When selecting between the Lenovo ThinkPad Z13 and the Lenovo ThinkBook 13x, consider that the ThinkPad Z13 usually offers better durability and a more comfortable keyboard, beneficial for heavy typing and business use. It may also have better security features. The ThinkBook 13x, being more expensive, typically provides a sleeker design and may be lighter, making it more portable. If you prioritize high-end materials and portability over the traditional robustness and enhanced typing experience of a ThinkPad, you might lean towards the ThinkBook 13x. In contrast, if cost-saving without significant compromise on performance is crucial, the ThinkPad Z13 is a strong candidate. 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 Z13
Very good overall build quality
Very good battery life
Excellent keyboard
Advantages of the Lenovo ThinkBook 13x
Very good for content creation
Very good overall display quality
Key differences
Engineering and Design
7.3/10
7.9/10
6.8/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
8.6/10
3.9/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
3.7/10
16.0 GB
RAM
16.0 GB
The Lenovo ThinkBook 13x and Lenovo ThinkPad Z13 are both good for engineering and design, though the Lenovo ThinkBook 13x is somewhat better.
The Lenovo ThinkPad Z13 and ThinkBook 13x both come equipped with powerful CPUs and ample RAM to handle demanding engineering and design software, as well as high-quality screens for precise visual work. The ThinkPad Z13 typically offers a more robust GPU for graphics-intensive tasks, while both models feature solid portability, comfortable keyboards, and relatively quiet operation, with the ThinkBook 13x often being slightly lighter and offering a balance between performance and mobility.
Screen Quality
7.0/10
8.2/10
13.3in
SIZE
13.5in
1920 x 1200
RESOLUTION
2880 x 1920
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
60Hz
REFRESH RATE
120Hz
379.0 nits
BRIGHTNESS
500.0 nits
The Lenovo ThinkBook 13x has a better screen than the Lenovo ThinkPad Z13 for general use, gaming and AI, engineering and design, and software development.
If you prioritize a vivid display and accurate colors for tasks like photo editing or graphic design, the Lenovo ThinkBook 13x's screen, with its better color coverage and sharp resolution, is a superior choice. However, for everyday activities like browsing and document editing where color accuracy is less critical, the ThinkPad Z13's display is quite sufficient and pleasing to the eye. Neither of these laptops is optimal for gaming or 3D work, as their screens lack the high refresh rates that are crucial for the smooth visuals required in fast-paced games or rendering 3D graphics.
Battery
10.0 Hours
8.0 Hours
The Lenovo ThinkPad Z13 has 10 hours of battery life. The Lenovo ThinkBook 13x 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.
Build Quality
8.5/10
7.6/10
The Lenovo ThinkPad Z13 has very good build quality, while the Lenovo ThinkBook 13x has good build quality.
PerfectRec’s Build Quality Score incorporates case materials, display and keyboard flex, hinge quality, and overall reliability.
Cost
$1,000
$1,399
$500
$1,000
$1,500
$2,000
$2,500
The Lenovo ThinkPad Z13 has a price of $1,000 and the Lenovo ThinkBook 13x costs $1,399.
The Lenovo ThinkBook 13x and Lenovo ThinkPad Z13 are both good for general use.
The Lenovo ThinkPad Z13 and ThinkBook 13x both offer strong CPUs and ample RAM for smooth multitasking and general use applications, combined with high-quality screens that provide clear visuals. While the ThinkPad Z13 emphasizes on portability and long battery life, making it ideal for users on the go, the ThinkBook 13x also focuses on a balance of performance and mobility, with the added benefits of a good keyboard, quiet operation, and effective heat management for comfortable daily use.
Gaming and AI
6.3/10
6.6/10
3.9/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
3.7/10
1920 x 1200
RESOLUTION
2880 x 1920
60Hz
REFRESH RATE
120Hz
No
SUPPORTS DLSS
No
No
MUX SWITCH / ADVANCED OPTIMUS
No
9.1/10
FAN NOISE SCORE
8.3/10
The Lenovo ThinkBook 13x and Lenovo ThinkPad Z13 are both only fair for gaming and AI.
The Lenovo ThinkPad Z13 and ThinkBook 13x, while having adequate processing power for lighter tasks, don't pack the high-end GPUs or the higher screen refresh rates that are crucial for the best gaming and 3D rendering experiences. The ThinkPad Z13 offers better build quality and keyboard which may appeal to business users, whereas the ThinkBook 13x is typically slimmer and lighter, making it more portable.
Content Creation
7.8/10
8.0/10
6.8/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
8.6/10
1920 x 1200
RESOLUTION
2880 x 1920
16.0 GB
RAM
16.0 GB
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
Although they have very similar scores, PerfectRec considers Lenovo ThinkBook 13x to be very good for content creation, while the Lenovo ThinkPad Z13 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
7.7/10
7.9/10
6.8/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
8.6/10
16.0 GB
RAM
16.0 GB
1920 x 1200
RESOLUTION
2880 x 1920
9.0/10
KEYBOARD QUALITY SCORE
7.5/10
The Lenovo ThinkBook 13x and Lenovo ThinkPad Z13 are both good for software development.
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.
Portability
Excellent
Excellent
13.3in
SIZE
13.5in
2.7 lbs
WEIGHT
2.7 lbs
0.5in
THICKNESS
0.5in
The Lenovo ThinkBook 13x and Lenovo ThinkPad Z13 both have excellent portability.
The most portable laptops are small, thin, and light.
Give feedback
We’re constantly working to improve.
How the Lenovo ThinkPad Z13 and the Lenovo ThinkBook 13x compare to other laptops
"In the premium ultraportable space, the Lenovo ThinkPad Z13 competes with the best of the best, and still manages to shine. The design is an impressive departure from the bland bare-metal laptop that's become so popular in recent years, and the AMD-powered system has performance that's just as impressive. It's a stark alternative to the Intel-based majority, and it stands up well enough to the impressive Apple M2 processor."
Get a great deal on the Lenovo ThinkPad Z13 or the Lenovo ThinkBook 13x
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.
By the numbers
380
Laptops evaluated
48,640
Laptops stats compiled
13
Proprietary Laptops ratings developed
126,195
Recommendations made
27,343
Consumer hours saved
About the laptop team
Joe Golden, Ph.D
CEO and Laptops Editor
Joe is an entrepreneur and lifelong electronics enthusiast with a Ph.D in Economics from the University of Michigan.
Jason Lew
Staff Expert & Software Engineer
Jason is a staff expert and software engineer that has been making laptop recommendations for 7 years and moderates one of the largest laptop subreddits.
Chandradeep Chowdhury
Staff Expert & Software Engineer
Chandradeep is a staff expert and software engineer and expert in televisions and monitors. He’s been making monitor recommendations for ten years.
Craig Russell
Laptops Expert
Craig is a UK-based laptops expert. Craig works in IT, where he recommends and supports laptops and PCs for clients and has been recommending laptops on Reddit for five years.