HP EliteBook 840 G6 14" Vs Lenovo ThinkPad L390 13"

HP EliteBook 840 G6 14"
HP EliteBook 840 G6 14"
Starting at

Refurbished price:269.99

Versus €599.00 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 840 G6, a 14-inch business laptop, and the Lenovo ThinkPad L390, a 13.3-inch business laptop, both released around 2019, cater to professionals and students seeking reliable portable computing. While both devices offer robust performance for everyday tasks, they present distinct approaches to design, display options, and user experience. Both run on the Windows operating system, ensuring a familiar software environment for most users.

Scores

Durability

Both the HP EliteBook 840 G6 and the Lenovo ThinkPad L390 were introduced in 2019, placing them in a similar generation for software support and expected lifespan. These business-oriented laptops are generally designed for extended use, often receiving several years of operating system updates and security patches.

  • Software Longevity: Both devices, running on Windows, benefit from consistent updates, with typical support extending for many years from their release. Users can expect continued compatibility with modern software applications for a practical lifespan.
  • Repairability: The HP EliteBook 840 G6 scores highly in repairability, with components like RAM, SSD, and battery being easily accessible and replaceable, often using standard tools. The Lenovo ThinkPad L390 also allows for component upgrades and replacements, including RAM, SSD, and battery, contributing to its overall serviceability. [19, 24]
  • Build Durability: The EliteBook 840 G6 features an aluminum chassis, providing a premium feel and robust construction designed to withstand daily professional use. The ThinkPad L390 is also built for durability, having undergone MIL-SPEC testing, though some configurations may feature a glass fiber reinforced plastic bottom. [12, 18, 22, 27, 31]

Year of Release

2019

2018

Last Os Compatibility

Yes

Yes

OS

Windows 11

Windows 11

Performance

These laptops, equipped with 8th generation processors, deliver capable performance for common productivity tasks, though their approaches to storage and battery life offer some distinctions.

  • Processing Power: Both the EliteBook 840 G6 and the ThinkPad L390 utilize current-generation processors from their release era, enabling smooth multitasking, efficient handling of office applications, and responsive web browsing. The EliteBook 840 G6 offers configurations with optional discrete graphics, which can provide a performance advantage for tasks requiring more graphical processing power. [1, 6]
  • Storage and Memory: Both models support fast NVMe PCIe SSDs for quick boot times and application loading, with the EliteBook 840 G6 offering configurations up to 2TB and the ThinkPad L390 up to 512GB. Both also feature two SODIMM slots for RAM, allowing for significant memory upgrades, with the EliteBook supporting up to 64GB and the ThinkPad up to 32GB. [1, 5, 6, 17]
  • Battery Performance: The HP EliteBook 840 G6 typically includes a 50 Wh battery, providing an estimated 12-16 hours for web browsing and around 12.5 hours for video playback. The Lenovo ThinkPad L390 comes with a 45 Wh battery, advertised to deliver up to 14 hours of use, and supports rapid charging for quicker power replenishment. [1, 2, 12, 21, 30, 32]

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 visual experience on these laptops is shaped by their display technologies and available configurations, impacting clarity and usability in various environments.

  • Display Technology and Resolution: Both the EliteBook 840 G6 and the ThinkPad L390 offer Full HD (1920 x 1080) IPS anti-glare displays, providing wide viewing angles and clear visuals. The EliteBook 840 G6 also has configurations with a higher UHD (3840 x 2160) resolution option for enhanced detail. [1, 4, 6, 15]
  • Brightness and Outdoor Visibility: The EliteBook 840 G6 provides a range of brightness options, from 250 nits to a brighter 400 nits, and even up to 1000 nits with an integrated privacy screen, making it adaptable for diverse lighting conditions, including outdoor use. The ThinkPad L390's display typically offers around 250-300 nits of brightness, which is suitable for indoor environments but may be less optimal in bright outdoor settings. [1, 5, 6, 29]
  • Screen Size and Features: The HP EliteBook 840 G6 features a 14-inch display, offering a slightly larger viewing area, while the Lenovo ThinkPad L390 has a more compact 13.3-inch screen. Both models offer optional touchscreen capabilities, enhancing interactive use. [1, 4, 6, 17]

Resolution

1920 x 1080

1366 x 768

Screen type

IPS

LCD

Camera

Audiovisual

For communication and media consumption, both laptops integrate standard features, with some differences in audio enhancements and camera options.

