HP EliteBook 840 G5 14" Vs Lenovo ThinkPad T14 G1 14"

HP EliteBook 840 G5 14"
HP EliteBook 840 G5 14"
Starting at

Refurbished price:257.00

Versus €1,000.00 new

See options
Lenovo ThinkPad T14 G1 14"
Lenovo ThinkPad T14 G1 14"
Starting at

Refurbished price:262.00

Versus €612.00 new

See options

Ratings

The HP EliteBook 840 G5 (2018) and the Lenovo ThinkPad T14 Gen 1 (2020) are both 14-inch business-oriented laptops designed for productivity and reliability. While both offer robust build quality and a suite of security features, the ThinkPad T14 Gen 1, being a newer release, incorporates more modern internal components and updated connectivity standards. Both devices run on the Windows operating system, providing a familiar user experience for professionals.

Scores

Durability

The HP EliteBook 840 G5, released in 2018, and the Lenovo ThinkPad T14 Gen 1, released in 2020, offer different timelines for software support and expected practical lifespans. The T14 Gen 1 benefits from a two-year advantage in its release cycle, generally translating to a longer period of official operating system updates and security patches.

  • Software Longevity: The ThinkPad T14 Gen 1 is expected to receive software updates for a longer duration due to its more recent release, extending its functional lifespan compared to the EliteBook 840 G5.
  • Repairability: Both models are designed with business users in mind, often featuring components that are accessible for maintenance and upgrades. The ThinkPad series is particularly known for its user-friendly repairability, allowing for easier component replacement and extending the device's practical use.
  • Build Durability: Both laptops feature robust construction suitable for daily professional use. The EliteBook 840 G5 utilizes an aluminum chassis, while the ThinkPad T14 Gen 1 employs a magnesium alloy and carbon fiber hybrid construction.

Year of Release

2018

2019

OS

Windows 11

Windows 11

Performance

When evaluating performance, the primary distinction between these two laptops lies in their processor generations and memory capabilities, which impact how smoothly they handle demanding applications and multitasking.

  • Processing Power: The EliteBook 840 G5 is equipped with 8th generation Intel Core processors, while the ThinkPad T14 Gen 1 features newer 10th generation Intel Core or AMD Ryzen 4000 series processors. This generational leap in the ThinkPad generally translates to more efficient handling of complex computations and faster execution of modern software.
  • Multitasking Capability: The EliteBook 840 G5 supports up to 32GB of DDR4 RAM, which is ample for most professional tasks. The ThinkPad T14 Gen 1, however, can be configured with up to 48GB of DDR4 RAM, offering greater headroom for users who frequently run numerous applications simultaneously or work with large datasets.
  • Storage Responsiveness: Both models utilize fast M.2 PCIe NVMe Solid State Drives (SSDs) for storage, ensuring quick boot times, rapid application loading, and efficient file transfers.

Memory (GB)

8 GB

16 GB

Processor

Core i5 - Gen 8 (U)

Core i5 - Gen 10 (U)

Graphic card

Integrated Graphics

Intel HD Graphics

Screen quality

Both the HP EliteBook 840 G5 and the Lenovo ThinkPad T14 Gen 1 offer 14-inch displays, but they present different options and features that can influence the visual experience.

  • Display Technology and Resolution: Both laptops commonly feature Full HD (1920x1080) IPS panels, providing clear images and good viewing angles. The EliteBook 840 G5 also had optional 4K UHD configurations.
  • Brightness and Outdoor Visibility: The EliteBook 840 G5 offers various brightness levels, with some configurations reaching up to 700 nits, especially with its optional Sure View privacy screen. The ThinkPad T14 Gen 1's display options typically range up to 500 nits, with some low-power panels available for improved battery efficiency.
  • Privacy Features: The HP EliteBook 840 G5 stands out with its optional HP Sure View integrated privacy screen, which can be activated to limit viewing angles and protect sensitive information from onlookers. The ThinkPad T14 Gen 1 also offers an optional PrivacyGuard technology for similar functionality.

Resolution

1920 x 1080

1920 x 1080

Audiovisual

For communication and media consumption, both laptops integrate essential audio and visual components, though with some differences in their capabilities and features.

  • Webcam and Privacy: Both the EliteBook 840 G5 and the ThinkPad T14 Gen 1 include HD webcams, suitable for video conferencing. The EliteBook 840 G5 offers an optional IR camera for facial recognition and a physical privacy shutter on some models. The ThinkPad T14 Gen 1 also features an optional IR camera and a ThinkShutter privacy cover for its webcam.
  • Audio Experience: The EliteBook 840 G5 features Bang & Olufsen tuned speakers and a dual array microphone with HP Noise Cancellation, aiming for clear audio during calls and media playback. The ThinkPad T14 Gen 1 includes stereo speakers and a dual array microphone, providing a solid audio foundation for business use.
  • Microphone Quality: Both devices are equipped with multi-array microphones designed to capture voice clearly and reduce background noise during virtual meetings, a common requirement for professional laptops.

Miscellaneous

Beyond core performance and display, several practical elements contribute to the overall user experience, including connectivity, physical design, and security features.

  • Connectivity Standards: The ThinkPad T14 Gen 1 offers more modern wireless connectivity with Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.0, providing faster and more stable connections compared to the EliteBook 840 G5's Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) and Bluetooth 4.2. Both offer optional LTE for mobile broadband.
  • Port Selection: Both laptops provide a comprehensive array of ports for business use. The EliteBook 840 G5 includes a Thunderbolt (USB-C) port, two USB 3.1 Gen 1 ports, HDMI, and RJ-45 Ethernet. The ThinkPad T14 Gen 1 features two USB-C ports (Thunderbolt 3 on Intel models), two USB 3.2 Gen 1 ports, HDMI 2.0, RJ-45, and a microSD card reader.
  • Physical Design and Security: The EliteBook 840 G5 has an aluminum chassis and starts at 1.48 kg. The ThinkPad T14 Gen 1, starting at 1.46 kg, uses a magnesium alloy/carbon fiber hybrid. Both integrate security features like fingerprint readers and optional IR cameras for facial recognition.

Weight

1500 g

2500 g

Screen size

14

14

User feedback for the HP EliteBook 840 G5 often highlights its robust build quality, strong security features like HP Sure View, and comfortable keyboard as praise points. Some users have noted that the base model display can be underwhelming in terms of brightness and color accuracy, and battery life can vary significantly with age and usage, sometimes falling short of a full workday for heavy users.

The Lenovo ThinkPad T14 Gen 1 generally receives positive remarks for its classic ThinkPad durability, excellent keyboard, and the performance boost offered by its newer processor options, particularly the AMD Ryzen configurations. Common criticisms sometimes point to the bezels being thicker than more modern designs and the webcam quality being average.

Users prioritizing strong security features, a premium aluminum build, and a potentially brighter display with an integrated privacy screen may find the HP EliteBook 840 G5 well-suited to their needs. Conversely, users prioritizing more modern internal components, enhanced multitasking capabilities, faster wireless connectivity, and a slightly longer software support window may lean toward the Lenovo ThinkPad T14 Gen 1. Both devices represent reliable choices for professionals, and considering a quality-assured refurbished option for either model can be an eco-friendly alternative for those seeking dependable performance.

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