HP EliteBook 840 G5 14" Vs Lenovo ThinkPad T480S 14"

The HP EliteBook 840 G5 and the Lenovo ThinkPad T480s are business-oriented laptops, both released in early 2018. These 14-inch devices were designed for professionals, prioritizing durability, security, and productivity. While they share a common operating system, Windows, and a focus on robust performance, they offer distinct approaches to design, display options, and user experience, catering to slightly different preferences within the professional segment.

Both the HP EliteBook 840 G5 and the Lenovo ThinkPad T480s were launched in 2018, placing them in a similar generation for software support and hardware longevity. As business-grade machines, they are generally built to last longer than consumer laptops.

• OS Support: Both devices originally shipped with Windows 10, which officially reaches its end of free support in October 2025. While they can run Windows 11, continued security updates for Windows 10 will require a paid Extended Security Updates (ESU) program after this date. Windows 11 itself is expected to be supported until at least 2031, offering a longer software lifespan for compatible devices.
• Software Longevity: Users can expect these laptops to remain functional for everyday tasks for approximately 5 to 7 years from their release, with potential for longer use if hardware upgrades are performed.
• Repairability: Both models are designed with repairability in mind, featuring accessible internal components like RAM and SSDs, which can extend their practical lifespan through upgrades. The EliteBook 840 G5 features tethered screws for easier access to internal components.

Both laptops are equipped with 8th generation Intel Core U-series processors, providing solid performance for typical business applications and multitasking. Their configurations allow for efficient handling of daily workloads.

• Processor Capabilities: Both the EliteBook 840 G5 and the ThinkPad T480s handle demanding applications and multitasking smoothly. Users can expect responsive performance for office suites, web browsing with multiple tabs, and video conferencing.
• Storage and RAM: Both devices support fast M.2 PCIe NVMe SSDs for quick boot times and application loading. The EliteBook 840 G5 can be configured with up to 32GB of DDR4 RAM across two user-accessible slots, while the ThinkPad T480s offers configurations up to 40GB of DDR4 RAM, with 8GB typically soldered and one slot for expansion.
• Battery Behavior: The EliteBook 840 G5 typically offers around 8.5 hours of battery life in real-world usage, though some users report closer to 3-4 hours over time. The ThinkPad T480s generally provides longer battery endurance, often exceeding 11 hours in typical use cases.

The display experience on these laptops can vary significantly depending on the specific configuration chosen, as both offered multiple panel options at launch.

• Display Technology and Resolution: Both the EliteBook 840 G5 and the ThinkPad T480s feature 14-inch IPS displays, with Full HD (1920x1080) resolution as a common option. The ThinkPad T480s also offered a higher-resolution WQHD (2560x1440) IPS matte display. The EliteBook 840 G5 had options for a 4K UHD (3840x2160) display and a privacy screen.
• Brightness and Clarity: Base models of both laptops were noted for having somewhat dim displays, with the EliteBook 840 G5's standard panel rated at 220 nits. Upgraded options for the EliteBook could reach 400 nits, and its Sure View privacy screen could go up to 700 nits. The ThinkPad T480s's WQHD option provided good clarity, though color accuracy was average.
• Viewing Experience: The IPS panels on both devices ensure wide viewing angles. The EliteBook 840 G5's base display was criticized for being lackluster and dim, impacting color vibrancy. The ThinkPad T480s's standard Full HD display was described as adequate but bland.

For communication and media consumption, both laptops include standard features, with some variations in quality and additional functionalities.

• Camera System: Both the EliteBook 840 G5 and the ThinkPad T480s come with an HD webcam, typically offering 720p video recording. The EliteBook's base webcam was noted by some as blurry.
• Privacy Features: The ThinkPad T480s includes a physical ThinkShutter webcam cover for enhanced privacy. The EliteBook 840 G5 offered an optional IR camera for facial recognition, and some configurations with matte displays included a manual camera shutter.
• Audio Quality: The EliteBook 840 G5 features Bang & Olufsen dual stereo speakers and an integrated multi-array microphone with HP Noise Cancellation, aiming for clear audio during calls. The ThinkPad T480s includes 2x 1W stereo speakers with Dolby Audio Premium and dual-array microphones.