Lenovo ThinkPad X13 Gen 3 (21CN) vs. Lenovo IdeaPad S540-15IML (81NG)

Laptop Comparison, Reviews and Tests

Detailed comparison and review of Lenovo ThinkPad X13 Gen 3 (21CN) and Lenovo IdeaPad S540-15IML (81NG). With our comprehensive overview, you can simply compare dimensions, performance, storage, functions, but also other key features of both laptops and easily decide which one is the right choice for you. Our goal is to help you identify the main differences between products and find the laptop that best fits your needs and expectations.

Lenovo ThinkPad X13 Gen 3 (21CN) Review

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

robust build quality

excellent keyboard experience

impressive security features

good battery life

portable design

average display brightness

limited graphics performance

noisy under load

higher price point

Lenovo IdeaPad S540-15IML (81NG) Review

Advantages and disadvantages of Lenovo IdeaPad S540-15IML (81NG) based on its technical characteristics, features, user experience, expert reviews and price level.

sleek aluminum design

sharp full HD display

fast processing speeds

ample storage capacity

good battery life

heavier than competitors

no optical drive

limited port selection

average graphics performance

Laptop Comparison and Tests

Difference between Lenovo ThinkPad X13 Gen 3 (21CN) and Lenovo IdeaPad S540-15IML (81NG)
81 % - Design
78 % - Display
84 % - Performance
85 % - Connectivity
85 % - Battery
82 % - Design
72 % - Display
75 % - Performance
75 % - Connectivity
75 % - Battery

