HP EliteBook 840 G6 14" vs Lenovo ThinkPad T480 14"

The HP EliteBook 840 G6, released in 2019, and the Lenovo ThinkPad T480, launched in 2018, are both 14-inch business-oriented laptops designed for productivity and reliability. While sharing a common focus on professional use, the ThinkPad T480 distinguishes itself with its unique hot-swappable battery system, offering extended unplugged operation, whereas the EliteBook 840 G6 often features more advanced wireless connectivity options.

Both devices run on the Windows operating system, providing a familiar and consistent user experience for business and general computing tasks.

When considering the long-term usability of these business laptops, both the HP EliteBook 840 G6 and the Lenovo ThinkPad T480 offer robust designs and a commitment to software support, though with slight differences due to their release timelines.

• Release Timeline: The ThinkPad T480 was released in 2018, preceding the EliteBook 840 G6, which came out in 2019. This means the EliteBook 840 G6 generally benefits from an additional year of potential software updates and security patches from its manufacturer and Microsoft.
• Software Longevity: Both laptops are compatible with Windows 10 and, in many configurations, Windows 11, ensuring continued access to modern software and security features. The EliteBook 840 G6, being newer, may receive official driver support for Windows 11 for a slightly longer period.
• Repairability and Practical Lifespan: Both models are known for their excellent repairability, a significant factor in extending their practical lifespan. The EliteBook 840 G6 scores highly in repairability, with easily accessible and replaceable components like RAM, SSD, and battery, often using standard screws. The ThinkPad T480 is also highly regarded for its user-accessible and upgradeable components, including RAM and storage, and notably features a hot-swappable external battery, allowing users to replace it without powering down the system. This modularity contributes to a longer potential service life for both devices, making them sustainable choices for users seeking longevity.

Both the HP EliteBook 840 G6 and the Lenovo ThinkPad T480 are equipped to handle typical business and productivity workloads, offering responsive performance for daily tasks.

• Processing Power: Both laptops feature 8th generation Intel Core processors, providing sufficient power for multitasking, web browsing with multiple tabs, and running office applications smoothly. Users can expect efficient performance for demanding business applications.
• Memory and Storage: Both devices support up to 32GB of DDR4 RAM across two SODIMM slots, with some configurations of the ThinkPad T480 even supporting up to 64GB, allowing for extensive multitasking and efficient handling of large datasets. Storage options typically include fast NVMe PCIe M.2 SSDs, ranging from 128GB to 2TB for the EliteBook 840 G6 and up to 1TB for the ThinkPad T480, ensuring quick boot times and rapid application loading.
• Battery Behavior: The EliteBook 840 G6, with its 50 Wh battery, can provide substantial battery life, with some tests indicating up to 16 hours of web browsing. The ThinkPad T480 stands out with its Power Bridge technology, combining an internal battery with a hot-swappable external battery (available in 24Wh or 72Wh options). This design allows for exceptional endurance, with the larger external battery capable of delivering over 17 hours of use, making it highly suitable for users who require extended periods away from a power outlet.

The visual experience on both laptops is designed for productivity, with various display options catering to different user preferences and needs.

• Display Technology and Resolution: Both the EliteBook 840 G6 and the ThinkPad T480 commonly feature 14-inch Full HD (1920x1080) IPS anti-glare displays, offering clear visuals and wide viewing angles suitable for office work and media consumption. The ThinkPad T480 also offered a lower-resolution HD (1366x768) option, which is less ideal for modern productivity, and a higher-resolution WQHD (2560x1440) IPS panel for enhanced detail.
• Brightness and Clarity: Standard Full HD panels on both models typically offer around 250 nits of brightness, which is adequate for indoor environments. Some configurations of the EliteBook 840 G6 were available with brighter 400-nit panels, and even 4K options, providing better visibility in brighter conditions. The ThinkPad T480's WQHD option also offered improved brightness. Both generally feature matte finishes to reduce glare.
• Touchscreen Availability: Both laptops offered optional touchscreen configurations, providing an alternative input method for users who prefer touch interaction with their operating system.

For communication and media consumption, both the EliteBook 840 G6 and the ThinkPad T480 provide essential audio-visual capabilities suitable for professional use.

• Webcam and Microphone: Both laptops typically include a 720p HD webcam, which is sufficient for video conferencing and online meetings. The EliteBook 840 G6 often features a three multi-array microphone system and HP Noise Cancellation software for clearer audio during calls. The ThinkPad T480 also has a microphone that users find fine for communication and conferences, and some configurations include an IR camera for Windows Hello facial authentication, along with a physical ThinkShutter for webcam privacy.
• Speaker Output: The EliteBook 840 G6 is equipped with Bang & Olufsen dual stereo speakers, which generally provide a good audio experience for a business laptop, suitable for multimedia and presentations. The ThinkPad T480 features dual speakers that offer adequate sound for business use, with some improvements over its predecessor, though they are not typically highlighted as a strong point for media consumption.
• Video Recording Quality: Both devices offer standard video recording capabilities through their 720p webcams, suitable for basic video calls rather than high-fidelity content creation.