Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Extreme (2nd Gen) (20QW) vs. Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 11 (21HN)

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 ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 11 (21HN). 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 ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 11 (21HN) Review

Advantages and disadvantages of Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 11 (21HN) based on its technical characteristics, features, user experience, expert reviews and price level.

lightweight and portable

robust build quality

excellent keyboard feel

impressive battery life

high-resolution display

high price point

limited graphics performance

fewer ports available

average webcam quality

Laptop Comparison and Tests

Difference between Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Extreme (2nd Gen) (20QW) and Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 11 (21HN)
86 % - Design
82 % - Display
85 % - Performance
85 % - Connectivity
75 % - Battery
81 % - Design
85 % - Display
90 % - Performance
85 % - Connectivity
85 % - Battery

Laptop Specifications Comparison

Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Extreme (2nd Gen) (20QW) vs. Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 11 (21HN) Comparison Chart
DESIGN AND DIMENSIONS Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Extreme (2nd Gen) (20QW) Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 11 (21HN)
Product Type Notebook Notebook - 180-degree hinge design
Dimensions (WxDxH) 36.18 cm x 24.57 cm x 1.84 cm 31.56 cm x 22.25 cm x 1.536 cm
Weight 1.7 kg 1.12 kg
Case Material Aluminum, glass-fibre reinforced plastic, carbon fibre reinforced plastic Aluminium (bottom), carbon fibre (top)
Colour Black paint Deep black paint
DISPLAY Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Extreme (2nd Gen) (20QW) Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 11 (21HN)
Screen Size (Type) 15.6" - IPS 14" - IPS
LCD Backlight Technology LED backlight -
Screen Resolution 1920 x 1080 (Full HD) 1920 x 1200 (WUXGA)
Widescreen Yes Yes
Image Aspect Ratio 16:9 16:10
Image Brightness 500 cd/m² 400 cd/m²
Colour Gamut 72% NTSC 100% sRGB
Features Anti-glare, HDR (high dynamic range), 170° viewing angle, Dolby Vision Anti-glare, Low Power, Eyesafe technology
PROCESSOR Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Extreme (2nd Gen) (20QW) Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 11 (21HN)
CPU Intel Core i9 (9th Gen) 9880H / 2.3 GHz Intel Core i7 (13th Gen) 1365U / 1.8 GHz
Max Turbo Speed 4.8 GHz 5.2 GHz
Number of Cores 8-core 10-core
Cache 16 MB 12 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 ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 11 (21HN)
RAM 16 GB (2 x 8 GB) 16 GB (provided memory is soldered)
Max RAM Supported 64 GB -
RAM Type DDR4 SDRAM LPDDR5 SDRAM
Speed 2666 MHz 6400 MHz
Rated Speed 2666 MHz 6400 MHz
Form Factor SO-DIMM 260-pin -
Slots Qty 2 -
Empty Slots 0 -
STORAGE Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Extreme (2nd Gen) (20QW) Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 11 (21HN)
Main Storage Size (HDD/SSD) 512 GB SSD M.2 2280 PCIe 3.0 x4 - TCG Opal Encryption - Intel 512 GB SSD M.2 2280 PCIe 4.0 x4 - TCG Opal Encryption - Kioxia
AUDIO & VIDEO Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Extreme (2nd Gen) (20QW) Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 11 (21HN)
Multi-GPU Configuration 1 single GPU card / integrated GPU -
Graphics Processor (GPU) NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650 / Intel UHD Graphics 630 Intel Iris Xe Graphics
Max Monitors Supported - 3 external monitor(s)
Video Memory 4 GB GDDR5 SDRAM -
Video System Features Max-Q design Functions as Intel UHD graphics (for single-channel memory)
Camera Yes - 720p Yes - 1080p
Camera Features IR camera, ThinkShutter camera privacy Privacy shutter, Windows Hello, fixed focus, hybrid FHD/IR camera
Sound Stereo speakers, dual array microphone Stereo speakers, two tweeters, two woofers, quad array microphone
Codec Conexant CX11880 Realtek ALC3306
Compliant Standards High Definition Audio, Dolby Audio Premium, Dolby Atmos High Definition Audio, Dolby Atmos
Audio Features - Input: Dolby Voice, 360° far-field
COMMUNICATIONS Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Extreme (2nd Gen) (20QW) Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 11 (21HN)
Wireless Bluetooth 5.0, 802.11a/b/g/n/ac/ax Bluetooth 5.1, 802.11a/b/g/n/ac/ax (Wi-Fi 6E)
Wireless Controller Intel Wi-Fi 6 AX 200 Intel Wi-Fi 6E AX 211
Network Interface Gigabit Ethernet -
BATTERY Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Extreme (2nd Gen) (20QW) Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 11 (21HN)
Technology 4-cell Lithium Ion 4-cell lithium polymer
Battery Capacity (Size) 80 Wh 57 Wh
Battery Life Up to 14 hours -
AC ADAPTER Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Extreme (2nd Gen) (20QW) Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 11 (21HN)
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 ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 11 (21HN)
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, glass touchpad, air intake key design
CONNECTIONS & EXPANSIONS Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Extreme (2nd Gen) (20QW) Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 11 (21HN)
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 3.2 Gen 1
USB 3.2 Gen 1 (Always On)
2 x USB4 (supports Thunderbolt 4, DisplayPort 1.4a Alt Mode) (Power Delivery 3.0)
HDMI (4K support)
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) (20QW) Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 11 (21HN)
Operating System (OS) Windows 10 Pro 64-bit Edition Windows 10 Pro 64-bit Edition (available through downgrade rights from Windows 11 Pro) + Windows 11 Pro Licence
MISCELLANEOUS Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Extreme (2nd Gen) (20QW) Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 11 (21HN)
Included Accessories Power adapter, ThinkPad Ethernet Extension cable 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
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, system password, power-on password, RapidCharge, MIL-STD-810H tested, NVMe password, certificate based BIOS authentication, FIDO (Fast Identity Online) authentication
Compliant Standards RoHS RoHS, Energy-Related Products (ErP) Lot 6, TCG Certified, Energy-Related Products (ErP) Lot 26, TCO Certified 9.0
SAR Value 0.546 W/kg (body), 0.546 W/kg (limb) -
ENERGY STAR Certified Yes -
EPEAT Compliant EPEAT Silver -
Max Operating Temperature - 35 °C
Min Operating Temperature - 5 °C
Humidity Range Operating - 8 - 95%
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