In depth comparison and review of Lenovo ThinkPad L14 Gen 3 (21C5) and ASUS M515DA (BQ1214). 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 Lenovo ThinkPad L14 Gen 3 (21C5) based on its technical characteristics, features, user experience, expert reviews and price level.
robust build quality
efficient performance
excellent keyboard comfort
good battery life
versatile connectivity options
mediocre display resolution
heavier design
limited graphics power
higher price point
Advantages and disadvantages of ASUS M515DA (BQ1214) based on its technical characteristics, features, user experience, expert reviews and price level.
affordable price
lightweight design
solid state drive
adequate connectivity options
full hd display
average battery life
modest graphics performance
limited upgradeability
no backlit keyboard
| DESIGN AND DIMENSIONS | Lenovo ThinkPad L14 Gen 3 (21C5) | ASUS M515DA (BQ1214) |
|---|
| Product Type | Notebook | Notebook |
|---|---|---|
| Dimensions (WxDxH) | 32.54 cm x 21.7 cm x 1.983 cm | 36 cm x 23.5 cm x 1.99 cm |
| Weight | 1.39 kg | 1.8 kg |
| Case Material | Polycarbonate ABS (bottom), polycarbonate ABS (top) | - |
| Colour | Thunder black | Slate grey |
| DISPLAY | Lenovo ThinkPad L14 Gen 3 (21C5) | ASUS M515DA (BQ1214) |
|---|
| Screen Size (Type) | 14" - IPS | 15.6" |
|---|---|---|
| LCD Backlight Technology | LED backlight | - |
| Screen Resolution | 1920 x 1080 (Full HD) | 1920 x 1080 (Full HD) |
| V-Sync Rate at Max Res. | - | 60 Hz |
| Widescreen | Yes | Yes |
| Image Aspect Ratio | 16:9 | 16:9 |
| Image Brightness | 250 cd/m² | 200 cd/m² |
| Colour Gamut | 45% NTSC | 45% NTSC |
| Features | Anti-glare, 170° viewing angle | Anti-glare, NanoEdge display, 178° viewing angle, 83% screen-to-body ratio |
| PROCESSOR | Lenovo ThinkPad L14 Gen 3 (21C5) | ASUS M515DA (BQ1214) |
|---|
| CPU | AMD Ryzen 5 Pro 5675U / 2.3 GHz | AMD Ryzen 3 3250U / 2.6 GHz |
|---|---|---|
| Max Turbo Speed | 4.3 GHz | 3.5 GHz |
| Number of Cores | 6-core | Quad-Core |
| Cache | L3 - 16 MB | L3 - 4 MB |
| Features | Integrated memory controller | - |
| MEMORY | Lenovo ThinkPad L14 Gen 3 (21C5) | ASUS M515DA (BQ1214) |
|---|
| RAM | 8 GB (1 x 8 GB) | 4 GB (provided memory is soldered) |
|---|---|---|
| Max RAM Supported | 64 GB | - |
| RAM Type | DDR4 SDRAM | DDR4 SDRAM |
| Speed | 3200 MHz | - |
| Rated Speed | 3200 MHz | - |
| Form Factor | SO-DIMM 260-pin | - |
| Slots Qty | 2 | - |
| Empty Slots | 1 | - |
| STORAGE | Lenovo ThinkPad L14 Gen 3 (21C5) | ASUS M515DA (BQ1214) |
|---|
| Main Storage Size (HDD/SSD) | 256 GB SSD M.2 2242 PCIe 4.0 x4 - TCG Opal Encryption 2, NVM Express (NVMe) | 256 GB SSD M.2 PCIe 3.0 - NVM Express (NVMe) |
|---|
| AUDIO & VIDEO | Lenovo ThinkPad L14 Gen 3 (21C5) | ASUS M515DA (BQ1214) |
|---|
| Graphics Processor (GPU) | AMD Radeon Graphics | AMD Radeon Graphics |
|---|---|---|
| Max Monitors Supported | 3 external monitor(s) | - |
| Camera | Yes - 1080p | Yes - VGA |
| Camera Features | Privacy shutter, IR camera, Windows Hello, fixed focus | - |
| Sound | Stereo speakers, dual array microphone | Speaker, microphone |
| Codec | Realtek ALC3287 | - |
| Compliant Standards | High Definition Audio, Dolby Audio | - |
| Audio Features | - | ASUS SonicMaster |
