HP EliteBook 840 G5 14" vs Lenovo ThinkPad T490 14"

The HP EliteBook 840 G5 and the Lenovo ThinkPad T490 are 14-inch business-oriented laptops, released in 2018 and 2019 respectively. While both devices are designed for professional use, they offer distinct approaches to performance, display quality, and user experience. Both run on the Windows operating system, providing a familiar environment for most users.

These business laptops are built for durability and extended use, with both models offering robust construction and a focus on long-term support.

• Release Timeline: The HP EliteBook 840 G5 was released in February 2018, making it slightly older than the Lenovo ThinkPad T490, which debuted in 2019. This difference in release year can influence the duration of future software updates.
• OS Support & Longevity: Both devices originally shipped with Windows 10 Pro and are capable of running Windows 11, with refurbished units sometimes pre-installed with the newer OS. As business-grade machines, they typically receive consistent driver and security updates from their manufacturers for several years post-release. The ThinkPad T490, being newer, may receive official support for a slightly longer period.
• Repairability: Both laptops are designed with serviceability in mind. The HP EliteBook 840 G5 features tethered screws for easier access to internal components for upgrades or repairs. The Lenovo ThinkPad T490 is also noted for its modularity, allowing access to upgrade components like the SSD, battery, and RAM, which contributes to a longer practical lifespan.

Both laptops are equipped to handle typical business and productivity tasks, though their internal configurations offer varying levels of responsiveness and multitasking capabilities.

• Processor Capabilities: The HP EliteBook 840 G5 typically features 8th generation Intel Core processors, providing solid performance for everyday applications, web browsing, and moderate multitasking. The Lenovo ThinkPad T490 offers 8th or 10th generation Intel Core processors, which can provide a slight edge in processing power and efficiency for more demanding workloads or future-proofing.
• Memory and Storage: The EliteBook 840 G5 supports up to 32GB of DDR4 RAM across two user-accessible SODIMM slots, allowing for significant memory upgrades. Storage options commonly include M.2 PCIe NVMe SSDs, offering fast boot times and application loading. The ThinkPad T490 can be configured with up to 48GB of DDR4 RAM, with some memory soldered and one accessible SO-DIMM slot for expansion. It also utilizes M.2 PCIe NVMe SSDs for storage, with aftermarket upgrades potentially extending capacity beyond 1TB.
• Real-world Responsiveness: Users generally report smooth operation for both devices in daily use. However, some users of the ThinkPad T490 have noted instances of thermal throttling and fan noise under sustained load, which could impact performance during intensive tasks. The EliteBook 840 G5 is generally considered a strong performer for multitasking.

The visual experience on these laptops varies significantly depending on the specific display panel chosen at the time of purchase, with both offering a range of options.

• Display Technology and Resolution: Both the HP EliteBook 840 G5 and the Lenovo ThinkPad T490 feature 14-inch displays, with Full HD (1920x1080) IPS panels being common. The ThinkPad T490 also offers a higher-resolution WQHD (2560x1440) IPS option with Dolby Vision HDR, providing sharper images and enhanced color depth.
• Brightness and Clarity: The base model of the EliteBook 840 G5 typically comes with a display around 220 nits, which some users found to be dim. However, optional configurations included a privacy screen (Sure View) that could reach 619-625 nits, offering excellent brightness for outdoor use. The ThinkPad T490's display options range from 220 nits for its base HD panel to 500 nits for its WQHD HDR display, with a 400-nit low-power FHD option also available.
• Viewing Experience: The IPS panels on both laptops generally provide wide viewing angles. The EliteBook 840 G5's base display may lack vibrancy, while its Sure View option enhances privacy. The ThinkPad T490's WQHD display is praised for its color accuracy and suitability for tasks requiring visual precision.

For communication and media consumption, both laptops integrate standard features, with some notable differences in audio quality and webcam functionality.

• Camera System: Both the EliteBook 840 G5 and the ThinkPad T490 typically include a 720p HD webcam. The EliteBook 840 G5's webcam has been described as sometimes blurry. The ThinkPad T490 often features a physical privacy shutter (ThinkShutter) for its webcam, offering an added layer of security.
• Microphone Quality: The HP EliteBook 840 G5 is equipped with a triple-microphone array, designed to enhance clarity during conference calls by picking up voices from multiple directions and filtering out background noise. The ThinkPad T490 includes dual far-field microphones, which also aim to improve voice pickup for calls.
• Speaker Output: The EliteBook 840 G5 features Bang & Olufsen speakers, which are generally well-regarded for their quality and immersive sound experience. The ThinkPad T490 incorporates Dolby Audio Premium for its speakers, providing a decent audio experience for media consumption and calls.