Dell Latitude 5400 14" vs Dell Latitude 7490 14"

Both the Dell Latitude 5400 and 7490 are built for durability, a hallmark of the Latitude series, and are designed to offer a practical lifespan suitable for professional use.

• Release Timeline: The Latitude 7490, released in 2018, precedes the Latitude 5400, which came out in 2019. This means the 5400 may receive software updates and security patches for approximately one year longer than the 7490, extending its practical software longevity.
• Build Quality: The Latitude 7490 often features a magnesium alloy exterior and optional carbon-fiber lid, contributing to a robust feel. The Latitude 5400 typically utilizes a sturdy plastic chassis, though some configurations incorporate post-industrial carbon fiber. Both models have undergone MIL-STD-810G testing, indicating a high level of resistance to environmental stresses like shocks and vibrations.
• Repairability: Both laptops are designed with repairability in mind, featuring easily accessible internal components like RAM and SSDs. The Latitude 7490 is noted for its modular power jack, which can simplify repairs.

Both the Dell Latitude 5400 and 7490 are equipped to handle typical business and academic workloads, offering responsive performance for multitasking and everyday applications.

• Processor Capabilities: Both laptops feature 8th generation Intel Core processors. The Latitude 5400 typically uses Whiskey Lake processors, while the Latitude 7490 uses Kaby Lake Refresh processors. In practical terms, both provide ample power for web browsing, document editing, presentations, and video conferencing, ensuring smooth operation across common productivity software.
• Memory and Storage: Both models support DDR4 RAM, often configurable up to 32GB or 64GB across two SODIMM slots, allowing for efficient multitasking. They also offer NVMe PCIe M.2 SSD storage options, ensuring rapid boot times and application responsiveness.
• Battery Behavior: The Latitude 5400 generally offers longer battery endurance, with some configurations reporting over 13 hours of continuous web surfing and up to 18.5 hours of video playback. The Latitude 7490 typically provides 7 to 8 hours of mixed usage, though specific configurations with a super low power panel can extend this significantly.

The visual experience on both Latitude models is designed for productivity, with options for clear displays suitable for extended work sessions.

• Display Technology and Resolution: Both the Latitude 5400 and 7490 offer 14-inch displays with options for Full HD (1920 x 1080) resolution. The 7490 often features an IPS panel, providing good viewing angles. The 5400 also offers Full HD panels with anti-glare properties, which can be beneficial in varied lighting conditions. Some configurations of both models may also include lower-resolution HD (1366 x 768) panels.
• Brightness Levels: Both displays typically offer a brightness of around 220 nits, which is adequate for indoor use but may appear dim in bright outdoor environments.
• Viewing Experience: The anti-glare properties on both models help reduce reflections, contributing to a more comfortable viewing experience during long work sessions. The Latitude 5400 also features narrow bezels, which can enhance the immersive feel of the display.

For communication and media consumption, both the Dell Latitude 5400 and 7490 provide essential audio-visual capabilities.

• Webcam Quality: Both laptops typically include a 720p HD webcam, suitable for video conferencing and online meetings. The Latitude 5400 offers an added privacy shutter for the webcam, a practical feature for users concerned about privacy.
• Microphone and Speakers: Both models are equipped with built-in microphones for voice input and stereo speakers. The audio output on both is often enhanced by Waves MaxxAudio Pro, providing clear sound for calls and media consumption, though they are generally considered average for a business laptop.
• Video Recording: The 720p webcams on both devices support video recording at 30 frames per second, which is standard for basic video capture.

Beyond core performance, both the Dell Latitude 5400 and 7490 offer a range of practical features that enhance their usability in various environments.

• Connectivity Options: Both laptops provide a comprehensive selection of ports, including multiple USB Type-A ports, HDMI for external displays, and RJ-45 Ethernet for wired network connections. The Latitude 5400 can feature an optional Thunderbolt 3 port via its USB-C 3.1 Gen 2 port, offering versatile high-speed connectivity.
• Security Features: Designed for business, both models include robust security options. These often comprise optional fingerprint readers integrated into the power button, IR cameras for Windows Hello facial recognition, and SmartCard readers for enhanced authentication.
• Portability and Handling: The Latitude 7490 is slightly lighter, with a starting weight around 1.4 kg, compared to the Latitude 5400's approximately 1.48 kg. Both are 14-inch form factors, making them portable enough for daily commutes and travel, fitting comfortably into most bags. The 7490 often features a more premium feel with magnesium alloy and carbon fiber options, whereas the 5400, while sturdy, typically uses a plastic construction.