HP EliteBook 840 G7 14" Vs Lenovo ThinkPad T480 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 T480 14"
Lenovo ThinkPad T480 14"
Starting at

Refurbished price:£221.00

Versus £1,050.00 new

See options

Ratings

The HP EliteBook 840 G7 and the Lenovo ThinkPad T480 are both 14-inch business-oriented laptops designed for productivity and reliability. Released in 2020 and 2018 respectively, these devices offer distinct approaches to mobile computing. While the EliteBook 840 G7 features a more modern design and updated internal components, the ThinkPad T480 is known for its robust build and unique hot-swappable battery system. Both run on the Windows operating system, providing a familiar user experience for professionals and students.

Scores

Durability

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

  • Release Timeline: The HP EliteBook 840 G7 was released in 2020, making it two years newer than the Lenovo ThinkPad T480, which debuted in 2018. This difference in age generally translates to longer official software support for the EliteBook.
  • OS Support & Updates: Both laptops are capable of running Windows 10 and are generally upgradeable to Windows 11, ensuring access to current software features and security updates. The EliteBook, being newer, is likely to receive official updates for a slightly longer period.
  • Physical Durability: The ThinkPad T480 is renowned for its sturdy construction, often undergoing MIL-STD 810G testing, which indicates a high level of resistance to environmental stresses. It features a tough, no-nonsense exterior. The EliteBook 840 G7 also boasts a durable, full aluminum body and a solid build quality, designed to withstand daily professional use.
  • Repairability & Upgradability: The ThinkPad T480 is known for its user-friendly design, allowing for easier access to internal components for upgrades like RAM and storage, and features a hot-swappable external battery. The EliteBook also offers upgradable RAM and SSD options.

Year of Release

2019

2018

OS

Windows 11

Windows 11

Performance

The performance of these laptops is largely determined by their internal components, impacting how smoothly they handle everyday tasks and more demanding applications.

  • Processor Capabilities: The HP EliteBook 840 G7 is equipped with 10th-generation processors, which generally offer improved efficiency and processing power compared to the 8th-generation processors found in the Lenovo ThinkPad T480. This means the EliteBook can handle complex calculations and multiple applications with greater ease.
  • Multitasking & Responsiveness: Both devices support ample RAM, with the EliteBook 840 G7 configurable up to 64GB and the ThinkPad T480 up to 32GB, allowing for smooth multitasking across various applications. Solid-state drives (SSDs) in both models contribute to fast boot times and quick application loading.
  • Battery Behavior: The EliteBook 840 G7 offers a long battery life, with HP claiming up to 23 hours, and real-world usage often yielding between 8 to 19 hours depending on the configuration and tasks. It also supports fast charging. The ThinkPad T480 features a unique Power Bridge system with a hot-swappable external battery, allowing users to extend usage significantly, potentially reaching 17 to 29 hours with an extended battery.

Memory (GB)

8 GB

16 GB

Processor

Core i5 - Gen 10 (U)

Core i5 - Gen 8 (U)

Graphic card

Integrated Graphics

Integrated Graphics

Screen quality

The visual experience on these laptops is shaped by their display technology, resolution, and additional features.

  • Display Technology & Resolution: Both the HP EliteBook 840 G7 and the Lenovo ThinkPad T480 typically feature 14-inch Full HD (1920 x 1080) IPS displays, providing clear images and wide viewing angles. The ThinkPad T480 also had an optional WQHD (2560x1440) display for enhanced detail.
  • Brightness & Clarity: The EliteBook 840 G7 offers various brightness options, including a base 250-nit panel, an upgraded 400-nit option, and a 1000-nit Sure View privacy screen, which can be very bright and suitable for outdoor use. The ThinkPad T480's displays generally offer brightness levels around 250-295 nits, which is adequate for indoor environments but may be less visible in bright sunlight.
  • Color Accuracy & Features: The EliteBook 840 G7's displays can offer good color accuracy, with some panels covering up to 97% of the sRGB gamut. It also features an anti-glare finish across its display options. The ThinkPad T480's standard displays have more limited color coverage, around 60% sRGB, making them less ideal for tasks requiring precise color representation, though they also feature an anti-glare matte finish.

