In the world of business laptops, Lenovo’s ThinkPad series is a beloved staple. These machines are known for their durability, performance, and user-friendly design. But when choosing between the Lenovo ThinkPad T480 and the T490, which one should you go for? This comprehensive comparison will help tech enthusiasts, laptop shoppers, and business professionals make an informed decision.
Review Overview
Lenovo’s ThinkPad T480 and T490 are both excellent choices for business professionals who need reliable, high-performing laptops. Both models come with the robust build quality and productivity features that the ThinkPad series is known for. However, there are notable differences in terms of design, display, battery life, and internal hardware that could influence your decision.
Key Differences
Case
When it comes to the physical appearance and build of the laptops, the ThinkPad T480 and T490 have some subtle but noteworthy differences. The T480 has a slightly bulkier frame, giving it a more traditional ThinkPad look. On the other hand, the T490 is slimmer and lighter, making it more portable without compromising on durability.
While the T480 sports a classic matte black finish, the T490 adds a modern touch with its sleeker design. Both laptops are built to withstand rough handling, thanks to their sturdy cases, but if you prioritize portability, the T490 edges out with its lighter frame.
Display
The display quality is a critical factor for any laptop, especially for business professionals who spend long hours working on their devices. The ThinkPad T480 offers a 14-inch display with options for FHD and WQHD resolutions. It’s bright and color-accurate, making it suitable for various tasks.
The T490, however, takes display quality up a notch with its HDR option. This model also provides options for FHD and WQHD, but the addition of HDR means better color contrast and more vivid images. Whether you’re editing photos or watching videos, the T490’s display delivers an enhanced visual experience.
Battery
Battery Life on Programming/Coding
Battery life is a critical consideration, particularly for professionals who work on-the-go. The T480 is equipped with a 72Wh battery, which can last up to 15 hours on a single charge. This longevity is particularly beneficial for programmers and coders who need a reliable machine throughout the day.
On the other hand, the T490 offers a 50Wh battery, but with efficiency optimizations, it can still provide up to 13 hours of usage. While it falls slightly short of the T480, the T490’s battery life is commendable for most business tasks.
Battery Life on Web Browsing
For web browsing, both laptops perform well. The T480 can handle extensive web surfing with multiple tabs open, offering around 12 hours of battery life. The T490, while slightly less powerful in terms of battery capacity, can still deliver about 10 hours of web browsing time, thanks to its efficient power management.
Battery Life on Full Brightness and CPU Intensive Tasks
When running CPU-intensive tasks at full brightness, the battery life on both models decreases. The T480 manages to last around 8 hours, while the T490 offers about 6 hours under similar conditions. This difference may be crucial for users who frequently push their laptops to the limit.
CPU
CPU Performance Comparisons
Both the T480 and T490 come with Intel Core processors, but the available configurations differ. The T480 typically features 7th or 8th Generation Intel Core CPUs, while the T490 boasts newer 8th or 10th Generation options. This generational leap gives the T490 a significant edge in processing power and efficiency.
Web Browsing Performance
Web browsing is smooth and efficient on both models. The T480 handles multiple tabs and applications seamlessly, but the T490’s newer CPUs provide a snappier and more responsive experience. Users will notice faster page loads and better overall performance on the T490.
Photo and Video Editing
When it comes to photo and video editing, both laptops perform admirably. The T480’s older CPUs can handle these tasks well, but the T490’s updated processors make editing smoother and faster. This speed is particularly evident when working with large files or multitasking between editing software and other applications.
Exporting 4K/8K Videos
Exporting high-resolution videos is a demanding task that tests a laptop’s CPU and GPU capabilities. The T480 can export 4K videos efficiently, but the process is noticeably quicker on the T490. For 8K video exports, the T490’s advanced hardware provides a significant advantage, reducing rendering times considerably.
Benchmarks
3DMark
The 3DMark benchmark tests a laptop’s graphics performance. The T480, with its older GPU options, performs well but lags behind the T490’s newer, more powerful graphics solutions. The T490 achieves higher scores, indicating better performance in graphic-intensive applications.
Cinebench
Cinebench evaluates CPU performance, particularly in multi-threaded tasks. The T480 delivers solid results, but the T490’s newer processors outshine it, demonstrating superior performance in rendering and processing tasks. This makes the T490 a better choice for users who need top-tier CPU performance.
UserBenchmark
UserBenchmark provides a comprehensive overview of a laptop’s performance across various tasks. The T480 scores well, reflecting its reliability and robustness. However, the T490 consistently scores higher, showcasing its enhanced efficiency, processing power, and overall performance.
Graphics Card
The graphics card is a crucial component for tasks involving visual content. The T480 offers integrated Intel UHD Graphics 620, which is adequate for general use, including light gaming and multimedia applications. The T490, however, can be configured with Intel Iris Plus Graphics, providing a noticeable boost in graphics performance.
For users who engage in more graphic-intensive tasks like video editing or design work, the T490’s superior graphics capabilities make it the better option. The enhanced GPU ensures smoother rendering and better support for high-resolution displays.
RAM and Storage
Both the T480 and T490 offer ample RAM and storage options, ensuring that users can choose configurations that meet their specific needs. The T480 supports up to 32GB of RAM, which is sufficient for most business applications. It also offers SSD storage options ranging from 256GB to 1TB.
The T490, in comparison, also supports up to 32GB of RAM but benefits from faster memory options. The storage configurations are similar, but the T490 features NVMe SSDs, which provide faster data transfer rates and quicker boot times. This results in a more responsive and efficient user experience.
