The Lenovo ThinkPad T14 generally offers better performance, durability, and enterprise features suitable for intensive tasks and business environments, and it often comes with longer battery life. The Lenovo IdeaPad 3 is more budget-friendly, lighter on the wallet, and sufficient for everyday activities like web browsing, office applications, and media consumption. If you prioritize stronger build quality, enhanced security, and superior performance for demanding software, the additional cost of the ThinkPad may be justified. However, if your usage is primarily casual and cost is a major concern, the IdeaPad 3 should serve you well. Give Feedback
this description is based on the product variant with some specs and product variant with some specs. At the time of writing, the variant with some specs cost some dollars and the variant with some specs cost some dollars.
Advantages of the Lenovo IdeaPad 3 14"
Very good battery life
Advantages of the Lenovo ThinkPad T14
Very good for general use
Very good for engineering and design
Very good for software development
Very good for content creation
Very good overall build quality
Good speakers
Excellent keyboard
Key differences
General Use
6.9/10
8.5/10
1920 x 1080
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1200
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
313.0 nits
DISPLAY BRIGHTNESS
321.0 nits
10.0 Hours
BATTERY LIFE
9.0 Hours
6.5/10
KEYBOARD QUALITY SCORE
9.0/10
8.2/10
PORTABILITY SCORE
8.5/10
The Lenovo ThinkPad T14 is very good for general use, while the Lenovo IdeaPad 3 14" is only fair.
The Lenovo IdeaPad 3 14" offers adequate CPU performance and RAM for everyday tasks, but it has compromises in screen quality and battery life, making it less ideal for long and visually demanding use. Meanwhile, the Lenovo ThinkPad T14 delivers higher CPU performance, more RAM, superior screen quality, and better battery life, ensuring smooth operation for more intensive tasks and all-day use without frequent charging, though it may come at a higher cost and slightly less portability.
Gaming and AI
6.0/10
6.7/10
3.6/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
4.0/10
1920 x 1080
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1200
60Hz
REFRESH RATE
60Hz
No
SUPPORTS DLSS
No
No
MUX SWITCH / ADVANCED OPTIMUS
No
9.5/10
FAN NOISE SCORE
8.3/10
The Lenovo ThinkPad T14 and Lenovo IdeaPad 3 14" are both only fair for gaming and AI, though the Lenovo ThinkPad T14 is somewhat better.
The Lenovo IdeaPad 3 14" and the Lenovo ThinkPad T14 have integrated graphics that allow for casual gaming and basic 3D applications but lack the power for more demanding tasks that benefit from dedicated GPUs and higher refresh rates. While both laptops offer decent processors and good screen quality, neither is designed with the high-performance graphics and fast screen refresh rates that serious gaming and advanced 3D work typically require.
Engineering and Design
6.1/10
8.0/10
4.6/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
8.8/10
3.6/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
4.0/10
8.0 GB
RAM
32.0 GB
The Lenovo ThinkPad T14 is very good for engineering and design, while the Lenovo IdeaPad 3 14" is only fair.
The Lenovo ThinkPad T14 generally offers higher CPU performance, more RAM, and a more capable GPU than the IdeaPad 3 14", which is essential for demanding engineering software and multitasking, along with a better screen quality for fine detail work. While the IdeaPad 3 14" is lighter, the ThinkPad T14's superior keyboard quality and lower operating noise make it a more comfortable choice for prolonged engineering tasks, despite being less portable.
Content Creation
7.1/10
8.3/10
4.6/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
8.8/10
1920 x 1080
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1200
8.0 GB
RAM
32.0 GB
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
The Lenovo ThinkPad T14 is very good for content creation, while the Lenovo IdeaPad 3 14" is good.
PerfectRec’s Content Creation Score takes into account the many different features of the laptop that make it more or less suitable for photo editing, video editing and other content creation tasks.
Software Development
7.1/10
8.3/10
4.6/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
8.8/10
8.0 GB
RAM
32.0 GB
1920 x 1080
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1200
6.5/10
KEYBOARD QUALITY SCORE
9.0/10
The Lenovo ThinkPad T14 is very good for software development, while the Lenovo IdeaPad 3 14" is good.
PerfectRec’s Software Development Score takes into account the many different features of the laptop that make it more or less suitable for software developers.
Screen Quality
6.4/10
6.9/10
14.0in
SIZE
14.0in
1920 x 1080
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1200
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
60Hz
REFRESH RATE
60Hz
313.0 nits
BRIGHTNESS
321.0 nits
The Lenovo ThinkPad T14 has a better screen than the Lenovo IdeaPad 3 14" for general use, engineering and design, content creation, and software development.
The Lenovo IdeaPad 3's screen is suitable for general use due to adequate resolution and brightness, but its modest panel type and colors might not be as vibrant as desired for engineering tasks that depend on precise color accuracy, and it lacks the high refresh rate crucial for smooth visuals in 3D applications. The ThinkPad T14 offers a higher-quality display with better resolution and brightness, making it a solid choice for both general use and demanding engineering software where color representation matters. However, like the IdeaPad, the ThinkPad T14's screen does not support the high refresh rates needed for optimal gaming and 3D rendering experiences.
Build Quality
6.5/10
8.0/10
The Lenovo ThinkPad T14 has very good build quality, while the Lenovo IdeaPad 3 14" has only fair build quality.
PerfectRec’s Build Quality Score incorporates case materials, display and keyboard flex, hinge quality, and overall reliability.
Cost
$490
$1,241
$0
$500
$1,000
$1,500
$2,000
The Lenovo IdeaPad 3 14" has a price of $490 and the Lenovo ThinkPad T14 costs $1,241.
"The low-priced IdeaPad 3 14 delivers on core functionality. Lenovo's IdeaPad 3 14 meets all the basic requirements for an inexpensive office laptop. The matte IPS display is bright enough, the performance is high for the class, and the input devices are rock solid. In addition, the mostly quiet operation including the useful performance modes, cool surface temperatures, easy maintainability as well as expandable working and mass storage all contribute to the IdeaPad 3 14's value proposition."
"We like a lot about this laptop. It has many ports, with the inclusion of RJ45-Ethernet as a defining feature. WWAN is upgradable for maximum flexibility and the ThinkPad has many security functions. Working with the ThinkPad input devices is a lot of fun, and Lenovo puts in a serviceable Low Power panel. The AMD Ryzen 7 Pro 7840U delivers a great performance and does not drain the battery fast. Fan noise and temperatures are nothing special, but also far away from bad. With the user replaceable keyboard, the ThinkPad T14 Gen 4 has a special feature rarely present on most modern laptops."
Get a great deal on the Lenovo IdeaPad 3 14" or the Lenovo ThinkPad T14
About Lenovo
Lenovo is a Chinese technology company, and one of the largest personal computer vendor. They are well known for a variety of technology products, including laptops. Their consumer series include their entry level IdeaPad and LOQ series and mid-to-high-end Yoga and Legion series. On the business-oriented side, their series include their entry-level ThinkBook series and mid-to-high-end ThinkPad series. Lenovo laptops offer strong performance for reasonable prices, and are often on sale.
This information was produced and vetted by the PerfectRec laptops team. We are a product research and recommendation organization that meticulously reviews and evaluates the latest laptop information and makes it digestible for you.
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