Lenovo ThinkPad T490 14" Vs Microsoft Surface Laptop 4 13"

Lenovo ThinkPad T490 14"
Lenovo ThinkPad T490 14"
Starting at

Refurbished price:€280.00

Versus €493.00 new

See options
Microsoft Surface Laptop 4 13"
Microsoft Surface Laptop 4 13"
Starting at

Refurbished price:€370.00

Versus €754.00 new

See options

The Lenovo ThinkPad T490 14, released in 2019, and the Microsoft Surface Laptop 4 13, launched in 2021, represent distinct approaches to portable computing. The ThinkPad T490 is known for its business-oriented design and extensive configuration options, while the Surface Laptop 4 emphasizes a sleek aesthetic and a premium user experience. Both devices operate on the Windows platform, offering a familiar environment for most users.

Scores

Durability

When considering the long-term usability of these laptops, their release timelines and design philosophies play a significant role.

  • Release Timeline: The ThinkPad T490, released in 2019, precedes the Surface Laptop 4, which launched in April 2021. This difference means the Surface Laptop 4 generally benefits from a longer period of official software support and more recent hardware components.
  • OS Support and Updates: Both devices run Windows and are capable of upgrading to newer versions of the operating system. However, the Surface Laptop 4, being a newer device, is likely to receive feature updates and security patches for a longer duration from Microsoft.
  • Repairability and Durability: The ThinkPad T490 is built with a focus on business durability, tested against military-grade requirements, and features an aluminum-magnesium alloy exterior. It offers upgradeable RAM and SSD components, contributing to its practical lifespan. The Surface Laptop 4 features an aluminum chassis, with some models incorporating Alcantara fabric, and its SSD is designed to be removable and replaceable by skilled technicians.

Year of Release

2019

2021

OS

Windows 11

Windows 11

Performance

The performance capabilities of these laptops are influenced by their internal components and how they handle various tasks.

  • Processor Capabilities: The ThinkPad T490 typically features 8th-generation Intel Core processors, with some configurations offering 10th-generation options. The Surface Laptop 4 offers a choice between 11th-generation Intel Core processors or custom AMD Ryzen Microsoft Surface Edition processors. This generally means the Surface Laptop 4's processors provide more recent architectural advancements, potentially offering improved efficiency and performance for demanding applications.
  • Memory and Storage: The ThinkPad T490 can be configured with up to 48GB of RAM, combining soldered memory with an additional SO-DIMM slot, and supports up to 1TB PCIe NVMe SSD storage. The Surface Laptop 4 offers up to 32GB of RAM and up to 1TB of removable SSD storage. Both provide ample storage and memory for most productivity and multitasking needs.
  • Battery Behavior: The ThinkPad T490 is rated for up to 16.11 hours of battery life under specific benchmarks, with real-world usage varying between 7 and 16 hours depending on configuration and tasks. The Surface Laptop 4 claims up to 19 hours for AMD models and 17 hours for Intel models, though independent tests often show real-world usage closer to 10-13 hours. Both support rapid charging, allowing for a significant battery boost in a short period.

Memory (GB)

16 GB

16 GB

Processor

Core i5 - Gen 8 (U)

Ryzen 5 4680U

Graphic card

Intel UHD Graphics 620

Integrated Graphics

Screen quality

The visual experience on these laptops differs due to their display technologies and specifications.

  • Display Technology and Resolution: The ThinkPad T490 offers a range of 14-inch display options, including various Full HD (1920x1080) IPS panels, some with touch or PrivacyGuard features, and a high-end WQHD (2560x1440) IPS panel with Dolby Vision HDR and 100% Adobe color gamut. The Surface Laptop 4 features a 13.5-inch PixelSense touchscreen with a resolution of 2256 x 1504 pixels and a 3:2 aspect ratio. The 3:2 aspect ratio on the Surface Laptop 4 provides more vertical screen real estate, which can be beneficial for productivity tasks.
  • Brightness and Clarity: The ThinkPad T490's display options range from 220 nits to 500 nits for the WQHD panel, offering varying levels of brightness and clarity. The Surface Laptop 4's PixelSense display typically offers brightness levels up to 390-427 nits and is known for its accurate color reproduction.
  • Touch and Refresh Rate: The Surface Laptop 4 universally includes a touchscreen with a standard 60Hz refresh rate. The ThinkPad T490 offers touchscreen options on some Full HD configurations, while the WQHD panel is typically non-touch.

