HP EliteBook 830 G5 13" Vs Lenovo ThinkPad L390 13"

HP EliteBook 830 G5 13"
HP EliteBook 830 G5 13"
Starting at

Refurbished price:333.00

Versus €1,160.00 new

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Lenovo ThinkPad L390 13"
Lenovo ThinkPad L390 13"
Starting at

Refurbished price:299.00

Versus €766.00 new

See options

Ratings

The HP EliteBook 830 G5, released in 2018, and the Lenovo ThinkPad L390, launched in 2019, are both 13-inch business-oriented laptops designed for productivity and portability. While sharing a similar target audience and core functionality, the ThinkPad L390 arrived slightly later, offering minor internal updates and a distinct approach to port selection and design philosophy. Both devices operate on the Windows platform, providing a familiar user experience for professionals and students alike.

Scores

Durability

When considering the long-term usability of these laptops, their release timelines and manufacturer support are key factors. Both the EliteBook 830 G5 and the ThinkPad L390 were introduced with Windows 10 and are compatible with Windows 11, ensuring continued access to security updates and software compatibility for several years.

  • Release Timeline: The HP EliteBook 830 G5 was released in 2018, while the Lenovo ThinkPad L390 followed in 2019. This means the L390 may receive official software and driver support for a slightly longer period.
  • Durability Standards: Both laptops have undergone MIL-STD-810G testing, indicating a robust build designed to withstand various environmental stresses, such as drops, vibrations, and extreme temperatures. This suggests a similar level of physical resilience for daily professional use.
  • Repairability: While specific repairability scores can vary, both models are business-class laptops, generally designed with some consideration for serviceability and component replacement, which can contribute to a longer practical lifespan.

Year of Release

2017

2018

Last Os Compatibility

Yes

Yes

OS

Windows 11

Windows 11

Performance

Both the HP EliteBook 830 G5 and the Lenovo ThinkPad L390 are equipped with 8th generation Intel Core processors, providing capable performance for everyday business tasks and multitasking. Their performance characteristics are well-suited for users who prioritize efficiency in common applications.

  • Everyday Task Handling: Both devices handle demanding applications and multitasking smoothly, making them suitable for office productivity, web browsing with multiple tabs, and video conferencing. Users generally report a responsive experience for typical workloads.
  • Storage and Memory: Both models typically feature fast PCIe NVMe SSD storage options, contributing to quick boot times and rapid application loading. They also support up to 32GB of DDR4 RAM, allowing for efficient multitasking and handling of larger datasets.
  • Battery Behavior: The HP EliteBook 830 G5 generally includes a 50 Whr battery, while the Lenovo ThinkPad L390 typically has a 45 Whr battery. In practical use, both offer sufficient battery life for a significant portion of a workday, though actual duration will vary based on usage patterns and display brightness.

Memory (GB)

8 GB

8 GB

Processor

Core i5 - Gen 8 (U)

Core i5 - Gen 8 (U)

Graphic card

Integrated Graphics

Integrated Graphics

Screen quality

The display is a critical component for any laptop, and both the EliteBook 830 G5 and the ThinkPad L390 offer 13.3-inch Full HD (1920x1080) IPS panels, providing clear visuals and good viewing angles.

  • Display Technology and Resolution: Both laptops feature 13.3-inch IPS displays with Full HD (1920x1080) resolution, which is standard for clear text and image presentation in business environments. IPS technology ensures wide viewing angles, important for collaboration or presentations.
  • Brightness and Outdoor Use: The HP EliteBook 830 G5's standard display brightness can be around 220 nits, which is adequate for indoor use but may struggle in bright outdoor conditions. Some configurations of the EliteBook 830 G5 offered a brighter 400-nit option or HP Sure View for privacy. The Lenovo ThinkPad L390's display typically offers around 250-278 nits of brightness, which is also suitable for indoor environments but can be challenging under direct sunlight.
  • Touchscreen Options: Both models were available with optional touchscreen configurations, offering an alternative input method for users who prefer direct interaction with the display.

Resolution

1920 x 1080

1366 x 768

Screen type

IPS

LCD

Camera

Audiovisual

For communication and media consumption, both the HP EliteBook 830 G5 and the Lenovo ThinkPad L390 incorporate standard features suitable for business and personal use.

  • Camera and Microphone Quality: Both laptops typically include a 720p HD webcam, which is sufficient for video conferencing and online meetings. The EliteBook 830 G5 features dual stereo speakers and a triple array microphone with HP Noise Cancellation for clearer calls. The ThinkPad L390 also includes dual-array microphones and stereo speakers with Dolby Audio Premium for an enhanced audio experience.
  • Speaker Output: The HP EliteBook 830 G5 features Bang & Olufsen tuned speakers, providing robust sound quality for a laptop. The Lenovo ThinkPad L390's speakers also offer clear sound, suitable for media consumption and video calls.
  • Video Recording: The 720p webcams on both devices are primarily designed for video calls rather than high-fidelity video recording.

Miscellaneous

Beyond core performance, several practical elements differentiate these two business laptops, influencing user convenience and connectivity.

  • Connectivity Options: Both laptops offer modern wireless connectivity, including Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) and Bluetooth 4.2 or 5.0. The EliteBook 830 G5 includes a Thunderbolt 3 port, offering high-speed data transfer and versatile docking capabilities. The ThinkPad L390, while lacking Thunderbolt 3, provides two USB-C 3.1 Gen 1 ports that support power delivery and DisplayPort, alongside a good mix of traditional USB-A and HDMI ports.
  • Port Selection: The EliteBook 830 G5 features a full-size HDMI port and a dedicated RJ-45 Ethernet port, which are beneficial for direct connections in various office environments. The ThinkPad L390 uses a mini RJ-45 Ethernet extension connector, requiring an adapter for full-size Ethernet. Both include multiple USB-A ports and a headphone/microphone combo jack.
  • Weight and Dimensions: The HP EliteBook 830 G5 starts at approximately 1.33 kg (2.93 lbs), while the Lenovo ThinkPad L390 starts at around 1.46 kg (3.22 lbs). The EliteBook is slightly lighter, which can be a consideration for users who frequently carry their laptop. Both have a similar thickness, around 17.8mm to 18.8mm.

Weight

1510 g

1460 g

Screen size

13

13

The HP EliteBook 830 G5 and the Lenovo ThinkPad L390 both present compelling options for users seeking a reliable 13-inch business laptop. Users often praise the EliteBook 830 G5 for its robust build quality, comfortable keyboard, and the inclusion of a Thunderbolt 3 port for advanced connectivity. Some common criticisms have pointed to its standard display brightness being somewhat low for outdoor use and its weight being slightly higher than some ultralight competitors.

Conversely, the Lenovo ThinkPad L390 is frequently lauded for its legendary ThinkPad keyboard, overall sturdy construction, and a versatile array of ports, including two USB-C ports. User feedback sometimes notes that its display, while Full HD IPS, might not be as vibrant or bright as some premium alternatives, and its weight is a bit more than the EliteBook. Both machines are generally well-regarded for their performance in everyday office tasks and their durability, making them solid choices for professionals and students.

Users prioritizing a slightly lighter device with Thunderbolt 3 connectivity and a traditional Ethernet port may find the HP EliteBook 830 G5 better suited to their needs. Those who value the renowned ThinkPad keyboard experience, dual USB-C ports, and a slightly newer release year might lean towards the Lenovo ThinkPad L390. Both laptops offer a dependable computing experience, and choosing a quality-assured refurbished option for either model can be an eco-friendly alternative for budget-conscious individuals.

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