Lenovo ThinkPad T14 (Gen 1) vs Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3
The Lenovo ThinkPad T14 is the better laptop on paper: it has more memory, has more storage and has a faster SSD. Pick the Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3 only if it matters to you that it has USB-A and is sold new.
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Key differences
- Memory Lenovo ThinkPad T14 wins
The Lenovo ThinkPad T14 has 16 GB of memory against 4 GB. That's the difference between coping and staying quick with lots of tabs and apps open.
- Storage Lenovo ThinkPad T14 wins
The Lenovo ThinkPad T14 has four times the storage: 512 GB against 128 GB.
- Storage type Lenovo ThinkPad T14 wins
The Lenovo ThinkPad T14 uses a proper SSD, while the Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3 has slower eMMC-style flash storage, so apps open and update more slowly.
- Ports Depends on you
Only the Lenovo ThinkPad T14 has Thunderbolt or USB4 and Ethernet, while only the Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3 has USB-A.
- Condition Depends on you
The Lenovo ThinkPad T14 is sold renewed (used and refurbished); the Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3 is sold new.
Which one should you choose?
Choose the Lenovo ThinkPad T14 if…
- You keep lots of tabs and apps open: 16 GB of memory gives it more room than 4 GB.
- You store lots of photos, videos or games: it has 512 GB of storage.
- You want apps and updates to feel quick: it has a proper SSD.
- You plug things in: it has Thunderbolt or USB4 (for fast docks and drives) and Ethernet (for wired internet).
Choose the Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3 if…
- You plug things in: it has USB-A (for older USB accessories).
- You want a brand-new laptop with a fresh battery: it is sold new.
- You want a more recent design: it came out in 2023.
Full spec comparison
Add more laptopsThe Lenovo ThinkPad T14 leads on performance; elsewhere the two are closely matched. Highlighted values mark the better spec in each row, and you can hide the rows where they match.
Performance
Each laptop has its strengths on performance.
The Lenovo ThinkPad T14 has more memory, has more storage and has a faster SSD, while the Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3 has faster memory.
| Spec | Lenovo ThinkPad T14 (Gen 1) | Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3 |
|---|---|---|
| Processor | Intel Core i5-10310U | Intel N100 |
| Graphics | Intel UHD Graphics | Intel UHD Graphics |
| Memory (RAM) | 16 GB | 4 GB |
| Memory type | DDR4-2666 | LPDDR5-4800 |
| Maximum memory | 48 GB | 4 GB |
| Memory upgrades | Partly upgradeable | Soldered (not upgradeable) |
| Storage | 512 GB | 128 GB |
| Storage type | SSD | UFS |
| Storage interface | PCIe 3.0 x4 NVMe M.2 2280 | UFS 3.1 (platform operates near UFS 2.1) |
| Storage slots | 1 | 0 |
Screen
Both screens are closely matched.
Size, sharpness and smoothness are near enough the same, so neither has a real edge to look at.
| Spec | Lenovo ThinkPad T14 (Gen 1) | Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3 |
|---|---|---|
| Screen size | 14" | 14" |
| Resolution | Full HD (1920 x 1080) | Full HD (1920 x 1080) |
| Aspect ratio | 16:9 | 16:9 |
| Panel | IPS | TN |
| Refresh rate | — | 60 Hz |
| Variable refresh (VRR) | — | No |
| Brightness | 250 nits | 250 nits |
| Colour range | 45% NTSC | 45% NTSC |
| HDR | None | None |
| Finish | Matte | Matte |
| Touchscreen | No | No |
Battery and size
The Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3 is ahead on battery and weight.
It is a little lighter, and the Lenovo ThinkPad T14 doesn't beat it on anything here.
| Spec | Lenovo ThinkPad T14 (Gen 1) | Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3 |
|---|---|---|
| Battery life (maker claim) | Up to 16.5 hours | Up to 12 hours |
| Battery capacity | 50 Wh | 47 Wh |
| Charges via | USB-C | round tip / USB-C PD |
| Fast charging | 80% in 1 hour | 2 hours runtime from 15-minute charge (Rapid Charge Boost) |
| Weight | 1.55 kg | 1.31 kg |
| Dimensions | 329 x 227 x 17.9 mm | 324.3 x 213.8 x 17.9 mm |
| Materials | PPS / 50% GF (top), PC + ABS / Talc15 + magnesium alloy (keyboard cover), PA / 50% GF (bottom) | PC-ABS lid and base |
| Durability | MIL-STD-810G | — |
| Colour | Black | Abyss Blue |
| Colours available | Black | Abyss Blue, Arctic Grey |
Ports and wireless
On ports and wireless, it comes down to what you need.
The Lenovo ThinkPad T14 has Thunderbolt or USB4 and Ethernet, while the Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3 has USB-A.
| Spec | Lenovo ThinkPad T14 (Gen 1) | Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3 |
|---|---|---|
| Ports | 1x USB 3.2 Gen 1, 1x USB 3.2 Gen 1 (Always On), 1x USB-C 3.2 Gen 1 (data, charging, DisplayPort 1.2), 1x USB-C 3.2 Gen 2 / Thunderbolt 3 (data, charging, DisplayPort 1.2), 1x HDMI 1.4b, 1x Ethernet (RJ-45), 1x 3.5 mm headphone/microphone combo, 1x microSD, 1x side docking connector | 2x USB-A 3.2 Gen 1, 1x USB-C 3.2 Gen 1 (USB PD 45-65W, DisplayPort 1.2), 1x HDMI 1.4, 1x 3.5 mm audio, 1x SD card reader, 1x round-tip power |
| Thunderbolt / USB4 | Thunderbolt 3 | None |
| External displays (max) | 2 | 2 |
| Card reader | microSD | SD |
| Ethernet | 1 GbE RJ-45 | None |
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6 | Wi-Fi 6 |
| Wi-Fi card | Intel Wi-Fi 6 AX201 | Wi-Fi 6 802.11ax 2x2 M.2 card |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.1 | Bluetooth 5.2 |
| Mobile data | — | None |
Features
Both have much the same extras.
From the keyboard to the webcam and login, there is little between them.
| Spec | Lenovo ThinkPad T14 (Gen 1) | Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3 |
|---|---|---|
| Webcam | 720p | 720p |
| Webcam privacy | ThinkShutter physical camera cover | physical shutter |
| Backlit keyboard | — | No |
| Keyboard | 6-row, spill-resistant, multimedia Fn keys with Unified Communications controls | 6-row multimedia Fn keys, non-backlit |
| Number pad | No | No |
| Touchpad | TrackPoint pointing device plus Mylar-surface multi-touch touchpad | 62 x 104 mm Mylar Precision touchpad |
| Speakers | Stereo, 2 W x2, Dolby Audio | 2x 1.5W, Dolby Audio |
| Microphones | — | dual-array |
| Pen | No | No |
| Security | TPM 2.0, Kensington Security Slot | Firmware TPM 2.0 |
Software and model
The Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3 is ahead on software and updates.
The Lenovo ThinkPad T14 is sold renewed (used and refurbished); the Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3 is sold new. It is sold new and is newer, and the Lenovo ThinkPad T14 doesn't beat it on anything here.
| Spec | Lenovo ThinkPad T14 (Gen 1) | Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3 |
|---|---|---|
| Operating system | Windows 11 Pro | Windows 11 Home |
| Model number | ThinkPad T14 Gen 1 | 82XA0074UK |
| Released | 2020 | 2023 |