Dell Latitude 7390 13" Vs Lenovo ThinkPad T480 14"

Dell Latitude 7390 13"
Dell Latitude 7390 13"
Starting at

Refurbished price:395.00

Versus €733.00 new

See options
Lenovo ThinkPad T480 14"
Lenovo ThinkPad T480 14"
Starting at

Refurbished price:323.33

Versus €699.00 new

See options

The Dell Latitude 7390 13 and the Lenovo ThinkPad T480 14 are business-oriented laptops released around 2018, designed for productivity and reliability. Both devices operate on the Windows platform, offering a familiar user experience for professionals and students alike. Key distinctions between these two models lie in their display characteristics, battery architecture, and overall portability, catering to slightly different user preferences.

Scores

Durability

Both the Dell Latitude 7390 13 and the Lenovo ThinkPad T480 14 were introduced in 2018, meaning they share a similar starting point for their expected lifespan and software support. As business-grade machines, they were built with durability in mind, often undergoing military-standard testing.

  • Software Longevity: Both laptops, running on the Windows operating system, continue to receive regular security and feature updates from Microsoft. Their 8th generation Intel processors ensure compatibility with current Windows versions, extending their practical usability for several years into the future.
  • Repairability: The Lenovo ThinkPad T480 is known for its user-friendly design, allowing for relatively straightforward upgrades and repairs of components like RAM, storage, and the hot-swappable battery. The Dell Latitude 7390 also offers access to internal components for maintenance and upgrades, contributing to its overall longevity.
  • Build Quality: Both models feature robust construction, with the Latitude 7390 often incorporating magnesium alloy and the ThinkPad T480 utilizing glass-fiber reinforced plastic and polyphenylene sulfide, contributing to their resilience against daily wear and tear.

Year of Release

2017

2017

Last Os Compatibility

Yes

Yes

OS

Windows 11

Windows 11

Performance

When evaluating the performance of these two business laptops, both are equipped with capable processors and memory configurations suitable for demanding tasks, though their approaches to power management and upgradeability present some differences.

  • Processing Power: Both the Dell Latitude 7390 13 and the Lenovo ThinkPad T480 14 feature 8th generation Intel Core processors, providing solid performance for multitasking, running productivity applications, and handling moderate computational workloads. Users can expect smooth operation for web browsing, document editing, and video conferencing.
  • Memory and Storage: The Latitude 7390 typically comes with 8GB or 16GB of RAM, with configurations often allowing for expansion due to an available slot. The ThinkPad T480 supports up to 32GB of DDR4 RAM across two slots, offering more headroom for intensive multitasking or specialized applications. Both devices commonly feature fast SSD storage, ensuring quick boot times and responsive application loading.
  • Battery Behavior: The ThinkPad T480 stands out with its Power Bridge battery system, which includes an internal and an external hot-swappable battery, allowing for extended usage times, potentially exceeding 17 hours with the larger external battery. The Latitude 7390 offers strong battery life as well, typically providing around 10-12 hours on a single charge, sufficient for a full workday.

Memory (GB)

8 GB

8 GB

Processor

Core i7 - Gen 8 (U)

Core i5 - Gen 8 (U)

Graphic card

Integrated Graphics

Integrated Graphics

Screen quality

The visual experience on these laptops is a significant point of comparison, primarily due to differences in screen size and display panel characteristics.

  • Display Technology and Size: The Dell Latitude 7390 features a 13.3-inch Full HD (1920x1080) IPS display, often with touch capabilities and a matte finish. The Lenovo ThinkPad T480 offers a slightly larger 14-inch Full HD (1920x1080) IPS display, also typically with a matte, anti-glare finish, and optional touch functionality.
  • Brightness and Color Reproduction: The Latitude 7390 generally provides a brighter and more vibrant display, with good color gamut coverage (often cited around 98-132% sRGB) and brightness levels ranging from 286 to 309 nits. In contrast, the ThinkPad T480's display, while offering wide viewing angles, is frequently noted for being less bright (around 250-272 nits) and having duller color reproduction, covering a smaller percentage of the sRGB spectrum (around 54-60%).
  • Viewing Experience: Both laptops offer Full HD resolution, ensuring sharp text and clear images for general productivity. The anti-glare finishes on both are beneficial for reducing reflections in various lighting conditions. The larger screen of the T480 might be preferred by users who value more screen real estate for multitasking, while the Latitude 7390's more vibrant display could appeal to those who prioritize visual quality.

