Detailed comparison and review of Lenovo ThinkPad E490 (20N8) and Lenovo ThinkPad T14 Gen 3 (21CF). 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.
Advantages and disadvantages of Lenovo ThinkPad E490 (20N8) based on its technical characteristics, features, user experience, expert reviews and price level.
robust build quality
excellent keyboard feel
reliable performance
good security features
competitive price point
average battery life
modest display quality
no thunderbolt support
heavier design
Advantages and disadvantages of Lenovo ThinkPad T14 Gen 3 (21CF) based on its technical characteristics, features, user experience, expert reviews and price level.
robust build quality
excellent keyboard feel
powerful processor options
good battery life
impressive security features
heavier than competitors
average display brightness
limited color options
expensive base model
| DESIGN AND DIMENSIONS | Lenovo ThinkPad E490 (20N8) | Lenovo ThinkPad T14 Gen 3 (21CF) |
|---|
| Product Type | Notebook | Notebook - 180-degree hinge design |
|---|---|---|
| Dimensions (WxDxH) | 32.9 cm x 24.2 cm x 1.99 cm | 31.77 cm x 22.69 cm x 1.79 cm |
| Weight | 1.75 kg | 1.32 kg |
| Case Material | Aluminum, polycarbonate ABS | Carbon fibre (top), glass-fibre (top), polycarbonate (top), polyphenylene sulfide (bottom) |
| Colour | Black | Thunder black |
| DISPLAY | Lenovo ThinkPad E490 (20N8) | Lenovo ThinkPad T14 Gen 3 (21CF) |
|---|
| Screen Size (Type) | 14" - IPS | 14" - IPS |
|---|---|---|
| LCD Backlight Technology | LED backlight | LED backlight |
| Screen Resolution | 1920 x 1080 (Full HD) | 1920 x 1200 (WUXGA) |
| Widescreen | Yes | Yes |
| Image Aspect Ratio | 16:9 | 16:10 |
| Image Brightness | 250 cd/m² | 300 cd/m² |
| Colour Gamut | - | 45% NTSC |
| Features | Anti-glare, 170° viewing angle | Anti-glare, 170° viewing angle |
| PROCESSOR | Lenovo ThinkPad E490 (20N8) | Lenovo ThinkPad T14 Gen 3 (21CF) |
|---|
| CPU | Intel Core i5 (8th Gen) 8265U / 1.6 GHz | AMD Ryzen 5 Pro 6650U / 2.9 GHz |
|---|---|---|
| Max Turbo Speed | 3.9 GHz | 4.5 GHz |
| Number of Cores | Quad-Core | 6-core |
| Cache | 6 MB | L3 - 16 MB |
| 64-bit Computing | Yes | - |
| Features | Integrated memory controller | Integrated memory controller |
| MEMORY | Lenovo ThinkPad E490 (20N8) | Lenovo ThinkPad T14 Gen 3 (21CF) |
|---|
| RAM | 8 GB (1 x 8 GB) | 8 GB (provided memory is soldered) |
|---|---|---|
| Max RAM Supported | 32 GB | - |
| RAM Type | DDR4 SDRAM | LPDDR5 SDRAM |
| Speed | 2400 MHz | 6400 MHz |
| Rated Speed | - | 6400 MHz |
| Form Factor | SO-DIMM 260-pin | - |
| Slots Qty | 2 | - |
| Empty Slots | 1 | - |
| STORAGE | Lenovo ThinkPad E490 (20N8) | Lenovo ThinkPad T14 Gen 3 (21CF) |
|---|
| Main Storage Size (HDD/SSD) | 256 GB SSD M.2 PCIe 3.0 x2 - NVM Express (NVMe) | 256 GB SSD M.2 2280 PCIe 4.0 x4 - TCG Opal Encryption 2, NVM Express (NVMe) |
|---|
| AUDIO & VIDEO | Lenovo ThinkPad E490 (20N8) | Lenovo ThinkPad T14 Gen 3 (21CF) |
|---|
| Graphics Processor (GPU) | Intel UHD Graphics | AMD Radeon 660M |
|---|---|---|
| Max Monitors Supported | - | 3 external monitor(s) |
| Camera | Yes - 720p | Yes - 1080p |
| Camera Features | - | Privacy shutter, IR camera, fixed focus |
| Sound | Stereo speakers, dual array microphone | Stereo speakers, dual array microphone |
| Codec | Conexant CX11880 | Realtek ALC3287 |
| Compliant Standards | High Definition Audio, Dolby Advanced Audio | High Definition Audio, Dolby Audio, Dolby Voice |
| COMMUNICATIONS | Lenovo ThinkPad E490 (20N8) | Lenovo ThinkPad T14 Gen 3 (21CF) |
