Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Extreme (2nd Gen) (20QW) vs. Lenovo IdeaPad 720S-14IKBR (81BD)

Laptop Comparison, Reviews and Tests
Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Extreme (2nd Gen) (20QW)
Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Extreme (2nd Gen) (20QW)

Our Rating: 85 %

Detailed comparison and review of Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Extreme (2nd Gen) (20QW) and Lenovo IdeaPad 720S-14IKBR (81BD). With our comprehensive overview, you can simply compare dimensions, performance, storage, functions, but also other key features of both laptops and easily decide which one is the right choice for you. Our goal is to help you identify the main differences between products and find the laptop that best fits your needs and expectations.

Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Extreme (2nd Gen) (20QW) Review

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

robust build quality

powerful processor performance

excellent keyboard feel

high-resolution display

advanced security features

high price point

average battery life

heavier than competitors

noisy under load

Lenovo IdeaPad 720S-14IKBR (81BD) Review

Advantages and disadvantages of Lenovo IdeaPad 720S-14IKBR (81BD) based on its technical characteristics, features, user experience, expert reviews and price level.

slim, lightweight design

sharp full HD display

solid overall performance

fast SSD storage

decent battery life

limited port selection

no dedicated GPU

average sound quality

pricier than competitors

Laptop Comparison and Tests

Difference between Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Extreme (2nd Gen) (20QW) and Lenovo IdeaPad 720S-14IKBR (81BD)
86 % - Design
82 % - Display
85 % - Performance
85 % - Connectivity
75 % - Battery
82 % - Design
72 % - Display
75 % - Performance
75 % - Connectivity
72 % - Battery

Laptop Specifications Comparison

Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Extreme (2nd Gen) (20QW) vs. Lenovo IdeaPad 720S-14IKBR (81BD) Comparison Chart
DESIGN AND DIMENSIONS Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Extreme (2nd Gen) (20QW) Lenovo IdeaPad 720S-14IKBR (81BD)
Product Type Notebook Notebook
Dimensions (WxDxH) 36.18 cm x 24.57 cm x 1.84 cm 32.07 cm x 22.28 cm x 1.59 cm
Weight 1.7 kg 1.55 kg
Case Material Aluminum, glass-fibre reinforced plastic, carbon fibre reinforced plastic Aluminium (top), aluminium (bottom)
Colour Black paint Silver
DISPLAY Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Extreme (2nd Gen) (20QW) Lenovo IdeaPad 720S-14IKBR (81BD)
Screen Size (Type) 15.6" - IPS 14" - IPS
LCD Backlight Technology LED backlight -
Screen Resolution 1920 x 1080 (Full HD) 1920 x 1080 (Full HD)
Widescreen Yes Yes
Image Aspect Ratio 16:9 16:9
Image Brightness 500 cd/m² 300 cd/m²
Colour Gamut 72% NTSC -
Features Anti-glare, HDR (high dynamic range), 170° viewing angle, Dolby Vision Anti-glare
PROCESSOR Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Extreme (2nd Gen) (20QW) Lenovo IdeaPad 720S-14IKBR (81BD)
CPU Intel Core i9 (9th Gen) 9880H / 2.3 GHz Intel Core i5 (8th Gen) 8250U / 1.6 GHz
Max Turbo Speed 4.8 GHz 3.4 GHz
Number of Cores 8-core Quad-Core
Cache 16 MB 6 MB
64-bit Computing Yes -
Chipset Mobile Intel CM246 -
Features Integrated memory controller Integrated memory controller
MEMORY Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Extreme (2nd Gen) (20QW) Lenovo IdeaPad 720S-14IKBR (81BD)
RAM 16 GB (2 x 8 GB) 8 GB (1 x 8 GB)
Max RAM Supported 64 GB 16 GB
RAM Type DDR4 SDRAM DDR4 SDRAM
Speed 2666 MHz 2400 MHz
Rated Speed 2666 MHz 2400 MHz
Form Factor SO-DIMM 260-pin SO-DIMM 260-pin
Slots Qty 2 1
Empty Slots 0 0
STORAGE Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Extreme (2nd Gen) (20QW) Lenovo IdeaPad 720S-14IKBR (81BD)
Main Storage Size (HDD/SSD) 512 GB SSD M.2 2280 PCIe 3.0 x4 - TCG Opal Encryption - Intel 128 GB SSD M.2 2280 PCIe 3.0 x4
AUDIO & VIDEO Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Extreme (2nd Gen) (20QW) Lenovo IdeaPad 720S-14IKBR (81BD)
Multi-GPU Configuration 1 single GPU card / integrated GPU 1 single GPU card / integrated GPU
Graphics Processor (GPU) NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650 / Intel UHD Graphics 630 NVIDIA GeForce MX150 / Intel UHD Graphics 620
Video Memory 4 GB GDDR5 SDRAM 2 GB GDDR5 SDRAM
Video System Features Max-Q design -
Camera Yes - 720p Yes - 720p
Resolution - 1 Megapixel
Camera Features IR camera, ThinkShutter camera privacy 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 Premium
Audio Features - Output: JBL
COMMUNICATIONS Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Extreme (2nd Gen) (20QW) Lenovo IdeaPad 720S-14IKBR (81BD)
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) (20QW) Lenovo IdeaPad 720S-14IKBR (81BD)
Technology 4-cell Lithium Ion 4-cell lithium polymer
Battery Capacity (Size) 80 Wh 55 Wh
Battery Life Up to 14 hours Up to 14 hours
AC ADAPTER Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Extreme (2nd Gen) (20QW) Lenovo IdeaPad 720S-14IKBR (81BD)
Input AC 120/230 V (50/60 Hz) AC 100-240 V (50/60 Hz)
Output 135 Watt, 20 V 65 Watt
INPUT Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Extreme (2nd Gen) (20QW) Lenovo IdeaPad 720S-14IKBR (81BD)
Type Keyboard, TrackPoint, UltraNav Keyboard, touchpad
Keyboard Backlight Yes Yes
Features Spill-resistant, multi-touch touchpad, buttonless touchpad Multi-touch touchpad
CONNECTIONS & EXPANSIONS Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Extreme (2nd Gen) (20QW) Lenovo IdeaPad 720S-14IKBR (81BD)
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
LAN (on supplied cable)
USB 3.0 (Always On)
USB 3.0
USB-C 3.1 Gen 1/Thunderbolt 3/DisplayPort 1.2a (Power Delivery)
HDMI
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) (20QW) Lenovo IdeaPad 720S-14IKBR (81BD)
Operating System (OS) Windows 10 Pro 64-bit Edition Windows 10 Home 64-bit Edition - English
Software Included - Lenovo Settings, McAfee LiveSafe (30 days trial), Lenovo ID, Lenovo App Explorer
MISCELLANEOUS Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Extreme (2nd Gen) (20QW) Lenovo IdeaPad 720S-14IKBR (81BD)
Included Accessories Power adapter, ThinkPad Ethernet Extension cable Power adapter
Security Trusted Platform Module (TPM 2.0) Security Chip, fingerprint reader Fingerprint reader
Security Slot Type Kensington security slot -
Theft/Intrusion Protection 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
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
Other Comparisons with Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Extreme (2nd Gen) (20QW)
Other Comparisons with Lenovo IdeaPad 720S-14IKBR (81BD)
Other Popular Laptop Comparisons
Other projects: