Dell Latitude 5490 14" Vs HP EliteBook 840 G8 14"

Dell Latitude 5490 14"
Dell Latitude 5490 14"
Starting at

Refurbished price:325.00

Versus €793.00 new

See options
HP EliteBook 840 G8 14"
HP EliteBook 840 G8 14"
Starting at

Refurbished price:350.00

Versus €696.00 new

See options

Ratings

The Dell Latitude 5490 and the HP EliteBook 840 G8 are both 14-inch business-oriented laptops designed for productivity and reliability. The Dell Latitude 5490, released in 2018, offers a robust and serviceable platform, while the HP EliteBook 840 G8, launched in March 2021, brings more modern components and features. Both devices typically run on the Windows operating system, with support for Linux also available, making them versatile choices for various professional and academic needs.

Scores

Durability

These laptops offer different timelines for software support and expected practical lifespans due to their respective release dates.

  • Release Timeline: The Dell Latitude 5490 was released in 2018, making it an older model compared to the HP EliteBook 840 G8, which debuted in March 2021. This three-year gap means the HP model benefits from a more recent hardware foundation.
  • Software Support: Both laptops support Windows 10 and Windows 11. The Dell Latitude 5490 also supports Ubuntu 16.04. The newer release of the EliteBook 840 G8 generally translates to a longer period of official software and security updates from the manufacturer.
  • Repairability: Both models are designed with business environments in mind, which generally translates to good repairability. Users can typically access and upgrade components like RAM and storage, contributing to their practical lifespan.

Year of Release

2017

2020

OS

Windows 11

Windows 11

Performance

The performance capabilities of these two laptops reflect their different generations of internal components, impacting speed and efficiency for various tasks.

  • Processing Power: The Dell Latitude 5490 is equipped with 8th generation Intel Core U-series processors, which handle everyday office tasks, web browsing, and light multitasking efficiently. The HP EliteBook 840 G8 features 11th generation Intel Core processors, offering a noticeable improvement in overall speed and responsiveness for more demanding applications and complex multitasking.
  • System Responsiveness: Both laptops typically come with solid-state drives (SSDs) for storage, ensuring fast boot times and quick application loading. The HP EliteBook 840 G8 often features faster NVMe PCIe 3.0 SSDs and DDR4 3200MHz RAM, contributing to a snappier user experience, especially when handling large files or running multiple applications simultaneously.
  • Battery Behavior: The Dell Latitude 5490, with its 68Wh battery in some configurations, has been noted for offering long battery life, sometimes exceeding 15 hours in specific tests. The HP EliteBook 840 G8, typically with a 53Whr battery, provides a full workday's power, generally ranging from 9 to 14 hours depending on usage and configuration.

Memory (GB)

8 GB

16 GB

Processor

Core i5 - Gen 8 (U)

Core i5-1145G7

Graphic card

Integrated Graphics

Integrated Graphics

Screen quality

The display quality on these laptops offers a Full HD experience, but with differences in brightness and available features.

  • Display Technology and Resolution: Both laptops feature 14-inch Full HD (1920x1080) IPS anti-glare displays, providing clear visuals and good viewing angles suitable for productivity. The Dell Latitude 5490 also had HD display options in some configurations.
  • Brightness and Outdoor Use: The Dell Latitude 5490's standard display typically offers around 220 nits of brightness, which is adequate for indoor use but can be challenging in brighter environments. The HP EliteBook 840 G8 offers various display options, including panels with 250 nits, 400 nits (low power), and even 1000 nits with HP Sure View Reflect for enhanced privacy, making it more versatile for different lighting conditions.
  • Special Features: The HP EliteBook 840 G8 can be configured with a touchscreen and HP Sure View Reflect, which is a built-in privacy screen to prevent visual hacking. Both typically feature a 60Hz refresh rate, standard for business laptops.

Audiovisual

For communication and multimedia, both laptops include essential audio and visual components, with the HP EliteBook 840 G8 offering more advanced features.

  • Camera System: Both devices come with a 720p HD webcam, suitable for video conferencing and online meetings. The HP EliteBook 840 G8 may include an optional IR camera for facial recognition, enhancing security and login convenience.
  • Audio Experience: The Dell Latitude 5490 features built-in stereo speakers and a microphone for standard audio output and input. The HP EliteBook 840 G8 benefits from audio tuned by Bang & Olufsen, offering a richer sound experience, along with dual stereo speakers and a multi-array microphone system that includes AI-based audio enhancements for noise reduction during calls.
  • Video Recording Quality: Both laptops provide standard video recording capabilities through their 720p webcams, sufficient for typical business and personal use. The HP EliteBook 840 G8's enhanced microphone system can contribute to clearer audio in recorded videos.

Miscellaneous

Beyond core performance, practical elements like connectivity, ports, and physical design contribute to the overall user experience.

  • Connectivity Options: The Dell Latitude 5490 supports Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) and Bluetooth 4.2. The HP EliteBook 840 G8 features more modern Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) and Bluetooth 5.0, offering faster wireless speeds and improved network efficiency. The EliteBook also has optional 4G LTE or 5G mobile broadband capabilities.
  • Port Selection: The Latitude 5490 offers a comprehensive set of ports including USB 3.1 Gen 1 Type-A, USB-C with DisplayPort, HDMI 1.4 (or 2.0 with dedicated GPU), VGA, Ethernet, and an SD card reader. The EliteBook 840 G8 provides 2x USB 3.1 Gen 1 Type-A, 2x Thunderbolt 4 (USB-C), HDMI 2.0, and a headphone/microphone combo jack, with Thunderbolt 4 offering significantly faster data transfer and display capabilities.
  • Physical Attributes: The Dell Latitude 5490 weighs around 1.6 kg (3.52 lbs) and has a more traditional business laptop design with a carbon fiber and plastic build. The HP EliteBook 840 G8 is lighter, starting around 1.15 kg (2.5 lbs) for the Aero G8 variant, and features a sleek aluminum exterior, making it more portable.

Weight

1600 g

2500 g

Screen size

14

14

User feedback for the Dell Latitude 5490 often praises its robust performance for its generation, long battery life in many configurations, and a comfortable keyboard, making it a reliable workhorse. Common criticisms include a relatively dim and uninspiring display and less impressive audio quality.

The HP EliteBook 840 G8 is frequently lauded for its sleek, lightweight aluminum design, powerful 11th-gen processors, and enhanced security features. Users appreciate the Bang & Olufsen audio and the inclusion of Thunderbolt 4 ports and Wi-Fi 6. Some users have noted that while battery life is good for a full workday, it might not be as extended as some competitors, and the standard FHD display, while clear, may not be as bright or vibrant as higher-end options.

Users prioritizing a highly portable device with modern connectivity, advanced security features, and strong performance for demanding tasks will find the HP EliteBook 840 G8 well-suited to their needs. Those who value a sturdy, dependable machine with a wide array of legacy ports and excellent battery life for less intensive work might lean towards the Dell Latitude 5490. Both models are often available as quality-assured refurbished options, providing an eco-friendly alternative for budget-conscious buyers.

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