Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Extreme (2nd Gen) (20QV) vs. Lenovo IdeaPad 520-15IKB (81BF)

Laptop Comparison, Reviews and Tests

In depth comparison and review of Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Extreme (2nd Gen) (20QV) and Lenovo IdeaPad 520-15IKB (81BF). 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 X1 Extreme (2nd Gen) (20QV) Review

Advantages and disadvantages of Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Extreme (2nd Gen) (20QV) based on its technical characteristics, features, user experience, expert reviews and price level.

robust build quality

powerful processor performance

excellent keyboard comfort

high-resolution display

advanced security features

heavier than competitors

short battery life

high price point

noisy under load

Lenovo IdeaPad 520-15IKB (81BF) Review

Advantages and disadvantages of Lenovo IdeaPad 520-15IKB (81BF) based on its technical characteristics, features, user experience, expert reviews and price level.

robust metal design

crisp full HD display

backlit keyboard feature

adequate processing power

reasonable price point

average battery life

limited graphics performance

heavier than competitors

no USB-C port

Laptop Comparison and Tests

Difference between Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Extreme (2nd Gen) (20QV) and Lenovo IdeaPad 520-15IKB (81BF)
82 % - Design
83 % - Display
85 % - Performance
85 % - Connectivity
74 % - Battery
75 % - Design
72 % - Display
72 % - Performance
73 % - Connectivity
65 % - Battery

Laptop Specifications Comparison

Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Extreme (2nd Gen) (20QV) vs. Lenovo IdeaPad 520-15IKB (81BF) Comparison Chart
DESIGN AND DIMENSIONS Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Extreme (2nd Gen) (20QV) Lenovo IdeaPad 520-15IKB (81BF)
Product Type Notebook Notebook
Dimensions (WxDxH) 36.18 cm x 24.57 cm 37.8 cm x 26 cm x 2.2 cm
Weight 1.7 kg 2.2 kg
Case Material Aluminum, glass-fibre reinforced plastic, carbon fibre reinforced plastic Metal
Colour - Golden
DISPLAY Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Extreme (2nd Gen) (20QV) Lenovo IdeaPad 520-15IKB (81BF)
Screen Size (Type) 15.6" 15.6" - IPS
Screen Resolution - 1920 x 1080 (Full HD)
Widescreen Yes Yes
Image Aspect Ratio 16:9 16:9
Image Brightness - 250 cd/m²
Features - Anti-glare
PROCESSOR Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Extreme (2nd Gen) (20QV) Lenovo IdeaPad 520-15IKB (81BF)
CPU No CPU Intel Core i5 (8th Gen) 8550U / 1.8 GHz
Max Turbo Speed - 4 GHz
Number of Cores - Quad-Core
Cache - 8 MB
Chipset Mobile Intel CM246 -
Features - Integrated memory controller
MEMORY Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Extreme (2nd Gen) (20QV) Lenovo IdeaPad 520-15IKB (81BF)
RAM 0 GB 8 GB (1 x 4 GB + 4 GB (soldered))
Max RAM Supported 64 GB 16 GB
RAM Type DDR4 SDRAM DDR4 SDRAM
Speed 2666 MHz 2133 MHz
Rated Speed - 2400 MHz
Form Factor SO-DIMM 260-pin SO-DIMM 260-pin
Slots Qty 2 1
Empty Slots 2 0
STORAGE Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Extreme (2nd Gen) (20QV) Lenovo IdeaPad 520-15IKB (81BF)
Main Storage Size (HDD/SSD) - 2 TB HDD SATA 6Gb/s / 5400 rpm
Optical Drive - DVD±RW
AUDIO & VIDEO Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Extreme (2nd Gen) (20QV) Lenovo IdeaPad 520-15IKB (81BF)
Multi-GPU Configuration - 1 single GPU card / integrated GPU
Graphics Processor (GPU) - NVIDIA GeForce MX150 / Intel UHD Graphics 620
Video Memory - 4 GB GDDR5 SDRAM
Camera Yes Yes - 720p
Resolution - 1 Megapixel
Camera Features - Fixed focus
Sound Stereo speakers, dual array microphone Stereo speakers, dual array microphone
Codec Conexant CX11880 -
Compliant Standards High Definition Audio, Dolby Audio Premium, Dolby Atmos High Definition Audio, Dolby Audio
Audio Features - Output: Harman audio technology
COMMUNICATIONS Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Extreme (2nd Gen) (20QV) Lenovo IdeaPad 520-15IKB (81BF)
Wireless Bluetooth 5.0, 802.11a/b/g/n/ac/ax 802.11a/b/g/n/ac, Bluetooth 4.1
Wireless Controller Intel Wi-Fi 6 AX 200 M.2 Card
Network Interface - Gigabit Ethernet
Features - Single stream (1x1)
BATTERY Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Extreme (2nd Gen) (20QV) Lenovo IdeaPad 520-15IKB (81BF)
Technology Lithium Ion 2-cell lithium polymer
Battery Capacity (Size) 80 Wh 35 Wh
Battery Life Up to 14 hours Up to 6 hours
AC ADAPTER Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Extreme (2nd Gen) (20QV) Lenovo IdeaPad 520-15IKB (81BF)
Input AC 120/230 V (50/60 Hz) AC 100-240 V (50/60 Hz)
Output 135 Watt 65 Watt
INPUT Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Extreme (2nd Gen) (20QV) Lenovo IdeaPad 520-15IKB (81BF)
Type Keyboard, TrackPoint, UltraNav Keyboard, touchpad
Numeric Keypad - Yes
Keyboard Backlight Yes Yes
Features Spill-resistant, multi-touch touchpad, buttonless touchpad -
CONNECTIONS & EXPANSIONS Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Extreme (2nd Gen) (20QV) Lenovo IdeaPad 520-15IKB (81BF)
Interfaces USB 3.1 Gen 1 (Always On)
USB 3.1 Gen 1
2 x USB-C 3.1 Gen 2 (supports Thunderbolt 3, DisplayPort Alt Mode) (Power Delivery)
HDMI
Lenovo Ethernet extension connector
Headphone/microphone combo jack
USB-C 3.0
2 x USB 3.0
HDMI
LAN
Headphone/microphone combo jack
Memory Card Reader Yes (SD Card, SDHC Card, SDXC Card, SDXC UHS-II Card) 4 in 1 (SD Card, MultiMediaCard, SDHC Card, SDXC Card)
SOFTWARE Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Extreme (2nd Gen) (20QV) Lenovo IdeaPad 520-15IKB (81BF)
Operating System (OS) No operating system Windows 10 Home 64-bit Edition - English
MISCELLANEOUS Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Extreme (2nd Gen) (20QV) Lenovo IdeaPad 520-15IKB (81BF)
Included Accessories Power adapter Power adapter
Security Trusted Platform Module (TPM 2.0) Security Chip, fingerprint reader Fingerprint reader
Security Slot Type Kensington 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, hard drive password, power-on password, RapidCharge, MIL-STD-810G tested Administrator password, hard drive password, power-on password
Compliant Standards RoHS RoHS
SAR Value 0.546 W/kg (body), 0.546 W/kg (limb) -
ENERGY STAR Certified Yes -
EPEAT Compliant EPEAT Silver -
Manufacturer Warranty - Limited warranty - 1 year - pick-up and return
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