HP EliteBook 840 G7 14" Vs Lenovo ThinkPad T14 G1 14"

HP EliteBook 840 G7 14"
HP EliteBook 840 G7 14"
Starting at

Refurbished price:£218.84

Versus £1,833.00 new

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

Refurbished price:£206.00

Versus £534.21 new

See options

Ratings

The HP EliteBook 840 G7 and the Lenovo ThinkPad T14 G1, both released in 2020, are 14-inch business-oriented laptops designed for professionals and students. While both offer robust performance and strong security features, they present distinct approaches to design, display options, and user experience. Both devices run on the Windows operating system, ensuring a familiar software environment for most users.

Scores

Durability

Both the HP EliteBook 840 G7 and the Lenovo ThinkPad T14 G1 were released in 2020, meaning they share a similar starting point for software support and overall lifespan expectations. As business-grade laptops, they are built for durability and extended use.

  • OS Support: Both models, running on Windows, are expected to receive operating system updates for several years, typically aligning with Microsoft's support lifecycle for their respective Windows versions. This ensures continued security and feature updates.
  • Build Quality: The EliteBook 840 G7 features a durable aluminum body, contributing to its robust feel and ability to withstand daily wear and tear. The ThinkPad T14 G1 is known for its MIL-STD-810G military-standard testing, indicating resilience against various environmental conditions and physical stresses, and often includes a spill-resistant keyboard.
  • Repairability: Both HP EliteBooks and Lenovo ThinkPads generally offer good repairability, with components often designed to be accessible for maintenance and upgrades, which can extend their practical lifespan. Choosing a quality-assured refurbished option for either model can further enhance their sustainability.

Year of Release

2019

2019

OS

Windows 11

Windows 11

Performance

When evaluating performance, both laptops are equipped to handle demanding professional tasks and multitasking, though their configurations offer some variations.

  • Processor Capabilities: Both the EliteBook 840 G7 and the ThinkPad T14 G1 utilize 10th Generation Intel Core processors, with the ThinkPad also offering AMD Ryzen Pro processor options. These processors provide responsive performance for common business applications, web browsing, and moderate content creation.
  • Memory and Storage: Both models support ample DDR4 RAM, with the EliteBook 840 G7 configurable up to 64GB and the ThinkPad T14 G1 up to 48GB. This allows for smooth multitasking across numerous applications. Both also feature fast NVMe PCIe SSD storage, ensuring quick boot times and rapid data access.
  • Battery Behavior: The HP EliteBook 840 G7 typically features a 53 Wh battery, with real-world usage often yielding between 8 to 18 hours depending on the configuration and workload. The Lenovo ThinkPad T14 G1 comes with 45Wh or 50Wh/51Wh battery options, generally providing 8 to 15 hours of use, though some users report shorter durations under heavy loads. Both support fast charging.

Memory (GB)

8 GB

16 GB

Processor

Core i5 - Gen 10 (U)

Core i5 - Gen 10 (U)

Graphic card

Integrated Graphics

Intel HD Graphics

Screen quality

The visual experience on these 14-inch laptops can vary significantly based on the chosen display configuration, catering to different user preferences and work environments.

  • Display Technology and Resolution: Both laptops primarily offer Full HD (1920 x 1080) IPS anti-glare displays, providing clear images and good viewing angles suitable for productivity. The ThinkPad T14 G1 also has options for lower resolution HD (1366x768) TN panels and higher-end 4K UHD (3840x2160) IPS displays.
  • Brightness and Features: The EliteBook 840 G7 offers various brightness levels, from a base of 250 nits up to 1000 nits with its optional Sure View privacy screen, which limits viewing angles to prevent shoulder surfing. The ThinkPad T14 G1 also provides a range of brightness options for its FHD panels (250, 300, 400, or 500 nits) and an optional PrivacyGuard display for similar privacy benefits.
  • Refresh Rate: Both models typically feature a standard 60Hz refresh rate, which is sufficient for general business use and media consumption.

Resolution

1920 x 1080

1920 x 1080

Audiovisual

For communication and media consumption, both laptops integrate capable camera and audio systems designed for professional use.

  • Camera System: Both the HP EliteBook 840 G7 and the Lenovo ThinkPad T14 G1 are equipped with 720p HD webcams, suitable for video conferencing and online meetings. The EliteBook includes an HP Privacy Camera with a physical shutter, while the ThinkPad features a ThinkShutter privacy cover, offering similar physical privacy protection for the webcam.
  • Microphone Quality: Both devices incorporate multi-array microphones (three on the EliteBook, dual-array far-field on the ThinkPad) designed to capture clear audio and reduce background noise during calls.
  • Speaker Output: The EliteBook 840 G7 features stereo speakers with Bang & Olufsen HD audio, aiming for a rich sound experience. The ThinkPad T14 G1 also has stereo speakers enhanced with Dolby Audio, providing clear sound for presentations and media.

Miscellaneous

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

  • Connectivity Options: Both laptops support modern wireless standards, including Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) and Bluetooth 5.0 or 5.1, ensuring fast and reliable wireless connections. Both also offer optional 4G LTE for mobile broadband connectivity and include Gigabit Ethernet ports for wired network access.
  • Port Selection: The EliteBook 840 G7 includes two Thunderbolt 3 (USB-C) ports, two USB 3.1 Gen 1 Type-A ports, HDMI 1.4b, and a headphone/mic combo jack. The ThinkPad T14 G1 (Intel models) offers a similar array with two USB 3.1 Gen 1 Type-A, one USB-C 3.1 Gen 1, and one Thunderbolt 3 (USB-C) port, alongside HDMI 1.4b, Ethernet, and a microSD card reader.
  • Security and Handling: Both devices integrate fingerprint readers for secure login. The EliteBook offers an optional IR camera for facial recognition, while the ThinkPad also has this option for Windows Hello. The EliteBook 840 G7 starts at 1.33 kg, while the ThinkPad T14 G1 starts at 1.46 kg, making the HP model slightly lighter in its base configuration.

Weight

1500 g

2500 g

Screen size

14

14

Users frequently praise the HP EliteBook 840 G7 for its premium build quality, comfortable keyboard, and comprehensive security features, including the optional Sure View display for privacy. Some common criticisms point to the base display options being less bright than desired and the presence of slightly larger bezels compared to some contemporary designs.

The Lenovo ThinkPad T14 G1 is often lauded for its legendary robust construction, excellent typing experience, and extensive port selection, making it a reliable workhorse. User feedback sometimes highlights variability in battery life depending on the specific configuration and workload, with some reporting shorter durations than advertised.

Users prioritizing a slightly lighter device with strong integrated privacy features and Bang & Olufsen audio may prefer the HP EliteBook 840 G7. Conversely, users who value a slightly more rugged build, a wider range of display options including 4K, and the traditional ThinkPad keyboard experience may lean towards the Lenovo ThinkPad T14 G1. Both laptops are solid choices for professionals and students seeking a dependable 14-inch business laptop, and considering a refurbished option for either model offers an eco-friendly alternative for acquiring these capable devices.

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