HP EliteBook 840 G5 14" Vs Lenovo ThinkPad T14 G1 14"

HP EliteBook 840 G5 14"
HP EliteBook 840 G5 14"
Starting at

Refurbished price:£229.00

Versus £499.00 new

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Lenovo ThinkPad T14 G1 14"
Lenovo ThinkPad T14 G1 14"
Starting at

Refurbished price:£201.00

Versus £534.21 new

See options

Ratings

The HP EliteBook 840 G5 and the Lenovo ThinkPad T14 G1 are both 14-inch business-oriented laptops designed for productivity and mobility. The EliteBook 840 G5 was released in 2018, while the ThinkPad T14 G1 followed in 2020. While both offer robust build quality and a focus on professional use, the ThinkPad T14 G1 benefits from a newer generation of internal components and updated connectivity options, providing a more modern computing experience.

Scores

Durability

When considering the longevity of these devices, several factors come into play, including their release timelines, operating system support, and physical durability.

  • Release Timeline: The HP EliteBook 840 G5, released in 2018, is an older model compared to the Lenovo ThinkPad T14 G1, which debuted in 2020. This two-year difference means the T14 G1 will likely receive software updates and security patches for a longer period.
  • OS Support: Both laptops originally shipped with Windows 10 Pro. Given the T14 G1's later release, it is expected to support future Windows operating system versions for a longer duration than the 840 G5, extending its practical lifespan for users who require the latest software.
  • Durability: Both models are built with business-grade durability in mind. The EliteBook 840 G5 features an aluminum chassis, contributing to its sturdy and professional feel. The ThinkPad T14 G1 utilizes a magnesium alloy and PPS (Plastic Polyphenylsulfone) construction and has been tested against MIL-STD-810G military standards for durability, suggesting a robust design capable of withstanding demanding environments.

Year of Release

2017

2019

OS

Windows 11

Windows 11

Performance

The performance of these laptops is largely influenced by their internal hardware, affecting how smoothly they handle daily tasks and more demanding applications.

  • Processor Capabilities: The HP EliteBook 840 G5 typically features 8th-generation Intel Core processors, which provide solid performance for everyday office applications, web browsing, and multitasking. The Lenovo ThinkPad T14 G1, being a newer model, comes with 10th-generation Intel Core processors or AMD Ryzen 4000 series processors, offering improved efficiency and greater processing power for handling demanding applications and complex workloads more smoothly.
  • Memory and Storage: Both laptops support solid-state drives (SSDs) for fast boot times and quick application loading. The EliteBook 840 G5 can be configured with up to 32GB of DDR4 RAM. The ThinkPad T14 G1 offers greater flexibility, supporting up to 48GB of DDR4 RAM, which can be beneficial for users who frequently run multiple applications simultaneously or work with large datasets.
  • Battery Behavior: The EliteBook 840 G5 generally offers an average workday battery life, with some configurations lasting around 8 hours and 30 minutes during web surfing. However, real-world usage can result in shorter durations, with some users reporting around 3-6 hours depending on the workload. The ThinkPad T14 G1, depending on its configuration and battery option (50Wh or 57Wh), typically provides a battery life ranging from 8 to 14 hours, though intensive use can reduce this. Some users have reported around 4-7 hours with moderate usage.

Memory (GB)

8 GB

16 GB

Processor

Core i5 - Gen 8 (U)

Core i5 - Gen 10 (U)

Graphic card

Integrated Graphics

Intel HD Graphics

Screen quality

The visual experience on these 14-inch laptops is shaped by their display technology, resolution, and brightness levels.

  • Display Technology and Resolution: Both the EliteBook 840 G5 and the ThinkPad T14 G1 offer 14-inch displays, with Full HD (1920 x 1080) IPS panels being a common configuration for clear and sharp visuals. The EliteBook 840 G5 also had options for a 4K UHD display. The ThinkPad T14 G1 also offers a 4K UHD option with Dolby Vision HDR support for enhanced color and contrast.
  • Brightness and Clarity: The base models of the EliteBook 840 G5 typically feature displays with around 220-300 nits of brightness, which some users found to be dim. However, higher-end configurations included options for brighter panels, such as 400 nits or even 700 nits with HP's Sure View privacy screen. The ThinkPad T14 G1 offers various brightness levels, including 250, 300, 400, and 500 nits, with some options featuring PrivacyGuard technology for enhanced screen privacy.
  • Viewing Experience: Both laptops generally provide good viewing angles due to their IPS panel technology. The availability of brighter and higher-resolution options on both models caters to users who prioritize visual fidelity or work in varied lighting conditions.

