When making a decision between these two laptops, consider that the Lenovo ThinkPad X13 usually offers more robust build quality, better security features, and typically has a longer battery life, which makes it more suited for business professionals who need to rely on their machine for work all day. On the other hand, the Lenovo ThinkBook 13s can provide a lighter and thinner design, which makes it easier to carry around, and it may have a more attractive price. If you require a laptop for less demanding tasks and value cost and portability, the ThinkBook could be a better option for you. 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 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
Excellent keyboard
Advantages of the Lenovo ThinkBook 13s
Good overall display quality
Excellent portability
Very good speakers
Key differences
General Use
8.4/10
7.8/10
1920 x 1200
RESOLUTION
2560 x 1600
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
321.0 nits
DISPLAY BRIGHTNESS
336.0 nits
8.5 Hours
BATTERY LIFE
8.0 Hours
9.0/10
KEYBOARD QUALITY SCORE
7.5/10
8.9/10
PORTABILITY SCORE
9.0/10
The Lenovo ThinkPad X13 is very good for general use, while the Lenovo ThinkBook 13s is good.
The Lenovo ThinkPad X13 offers a stronger CPU and more RAM, which results in better performance for demanding tasks and multitasking, juxtaposed with its superior screen quality and a robust battery life, making it particularly effective for those who need high efficiency on-the-go. In contrast, while the ThinkBook 13s provides decent performance suitable for day-to-day tasks, aspects like less portability due to its weight and battery that doesn't last as long may not cater to users frequently mobile or without constant access to power.
Screen Quality
6.9/10
7.2/10
13.3in
SIZE
13.3in
1920 x 1200
RESOLUTION
2560 x 1600
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
60Hz
REFRESH RATE
60Hz
321.0 nits
BRIGHTNESS
336.0 nits
The Lenovo ThinkPad X13 has a better screen than the Lenovo ThinkBook 13s for software development, and content creation, while the Lenovo ThinkBook 13s has a better screen for general use, and engineering and design.
The Lenovo ThinkPad X13 and ThinkBook 13s are equipped with displays that offer clear images and comfortable viewing suitable for everyday tasks and detailed engineering designs, due to their resolution and good color coverage for precise work. However, for gaming and 3D applications, which rely heavily on smooth motion, these laptops' screens may disappoint because they don't have the high refresh rates required to keep up with fast-paced visuals. Despite the capable resolution and decent panel quality, which is appropriate for most use cases, their limited refresh rates become a hindrance for the immersive and fluid experience gamers and 3D professionals seek.
Build Quality
8.5/10
7.6/10
The Lenovo ThinkPad X13 has very good build quality, while the Lenovo ThinkBook 13s has good build quality.
PerfectRec’s Build Quality Score incorporates case materials, display and keyboard flex, hinge quality, and overall reliability.
Cost
$1,459
$1,000
$500
$1,000
$1,500
$2,000
$2,500
The Lenovo ThinkPad X13 has a price of $1,459 and the Lenovo ThinkBook 13s costs $1,000.
The Lenovo ThinkPad X13 and Lenovo ThinkBook 13s are both only fair for gaming and AI.
The Lenovo ThinkPad X13 and the ThinkBook 13s have integrated graphics that can handle light gaming and 3D tasks but aren't suitable for demanding games or professional 3D work due to limited GPU power and standard screen refresh rates. While both have capable CPUs and good screen quality, they lack the dedicated GPU and high refresh rates needed for more serious gaming and advanced 3D applications.
Engineering and Design
8.0/10
7.5/10
8.8/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
7.9/10
4.0/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
3.8/10
32.0 GB
RAM
16.0 GB
Although they have very similar scores, PerfectRec considers Lenovo ThinkPad X13 to be very good for engineering and design, while the Lenovo ThinkBook 13s is good.
The Lenovo ThinkPad X13, with its robust CPU, ample RAM, and high-quality screen, excels in handling demanding engineering software, while its superior keyboard allows for comfortable long coding sessions. Meanwhile, the ThinkBook 13s, though slightly less powerful, offers a balance with good performance for design tasks, a solid GPU, and is more portable, making it easier to work on the go without sacrificing much on screen quality and input comfort.
Content Creation
8.2/10
7.8/10
8.8/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
7.9/10
1920 x 1200
RESOLUTION
2560 x 1600
32.0 GB
RAM
16.0 GB
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
Although they have very similar scores, PerfectRec considers Lenovo ThinkPad X13 to be very good for content creation, while the Lenovo ThinkBook 13s 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
8.1/10
7.7/10
8.8/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
7.9/10
32.0 GB
RAM
16.0 GB
1920 x 1200
RESOLUTION
2560 x 1600
9.0/10
KEYBOARD QUALITY SCORE
7.5/10
Although they have very similar scores, PerfectRec considers Lenovo ThinkPad X13 to be very good for software development, while the Lenovo ThinkBook 13s 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.
Battery
8.5 Hours
8.0 Hours
The Lenovo ThinkPad X13 has 8.5 hours of battery life. The Lenovo ThinkBook 13s has 8 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
Excellent
13.3in
SIZE
13.3in
2.8 lbs
WEIGHT
2.9 lbs
0.6in
THICKNESS
0.5in
Although they have very similar scores, PerfectRec considers Lenovo ThinkBook 13s to have excellent portability, while the Lenovo ThinkPad X13 has very good portability.
The most portable laptops are small, thin, and light.
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How the Lenovo ThinkPad X13 and the Lenovo ThinkBook 13s compare to other laptops
"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."
"The best thing about the ThinkBook 13S is that it’s a good deal. Business buyers looking for ThinkPad-level performance and software without ThinkPad pricing will probably find the ThinkBook a solid option. While nothing about it is really spectacular, it’s certainly unusual to see the ThinkBook’s screen resolution at a sub-$1,000 price, and its performance will be more than adequate for most office tasks. The generous port selection, 16:10 aspect ratio, physical webcam shutter, and clear audio are certainly icing on the cake."
Get a great deal on the Lenovo ThinkPad X13 or the Lenovo ThinkBook 13s
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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