Microsoft Surface Laptop 3 vs. Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Nano Gen 2 (21E8)

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 Nano Gen 2 (21E8). 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 Nano Gen 2 (21E8) Review

Advantages and disadvantages of Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Nano Gen 2 (21E8) based on its technical characteristics, features, user experience, expert reviews and price level.

ultra-lightweight design

impressive battery life

robust security features

sharp display resolution

efficient performance

limited port selection

higher price point

no touchscreen option

average speaker quality

Laptop Comparison and Tests

Difference between Microsoft Surface Laptop 3 and Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Nano Gen 2 (21E8)
85 % - Design
85 % - Display
75 % - Performance
75 % - Connectivity
75 % - Battery
85 % - Design
85 % - Display
85 % - Performance
86 % - Connectivity
85 % - Battery

Laptop Specifications Comparison

Microsoft Surface Laptop 3 vs. Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Nano Gen 2 (21E8) Comparison Chart
DESIGN AND DIMENSIONS Microsoft Surface Laptop 3 Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Nano Gen 2 (21E8)
Product Type Notebook Notebook
Dimensions (WxDxH) 30.8 cm x 22.3 cm x 1.45 cm 29.33 cm x 20.81 cm x 1.48 cm
Weight 1.265 kg 966.5 g
Case Material Aluminum Carbon fibre (top), magnesium alloy (bottom)
Colour Platinum Black paint
DISPLAY Microsoft Surface Laptop 3 Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Nano Gen 2 (21E8)
Screen Size (Type) 13.5" 13" - IPS
Touchscreen Yes (10-point multi-touch) -
LCD Backlight Technology - LED backlight
Screen Resolution 2256 x 1504 2160 x 1350 (2K)
Pixel Density (ppi) 201 -
Widescreen Yes Yes
Image Aspect Ratio 3:2 16:10
Image Brightness - 450 cd/m²
Colour Gamut - 100% sRGB
Features PixelSense Anti-glare, 170° viewing angle, Low Power
PROCESSOR Microsoft Surface Laptop 3 Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Nano Gen 2 (21E8)
CPU Intel Core i5 (10th Gen) 1035G7 / 1.2 GHz Intel Core i5 (12th Gen) 1240P / 1.7 GHz
Max Turbo Speed 3.7 GHz 4.4 GHz
Number of Cores Quad-Core 12-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 Nano Gen 2 (21E8)
RAM 8 GB 16 GB (provided memory is soldered)
RAM Type LPDDR4X SDRAM LPDDR5 SDRAM
Speed - 5200 MHz
Rated Speed - 5200 MHz
STORAGE Microsoft Surface Laptop 3 Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Nano Gen 2 (21E8)
Main Storage Size (HDD/SSD) 128 GB SSD M.2 - NVM Express (NVMe) 256 GB SSD M.2 2242 PCIe 4.0 x4 - TCG Opal Encryption 2, NVM Express (NVMe)
AUDIO & VIDEO Microsoft Surface Laptop 3 Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Nano Gen 2 (21E8)
Graphics Processor (GPU) Intel Iris Plus Graphics Intel Iris Xe Graphics
Max Monitors Supported - 2 external monitor(s)
Camera Yes - 720p Yes - 1080p
Camera Features Windows Hello Privacy shutter, IR camera, Windows Hello, fixed focus
Sound Stereo speakers, two microphones Four speakers, four microphones
Codec - Realtek ALC3306
Compliant Standards Dolby Audio Premium High Definition Audio, Dolby Atmos
COMMUNICATIONS Microsoft Surface Laptop 3 Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Nano Gen 2 (21E8)
Wireless Bluetooth 5.0, 802.11a/b/g/n/ac/ax Bluetooth 5.2, 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 - WWAN upgradable
BATTERY Microsoft Surface Laptop 3 Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Nano Gen 2 (21E8)
Technology - Lithium polymer
Battery Capacity (Size) - 49.5 Wh
Battery Life Up to 11.5 hours -
AC ADAPTER Microsoft Surface Laptop 3 Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Nano Gen 2 (21E8)
Input - AC 100-240 V (50/60 Hz)
Output - 65 Watt
INPUT Microsoft Surface Laptop 3 Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Nano Gen 2 (21E8)
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
CONNECTIONS & EXPANSIONS Microsoft Surface Laptop 3 Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Nano Gen 2 (21E8)
Interfaces USB 3.0
USB-C
Headphone output
SurfaceConnect
2 x USB4 (supports Thunderbolt 4, DisplayPort 1.4 Alt Mode) (Power Delivery 3.0)
Headphone/microphone combo jack
SOFTWARE Microsoft Surface Laptop 3 Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Nano Gen 2 (21E8)
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 Nano Gen 2 (21E8)
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, power-on password, RapidCharge, MIL-STD-810H tested, Firmware Resiliency 2.0, NVMe password, USB FIDO (Fast Identity Online) device integration
Compliant Standards - RoHS, TCG Certified
SAR Value 0.308 W/kg (body) -
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 Base warranty - 3 years - pick-up and return
Base warranty - battery - 1 year
Extended warranty - 3 years - on-site
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