Lenovo ThinkPad T490 (20N2) vs. Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 11 (21HN)

Laptop Comparison, Reviews and Tests
Lenovo ThinkPad T490 (20N2)
Lenovo ThinkPad T490 (20N2)

Our Rating: 78 %

Detailed comparison and review of Lenovo ThinkPad T490 (20N2) and Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 11 (21HN). 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.

Lenovo ThinkPad T490 (20N2) Review

Advantages and disadvantages of Lenovo ThinkPad T490 (20N2) based on its technical characteristics, features, user experience, expert reviews and price level.

robust build quality

excellent keyboard comfort

impressive battery life

good security features

reliable performance

mediocre display quality

limited graphics power

noisy under load

heavier than competitors

Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 11 (21HN) Review

Advantages and disadvantages of Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 11 (21HN) based on its technical characteristics, features, user experience, expert reviews and price level.

lightweight and portable

robust build quality

excellent keyboard feel

impressive battery life

high-resolution display

high price point

limited graphics performance

fewer ports available

average webcam quality

Laptop Comparison and Tests

Difference between Lenovo ThinkPad T490 (20N2) and Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 11 (21HN)
81 % - Design
72 % - Display
75 % - Performance
85 % - Connectivity
75 % - Battery
81 % - Design
85 % - Display
90 % - Performance
85 % - Connectivity
85 % - Battery

Laptop Specifications Comparison

Lenovo ThinkPad T490 (20N2) vs. Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 11 (21HN) Comparison Chart
DESIGN AND DIMENSIONS Lenovo ThinkPad T490 (20N2) Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 11 (21HN)
Product Type Notebook Notebook - 180-degree hinge design
Dimensions (WxDxH) 32.9 cm x 22.7 cm x 1.79 cm 31.56 cm x 22.25 cm x 1.536 cm
Weight 1.55 kg 1.12 kg
Case Material Glass-fibre, polyphenylene sulfide, polyamide Aluminium (bottom), carbon fibre (top)
Colour Black Deep black paint
DISPLAY Lenovo ThinkPad T490 (20N2) Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 11 (21HN)
Screen Size (Type) 14" - IPS 14" - IPS
LCD Backlight Technology 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 400 cd/m²
Colour Gamut 45% 100% sRGB
Features Anti-glare Anti-glare, Low Power, Eyesafe technology
PROCESSOR Lenovo ThinkPad T490 (20N2) Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 11 (21HN)
CPU Intel Core i5 (8th Gen) 8265U / 1.6 GHz Intel Core i7 (13th Gen) 1365U / 1.8 GHz
Max Turbo Speed 3.9 GHz 5.2 GHz
Number of Cores Quad-Core 10-core
Cache 6 MB 12 MB
64-bit Computing Yes -
Features Integrated memory controller Integrated memory controller
MEMORY Lenovo ThinkPad T490 (20N2) Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 11 (21HN)
RAM 8 GB (provided memory is soldered) 16 GB (provided memory is soldered)
Max RAM Supported 40 GB -
RAM Type DDR4 SDRAM LPDDR5 SDRAM
Speed 2400 MHz 6400 MHz
Rated Speed 2666 MHz 6400 MHz
Form Factor SO-DIMM 260-pin -
Slots Qty 1 -
Empty Slots 1 -
STORAGE Lenovo ThinkPad T490 (20N2) Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 11 (21HN)
Main Storage Size (HDD/SSD) 256 GB SSD M.2 2280 PCIe - TCG Opal Encryption 2, NVM Express (NVMe) 512 GB SSD M.2 2280 PCIe 4.0 x4 - TCG Opal Encryption - Kioxia
AUDIO & VIDEO Lenovo ThinkPad T490 (20N2) Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 11 (21HN)
Graphics Processor (GPU) Intel UHD 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 ThinkShutter camera privacy Privacy shutter, Windows Hello, fixed focus, hybrid FHD/IR camera
Sound Stereo speakers, dual array microphone Stereo speakers, two tweeters, two woofers, quad array microphone
Codec Realtek ALC3287 Realtek ALC3306
Compliant Standards High Definition Audio, Dolby Audio Premium High Definition Audio, Dolby Atmos
Audio Features - Input: Dolby Voice, 360° far-field
COMMUNICATIONS Lenovo ThinkPad T490 (20N2) Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 11 (21HN)
Wireless 802.11a/b/g/n/ac, Bluetooth 5.0 Bluetooth 5.1, 802.11a/b/g/n/ac/ax (Wi-Fi 6E)
Wireless Controller Intel Wireless-AC 9560 Intel Wi-Fi 6E AX 211
Network Interface Gigabit Ethernet -
Ethernet Controller Intel I219-V -
WWAN
Generation 4G -
Technology LTE -
Controller FIBOCOM L830-EB - M.2 Card -
BATTERY Lenovo ThinkPad T490 (20N2) Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 11 (21HN)
Technology Lithium Ion 4-cell lithium polymer
Battery Capacity (Size) 50 Wh 57 Wh
Battery Life Up to 16.11 hours -
AC ADAPTER Lenovo ThinkPad T490 (20N2) Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 11 (21HN)
Input AC 120/230 V (50/60 Hz) AC 100-240 V (50/60 Hz)
Output 65 Watt 65 Watt
INPUT Lenovo ThinkPad T490 (20N2) Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 11 (21HN)
Type Keyboard, TrackPoint, UltraNav Keyboard, TrackPoint, UltraNav
Keyboard Backlight Yes Yes
Features Spill-resistant, multi-touch touchpad, buttonless touchpad Spill-resistant, multi-touch touchpad, Fn keys with Unified Communications controls, glass touchpad, air intake key design
CONNECTIONS & EXPANSIONS Lenovo ThinkPad T490 (20N2) Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 11 (21HN)
Slots 1 x Nano-SIM card (1 free) -
Interfaces USB 3.1 Gen 1
USB 3.1 Gen 1 (Always On)
USB-C 3.1 Gen 1
USB-C 3.1 Gen 2 (supports Thunderbolt 3)
HDMI
Dock
Headphone/microphone combo jack
LAN
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
Memory Card Reader Yes (microSD) -
SOFTWARE Lenovo ThinkPad T490 (20N2) Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 11 (21HN)
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
MISCELLANEOUS Lenovo ThinkPad T490 (20N2) Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 11 (21HN)
Dockable Yes -
Included Accessories USB-C power adapter USB-C power adapter
Security Trusted Platform Module (TPM 2.0) Security Chip, fingerprint reader, smart card reader Discrete Trusted Platform Module (TPM 2.0) Security Chip, fingerprint 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, MIL-STD-810G tested Administrator password, system password, power-on password, RapidCharge, MIL-STD-810H tested, NVMe password, certificate based BIOS authentication, FIDO (Fast Identity Online) authentication
Compliant Standards RoHS RoHS, Energy-Related Products (ErP) Lot 6, TCG Certified, Energy-Related Products (ErP) Lot 26, TCO Certified 9.0
ENERGY STAR Certified Yes -
EPEAT Compliant EPEAT Gold -
Max Operating Temperature - 35 °C
Min Operating Temperature - 5 °C
Humidity Range Operating - 8 - 95%
Manufacturer Warranty Limited warranty - 3 years - pick-up and return
Limited warranty - battery - 1 year
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