Choosing the right laptop can be a daunting task, especially when you’re faced with two impressive options like Lenovo’s T480 and T480s. These models are popular among tech enthusiasts, laptop shoppers, and business professionals for their exceptional performance and reliability. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll compare these two powerhouse laptops to help you make an informed decision. By the end, you’ll have a clear understanding of their key differences, battery life, CPU performance, graphics capabilities, and more.
Review Overview
Before we dive into the nitty-gritty, let’s start with a brief overview. Both the T480 and T480s are part of Lenovo’s ThinkPad line, known for its robust build quality and business-friendly features. The T480 is often praised for its durability and extensive connectivity options, while the T480s is lauded for its sleek design and lightweight build. But how do they stack up against each other in various aspects? Let’s find out.
Key Differences
Case
One of the most noticeable differences between the T480 and T480s is their case design. The T480 features a more rugged, thicker build, making it ideal for users who prioritize durability. On the other hand, the T480s sports a slimmer, more elegant design, appealing to those who value portability and aesthetics. Despite the difference in thickness, both models maintain Lenovo’s signature robust build quality.
Display
When it comes to the display, both laptops offer impressive options. The T480 comes with a 14-inch Full HD screen, while the T480s offers the same size but with an additional WQHD option. The higher resolution on the T480s provides sharper images and more screen real estate, making it a better choice for professionals involved in graphic design or video editing.
Battery
Battery Life on Programming/Coding
For programmers and coders, battery life is crucial. The T480 excels in this area with its larger battery capacity, offering up to 15 hours of runtime. The T480s, while still impressive, falls slightly short with around 13 hours. Both laptops can easily handle a full day of coding, but the T480 has a slight edge for those long, uninterrupted sessions.
Battery Life on Web Browsing
When it comes to web browsing, both laptops perform admirably. The T480s, thanks to its energy-efficient design, manages to offer nearly the same battery life as the T480 despite its smaller battery. Expect around 12-14 hours of browsing on either model, making them perfect for business professionals on the go.
Battery Life on Full Brightness and CPU Intensive Tasks
Under more demanding conditions, such as full brightness and CPU-intensive tasks, the T480’s larger battery again proves beneficial. It lasts around 8 hours under these conditions, compared to the T480s’ 6-7 hours. If you frequently push your laptop to its limits, the T480 might be the better option.
CPU
CPU Performance Comparisons
Both the T480 and T480s are equipped with Intel’s 8th generation Core i5 and i7 processors. However, the T480 has the option for higher wattage CPUs, providing a slight performance boost. This makes the T480 a bit more versatile for heavy multitasking and demanding applications.
Web Browsing Performance
In terms of web browsing, both laptops offer a smooth experience. Thanks to their powerful CPUs, browsing multiple tabs, streaming videos, and running web applications are handled with ease. There’s no significant difference between the two in this area.
Photo and Video Editing
For photo and video editing, the T480s takes the lead with its optional WQHD display, providing better color accuracy and higher resolution. While both laptops perform well thanks to their robust CPUs, the T480s’ superior display makes a noticeable difference in editing tasks.
Exporting 4k/8k Videos
When it comes to exporting high-resolution videos, both laptops show their strengths. However, the T480’s option for higher wattage CPUs can result in faster export times. If video editing and exporting are major tasks for you, the T480’s performance edge might be significant.
Benchmarks
3D Marks
In 3DMark benchmarks, both laptops perform well, but the T480 with its optional dedicated GPU can deliver higher scores. This makes it a better choice for tasks that require graphical prowess.
Cinebench
Cinebench tests reveal that the T480’s higher wattage CPU options provide better multi-core performance. For tasks that benefit from multi-threading, the T480 has a slight advantage.
Userbenchmark
Userbenchmark scores also favor the T480 slightly, particularly in scenarios that leverage its higher wattage CPUs and dedicated GPU options. However, for most everyday tasks, the difference is marginal.
