In depth comparison and review of Lenovo ThinkPad X280 (20KE) and Lenovo ThinkPad T14 Gen 3 (21CG). 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 T14 Gen 3 (21CG) based on its technical characteristics, features, user experience, expert reviews and price level.
robust build quality
excellent keyboard feel
impressive battery life
powerful processor options
good security features
heavier than competitors
average display brightness
noisy under load
expensive base model
| DESIGN AND DIMENSIONS | Lenovo ThinkPad X280 (20KE) | Lenovo ThinkPad T14 Gen 3 (21CG) |
|---|
| Product Type | Notebook | Notebook - 180-degree hinge design |
|---|---|---|
| Dimensions (WxDxH) | 30.77 cm x 20.98 cm x 1.78 cm | 31.77 cm x 22.69 cm x 1.79 cm |
| Weight | 1.26 kg | 1.21 kg |
| Case Material | Glass-fibre, magnesium-aluminum alloy | Carbon fibre (top), glass-fibre (top), polycarbonate (top), polyphenylene sulfide (bottom) |
| Colour | Black | Thunder black |
| DISPLAY | Lenovo ThinkPad X280 (20KE) | Lenovo ThinkPad T14 Gen 3 (21CG) |
|---|
| Screen Size (Type) | 12.5" - TN | 14" - IPS |
|---|---|---|
| LCD Backlight Technology | LED backlight | LED backlight |
| Screen Resolution | 1366 x 768 (HD) | 1920 x 1200 (WUXGA) |
| Widescreen | Yes | Yes |
| Image Aspect Ratio | 16:9 | 16:10 |
| Image Brightness | 220 cd/m² | 300 cd/m² |
| Colour Gamut | - | 45% NTSC |
| Features | Anti-glare | Anti-glare, 170° viewing angle |
| PROCESSOR | Lenovo ThinkPad X280 (20KE) | Lenovo ThinkPad T14 Gen 3 (21CG) |
|---|
| CPU | Intel Core i5 (8th Gen) 8350U / 1.7 GHz | AMD Ryzen 7 Pro 6850U / 2.7 GHz |
|---|---|---|
| Max Turbo Speed | 3.6 GHz | 4.7 GHz |
| Number of Cores | Quad-Core | 8-core |
| Cache | 6 MB | L3 - 16 MB |
| 64-bit Computing | Yes | - |
| Features | Integrated memory controller | Integrated memory controller |
| MEMORY | Lenovo ThinkPad X280 (20KE) | Lenovo ThinkPad T14 Gen 3 (21CG) |
|---|
| RAM | 8 GB (provided memory is soldered) | 16 GB (provided memory is soldered) |
|---|---|---|
| RAM Type | DDR4 SDRAM | LPDDR5 SDRAM |
| Speed | 2400 MHz | 6400 MHz |
| Rated Speed | 2400 MHz | 6400 MHz |
| STORAGE | Lenovo ThinkPad X280 (20KE) | Lenovo ThinkPad T14 Gen 3 (21CG) |
|---|
| Main Storage Size (HDD/SSD) | 128 GB SSD M.2 SATA 6Gb/s - Samsung | 512 GB SSD M.2 2280 PCIe 4.0 x4 - TCG Opal Encryption, Performance - Kioxia |
|---|
| AUDIO & VIDEO | Lenovo ThinkPad X280 (20KE) | Lenovo ThinkPad T14 Gen 3 (21CG) |
|---|
| Graphics Processor (GPU) | Intel UHD Graphics 620 | AMD Radeon 680M |
|---|---|---|
| Max Monitors Supported | - | 3 external monitor(s) |
| Camera | Yes - 720p | Yes - 720p |
| Camera Features | ThinkShutter camera privacy | Privacy shutter, 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, Dolby Voice |
| COMMUNICATIONS | Lenovo ThinkPad X280 (20KE) | Lenovo ThinkPad T14 Gen 3 (21CG) |
|---|
| Wireless | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac, Bluetooth 4.1 | Bluetooth 5.1, 802.11a/b/g/n/ac/ax (Wi-Fi 6E) |
|---|---|---|
| Wireless Controller | Intel Dual Band Wireless-AC 8265 - M.2 Card | Qualcomm NFA725A |
| Network Interface | - | Gigabit Ethernet |
| Features | Gigabit Ethernet via optional Ethernet (RJ-45) adapter | Dual stream (2x2) |
| BATTERY | Lenovo ThinkPad X280 (20KE) | Lenovo ThinkPad T14 Gen 3 (21CG) |
|---|
| Technology | 6-cell Lithium Ion | 3-cell lithium polymer |
|---|---|---|
| Battery Capacity (Size) | 48 Wh | 39.3 Wh |
| Battery Life | Up to 16.6 hours | - |
| AC ADAPTER | Lenovo ThinkPad X280 (20KE) | Lenovo ThinkPad T14 Gen 3 (21CG) |
|---|
| 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 T14 Gen 3 (21CG) |
|---|
| 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 T14 Gen 3 (21CG) |
|---|
| 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 2 x USB-C 3.2 Gen 2 (supports DisplayPort 1.4a Alt Mode) (Power Delivery 3.0) HDMI LAN Headphone/microphone combo jack |
|---|---|---|
| Memory Card Reader | Yes (microSD) | - |
| SOFTWARE | Lenovo ThinkPad X280 (20KE) | Lenovo ThinkPad T14 Gen 3 (21CG) |
|---|
| 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 |
|---|
| MISCELLANEOUS | Lenovo ThinkPad X280 (20KE) | Lenovo ThinkPad T14 Gen 3 (21CG) |
|---|
| Dockable | Yes | - |
|---|---|---|
| Included Accessories | USB-C power adapter | USB-C slim power adapter |
| Security | Trusted Platform Module (TPM 2.0) Security Chip | Discrete Trusted Platform Module (TPM 2.0) Security Chip, fingerprint reader |
| Security Slot Type | Kensington mini 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, self-healing BIOS, NVMe password, USB FIDO (Fast Identity Online) device integration, certificate based BIOS authentication |
| 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% |
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