HP EliteBook 840 G7 14" Vs Lenovo ThinkPad L14 G1 14"

HP EliteBook 840 G7 14"
HP EliteBook 840 G7 14"
Starting at

Refurbished price:300.00

Versus €2,172.37 new

See options
Lenovo ThinkPad L14 G1 14"
Lenovo ThinkPad L14 G1 14"
Starting at

Refurbished price:350.00

Versus €465.80 new

See options

Ratings

The HP EliteBook 840 G7 and the Lenovo ThinkPad L14 G1, both 14-inch business laptops released in 2020, offer robust solutions for professionals and students. While both devices aim to provide reliable performance and durability, they differentiate themselves through their design philosophies, display options, and specific feature sets. Both run on the Windows operating system, ensuring a familiar user experience for most.

Scores

Durability

Both the HP EliteBook 840 G7 and the Lenovo ThinkPad L14 G1 were released in 2020, placing them in a similar generation for software support and expected lifespan. As business-oriented machines, they are designed for longevity and receive regular updates.

  • Software Support: Both laptops, having launched in 2020, are expected to receive operating system updates for several years, typically aligning with Microsoft's support cycles for Windows. This ensures continued security and feature enhancements.
  • Build Quality: The EliteBook 840 G7 features a durable, often all-metal construction, contributing to its robust feel and resistance to daily wear and tear. The ThinkPad L14 G1 is MIL-STD-810G tested for durability, indicating its ability to withstand various environmental conditions, though some configurations feature an all-plastic chassis.
  • Repairability: Both models generally offer user-accessible components like RAM and storage, allowing for potential upgrades and repairs to extend their practical lifespan. The EliteBook 840 G7, for instance, has two RAM SODIMM slots that support up to 64GB of DDR4 memory, and a single M.2 PCIe x4 slot for storage. The ThinkPad L14 G1 also features two RAM slots, supporting up to 64GB of DDR4 memory, and offers various storage configurations.

Year of Release

2019

2019

Last Os Compatibility

Yes

Yes

OS

Windows 11

Windows 11

Performance

Performance in both laptops is driven by 10th generation Intel Core processors, with the ThinkPad L14 G1 also offering AMD Ryzen processor options, impacting their responsiveness and multitasking capabilities.

  • Processing Power: The HP EliteBook 840 G7 is equipped with 10th Gen Intel Core i5 or i7 processors, providing solid performance for everyday business applications, web browsing, and moderate multitasking. The Lenovo ThinkPad L14 G1 offers a broader range, including 10th Gen Intel Core i3, i5, or i7 processors, and also AMD Ryzen 3, 5, or 7 processors, which can offer competitive performance, particularly in multi-threaded tasks.
  • Memory and Storage: Both devices support up to 64GB of DDR4 RAM across two SODIMM slots, allowing for significant multitasking and handling of demanding applications. Storage options typically include fast NVMe PCIe SSDs, ensuring quick boot times and rapid application loading.
  • Battery Life: The EliteBook 840 G7, with its 53 Wh battery, can deliver extended usage, with some reports indicating up to 18-19 hours under light loads and around 6 hours for more intensive tasks. The ThinkPad L14 G1, featuring a 45 Wh battery, offers up to 12.3 hours in MobileMark 2014 tests and around 7.95 hours in MobileMark 2018, with Rapid Charge support for quick power-ups.

Memory (GB)

8 GB

8 GB

Processor

Core i5 - Gen 10 (U)

Core i5 - Gen 10 (U)

Graphic card

Integrated Graphics

Integrated Graphics

Screen quality

Both laptops feature 14-inch Full HD displays, but their panel technologies and brightness levels can vary significantly, influencing the visual experience.