|---|
| Wireless | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac, Bluetooth 5.0 | Bluetooth 5.2, 802.11a/b/g/n/ac/ax (Wi-Fi 6E) |
|---|---|---|
| Wireless Controller | Intel Dual Band Wireless-AC 9260 - M.2 Card | Qualcomm NFA725A |
| Network Interface | Gigabit Ethernet | Gigabit Ethernet |
| Ethernet Controller | Realtek R8111GUS | Realtek RTL8111EPV |
| Compliant Standards | - | DASH |
| Features | - | Wake-on-LAN (WOL), dual stream (2x2) |
| WWAN |
|---|
| Generation | - | 4G upgradable |
|---|
| BATTERY | Lenovo ThinkPad E490 (20N8) | Lenovo ThinkPad T14 Gen 3 (21CF) |
|---|
| Technology | Lithium Ion | Lithium polymer |
|---|---|---|
| Battery Capacity (Size) | 45 Wh | 52.5 Wh |
| Battery Life | Up to 13 hours | Up to 21.1 hours |
| AC ADAPTER | Lenovo ThinkPad E490 (20N8) | Lenovo ThinkPad T14 Gen 3 (21CF) |
|---|
| Input | AC 120/230 V (50/60 Hz) | AC 100-240 V (50/60 Hz) |
|---|---|---|
| Output | 65 Watt | 45 Watt |
| INPUT | Lenovo ThinkPad E490 (20N8) | Lenovo ThinkPad T14 Gen 3 (21CF) |
|---|
| Type | Keyboard, TrackPoint, UltraNav | Keyboard, TrackPoint, UltraNav |
|---|---|---|
| Keyboard Backlight | - | Yes |
| Features | Spill-resistant, multi-touch touchpad, buttonless touchpad | Spill-resistant, multi-touch touchpad, Fn keys with Unified Communications controls |
| CONNECTIONS & EXPANSIONS | Lenovo ThinkPad E490 (20N8) | Lenovo ThinkPad T14 Gen 3 (21CF) |
|---|
| Interfaces | USB 3.1 Gen 1 USB 3.1 Gen 1 (Always On) USB-C 3.1 Gen 2 USB 2.0 HDMI LAN Headphone/microphone combo jack |
USB 3.2 Gen 1 (Always On) USB 3.2 Gen 1 2 x USB-C 3.2 Gen 2 (supports DisplayPort 1.4a Alt Mode) (Power Delivery 3.0) HDMI LAN Headphone/microphone combo jack |
|---|---|---|
| Memory Card Reader | Yes (microSD) | - |
| SOFTWARE | Lenovo ThinkPad E490 (20N8) | Lenovo ThinkPad T14 Gen 3 (21CF) |
|---|
| Operating System (OS) | Windows 10 Pro 64-bit Edition - English | Windows 10 Pro 64-bit Edition (available through downgrade rights from Windows 11 Pro) + Windows 11 Pro Licence - French |
|---|---|---|
| Software Included | - | Glance by Mirametrix |
| MISCELLANEOUS | Lenovo ThinkPad E490 (20N8) | Lenovo ThinkPad T14 Gen 3 (21CF) |
|---|
| Included Accessories | USB-C power adapter | USB-C power adapter |
|---|---|---|
| Security | Trusted Platform Module (TPM 2.0) Security Chip, fingerprint reader | Discrete Trusted Platform Module (TPM 2.0) Security Chip with Microsoft Pluton, fingerprint reader, smart card reader |
| Security Slot Type | Kensington security slot | Kensington nano security slot |
| Theft/Intrusion Protection | Security lock slot (cable lock sold separately) | Security lock slot (cable lock sold separately) |
| Features | Administrator password, hard drive password, power-on password, RapidCharge, MIL-STD-810G tested | Administrator password, system password, power-on password, RapidCharge, MIL-STD-810H tested, self-healing BIOS, NVMe password, USB FIDO (Fast Identity Online) device integration, certificate based BIOS authentication |
| Compliant Standards | RoHS | RoHS, Energy-Related Products (ErP) Lot 3, TCG Certified |
| SAR Value | 0.47 W/kg (body), 0.47 W/kg (limb) | - |
| ENERGY STAR Certified | Yes | - |
| Max Operating Temperature | - | 35 °C |
| Min Operating Temperature | - | 5 °C |
| Humidity Range Operating | - | 8 - 95% |
| Manufacturer Warranty | Limited warranty - 1 year - pick-up and return | Base warranty - 3 years - pick-up and return Extended warranty - 1 year - on-site Base warranty - battery - 1 year |