In depth comparison and review of MSI Creator Z16 (A11UE) and Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Extreme Gen 5 (21DE). 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 MSI Creator Z16 (A11UE) based on its technical characteristics, features, user experience, expert reviews and price level.
powerful intel processor
vibrant qhd+ display
sleek aluminum chassis
thunderbolt 4 support
high-quality audio output
relatively heavy design
short battery life
high price point
limited upgradeability
Advantages and disadvantages of Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Extreme Gen 5 (21DE) based on its technical characteristics, features, user experience, expert reviews and price level.
powerful intel processors
robust build quality
excellent 4k display
advanced security features
wide connectivity options
high price point
heavier than competitors
average battery life
loud under load
DESIGN AND DIMENSIONS | MSI Creator Z16 (A11UE) | Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Extreme Gen 5 (21DE) |
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Product Type | Notebook | Notebook |
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Dimensions (WxDxH) | 35.9 cm x 25.6 cm x 1.68 cm | 35.95 cm x 25.38 cm x 1.79 cm |
Weight | 2.2 kg | 1.88 kg |
Case Material | - | Aluminium (bottom), carbon fibre (top) |
Colour | Lunar grey | Black paint |
DISPLAY | MSI Creator Z16 (A11UE) | Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Extreme Gen 5 (21DE) |
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Screen Size (Type) | 16" | 16" - IPS |
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LCD Backlight Technology | LED backlight | LED backlight |
Screen Resolution | 2560 x 1600 (QHD+) | 2560 x 1600 (WQXGA) |
V-Sync Rate at Max Res. | 120 Hz | 165 Hz |
Widescreen | Yes | Yes |
Image Aspect Ratio | 16:10 | 16:10 |
Image Brightness | - | 500 cd/m² |
Colour Gamut | 100% DCI-P3 | 100% sRGB |
Features | MSI Matrix Display, Delta E<2 calibration, thin bezel design, CalMAN Verified, MSI True Color Technology 3.0 | Anti-glare, 178° viewing angle, Low Blue Light technology, X-Rite Pantone factory color calibration |
PROCESSOR | MSI Creator Z16 (A11UE) | Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Extreme Gen 5 (21DE) |
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CPU | Intel Core i7 (11th Gen) 11800H / 2.3 GHz | Intel Core i7 (12th Gen) 12700H / 2.3 GHz |
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Max Turbo Speed | 4.6 GHz | 4.7 GHz |
Number of Cores | 8-core | 14-core |
Cache | 24 MB | 24 MB |
Chipset | Intel HM570 | - |
Features | Hyper-Threading Technology, Intel Smart Cache, Intel Speed Shift Technology, Intel Deep Learning Boost (DL Boost) | Integrated memory controller |
MEMORY | MSI Creator Z16 (A11UE) | Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Extreme Gen 5 (21DE) |
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RAM | 16 GB (2 x 8 GB) | 16 GB (1 x 16 GB) |
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Max RAM Supported | 64 GB | 64 GB |
RAM Type | DDR4 SDRAM | DDR5 SDRAM |
Speed | 3200 MHz | 4800 MHz |
Rated Speed | 3200 MHz | 4800 MHz |
Form Factor | SO-DIMM 260-pin | SO-DIMM 262-pin |
Slots Qty | 2 | 2 |
Empty Slots | 0 | 1 |
STORAGE | MSI Creator Z16 (A11UE) | Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Extreme Gen 5 (21DE) |
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Main Storage Size (HDD/SSD) | 512 GB SSD M.2 PCIe 4.0 x4 - NVM Express (NVMe) | 512 GB SSD M.2 2280 PCIe 4.0 x4 - TCG Opal Encryption 2, NVM Express (NVMe), Performance |
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AUDIO & VIDEO | MSI Creator Z16 (A11UE) | Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Extreme Gen 5 (21DE) |
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Multi-GPU Configuration | - | 1 single GPU card / integrated GPU |
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Graphics Processor (GPU) | NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060 | NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050 Ti / Intel Iris Xe Graphics |
Max Monitors Supported | - | 4 external monitor(s) |
Video Memory | 6 GB GDDR6 SDRAM | 4 GB GDDR6 SDRAM |
Video System Features | Max-Q design, Dynamic Boost | - |
Gaming | Yes | - |
