Detailed comparison and review of Lenovo ThinkPad X280 (20KE) and Lenovo ThinkPad X13 Gen 3 (21CN). 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 X13 Gen 3 (21CN) based on its technical characteristics, features, user experience, expert reviews and price level.
robust build quality
excellent keyboard experience
impressive security features
good battery life
portable design
average display brightness
limited graphics performance
noisy under load
higher price point
DESIGN AND DIMENSIONS | Lenovo ThinkPad X280 (20KE) | Lenovo ThinkPad X13 Gen 3 (21CN) |
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Product Type | Notebook | Notebook - 180-degree hinge design |
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Dimensions (WxDxH) | 30.77 cm x 20.98 cm x 1.78 cm | 30.58 cm x 21.756 cm x 1.81 cm |
Weight | 1.26 kg | 1.25 kg |
Case Material | Glass-fibre, magnesium-aluminum alloy | Polyphenylene sulfide (top), aluminium (bottom) |
Colour | Black | Thunder black |
DISPLAY | Lenovo ThinkPad X280 (20KE) | Lenovo ThinkPad X13 Gen 3 (21CN) |
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Screen Size (Type) | 12.5" - TN | 13.3" - IPS |
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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 | - | 72% NTSC |
Features | Anti-glare | Anti-glare, 170° viewing angle |
PROCESSOR | Lenovo ThinkPad X280 (20KE) | Lenovo ThinkPad X13 Gen 3 (21CN) |
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CPU | Intel Core i5 (8th Gen) 8350U / 1.7 GHz | AMD Ryzen 7 Pro 6850U / 2.7 GHz |
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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 X13 Gen 3 (21CN) |
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RAM | 8 GB (provided memory is soldered) | 32 GB (provided memory is soldered) |
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RAM Type | DDR4 SDRAM | LPDDR5 SDRAM |
Speed | 2400 MHz | 6400 MHz |
Rated Speed | 2400 MHz | 6400 MHz |
STORAGE | Lenovo ThinkPad X280 (20KE) | Lenovo ThinkPad X13 Gen 3 (21CN) |
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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 - Kioxia |
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AUDIO & VIDEO | Lenovo ThinkPad X280 (20KE) | Lenovo ThinkPad X13 Gen 3 (21CN) |
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Graphics Processor (GPU) | Intel UHD Graphics 620 | AMD Radeon 680M |
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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 |
Audio Features | - | 360° far-field microphones |
COMMUNICATIONS | Lenovo ThinkPad X280 (20KE) | Lenovo ThinkPad X13 Gen 3 (21CN) |
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Wireless | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac, Bluetooth 4.1 | Bluetooth 5.1, 802.11a/b/g/n/ac/ax (Wi-Fi 6E) |
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Wireless Controller | Intel Dual Band Wireless-AC 8265 - M.2 Card | Qualcomm NFA725A |
Features | Gigabit Ethernet via optional Ethernet (RJ-45) adapter | - |
BATTERY | Lenovo ThinkPad X280 (20KE) | Lenovo ThinkPad X13 Gen 3 (21CN) |
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Technology | 6-cell Lithium Ion | 3-cell lithium polymer |
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Battery Capacity (Size) | 48 Wh | 41 Wh |
Battery Life | Up to 16.6 hours | - |
AC ADAPTER | Lenovo ThinkPad X280 (20KE) | Lenovo ThinkPad X13 Gen 3 (21CN) |
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Input | AC 120/230 V (50/60 Hz) | AC 100-240 V (50/60 Hz) |
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Output | 45 Watt, 5 / 9 / 15 / 20 V | 65 Watt, 5 / 9 / 15 / 20 V |
INPUT | Lenovo ThinkPad X280 (20KE) | Lenovo ThinkPad X13 Gen 3 (21CN) |
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Type | Keyboard, TrackPoint, UltraNav | Keyboard, TrackPoint, UltraNav |
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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 X13 Gen 3 (21CN) |
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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 USB4 (supports DisplayPort 1.4a Alt Mode) (Power Delivery 3.0) USB-C 3.2 Gen 2 (supports DisplayPort 1.4a Alt Mode) (Power Delivery 3.0) HDMI (4K support) Headphone/microphone combo jack |
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Memory Card Reader | Yes (microSD) | - |
SOFTWARE | Lenovo ThinkPad X280 (20KE) | Lenovo ThinkPad X13 Gen 3 (21CN) |
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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 |
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MISCELLANEOUS | Lenovo ThinkPad X280 (20KE) | Lenovo ThinkPad X13 Gen 3 (21CN) |
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Dockable | Yes | - |
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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 with Microsoft Pluton, 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, 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% |