Screen type

LCD

IPS

Audiovisual

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

  • Camera System: Both laptops typically include a 720p webcam, suitable for video conferencing and online meetings. The EliteBook 840 G7 often includes a physical privacy shutter for the webcam, offering an additional layer of security. The ThinkPad T480 also features a camera shutter.
  • Microphone Quality: The HP EliteBook 840 G7 features three multi-array microphones, designed to enhance clarity during calls by reducing background noise. The ThinkPad T480's microphone is generally considered fine for communication and conferences.
  • Speaker Output: The EliteBook 840 G7 comes with stereo speakers tuned by Bang & Olufsen, providing a richer audio experience for media consumption and calls. The ThinkPad T480 features Dolby Audio speakers, offering clear sound for general use.

Miscellaneous

Beyond the core components, various practical elements contribute to the overall user experience and connectivity of these laptops.

  • Connectivity Options: The HP EliteBook 840 G7 supports newer wireless standards, including Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) and Bluetooth 5.0, offering faster and more stable connections. The Lenovo ThinkPad T480 typically features Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) and Bluetooth 4.1 or 5.0. Both offer optional LTE for mobile broadband.
  • Port Selection: The EliteBook 840 G7 includes two Thunderbolt 3 ports and two USB 3.1 Gen 1 Type-A ports, along with an HDMI 1.4b port. The ThinkPad T480 provides a comprehensive selection, including two USB 3.0 Type-A ports, one USB-C port, one Thunderbolt 3 port, a full-size Ethernet port, HDMI 1.4b, and a 4-in-1 SD card reader.
  • Security & Handling: Both laptops offer robust security features. The EliteBook 840 G7 can include an optional fingerprint reader and IR face recognition, alongside HP's security suite. The ThinkPad T480 also features a fingerprint reader and a TrackPoint for navigation, a signature ThinkPad feature. The EliteBook is slightly lighter, starting at 1.33 kg, compared to the ThinkPad T480's approximate 1.63 kg.

Weight

1500 g

1630 g

Screen size

14

14

The HP EliteBook 840 G7 and the Lenovo ThinkPad T480 both cater to users seeking reliable and functional business laptops, but they excel in different areas based on user priorities.

Users frequently praise the HP EliteBook 840 G7 for its more modern design, often featuring thinner bezels and a sleek aluminum chassis. Its brighter display options, including the Sure View privacy screen, are a common highlight, particularly for those working in varied lighting conditions or requiring screen privacy. The inclusion of Wi-Fi 6 and Thunderbolt 3 ports also positions it as a more future-ready device for connectivity. Some users, however, note that the fan can be audible under load.

The Lenovo ThinkPad T480 is consistently lauded for its exceptional keyboard, which many consider among the best for typing, and its legendary durability, often described as 'tank-like'. The hot-swappable Power Bridge battery system is a significant advantage for users who need extended unplugged time and the flexibility to swap batteries without powering down. Criticisms sometimes point to its slightly older design aesthetic and the standard display's more limited color reproduction and brightness compared to some competitors.

Users prioritizing a more contemporary design, potentially brighter screen options, and the latest wireless connectivity standards may find the HP EliteBook 840 G7 better suited to their needs. Conversely, those who value a highly durable build, an outstanding typing experience, and unparalleled battery flexibility through a hot-swappable system will likely lean towards the Lenovo ThinkPad T480. Both laptops offer solid performance for productivity tasks, making the choice dependent on specific preferences for design, display, and battery management. For those considering either model, exploring quality-assured refurbished options can provide a sustainable choice for acquiring these capable business machines.

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