Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Nano Gen 2 (21E8) vs. ASUS R521JA (EJ974T)

Laptop Comparison, Reviews and Tests

Side by side comparison and review of Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Nano Gen 2 (21E8) and ASUS R521JA (EJ974T). Compare dimensions, processors, batteries, storage capacities and other key specifications and features to simplify the choice of your perfect laptop. Our goal is to make it easier for you to decide on the laptop that will best meet your expectations by revealing the main differences between the products.

Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Nano Gen 2 (21E8) Review

Advantages and disadvantages of Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Nano Gen 2 (21E8) based on its technical characteristics, features, user experience, expert reviews and price level.

ultra-lightweight design

impressive battery life

robust security features

sharp display resolution

efficient performance

limited port selection

higher price point

no touchscreen option

average speaker quality

ASUS R521JA (EJ974T) Review

Advantages and disadvantages of ASUS R521JA (EJ974T) based on its technical characteristics, features, user experience, expert reviews and price level.

affordable price

solid build quality

lightweight design

decent battery life

adequate performance

average display quality

limited storage capacity

no backlit keyboard

basic graphics card

Laptop Comparison and Tests

Difference between Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Nano Gen 2 (21E8) and ASUS R521JA (EJ974T)
85 % - Design
85 % - Display
85 % - Performance
86 % - Connectivity
85 % - Battery
78 % - Design
72 % - Display
65 % - Performance
75 % - Connectivity
75 % - Battery

Laptop Specifications Comparison

Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Nano Gen 2 (21E8) vs. ASUS R521JA (EJ974T) Comparison Chart
DESIGN AND DIMENSIONS Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Nano Gen 2 (21E8) ASUS R521JA (EJ974T)
Product Type Notebook Notebook
Dimensions (WxDxH) 29.33 cm x 20.81 cm x 1.48 cm 36 cm x 23.5 cm x 2.29 cm
Weight 966.5 g 1.9 kg
Case Material Carbon fibre (top), magnesium alloy (bottom) -
Colour Black paint Transparent silver
DISPLAY Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Nano Gen 2 (21E8) ASUS R521JA (EJ974T)
Screen Size (Type) 13" - IPS 15.6"
LCD Backlight Technology LED backlight -
Screen Resolution 2160 x 1350 (2K) 1920 x 1080 (Full HD)
V-Sync Rate at Max Res. - 60 Hz
Widescreen Yes Yes
Image Aspect Ratio 16:10 16:9
Image Brightness 450 cd/m² 200 cd/m²
Colour Gamut 100% sRGB 45% NTSC
Features Anti-glare, 170° viewing angle, Low Power Anti-glare, 83% screen-to-body ratio
PROCESSOR Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Nano Gen 2 (21E8) ASUS R521JA (EJ974T)
CPU Intel Core i5 (12th Gen) 1240P / 1.7 GHz Intel Core i5 (10th Gen) 1035G1 / 1 GHz
Max Turbo Speed 4.4 GHz 3.6 GHz
Number of Cores 12-core Quad-Core
Cache 12 MB 6 MB
Platform Technology Intel Evo -
Features Integrated memory controller -
MEMORY Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Nano Gen 2 (21E8) ASUS R521JA (EJ974T)
RAM 16 GB (provided memory is soldered) 4 GB (provided memory is soldered)
RAM Type LPDDR5 SDRAM DDR4 SDRAM
Speed 5200 MHz -
Rated Speed 5200 MHz -
STORAGE Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Nano Gen 2 (21E8) ASUS R521JA (EJ974T)
Main Storage Size (HDD/SSD) 256 GB SSD M.2 2242 PCIe 4.0 x4 - TCG Opal Encryption 2, NVM Express (NVMe) 512 GB SSD M.2 PCIe 3.0 - NVM Express (NVMe)
AUDIO & VIDEO Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Nano Gen 2 (21E8) ASUS R521JA (EJ974T)
Graphics Processor (GPU) Intel Iris Xe Graphics Intel UHD Graphics
Max Monitors Supported 2 external monitor(s) -
Camera Yes - 1080p Yes - VGA
Camera Features Privacy shutter, IR camera, Windows Hello, fixed focus -
Sound Four speakers, four microphones Speaker, microphone
Codec Realtek ALC3306 -
Compliant Standards High Definition Audio, Dolby Atmos -
Audio Features - Output: ASUS SonicMaster
COMMUNICATIONS Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Nano Gen 2 (21E8) ASUS R521JA (EJ974T)
Wireless Bluetooth 5.2, 802.11a/b/g/n/ac/ax (Wi-Fi 6E) 802.11a/b/g/n/ac, Bluetooth 4.1
Wireless Controller Intel Wi-Fi 6E AX 211 -
Features Dual stream (2x2) Single stream (1x1)
WWAN
Generation WWAN upgradable -
BATTERY Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Nano Gen 2 (21E8) ASUS R521JA (EJ974T)
Technology Lithium polymer 2-cell Lithium Ion
Battery Capacity (Size) 49.5 Wh 32 Wh
AC ADAPTER Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Nano Gen 2 (21E8) ASUS R521JA (EJ974T)
Input AC 100-240 V (50/60 Hz) AC 100-240 V (50/60 Hz)
Output 65 Watt 45 Watt, 19 V, 2.37 A
INPUT Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Nano Gen 2 (21E8) ASUS R521JA (EJ974T)
Type Keyboard, TrackPoint, UltraNav Keyboard, touchpad
Numeric Keypad - Yes
Keyboard Backlight Yes -
Features Spill-resistant, multi-touch touchpad, Fn keys with Unified Communications controls, glass touchpad Chiclet keyboard
CONNECTIONS & EXPANSIONS Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Nano Gen 2 (21E8) ASUS R521JA (EJ974T)
Interfaces 2 x USB4 (supports Thunderbolt 4, DisplayPort 1.4 Alt Mode) (Power Delivery 3.0)
Headphone/microphone combo jack
USB 3.2 Gen 1
USB-C 3.2 Gen 1
2 x USB 2.0
HDMI
Headphone/microphone combo jack
Memory Card Reader - Yes (microSD)
SOFTWARE Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Nano Gen 2 (21E8) ASUS R521JA (EJ974T)
Operating System (OS) Windows 11 Pro - English Windows 10 Home
Software Included Glance by Mirametrix, Intel Connectivity Performance Suite -
MISCELLANEOUS Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Nano Gen 2 (21E8) ASUS R521JA (EJ974T)
Included Accessories USB-C slim power adapter Power adapter
Security Discrete Trusted Platform Module (TPM 2.0) Security Chip, fingerprint reader Firmware Trusted Platform Module (TPM) Security Chip
Security Slot Type Kensington nano security slot -
Theft/Intrusion Protection Security lock slot (cable lock sold separately) -
Features Administrator password, power-on password, RapidCharge, MIL-STD-810H tested, Firmware Resiliency 2.0, NVMe password, USB FIDO (Fast Identity Online) device integration -
Compliant Standards RoHS, TCG Certified -
ENERGY STAR Certified Yes -
EPEAT Compliant 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
Base warranty - battery - 1 year
Extended warranty - 3 years - on-site
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