HP EliteBook 840 G5 14" Vs Lenovo ThinkPad T480 14"

The HP EliteBook 840 G5 and the Lenovo ThinkPad T480, both 14-inch business laptops released in early 2018, offer robust solutions for professionals and students. While both devices run on the Windows operating system and share a focus on productivity, they present distinct approaches to design, battery management, and display options. The EliteBook emphasizes a sleek, modern aesthetic with advanced display technologies, whereas the ThinkPad prioritizes legendary durability and a unique hot-swappable battery system for extended use.

Both the HP EliteBook 840 G5 and the Lenovo ThinkPad T480 were released in early 2018, meaning they have been on the market for several years. As of 2026, both models are compatible with Windows 11, offering continued software support for essential applications. Their practical lifespan is influenced by their robust build quality and the availability of replacement parts, making them suitable candidates for refurbishment.

• OS Support: Both laptops, having launched in 2018, continue to support Windows 11, ensuring access to current software and security updates for the foreseeable future.
• Software Longevity: Users can expect these devices to remain functional for general productivity tasks and web browsing for several more years, though performance for demanding new applications may eventually be limited by their hardware generation.
• Repairability: Both models are designed with business environments in mind, often featuring accessible internal components for upgrades and repairs, contributing to a longer practical lifespan. The ThinkPad T480, in particular, is known for its user-friendly upgrade path, including easily removable bottom panels for accessing RAM and storage.

When evaluating performance, both laptops are equipped to handle typical daily workloads, though their configurations can vary significantly.

• Processor Capabilities: Both the EliteBook 840 G5 and the ThinkPad T480 typically feature 8th generation Intel Core i5 or i7 processors, providing ample power for multitasking, office applications, and web browsing. Some configurations of both models may also include 7th generation processors.
• Memory and Storage: Both devices support up to 32GB of DDR4 RAM across two slots, with some ThinkPad T480 users reporting successful upgrades to 64GB. They commonly come with fast PCIe NVMe SSDs, offering quick boot times and responsive application loading.
• Battery Behavior: The ThinkPad T480 stands out with its Power Bridge technology, combining an internal battery with a hot-swappable external one. This allows users to extend battery life significantly, with some configurations achieving over 17 hours of use with the larger external battery. The EliteBook 840 G5 offers a more conventional battery setup, typically providing around 6 to 8.5 hours of real-world usage, though it supports fast charging.

The visual experience on these laptops can differ based on the specific display panel chosen, as both offered various options at launch.

• Display Technology and Resolution: Both the EliteBook 840 G5 and the ThinkPad T480 are available with 14-inch Full HD (1920x1080) IPS displays, providing clear images and good viewing angles. The ThinkPad T480 also had options for a lower-resolution HD (1366x768) TN panel and a higher-resolution WQHD (2560x1440) IPS panel.
• Brightness and Color: Standard Full HD panels on the ThinkPad T480 are often noted for being somewhat dim (around 250-270 nits) and having less vibrant color reproduction (around 54-60% sRGB), making them suitable for office work but less ideal for color-sensitive tasks. The EliteBook 840 G5's base Full HD display is similarly described as dim (around 217-220 nits), but higher-end configurations offer significantly brighter panels (up to 400 nits) and even a 700-nit Sure View privacy screen, which can be beneficial for working in public spaces.
• Surface Finish: Both laptops typically feature matte, anti-glare screens, which help reduce reflections and improve visibility in brightly lit environments.

For communication and media consumption, both laptops offer standard features suitable for business and personal use.

• Camera System: Both the HP EliteBook 840 G5 and the Lenovo ThinkPad T480 include a 720p webcam, which is adequate for video conferencing and online meetings. The EliteBook 840 G5 often features an IR webcam for Windows Hello facial recognition, enhancing security. The ThinkPad T480 may also include a physical camera shutter for privacy.
• Microphone Quality: Both devices are equipped with integrated multi-array microphones. The EliteBook 840 G5 benefits from HP Noise Cancellation technology, aiming for clearer audio during calls. User reviews suggest the ThinkPad T480's microphone is fine for conferences.
• Speaker Output: The EliteBook 840 G5 features Bang & Olufsen tuned dual stereo speakers, which are generally praised for producing rich and clear sound. The ThinkPad T480's speakers are considered average for a business laptop, suitable for general media consumption and conference calls.