In today’s fast-paced business environment, having a reliable and efficient laptop is crucial. For tech enthusiasts, laptop shoppers, and business professionals, choosing the right device can significantly impact productivity and overall user experience. Among the top contenders in the business laptop category are Dell’s Latitude 7480 and 7490 models. But how do these two machines stack up against each other? This in-depth comparison highlights the key differences, strengths, and weaknesses of both laptops.
Review Overview
The Dell Latitude series is renowned for its business-oriented laptops that combine performance, durability, and sleek design. The Latitude 7480 and 7490 are no exceptions. Both models offer robust features tailored to meet the demands of business professionals. This review will cover various aspects such as design, display, battery life, CPU performance, graphics, RAM and storage, sound, and connectivity to help you make an informed decision.
Key Differences
Case
The Latitude 7480 features a sturdy magnesium alloy chassis that provides durability without adding too much weight. It has a matte black finish and a slim profile, making it portable and stylish. The 7490 retains the same magnesium alloy build but introduces a slightly improved hinge design for better screen stability. Additionally, the 7490 is marginally lighter, enhancing its portability factor.
Display
Display quality is crucial for those who spend long hours staring at their screens. The 7480 comes with a 14-inch Full HD (1920 x 1080) display. It offers decent brightness and color accuracy, suitable for general business tasks. On the other hand, the 7490 also features a 14-inch display but includes options for Full HD and Ultra HD (3840 x 2160) resolutions. The Ultra HD option provides sharper images and better color reproduction, making it ideal for tasks that require detailed visuals.
Battery
Battery Life on Programming/Coding
For developers and programmers, battery life is a critical consideration. The 7480 offers an impressive battery life of up to 13 hours on moderate use, which includes programming and coding tasks. The 7490, however, takes it a notch higher with up to 15 hours of battery life under similar conditions, thanks to its more power-efficient components.
Battery Life on Web Browsing
When it comes to web browsing, both models perform admirably. The 7480 can last around 12 hours on continuous web browsing, while the 7490 edges ahead with approximately 13.5 hours. This makes both laptops excellent choices for business professionals who need long-lasting devices for day-to-day tasks.
Battery Life on Full Brightness and CPU Intensive Tasks
Under more demanding conditions, such as using full brightness and running CPU-intensive applications, battery life tends to decrease. The 7480 manages around 7 hours, whereas the 7490 offers about 8 hours, making it slightly better for power users.
CPU
CPU Performance Comparisons
The 7480 is equipped with Intel’s 6th or 7th Gen Core processors, which provide reliable performance for most business tasks. The 7490, however, benefits from the latest 8th Gen Core processors, delivering improved speed and efficiency. This makes the 7490 more suitable for multitasking and running resource-intensive applications.
Web Browsing Performance
In terms of web browsing, both laptops offer seamless experiences. However, the 7490’s newer processors ensure quicker page loading times and smoother overall performance, providing a slight edge over the 7480.
Photo and Video Editing
For those involved in photo and video editing, the 7490 stands out due to its higher resolution display option and more powerful GPU. The enhanced graphics capabilities and sharper display make editing tasks more comfortable and efficient.
Exporting 4k/8k Videos
Exporting high-resolution videos demands significant processing power. The 7490, with its advanced CPU and GPU combination, handles 4k/8k video exports more efficiently than the 7480, reducing lag time and accelerating the export process.
Benchmarks
3D Marks
Benchmark tests such as 3D Mark provide insights into a laptop’s graphical performance. The 7480 scores adequately for general business use but falls short for more graphically intense tasks. The 7490, with its upgraded GPU, scores higher, making it a better choice for users requiring superior graphical performance.
Cinebench
Cinebench tests CPU performance under load. The 7480 performs well but is outpaced by the 7490, thanks to its 8th Gen processors. This results in faster rendering times and better overall performance in CPU-intensive tasks.
