Microsoft Surface Laptop 3 vs. Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 11 (21HM)

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

Our Rating: 75 %

Side by side comparison and review of Microsoft Surface Laptop 3 and Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 11 (21HM). 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.

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 ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 11 (21HM) Review

Advantages and disadvantages of Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 11 (21HM) based on its technical characteristics, features, user experience, expert reviews and price level.

lightweight and portable

robust build quality

excellent keyboard comfort

impressive battery life

high-resolution display

higher price point

limited graphics performance

no HDMI port

fewer color options

Laptop Comparison and Tests

Difference between Microsoft Surface Laptop 3 and Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 11 (21HM)
85 % - Design
85 % - Display
75 % - Performance
75 % - Connectivity
75 % - Battery
81 % - Design
85 % - Display
85 % - Performance
86 % - Connectivity
85 % - Battery

Laptop Specifications Comparison

Microsoft Surface Laptop 3 vs. Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 11 (21HM) Comparison Chart
DESIGN AND DIMENSIONS Microsoft Surface Laptop 3 Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 11 (21HM)
Product Type Notebook Notebook - 180-degree hinge design
Dimensions (WxDxH) 30.8 cm x 22.3 cm x 1.45 cm 31.56 cm x 22.25 cm x 1.536 cm
Weight 1.265 kg 1.12 kg
Case Material Aluminum Aluminium (bottom), carbon fibre (top)
Colour Platinum Deep black paint
DISPLAY Microsoft Surface Laptop 3 Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 11 (21HM)
Screen Size (Type) 13.5" 14" - IPS
Touchscreen Yes (10-point multi-touch) -
Screen Resolution 2256 x 1504 1920 x 1200 (WUXGA)
Pixel Density (ppi) 201 -
Widescreen Yes Yes
Image Aspect Ratio 3:2 16:10
Image Brightness - 400 cd/m²
Colour Gamut - 100% sRGB
Features PixelSense Anti-glare, Low Power, Eyesafe technology
PROCESSOR Microsoft Surface Laptop 3 Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 11 (21HM)
CPU Intel Core i5 (10th Gen) 1035G7 / 1.2 GHz Intel Core i5 (13th Gen) 1335U / 1.3 GHz
Max Turbo Speed 3.7 GHz 4.6 GHz
Number of Cores Quad-Core 10-core
Cache 6 MB 12 MB
64-bit Computing Yes -
Platform Technology - Intel Evo
Features - Integrated memory controller
MEMORY Microsoft Surface Laptop 3 Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 11 (21HM)
RAM 8 GB 16 GB (provided memory is soldered)
RAM Type LPDDR4X SDRAM LPDDR5 SDRAM
Speed - 6400 MHz
Rated Speed - 6400 MHz
STORAGE Microsoft Surface Laptop 3 Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 11 (21HM)
Main Storage Size (HDD/SSD) 128 GB SSD M.2 - NVM Express (NVMe) 256 GB SSD M.2 2280 PCIe 4.0 x4 - TCG Opal Encryption 2, NVM Express (NVMe)
AUDIO & VIDEO Microsoft Surface Laptop 3 Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 11 (21HM)
Graphics Processor (GPU) Intel Iris Plus Graphics Intel Iris Xe Graphics
Max Monitors Supported - 3 external monitor(s)
Video System Features - Functions as Intel UHD graphics (for single-channel memory)
Camera Yes - 720p Yes - 1080p
Camera Features Windows Hello Privacy shutter, Windows Hello, fixed focus, hybrid FHD/IR camera
Sound Stereo speakers, two microphones Stereo speakers, two tweeters, two woofers, quad array microphone
Codec - Realtek ALC3306
Compliant Standards Dolby Audio Premium High Definition Audio, Dolby Atmos
Audio Features - Input: Dolby Voice, 360° far-field
COMMUNICATIONS Microsoft Surface Laptop 3 Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 11 (21HM)
Wireless Bluetooth 5.0, 802.11a/b/g/n/ac/ax NFC, Bluetooth 5.1, 802.11a/b/g/n/ac/ax (Wi-Fi 6E)
Wireless Controller - Intel Wi-Fi 6E AX 211
Compliant Standards Bluetooth 5.0, IEEE 802.11ax -
Features - Dual stream (2x2)
WWAN
Generation - 4G/5G upgradable
BATTERY Microsoft Surface Laptop 3 Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 11 (21HM)
Technology - Lithium polymer
Battery Capacity (Size) - 57 Wh
Battery Life Up to 11.5 hours -
AC ADAPTER Microsoft Surface Laptop 3 Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 11 (21HM)
Input - AC 100-240 V (50/60 Hz)
Output - 65 Watt
INPUT Microsoft Surface Laptop 3 Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 11 (21HM)
Type Keyboard, trackpad Keyboard, TrackPoint, UltraNav
Keyboard Backlight Yes Yes
Features Multi-gesture trackpad, Alcantara material palm rest Spill-resistant, multi-touch touchpad, Fn keys with Unified Communications controls, glass touchpad, air intake key design
CONNECTIONS & EXPANSIONS Microsoft Surface Laptop 3 Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 11 (21HM)
Interfaces USB 3.0
USB-C
Headphone output
SurfaceConnect
USB 3.2 Gen 1
USB 3.2 Gen 1 (Always On)
2 x USB4 (supports Thunderbolt 4, DisplayPort 1.4a Alt Mode) (Power Delivery 3.0)
HDMI (4K support)
Headphone/microphone combo jack
SOFTWARE Microsoft Surface Laptop 3 Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 11 (21HM)
Operating System (OS) Windows 10 Pro Windows 11 Pro - English
Software Included Microsoft 365 (30 days trial) Glance by Mirametrix, Intel Connectivity Performance Suite
MISCELLANEOUS Microsoft Surface Laptop 3 Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 11 (21HM)
Dockable Yes -
Included Accessories Power adapter USB-C slim power adapter
Integrated Options Ambient light sensor -
Security Trusted Platform Module (TPM 2.0) Security Chip Discrete 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, Firmware Resiliency 3.0, certificate based BIOS authentication, FIDO (Fast Identity Online) authentication
Compliant Standards - RoHS, Energy-Related Products (ErP) Lot 6, TCG Certified, Energy-Related Products (ErP) Lot 26, TCO Certified 9.0
SAR Value 0.308 W/kg (body) -
Max Operating Temperature - 35 °C
Min Operating Temperature - 5 °C
Humidity Range Operating - 8 - 95%
Manufacturer Warranty Limited warranty - 1 year Base warranty - 3 years - pick-up and return
Base warranty - battery - 1 year
Extended warranty - 3 years - on-site - response time: next business day
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