Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Nano Gen 2 (21E8) vs. Microsoft Surface Laptop Go 3

Laptop Comparison, Reviews and Tests

Side by side comparison and review of Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Nano Gen 2 (21E8) and Microsoft Surface Laptop Go 3. 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

Microsoft Surface Laptop Go 3 Review

Advantages and disadvantages of Microsoft Surface Laptop Go 3 based on its technical characteristics, features, user experience, expert reviews and price level.

lightweight and portable

affordable price point

attractive design

good everyday performance

convenient fingerprint reader

limited storage capacity

no backlit keyboard

average display resolution

fewer ports options

Laptop Comparison and Tests

Difference between Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Nano Gen 2 (21E8) and Microsoft Surface Laptop Go 3
85 % - Design
85 % - Display
85 % - Performance
86 % - Connectivity
85 % - Battery
85 % - Design
75 % - Display
72 % - Performance
72 % - Connectivity
72 % - Battery

Laptop Specifications Comparison

Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Nano Gen 2 (21E8) vs. Microsoft Surface Laptop Go 3 Comparison Chart
DESIGN AND DIMENSIONS Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Nano Gen 2 (21E8) Microsoft Surface Laptop Go 3
Product Type Notebook Notebook
Dimensions (WxDxH) 29.33 cm x 20.81 cm x 1.48 cm 27.9 cm x 20.6 cm x 1.57 cm
Weight 966.5 g 1.13 kg
Case Material Carbon fibre (top), magnesium alloy (bottom) Aluminum, polycarbonate, anodised aluminium
Colour Black paint Sage | Sandstone | Ice blue | Platinum
DISPLAY Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Nano Gen 2 (21E8) Microsoft Surface Laptop Go 3
Screen Size (Type) 13" - IPS 12.4"
Touchscreen - Yes (10-point multi-touch)
LCD Backlight Technology LED backlight -
Screen Resolution 2160 x 1350 (2K) 1536 x 1024
Pixel Density (ppi) - 148
Widescreen Yes Yes
Image Aspect Ratio 16:10 3:2
Image Brightness 450 cd/m² -
Colour Gamut 100% sRGB -
Features Anti-glare, 170° viewing angle, Low Power Corning Gorilla glass 3, Color Calibrated, PixelSense, sRGB Mode, enhanced colour
PROCESSOR Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Nano Gen 2 (21E8) Microsoft Surface Laptop Go 3
CPU Intel Core i5 (12th Gen) 1240P / 1.7 GHz Intel Core i5 (12th Gen) 1235U
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 -
MEMORY Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Nano Gen 2 (21E8) Microsoft Surface Laptop Go 3
RAM 16 GB (provided memory is soldered) 8 GB
RAM Type LPDDR5 SDRAM LPDDR5 SDRAM
Speed 5200 MHz -
Rated Speed 5200 MHz -
STORAGE Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Nano Gen 2 (21E8) Microsoft Surface Laptop Go 3
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
AUDIO & VIDEO Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Nano Gen 2 (21E8) Microsoft Surface Laptop Go 3
Graphics Processor (GPU) Intel Iris Xe Graphics Intel Iris Xe Graphics
Max Monitors Supported 2 external monitor(s) -
Camera Yes - 1080p Yes - 720p
Camera Features Privacy shutter, IR camera, Windows Hello, fixed focus -
Sound Four speakers, four microphones Stereo speakers, dual far-field studio microphones
Codec Realtek ALC3306 -
Compliant Standards High Definition Audio, Dolby Atmos Dolby Audio Premium
Audio Features - Output: Omnisonic speakers
COMMUNICATIONS Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Nano Gen 2 (21E8) Microsoft Surface Laptop Go 3
Wireless Bluetooth 5.2, 802.11a/b/g/n/ac/ax (Wi-Fi 6E) 802.11a/b/g/n/ac/ax, Bluetooth 5.1
Wireless Controller Intel Wi-Fi 6E AX 211 -
Features Dual stream (2x2) -
WWAN
Generation WWAN upgradable -
BATTERY Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Nano Gen 2 (21E8) Microsoft Surface Laptop Go 3
Technology Lithium polymer -
Battery Capacity (Size) 49.5 Wh 41 Wh
Battery Life - Up to 15 hours
AC ADAPTER Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Nano Gen 2 (21E8) Microsoft Surface Laptop Go 3
Input AC 100-240 V (50/60 Hz) -
Output 65 Watt 39 Watt
INPUT Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Nano Gen 2 (21E8) Microsoft Surface Laptop Go 3
Type Keyboard, TrackPoint, UltraNav Keyboard, touchpad
Keyboard Backlight Yes -
Features Spill-resistant, multi-touch touchpad, Fn keys with Unified Communications controls, glass touchpad Precision touchpad
CONNECTIONS & EXPANSIONS Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Nano Gen 2 (21E8) Microsoft Surface Laptop Go 3
Interfaces 2 x USB4 (supports Thunderbolt 4, DisplayPort 1.4 Alt Mode) (Power Delivery 3.0)
Headphone/microphone combo jack
USB-C 3.2/DisplayPort
USB 3.1
Headphone output
SurfaceConnect
SOFTWARE Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Nano Gen 2 (21E8) Microsoft Surface Laptop Go 3
Operating System (OS) Windows 11 Pro - English Windows 11 Home
Software Included Glance by Mirametrix, Intel Connectivity Performance Suite Microsoft 365 Family (30 days trial), Microsoft 365 Apps (requires licence or subscription), Xbox Game Pass Ultimate (1 month trial)
MISCELLANEOUS Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Nano Gen 2 (21E8) Microsoft Surface Laptop Go 3
Dockable - Yes
Included Accessories USB-C slim power adapter Power adapter
Integrated Options - Ambient light sensor
Security Discrete Trusted Platform Module (TPM 2.0) Security Chip, fingerprint reader Firmware Trusted Platform Module (TPM 2.0) Security Chip, fingerprint reader
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 Fast charging
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
Limited warranty - 1 year
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