In depth comparison and review of MSI Modern 15 (B12M) and Lenovo ThinkPad X13 Gen 3 (21CN). 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 MSI Modern 15 (B12M) based on its technical characteristics, features, user experience, expert reviews and price level.
lightweight design
affordable price
solid build quality
decent battery life
good connectivity options
average display quality
moderate storage capacity
limited graphics performance
no thunderbolt support
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 | MSI Modern 15 (B12M) | Lenovo ThinkPad X13 Gen 3 (21CN) |
|---|
| Product Type | Notebook - 180-degree hinge design | Notebook - 180-degree hinge design |
|---|---|---|
| Dimensions (WxDxH) | 35.9 cm x 24.1 cm x 1.99 cm | 30.58 cm x 21.756 cm x 1.81 cm |
| Weight | 1.7 kg | 1.25 kg |
| Case Material | - | Polyphenylene sulfide (top), aluminium (bottom) |
| Colour | Classic black | Thunder black |
| DISPLAY | MSI Modern 15 (B12M) | Lenovo ThinkPad X13 Gen 3 (21CN) |
|---|
| Screen Size (Type) | 15.6" | 13.3" - IPS |
|---|---|---|
| LCD Backlight Technology | LED backlight | LED backlight |
| Screen Resolution | 1920 x 1080 (Full HD) | 1920 x 1200 (WUXGA) |
| V-Sync Rate at Max Res. | 60 Hz | - |
| Widescreen | Yes | Yes |
| Image Aspect Ratio | - | 16:10 |
| Image Brightness | - | 300 cd/m² |
| Colour Gamut | 45% NTSC | 72% NTSC |
| Features | Thin bezel design, IPS-level | Anti-glare, 170° viewing angle |
| PROCESSOR | MSI Modern 15 (B12M) | Lenovo ThinkPad X13 Gen 3 (21CN) |
|---|
| CPU | Intel Core i7 (12th Gen) 1255U | AMD Ryzen 7 Pro 6850U / 2.7 GHz |
|---|---|---|
| Max Turbo Speed | 4.7 GHz | 4.7 GHz |
| Number of Cores | 10-core | 8-core |
| Cache | 12 MB | L3 - 16 MB |
| Features | Intel Smart Cache | Integrated memory controller |
| MEMORY | MSI Modern 15 (B12M) | Lenovo ThinkPad X13 Gen 3 (21CN) |
|---|
| RAM | 8 GB (provided memory is soldered) | 32 GB (provided memory is soldered) |
|---|---|---|
| RAM Type | DDR4 SDRAM | LPDDR5 SDRAM |
| Speed | 3200 MHz | 6400 MHz |
| Rated Speed | - | 6400 MHz |
| STORAGE | MSI Modern 15 (B12M) | Lenovo ThinkPad X13 Gen 3 (21CN) |
|---|
| Main Storage Size (HDD/SSD) | 512 GB SSD M.2 PCIe 3.0 x4 - NVM Express (NVMe) | 512 GB SSD M.2 2280 PCIe 4.0 x4 - TCG Opal Encryption - Kioxia |
|---|
| AUDIO & VIDEO | MSI Modern 15 (B12M) | Lenovo ThinkPad X13 Gen 3 (21CN) |
|---|
| Graphics Processor (GPU) | Intel Iris Xe Graphics | AMD Radeon 680M |
|---|---|---|
| Max Monitors Supported | - | 3 external monitor(s) |
| Camera | Yes - 720p | Yes - 720p |
| Camera Features | - | Privacy shutter, fixed focus |
| Frame Rate | 30 frames per second | - |
| Sound | Stereo speakers, microphone | Stereo speakers, dual array microphone |
| Codec | - | Realtek ALC3287 |
| Compliant Standards | - | High Definition Audio, Dolby Audio, Dolby Voice |
| Audio Features | - | 360° far-field microphones |
| COMMUNICATIONS | MSI Modern 15 (B12M) | Lenovo ThinkPad X13 Gen 3 (21CN) |
|---|
| Wireless | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac/ax, Bluetooth 5.2 | Bluetooth 5.1, 802.11a/b/g/n/ac/ax (Wi-Fi 6E) |
|---|---|---|
| Wireless Controller | - | Qualcomm NFA725A |
| Features | Dual stream (2x2) | - |
| BATTERY | MSI Modern 15 (B12M) | Lenovo ThinkPad X13 Gen 3 (21CN) |
|---|
| Technology | 3-cell | 3-cell lithium polymer |
|---|---|---|
| Battery Capacity (Size) | 39 Wh | 41 Wh |
| AC ADAPTER | MSI Modern 15 (B12M) | Lenovo ThinkPad X13 Gen 3 (21CN) |
|---|
| Input | - | AC 100-240 V (50/60 Hz) |
|---|---|---|
| Output | - | 65 Watt, 5 / 9 / 15 / 20 V |
| INPUT | MSI Modern 15 (B12M) | Lenovo ThinkPad X13 Gen 3 (21CN) |
|---|
| Type | Keyboard, touchpad | Keyboard, TrackPoint, UltraNav |
|---|---|---|
| Keyboard Backlight | Yes | - |
| Features | White LED backlight, 1.5mm travel distance | Spill-resistant, multi-touch touchpad, Fn keys with Unified Communications controls |
| CONNECTIONS & EXPANSIONS | MSI Modern 15 (B12M) | Lenovo ThinkPad X13 Gen 3 (21CN) |
|---|
| Interfaces | USB 3.2 Gen 2 USB-C 3.2 Gen 2 (Power Delivery) HDMI 2 x USB 2.0 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Memory Card Reader | Yes (microSD) | - |
| SOFTWARE | MSI Modern 15 (B12M) | Lenovo ThinkPad X13 Gen 3 (21CN) |
|---|
| Operating System (OS) | Windows 11 Home | Windows 10 Pro 64-bit Edition (available through downgrade rights from Windows 11 Pro) + Windows 11 Pro Licence |
|---|---|---|
| Software Included | MSI Center Pro | - |
| MISCELLANEOUS | MSI Modern 15 (B12M) | Lenovo ThinkPad X13 Gen 3 (21CN) |
|---|
| Included Accessories | Power adapter | USB-C power adapter |
|---|---|---|
| Security | - | Discrete Trusted Platform Module (TPM 2.0) Security Chip with Microsoft Pluton, fingerprint reader |
| Security Slot Type | - | Kensington nano security slot |
| Theft/Intrusion Protection | - | Security lock slot (cable lock sold separately) |
| Features | MIL-STD-810G tested, ultra-slim | 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, Energy-Related Products (ErP) Lot 3, TCG Certified |
| ENERGY STAR Certified | - | Yes |
| EPEAT Compliant | - | EPEAT Gold |
| Max Operating Temperature | - | 35 °C |
| Min Operating Temperature | - | 5 °C |
| Humidity Range Operating | - | 8 - 95% |
| Manufacturer Warranty | Limited warranty - 1 year | - |
| Model Number | 026UK | - |
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