Userbenchmark
Userbenchmark offers a comprehensive overview of a laptop’s performance. The 7480 scores well in categories such as everyday use and light gaming. However, the 7490 excels across the board, with higher scores in productivity, digital content creation, and gaming, making it a more versatile option.
Graphics Card
The 7480 comes with integrated Intel HD Graphics, which are adequate for basic business applications but struggle with more demanding tasks. The 7490, on the other hand, offers Intel UHD Graphics 620, providing better performance for video playback, light gaming, and graphic design work.
RAM and Storage
Both models offer various configurations for RAM and storage. The 7480 supports up to 16GB of RAM and 1TB of SSD storage, providing ample space for documents and applications. The 7490, however, supports up to 32GB of RAM and 1TB of SSD storage, catering to power users who require more memory and faster storage solutions.
Sound
Sound quality is essential for video conferences and media consumption. The 7480 features decent speakers that offer clear audio but lack depth. The 7490 improves on this with enhanced speakers that provide richer sound quality, making it better suited for multimedia use.
Connectivity
Connectivity options are crucial for business professionals who rely on various peripherals. Both models offer a range of ports, including USB-C, USB 3.0, HDMI, and an SD card reader. The 7490, however, includes Thunderbolt 3 support, allowing for faster data transfer and more versatile connectivity options.
Conclusion
In summary, both the Dell Latitude 7480 and 7490 are excellent choices for business professionals, each with its unique strengths. The 7480 offers solid performance and battery life, making it a reliable option for general business tasks. However, the 7490 stands out with its improved CPU performance, higher resolution display options, better battery life, and superior graphics capabilities. For tech enthusiasts, laptop shoppers, and business professionals looking for a future-proof device, the Dell Latitude 7490 is the clear winner.
If you’re ready to enhance your productivity and take advantage of the latest technology, consider the Dell Latitude 7490 as your next business laptop. For more information and to explore exclusive deals, visit our website and sign up for our newsletter.
Here’s a comparison table for the Dell Latitude 7480 and 7490, two well-regarded business laptops:
| Feature | Dell Latitude 7480 | Dell Latitude 7490 |
|---|---|---|
| Processor | Intel Core i5-7200U / i7-7600U | Intel Core i5-8250U / i7-8650U |
| RAM | 4GB / 8GB / 16GB DDR4 | 8GB / 16GB DDR4 |
| Storage | 128GB / 256GB / 512GB PCIe NVMe SSD | 256GB / 512GB PCIe NVMe SSD |
| Graphics | Integrated Intel HD Graphics 620 | Integrated Intel UHD Graphics 620 |
| Display | 14-inch FHD (1920 x 1080) Anti-Glare, Touch Optional | 14-inch FHD (1920 x 1080) Anti-Glare, Touch Optional |
| Battery | 60 WHr Battery | 60 WHr Battery |
| Operating System | Windows 10 Pro | Windows 10 Pro |
| Weight | Approx. 1.36 kg (3.01 lbs) | Approx. 1.4 kg (3.09 lbs) |
| Ports | 2 x USB 3.0, 1 x USB-C, HDMI, Ethernet, MicroSD Card Reader, Smart Card Reader, Audio Jack | 2 x USB 3.1 Gen 1, 1 x USB-C (with Thunderbolt 3), HDMI, Ethernet, MicroSD Card Reader, Smart Card Reader, Audio Jack |
| Keyboard | Spill-resistant, Backlit Keyboard | Spill-resistant, Backlit Keyboard |
| Wireless Connectivity | Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac), Bluetooth 4.1 | Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax), Bluetooth 4.2 |
| Webcam | 720p HD Camera | 720p HD Camera with Windows Hello Optional |
| Audio | Stereo Speakers with Waves MaxxAudio | Stereo Speakers with Waves MaxxAudio |
| Security Features | TPM 2.0, Fingerprint Reader, Smart Card Reader | TPM 2.0, Fingerprint Reader, IR Camera (Optional), Smart Card Reader |
| Price Range | Starts around $1,200 | Starts around $1,300 |
