Lenovo ThinkPad T480S 14" Vs Lenovo ThinkPad T490 14"

The Lenovo ThinkPad T480s 14 and the Lenovo ThinkPad T490 14 are business-oriented laptops designed for productivity and reliability. Released in 2018 and 2019 respectively, these 14-inch devices share the ThinkPad lineage of robust construction and user-centric features. While both offer a consistent operating system experience with Windows, the T490 introduces updated internal components and a slightly refined design, whereas the T480s is often recognized for its lighter build and slightly different approach to internal architecture.

Both the ThinkPad T480s and T490 are built to endure the demands of daily professional use, reflecting the ThinkPad series' reputation for durability. The T490, being a year newer, benefits from a slightly extended period of official software and driver support from Lenovo, which can be a consideration for long-term usability.

• Release Timeline: The ThinkPad T480s was released in 2018, while the ThinkPad T490 followed in 2019. This one-year difference means the T490 may receive operating system and security updates for a marginally longer duration.
• Software Longevity: Both models are capable of running current Windows operating systems, with the T490 potentially offering a slightly longer window for official driver and firmware updates from the manufacturer.
• Repairability: ThinkPads are generally designed with a degree of user serviceability. The T480s is noted for having a single internal battery that is replaceable once the back cover is removed, and its M.2 SSD and wireless card can also be swapped. The T490 also allows access to upgrade components like the SSD and RAM, and its chassis is built to military standards for durability.

When evaluating performance, the ThinkPad T480s and T490 offer capabilities suitable for business and productivity tasks, though the T490 generally provides a more updated hardware foundation.

• Processing Power: The ThinkPad T480s typically features 8th Generation Intel Core processors. The ThinkPad T490, on the other hand, can be configured with 8th or 10th Generation Intel Core processors, with the latter offering improved responsiveness for demanding applications and multitasking.
• Memory Configuration: Both laptops feature a combination of soldered RAM and an accessible SO-DIMM slot for expansion. The T480s supports up to 40GB of DDR4 RAM (8GB soldered, plus one 32GB SO-DIMM). The T490 can support up to 48GB of DDR4 RAM (8GB or 16GB soldered, plus one 32GB SO-DIMM). This allows for substantial memory configurations on both devices, catering to users who run multiple applications simultaneously.
• Storage and Battery Behavior: Both models utilize fast M.2 PCIe NVMe SSDs for quick data access and system responsiveness. The T480s is equipped with a 57Wh integrated battery, capable of providing extended usage. The T490 typically comes with a 50Wh or 57Wh integrated battery, and while it supports rapid charging, some users might find its battery life slightly less extensive than the T480s in certain configurations.

The visual experience on both the ThinkPad T480s and T490 is designed for clarity and comfort during extended work sessions, with various display options available for each model.

• Display Technology and Resolution: Both laptops offer 14-inch IPS displays with various resolution options, including Full HD (1920 x 1080) and WQHD (2560 x 1440). The IPS technology ensures wide viewing angles and consistent color reproduction.
• Brightness and Clarity: The T490 often features panel options with higher brightness levels, such as a 400-nit low-power FHD panel or a 500-nit WQHD Dolby Vision HDR panel, which can enhance visibility in varied lighting conditions and offer a more vibrant visual experience. The T480s also offers bright FHD and WQHD options.
• Viewing Experience: Both devices provide anti-glare finishes on most display options, which helps reduce reflections and eye strain during prolonged use. The T490's narrower bezels contribute to a slightly more immersive viewing experience.

For communication and multimedia, both the ThinkPad T480s and T490 offer standard features suitable for business use, with some minor distinctions in available options.

• Webcam and Microphone: Both models typically include a 720p webcam, which is adequate for video conferencing and online meetings. They also feature dual-array microphones designed to capture clear audio during calls.
• Privacy Features: Both the T480s and T490 can come with a ThinkShutter privacy cover for the webcam, providing a physical barrier for enhanced privacy. The T490 also offers an optional IR camera for facial recognition login via Windows Hello.
• Speaker Output: Both laptops are equipped with stereo speakers, generally positioned for clear audio output during video calls and for casual media consumption. The T490's speakers are sometimes noted for being slightly improved.