Camera | Yes - 720p | Yes - 1080p |
Camera Features | IR camera | Privacy shutter, IR camera, Windows Hello, fixed focus |
Frame Rate | 30 frames per second | - |
Sound | Four speakers, microphone | Stereo speakers, dual array microphone |
Codec | - | Realtek ALC3306 |
Compliant Standards | - | High Definition Audio, Dolby Audio Premium, Dolby Voice |
Audio Features | Dynaudio Premium Sound Technology, Nahimic 3 sound technology | - |
COMMUNICATIONS | MSI Creator Z16 (A11UE) | Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Extreme Gen 5 (21DE) |
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Wireless | Bluetooth 5.2, 802.11a/b/g/n/ac/ax (Wi-Fi 6E) | NFC, Bluetooth 5.2, 802.11a/b/g/n/ac/ax (Wi-Fi 6E) |
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Wireless Controller | Killer Wi-Fi 6E AX1675 | Intel Wi-Fi 6E AX 211 |
Features | - | Dual stream (2x2) |
BATTERY | MSI Creator Z16 (A11UE) | Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Extreme Gen 5 (21DE) |
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Technology | 4-cell lithium polymer | Lithium polymer |
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Battery Capacity (Size) | 90 Wh | 90 Wh |
AC ADAPTER | MSI Creator Z16 (A11UE) | Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Extreme Gen 5 (21DE) |
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Input | - | AC 100-240 V (50/60 Hz) |
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Output | 180 Watt | 170 Watt |
INPUT | MSI Creator Z16 (A11UE) | Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Extreme Gen 5 (21DE) |
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Type | Keyboard, touchpad | Keyboard, TrackPoint, UltraNav |
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Keyboard Backlight | Yes (RGB) | Yes |
Features | Per-key RGB | Spill-resistant, multi-touch touchpad, Fn keys with Unified Communications controls, glass touchpad |
CONNECTIONS & EXPANSIONS | MSI Creator Z16 (A11UE) | Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Extreme Gen 5 (21DE) |
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Slots | 2 x M.2 (PCI Express 4.0) (1 free) | 2 x M.2 (PCI Express 4.0 x4) (1 free) |
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Interfaces | Headphone/microphone combo jack 2 x USB-C (supports Thunderbolt 4, DisplayPort Alt Mode) 2 x USB 3.2 Gen 2 |
USB 3.2 Gen 1 USB 3.2 Gen 1 (Always On) 2 x USB4 (supports Thunderbolt 4, DisplayPort 1.4 Alt Mode) (Power Delivery 3.0) HDMI Headphone/microphone combo jack |
Memory Card Reader | Yes (microSD) | Yes (SD Express Card) |
SOFTWARE | MSI Creator Z16 (A11UE) | Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Extreme Gen 5 (21DE) |
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Operating System (OS) | Windows 10 Home Advanced | Windows 10 Pro 64-bit Edition (available through downgrade rights from Windows 11 Pro) + Windows 11 Pro Licence - German |
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Software Included | Norton Internet Security (60 days trial), SteelSeries Engine 3, Norton Studio (Metro UI), Microsoft Office 2016 (30 days trial), Nahimic Audio Enhancer 3, NVIDIA GeForce Experience, MSI True Color 3.0, MSI Battery Master | Glance by Mirametrix |
MISCELLANEOUS | MSI Creator Z16 (A11UE) | Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Extreme Gen 5 (21DE) |
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Included Accessories | Power adapter | Power adapter |
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Security | Fingerprint reader | 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 | SteelSeries gaming keyboard, MIL-STD-810G tested, Cooler Boost Trinity+ technology | Administrator password, system 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, Energy-Related Products (ErP) Lot 3, TCG Certified, TÜV Rheinland Low Blue Light Method 2 |
ENERGY STAR Certified | - | Yes |
EPEAT Compliant | - | EPEAT Gold |
TCO Certified | - | TCO Certified Notebooks 9 |
Max Operating Temperature | - | 35 °C |
Min Operating Temperature | - | 5 °C |
Humidity Range Operating | - | 8 - 95% |
Manufacturer Warranty | Limited warranty - 2 years | Base warranty - 3 years - pick-up and return Base warranty - battery - 1 year Extended warranty - 3 years - on-site |
Model Number | 204UK | - |