In depth comparison and review of Lenovo ThinkPad X13 Gen 3 (21BN) and Lenovo IdeaPad 520-15IKB (81BF). 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.
Advantages and disadvantages of Lenovo ThinkPad X13 Gen 3 (21BN) based on its technical characteristics, features, user experience, expert reviews and price level.
robust build quality
excellent keyboard layout
impressive security features
good battery life
portable design
average display brightness
limited graphics performance
noisy under load
higher price point
Advantages and disadvantages of Lenovo IdeaPad 520-15IKB (81BF) based on its technical characteristics, features, user experience, expert reviews and price level.
robust metal design
crisp full HD display
backlit keyboard feature
adequate processing power
reasonable price point
average battery life
limited graphics performance
heavier than competitors
no USB-C port
| DESIGN AND DIMENSIONS | Lenovo ThinkPad X13 Gen 3 (21BN) | Lenovo IdeaPad 520-15IKB (81BF) |
|---|
| Product Type | Notebook - 180-degree hinge design | Notebook |
|---|---|---|
| Dimensions (WxDxH) | 30.58 cm x 21.756 cm x 1.81 cm | 37.8 cm x 26 cm x 2.2 cm |
| Weight | 1.29 kg | 2.2 kg |
| Case Material | Polyphenylene sulfide (top), aluminium (bottom) | Metal |
| Colour | Thunder black | Golden |
| DISPLAY | Lenovo ThinkPad X13 Gen 3 (21BN) | Lenovo IdeaPad 520-15IKB (81BF) |
|---|
| Screen Size (Type) | 13.3" - IPS | 15.6" - IPS |
|---|---|---|
| LCD Backlight Technology | LED backlight | - |
| Screen Resolution | 1920 x 1200 (WUXGA) | 1920 x 1080 (Full HD) |
| Widescreen | Yes | Yes |
| Image Aspect Ratio | 16:10 | 16:9 |
| Image Brightness | 300 cd/m² | 250 cd/m² |
| Colour Gamut | 72% NTSC | - |
| Features | Anti-glare, 170° viewing angle | Anti-glare |
| PROCESSOR | Lenovo ThinkPad X13 Gen 3 (21BN) | Lenovo IdeaPad 520-15IKB (81BF) |
|---|
| CPU | Intel Core i5 (12th Gen) 1235U / 1.3 GHz | Intel Core i5 (8th Gen) 8550U / 1.8 GHz |
|---|---|---|
| Max Turbo Speed | 4.4 GHz | 4 GHz |
| Number of Cores | 10-core | Quad-Core |
| Cache | 12 MB | 8 MB |
| Platform Technology | Intel Evo | - |
| Features | Integrated memory controller | Integrated memory controller |
| MEMORY | Lenovo ThinkPad X13 Gen 3 (21BN) | Lenovo IdeaPad 520-15IKB (81BF) |
|---|
| RAM | 16 GB (provided memory is soldered) | 8 GB (1 x 4 GB + 4 GB (soldered)) |
|---|---|---|
| Max RAM Supported | - | 16 GB |
| RAM Type | LPDDR5 SDRAM | DDR4 SDRAM |
| Speed | 4800 MHz | 2133 MHz |
| Rated Speed | 4800 MHz | 2400 MHz |
| Form Factor | - | SO-DIMM 260-pin |
| Slots Qty | - | 1 |
| Empty Slots | - | 0 |
| STORAGE | Lenovo ThinkPad X13 Gen 3 (21BN) | Lenovo IdeaPad 520-15IKB (81BF) |
|---|
| Main Storage Size (HDD/SSD) | 256 GB SSD M.2 2280 PCIe 4.0 x4 - TCG Opal Encryption 2, NVM Express (NVMe) | 2 TB HDD SATA 6Gb/s / 5400 rpm |
|---|---|---|
| Optical Drive | - | DVD±RW |
| AUDIO & VIDEO | Lenovo ThinkPad X13 Gen 3 (21BN) | Lenovo IdeaPad 520-15IKB (81BF) |
|---|
| Multi-GPU Configuration | - | 1 single GPU card / integrated GPU |
|---|---|---|
| Graphics Processor (GPU) | Intel Iris Xe Graphics | NVIDIA GeForce MX150 / Intel UHD Graphics 620 |
| Max Monitors Supported | 3 external monitor(s) | - |
| Video Memory | - | 4 GB GDDR5 SDRAM |
