HP EliteBook 840 G6 14" vs Lenovo ThinkPad T14 G1 14" comparison

HP EliteBook 840 G6 14" Vs Lenovo ThinkPad T14 G1 14"

HP EliteBook 840 G6 14"

Starting at

Refurbished price:£192.00

Versus £542.61 new

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Lenovo ThinkPad T14 G1 14"

Starting at

Refurbished price:£206.00

Versus £534.21 new

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Ratings

The HP EliteBook 840 G6 and the Lenovo ThinkPad T14 G1 are 14-inch business-oriented laptops designed for productivity and reliability. The EliteBook 840 G6 was released in 2019, while the ThinkPad T14 G1 followed in 2020. Both devices run on the Windows operating system and offer robust features tailored for professional use, with the ThinkPad generally providing a slightly newer generation of internal components and a focus on modularity.

Scores

Durability

Both the HP EliteBook 840 G6 and the Lenovo ThinkPad T14 G1 are built to withstand the rigors of daily professional use, featuring durable chassis and adherence to military-grade testing standards.

Release Timeline: The EliteBook 840 G6 was introduced in 2019, preceding the ThinkPad T14 G1 which launched in 2020. This means the ThinkPad benefits from a slightly longer potential software support window.
Software Longevity: Both laptops, running on Windows, are capable of upgrading to the latest versions of the operating system, ensuring continued access to security updates and new features for several years.
Repairability: The HP EliteBook 840 G6 is noted for its high repairability, with easily accessible and replaceable components like RAM, SSD, and battery. Similarly, the ThinkPad T14 G1 is known for its user-friendly repair and upgrade options, including an accessible RAM slot and easily swappable SSD.

Year of Release

2019

Windows 11

Performance

Performance in both laptops is geared towards business and productivity tasks, offering responsive computing for everyday applications and multitasking.

Processor Capabilities: The EliteBook 840 G6 is equipped with processors that handle demanding business applications efficiently, providing solid performance for typical office workloads. The ThinkPad T14 G1, featuring a newer generation of processors, offers solid performance for everyday computing and multitasking, with some configurations providing enhanced capabilities for multi-core tasks and graphics.
Storage and RAM: Both models utilize fast PCIe NVMe SSDs for quick boot times and application loading. The EliteBook 840 G6 supports up to 64GB of DDR4 RAM, with both slots being user-accessible for upgrades. The ThinkPad T14 G1 typically features some soldered RAM but includes an additional SODIMM slot, allowing for memory expansion up to 48GB.
Battery Behavior: Both laptops come with a 50 Whr battery, with some ThinkPad T14 G1 configurations offering a slightly larger 57 Whr option. Users of the ThinkPad T14 G1 have reported good battery life, especially with certain processor configurations, often lasting through a full workday.

Memory (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 designed for clarity and comfort during extended work sessions, though display options vary.

Display Technology and Resolution: Both devices offer 14-inch Full HD (1920x1080) IPS displays, providing clear visuals and good viewing angles. The EliteBook 840 G6 also has configurations with a higher resolution UHD (3840x2160) display.
Brightness and Features: The EliteBook 840 G6 offers various brightness levels, with some panels reaching 400 nits and options for HP Sure View privacy screens. The ThinkPad T14 G1 also provides a range of brightness options, including panels up to 400 or 500 nits, with some featuring PrivacyGuard technology or low-power consumption for extended battery life.
Viewing Experience: While both offer good displays for indoor use, some lower-end configurations of the ThinkPad T14 G1's screen may not be ideal for bright outdoor environments.

Resolution

1920 x 1080

Audiovisual

For communication and media consumption, both laptops integrate standard features suitable for professional environments.

Camera System: Both the HP EliteBook 840 G6 and the Lenovo ThinkPad T14 G1 include a 720p HD webcam for video conferencing. The ThinkPad T14 G1 enhances privacy with a physical ThinkShutter, and both offer optional IR cameras for facial recognition login.
Audio Quality: The EliteBook 840 G6 features Bang & Olufsen speakers and a triple-array microphone system with HP Noise Cancellation for clear audio during calls. The ThinkPad T14 G1 comes with stereo speakers enhanced by Dolby Audio and dual array far-field microphones, providing decent sound for a business laptop.
Media Consumption: Both laptops are capable of delivering a satisfactory media experience for casual viewing and listening, with the ThinkPad's speakers often noted for good sound separation.

Miscellaneous

Beyond core performance, several practical elements differentiate these two business laptops, impacting daily usability and connectivity.

Connectivity: Both models support modern wireless standards, including Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) and Bluetooth 5.0 or 5.1, ensuring fast and reliable network connections. Optional LTE is available for mobile connectivity on both.
Port Selection: The EliteBook 840 G6 includes a Thunderbolt (USB-C) port, multiple USB-A ports, HDMI, and an RJ-45 Ethernet port. The ThinkPad T14 G1 offers a similar array, with Intel configurations including a Thunderbolt 3 port and AMD versions providing USB-C 3.2 Gen 2 ports, alongside USB-A, HDMI, RJ-45, and a microSD card reader.
Design and Handling: The EliteBook 840 G6 features an aluminum chassis and starts at 1.48 kg. The ThinkPad T14 G1, with its magnesium alloy and PPS chassis, starts at a comparable 1.46 kg. Both are designed for portability and durability.

Weight

7500 g

2500 g

Screen size

14

The HP EliteBook 840 G6 and the Lenovo ThinkPad T14 G1 both stand as capable 14-inch business laptops, each with distinct strengths that cater to different user priorities. Users often praise the EliteBook 840 G6 for its premium aluminum design, comfortable input devices, and comprehensive port selection, including Thunderbolt support. It is frequently noted for its robust security features and good display quality in its higher-end configurations. Some users, however, have reported issues with specific components like cameras in certain refurbished units.

The Lenovo ThinkPad T14 G1 is widely acclaimed for its exceptional keyboard, durable build quality, and strong performance, particularly in its AMD configurations which are often highlighted for multi-core efficiency and battery life. Common criticisms for the ThinkPad T14 G1 often revolve around its lower-end screen options, with some users finding the base panels to be less vibrant or bright for outdoor use.

For individuals prioritizing a highly repairable device with a sleek, all-aluminum design and strong security features, the HP EliteBook 840 G6 may be a suitable choice. Its comprehensive I/O and optional high-resolution displays make it versatile for various professional tasks. On the other hand, users who value a slightly newer platform, potentially stronger multi-core performance (especially with AMD variants), and a renowned typing experience might lean towards the Lenovo ThinkPad T14 G1. Its modularity and upgrade potential also make it a compelling option for those who like to maintain and extend the life of their devices.

Both laptops are excellent candidates for those seeking a quality-assured refurbished option, offering a sustainable choice for professional computing needs.