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

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

Our Rating: 75 %

Detailed comparison and review of Microsoft Surface Laptop 3 and Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 11 (21HN). 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.

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 (21HN) Review

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

lightweight and portable

robust build quality

excellent keyboard feel

impressive battery life

high-resolution display

high price point

limited graphics performance

fewer ports available

average webcam quality

Laptop Comparison and Tests

Difference between Microsoft Surface Laptop 3 and Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 11 (21HN)
85 % - Design
85 % - Display
75 % - Performance
75 % - Connectivity
75 % - Battery
81 % - Design
85 % - Display
90 % - Performance
85 % - Connectivity
85 % - Battery

Laptop Specifications Comparison

Microsoft Surface Laptop 3 vs. Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 11 (21HN) Comparison Chart
DESIGN AND DIMENSIONS Microsoft Surface Laptop 3 Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 11 (21HN)
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 (21HN)
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 (21HN)
CPU Intel Core i5 (10th Gen) 1035G7 / 1.2 GHz Intel Core i7 (13th Gen) 1365U / 1.8 GHz
Max Turbo Speed 3.7 GHz 5.2 GHz
Number of Cores Quad-Core 10-core
Cache 6 MB 12 MB
64-bit Computing Yes -
Features - Integrated memory controller
MEMORY Microsoft Surface Laptop 3 Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 11 (21HN)
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 (21HN)
Main Storage Size (HDD/SSD) 128 GB SSD M.2 - NVM Express (NVMe) 512 GB SSD M.2 2280 PCIe 4.0 x4 - TCG Opal Encryption - Kioxia
AUDIO & VIDEO Microsoft Surface Laptop 3 Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 11 (21HN)
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 (21HN)
Wireless Bluetooth 5.0, 802.11a/b/g/n/ac/ax 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 -
BATTERY Microsoft Surface Laptop 3 Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 11 (21HN)
Technology - 4-cell 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 (21HN)
Input - AC 100-240 V (50/60 Hz)
Output - 65 Watt
INPUT Microsoft Surface Laptop 3 Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 11 (21HN)
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 (21HN)
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 (21HN)
Operating System (OS) Windows 10 Pro Windows 10 Pro 64-bit Edition (available through downgrade rights from Windows 11 Pro) + Windows 11 Pro Licence
Software Included Microsoft 365 (30 days trial) -
MISCELLANEOUS Microsoft Surface Laptop 3 Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 11 (21HN)
Dockable Yes -
Included Accessories Power adapter USB-C 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, 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 -
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