In depth comparison and review of Lenovo ThinkPad T14 Gen 3 (21CG) and Lenovo IdeaPad 520-15IKB (80YL). 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 T14 Gen 3 (21CG) based on its technical characteristics, features, user experience, expert reviews and price level.
robust build quality
excellent keyboard feel
impressive battery life
powerful processor options
good security features
heavier than competitors
average display brightness
noisy under load
expensive base model
| DESIGN AND DIMENSIONS | Lenovo ThinkPad T14 Gen 3 (21CG) | Lenovo IdeaPad 520-15IKB (80YL) |
|---|
| Product Type | Notebook - 180-degree hinge design | Notebook |
|---|---|---|
| Dimensions (WxDxH) | 31.77 cm x 22.69 cm x 1.79 cm | 37.8 cm x 26 cm x 2.2 cm |
| Weight | 1.21 kg | 2.2 kg |
| Case Material | Carbon fibre (top), glass-fibre (top), polycarbonate (top), polyphenylene sulfide (bottom) | Metal |
| Colour | Thunder black | Iron grey |
| DISPLAY | Lenovo ThinkPad T14 Gen 3 (21CG) | Lenovo IdeaPad 520-15IKB (80YL) |
|---|
| Screen Size (Type) | 14" - IPS | 15.6" - IPS |
|---|---|---|
| LCD Backlight Technology | LED backlight | LED backlight |
| Screen Resolution | 1920 x 1200 (WUXGA) | 1920 x 1080 (Full HD) |
| Widescreen | Yes | Yes |
| Image Aspect Ratio | 16:10 | 16:9 |
| Image Brightness | 300 cd/m² | 250 cd/m² |
| Colour Gamut | 45% NTSC | - |
| Features | Anti-glare, 170° viewing angle | Anti-glare |
| PROCESSOR | Lenovo ThinkPad T14 Gen 3 (21CG) | Lenovo IdeaPad 520-15IKB (80YL) |
|---|
| CPU | AMD Ryzen 7 Pro 6850U / 2.7 GHz | Intel Core i5 (7th Gen) 7200U / 2.5 GHz |
|---|---|---|
| Max Turbo Speed | 4.7 GHz | 3.1 GHz |
| Number of Cores | 8-core | Dual-Core |
| Cache | L3 - 16 MB | 3 MB |
| 64-bit Computing | - | Yes |
| Features | Integrated memory controller | Integrated memory controller |
| MEMORY | Lenovo ThinkPad T14 Gen 3 (21CG) | Lenovo IdeaPad 520-15IKB (80YL) |
|---|
| RAM | 16 GB (provided memory is soldered) | 8 GB (1 x 4 GB + 4 GB (soldered)) |
|---|---|---|
| Max RAM Supported | - | 16 GB |
| RAM Type | LPDDR5 SDRAM | DDR4 SDRAM |
| Speed | 6400 MHz | 2133 MHz |
| Rated Speed | 6400 MHz | 2400 MHz |
| Form Factor | - | SO-DIMM 260-pin |
| Slots Qty | - | 1 |
| Empty Slots | - | 0 |
| STORAGE | Lenovo ThinkPad T14 Gen 3 (21CG) | Lenovo IdeaPad 520-15IKB (80YL) |
|---|
| Main Storage Size (HDD/SSD) | 512 GB SSD M.2 2280 PCIe 4.0 x4 - TCG Opal Encryption, Performance - Kioxia | 256 GB SSD 2.5" SATA 6Gb/s |
|---|
| AUDIO & VIDEO | Lenovo ThinkPad T14 Gen 3 (21CG) | Lenovo IdeaPad 520-15IKB (80YL) |
|---|
| Multi-GPU Configuration | - | 1 single GPU card / integrated GPU |
|---|---|---|
| Graphics Processor (GPU) | AMD Radeon 680M | NVIDIA GeForce 940MX / Intel HD Graphics 620 |
| Max Monitors Supported | 3 external monitor(s) | - |
| Video Memory | - | 2 GB GDDR5 SDRAM |
| Camera | Yes - 720p | Yes - 720p |
| Resolution | - | 1 Megapixel |
| Camera Features | Privacy shutter, 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 T14 Gen 3 (21CG) | Lenovo IdeaPad 520-15IKB (80YL) |
|---|
| Wireless | Bluetooth 5.1, 802.11a/b/g/n/ac/ax (Wi-Fi 6E) | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac, Bluetooth 4.1 |
|---|---|---|
| Wireless Controller | Qualcomm NFA725A | Intel Dual Band Wireless-AC 3165 - M.2 Card |
| Network Interface | Gigabit Ethernet | Gigabit Ethernet |
| Features | Dual stream (2x2) | - |
| BATTERY | Lenovo ThinkPad T14 Gen 3 (21CG) | Lenovo IdeaPad 520-15IKB (80YL) |
|---|
| Technology | 3-cell lithium polymer | 2-cell Lithium Ion |
|---|---|---|
| Battery Capacity (Size) | 39.3 Wh | 30 Wh |
| Battery Life | - | Up to 6 hours |
| AC ADAPTER | Lenovo ThinkPad T14 Gen 3 (21CG) | Lenovo IdeaPad 520-15IKB (80YL) |
|---|
| Input | AC 100-240 V (50/60 Hz) | AC 120/230 V (50/60 Hz) |
|---|---|---|
| Output | 65 Watt | 65 Watt, 20 V, 3.25 A |
| INPUT | Lenovo ThinkPad T14 Gen 3 (21CG) | Lenovo IdeaPad 520-15IKB (80YL) |
|---|
| Type | Keyboard, TrackPoint, UltraNav | Keyboard, touchpad |
|---|---|---|
| Numeric Keypad | - | Yes |
| Keyboard Backlight | Yes | Yes |
| Features | Spill-resistant, multi-touch touchpad, Fn keys with Unified Communications controls | - |
| CONNECTIONS & EXPANSIONS | Lenovo ThinkPad T14 Gen 3 (21CG) | Lenovo IdeaPad 520-15IKB (80YL) |
|---|
| Interfaces | USB 3.2 Gen 1 (Always On) USB 3.2 Gen 1 2 x USB-C 3.2 Gen 2 (supports DisplayPort 1.4a Alt Mode) (Power Delivery 3.0) HDMI LAN Headphone/microphone combo jack |
USB-C 2 x USB 3.0 HDMI LAN Headphone/microphone combo jack |
|---|---|---|
| Memory Card Reader | - | 4 in 1 (SD Card, MultiMediaCard, SDHC Card, SDXC Card) |
| SOFTWARE | Lenovo ThinkPad T14 Gen 3 (21CG) | Lenovo IdeaPad 520-15IKB (80YL) |
|---|
| 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 |
|---|
| MISCELLANEOUS | Lenovo ThinkPad T14 Gen 3 (21CG) | Lenovo IdeaPad 520-15IKB (80YL) |
|---|
| Included Accessories | USB-C slim power adapter | Power adapter |
|---|---|---|
| Security | Discrete Trusted Platform Module (TPM 2.0) Security Chip, fingerprint 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, system password, power-on password, RapidCharge, MIL-STD-810H tested, self-healing BIOS, NVMe password, USB FIDO (Fast Identity Online) device integration, certificate based BIOS authentication | 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% | - |
cs
sk
de
it
es
fr
hu
pt
ru
pl
br
ro
