Detailed comparison and review of Lenovo ThinkPad X280 (20KE) and Lenovo ThinkPad L14 Gen 3 (21C1). 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.
Advantages and disadvantages of Lenovo ThinkPad L14 Gen 3 (21C1) based on its technical characteristics, features, user experience, expert reviews and price level.
robust build quality
excellent keyboard feel
good battery life
solid performance
adequate connectivity options
mediocre display quality
heavier than competitors
limited graphics power
pricey base model
| DESIGN AND DIMENSIONS | Lenovo ThinkPad X280 (20KE) | Lenovo ThinkPad L14 Gen 3 (21C1) |
|---|
| Product Type | Notebook | Notebook |
|---|---|---|
| Dimensions (WxDxH) | 30.77 cm x 20.98 cm x 1.78 cm | 32.54 cm x 21.7 cm x 1.983 cm |
| Weight | 1.26 kg | 1.39 kg |
| Case Material | Glass-fibre, magnesium-aluminum alloy | Polycarbonate ABS (bottom), polycarbonate ABS (top) |
| Colour | Black | Thunder black |
| DISPLAY | Lenovo ThinkPad X280 (20KE) | Lenovo ThinkPad L14 Gen 3 (21C1) |
|---|
| Screen Size (Type) | 12.5" - TN | 14" - 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 |
| Colour Gamut | - | 45% NTSC |
| Features | Anti-glare | Anti-glare, 170° viewing angle |
| PROCESSOR | Lenovo ThinkPad X280 (20KE) | Lenovo ThinkPad L14 Gen 3 (21C1) |
|---|
| CPU | Intel Core i5 (8th Gen) 8350U / 1.7 GHz | Intel Core i5 (12th Gen) 1235U / 1.3 GHz |
|---|---|---|
| Max Turbo Speed | 3.6 GHz | 4.4 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 X280 (20KE) | Lenovo ThinkPad L14 Gen 3 (21C1) |
|---|
| RAM | 8 GB (provided memory is soldered) | 8 GB (1 x 8 GB) |
|---|---|---|
| Max RAM Supported | - | 64 GB |
| RAM Type | DDR4 SDRAM | DDR4 SDRAM |
| Speed | 2400 MHz | 3200 MHz |
| Rated Speed | 2400 MHz | 3200 MHz |
| Form Factor | - | SO-DIMM 260-pin |
| Slots Qty | - | 2 |
| Empty Slots | - | 1 |
| STORAGE | Lenovo ThinkPad X280 (20KE) | Lenovo ThinkPad L14 Gen 3 (21C1) |
|---|
| Main Storage Size (HDD/SSD) | 128 GB SSD M.2 SATA 6Gb/s - Samsung | 256 GB SSD M.2 2242 PCIe 4.0 x4 - TCG Opal Encryption 2, NVM Express (NVMe) |
|---|
| AUDIO & VIDEO | Lenovo ThinkPad X280 (20KE) | Lenovo ThinkPad L14 Gen 3 (21C1) |
|---|
| Graphics Processor (GPU) | Intel UHD Graphics 620 | Intel Iris Xe Graphics |
|---|---|---|
| Max Monitors Supported | - | 3 external monitor(s) |
| Camera | Yes - 720p | Yes - 1080p |
| Camera Features | ThinkShutter camera privacy | Privacy shutter, IR camera, Windows Hello, fixed focus |
| Sound | Stereo speakers, dual array microphone | Stereo speakers, dual array microphone |
| Codec | Realtek ALC3287 | Realtek ALC3287 |
| Compliant Standards | High Definition Audio, Dolby Audio Premium | High Definition Audio, Dolby Audio |
| COMMUNICATIONS | Lenovo ThinkPad X280 (20KE) | Lenovo ThinkPad L14 Gen 3 (21C1) |
|---|
| Wireless | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac, Bluetooth 4.1 | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac/ax, Bluetooth 5.2 |
|---|---|---|
| Wireless Controller | Intel Dual Band Wireless-AC 8265 - M.2 Card | Intel Wi-Fi 6 AX 201 - M.2 Card |
| Network Interface | - | Gigabit Ethernet |
| Features | Gigabit Ethernet via optional Ethernet (RJ-45) adapter | Wake-on-LAN (WOL), dual stream (2x2) |
| BATTERY | Lenovo ThinkPad X280 (20KE) | Lenovo ThinkPad L14 Gen 3 (21C1) |
|---|
| Technology | 6-cell Lithium Ion | Lithium polymer |
|---|---|---|
| Battery Capacity (Size) | 48 Wh | 57 Wh |
| Battery Life | Up to 16.6 hours | - |
| AC ADAPTER | Lenovo ThinkPad X280 (20KE) | Lenovo ThinkPad L14 Gen 3 (21C1) |
|---|
| Input | AC 120/230 V (50/60 Hz) | AC 100-240 V (50/60 Hz) |
|---|---|---|
| Output | 45 Watt, 5 / 9 / 15 / 20 V | 65 Watt |
| INPUT | Lenovo ThinkPad X280 (20KE) | Lenovo ThinkPad L14 Gen 3 (21C1) |
|---|
| Type | Keyboard, TrackPoint, UltraNav | Keyboard, TrackPoint, UltraNav |
|---|---|---|
| Keyboard Backlight | - | Yes |
| Features | Spill-resistant, multi-touch touchpad, buttonless touchpad | Spill-resistant, multi-touch touchpad, Fn keys with Unified Communications controls |
| CONNECTIONS & EXPANSIONS | Lenovo ThinkPad X280 (20KE) | Lenovo ThinkPad L14 Gen 3 (21C1) |
|---|
| 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 3.2 Gen 1 (Always On) USB 3.2 Gen 1 USB-C 3.2 Gen 1 (supports DisplayPort 1.4 Alt Mode) (Power Delivery 3.0) USB4 (supports Thunderbolt 4, DisplayPort 1.4 Alt Mode) (Power Delivery 3.0) HDMI LAN Headphone/microphone combo jack |
|---|---|---|
| Memory Card Reader | Yes (microSD) | Yes (microSD) |
| SOFTWARE | Lenovo ThinkPad X280 (20KE) | Lenovo ThinkPad L14 Gen 3 (21C1) |
|---|
| Operating System (OS) | Windows 10 Pro 64-bit Edition | Windows 10 Pro 64-bit Edition (available through downgrade rights from Windows 11 Pro) + Windows 11 Pro Licence - English |
|---|
| MISCELLANEOUS | Lenovo ThinkPad X280 (20KE) | Lenovo ThinkPad L14 Gen 3 (21C1) |
|---|
| Dockable | Yes | - |
|---|---|---|
| Included Accessories | USB-C power adapter | USB-C power adapter |
| Security | Trusted Platform Module (TPM 2.0) Security Chip | Discrete Trusted Platform Module (TPM 2.0) Security Chip, fingerprint reader, smart card reader |
| Security Slot Type | Kensington mini 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, hard drive password, power-on password, MIL-STD-810G tested | Administrator password, power-on password, RapidCharge, MIL-STD-810H tested, self-healing BIOS, NVMe password |
| Compliant Standards | RoHS | RoHS, Energy-Related Products (ErP) Lot 3, TCG Certified |
| ENERGY STAR Certified | Yes | Yes |
| EPEAT Compliant | - | EPEAT Gold |
| 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 |