| COMMUNICATIONS | Lenovo ThinkPad L14 Gen 3 (21C5) | ASUS M515DA (BQ1214) |
|---|
| Wireless | Bluetooth 5.2, 802.11a/b/g/n/ac/ax (Wi-Fi 6E) | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac, Bluetooth 4.1 |
|---|---|---|
| Wireless Controller | AMD RZ616 - M.2 Card | - |
| Network Interface | Gigabit Ethernet | - |
| Ethernet Controller | Realtek RTL8111EPV | - |
| Compliant Standards | DASH | - |
| Features | Wake-on-LAN (WOL), dual stream (2x2) | Single stream (1x1) |
| WWAN |
|---|
| Generation | 4G upgradable | - |
|---|
| BATTERY | Lenovo ThinkPad L14 Gen 3 (21C5) | ASUS M515DA (BQ1214) |
|---|
| Technology | Lithium polymer | 2-cell Lithium Ion |
|---|---|---|
| Battery Capacity (Size) | 57 Wh | 37 Wh |
| AC ADAPTER | Lenovo ThinkPad L14 Gen 3 (21C5) | ASUS M515DA (BQ1214) |
|---|
| Input | AC 100-240 V (50/60 Hz) | AC 100-240 V (50/60 Hz) |
|---|---|---|
| Output | 65 Watt | 45 Watt, 19 V, 2.37 A |
| INPUT | Lenovo ThinkPad L14 Gen 3 (21C5) | ASUS M515DA (BQ1214) |
|---|
| Type | Keyboard, TrackPoint, UltraNav | Keyboard, touchpad |
|---|---|---|
| Numeric Keypad | - | Yes |
| Keyboard Backlight | Yes | Yes |
| Features | Spill-resistant, multi-touch touchpad, Fn keys with Unified Communications controls | Chiclet keyboard |
| CONNECTIONS & EXPANSIONS | Lenovo ThinkPad L14 Gen 3 (21C5) | ASUS M515DA (BQ1214) |
|---|
| Interfaces | USB 3.2 Gen 1 USB 3.2 Gen 1 (Always On) HDMI USB-C 3.2 Gen 1 (supports DisplayPort 1.4 Alt Mode) (Power Delivery 3.0) USB-C 3.2 Gen 2 (supports DisplayPort 1.4 Alt Mode) (Power Delivery 3.0) Headphone/microphone combo jack LAN |
Headphone/microphone combo jack USB 3.2 Gen 1 2 x USB 2.0 HDMI USB-C 3.2 Gen 1 |
|---|---|---|
| Memory Card Reader | Yes (microSD) | Yes (microSD) |
| SOFTWARE | Lenovo ThinkPad L14 Gen 3 (21C5) | ASUS M515DA (BQ1214) |
|---|
| Operating System (OS) | Windows 10 Pro 64-bit Edition (available through downgrade rights from Windows 11 Pro) + Windows 11 Pro Licence - Dutch / English / French / German / Italian | No operating system |
|---|---|---|
| Software Included | - | McAfee LiveSafe, MyASUS, Microsoft Office Home and Student 2021, Microsoft 365 (1 month trial) |
| MISCELLANEOUS | Lenovo ThinkPad L14 Gen 3 (21C5) | ASUS M515DA (BQ1214) |
|---|
| Included Accessories | USB-C power adapter | Power adapter, backpack, wired optical mouse, Carry bag |
|---|---|---|
| Security | Discrete Trusted Platform Module (TPM 2.0) Security Chip, fingerprint reader, smart card reader | Firmware Trusted Platform Module (TPM) Security Chip, fingerprint reader |
| Security Slot Type | Kensington nano security slot | Kensington security slot |
| Theft/Intrusion Protection | Security lock slot (cable lock sold separately) | Security lock slot (cable lock sold separately) |
| Features | Administrator password, power-on password, RapidCharge, MIL-STD-810H tested, self-healing BIOS, NVMe password | System password |
| Compliant Standards | RoHS, Energy-Related Products (ErP) Lot 3, TCG Certified | - |
| ENERGY STAR Certified | - | Yes |
| Max Operating Temperature | 35 °C | - |
| Min Operating Temperature | 5 °C | - |
| Humidity Range Operating | 8 - 95% | - |
| Manufacturer Warranty | Base warranty - 1 year - pick-up and return Extended warranty - 1 year - on-site |
- |