In depth comparison and review of Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Extreme Gen 3 (20TL) and Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 11 (21HN). 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 X1 Extreme Gen 3 (20TL) based on its technical characteristics, features, user experience, expert reviews and price level.
robust build quality
powerful processor performance
excellent keyboard feel
high-resolution display
good thermal management
heavier than competitors
short battery life
expensive price point
limited port variety
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
| DESIGN AND DIMENSIONS | Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Extreme Gen 3 (20TL) | Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 11 (21HN) |
|---|
| Product Type | Notebook - 180-degree hinge design | Notebook - 180-degree hinge design |
|---|---|---|
| Dimensions (WxDxH) | 36.18 cm x 24.57 cm x 1.84 cm | 31.56 cm x 22.25 cm x 1.536 cm |
| Weight | 1.7 kg | 1.12 kg |
| Case Material | Carbon fibre hybrid (top), aluminium alloy (bottom) | Aluminium (bottom), carbon fibre (top) |
| Colour | Black weave | Deep black paint |
| DISPLAY | Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Extreme Gen 3 (20TL) | Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 11 (21HN) |
|---|
| Screen Size (Type) | 15.6" - IPS | 14" - IPS |
|---|---|---|
| LCD Backlight Technology | LED backlight | - |
| Screen Resolution | 3840 x 2160 (Ultra HD 4K) | 1920 x 1200 (WUXGA) |
| Widescreen | Yes | Yes |
| Image Aspect Ratio | 16:9 | 16:10 |
| Image Brightness | 600 cd/m² | 400 cd/m² |
| Colour Gamut | 100% Adobe RGB | 100% sRGB |
| Features | Anti-glare, HDR (high dynamic range), 178° viewing angle, Dolby Vision | Anti-glare, Low Power, Eyesafe technology |
| PROCESSOR | Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Extreme Gen 3 (20TL) | Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 11 (21HN) |
|---|
| CPU | Intel Core i7 (10th Gen) 10850H / 2.7 GHz | Intel Core i7 (13th Gen) 1365U / 1.8 GHz |
|---|---|---|
| Max Turbo Speed | 5.1 GHz | 5.2 GHz |
| Number of Cores | 6-core | 10-core |
| Cache | 12 MB | 12 MB |
| Chipset | Mobile Intel WM490 | - |
| Features | Integrated memory controller | Integrated memory controller |
| MEMORY | Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Extreme Gen 3 (20TL) | Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 11 (21HN) |
|---|
| RAM | 32 GB (2 x 16 GB) | 16 GB (provided memory is soldered) |
|---|---|---|
| Max RAM Supported | 64 GB | - |
| RAM Type | DDR4 SDRAM | LPDDR5 SDRAM |
| Speed | 2933 MHz | 6400 MHz |
| Rated Speed | 3200 MHz | 6400 MHz |
| Form Factor | SO-DIMM 260-pin | - |
| Slots Qty | 2 | - |
| Empty Slots | 0 | - |
| STORAGE | Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Extreme Gen 3 (20TL) | Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 11 (21HN) |
|---|
| Main Storage Size (HDD/SSD) | 256 GB SSD M.2 2280 PCIe 3.0 x4 - TCG Opal Encryption - Western Digital | 512 GB SSD M.2 2280 PCIe 4.0 x4 - TCG Opal Encryption - Kioxia |
|---|
| AUDIO & VIDEO | Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Extreme Gen 3 (20TL) | Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 11 (21HN) |
|---|
| Graphics Processor (GPU) | Intel UHD Graphics | Intel Iris Xe Graphics |
|---|---|---|
| Max Monitors Supported | 3 external monitor(s) | 3 external monitor(s) |
| Video System Features | - | Functions as Intel UHD graphics (for single-channel memory) |
| Camera | Yes - 720p | Yes - 1080p |
| Camera Features | IR camera, Windows Hello, fixed focus, 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 ALC3286 | Realtek ALC3306 |
| Compliant Standards | High Definition Audio, Dolby Atmos | High Definition Audio, Dolby Atmos |
| Audio Features | 3-magnet speakers | Input: Dolby Voice, 360° far-field |
| COMMUNICATIONS | Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Extreme Gen 3 (20TL) | Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 11 (21HN) |
|---|
| Wireless | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac/ax, Bluetooth 5.2 | Bluetooth 5.1, 802.11a/b/g/n/ac/ax (Wi-Fi 6E) |
|---|---|---|
| Wireless Controller | Intel Wi-Fi 6 AX 201 | Intel Wi-Fi 6E AX 211 |
| BATTERY | Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Extreme Gen 3 (20TL) | Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 11 (21HN) |
|---|
| Technology | 4-cell lithium polymer | 4-cell lithium polymer |
|---|---|---|
| Battery Capacity (Size) | 80 Wh | 57 Wh |
| Battery Life | Up to 15.6 hours | - |
| AC ADAPTER | Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Extreme Gen 3 (20TL) | Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 11 (21HN) |
|---|
| Input | AC 100-240 V (50/60 Hz) | AC 100-240 V (50/60 Hz) |
|---|---|---|
| Output | 135 Watt, 20 V | 65 Watt |
| INPUT | Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Extreme Gen 3 (20TL) | 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, Fn keys with Unified Communications controls | Spill-resistant, multi-touch touchpad, Fn keys with Unified Communications controls, glass touchpad, air intake key design |
| CONNECTIONS & EXPANSIONS | Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Extreme Gen 3 (20TL) | Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 11 (21HN) |
|---|
| Slots | 2 x M.2 Card (1 free) | - |
|---|---|---|
| Interfaces | USB 3.2 Gen 1 USB 3.2 Gen 1 (Always On) 2 x USB-C 3.2 Gen 2 (supports Thunderbolt 3, DisplayPort 1.2 Alt Mode) (Power Delivery) HDMI Headphone/microphone combo jack |
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 (SD Card, SDHC Card, SDXC Card, SDXC UHS-II Card) | - |
| SOFTWARE | Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Extreme Gen 3 (20TL) | Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 11 (21HN) |
|---|
| Operating System (OS) | Windows 10 Home 64-bit Edition | Windows 10 Pro 64-bit Edition (available through downgrade rights from Windows 11 Pro) + Windows 11 Pro Licence |
|---|
| MISCELLANEOUS | Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Extreme Gen 3 (20TL) | Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 11 (21HN) |
|---|
| Included Accessories | Power adapter | USB-C power adapter |
|---|---|---|
| Security | Discrete Trusted Platform Module (TPM 2.0) Security Chip, fingerprint 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, RapidCharge, MIL-STD-810G tested, self-healing BIOS | 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, TCG Certified | RoHS, Energy-Related Products (ErP) Lot 6, TCG Certified, Energy-Related Products (ErP) Lot 26, TCO Certified 9.0 |
| SAR Value | 2.512 W/kg (body), 0.967 W/kg (limb) | - |
| ENERGY STAR Certified | Yes | - |
| EPEAT Compliant | EPEAT Gold | - |
| Max Operating Temperature | 35 °C | 35 °C |
| Min Operating Temperature | 5 °C | 5 °C |
| Humidity Range Operating | 8 - 95% | 8 - 95% |