Microsoft Surface Laptop 3 vs. Lenovo ThinkBook 15-IIL (20SM)

Laptop Comparison, Reviews and Tests
Microsoft Surface Laptop 3
Microsoft Surface Laptop 3

Our Rating: 75 %

Lenovo ThinkBook 15-IIL (20SM)
Lenovo ThinkBook 15-IIL (20SM)

Our Rating: 75 %

In depth comparison and review of Microsoft Surface Laptop 3 and Lenovo ThinkBook 15-IIL (20SM). 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.

Microsoft Surface Laptop 3 Review

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

lightweight and portable

responsive touchscreen display

stylish aluminum design

fast charging support

solid performance benchmarks

limited port selection

no dedicated graphics

higher price point

average battery life

Lenovo ThinkBook 15-IIL (20SM) Review

Advantages and disadvantages of Lenovo ThinkBook 15-IIL (20SM) based on its technical characteristics, features, user experience, expert reviews and price level.

affordable price point

solid build quality

decent battery life

good processor performance

adequate storage options

average display quality

limited graphics capability

no thunderbolt support

heavier design

Laptop Comparison and Tests

Difference between Microsoft Surface Laptop 3 and Lenovo ThinkBook 15-IIL (20SM)
85 % - Design
85 % - Display
75 % - Performance
75 % - Connectivity
75 % - Battery
78 % - Design
72 % - Display
72 % - Performance
78 % - Connectivity
74 % - Battery

Laptop Specifications Comparison

Microsoft Surface Laptop 3 vs. Lenovo ThinkBook 15-IIL (20SM) Comparison Chart
DESIGN AND DIMENSIONS Microsoft Surface Laptop 3 Lenovo ThinkBook 15-IIL (20SM)
Product Type Notebook Notebook
Dimensions (WxDxH) 30.8 cm x 22.3 cm x 1.45 cm 36.4 cm x 24.5 cm x 1.89 cm
Weight 1.265 kg 1.8 kg
Case Material Aluminum Aluminum, polycarbonate ABS
Colour Platinum Mineral grey
DISPLAY Microsoft Surface Laptop 3 Lenovo ThinkBook 15-IIL (20SM)
Screen Size (Type) 13.5" 15.6" - IPS
Touchscreen Yes (10-point multi-touch) -
LCD Backlight Technology - LED backlight
Screen Resolution 2256 x 1504 1920 x 1080 (Full HD)
Pixel Density (ppi) 201 -
Widescreen Yes Yes
Image Aspect Ratio 3:2 16:9
Image Brightness - 250 cd/m²
Features PixelSense Anti-glare
PROCESSOR Microsoft Surface Laptop 3 Lenovo ThinkBook 15-IIL (20SM)
CPU Intel Core i5 (10th Gen) 1035G7 / 1.2 GHz Intel Core i5 (10th Gen) 1035G1 / 1 GHz
Max Turbo Speed 3.7 GHz 3.6 GHz
Number of Cores Quad-Core Quad-Core
Cache 6 MB 6 MB
64-bit Computing Yes Yes
Features - Integrated memory controller
MEMORY Microsoft Surface Laptop 3 Lenovo ThinkBook 15-IIL (20SM)
RAM 8 GB 8 GB (1 x 8 GB)
Max RAM Supported - 16 GB
RAM Type LPDDR4X SDRAM DDR4 SDRAM
Speed - 2666 MHz
Rated Speed - 2666 MHz
Form Factor - SO-DIMM 260-pin
Slots Qty - 1
Empty Slots - 0
STORAGE Microsoft Surface Laptop 3 Lenovo ThinkBook 15-IIL (20SM)
Main Storage Size (HDD/SSD) 128 GB SSD M.2 - NVM Express (NVMe) 256 GB SSD M.2 2242 PCIe 3.0 x2 - NVM Express (NVMe)
AUDIO & VIDEO Microsoft Surface Laptop 3 Lenovo ThinkBook 15-IIL (20SM)
Graphics Processor (GPU) Intel Iris Plus Graphics Intel UHD Graphics
Camera Yes - 720p Yes - 720p
Camera Features Windows Hello ThinkShutter camera privacy
Sound Stereo speakers, two microphones Stereo speakers, dual array microphone
Codec - Realtek ALC3287
Compliant Standards Dolby Audio Premium High Definition Audio, Dolby Audio
COMMUNICATIONS Microsoft Surface Laptop 3 Lenovo ThinkBook 15-IIL (20SM)
Wireless Bluetooth 5.0, 802.11a/b/g/n/ac/ax Bluetooth 5.0, 802.11a/b/g/n/ac/ax
Wireless Controller - M.2 Card
Network Interface - Gigabit Ethernet
Compliant Standards Bluetooth 5.0, IEEE 802.11ax -
Features - Dual stream (2x2)
BATTERY Microsoft Surface Laptop 3 Lenovo ThinkBook 15-IIL (20SM)
Technology - Lithium Ion
Battery Capacity (Size) - 45 Wh
Battery Life Up to 11.5 hours Up to 9 hours
AC ADAPTER Microsoft Surface Laptop 3 Lenovo ThinkBook 15-IIL (20SM)
Input - AC 120/230 V (50/60 Hz)
Output - 65 Watt
INPUT Microsoft Surface Laptop 3 Lenovo ThinkBook 15-IIL (20SM)
Type Keyboard, trackpad Keyboard, touchpad
Numeric Keypad - Yes
Keyboard Backlight Yes Yes
Features Multi-gesture trackpad, Alcantara material palm rest Spill-resistant, multi-touch touchpad, buttonless touchpad
CONNECTIONS & EXPANSIONS Microsoft Surface Laptop 3 Lenovo ThinkBook 15-IIL (20SM)
Interfaces USB 3.0
USB-C
Headphone output
SurfaceConnect
USB 2.0
USB 3.1 Gen 1 (Always On)
USB 3.1 Gen 1
USB-C 3.1 Gen 1
USB-C 3.1 Gen 2 (supports DisplayPort Alt Mode) (Power Delivery)
HDMI
Headphone/microphone combo jack
Memory Card Reader - 4 in 1 (SD Card, MultiMediaCard, SDHC Card, SDXC Card)
SOFTWARE Microsoft Surface Laptop 3 Lenovo ThinkBook 15-IIL (20SM)
Operating System (OS) Windows 10 Pro Windows 10 Pro 64-bit Edition - French
Software Included Microsoft 365 (30 days trial) Microsoft Office (30 days trial)
MISCELLANEOUS Microsoft Surface Laptop 3 Lenovo ThinkBook 15-IIL (20SM)
Dockable Yes -
Included Accessories Power adapter Power adapter
Integrated Options Ambient light sensor -
Security Trusted Platform Module (TPM 2.0) Security Chip Firmware Trusted Platform Module (TPM 2.0) Security Chip, fingerprint reader
Security Slot Type - Kensington security slot
Theft/Intrusion Protection - Security lock slot (cable lock sold separately)
Features - Administrator password, hard drive password, power-on password, RapidCharge, MIL-STD-810G tested
Compliant Standards - RoHS, Energy-Related Products (ErP) Lot 3
SAR Value 0.308 W/kg (body) -
Manufacturer Warranty Limited warranty - 1 year Limited warranty - 1 year - pick-up and return
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