Graphics Card
The T480 offers the option for a dedicated NVIDIA GeForce MX150 GPU, making it a better choice for graphics-intensive tasks like gaming or 3D rendering. The T480s, while still capable, relies on integrated graphics, which are suitable for general use but less powerful for demanding applications.
RAM and Storage
Both laptops offer similar RAM and storage configurations, with options up to 32GB of RAM and 1TB of SSD storage. This ensures that both models can handle extensive multitasking and large file storage without issues.
Sound
Sound quality is often overlooked but crucial for an immersive experience. Both the T480 and T480s deliver clear and loud audio, but the T480s has slightly better speaker placement, resulting in a richer sound experience.
Connectivity
Connectivity is a strong suit for both models. The T480 offers a wide range of ports, including USB-C, USB 3.1, HDMI, and an Ethernet port, making it highly versatile. The T480s, while slimmer, retains most of these ports but sacrifices the Ethernet port for a dongle. If wired internet is essential for you, this is something to consider.
Conclusion
Choosing between the Lenovo T480 and T480s ultimately boils down to your specific needs and preferences. If you prioritize durability, battery life, and the option for higher performance, the T480 is the way to go. On the other hand, if you value portability, a sleek design, and a high-resolution display, the T480s will serve you well.
Both models offer robust performance, exceptional build quality, and a range of features that cater to tech enthusiasts, laptop shoppers, and business professionals alike. Whichever model you choose, you’re investing in a reliable tool that will serve you well in various business functions.
Ready to make your decision? Explore these models further and see which one fits your lifestyle. Happy laptop shopping!
Lenovo ThinkPad T480 vs. T480s
| Feature | Lenovo ThinkPad T480 | Lenovo ThinkPad T480s |
|---|---|---|
| Processor | Intel Core i5-8250U / i7-8550U | Intel Core i5-8250U / i7-8550U |
| RAM | 8GB / 16GB / 32GB DDR4 (Upgradable) | 8GB / 16GB / 24GB DDR4 (Upgradable) |
| Storage | 256GB / 512GB / 1TB PCIe NVMe SSD | 256GB / 512GB PCIe NVMe SSD |
| Graphics | Integrated Intel UHD Graphics 620 / Optional NVIDIA GeForce MX150 | Integrated Intel UHD Graphics 620 / Optional NVIDIA GeForce MX150 |
| Display | 14-inch HD (1366 x 768) or FHD (1920 x 1080) IPS, Optional WQHD (2560 x 1440) | 14-inch FHD (1920 x 1080) IPS, Optional WQHD (2560 x 1440) |
| Battery | 24 WHr (Internal) + 24 WHr / 48 WHr / 72 WHr (External, Hot-swappable) | 57 WHr (Integrated, Non-removable) |
| Operating System | Windows 10 Pro | Windows 10 Pro |
| Weight | Approx. 1.58 kg (3.49 lbs) | Approx. 1.32 kg (2.91 lbs) |
| Ports | 2 x USB 3.1 Gen 1, 1 x USB-C, 1 x Thunderbolt 3, HDMI 1.4b, RJ-45 Ethernet, MicroSD Card Reader, Smart Card Reader | 2 x USB 3.1 Gen 1, 1 x USB-C, 1 x Thunderbolt 3, HDMI 1.4b, MicroSD Card Reader |
| Keyboard | Spill-resistant, Backlit Keyboard | Spill-resistant, Backlit Keyboard |
| Wireless Connectivity | Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac), Bluetooth 4.1 | Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac), Bluetooth 4.1 |
| Webcam | 720p HD Camera with ThinkShutter Privacy Cover | 720p HD Camera with ThinkShutter Privacy Cover |
| Audio | Stereo Speakers with Dolby Audio | Stereo Speakers with Dolby Audio Premium |
| Security Features | dTPM 2.0, Fingerprint Reader, Smart Card Reader, Optional IR Camera | dTPM 2.0, Fingerprint Reader, Optional IR Camera |
| Price Range | Originally started around $1,200 | Originally started around $1,400 |
