Microsoft Surface vs. Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Nano Gen 2 (21E9)

Laptop Comparison, Reviews and Tests

Detailed comparison and review of Microsoft Surface and Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Nano Gen 2 (21E9). 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 Nano Gen 2 (21E9) Review

Advantages and disadvantages of Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Nano Gen 2 (21E9) based on its technical characteristics, features, user experience, expert reviews and price level.

ultra-lightweight design

impressive battery life

robust security features

sharp display quality

powerful intel processor

limited port selection

higher price point

no touchscreen option

average speaker quality

Laptop Comparison and Tests

Difference between Microsoft Surface and Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Nano Gen 2 (21E9)
86 % - Design
83 % - Display
85 % - Performance
85 % - Connectivity
75 % - Battery
81 % - Design
85 % - Display
85 % - Performance
85 % - Connectivity
85 % - Battery

Laptop Specifications Comparison

Microsoft Surface vs. Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Nano Gen 2 (21E9) Comparison Chart
DESIGN AND DIMENSIONS Microsoft Surface Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Nano Gen 2 (21E9)
Product Type Notebook Notebook - 180-degree hinge design
Dimensions (WxDxH) 27.8 cm x 20.6 cm x 1.57 cm 29.33 cm x 20.81 cm x 1.48 cm
Weight 1.13 kg 991.5 g
Case Material Polycarbonate, anodised aluminium Carbon fibre (top), magnesium alloy (bottom)
Colour Platinum Black weave
DISPLAY Microsoft Surface Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Nano Gen 2 (21E9)
Screen Size (Type) 12.4" 13" - IPS
Touchscreen Yes (10-point multi-touch) Yes (10-point multi-touch)
LCD Backlight Technology - LED backlight
Screen Resolution 1536 x 1024 2160 x 1350 (2K)
Pixel Density (ppi) 148 -
Widescreen Yes Yes
Image Aspect Ratio 3:2 16:10
Image Brightness - 450 cd/m²
Colour Gamut - 100% sRGB
Features Corning Gorilla glass 3, Color Calibrated, PixelSense, sRGB Mode, enhanced colour Anti-glare, anti-reflective, anti-smudge, 170° viewing angle, Low Power, Add-on Film Touch
PROCESSOR Microsoft Surface Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Nano Gen 2 (21E9)
CPU Intel Core i5 (12th Gen) 1235U Intel Core i7 (12th Gen) 1270P / 2.2 GHz
Max Turbo Speed 4.4 GHz 4.8 GHz
Number of Cores 10-core 12-core
Cache 12 MB 18 MB
Features Intel Smart Cache, Intel Deep Learning Boost (DL Boost) Integrated memory controller
MEMORY Microsoft Surface Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Nano Gen 2 (21E9)
RAM 8 GB 16 GB (provided memory is soldered)
RAM Type LPDDR5 SDRAM LPDDR5 SDRAM
Speed - 5200 MHz
Rated Speed - 6400 MHz
STORAGE Microsoft Surface Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Nano Gen 2 (21E9)
Main Storage Size (HDD/SSD) 128 GB SSD 256 GB SSD M.2 2242 PCIe 4.0 x4 - TCG Opal Encryption - Kioxia
AUDIO & VIDEO Microsoft Surface Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Nano Gen 2 (21E9)
Graphics Processor (GPU) Intel Iris Xe Graphics Intel Iris Xe Graphics
Max Monitors Supported - 2 external monitor(s)
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, four microphones
Codec - Realtek ALC3306
Compliant Standards Dolby Audio Premium High Definition Audio, Dolby Atmos, Dolby Voice
Audio Features Output: Omnisonic speakers -
COMMUNICATIONS Microsoft Surface Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Nano Gen 2 (21E9)
Wireless 802.11a/b/g/n/ac/ax, Bluetooth 5.1 Bluetooth 5.1, 802.11a/b/g/n/ac/ax (Wi-Fi 6E)
Wireless Controller - Intel Wi-Fi 6E AX 211
Network Interface - Gigabit Ethernet
BATTERY Microsoft Surface Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Nano Gen 2 (21E9)
Technology - 3-cell lithium polymer
Battery Capacity (Size) 41 Wh 49.5 Wh
Battery Life Up to 15 hours -
AC ADAPTER Microsoft Surface Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Nano Gen 2 (21E9)
Input - AC 100-240 V (50/60 Hz)
Output 39 Watt 65 Watt
INPUT Microsoft Surface Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Nano Gen 2 (21E9)
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
CONNECTIONS & EXPANSIONS Microsoft Surface Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Nano Gen 2 (21E9)
Interfaces USB-C 3.2/DisplayPort
USB 3.1
Headphone output (mini-phone 3.5 mm)
SurfaceConnect
2 x USB4 (supports Thunderbolt 4, DisplayPort 1.4 Alt Mode) (Power Delivery 3.0)
LAN (on supplied adapter)
Headphone/microphone combo jack
SOFTWARE Microsoft Surface Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Nano Gen 2 (21E9)
Operating System (OS) Windows 11 Pro Windows 10 Pro 64-bit Edition (available through downgrade rights from Windows 11 Pro) + Windows 11 Pro Licence
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 ThinkPad X1 Nano Gen 2 (21E9)
Dockable Yes -
Included Accessories Power adapter Lenovo USB-C to Ethernet 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
Features Fast charging Administrator password, power-on password, RapidCharge, MIL-STD-810H tested, NVMe password, USB FIDO (Fast Identity Online) device integration, Firmware Resiliency 3.0, certificate based BIOS authentication
Compliant Standards - RoHS, TCG Certified
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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