Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Nano Gen 2 (21E8) vs. Lenovo IdeaPad S540-13IML (81XA)

Laptop Comparison, Reviews and Tests

In depth comparison and review of Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Nano Gen 2 (21E8) and Lenovo IdeaPad S540-13IML (81XA). 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 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

Lenovo IdeaPad S540-13IML (81XA) Review

Advantages and disadvantages of Lenovo IdeaPad S540-13IML (81XA) based on its technical characteristics, features, user experience, expert reviews and price level.

sleek aluminum design

sharp QHD display

impressive battery life

fast charging support

lightweight and portable

limited port selection

no dedicated GPU

average speaker quality

higher price segment

Laptop Comparison and Tests

Difference between Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Nano Gen 2 (21E8) and Lenovo IdeaPad S540-13IML (81XA)
85 % - Design
85 % - Display
85 % - Performance
86 % - Connectivity
85 % - Battery
82 % - Design
84 % - Display
78 % - Performance
85 % - Connectivity
85 % - Battery

Laptop Specifications Comparison

Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Nano Gen 2 (21E8) vs. Lenovo IdeaPad S540-13IML (81XA) Comparison Chart
DESIGN AND DIMENSIONS Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Nano Gen 2 (21E8) Lenovo IdeaPad S540-13IML (81XA)
Product Type Notebook Notebook
Dimensions (WxDxH) 29.33 cm x 20.81 cm x 1.48 cm 29.69 cm x 20.85 cm x 1.595 cm
Weight 966.5 g 1.25 kg
Case Material Carbon fibre (top), magnesium alloy (bottom) Aluminum, glass
Colour Black paint Light silver
DISPLAY Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Nano Gen 2 (21E8) Lenovo IdeaPad S540-13IML (81XA)
Screen Size (Type) 13" - IPS 13.3"
LCD Backlight Technology LED backlight LED backlight
Screen Resolution 2160 x 1350 (2K) 2560 x 1600 (WQXGA)
Widescreen Yes Yes
Image Aspect Ratio 16:10 16:10
Image Brightness 450 cd/m² 300 cd/m²
Colour Gamut 100% sRGB 100% sRGB
Features Anti-glare, 170° viewing angle, Low Power Glossy, Wide Viewing Angle
PROCESSOR Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Nano Gen 2 (21E8) Lenovo IdeaPad S540-13IML (81XA)
CPU Intel Core i5 (12th Gen) 1240P / 1.7 GHz Intel Core i5 (10th Gen) 10210U / 1.6 GHz
Max Turbo Speed 4.4 GHz 4.2 GHz
Number of Cores 12-core Quad-Core
Cache 12 MB 6 MB
64-bit Computing - Yes
Platform Technology Intel Evo -
Features Integrated memory controller Integrated memory controller
MEMORY Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Nano Gen 2 (21E8) Lenovo IdeaPad S540-13IML (81XA)
RAM 16 GB (provided memory is soldered) 8 GB (provided memory is soldered)
RAM Type LPDDR5 SDRAM DDR4 SDRAM
Speed 5200 MHz 2666 MHz
Rated Speed 5200 MHz 2666 MHz
STORAGE Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Nano Gen 2 (21E8) Lenovo IdeaPad S540-13IML (81XA)
Main Storage Size (HDD/SSD) 256 GB SSD M.2 2242 PCIe 4.0 x4 - TCG Opal Encryption 2, NVM Express (NVMe) 256 GB SSD M.2 2280 PCIe 3.0 x4 - NVM Express (NVMe)
AUDIO & VIDEO Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Nano Gen 2 (21E8) Lenovo IdeaPad S540-13IML (81XA)
Graphics Processor (GPU) Intel Iris Xe Graphics Intel UHD Graphics
Max Monitors Supported 2 external monitor(s) -
Camera Yes - 1080p Yes - 720p
Resolution - 1 Megapixel
Camera Features Privacy shutter, IR camera, Windows Hello, fixed focus IR camera, ToF sensor
Sound Four speakers, four microphones Stereo speakers, dual array microphone
Codec Realtek ALC3306 -
Compliant Standards High Definition Audio, Dolby Atmos High Definition Audio, Dolby Audio
COMMUNICATIONS Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Nano Gen 2 (21E8) Lenovo IdeaPad S540-13IML (81XA)
Wireless Bluetooth 5.2, 802.11a/b/g/n/ac/ax (Wi-Fi 6E) Bluetooth 5.0, 802.11a/b/g/n/ac/ax
Wireless Controller Intel Wi-Fi 6E AX 211 M.2 Card
Features Dual stream (2x2) Dual stream (2x2)
WWAN
Generation WWAN upgradable -
BATTERY Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Nano Gen 2 (21E8) Lenovo IdeaPad S540-13IML (81XA)
Technology Lithium polymer Lithium Ion
Battery Capacity (Size) 49.5 Wh 56 Wh
Battery Life - Up to 18.5 hours
AC ADAPTER Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Nano Gen 2 (21E8) Lenovo IdeaPad S540-13IML (81XA)
Input AC 100-240 V (50/60 Hz) AC 120/230 V (50/60 Hz)
Output 65 Watt 65 Watt
INPUT Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Nano Gen 2 (21E8) Lenovo IdeaPad S540-13IML (81XA)
Type Keyboard, TrackPoint, UltraNav Keyboard, touchpad
Keyboard Backlight Yes Yes
Features Spill-resistant, multi-touch touchpad, Fn keys with Unified Communications controls, glass touchpad Multi-touch touchpad, buttonless touchpad
CONNECTIONS & EXPANSIONS Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Nano Gen 2 (21E8) Lenovo IdeaPad S540-13IML (81XA)
Interfaces 2 x USB4 (supports Thunderbolt 4, DisplayPort 1.4 Alt Mode) (Power Delivery 3.0)
Headphone/microphone combo jack
USB 3.1 Gen 1 (Always On)
2 x USB-C 3.1 Gen 1 (supports DisplayPort Alt Mode) (Power Delivery)
Headphone/microphone combo jack
SOFTWARE Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Nano Gen 2 (21E8) Lenovo IdeaPad S540-13IML (81XA)
Operating System (OS) Windows 11 Pro - English Windows 10 Home 64-bit Edition - English
Software Included Glance by Mirametrix, Intel Connectivity Performance Suite Microsoft Office (30 days trial)
MISCELLANEOUS Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Nano Gen 2 (21E8) Lenovo IdeaPad S540-13IML (81XA)
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 2.0) 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 Administrator password, hard drive password, power-on password, RapidCharge
Compliant Standards RoHS, TCG Certified RoHS, Energy-Related Products (ErP) Lot 3
SAR Value - 0.599 W/kg (body), 0.599 W/kg (limb)
ENERGY STAR Certified Yes -
EPEAT Compliant EPEAT Gold -
Specific Absorption Rate (SAR) - 0.599 W/kg (body)
0.599 W/kg (limb)
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
Limited warranty - 1 year - pick-up and return
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