Laptop Specifications Comparison

Lenovo ThinkPad X13 Gen 3 (21CN) vs. Lenovo IdeaPad S540-15IML (81NG) Comparison Chart
DESIGN AND DIMENSIONS Lenovo ThinkPad X13 Gen 3 (21CN) Lenovo IdeaPad S540-15IML (81NG)
Product Type Notebook - 180-degree hinge design Notebook
Dimensions (WxDxH) 30.58 cm x 21.756 cm x 1.81 cm 35.8 cm x 24.5 cm x 1.69 cm
Weight 1.25 kg 1.95 kg
Case Material Polyphenylene sulfide (top), aluminium (bottom) Aluminum, glass
Colour Thunder black Mineral grey
DISPLAY Lenovo ThinkPad X13 Gen 3 (21CN) Lenovo IdeaPad S540-15IML (81NG)
Screen Size (Type) 13.3" - IPS 15.6" - IPS
LCD Backlight Technology LED backlight 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 300 cd/m²
Colour Gamut 72% NTSC 72%
Features Anti-glare, 170° viewing angle Glossy, glass cover
PROCESSOR Lenovo ThinkPad X13 Gen 3 (21CN) Lenovo IdeaPad S540-15IML (81NG)
CPU AMD Ryzen 7 Pro 6850U / 2.7 GHz Intel Core i5 (10th Gen) 10210U / 1.6 GHz
Max Turbo Speed 4.7 GHz 4.2 GHz
Number of Cores 8-core Quad-Core
Cache L3 - 16 MB 6 MB
64-bit Computing - Yes
Features Integrated memory controller Integrated memory controller
MEMORY Lenovo ThinkPad X13 Gen 3 (21CN) Lenovo IdeaPad S540-15IML (81NG)
RAM 32 GB (provided memory is soldered) 8 GB (1 x 4 GB + 4 GB (soldered))
Max RAM Supported - 12 GB
RAM Type LPDDR5 SDRAM DDR4 SDRAM
Speed 6400 MHz 2400 MHz
Rated Speed 6400 MHz 2400 MHz
Form Factor - SO-DIMM 260-pin
Slots Qty - 1
Empty Slots - 0
STORAGE Lenovo ThinkPad X13 Gen 3 (21CN) Lenovo IdeaPad S540-15IML (81NG)
Main Storage Size (HDD/SSD) 512 GB SSD M.2 2280 PCIe 4.0 x4 - TCG Opal Encryption - Kioxia 512 GB SSD M.2 2280 PCIe 3.0 x4 - NVM Express (NVMe)
AUDIO & VIDEO Lenovo ThinkPad X13 Gen 3 (21CN) Lenovo IdeaPad S540-15IML (81NG)
Graphics Processor (GPU) AMD Radeon 680M Intel UHD Graphics
Max Monitors Supported 3 external monitor(s) -
Camera Yes - 720p Yes - 720p
Resolution - 1 Megapixel
Camera Features Privacy shutter, fixed focus Privacy shutter
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 360° far-field microphones -
COMMUNICATIONS Lenovo ThinkPad X13 Gen 3 (21CN) Lenovo IdeaPad S540-15IML (81NG)
Wireless Bluetooth 5.1, 802.11a/b/g/n/ac/ax (Wi-Fi 6E) 802.11a/b/g/n/ac, Bluetooth 4.2
Wireless Controller Qualcomm NFA725A M.2 Card
Features - Dual stream (2x2)
BATTERY Lenovo ThinkPad X13 Gen 3 (21CN) Lenovo IdeaPad S540-15IML (81NG)
Technology 3-cell lithium polymer Lithium Ion
Battery Capacity (Size) 41 Wh 70 Wh
Battery Life - Up to 15 hours
AC ADAPTER Lenovo ThinkPad X13 Gen 3 (21CN) Lenovo IdeaPad S540-15IML (81NG)
Input AC 100-240 V (50/60 Hz) AC 120/230 V (50/60 Hz)
Output 65 Watt, 5 / 9 / 15 / 20 V 65 Watt
INPUT Lenovo ThinkPad X13 Gen 3 (21CN) Lenovo IdeaPad S540-15IML (81NG)
Type Keyboard, TrackPoint, UltraNav Keyboard, touchpad
Numeric Keypad - Yes
Keyboard Backlight - Yes
Features Spill-resistant, multi-touch touchpad, Fn keys with Unified Communications controls Multi-touch touchpad, buttonless touchpad
CONNECTIONS & EXPANSIONS Lenovo ThinkPad X13 Gen 3 (21CN) Lenovo IdeaPad S540-15IML (81NG)
Interfaces USB 3.2 Gen 1 (Always On)
USB 3.2 Gen 1
USB4 (supports DisplayPort 1.4a Alt Mode) (Power Delivery 3.0)
USB-C 3.2 Gen 2 (supports DisplayPort 1.4a Alt Mode) (Power Delivery 3.0)
HDMI (4K support)
Headphone/microphone combo jack
USB 3.1 Gen 1
USB 3.1 Gen 1 (Always On)
USB-C 3.1 Gen 1
HDMI
Headphone/microphone combo jack
Memory Card Reader - 4 in 1 (SD Card, MultiMediaCard, SDHC Card, SDXC Card)
SOFTWARE Lenovo ThinkPad X13 Gen 3 (21CN) Lenovo IdeaPad S540-15IML (81NG)
Operating System (OS) Windows 10 Pro 64-bit Edition (available through downgrade rights from Windows 11 Pro) + Windows 11 Pro Licence Windows 10 Home 64-bit Edition - English
Software Included - Microsoft Office (30 days trial)
MISCELLANEOUS Lenovo ThinkPad X13 Gen 3 (21CN) Lenovo IdeaPad S540-15IML (81NG)
Included Accessories USB-C power adapter Power adapter
Security Discrete Trusted Platform Module (TPM 2.0) Security Chip with Microsoft Pluton, 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, system password, power-on password, RapidCharge, MIL-STD-810H tested, NVMe password, USB FIDO (Fast Identity Online) device integration, certificate based BIOS authentication Administrator password, hard drive password, power-on password, RapidCharge
Compliant Standards RoHS, Energy-Related Products (ErP) Lot 3, TCG Certified RoHS, Energy-Related Products (ErP) Lot 3
SAR Value - 1.81 W/kg (body), 1.81 W/kg (limb)
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 - Limited warranty - 1 year - pick-up and return
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