Dell Latitude 7490 14" vs HP EliteBook 840 G5 14"

The Dell Latitude 7490 and the HP EliteBook 840 G5 are both 14-inch business-oriented laptops that were released in 2018. While they share a similar target audience and core components, they present distinct approaches to design, display options, and user experience. Both devices run on the Windows operating system, offering a familiar environment for productivity and business applications. Key differentiators include the Dell's slightly larger standard battery and the HP's focus on enhanced audio and optional privacy display technology.

When considering the long-term usability of these laptops, their release timeline and operating system support are important factors. Both the Dell Latitude 7490 and the HP EliteBook 840 G5 were introduced in 2018, placing them in a similar generation of hardware.

• Software Longevity: Both models are compatible with Windows 11, which is a significant advantage for future-proofing. While mainstream support for Windows 10 ended on October 14, 2025, extended security updates are available, allowing these devices to remain functional and secure for some time.
• Repairability: Both laptops are designed with business users in mind, meaning they generally offer good access for internal maintenance and upgrades. Users can typically upgrade RAM and storage with relative ease, extending their practical lifespan.
• Expected Lifespan: Given their robust build and upgradeability, both devices can continue to serve well for general productivity tasks, web browsing, and office applications for several more years. Their ability to run current operating systems contributes to their continued relevance.

The performance of the Dell Latitude 7490 and the HP EliteBook 840 G5 is largely comparable, as both are equipped with 8th generation Intel Core U-series processors. These processors provide a solid foundation for everyday computing tasks and multitasking.

• Processor Capabilities: Both laptops handle demanding applications and multitasking smoothly, making them suitable for typical business and academic workloads. Users can expect responsive performance when running multiple applications simultaneously, such as web browsers with numerous tabs, word processors, and presentation software.
• Memory and Storage: Both devices support up to 32GB of DDR4 RAM across two slots, allowing for significant memory upgrades to enhance multitasking capabilities. They also utilize fast M.2 NVMe SSDs for storage, which results in quick boot times and rapid application loading.
• Battery Behavior: The Dell Latitude 7490 typically features a 60 Whr battery, while the HP EliteBook 840 G5 usually comes with a 50 Whr battery. This difference in capacity can translate to varying battery life, with the Dell often offering slightly longer usage times on a single charge, generally around 7-9 hours for light to moderate use. The HP EliteBook 840 G5 typically provides around 8.5 hours, though this can be reduced when using features like the Sure View privacy screen.

Both the Dell Latitude 7490 and the HP EliteBook 840 G5 offer 14-inch displays tailored for productivity, though with some variations in available panel types and features.

• Display Technology and Resolution: Both laptops commonly feature Full HD (1920x1080) IPS matte displays, which are effective at reducing glare and provide clear visuals for text and images. Some configurations of the Latitude 7490 also offered lower HD resolution options.
• Brightness and Clarity: The Latitude 7490's display generally offers brightness levels around 277-300 nits, providing good color and contrast for indoor use. The EliteBook 840 G5 offers a wider range of brightness options, from 220 nits up to 400 nits for standard panels, and significantly higher for models equipped with the HP Sure View integrated privacy screen, which can reach up to 700 nits.
• Specialized Features: The HP EliteBook 840 G5 stands out with its optional HP Sure View privacy screen, which limits viewing angles to prevent others from seeing your screen content. The Dell Latitude 7490, in some configurations, offered a 'Super Low Power Panel' designed to extend battery life.

For communication and media consumption, both the Dell Latitude 7490 and the HP EliteBook 840 G5 provide standard features typical of business laptops from their era.

• Camera System: Both devices are equipped with integrated webcams, typically 720p, suitable for video conferencing and online meetings. The HP EliteBook 840 G5 also offered configurations with an infrared (IR) camera for facial recognition, enhancing security and login convenience.
• Microphone Quality: Both laptops include integrated microphones designed for clear voice capture during calls and recordings. The HP EliteBook 840 G5 often features a multi-array microphone with HP Noise Cancellation, which can improve audio clarity in noisy environments.
• Speaker Output: The Dell Latitude 7490 features integrated speakers that are generally described as surprisingly loud and clear for a business laptop. The HP EliteBook 840 G5, on the other hand, boasts Bang & Olufsen tuned speakers, which are frequently praised for their audio quality and upward-firing design, contributing to a more immersive media consumption experience.