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.
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
| 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 |