In depth comparison and review of Lenovo ThinkPad X13s Gen 1 (21BX) and Lenovo ThinkPad X13 Gen 3 (21BQ). 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 X13s Gen 1 (21BX) based on its technical characteristics, features, user experience, expert reviews and price level.
long battery life
lightweight design
robust security features
solid build quality
efficient performance
limited port selection
no headphone jack
average display brightness
higher price point
Advantages and disadvantages of Lenovo ThinkPad X13 Gen 3 (21BQ) based on its technical characteristics, features, user experience, expert reviews and price level.
robust build quality
excellent keyboard experience
impressive battery life
strong security features
portable design
average display brightness
limited graphics performance
noisy under load
higher price point
| DESIGN AND DIMENSIONS | Lenovo ThinkPad X13s Gen 1 (21BX) | Lenovo ThinkPad X13 Gen 3 (21BQ) |
|---|
| Product Type | Notebook | Notebook |
|---|---|---|
| Dimensions (WxDxH) | 29.87 cm x 20.64 cm x 1.34 cm | 30.58 cm x 21.756 cm x 1.81 cm |
| Weight | 1.06 kg | 1.26 kg |
| Case Material | Glass-fibre reinforced plastic (bottom), magnesium-aluminium alloy (top) | Polyphenylene sulfide (top), aluminium (bottom) |
| Colour | Thunder black | Thunder black |
| DISPLAY | Lenovo ThinkPad X13s Gen 1 (21BX) | Lenovo ThinkPad X13 Gen 3 (21BQ) |
|---|
| Screen Size (Type) | 13.3" - IPS | 13.3" - IPS |
|---|---|---|
| LCD Backlight Technology | LED backlight | LED backlight |
| Screen Resolution | 1920 x 1200 (WUXGA) | 1920 x 1200 (WUXGA) |
| Widescreen | Yes | Yes |
| Image Aspect Ratio | 16:10 | 16:10 |
| Image Brightness | 300 cd/m² | 300 cd/m² |
| Colour Gamut | 100% sRGB | 72% NTSC |
| Features | Anti-glare, 170° viewing angle | Anti-glare, 170° viewing angle |
| PROCESSOR | Lenovo ThinkPad X13s Gen 1 (21BX) | Lenovo ThinkPad X13 Gen 3 (21BQ) |
|---|
| CPU | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8cx Gen 3 | Intel Core i5 (12th Gen) 1245U / 1.6 GHz |
|---|---|---|
| Max Turbo Speed | 3 GHz | 4.4 GHz |
| Number of Cores | 8-core | 10-core |
| Cache | L2 - 1 MB | 12 MB |
| Features | Integrated memory controller | Integrated memory controller |
| MEMORY | Lenovo ThinkPad X13s Gen 1 (21BX) | Lenovo ThinkPad X13 Gen 3 (21BQ) |
|---|
| RAM | 16 GB (provided memory is soldered) | 16 GB (provided memory is soldered) |
|---|---|---|
| RAM Type | LPDDR4X SDRAM | LPDDR5 SDRAM |
| Speed | 4266 MHz | 4800 MHz |
| Rated Speed | 4266 MHz | 4800 MHz |
| STORAGE | Lenovo ThinkPad X13s Gen 1 (21BX) | Lenovo ThinkPad X13 Gen 3 (21BQ) |
|---|
| 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 2280 PCIe 4.0 x4 - TCG Opal Encryption - Union Memory |
|---|
| AUDIO & VIDEO | Lenovo ThinkPad X13s Gen 1 (21BX) | Lenovo ThinkPad X13 Gen 3 (21BQ) |
|---|
| Graphics Processor (GPU) | Qualcomm Adreno 690 | Intel Iris Xe Graphics |
|---|---|---|
| Max Monitors Supported | 2 external monitor(s) | 3 external monitor(s) |
| Camera | Yes | Yes - 720p |
| Resolution | 5 Megapixel | - |
| Camera Features | IR camera, fixed focus, e-camera shutter, MIPI | Privacy shutter, fixed focus |
| Sound | Stereo speakers, 3-microphone array | Stereo speakers, dual array microphone |