  • Display Technology and Resolution: Both the EliteBook 840 G7 and the ThinkPad L14 G1 typically come with 14-inch Full HD (1920 x 1080) IPS displays, offering clear visuals and comfortable viewing angles.
  • Brightness and Clarity: The EliteBook 840 G7 offers a range of display options, from 250 nits in base models to significantly brighter panels of 400 nits and even 1000 nits with HP Sure View privacy technology. This provides flexibility for different working environments, including bright outdoor conditions. The ThinkPad L14 G1's display options generally range from 220 nits (TN panel) to 250 nits (IPS) and 300 nits (IPS touch), which may be less suitable for very bright settings.
  • Color Accuracy and Features: Some EliteBook 840 G7 configurations boast good color accuracy, covering a high percentage of the sRGB gamut, making them suitable for tasks requiring color fidelity. The ThinkPad L14 G1's displays, while generally acceptable for productivity, may have lower sRGB coverage in some configurations, which could be a consideration for creative professionals. Both typically feature anti-glare coatings to reduce reflections.

Resolution

1920 x 1080

1920 x 1080

Screen type

LCD

IPS

Camera

Audiovisual

Both laptops integrate essential audiovisual components for communication and media consumption, with some distinctions in their offerings.

  • Webcam Quality: Both the HP EliteBook 840 G7 and the Lenovo ThinkPad L14 G1 include a 720p HD webcam, suitable for video conferencing and online meetings. The EliteBook 840 G7 also offers an optional IR camera for facial recognition, and both models feature a physical privacy shutter for the webcam.
  • Audio Experience: The EliteBook 840 G7 features audio tuned by Bang & Olufsen, with dual stereo speakers and a 3 multi-array microphone system, aiming for clear sound output and voice input. The ThinkPad L14 G1 comes with dual 2W stereo speakers with Dolby Audio and a dual array microphone, providing a clear audio experience for calls and media.
  • Microphone Performance: Both laptops are equipped with dual or multi-array microphones designed to capture clear audio and reduce background noise during calls, enhancing the virtual meeting experience.

Miscellaneous

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

  • Connectivity Options: Both laptops offer modern connectivity, including Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) for fast wireless internet and Bluetooth 5.0 or 5.1 for peripheral connections. Both also provide optional 4G LTE WWAN for mobile broadband access, allowing users to stay connected on the go.
  • Ports and Physical Design: The EliteBook 840 G7 includes two USB-A 3.2 Gen 1 ports, two USB-C ports with Thunderbolt 3 support, HDMI 1.4b, and an audio jack. It weighs starting at 1.33 kg. The ThinkPad L14 G1 offers two USB 3.2 Gen 1 ports, one USB-C 3.2 Gen 1, one USB-C 3.2 Gen 2, HDMI 1.4b, RJ45 Ethernet, and a microSD card reader. It starts at 1.61 kg. The ThinkPad also features a traditional TrackPoint pointing device in addition to a touchpad.
  • Security Features: Both laptops incorporate robust security features. The EliteBook 840 G7 includes a fingerprint sensor, optional IR camera for facial recognition, and HP's suite of security tools like Sure Start and Sure Sense. The ThinkPad L14 G1 also offers an optional fingerprint reader, IR camera, and the ThinkShutter webcam privacy cover, alongside TPM 2.0 for data encryption.

Weight

1500 g

1800 g

Screen size

14

14

Both the HP EliteBook 840 G7 and the Lenovo ThinkPad L14 G1 are capable 14-inch business laptops from 2020, each with distinct strengths. User feedback often praises the EliteBook 840 G7 for its premium build quality and potentially brighter display options, especially in higher-end configurations. Its audio system, tuned by Bang & Olufsen, is also frequently highlighted for its quality. Some users, however, note that the base display options might not be as vibrant as desired.

The ThinkPad L14 G1 is often lauded for its legendary ThinkPad keyboard, known for its comfortable typing experience and TrackPoint. Its MIL-STD-810G certification provides reassurance regarding its durability. Criticisms sometimes point to the display quality in some configurations, with lower brightness and color gamut compared to premium alternatives, and larger display bezels.

Users prioritizing a premium feel, potentially brighter screen, and enhanced audio for presentations and media consumption may find the HP EliteBook 840 G7 well-suited to their needs. Professionals who value a robust, highly tactile keyboard for extensive typing, along with a strong emphasis on physical durability and a wider range of processor choices (including AMD), might lean towards the Lenovo ThinkPad L14 G1. Both laptops offer a solid foundation for productivity, and choosing a quality-assured refurbished option for either model presents an eco-friendly alternative for acquiring these business-grade devices.

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