Lenovo ThinkPad X280 (20KE) vs. Lenovo IdeaPad 520-15IKB (Lenovo IdeaPad 520)

Laptop Comparison, Reviews and Tests
Lenovo ThinkPad X280 (20KE)
Lenovo ThinkPad X280 (20KE)

In depth comparison and review of Lenovo ThinkPad X280 (20KE) and Lenovo IdeaPad 520-15IKB (Lenovo IdeaPad 520). 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.

Laptop Comparison and Tests

Difference between Lenovo ThinkPad X280 (20KE) and Lenovo IdeaPad 520-15IKB (Lenovo IdeaPad 520)

Laptop Specifications Comparison

Lenovo ThinkPad X280 (20KE) vs. Lenovo IdeaPad 520-15IKB (Lenovo IdeaPad 520) Comparison Chart
DESIGN AND DIMENSIONS Lenovo ThinkPad X280 (20KE) Lenovo IdeaPad 520-15IKB (Lenovo IdeaPad 520)
Product Type Notebook Notebook
Dimensions (WxDxH) 30.77 cm x 20.98 cm x 1.78 cm 37.8 cm x 26 cm x 2.2 cm
Weight 1.26 kg 2.2 kg
Case Material Glass-fibre, magnesium-aluminum alloy Metal
Colour Black Gold
DISPLAY Lenovo ThinkPad X280 (20KE) Lenovo IdeaPad 520-15IKB (Lenovo IdeaPad 520)
Screen Size (Type) 12.5" - TN 15.6" - IPS
LCD Backlight Technology LED backlight LED backlight
Screen Resolution 1366 x 768 (HD) 1920 x 1080 (Full HD)
Widescreen Yes Yes
Image Aspect Ratio 16:9 16:9
Image Brightness 220 cd/m² 250 cd/m²
Features Anti-glare Anti-glare
PROCESSOR Lenovo ThinkPad X280 (20KE) Lenovo IdeaPad 520-15IKB (Lenovo IdeaPad 520)
CPU Intel Core i5 (8th Gen) 8350U / 1.7 GHz Intel Core i5 (7th Gen) 7200U / 2.5 GHz
Max Turbo Speed 3.6 GHz 3.1 GHz
Number of Cores Quad-Core Dual-Core
Cache 6 MB 3 MB
64-bit Computing Yes Yes
Features Integrated memory controller Integrated memory controller
MEMORY Lenovo ThinkPad X280 (20KE) Lenovo IdeaPad 520-15IKB (Lenovo IdeaPad 520)
RAM 8 GB (provided memory is soldered) 8 GB (1 x 4 GB + 4 GB (soldered))
Max RAM Supported - 16 GB
RAM Type DDR4 SDRAM DDR4 SDRAM
Speed 2400 MHz 2133 MHz
Rated Speed 2400 MHz 2133 MHz
Form Factor - SO-DIMM 260-pin
Slots Qty - 1
Empty Slots - 0
STORAGE Lenovo ThinkPad X280 (20KE) Lenovo IdeaPad 520-15IKB (Lenovo IdeaPad 520)
Main Storage Size (HDD/SSD) 128 GB SSD M.2 SATA 6Gb/s - Samsung 256 GB SSD 2.5" SATA 6Gb/s
AUDIO & VIDEO Lenovo ThinkPad X280 (20KE) Lenovo IdeaPad 520-15IKB (Lenovo IdeaPad 520)
Multi-GPU Configuration - 1 single GPU card / integrated GPU
Graphics Processor (GPU) Intel UHD Graphics 620 NVIDIA GeForce 940MX / Intel HD Graphics 620
Video Memory - 2 GB GDDR5 SDRAM
Camera Yes - 720p Yes - 720p
Resolution - 1 Megapixel
Camera Features ThinkShutter camera privacy -
Sound Stereo speakers, dual array microphone Stereo speakers, dual array microphone
Codec Realtek ALC3287 -
Compliant Standards High Definition Audio, Dolby Audio Premium High Definition Audio, Dolby Audio
Audio Features - Harman audio technology
COMMUNICATIONS Lenovo ThinkPad X280 (20KE) Lenovo IdeaPad 520-15IKB (Lenovo IdeaPad 520)
Wireless 802.11a/b/g/n/ac, Bluetooth 4.1 802.11a/b/g/n/ac, Bluetooth 4.1
Wireless Controller Intel Dual Band Wireless-AC 8265 - M.2 Card M.2 Card
Network Interface - Gigabit Ethernet
Features Gigabit Ethernet via optional Ethernet (RJ-45) adapter -
BATTERY Lenovo ThinkPad X280 (20KE) Lenovo IdeaPad 520-15IKB (Lenovo IdeaPad 520)
Technology 6-cell Lithium Ion 2-cell Lithium Ion
Battery Capacity (Size) 48 Wh 30 Wh
Battery Life Up to 16.6 hours Up to 6 hours
AC ADAPTER Lenovo ThinkPad X280 (20KE) Lenovo IdeaPad 520-15IKB (Lenovo IdeaPad 520)
Input AC 120/230 V (50/60 Hz) AC 120/230 V (50/60 Hz)
Output 45 Watt, 5 / 9 / 15 / 20 V 65 Watt
INPUT Lenovo ThinkPad X280 (20KE) Lenovo IdeaPad 520-15IKB (Lenovo IdeaPad 520)
Type Keyboard, TrackPoint, UltraNav Keyboard, touchpad
Numeric Keypad - Yes
Keyboard Backlight - Yes
Features Spill-resistant, multi-touch touchpad, buttonless touchpad -
CONNECTIONS & EXPANSIONS Lenovo ThinkPad X280 (20KE) Lenovo IdeaPad 520-15IKB (Lenovo IdeaPad 520)
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
Lenovo Ethernet extension connector
Dock
Headphone/microphone combo jack
USB-C 3.0
2 x USB 3.0
HDMI
LAN
Headphone/microphone combo jack
Memory Card Reader Yes (microSD) 4 in 1 (SD Card, MultiMediaCard, SDHC Card, SDXC Card)
SOFTWARE Lenovo ThinkPad X280 (20KE) Lenovo IdeaPad 520-15IKB (Lenovo IdeaPad 520)
Operating System (OS) Windows 10 Pro 64-bit Edition Windows 10 Home 64-bit Edition - English
MISCELLANEOUS Lenovo ThinkPad X280 (20KE) Lenovo IdeaPad 520-15IKB (Lenovo IdeaPad 520)
Dockable Yes -
Included Accessories USB-C power adapter Power adapter
Security Trusted Platform Module (TPM 2.0) Security Chip -
Security Slot Type Kensington mini security slot Kensington mini 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, hard drive password, power-on password
Compliant Standards RoHS RoHS
ENERGY STAR Certified Yes Yes
Manufacturer Warranty - Limited warranty - 1 year - pick-up and return
Model Number - 15IKB 80YL
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