Dell Latitude 5520 15" vs HP EliteBook 840 G7 14"

Dell Latitude 5520 15"
Dell Latitude 5520 15"
Starting at

Refurbished price:$285.00

Versus $2,792.00 new

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

Refurbished price:$284.00

Versus $1,599.00 new

See options

Ratings

The Dell Latitude 5520, released in 2021, and the HP EliteBook 840 G7, launched in 2020, are both business-oriented laptops designed for professional use. While sharing the common Windows operating system, they present distinct advantages in terms of screen size, processor generation, and design philosophy. The Latitude 5520 offers a larger display and a more recent processor, while the EliteBook 840 G7 emphasizes portability and advanced security features.

Scores

Durability

Both the Dell Latitude 5520 and the HP EliteBook 840 G7 are built to withstand the rigors of professional environments, suggesting a robust practical lifespan. As business-grade devices, they are generally designed for easier serviceability compared to many consumer models.

  • Release Timeline: The Dell Latitude 5520, being a 2021 release, benefits from a slightly more recent launch compared to the HP EliteBook 840 G7 from 2020. This typically translates to an additional year of expected operating system support and security updates from the manufacturer.
  • Software Longevity: Both laptops run on the Windows operating system, receiving regular updates from Microsoft. The Dell Latitude 5520's newer release date provides a marginal advantage in terms of extended software support into the future.
  • Build Quality: Both models feature durable chassis constructions. The HP EliteBook 840 G7 is noted for its robust and high-quality build, with an anodized aluminum chassis that exhibits minimal flex.

Release Year

2020

2021

OS

Windows 11

Windows 11

Performance

When evaluating performance, both laptops are equipped to handle typical business applications and multitasking, though they differ in their core processing capabilities and battery behavior.

  • Processor Capabilities: The Dell Latitude 5520 incorporates 11th Generation Intel Core processors, which generally offer improved efficiency and a slight performance uplift for demanding applications compared to the 10th Generation Intel Core processors found in the HP EliteBook 840 G7.
  • System Responsiveness: Both devices support ample DDR4 RAM, configurable up to 64GB, and utilize fast NVMe SSD storage options, ensuring smooth operation for office tasks, web browsing, and efficient multitasking.
  • Battery Behavior: The Dell Latitude 5520, with its 63Wh battery option, typically offers a battery life ranging from 8 to 14 hours depending on usage. The HP EliteBook 840 G7, equipped with a 53Wh battery, has demonstrated impressive longevity in specific tests, lasting over 19 hours, while in typical everyday use, it generally provides around 6 to 8 hours of power.

Memory (GB)

8 GB

16 GB

Processor

Core i5-1135G7

Core i5 - Gen 10 (U)

Graphic card

Integrated Graphics

Intel UHD Graphics

Screen quality

The visual experience on these laptops is a key differentiator, primarily due to their screen dimensions and available display technologies.

  • Screen Size and Viewing Experience: The Dell Latitude 5520 features a larger 15.6-inch Full HD (1920x1080) display, providing more screen real estate for multitasking and content consumption. In contrast, the HP EliteBook 840 G7 offers a more compact 14-inch Full HD (1920x1080) display.
  • Resolution and Clarity: Both laptops typically come with Full HD IPS anti-glare panels, offering clear visuals suitable for professional work. The Dell Latitude 5520 also has an optional 4K UHD display configuration for enhanced detail.
  • Brightness and Privacy: While both generally offer displays with around 250 nits of brightness, the HP EliteBook 840 G7 includes an optional HP Sure View Reflect integrated privacy screen, which can reach up to 1000 nits, making the screen unreadable from side angles for enhanced security in public settings.

Resolution

1366 x 768

1920 x 1080

Screen type

IPS

IPS

Audiovisual

For communication and media consumption, both laptops provide essential audio-visual features tailored for business use, with some distinctions in their offerings.

  • Camera System Capabilities: Both the Dell Latitude 5520 and the HP EliteBook 840 G7 typically include 720p HD webcams, which are suitable for video conferencing. The Dell Latitude 5520 offers an optional IR camera for facial recognition, enhancing login security. The HP EliteBook 840 G7 also features an optional IR camera and includes a physical privacy shutter for its webcam.
  • Microphone Quality: Both devices are designed for clear voice capture in professional settings. The HP EliteBook 840 G7 is equipped with a 3 multi-array microphone system, which can contribute to clearer audio during calls.
  • Speaker Output: The HP EliteBook 840 G7 features audio tuned by Bang & Olufsen, with dual stereo speakers. The Dell Latitude 5520 comes with dual 2W speakers.

Miscellaneous

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

  • Weight and Dimensions: The HP EliteBook 840 G7 is designed with portability in mind, starting at 1.33 kg (2.95 lbs) for non-touch models, making it a lighter and more compact 14-inch device. The Dell Latitude 5520, with its 15.6-inch display, starts at 1.59 kg (3.5 lbs), offering more screen real estate at the expense of some portability.
  • Connectivity Options: Both laptops support modern wireless standards like Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth. The Dell Latitude 5520 features Thunderbolt 4 ports for 11th Gen processor configurations, offering high-speed data transfer and display output, along with a dedicated RJ45 Ethernet port. The HP EliteBook 840 G7 includes Thunderbolt 3 ports.
  • Security and Ports: Both devices offer fingerprint readers for secure authentication. The HP EliteBook 840 G7 can include an optional Smart Card Reader for enhanced enterprise security. The Dell Latitude 5520 includes a camera privacy shutter. Both provide a selection of USB-A, USB-C, and HDMI ports.

Weight

60 oz

46 oz

Screen size

15

14

User feedback for both the Dell Latitude 5520 and the HP EliteBook 840 G7 generally highlights their strengths as reliable business tools. The Dell Latitude 5520 is often praised for its larger display, which enhances productivity for tasks requiring more screen space, and its inclusion of newer generation processors. Users also appreciate its comprehensive port selection, including Thunderbolt 4 and an Ethernet port, making it versatile for various docking and peripheral needs. Its robust construction is consistently noted as a positive for professional use.

Conversely, the HP EliteBook 840 G7 receives commendation for its superior portability and sleek, compact design, making it an ideal choice for users who frequently travel or work in different locations. Its strong security features, such as the optional Sure View Reflect privacy screen, are highly valued by those concerned with data privacy in public environments. The EliteBook's long battery life in certain configurations is also a significant advantage for extended use away from power outlets.

Users prioritizing a larger display for extensive multitasking, a slightly more current processor for demanding applications, and a wider array of connectivity options may find the Dell Latitude 5520 well-suited to their needs. Conversely, users who place a premium on maximum portability, a more compact form factor, and advanced privacy features for working in varied settings will likely lean towards the HP EliteBook 840 G7. Both models are available as quality-assured refurbished options, providing an eco-friendly alternative for informed purchasing decisions.

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