Lenovo ThinkPad X380 Yoga 13" Vs Microsoft Surface Pro 6 12"

Lenovo ThinkPad X380 Yoga 13"
Lenovo ThinkPad X380 Yoga 13"
Starting at

Refurbished price:€230.00

Versus €1,299.00 new

See options
Microsoft Surface Pro 6 12"
Microsoft Surface Pro 6 12"
Starting at

Refurbished price:€424.00

Versus €899.00 new

See options

Ratings

The Lenovo ThinkPad X380 Yoga, released in 2018, is a 2-in-1 convertible laptop designed for flexibility, while the Microsoft Surface Pro 6, also launched in 2018, functions as a 2-in-1 tablet-first hybrid. Both devices operate on the Windows platform, offering users a versatile computing experience. The primary distinction lies in their form factor: the ThinkPad X380 Yoga features an integrated, 360-degree rotating keyboard, whereas the Surface Pro 6 utilizes a detachable keyboard cover, emphasizing its tablet capabilities.

Scores

Durability

Both the Lenovo ThinkPad X380 Yoga and the Microsoft Surface Pro 6, having been released in 2018, share similar expectations regarding software longevity and operating system support. Their practical lifespan is influenced by hardware durability and continued Windows updates.

  • Software Support: As devices from the same release year, both can expect comparable durations of Windows operating system updates, contributing to their long-term usability.
  • Physical Durability: The ThinkPad X380 Yoga is built with a robust chassis, incorporating carbon fiber in its lid and base, and has undergone MIL-SPEC testing for durability, suggesting resilience against physical wear. The Surface Pro 6 features a magnesium casing, which provides a solid and premium feel.
  • Repairability Considerations: The ThinkPad X380 Yoga allows for SSD upgrades, though its RAM is typically soldered. The Surface Pro 6 is generally considered challenging to repair due to its integrated design.

Year of Release

2017

2017

Last Os Compatibility

Yes

Yes

OS

Windows 11

Windows 11

Performance

Both devices are equipped with 8th Generation Intel Core processors, providing a solid foundation for everyday computing tasks and multitasking. Their performance capabilities are well-suited for typical productivity and media consumption.

  • Processing Power: Both the ThinkPad X380 Yoga and the Surface Pro 6 utilize 8th Gen Intel Core processors, available in various configurations, which allows them to handle demanding applications and multitasking smoothly.
  • Memory and Storage: Users can find both models with up to 16GB of RAM and various SSD storage options, with capacities reaching up to 1TB, enabling efficient data access and application responsiveness.
  • Battery Performance: The ThinkPad X380 Yoga is rated for up to 13.6 hours of battery life, with real-world usage often falling in the 8-11 hour range. The Surface Pro 6 is advertised with up to 13.5 hours for local video playback, though typical mixed usage often results in around 5-6 hours.

Memory (GB)

16 GB

8 GB

Processor

Core i5 - Gen 8 (U)

Core i5 - Gen 8 (U)

Graphic card

Integrated Graphics

Integrated Graphics

Screen quality

The display quality on these two devices presents a notable difference, primarily in resolution and screen size, impacting the visual experience for various tasks.

  • Display Technology and Resolution: The ThinkPad X380 Yoga features a 13.3-inch Full HD (1920x1080) IPS touchscreen, offering clear visuals with an anti-reflective finish. In contrast, the Surface Pro 6 comes with a 12.3-inch PixelSense display that boasts a higher resolution of 2736x1824 pixels, resulting in a sharper image with a higher pixel density.
  • Brightness and Clarity: The X380 Yoga typically offers brightness levels around 300 nits. The Surface Pro 6's higher resolution display provides excellent clarity for text and images, which can be particularly beneficial for detailed work.
  • Touch and Pen Support: Both devices include touch-enabled screens and support active pen input, facilitating drawing, note-taking, and navigation.

Resolution

1920 x 1080

2736 x 1824

Screen type

LCD

IPS

Camera

Audiovisual

The camera capabilities of the ThinkPad X380 Yoga and the Surface Pro 6 cater to different user needs, with one prioritizing basic video conferencing and the other offering more comprehensive imaging options.

  • Camera System: The ThinkPad X380 Yoga is equipped with a 720p HD front-facing webcam, suitable for video calls and online meetings. The Surface Pro 6 provides a more versatile camera setup, featuring a 5MP front-facing camera capable of 1080p Skype HD video and an 8MP rear-facing autofocus camera that records in 1080p Full HD.
  • Audio Quality: Both devices incorporate dual microphones, which contribute to clearer audio during calls and recordings.
  • Speaker Output: Integrated speakers are present on both models, with the ThinkPad X380 Yoga featuring Dolby Audio Premium for an enhanced listening experience.

Miscellaneous

Beyond core performance and display, several practical elements differentiate the user experience between these two 2-in-1 devices, particularly in connectivity, input methods, and physical design.

  • Connectivity Options: The ThinkPad X380 Yoga offers a comprehensive selection of ports, including Thunderbolt 3 (USB-C), multiple USB-A ports, HDMI, an Ethernet extension connector, and a microSD card reader. The Surface Pro 6 includes a USB-A port, Mini DisplayPort, Surface Connect, and a microSDXC card reader, but notably lacks a built-in USB-C port. Both support Wi-Fi (802.11ac) and Bluetooth 4.1.
  • Input and Security: The X380 Yoga features a highly regarded ThinkPad keyboard, an integrated ThinkPad Pen Pro that recharges within the device, and an optional fingerprint reader for secure login. The Surface Pro 6 relies on separately purchased accessories for its Type Cover keyboard and Surface Pen, and offers Windows Hello facial recognition for secure access.
  • Portability and Build: Weighing approximately 1.4kg (3.1 lbs) and measuring 18.2mm thick, the ThinkPad X380 Yoga is a complete, albeit heavier, convertible laptop. The Surface Pro 6 is lighter as a tablet, at about 0.77-0.784kg (1.7-1.73 lbs) and 8.5mm thick, but its weight increases with the addition of the Type Cover.

Weight

1400 g

1120 g

Screen size

13

12

User feedback often highlights the distinct strengths of each device. The Lenovo ThinkPad X380 Yoga is frequently praised for its robust build quality, comfortable keyboard, and versatile port selection, making it a reliable workhorse for professionals and students who value a traditional laptop experience with the added flexibility of a 2-in-1 design. Some users note its screen brightness could be higher and battery life, while solid, might not always meet the highest expectations for extended heavy use.

The Microsoft Surface Pro 6 receives acclaim for its high-resolution PixelSense display, lightweight tablet form factor, and excellent digital inking capabilities, appealing to creative users, note-takers, and those prioritizing portability and a premium visual experience. Common criticisms often point to the lack of a USB-C port and the necessity of purchasing the keyboard and pen separately, which impacts its out-of-the-box laptop functionality.

Users prioritizing a durable, full-featured laptop with a superior typing experience and a wide array of connectivity options may find the ThinkPad X380 Yoga well-suited to their needs. Conversely, individuals who value a lightweight, high-resolution tablet for creative tasks, media consumption, and occasional laptop use, and are comfortable with separate accessory purchases, may lean towards the Surface Pro 6. Both devices offer a quality-assured refurbished option, providing an eco-friendly alternative for those seeking capable 2-in-1 computing.

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