Resolution

1920 x 1080

1920 x 1080

Screen type

IPS

IPS

Camera

Audiovisual

For communication and media consumption, both laptops include standard features, though with varying levels of quality and additional functionalities.

  • Webcam and Microphone: Both the Dell Latitude 7390 and the Lenovo ThinkPad T480 are equipped with 720p webcams, suitable for video calls and online meetings. The Latitude 7390 often includes an IR camera for facial recognition, enhancing login security. The ThinkPad T480 frequently features a physical ThinkShutter privacy cover for its webcam, offering an added layer of privacy, and also has optional IR camera configurations. Both include integrated microphones that are generally adequate for communication.
  • Audio Output: The speakers on both laptops are typically designed for business use, providing clear audio for video conferences and system sounds. However, they are generally not optimized for high-fidelity music or immersive media consumption, with some reviews noting the Latitude 7390's speakers as shoddy and the T480's as merely adequate.
  • Media Consumption: While neither laptop is primarily a multimedia powerhouse, they are capable of handling video playback and casual audio listening. The Latitude 7390's more vibrant display might offer a slightly more engaging visual experience for media, despite its smaller screen size.

Miscellaneous

Beyond core performance and display, several practical features contribute to the overall user experience and suitability for different environments.

  • Connectivity Options: Both laptops offer a comprehensive array of ports. The Dell Latitude 7390 includes two USB 3.0/3.1 Gen 1 ports, an HDMI 1.4 output, a Thunderbolt 3 port (USB-C), a microSD card reader, and an RJ-45 Ethernet port. The Lenovo ThinkPad T480 provides two USB 3.1 Gen 1 ports, a USB-C 3.1 Gen 1 port, a Thunderbolt 3 port (USB-C), HDMI 1.4b, an RJ-45 Ethernet port, and a 4-in-1 card reader. Both support modern Wi-Fi standards (802.11ac) and Bluetooth.
  • Security Features: Both devices prioritize security, offering fingerprint readers and optional IR cameras for Windows Hello facial recognition. They also often include Smart Card readers for enhanced authentication, catering to enterprise environments.
  • Portability and Design: The Dell Latitude 7390 is generally lighter and more compact, weighing between 1.13 kg and 1.3 kg, making it a more portable option for users constantly on the move. The Lenovo ThinkPad T480 is slightly heavier at around 1.63 kg to 1.65 kg, but its robust build and larger screen size might appeal to those who prioritize screen real estate and a sturdy feel. The ThinkPad is also renowned for its comfortable and tactile keyboard, often considered a benchmark for typing experience.

Weight

1500 g

1630 g

Screen size

13

14

User feedback for both the Dell Latitude 7390 13 and the Lenovo ThinkPad T480 14 often highlights their strengths as reliable business machines. The Latitude 7390 is frequently praised for its vibrant and bright display, compact form factor, and strong overall performance, making it a suitable choice for users who prioritize visual clarity and portability. Some users, however, have noted its keyboard can feel cramped and its speakers are not a strong point.

The ThinkPad T480, on the other hand, garners significant acclaim for its exceptional keyboard, robust build quality, and the unique hot-swappable battery system that provides extended unplugged usage. Common criticisms often point to its display being less vibrant and bright compared to competitors, and its slightly heavier chassis.

Users prioritizing a highly portable device with a visually engaging screen for presentations and general use may find the Dell Latitude 7390 13 more aligned with their needs. Conversely, individuals who spend extensive time typing, require maximum battery longevity for travel, and value a highly repairable and robust build will likely lean towards the Lenovo ThinkPad T480 14. Both laptops offer solid performance for everyday business and academic tasks. For those seeking a sustainable choice, both models are readily available as quality-assured refurbished options, providing an eco-friendly alternative to purchasing new.

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