  • Camera Capabilities: Both the HP EliteBook 840 G6 and the Lenovo ThinkPad L390 include a 720p HD webcam, suitable for video conferencing and online meetings. The EliteBook 840 G6 offers an optional HD IR webcam for enhanced security features like facial recognition. The ThinkPad L390 Yoga variant can also feature an optional world-facing camera. [1, 6, 17, 18]
  • Microphone Quality: The EliteBook 840 G6 is equipped with three multi-array microphones and HP Noise Cancellation technology, designed to provide clear audio input during calls. The ThinkPad L390 features dual-array microphones, which also contribute to effective voice capture. [1, 6, 29]
  • Speaker Output: The HP EliteBook 840 G6 incorporates Bang & Olufsen dual stereo speakers, aiming for a rich audio experience. The Lenovo ThinkPad L390's speakers are enhanced with Dolby Audio, offering decent sound quality for media consumption and presentations. [1, 6, 11, 29, 30]

Miscellaneous

Beyond core performance, connectivity, physical design, and security features contribute to the overall utility and user experience of these business laptops.

  • Connectivity Options: The EliteBook 840 G6 offers versatile connectivity with Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) and optional Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax), alongside Bluetooth 5 and optional WWAN for mobile broadband. The ThinkPad L390 supports Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) and Bluetooth 5.0. Both include a dedicated Ethernet port for wired network connections, though the ThinkPad's is a mini RJ-45 requiring an adapter. [1, 5, 6, 11, 17, 29]
  • Port Selection: The HP EliteBook 840 G6 features two USB 3.1 Gen 1 ports, a Thunderbolt (USB Type-C) port, HDMI 1.4b, and a docking connector. The Lenovo ThinkPad L390 provides two USB 3.1 Gen 1 Type-C ports, two USB 3.1 Gen 1 Type-A ports, HDMI 1.4, and a microSD card reader. The EliteBook's Thunderbolt port offers higher bandwidth for external devices. [1, 5, 6, 17, 29]
  • Physical Attributes and Security: The EliteBook 840 G6 starts at 1.48 kg and measures 1.79 cm thick, while the ThinkPad L390 starts at 1.46 kg and is 1.88 cm thick, making both highly portable. Both laptops include fingerprint readers for secure login. The EliteBook also offers an optional HP Privacy Camera and Sure View display for enhanced privacy. [1, 6, 11, 12, 15, 17, 29, 38]

Weight

1700 g

1460 g

Screen size

14

13

User feedback for the HP EliteBook 840 G6 often highlights its robust aluminum build quality and comfortable keyboard as significant advantages, making it feel like a premium device. Users also appreciate the variety of display options, particularly the brighter panels, which enhance usability in different lighting conditions. Some common criticisms include the absence of a microSD card slot in certain configurations. [22, 23]

The Lenovo ThinkPad L390 is frequently praised for its exceptional keyboard, a hallmark of the ThinkPad line, and its overall durability, often meeting MIL-SPEC standards. Its comprehensive port selection, including a microSD card reader, is also a strong point for many users. However, some users note that the display, while Full HD, can be average in terms of brightness and that the bezels around the screen are relatively thick, giving it a less modern appearance. [16, 25, 29, 30]

Users prioritizing a premium feel, a potentially brighter display, and Thunderbolt connectivity may find the HP EliteBook 840 G6 more aligned with their needs. Conversely, those who value an industry-leading keyboard, a built-in microSD card reader, and a slightly more compact form factor might lean towards the Lenovo ThinkPad L390. Both laptops are solid choices for productivity and business use, and considering a quality-assured refurbished option for either model can provide an eco-friendly alternative for budget-conscious individuals.

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