
Case Material | Polycarbonate ABS | Aluminium (top), aluminium (bottom) |
Colour | Black | Black (bottom), arctic grey (top) |
DISPLAY | Lenovo ThinkPad L490 (20Q5) | Lenovo ThinkPad Z16 Gen 1 (21D5) |
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Screen Size (Type) | 14" - IPS | 16" OLED |
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Touchscreen | - | Yes (10-point multi-touch) |
LCD Backlight Technology | LED backlight | - |
Screen Resolution | 1920 x 1080 (Full HD) | 3840 x 2400 (WQUXGA) |
Widescreen | Yes | Yes |
Image Aspect Ratio | 16:9 | 16:10 |
Image Brightness | 250 cd/m² | 500 cd/m² |
Colour Gamut | 45% | 100% DCI-P3 |
Features | Anti-glare, 170° viewing angle | Anti-reflective, One Glass Solution, anti-smudge, Low Blue Light technology, Dolby Vision, 175° viewing angle, 92.3% screen-to-body ratio |
PROCESSOR | Lenovo ThinkPad L490 (20Q5) | Lenovo ThinkPad Z16 Gen 1 (21D5) |
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CPU | Intel Core i5 (8th Gen) 8265U / 1.6 GHz | AMD Ryzen 7 Pro 6850H / 3.2 GHz |
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Max Turbo Speed | 3.9 GHz | 4.7 GHz |
Number of Cores | Quad-Core | 8-core |
Cache | 6 MB | L3 - 16 MB |
64-bit Computing | Yes | - |
Features | Integrated memory controller | Integrated memory controller |
MEMORY | Lenovo ThinkPad L490 (20Q5) | Lenovo ThinkPad Z16 Gen 1 (21D5) |
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RAM | 8 GB (1 x 8 GB) | 32 GB (provided memory is soldered) |
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Max RAM Supported | 64 GB | - |
RAM Type | DDR4 SDRAM | LPDDR5 SDRAM |
Speed | 2400 MHz | 6400 MHz |
Rated Speed | 2666 MHz | 6400 MHz |
Form Factor | SO-DIMM 260-pin | - |
Slots Qty | 2 | - |
Empty Slots | 1 | - |
STORAGE | Lenovo ThinkPad L490 (20Q5) | Lenovo ThinkPad Z16 Gen 1 (21D5) |
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Main Storage Size (HDD/SSD) | 256 GB SSD M.2 2280 PCIe 3.0 x2 - TCG Opal Encryption - Samsung | 1.024 TB SSD M.2 2280 PCIe 4.0 x4 - TCG Opal Encryption - Western Digital |
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AUDIO & VIDEO | Lenovo ThinkPad L490 (20Q5) | Lenovo ThinkPad Z16 Gen 1 (21D5) |
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Graphics Processor (GPU) | Intel UHD Graphics 620 | AMD Radeon 680M |
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Max Monitors Supported | - | 3 external monitor(s) |
Camera | Yes - 720p | Yes - 1080p |
Camera Features | ThinkShutter camera privacy | Windows Hello, fixed focus, e-camera shutter, hybrid FHD/IR camera |
Sound | Stereo speakers, dual array microphone | Stereo speakers, dual array microphone |
Codec | Realtek ALC3287 | Realtek ALC3306 |
Compliant Standards | High Definition Audio, Dolby Advanced Audio | High Definition Audio, Dolby Atmos |
Audio Features | - | Input: Dolby Voice, 360° far-field |
COMMUNICATIONS | Lenovo ThinkPad L490 (20Q5) | Lenovo ThinkPad Z16 Gen 1 (21D5) |
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Wireless | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac, Bluetooth 5.0 | Bluetooth 5.1, 802.11a/b/g/n/ac/ax (Wi-Fi 6E) |
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Wireless Controller | Intel Dual Band Wireless-AC 9260 - M.2 Card | Qualcomm NFA725A |
Network Interface | Gigabit Ethernet | - |
WWAN |
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Generation | 4G | - |
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Technology | LTE | - |
Controller | FIBOCOM L830-EB - M.2 Card | - |
BATTERY | Lenovo ThinkPad L490 (20Q5) | Lenovo ThinkPad Z16 Gen 1 (21D5) |
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Technology | 3-cell Lithium Ion | 4-cell lithium polymer |
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Battery Capacity (Size) | 45 Wh | 72 Wh |
Battery Life | Up to 12 hours | - |
AC ADAPTER | Lenovo ThinkPad L490 (20Q5) | Lenovo ThinkPad Z16 Gen 1 (21D5) |
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Input | AC 120/230 V (50/60 Hz) | AC 100-240 V (50/60 Hz) |
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Output | 65 Watt | 135 Watt, 5 / 9 / 15 / 20 V |
INPUT | Lenovo ThinkPad L490 (20Q5) | Lenovo ThinkPad Z16 Gen 1 (21D5) |
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Type | Keyboard, TrackPoint, UltraNav | Keyboard, TrackPoint, UltraNav |
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Keyboard Backlight | - | 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 ThinkPad L490 (20Q5) | Lenovo ThinkPad Z16 Gen 1 (21D5) |
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Slots | 1 x Nano-SIM card (1 free) | - |
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Interfaces | USB 3.1 Gen 1 (Always On) USB-C 3.1 Gen 1 (supports DisplayPort Alt Mode) (Power Delivery) USB-C 3.1 Gen 2 (supports DisplayPort Alt Mode) (Power Delivery) HDMI LAN Headphone/microphone combo jack Dock USB 3.1 Gen 1 |
USB-C 3.2 Gen 2 (supports DisplayPort 1.4a Alt Mode) (Power Delivery 3.0) 2 x USB4 (supports DisplayPort 1.4a Alt Mode) (Power Delivery 3.0) Headphone/microphone combo jack |
Memory Card Reader | Yes (microSD) | Yes (SD Card, SDXC UHS-II Card) |
SOFTWARE | Lenovo ThinkPad L490 (20Q5) | Lenovo ThinkPad Z16 Gen 1 (21D5) |
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Operating System (OS) | Windows 10 Pro 64-bit Edition | Windows 11 Pro |
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MISCELLANEOUS | Lenovo ThinkPad L490 (20Q5) | Lenovo ThinkPad Z16 Gen 1 (21D5) |
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Dockable | Yes | - |
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Included Accessories | USB-C power adapter | USB-C slim power adapter |
Security | Trusted Platform Module (TPM 2.0) Security Chip, fingerprint reader | Discrete Trusted Platform Module (TPM 2.0) Security Chip with Microsoft Pluton, 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, self-healing BIOS, NVMe password, certificate based BIOS authentication, FIDO (Fast Identity Online) authentication |
Compliant Standards | RoHS | RoHS, TUV Rheinland Low Blue Light Certification, Energy-Related Products (ErP) Lot 3, TCG Certified, TCO Certified 9.0 |
ENERGY STAR Certified | Yes | - |
EPEAT Compliant | EPEAT Silver | - |
Max Operating Temperature | - | 35 °C |
Min Operating Temperature | - | 5 °C |
Humidity Range Operating | - | 8 - 95% |