Resolution

1920 x 1080

2256 x 1504

Screen type

LCD

LED

Audiovisual

For communication and media consumption, both laptops include integrated cameras and audio systems.

  • Camera System: Both the ThinkPad T490 and the Surface Laptop 4 feature a 720p HD front-facing camera. The ThinkPad T490 includes a ThinkShutter for physical camera privacy. The Surface Laptop 4's camera supports Windows Hello face authentication for secure login.
  • Audio Quality: The ThinkPad T490 incorporates Dolby Audio Premium and dual far-field microphones. The Surface Laptop 4 is equipped with Omnisonic Speakers with Dolby Audio, and some configurations include Dolby Atmos, alongside dual far-field Studio Mics. This generally provides a rich audio experience for video calls and media.
  • Video Recording: Both devices offer standard HD video recording capabilities suitable for virtual meetings and casual use.

Miscellaneous

Beyond core performance and display, several practical features differentiate these two laptops.

  • Connectivity Options: The ThinkPad T490 offers a comprehensive selection of ports, including multiple USB-A and USB-C ports (one with Thunderbolt 3), HDMI, Ethernet, and a microSD card reader. It also has optional WWAN connectivity for mobile broadband. The Surface Laptop 4 provides a more streamlined port selection with one USB-C, one USB-A, a 3.5mm headphone jack, and a Surface Connect port. Notably, its USB-C port does not support Thunderbolt 4. Both support Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.0.
  • Weight and Dimensions: The ThinkPad T490, with its 14-inch screen, starts at approximately 1.46 kg (3.23 lbs) and measures around 18.9 mm (0.74 inches) thick. The 13.5-inch Surface Laptop 4 is lighter, weighing between 1.265 kg and 1.288 kg (2.79-2.84 lbs), and is slightly thinner at 14.5 mm (0.57 inches).
  • Security Features: The ThinkPad T490 includes a physical camera shutter and optional Smart Card reader, alongside a fingerprint reader on some models. The Surface Laptop 4 utilizes Windows Hello face authentication for biometric security.

Weight

1460 g

1288 g

Screen size

14

13

The Lenovo ThinkPad T490 and Microsoft Surface Laptop 4 cater to different user priorities, each excelling in specific areas based on their design and feature sets.

Users often praise the ThinkPad T490 for its robust build quality, extensive port selection, and the flexibility offered by its various display and configuration options, particularly the high-resolution WQHD panel. Its upgradeable components are also a frequent highlight, allowing for extended usability. Some common criticisms, however, include the base display options not being as vibrant as higher-end configurations, and the battery life, while solid, not always reaching the highest claims in real-world heavy usage scenarios.

The Surface Laptop 4 is frequently lauded for its sleek, premium design, comfortable keyboard, and the vibrant, productivity-friendly 3:2 aspect ratio of its PixelSense touchscreen. Its performance with newer generation processors and integrated graphics is generally well-regarded for everyday tasks and moderate workloads. User concerns sometimes revolve around its more limited port selection, particularly the absence of Thunderbolt 4, and real-world battery life often falling short of Microsoft's maximum advertised figures.

Users prioritizing a highly durable, configurable laptop with a wide array of connectivity options and upgradeability may find the Lenovo ThinkPad T490 well-suited to their needs. This could include professionals requiring specific legacy ports or those who prefer to extend the life of their device through component upgrades. Conversely, users who value a modern, lightweight design, a high-quality touchscreen display with a productivity-focused aspect ratio, and a streamlined user experience might lean toward the Microsoft Surface Laptop 4. Both devices offer a reliable Windows experience, and for those seeking a more sustainable choice, quality-assured refurbished options are available for both models, providing an eco-friendly alternative to purchasing new.

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