Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Extreme (2nd Gen) (20QV) vs. Lenovo ThinkPad X13 Gen 3 (21BN)

Laptop Comparison, Reviews and Tests

In depth comparison and review of Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Extreme (2nd Gen) (20QV) and Lenovo ThinkPad X13 Gen 3 (21BN). 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 ThinkPad X13 Gen 3 (21BN) Review

Advantages and disadvantages of Lenovo ThinkPad X13 Gen 3 (21BN) based on its technical characteristics, features, user experience, expert reviews and price level.

robust build quality

excellent keyboard layout

impressive security features

good battery life

portable design

average display brightness

limited graphics performance

noisy under load

higher price point

Laptop Comparison and Tests

Difference between Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Extreme (2nd Gen) (20QV) and Lenovo ThinkPad X13 Gen 3 (21BN)
82 % - Design
83 % - Display
85 % - Performance
85 % - Connectivity
74 % - Battery
86 % - Design
75 % - Display
80 % - Performance
85 % - Connectivity
85 % - Battery

Laptop Specifications Comparison

Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Extreme (2nd Gen) (20QV) vs. Lenovo ThinkPad X13 Gen 3 (21BN) Comparison Chart
DESIGN AND DIMENSIONS Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Extreme (2nd Gen) (20QV) Lenovo ThinkPad X13 Gen 3 (21BN)
Product Type Notebook Notebook - 180-degree hinge design
Dimensions (WxDxH) 36.18 cm x 24.57 cm 30.58 cm x 21.756 cm x 1.81 cm
Weight 1.7 kg 1.29 kg
Case Material Aluminum, glass-fibre reinforced plastic, carbon fibre reinforced plastic Polyphenylene sulfide (top), aluminium (bottom)
Colour - Thunder black
DISPLAY Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Extreme (2nd Gen) (20QV) Lenovo ThinkPad X13 Gen 3 (21BN)
Screen Size (Type) 15.6" 13.3" - IPS
LCD Backlight Technology - LED backlight
Screen Resolution - 1920 x 1200 (WUXGA)
Widescreen Yes Yes
Image Aspect Ratio 16:9 16:10
Image Brightness - 300 cd/m²
Colour Gamut - 72% NTSC
Features - Anti-glare, 170° viewing angle
PROCESSOR Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Extreme (2nd Gen) (20QV) Lenovo ThinkPad X13 Gen 3 (21BN)
CPU No CPU Intel Core i5 (12th Gen) 1235U / 1.3 GHz
Max Turbo Speed - 4.4 GHz
Number of Cores - 10-core
Cache - 12 MB
Chipset Mobile Intel CM246 -
Platform Technology - Intel Evo
Features - Integrated memory controller
MEMORY Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Extreme (2nd Gen) (20QV) Lenovo ThinkPad X13 Gen 3 (21BN)
RAM 0 GB 16 GB (provided memory is soldered)
Max RAM Supported 64 GB -
RAM Type DDR4 SDRAM LPDDR5 SDRAM
Speed 2666 MHz 4800 MHz
Rated Speed - 4800 MHz
Form Factor SO-DIMM 260-pin -
Slots Qty 2 -
Empty Slots 2 -
STORAGE Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Extreme (2nd Gen) (20QV) Lenovo ThinkPad X13 Gen 3 (21BN)
Main Storage Size (HDD/SSD) - 256 GB SSD M.2 2280 PCIe 4.0 x4 - TCG Opal Encryption 2, NVM Express (NVMe)
AUDIO & VIDEO Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Extreme (2nd Gen) (20QV) Lenovo ThinkPad X13 Gen 3 (21BN)
Graphics Processor (GPU) - Intel Iris Xe Graphics
Max Monitors Supported - 3 external monitor(s)
Camera Yes Yes - 1080p
Camera Features - Privacy shutter, IR camera, Windows Hello, fixed focus
Sound Stereo speakers, dual array microphone Stereo speakers, dual array microphone
Codec Conexant CX11880 Realtek ALC3287
Compliant Standards High Definition Audio, Dolby Audio Premium, Dolby Atmos High Definition Audio, Dolby Audio, Dolby Voice
COMMUNICATIONS Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Extreme (2nd Gen) (20QV) Lenovo ThinkPad X13 Gen 3 (21BN)
Wireless Bluetooth 5.0, 802.11a/b/g/n/ac/ax Bluetooth 5.2, 802.11a/b/g/n/ac/ax (Wi-Fi 6E)
Wireless Controller Intel Wi-Fi 6 AX 200 Intel Wi-Fi 6E AX 211
Features - Dual stream (2x2)
WWAN
Generation - 4G upgradable
BATTERY Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Extreme (2nd Gen) (20QV) Lenovo ThinkPad X13 Gen 3 (21BN)
Technology Lithium Ion Lithium polymer
Battery Capacity (Size) 80 Wh 54.7 Wh
Battery Life Up to 14 hours -
AC ADAPTER Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Extreme (2nd Gen) (20QV) Lenovo ThinkPad X13 Gen 3 (21BN)
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 ThinkPad X13 Gen 3 (21BN)
Type Keyboard, TrackPoint, UltraNav Keyboard, TrackPoint, UltraNav
Keyboard Backlight Yes Yes
Features Spill-resistant, multi-touch touchpad, buttonless touchpad Spill-resistant, multi-touch touchpad, Fn keys with Unified Communications controls
CONNECTIONS & EXPANSIONS Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Extreme (2nd Gen) (20QV) Lenovo ThinkPad X13 Gen 3 (21BN)
Slots - 1 x Nano-SIM card (1 free)
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 3.2 Gen 1 (Always On)
USB 3.2 Gen 1
2 x USB4 (supports Thunderbolt 4, DisplayPort 2.0 Alt Mode) (Power Delivery 3.0)
HDMI
Headphone/microphone combo jack
Memory Card Reader Yes (SD Card, SDHC Card, SDXC Card, SDXC UHS-II Card) -
SOFTWARE Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Extreme (2nd Gen) (20QV) Lenovo ThinkPad X13 Gen 3 (21BN)
Operating System (OS) No operating system Windows 10 Pro 64-bit Edition (available through downgrade rights from Windows 11 Pro) + Windows 11 Pro Licence - English
Software Included - Glance by Mirametrix, Intel Connectivity Performance Suite
MISCELLANEOUS Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Extreme (2nd Gen) (20QV) Lenovo ThinkPad X13 Gen 3 (21BN)
Included Accessories Power adapter USB-C power adapter
Security Trusted Platform Module (TPM 2.0) Security Chip, fingerprint reader Discrete Trusted Platform Module (TPM 2.0) Security Chip, fingerprint reader, smart card 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, power-on password, RapidCharge, MIL-STD-810H tested, NVMe password, USB FIDO (Fast Identity Online) device integration, Firmware Resiliency 3.0, certificate based BIOS authentication
Compliant Standards RoHS RoHS, Energy-Related Products (ErP) Lot 3, TCG Certified
SAR Value 0.546 W/kg (body), 0.546 W/kg (limb) -
ENERGY STAR Certified Yes Yes
EPEAT Compliant EPEAT Silver EPEAT Gold
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
Limited warranty - battery - 1 year
Extended warranty - 1 year - on-site
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