Lenovo ThinkPad T15p Gen 3 (21DA) vs. Lenovo IdeaPad S540-13API (81XC)

Laptop Comparison, Reviews and Tests

In depth comparison and review of Lenovo ThinkPad T15p Gen 3 (21DA) 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.

Lenovo ThinkPad T15p Gen 3 (21DA) Review

Advantages and disadvantages of Lenovo ThinkPad T15p Gen 3 (21DA) based on its technical characteristics, features, user experience, expert reviews and price level.

robust build quality

powerful processor performance

comfortable keyboard design

ample connectivity options

efficient thermal management

heavier than competitors

average battery life

limited display brightness

premium price point

Lenovo IdeaPad S540-13API (81XC) Review

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

Laptop Comparison and Tests

Difference between Lenovo ThinkPad T15p Gen 3 (21DA) and Lenovo IdeaPad S540-13API (81XC)
82 % - Design
78 % - Display
85 % - Performance
85 % - Connectivity
76 % - Battery
81 % - Design
85 % - Display
72 % - Performance
78 % - Connectivity
75 % - Battery

Laptop Specifications Comparison

Lenovo ThinkPad T15p Gen 3 (21DA) vs. Lenovo IdeaPad S540-13API (81XC) Comparison Chart
DESIGN AND DIMENSIONS Lenovo ThinkPad T15p Gen 3 (21DA) Lenovo IdeaPad S540-13API (81XC)
Product Type Notebook Notebook
Dimensions (WxDxH) 36.65 cm x 25 cm x 2.27 cm 29.69 cm x 20.86 cm x 1.595 cm
Weight 2.226 kg 1.25 kg
Case Material Polycarbonate ABS (bottom), polycarbonate ABS (top) Aluminum, glass
Colour Black Light silver
DISPLAY Lenovo ThinkPad T15p Gen 3 (21DA) Lenovo IdeaPad S540-13API (81XC)
Screen Size (Type) 15.6" - IPS 13.3" - IPS
LCD Backlight Technology LED backlight LED backlight
Screen Resolution 1920 x 1080 (Full HD) 2560 x 1600 (WQHD)
Widescreen Yes Yes
Image Aspect Ratio 16:9 16:9
Image Brightness 300 cd/m² 300 cd/m²
Colour Gamut 45% NTSC 100% sRGB, 72% NTSC
Features Anti-glare, 170° viewing angle, DC dimming Glossy, 72% NTSC colour gamut
PROCESSOR Lenovo ThinkPad T15p Gen 3 (21DA) Lenovo IdeaPad S540-13API (81XC)
CPU Intel Core i7 (12th Gen) 12700H / 2.3 GHz AMD Ryzen 7 3750H / 2.3 GHz
Max Turbo Speed 4.7 GHz 4 GHz
Number of Cores 14-core Quad-Core
Cache 24 MB L3 - 4 MB
64-bit Computing - Yes
Features Integrated memory controller Integrated memory controller
MEMORY Lenovo ThinkPad T15p Gen 3 (21DA) Lenovo IdeaPad S540-13API (81XC)
RAM 16 GB (1 x 16 GB) 8 GB (provided memory is soldered)
Max RAM Supported 64 GB -
RAM Type DDR5 SDRAM - non-ECC DDR4 SDRAM
Speed 4800 MHz 2400 MHz
Rated Speed 4800 MHz 2400 MHz
Form Factor SO-DIMM 262-pin -
Slots Qty 2 -
Empty Slots 1 -
STORAGE Lenovo ThinkPad T15p Gen 3 (21DA) Lenovo IdeaPad S540-13API (81XC)
Main Storage Size (HDD/SSD) 512 GB SSD M.2 2280 PCIe 4.0 x4 - TCG Opal Encryption 2, NVM Express (NVMe), Value 512 GB SSD M.2 2280 PCIe 3.0 x4 - NVM Express (NVMe)
RAID Level RAID 0, RAID 1 -
AUDIO & VIDEO Lenovo ThinkPad T15p Gen 3 (21DA) Lenovo IdeaPad S540-13API (81XC)
Multi-GPU Configuration 1 single GPU card / integrated GPU -
Graphics Processor (GPU) NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050 / Intel Iris Xe Graphics AMD Radeon RX Vega 10
Max Monitors Supported 2 external monitor(s) -
Video Memory 4 GB GDDR6 SDRAM -
Camera Yes - 720p Yes - 720p
Resolution - 1 Megapixel
Camera Features Privacy shutter, IR camera, Windows Hello, 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 Premium, Dolby Voice High Definition Audio, Dolby Audio
COMMUNICATIONS Lenovo ThinkPad T15p Gen 3 (21DA) Lenovo IdeaPad S540-13API (81XC)
Wireless Bluetooth 5.2, 802.11a/b/g/n/ac/ax (Wi-Fi 6E) 802.11a/b/g/n/ac, Bluetooth 5.0
Wireless Controller Intel Wi-Fi 6E AX 211 M.2 Card
Network Interface Gigabit Ethernet -
Ethernet Controller Intel I219-V -
Features Wake-on-LAN (WOL), dual stream (2x2) Dual stream (2x2)
WWAN
Generation 4G upgradable -
BATTERY Lenovo ThinkPad T15p Gen 3 (21DA) Lenovo IdeaPad S540-13API (81XC)
Technology Lithium polymer Lithium Ion
Battery Capacity (Size) 68 Wh 56 Wh
Battery Life - Up to 14.7 hours
AC ADAPTER Lenovo ThinkPad T15p Gen 3 (21DA) Lenovo IdeaPad S540-13API (81XC)
Input AC 100-240 V (50/60 Hz) AC 120/230 V (50/60 Hz)
Output 135 Watt 65 Watt
INPUT Lenovo ThinkPad T15p Gen 3 (21DA) Lenovo IdeaPad S540-13API (81XC)
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 Multi-touch touchpad, buttonless touchpad
CONNECTIONS & EXPANSIONS Lenovo ThinkPad T15p Gen 3 (21DA) Lenovo IdeaPad S540-13API (81XC)
Slots 2 x M.2 (PCI Express 4.0 x4) (1 free) -
Interfaces USB 3.2 Gen 1 (Always On)
USB 3.2 Gen 1
USB4 (supports Thunderbolt 4, DisplayPort 1.4 Alt Mode) (Power Delivery 3.0)
HDMI
Headphone/microphone combo jack
LAN
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
Memory Card Reader Yes (SD Card) -
SOFTWARE Lenovo ThinkPad T15p Gen 3 (21DA) 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 - English Windows 10 Home 64-bit Edition - English
Software Included - Microsoft Office (30 days trial)
MISCELLANEOUS Lenovo ThinkPad T15p Gen 3 (21DA) Lenovo IdeaPad S540-13API (81XC)
Included Accessories Power adapter Power adapter
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 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, 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 Base warranty - 3 years - pick-up and return
Base warranty - battery - 1 year
Extended warranty - 3 years - on-site
Limited warranty - 1 year - pick-up and return
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