Resolution

1920 x 1080

1920 x 1080

Audiovisual

For communication and media consumption, the camera, microphone, and speaker quality are important considerations.

  • Camera System: Both the EliteBook 840 G5 and the ThinkPad T14 G1 typically include a 720p HD webcam. The EliteBook 840 G5 also offered an optional IR camera for facial recognition. The ThinkPad T14 G1 also includes an optional IR camera for Windows Hello facial recognition and a physical ThinkShutter privacy cover for the webcam.
  • Audio Quality: The EliteBook 840 G5 features Bang & Olufsen tuned dual stereo speakers and integrated multi-array microphones with HP Noise Cancellation, aiming for clear audio during calls and media playback. The ThinkPad T14 G1 comes with stereo speakers featuring Dolby Audio and dual array far-field microphones, designed to provide a good audio experience for video conferencing and media.
  • Microphone Quality: Both devices are equipped with multi-array microphones to enhance voice clarity during virtual meetings and calls, with HP specifically mentioning noise cancellation features.

Miscellaneous

Beyond core performance and display, several practical elements contribute to the overall user experience of these business laptops.

  • Connectivity Options: The EliteBook 840 G5 includes a Thunderbolt (USB Type-C) port, two USB 3.1 Gen 1 ports, HDMI 1.4b, and an RJ-45 Ethernet port. It supports Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) and Bluetooth 4.2. The ThinkPad T14 G1 offers more modern connectivity, including USB 3.2 Gen 1 and Gen 2 ports, USB-C with Thunderbolt 3 (on Intel models), HDMI 2.0, and an RJ-45 Ethernet port. It supports Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) and Bluetooth 5.0 or 5.1, providing faster wireless speeds.
  • Portability: Both laptops are designed for portability, with the EliteBook 840 G5 starting at approximately 1.48 kg (3.26 lbs) and the ThinkPad T14 G1 starting slightly lighter at 1.46 kg (3.23 lbs). Their dimensions are similar, making both suitable for travel.
  • Security Features: Both devices prioritize security. The EliteBook 840 G5 offers features like a fingerprint reader, SmartCard reader, and optional HP Sure View privacy screen. The ThinkPad T14 G1 includes a fingerprint reader, ThinkShutter webcam cover, optional IR camera for Windows Hello, and optional PrivacyGuard display technology.

Weight

1480 g

2500 g

Screen size

14

14

The HP EliteBook 840 G5 and the Lenovo ThinkPad T14 G1 are both solid choices for professionals seeking a reliable 14-inch laptop, each with distinct advantages. Users often praise the EliteBook 840 G5 for its premium build quality, comfortable keyboard, and robust security features. Its Bang & Olufsen speakers are frequently highlighted for their rich sound. However, some common criticisms include the potentially dim base model display and average battery life in certain configurations.

The Lenovo ThinkPad T14 G1 is frequently lauded for its strong performance, especially with its newer generation processors, and its iconic, highly regarded keyboard. Its comprehensive suite of security features, including the ThinkShutter and optional PrivacyGuard display, also receives positive attention. User feedback sometimes points to the display not being ideal for outdoor use in some configurations and the presence of only one USB-C port on certain models as minor drawbacks.

Users prioritizing a laptop with a slightly more modern internal architecture, potentially longer software support, and enhanced wireless connectivity (Wi-Fi 6) may find the Lenovo ThinkPad T14 G1 more aligned with their needs. Those who value a proven design with strong audio capabilities and a sturdy aluminum build might lean towards the HP EliteBook 840 G5. Both devices offer a reliable computing experience for business and productivity. For those considering these models, exploring quality-assured refurbished options can provide an eco-friendly alternative.

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