| Codec | Qualcomm WCD9385 | Realtek ALC3287 |
| Compliant Standards | High Definition Audio, Dolby Audio | High Definition Audio, Dolby Audio, Dolby Voice |
| COMMUNICATIONS | Lenovo ThinkPad X13s Gen 1 (21BX) | Lenovo ThinkPad X13 Gen 3 (21BQ) |
|---|
| Wireless | Bluetooth 5.2, 802.11a/b/g/n/ac/ax (Wi-Fi 6E) | Bluetooth 5.1, 802.11a/b/g/n/ac/ax (Wi-Fi 6E) |
|---|---|---|
| Wireless Controller | Qualcomm WCN6855 Wi-Fi 6E | Intel Wi-Fi 6E AX 211 |
| Features | Dual stream (2x2) | - |
| WWAN |
|---|
| Generation | 5G | - |
|---|---|---|
| Controller | Qualcomm Snapdragon X55 - M.2 Card | - |
| BATTERY | Lenovo ThinkPad X13s Gen 1 (21BX) | Lenovo ThinkPad X13 Gen 3 (21BQ) |
|---|
| Technology | Lithium polymer | 4-cell lithium polymer |
|---|---|---|
| Battery Capacity (Size) | 49.5 Wh | 54.7 Wh |
| Battery Life | Up to 28 hours | - |
| AC ADAPTER | Lenovo ThinkPad X13s Gen 1 (21BX) | Lenovo ThinkPad X13 Gen 3 (21BQ) |
|---|
| Input | AC 100-240 V (50/60 Hz) | AC 100-240 V (50/60 Hz) |
|---|---|---|
| Output | 65 Watt | 65 Watt, 5 / 9 / 15 / 20 V |
| INPUT | Lenovo ThinkPad X13s Gen 1 (21BX) | Lenovo ThinkPad X13 Gen 3 (21BQ) |
|---|
| Type | Keyboard, TrackPoint, UltraNav | Keyboard, TrackPoint, UltraNav |
|---|---|---|
| Keyboard Backlight | Yes | Yes |
| Features | Spill-resistant, multi-touch touchpad, Fn keys with Unified Communications controls | Spill-resistant, multi-touch touchpad, Fn keys with Unified Communications controls |
| CONNECTIONS & EXPANSIONS | Lenovo ThinkPad X13s Gen 1 (21BX) | Lenovo ThinkPad X13 Gen 3 (21BQ) |
|---|
| Slots | 1 x Nano-SIM card (1 free) | - |
|---|---|---|
| Interfaces | 2 x USB-C 3.2 Gen 2 (supports DisplayPort 1.4a Alt Mode) (Power Delivery 3.0) Headphone/microphone combo jack |
USB 3.2 Gen 1 (Always On) USB 3.2 Gen 1 2 x USB4 (supports Thunderbolt 4, DisplayPort 2.0 Alt Mode) (Power Delivery 3.0) HDMI Headphone/microphone combo jack |
| SOFTWARE | Lenovo ThinkPad X13s Gen 1 (21BX) | Lenovo ThinkPad X13 Gen 3 (21BQ) |
|---|
| Operating System (OS) | Windows 11 Pro (on ARM) - English | Windows 10 Pro 64-bit Edition (available through downgrade rights from Windows 11 Pro) + Windows 11 Pro Licence |
|---|
| MISCELLANEOUS | Lenovo ThinkPad X13s Gen 1 (21BX) | Lenovo ThinkPad X13 Gen 3 (21BQ) |
|---|
| Included Accessories | USB-C power adapter | USB-C power adapter |
|---|---|---|
| Security | Discrete Trusted Platform Module (TPM 2.0) Security Chip with Microsoft Pluton, fingerprint reader | Discrete Trusted Platform Module (TPM 2.0) Security Chip, fingerprint reader |
| Security Slot Type | Kensington nano 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, power-on password, MIL-STD-810H tested, self-healing BIOS | Administrator 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 | RoHS, Energy-Related Products (ErP) Lot 3, TCG Certified |
| ENERGY STAR Certified | Yes | Yes |
| EPEAT Compliant | EPEAT Gold | EPEAT Gold |
| Max Operating Temperature | 35 °C | 35 °C |
| Min Operating Temperature | 5 °C | 5 °C |
| Humidity Range Operating | 8 - 95% | 8 - 95% |
| Manufacturer Warranty | Base warranty - 3 years - pick-up and return Limited warranty - battery - 1 year Extended warranty - 1 year - on-site |
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