Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Nano Gen 2 (21E8) vs. Lenovo ThinkPad X13 Gen 3 (21BQ)

Laptop Comparison, Reviews and Tests

In depth comparison and review of Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Nano Gen 2 (21E8) and Lenovo ThinkPad X13 Gen 3 (21BQ). 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 ThinkPad X13 Gen 3 (21BQ) Review

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

robust build quality

excellent keyboard experience

impressive battery life

strong security features

portable design

average display brightness

limited graphics performance

noisy under load

higher price point

Laptop Comparison and Tests

Difference between Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Nano Gen 2 (21E8) and Lenovo ThinkPad X13 Gen 3 (21BQ)
85 % - Design
85 % - Display
85 % - Performance
86 % - Connectivity
85 % - Battery
83 % - Design
72 % - Display
85 % - Performance
85 % - Connectivity
85 % - Battery

Laptop Specifications Comparison

Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Nano Gen 2 (21E8) vs. Lenovo ThinkPad X13 Gen 3 (21BQ) Comparison Chart
DESIGN AND DIMENSIONS Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Nano Gen 2 (21E8) Lenovo ThinkPad X13 Gen 3 (21BQ)
Product Type Notebook Notebook
Dimensions (WxDxH) 29.33 cm x 20.81 cm x 1.48 cm 30.58 cm x 21.756 cm x 1.81 cm
Weight 966.5 g 1.26 kg
Case Material Carbon fibre (top), magnesium alloy (bottom) Polyphenylene sulfide (top), aluminium (bottom)
Colour Black paint Thunder black
DISPLAY Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Nano Gen 2 (21E8) Lenovo ThinkPad X13 Gen 3 (21BQ)
Screen Size (Type) 13" - IPS 13.3" - IPS
LCD Backlight Technology LED backlight LED backlight
Screen Resolution 2160 x 1350 (2K) 1920 x 1200 (WUXGA)
Widescreen Yes Yes
Image Aspect Ratio 16:10 16:10
Image Brightness 450 cd/m² 300 cd/m²
Colour Gamut 100% sRGB 72% NTSC
Features Anti-glare, 170° viewing angle, Low Power Anti-glare, 170° viewing angle
PROCESSOR Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Nano Gen 2 (21E8) Lenovo ThinkPad X13 Gen 3 (21BQ)
CPU Intel Core i5 (12th Gen) 1240P / 1.7 GHz Intel Core i5 (12th Gen) 1245U / 1.6 GHz
Max Turbo Speed 4.4 GHz 4.4 GHz
Number of Cores 12-core 10-core
Cache 12 MB 12 MB
Platform Technology Intel Evo -
Features Integrated memory controller Integrated memory controller
MEMORY Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Nano Gen 2 (21E8) Lenovo ThinkPad X13 Gen 3 (21BQ)
RAM 16 GB (provided memory is soldered) 16 GB (provided memory is soldered)
RAM Type LPDDR5 SDRAM LPDDR5 SDRAM
Speed 5200 MHz 4800 MHz
Rated Speed 5200 MHz 4800 MHz
STORAGE Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Nano Gen 2 (21E8) Lenovo ThinkPad X13 Gen 3 (21BQ)
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 4.0 x4 - TCG Opal Encryption - Union Memory
AUDIO & VIDEO Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Nano Gen 2 (21E8) Lenovo ThinkPad X13 Gen 3 (21BQ)
Graphics Processor (GPU) Intel Iris Xe Graphics Intel Iris Xe Graphics
Max Monitors Supported 2 external monitor(s) 3 external monitor(s)
Camera Yes - 1080p Yes - 720p
Camera Features Privacy shutter, IR camera, Windows Hello, fixed focus Privacy shutter, fixed focus
Sound Four speakers, four microphones Stereo speakers, dual array microphone
Codec Realtek ALC3306 Realtek ALC3287
Compliant Standards High Definition Audio, Dolby Atmos High Definition Audio, Dolby Audio, Dolby Voice
COMMUNICATIONS Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Nano Gen 2 (21E8) Lenovo ThinkPad X13 Gen 3 (21BQ)
Wireless Bluetooth 5.2, 802.11a/b/g/n/ac/ax (Wi-Fi 6E) Bluetooth 5.1, 802.11a/b/g/n/ac/ax (Wi-Fi 6E)
Wireless Controller Intel Wi-Fi 6E AX 211 Intel Wi-Fi 6E AX 211
Features Dual stream (2x2) -
WWAN
Generation WWAN upgradable -
BATTERY Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Nano Gen 2 (21E8) Lenovo ThinkPad X13 Gen 3 (21BQ)
Technology Lithium polymer 4-cell lithium polymer
Battery Capacity (Size) 49.5 Wh 54.7 Wh
AC ADAPTER Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Nano Gen 2 (21E8) Lenovo ThinkPad X13 Gen 3 (21BQ)
Input AC 100-240 V (50/60 Hz) AC 100-240 V (50/60 Hz)
Output 65 Watt 65 Watt, 5 / 9 / 15 / 20 V
INPUT Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Nano Gen 2 (21E8) Lenovo ThinkPad X13 Gen 3 (21BQ)
Type Keyboard, TrackPoint, UltraNav Keyboard, TrackPoint, UltraNav
Keyboard Backlight Yes Yes
Features Spill-resistant, multi-touch touchpad, Fn keys with Unified Communications controls, glass touchpad Spill-resistant, multi-touch touchpad, Fn keys with Unified Communications controls
CONNECTIONS & EXPANSIONS Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Nano Gen 2 (21E8) Lenovo ThinkPad X13 Gen 3 (21BQ)
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 (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
SOFTWARE Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Nano Gen 2 (21E8) Lenovo ThinkPad X13 Gen 3 (21BQ)
Operating System (OS) Windows 11 Pro - English Windows 10 Pro 64-bit Edition (available through downgrade rights from Windows 11 Pro) + Windows 11 Pro Licence
Software Included Glance by Mirametrix, Intel Connectivity Performance Suite -
MISCELLANEOUS Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Nano Gen 2 (21E8) Lenovo ThinkPad X13 Gen 3 (21BQ)
Included Accessories USB-C slim power adapter USB-C power adapter
Security Discrete 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 nano 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, power-on password, RapidCharge, MIL-STD-810H tested, Firmware Resiliency 2.0, NVMe password, USB FIDO (Fast Identity Online) device integration 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, TCG Certified RoHS, Energy-Related Products (ErP) Lot 3, TCG Certified
ENERGY STAR Certified Yes Yes
EPEAT Compliant EPEAT Gold EPEAT Gold
Max Operating Temperature 35 °C 35 °C
Min Operating Temperature 5 °C 5 °C
Humidity Range Operating 8 - 95% 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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