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

Laptop Comparison, Reviews and Tests

Detailed comparison and review of Microsoft Surface and Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 11 (21HM). 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 Review

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

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 and Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 11 (21HM)
86 % - Design
83 % - Display
85 % - Performance
85 % - Connectivity
75 % - Battery
81 % - Design
85 % - Display
85 % - Performance
86 % - Connectivity
85 % - Battery

Laptop Specifications Comparison

Microsoft Surface vs. Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 11 (21HM) Comparison Chart
DESIGN AND DIMENSIONS Microsoft Surface Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 11 (21HM)
Product Type Notebook Notebook - 180-degree hinge design
Dimensions (WxDxH) 27.8 cm x 20.6 cm x 1.57 cm 31.56 cm x 22.25 cm x 1.536 cm
Weight 1.13 kg 1.12 kg
Case Material Polycarbonate, anodised aluminium Aluminium (bottom), carbon fibre (top)
Colour Platinum Deep black paint
DISPLAY Microsoft Surface Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 11 (21HM)
Screen Size (Type) 12.4" 14" - IPS
Touchscreen Yes (10-point multi-touch) -
Screen Resolution 1536 x 1024 1920 x 1200 (WUXGA)
Pixel Density (ppi) 148 -
Widescreen Yes Yes
Image Aspect Ratio 3:2 16:10
Image Brightness - 400 cd/m²
Colour Gamut - 100% sRGB
Features Corning Gorilla glass 3, Color Calibrated, PixelSense, sRGB Mode, enhanced colour Anti-glare, Low Power, Eyesafe technology
PROCESSOR Microsoft Surface Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 11 (21HM)
CPU Intel Core i5 (12th Gen) 1235U Intel Core i5 (13th Gen) 1335U / 1.3 GHz
Max Turbo Speed 4.4 GHz 4.6 GHz
Number of Cores 10-core 10-core
Cache 12 MB 12 MB
Platform Technology - Intel Evo
Features Intel Smart Cache, Intel Deep Learning Boost (DL Boost) Integrated memory controller
MEMORY Microsoft Surface Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 11 (21HM)
RAM 8 GB 16 GB (provided memory is soldered)
RAM Type LPDDR5 SDRAM LPDDR5 SDRAM
Speed - 6400 MHz
Rated Speed - 6400 MHz
STORAGE Microsoft Surface Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 11 (21HM)
Main Storage Size (HDD/SSD) 128 GB SSD 256 GB SSD M.2 2280 PCIe 4.0 x4 - TCG Opal Encryption 2, NVM Express (NVMe)
AUDIO & VIDEO Microsoft Surface Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 11 (21HM)
Graphics Processor (GPU) Intel Iris Xe 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 - Privacy shutter, Windows Hello, fixed focus, hybrid FHD/IR camera
Sound Stereo speakers, dual far-field studio 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 Output: Omnisonic speakers Input: Dolby Voice, 360° far-field
COMMUNICATIONS Microsoft Surface Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 11 (21HM)
Wireless 802.11a/b/g/n/ac/ax, Bluetooth 5.1 NFC, Bluetooth 5.1, 802.11a/b/g/n/ac/ax (Wi-Fi 6E)
Wireless Controller - Intel Wi-Fi 6E AX 211
Features - Dual stream (2x2)
WWAN
Generation - 4G/5G upgradable
BATTERY Microsoft Surface Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 11 (21HM)
Technology - Lithium polymer
Battery Capacity (Size) 41 Wh 57 Wh
Battery Life Up to 15 hours -
AC ADAPTER Microsoft Surface Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 11 (21HM)
Input - AC 100-240 V (50/60 Hz)
Output 39 Watt 65 Watt
INPUT Microsoft Surface Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 11 (21HM)
Type Keyboard, touchpad Keyboard, TrackPoint, UltraNav
Keyboard Backlight - Yes
Features Precision touchpad Spill-resistant, multi-touch touchpad, Fn keys with Unified Communications controls, glass touchpad, air intake key design
CONNECTIONS & EXPANSIONS Microsoft Surface Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 11 (21HM)
Interfaces USB-C 3.2/DisplayPort
USB 3.1
Headphone output (mini-phone 3.5 mm)
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 Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 11 (21HM)
Operating System (OS) Windows 11 Pro Windows 11 Pro - English
Software Included Microsoft 365 Business Standard, Business Premium or Microsoft 365 Apps (30 days trial), Microsoft 365 Apps (requires licence or subscription) Glance by Mirametrix, Intel Connectivity Performance Suite
MISCELLANEOUS Microsoft Surface Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 11 (21HM)
Dockable Yes -
Included Accessories Power adapter USB-C slim power adapter
Integrated Options Ambient light sensor -
Security Firmware 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 Fast charging 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
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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