HP EliteBook 840 G7 14" Vs Lenovo ThinkPad T480S 14"

The HP EliteBook 840 G7, released in 2020, and the Lenovo ThinkPad T480s, launched in 2018, are both 14-inch business-oriented laptops designed for productivity. While both run on the Windows operating system and target professional users, the EliteBook 840 G7 benefits from a more recent release, bringing updated internal components and connectivity options. The ThinkPad T480s, however, maintains its reputation for robust build quality and a highly regarded keyboard experience.

The practical lifespan of a laptop is influenced by its build quality, software support, and the availability of replacement parts. These two models, designed for business use, generally offer good durability.

• Release Timeline: The HP EliteBook 840 G7 was released in 2020, making it two years newer than the Lenovo ThinkPad T480s, which debuted in 2018. This difference in age typically translates to a longer period of official software and security updates for the HP model.
• Software Longevity: Both devices run Windows, and their support duration is largely tied to Microsoft's lifecycle for the operating system and the manufacturers' driver support. The EliteBook 840 G7, with its 10th-generation Intel processors, is likely to receive Windows updates for a longer period than the T480s, which features 8th-generation processors.
• Build and Repairability: Both laptops feature robust constructions suitable for professional environments. The EliteBook 840 G7 has an all-aluminum body designed for abrasion resistance and can withstand disinfection cycles. The ThinkPad T480s is known for its solid build, with some flex in the lid but overall good durability. Both models generally allow for user-accessible upgrades to RAM and storage, contributing to their practical lifespan.

Performance in these business laptops is centered around efficient multitasking, quick application loading, and reliable operation for daily professional tasks. The difference in processor generation is a key factor here.

• Processing Power: The HP EliteBook 840 G7 is equipped with 10th-generation Intel processors, offering improved efficiency and performance compared to the 8th-generation Intel processors found in the Lenovo ThinkPad T480s. This means the EliteBook can handle more demanding applications and complex multitasking with greater responsiveness.
• Memory and Storage: The EliteBook 840 G7 supports up to 64GB of DDR4 RAM across two SODIMM slots, providing substantial capacity for intensive workloads. The ThinkPad T480s can be configured with up to 24GB of DDR4 RAM (8GB soldered plus one slot), which is sufficient for most business tasks but offers less headroom for future upgrades or extremely memory-intensive applications. Both models utilize fast PCIe NVMe SSDs for storage, ensuring quick boot times and rapid data access.
• Battery Behavior: The HP EliteBook 840 G7 features a 53 Wh battery, with user reports indicating it can last over 11 hours during continuous web surfing and potentially over 18 hours with a normal workload. The Lenovo ThinkPad T480s comes with a 57 Wh internal battery, and tests show it can last over 13 hours in battery rundown tests, with some users reporting 7.5 to 8 hours of light use and 3-4.5 hours for heavy tasks. Both support fast charging via USB-C.

The visual experience on a laptop is largely defined by its display, impacting everything from document readability to media consumption. Both models offer 14-inch displays with various options.

• Display Technology and Resolution: Both the EliteBook 840 G7 and ThinkPad T480s offer 14-inch Full HD (1920x1080) IPS displays as standard options, providing good viewing angles. The ThinkPad T480s also has an option for a WQHD (2560x1440) IPS display, offering greater detail and sharpness.
• Brightness and Clarity: The EliteBook 840 G7's FHD IPS panel can reach high maximum brightness levels, with some configurations offering up to 400-457 nits, and it often features an anti-glare finish. The standard FHD display on the ThinkPad T480s is generally considered adequate for office use but can be less bright and vivid than some competitors, with average brightness around 281 nits. The optional WQHD panel on the T480s tends to offer better brightness and color.
• Color Accuracy and Features: The EliteBook 840 G7's IPS panel can cover a high percentage of the sRGB color gamut (e.g., 97%), making it suitable for tasks requiring good color representation. Some EliteBook 840 G7 configurations also offer HP Sure View Reflect for privacy. The T480s's FHD display has been noted for less vibrant colors and lower sRGB coverage (around 58.9%) compared to premium alternatives, though the WQHD option improves this.

For communication and media, the quality of the camera, microphone, and speakers are important considerations for professional users.

• Webcam and Privacy: Both laptops typically include a webcam for video conferencing. The HP EliteBook 840 G7 often features an HP Privacy Camera with a physical shutter for enhanced security. The Lenovo ThinkPad T480s offers the ThinkShutter, a physical cover for its 720p webcam, providing a simple privacy solution. The T480s also has an optional IR camera for facial recognition.
• Microphone Quality: Both devices are equipped with dual-array microphones designed to capture clear audio for calls and virtual meetings. The EliteBook 840 G7's audio system, tuned by Bang & Olufsen, includes features for noise cancellation and equalizer adjustments.
• Speaker Output: The HP EliteBook 840 G7 features two forward-facing stereo speakers tuned by Bang & Olufsen, offering customizable audio profiles. The Lenovo ThinkPad T480s includes 2x 1W stereo speakers with Dolby Audio Premium, providing a good audio experience for media consumption and calls.