In depth comparison and review of Microsoft Surface and Lenovo IdeaPad 520-15IKB (81BF). 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.
Advantages and disadvantages of Microsoft Surface based on its technical characteristics, features, user experience, expert reviews and price level.
versatile form factor
high-resolution touchscreen
lightweight design
solid build quality
good battery life
higher price range
limited port selection
moderate storage options
average graphics performance
Advantages and disadvantages of Lenovo IdeaPad 520-15IKB (81BF) based on its technical characteristics, features, user experience, expert reviews and price level.
robust metal design
crisp full HD display
backlit keyboard feature
adequate processing power
reasonable price point
average battery life
limited graphics performance
heavier than competitors
no USB-C port
DESIGN AND DIMENSIONS | Microsoft Surface | Lenovo IdeaPad 520-15IKB (81BF) |
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Product Type | Notebook | Notebook |
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Dimensions (WxDxH) | 27.8 cm x 20.6 cm x 1.57 cm | 37.8 cm x 26 cm x 2.2 cm |
Weight | 1.13 kg | 2.2 kg |
Case Material | Polycarbonate, anodised aluminium | Metal |
Colour | Platinum | Golden |
DISPLAY | Microsoft Surface | Lenovo IdeaPad 520-15IKB (81BF) |
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Screen Size (Type) | 12.4" | 15.6" - IPS |
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Touchscreen | Yes (10-point multi-touch) | - |
Screen Resolution | 1536 x 1024 | 1920 x 1080 (Full HD) |
Pixel Density (ppi) | 148 | - |
Widescreen | Yes | Yes |
Image Aspect Ratio | 3:2 | 16:9 |
Image Brightness | - | 250 cd/m² |
Features | Corning Gorilla glass 3, Color Calibrated, PixelSense, sRGB Mode, enhanced colour | Anti-glare |
PROCESSOR | Microsoft Surface | Lenovo IdeaPad 520-15IKB (81BF) |
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CPU | Intel Core i5 (12th Gen) 1235U | Intel Core i5 (8th Gen) 8550U / 1.8 GHz |
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Max Turbo Speed | 4.4 GHz | 4 GHz |
Number of Cores | 10-core | Quad-Core |
Cache | 12 MB | 8 MB |
Features | Intel Smart Cache, Intel Deep Learning Boost (DL Boost) | Integrated memory controller |
MEMORY | Microsoft Surface | Lenovo IdeaPad 520-15IKB (81BF) |
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RAM | 8 GB | 8 GB (1 x 4 GB + 4 GB (soldered)) |
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Max RAM Supported | - | 16 GB |
RAM Type | LPDDR5 SDRAM | DDR4 SDRAM |
Speed | - | 2133 MHz |
Rated Speed | - | 2400 MHz |
Form Factor | - | SO-DIMM 260-pin |
Slots Qty | - | 1 |
Empty Slots | - | 0 |
STORAGE | Microsoft Surface | Lenovo IdeaPad 520-15IKB (81BF) |
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Main Storage Size (HDD/SSD) | 128 GB SSD | 2 TB HDD SATA 6Gb/s / 5400 rpm |
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Optical Drive | - | DVD±RW |
AUDIO & VIDEO | Microsoft Surface | Lenovo IdeaPad 520-15IKB (81BF) |
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Multi-GPU Configuration | - | 1 single GPU card / integrated GPU |
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Graphics Processor (GPU) | Intel Iris Xe Graphics | NVIDIA GeForce MX150 / Intel UHD Graphics 620 |
Video Memory | - | 4 GB GDDR5 SDRAM |
Camera | Yes - 720p | Yes - 720p |
Resolution | - | 1 Megapixel |
Camera Features | - | Fixed focus |
Sound | Stereo speakers, dual far-field studio microphones | Stereo speakers, dual array microphone |
Compliant Standards | Dolby Audio Premium | High Definition Audio, Dolby Audio |
Audio Features | Output: Omnisonic speakers | Output: Harman audio technology |
COMMUNICATIONS | Microsoft Surface | Lenovo IdeaPad 520-15IKB (81BF) |
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Wireless | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac/ax, Bluetooth 5.1 | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac, Bluetooth 4.1 |
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Wireless Controller | - | M.2 Card |
Network Interface | - | Gigabit Ethernet |
Features | - | Single stream (1x1) |
BATTERY | Microsoft Surface | Lenovo IdeaPad 520-15IKB (81BF) |
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Technology | - | 2-cell lithium polymer |
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Battery Capacity (Size) | 41 Wh | 35 Wh |
Battery Life | Up to 15 hours | Up to 6 hours |
AC ADAPTER | Microsoft Surface | Lenovo IdeaPad 520-15IKB (81BF) |
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Input | - | AC 100-240 V (50/60 Hz) |
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Output | 39 Watt | 65 Watt |
INPUT | Microsoft Surface | Lenovo IdeaPad 520-15IKB (81BF) |
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Type | Keyboard, touchpad | Keyboard, touchpad |
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Numeric Keypad | - | Yes |
Keyboard Backlight | - | Yes |
Features | Precision touchpad | - |
CONNECTIONS & EXPANSIONS | Microsoft Surface | Lenovo IdeaPad 520-15IKB (81BF) |
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Interfaces | USB-C 3.2/DisplayPort USB 3.1 Headphone output (mini-phone 3.5 mm) SurfaceConnect |
USB-C 3.0 2 x USB 3.0 HDMI LAN Headphone/microphone combo jack |
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Memory Card Reader | - | 4 in 1 (SD Card, MultiMediaCard, SDHC Card, SDXC Card) |
SOFTWARE | Microsoft Surface | Lenovo IdeaPad 520-15IKB (81BF) |
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Operating System (OS) | Windows 11 Pro | Windows 10 Home 64-bit Edition - English |
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Software Included | Microsoft 365 Business Standard, Business Premium or Microsoft 365 Apps (30 days trial), Microsoft 365 Apps (requires licence or subscription) | - |
MISCELLANEOUS | Microsoft Surface | Lenovo IdeaPad 520-15IKB (81BF) |
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Dockable | Yes | - |
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Included Accessories | Power adapter | Power adapter |
Integrated Options | Ambient light sensor | - |
Security | Firmware Trusted Platform Module (TPM 2.0) Security Chip | Fingerprint reader |
Security Slot Type | - | Kensington mini security slot |
Theft/Intrusion Protection | - | Security lock slot (cable lock sold separately) |
Features | Fast charging | Administrator password, hard drive password, power-on password |
Compliant Standards | - | RoHS |
Manufacturer Warranty | Limited warranty - 1 year | Limited warranty - 1 year - pick-up and return |