HP EliteBook 840 G6 14" vs Lenovo ThinkPad T490 14"

The HP EliteBook 840 G6 and the Lenovo ThinkPad T490 are both 14-inch business-oriented laptops released in 2019. While sharing a focus on productivity and portability, they offer distinct approaches to design, display technology, and internal upgradeability. Both devices run on the Windows operating system, providing a familiar software environment for most users.

The EliteBook 840 G6 often emphasizes a sleek, aluminum chassis and enhanced audio features, while the ThinkPad T490 is known for its robust build, renowned keyboard, and diverse display options.

These laptops, both released in 2019, offer comparable practical lifespans, especially when considering their business-grade construction and potential for component upgrades.

• Software Support: Both the EliteBook 840 G6 and ThinkPad T490 were designed to run Windows and are capable of supporting current operating system versions, ensuring continued access to software updates and security patches for several years.
• Durability and Build: The HP EliteBook 840 G6 features an aluminum chassis, contributing to a solid and premium feel, while the Lenovo ThinkPad T490 is built with an aluminum-magnesium alloy and has undergone military-grade testing for resilience. Both designs aim for longevity in professional environments.
• Repairability and Upgradability: The EliteBook 840 G6 generally offers good repairability, with both RAM and SSD being user-removable and upgradeable. The ThinkPad T490 allows for SSD upgrades and partial RAM upgrades, as it typically features some soldered RAM alongside one accessible DIMM slot. This modularity can extend the practical lifespan of both devices.

Both the HP EliteBook 840 G6 and the Lenovo ThinkPad T490 are equipped to handle typical business and productivity tasks efficiently, though their configurations can influence specific performance aspects.

• Processor Capabilities: These laptops commonly feature 8th Generation Intel Core i5 or i7 processors, providing solid performance for everyday computing, multitasking, and demanding business applications. Users can expect smooth operation for web browsing, document editing, presentations, and video conferencing.
• Memory and Storage: Both models support DDR4 RAM, with the EliteBook 840 G6 offering up to 64GB across two SODIMM slots, and the ThinkPad T490 typically featuring some soldered RAM with an additional slot for expansion up to 48GB. Both utilize fast NVMe SSDs for storage, ensuring quick boot times and rapid application loading.
• Battery Behavior: The HP EliteBook 840 G6, with its 50 Wh battery, can offer around 10 to 15 hours of use, depending on configuration and usage. The ThinkPad T490, also with a 50 Wh battery, can deliver up to 16 hours of battery life, with rapid charge capabilities providing a significant boost in a short period. Actual battery life will vary based on factors like screen brightness and active applications.

The visual experience on these laptops varies depending on the specific display configuration chosen, with both offering options suitable for different user needs.

• Display Technology and Resolution: The HP EliteBook 840 G6 offers various 14-inch display options, including Full HD (1920x1080) IPS panels with different brightness levels, and a higher-resolution UHD (3840x2160) option. The Lenovo ThinkPad T490 also provides a range of 14-inch displays, from a standard Full HD IPS panel to a highly regarded WQHD (2560x1440) IPS panel with Dolby Vision HDR, known for its vibrant colors and high brightness.
• Brightness and Clarity: The EliteBook 840 G6 can be found with panels offering up to 400 nits of brightness, with some configurations reaching 700 nits or even 1000 nits with an integrated privacy screen, providing good visibility in various lighting conditions. The ThinkPad T490's premium WQHD option can reach 500 nits, making it suitable for outdoor use or bright office settings.
• Color Accuracy and Viewing Experience: Both laptops offer IPS panels, which provide wide viewing angles. The ThinkPad T490's WQHD display is noted for its 100% Adobe color gamut coverage, making it suitable for tasks requiring accurate color representation. The EliteBook 840 G6's FHD IPS panels also offer good contrast and wide color coverage in certain configurations.

Both laptops include integrated camera and audio systems designed for professional communication and media consumption, with some distinctions in their offerings.

• Webcam Quality: Both the HP EliteBook 840 G6 and the Lenovo ThinkPad T490 typically feature a 720p HD webcam, suitable for video conferencing and online meetings. The EliteBook 840 G6 also offers an optional HD IR webcam for facial recognition, and an HP Privacy Camera. The ThinkPad T490 includes a ThinkShutter privacy cover for its webcam, with an optional IR camera also available.
• Audio Experience: The EliteBook 840 G6 features Bang & Olufsen dual stereo speakers and three multi-array microphones with HP Noise Cancellation, aiming for clear and crisp call quality and rich sound output. The ThinkPad T490 incorporates Dolby Audio Premium, providing a good audio experience for media and calls.
• Microphone Performance: Both devices are equipped with multi-array microphones designed to enhance voice clarity during calls. The EliteBook's advanced noise cancellation helps in reducing background distractions.