In depth comparison and review of Lenovo ThinkPad T14 Gen 3 (21CG) and Lenovo IdeaPad S540-13API (81XC). 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
Advantages and disadvantages of Lenovo IdeaPad S540-13API (81XC) based on its technical characteristics, features, user experience, expert reviews and price level.
slim, lightweight design
sharp, vibrant display
fast processing speed
good battery life
quiet operation
limited port selection
no optical drive
average graphics performance
higher price point
| DESIGN AND DIMENSIONS | Lenovo ThinkPad T14 Gen 3 (21CG) | Lenovo IdeaPad S540-13API (81XC) |
|---|
| Product Type | Notebook - 180-degree hinge design | Notebook |
|---|---|---|
| Dimensions (WxDxH) | 31.77 cm x 22.69 cm x 1.79 cm | 29.69 cm x 20.86 cm x 1.595 cm |
| Weight | 1.21 kg | 1.25 kg |
| Case Material | Carbon fibre (top), glass-fibre (top), polycarbonate (top), polyphenylene sulfide (bottom) | Aluminum, glass |
| Colour | Thunder black | Light silver |
| DISPLAY | Lenovo ThinkPad T14 Gen 3 (21CG) | Lenovo IdeaPad S540-13API (81XC) |
|---|
| Screen Size (Type) | 14" - IPS | 13.3" - IPS |
|---|---|---|
| LCD Backlight Technology | LED backlight | LED backlight |
| Screen Resolution | 1920 x 1200 (WUXGA) | 2560 x 1600 (WQHD) |
| Widescreen | Yes | Yes |
| Image Aspect Ratio | 16:10 | 16:9 |
| Image Brightness | 300 cd/m² | 300 cd/m² |
| Colour Gamut | 45% NTSC | 100% sRGB, 72% NTSC |
| Features | Anti-glare, 170° viewing angle | Glossy, 72% NTSC colour gamut |
| PROCESSOR | Lenovo ThinkPad T14 Gen 3 (21CG) | Lenovo IdeaPad S540-13API (81XC) |
|---|
| CPU | AMD Ryzen 7 Pro 6850U / 2.7 GHz | AMD Ryzen 7 3750H / 2.3 GHz |
|---|---|---|
| Max Turbo Speed | 4.7 GHz | 4 GHz |
| Number of Cores | 8-core | Quad-Core |
| Cache | L3 - 16 MB | L3 - 4 MB |
| 64-bit Computing | - | Yes |
| Features | Integrated memory controller | Integrated memory controller |
| MEMORY | Lenovo ThinkPad T14 Gen 3 (21CG) | Lenovo IdeaPad S540-13API (81XC) |
|---|
| RAM | 16 GB (provided memory is soldered) | 8 GB (provided memory is soldered) |
|---|---|---|
| RAM Type | LPDDR5 SDRAM | DDR4 SDRAM |
| Speed | 6400 MHz | 2400 MHz |
| Rated Speed | 6400 MHz | 2400 MHz |
| STORAGE | Lenovo ThinkPad T14 Gen 3 (21CG) | Lenovo IdeaPad S540-13API (81XC) |
|---|
| Main Storage Size (HDD/SSD) | 512 GB SSD M.2 2280 PCIe 4.0 x4 - TCG Opal Encryption, Performance - Kioxia | 512 GB SSD M.2 2280 PCIe 3.0 x4 - NVM Express (NVMe) |
|---|
| AUDIO & VIDEO | Lenovo ThinkPad T14 Gen 3 (21CG) | Lenovo IdeaPad S540-13API (81XC) |
|---|
| Graphics Processor (GPU) | AMD Radeon 680M | AMD Radeon RX Vega 10 |
|---|---|---|
| Max Monitors Supported | 3 external monitor(s) | - |
| Camera | Yes - 720p | Yes - 720p |
| Resolution | - | 1 Megapixel |
| Camera Features | Privacy shutter, fixed focus | IR camera, fixed focus, ToF sensor |
| 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 |
| COMMUNICATIONS | Lenovo ThinkPad T14 Gen 3 (21CG) | Lenovo IdeaPad S540-13API (81XC) |
|---|
| Wireless | Bluetooth 5.1, 802.11a/b/g/n/ac/ax (Wi-Fi 6E) | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac, Bluetooth 5.0 |
|---|---|---|
| Wireless Controller | Qualcomm NFA725A | M.2 Card |
| Network Interface | Gigabit Ethernet | - |
| Features | Dual stream (2x2) | Dual stream (2x2) |
| BATTERY | Lenovo ThinkPad T14 Gen 3 (21CG) | Lenovo IdeaPad S540-13API (81XC) |
|---|
| Technology | 3-cell lithium polymer | Lithium Ion |
|---|---|---|
| Battery Capacity (Size) | 39.3 Wh | 56 Wh |
| Battery Life | - | Up to 14.7 hours |
| AC ADAPTER | Lenovo ThinkPad T14 Gen 3 (21CG) | Lenovo IdeaPad S540-13API (81XC) |
|---|
| Input | AC 100-240 V (50/60 Hz) | AC 120/230 V (50/60 Hz) |
|---|---|---|
| Output | 65 Watt | 65 Watt |
| INPUT | Lenovo ThinkPad T14 Gen 3 (21CG) | Lenovo IdeaPad S540-13API (81XC) |
|---|
| Type | Keyboard, TrackPoint, UltraNav | Keyboard, touchpad |
|---|---|---|
| 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 T14 Gen 3 (21CG) | Lenovo IdeaPad S540-13API (81XC) |
|---|
| 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 3.1 Gen 1 (Always On) 2 x USB-C 3.1 Gen 1 (supports DisplayPort Alt Mode) (Power Delivery) Headphone/microphone combo jack |
|---|
| SOFTWARE | Lenovo ThinkPad T14 Gen 3 (21CG) | Lenovo IdeaPad S540-13API (81XC) |
|---|
| 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 T14 Gen 3 (21CG) | Lenovo IdeaPad S540-13API (81XC) |
|---|
| Included Accessories | USB-C slim 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 |
| Security Slot Type | Kensington nano security slot | - |
| Theft/Intrusion Protection | 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, RapidCharge |
| Compliant Standards | RoHS, Energy-Related Products (ErP) Lot 3, TCG Certified | RoHS, Energy-Related Products (ErP) Lot 3 |
| SAR Value | - | 0.599 W/kg (body), 0.599 W/kg (limb) |
| ENERGY STAR Certified | Yes | - |
| EPEAT Compliant | EPEAT Gold | - |
| Specific Absorption Rate (SAR) | - | 0.599 W/kg (body) 0.599 W/kg (limb) |
| 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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