| Camera | Yes - 1080p | Yes - 720p |
| Resolution | - | 1 Megapixel |
| Camera Features | Privacy shutter, IR camera, Windows Hello, fixed focus | Fixed focus |
| Sound | Stereo speakers, dual array microphone | Stereo speakers, dual array microphone |
| Codec | Realtek ALC3287 | - |
| Compliant Standards | High Definition Audio, Dolby Audio, Dolby Voice | High Definition Audio, Dolby Audio |
| Audio Features | - | Output: Harman audio technology |
| COMMUNICATIONS | Lenovo ThinkPad X13 Gen 3 (21BN) | Lenovo IdeaPad 520-15IKB (81BF) |
|---|
| 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 | M.2 Card |
| Network Interface | - | Gigabit Ethernet |
| Features | Dual stream (2x2) | Single stream (1x1) |
| WWAN |
|---|
| Generation | 4G upgradable | - |
|---|
| BATTERY | Lenovo ThinkPad X13 Gen 3 (21BN) | Lenovo IdeaPad 520-15IKB (81BF) |
|---|
| Technology | Lithium polymer | 2-cell lithium polymer |
|---|---|---|
| Battery Capacity (Size) | 54.7 Wh | 35 Wh |
| Battery Life | - | Up to 6 hours |
| AC ADAPTER | Lenovo ThinkPad X13 Gen 3 (21BN) | Lenovo IdeaPad 520-15IKB (81BF) |
|---|
| Input | AC 100-240 V (50/60 Hz) | AC 100-240 V (50/60 Hz) |
|---|---|---|
| Output | 65 Watt | 65 Watt |
| INPUT | Lenovo ThinkPad X13 Gen 3 (21BN) | Lenovo IdeaPad 520-15IKB (81BF) |
|---|
| Type | Keyboard, TrackPoint, UltraNav | Keyboard, touchpad |
|---|---|---|
| Numeric Keypad | - | Yes |
| Keyboard Backlight | Yes | Yes |
| Features | Spill-resistant, multi-touch touchpad, Fn keys with Unified Communications controls | - |
| CONNECTIONS & EXPANSIONS | Lenovo ThinkPad X13 Gen 3 (21BN) | Lenovo IdeaPad 520-15IKB (81BF) |
|---|
| Slots | 1 x Nano-SIM card (1 free) | - |
|---|---|---|
| Interfaces | 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 |
USB-C 3.0 2 x USB 3.0 HDMI LAN Headphone/microphone combo jack |
| Memory Card Reader | - | 4 in 1 (SD Card, MultiMediaCard, SDHC Card, SDXC Card) |
| SOFTWARE | Lenovo ThinkPad X13 Gen 3 (21BN) | Lenovo IdeaPad 520-15IKB (81BF) |
|---|
| Operating System (OS) | Windows 10 Pro 64-bit Edition (available through downgrade rights from Windows 11 Pro) + Windows 11 Pro Licence - English | Windows 10 Home 64-bit Edition - English |
|---|---|---|
| Software Included | Glance by Mirametrix, Intel Connectivity Performance Suite | - |
| MISCELLANEOUS | Lenovo ThinkPad X13 Gen 3 (21BN) | Lenovo IdeaPad 520-15IKB (81BF) |
|---|
| Included Accessories | USB-C power adapter | Power adapter |
|---|---|---|
| Security | Discrete Trusted Platform Module (TPM 2.0) Security Chip, fingerprint reader, smart card reader | Fingerprint reader |
| Security Slot Type | Kensington nano security slot | Kensington mini 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, NVMe password, USB FIDO (Fast Identity Online) device integration, Firmware Resiliency 3.0, certificate based BIOS authentication | Administrator password, hard drive password, power-on password |
| Compliant Standards | RoHS, Energy-Related Products (ErP) Lot 3, TCG Certified | RoHS |
| 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 Limited warranty - battery - 1 year Extended warranty - 1 year - on-site |
Limited warranty - 1 year - pick-up and return |
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