When choosing between the Lenovo IdeaPad 3 and the Lenovo ThinkPad X13, consider that the ThinkPad X13 is usually more expensive because it offers higher durability, better performance, and often enterprise-grade security features, making it suitable for business and heavy workloads. On the other hand, the IdeaPad 3, while more affordable, typically offers adequate performance for everyday tasks like web browsing, office applications, and media consumption but may not handle intensive tasks as well. The IdeaPad 3 is often lighter, enhancing portability, but may have shorter battery life and less robust build quality compared to the ThinkPad X13. 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 X13
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
8.4/10
1920 x 1080
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1200
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
313.0 nits
DISPLAY BRIGHTNESS
321.0 nits
10.0 Hours
BATTERY LIFE
8.5 Hours
6.5/10
KEYBOARD QUALITY SCORE
9.0/10
8.2/10
PORTABILITY SCORE
8.9/10
The Lenovo ThinkPad X13 is very good for general use, while the Lenovo IdeaPad 3 14" is only fair.
The Lenovo ThinkPad X13 generally offers a better CPU and more RAM, leading to faster and smoother performance than the Lenovo IdeaPad 3, which is critical for handling more demanding tasks more efficiently. Additionally, the ThinkPad X13's screen quality and battery life make it ideal for extended use and mobility, while the IdeaPad 3, although lighter on the wallet, compromises on these very important aspects, making it suitable for less intensive use.
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
7.5/10
The Lenovo ThinkPad X13 and Lenovo IdeaPad 3 14" are both only fair for gaming and AI, though the Lenovo ThinkPad X13 is somewhat better.
The Lenovo IdeaPad 3 14" may provide an adequate experience for casual gaming and 3D applications due to its GPU capabilities, but it's likely not suited for high-end gaming or professional 3D work because of its average screen refresh rate. In comparison, the ThinkPad X13 also has a solid GPU for moderate gaming and 3D tasks, and while it brings reliability and better build quality, it may still fall short for those seeking the smoothest visuals or doing advanced 3D modeling, due to similar limitations with screen refresh rate and overall graphical power.
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 X13 is very good for engineering and design, while the Lenovo IdeaPad 3 14" is only fair.
The Lenovo ThinkPad X13 typically offers a more powerful CPU, more RAM, and a higher quality GPU which are crucial for demanding tasks like engineering and design software, whereas the Lenovo IdeaPad 3 14" might have less capable specifications but comes at a lower cost. The ThinkPad X13 also generally features a superior screen quality for detailed work, but the IdeaPad maintains an edge in portability due to its lighter design and quieter operation which might appeal more to those who prioritize mobility and a quieter working environment.
Content Creation
7.1/10
8.2/10
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 X13 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
8.1/10
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 X13 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
13.3in
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 X13 has a better screen than the Lenovo IdeaPad 3 14" for general use, engineering and design, content creation, and software development.
For general use, the Lenovo IdeaPad 3's screen offers adequate resolution and brightness, but may not impress users looking for a more vibrant display. The Lenovo ThinkPad X13, with a higher quality panel, provides sharper visuals and better brightness, making it suitable for professional work like engineering and design that requires precise color representation. However, both laptops have screens with lower refresh rates, which isn't ideal for gaming and 3D applications where smoother motion and rapid screen updates are crucial.
Battery
10.0 Hours
8.5 Hours
The Lenovo IdeaPad 3 14" has 10 hours of battery life. The Lenovo ThinkPad X13 has 8.5 hours of battery life.
Battery life estimate is based on a mix of common use patterns. More portable and higher performing laptops tend to have less battery life.
Portability
Very Good
Very Good
14.0in
SIZE
13.3in
3.1 lbs
WEIGHT
2.8 lbs
0.7in
THICKNESS
0.6in
The Lenovo ThinkPad X13 and Lenovo IdeaPad 3 14" both have very good portability, though the Lenovo ThinkPad X13 has somewhat better portability.
The most portable laptops are small, thin, and light.
Build Quality
6.5/10
8.5/10
The Lenovo ThinkPad X13 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 X13 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."
"The Lenovo ThinkPad X13 G4 has very good input devices, a wide array of security features and ports as well as 5G in the tested configuration. It is more compact and lightweight compared with its predecessor, and it has improved speakers and a slightly better webcam. On the other hand, the fan is more annoying and the performance is barely improved. The battery is worse as well, but this is primarily attributable to the OLED screen - if this aspect is important, buyers should choose the IPS Low Power LCD."
Get a great deal on the Lenovo IdeaPad 3 14" or the Lenovo ThinkPad X13
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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