Lenovo ThinkPad X280 (20KF) vs. Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 10 (21CB)

Laptop Comparison, Reviews and Tests
Lenovo ThinkPad X280 (20KF)
Lenovo ThinkPad X280 (20KF)
Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 10 (21CB)
Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 10 (21CB)

Our Rating: 85 %

Detailed comparison and review of Lenovo ThinkPad X280 (20KF) and Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 10 (21CB). 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.

Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 10 (21CB) Review

Advantages and disadvantages of Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 10 (21CB) based on its technical characteristics, features, user experience, expert reviews and price level.

ultra-lightweight design

impressive battery life

robust security features

high-resolution display

powerful processor performance

higher price point

limited port variety

no dedicated GPU

average speaker quality

Laptop Comparison and Tests

Difference between Lenovo ThinkPad X280 (20KF) and Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 10 (21CB)
85 % - Design
83 % - Display
85 % - Performance
85 % - Connectivity
85 % - Battery

Laptop Specifications Comparison

Lenovo ThinkPad X280 (20KF) vs. Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 10 (21CB) Comparison Chart
DESIGN AND DIMENSIONS Lenovo ThinkPad X280 (20KF) Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 10 (21CB)
Product Type Notebook Notebook - 180-degree hinge design
Dimensions (WxDxH) 30.77 cm x 20.98 cm x 1.78 cm 31.56 cm x 22.25 cm x 1.536 cm
Weight 1.26 kg 1.12 kg
Case Material Glass-fibre, magnesium-aluminum alloy Aluminium (bottom), carbon fibre (top)
Colour Black Deep black weave
DISPLAY Lenovo ThinkPad X280 (20KF) Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 10 (21CB)
Screen Size (Type) 12.5" 14" OLED
LCD Backlight Technology LED backlight -
Screen Resolution 1366 x 768 (HD) 2880 x 1800 (2.8K)
Widescreen Yes Yes
Image Aspect Ratio 16:9 16:10
Image Brightness 220 cd/m² 400 cd/m²
Colour Gamut - 100% DCI-P3
Features Anti-glare Anti-glare, anti-reflective, anti-smudge, 170° viewing angle, Eyesafe technology, HDR 500 True Black
PROCESSOR Lenovo ThinkPad X280 (20KF) Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 10 (21CB)
CPU Intel Core i5 (8th Gen) 8250U / 1.6 GHz Intel Core i5 (12th Gen) 1235U / 1.3 GHz
Max Turbo Speed 3.4 GHz 4.4 GHz
Number of Cores Quad-Core 10-core
Cache 6 MB 12 MB
64-bit Computing Yes -
Platform Technology - Intel Evo
Features Integrated memory controller Integrated memory controller
MEMORY Lenovo ThinkPad X280 (20KF) Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 10 (21CB)
RAM 8 GB (provided memory is soldered) 16 GB (provided memory is soldered)
RAM Type DDR4 SDRAM LPDDR5 SDRAM
Speed 2400 MHz 5200 MHz
Rated Speed 2400 MHz 5200 MHz
STORAGE Lenovo ThinkPad X280 (20KF) Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 10 (21CB)
Main Storage Size (HDD/SSD) 256 GB SSD M.2 PCIe - TCG Opal Encryption, NVM Express (NVMe) - Samsung 512 GB SSD M.2 2280 PCIe 4.0 x4 - TCG Opal Encryption 2, NVM Express (NVMe), Performance
AUDIO & VIDEO Lenovo ThinkPad X280 (20KF) Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 10 (21CB)
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, fixed focus, MIPI, Computer Vision
Sound Stereo speakers, dual array microphone Two tweeters, two woofers, quad array microphone
Codec Realtek ALC3287 Realtek ALC3306
Compliant Standards High Definition Audio, Dolby Audio Premium High Definition Audio, Dolby Atmos, Dolby Voice
COMMUNICATIONS Lenovo ThinkPad X280 (20KF) Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 10 (21CB)
Wireless 802.11a/b/g/n/ac, Bluetooth 4.1 NFC, Bluetooth 5.2, 802.11a/b/g/n/ac/ax (Wi-Fi 6E)
Wireless Controller Intel Dual Band Wireless-AC 8265 - M.2 Card Intel Wi-Fi 6E AX 211
Features Gigabit Ethernet via optional Ethernet (RJ-45) adapter Dual stream (2x2)
WWAN
Generation 4G 4G upgradable
Technology LTE -
Controller FIBOCOM L830-EB - M.2 Card -
BATTERY Lenovo ThinkPad X280 (20KF) Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 10 (21CB)
Technology 6-cell Lithium Ion Lithium polymer
Battery Capacity (Size) 48 Wh 57 Wh
Battery Life Up to 16.6 hours Up to 24.9 hours
AC ADAPTER Lenovo ThinkPad X280 (20KF) Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 10 (21CB)
Input AC 120/230 V (50/60 Hz) AC 100-240 V (50/60 Hz)
Output 65 Watt, 20 V, 3.25 A 65 Watt
INPUT Lenovo ThinkPad X280 (20KF) Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 10 (21CB)
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, glass touchpad, air intake key design
CONNECTIONS & EXPANSIONS Lenovo ThinkPad X280 (20KF) Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 10 (21CB)
Slots Nano-SIM card 1 x Nano-SIM card (1 free)
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
USB 3.2 Gen 1 (Always On)
2 x USB4 (supports Thunderbolt 4, DisplayPort 1.4a Alt Mode) (Power Delivery 3.0)
HDMI
Headphone/microphone combo jack
Memory Card Reader Yes (microSD) -
SOFTWARE Lenovo ThinkPad X280 (20KF) Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 10 (21CB)
Operating System (OS) Windows 10 Pro 64-bit Edition Windows 11 Pro - English
Software Included - Glance by Mirametrix, Intel Connectivity Performance Suite
MISCELLANEOUS Lenovo ThinkPad X280 (20KF) Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 10 (21CB)
Dockable Yes -
Included Accessories USB-C power adapter USB-C slim power adapter
Security Trusted Platform Module (TPM 2.0) Security Chip, fingerprint reader 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, RapidCharge, MIL-STD-810G tested Administrator password, power-on password, RapidCharge, MIL-STD-810H tested, NVMe password, USB FIDO (Fast Identity Online) device integration, Firmware Resiliency 3.0
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 Limited warranty - 3 years - pick-up and return Base warranty - 3 years - pick-up and return
Limited warranty - battery - 1 year
Extended warranty - 3 years - on-site
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