Sound
Audio quality is another important aspect of a business laptop. The T480 delivers clear and crisp sound with its Dolby Audio Premium technology. It’s suitable for conference calls, video streaming, and casual listening.
The T490 enhances this experience with Dolby Audio Speaker System, offering richer and more immersive sound quality. Whether you’re on a video call or watching a movie, the T490’s audio system provides a superior listening experience.
Connectivity
Both laptops offer a range of connectivity options to ensure seamless integration with various devices and networks. The T480 includes USB-C, USB 3.1, HDMI, and an Ethernet port, catering to most business connectivity needs.
The T490, while maintaining similar ports, adds Thunderbolt 3 support, enabling faster data transfer and more versatile connectivity options. This addition is particularly beneficial for users who require high-speed connections for external devices and peripherals.
Conclusion
In conclusion, both the Lenovo ThinkPad T480 and T490 are exceptional business laptops, each with its unique strengths. The T480 offers robust performance, longer battery life, and a classic ThinkPad design, making it a reliable choice for business professionals.
The T490, on the other hand, provides a slimmer and lighter build, enhanced display options, newer CPUs, and better overall performance. Its advanced features make it ideal for users who prioritize portability and cutting-edge technology.
Ultimately, the choice between the T480 and T490 depends on your specific needs and preferences. If you value a longer battery life and a traditional design, the T480 is an excellent option. However, if you seek a more modern, powerful, and portable solution, the T490 stands out as the superior choice.
For further assistance in choosing the right laptop for your business needs, feel free to reach out to our experts or explore our detailed reviews and comparisons. Make an informed decision and elevate your productivity with the perfect ThinkPad.
Here’s a detailed comparison table for the Lenovo ThinkPad T480 and T490, two highly regarded business laptops in the ThinkPad series:
| Feature | Lenovo ThinkPad T480 | Lenovo ThinkPad T490 |
|---|---|---|
| Processor | Intel Core i5-8250U / i7-8550U | Intel Core i5-8265U / i7-8565U (8th Gen) or i5-10210U / i7-10510U (10th Gen) |
| RAM | 8GB / 16GB / 32GB DDR4 (Upgradable) | 8GB / 16GB / 32GB DDR4 (Upgradable) |
| Storage | 256GB / 512GB / 1TB PCIe NVMe SSD | 256GB / 512GB / 1TB PCIe NVMe SSD |
| Graphics | Integrated Intel UHD Graphics 620 / NVIDIA GeForce MX150 (Optional) | Integrated Intel UHD Graphics 620 / NVIDIA GeForce MX250 (Optional) |
| 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, WQHD (2560 x 1440) or HDR WQHD (2560 x 1440) |
| Battery | 24 WHr (Internal) + 24 WHr / 48 WHr / 72 WHr (External) | 50 WHr (Internal, Non-removable) |
| Operating System | Windows 10 Pro | Windows 10 Pro / Windows 11 Pro |
| Weight | Approx. 1.58 kg (3.49 lbs) | Approx. 1.35 kg (2.98 lbs) |
| Ports | 2 x USB 3.1 Gen 1, 1 x USB-C, 1 x Thunderbolt 3, HDMI 1.4, Ethernet, MicroSD Card Reader, Smart Card Reader | 2 x USB 3.1 Gen 1, 2 x USB-C (one with Thunderbolt 3), HDMI 1.4, Ethernet extension connector, MicroSD Card Reader |
| 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 5.0 |
| 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, IR Camera with Windows Hello |
| Price Range | Starts around $1,200 | Starts around $1,300 |
Key Differences:
- Processor and Performance: The ThinkPad T490 offers more modern processor options, including both 8th and 10th Gen Intel Core processors, which deliver better performance and energy efficiency compared to the 8th Gen processors in the T480.
- Graphics: Both models offer integrated graphics, but the T490 comes with an option for the slightly more powerful NVIDIA GeForce MX250, whereas the T480 offers the MX150.
- Display Options: The T490 provides more advanced display options, including an HDR WQHD display, which offers better color accuracy and brightness compared to the displays available on the T480.
- Battery: The T480 features a swappable battery design with internal and external batteries, allowing users to carry an extra battery for extended usage. The T490, on the other hand, comes with a single, non-removable 50 WHr battery, which might limit battery swapping but offers a sleeker design.
- Port Selection: The T490 has an additional USB-C port compared to the T480, which can be useful for modern peripherals and docking stations.
- Weight and Portability: The T490 is lighter and more portable, weighing approximately 1.35 kg, compared to the T480’s 1.58 kg, making it more suitable for professionals who are frequently on the go.
- Wireless Connectivity: The T490 supports Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.0, offering faster and more reliable wireless connections compared to the Wi-Fi 5 and Bluetooth 4.1 on the T480.
- Audio: The T490 features Dolby Audio Premium, which provides an enhanced audio experience compared to the standard Dolby Audio in the T480.
Conclusion:
- Lenovo ThinkPad T480: Best for users who prefer the flexibility of a swappable battery and require solid, reliable performance for standard business tasks. It’s slightly heavier but offers more battery options for extended use.
- Lenovo ThinkPad T490: Ideal for professionals who want a more modern, lightweight laptop with better performance, advanced display options, and the latest connectivity features. The T490 offers a sleeker design and is better suited for those who value portability and updated technology.
Both laptops are excellent choices for business use, but the T490 offers more advanced features and improved performance, making it a superior option for those who need the latest technology in a portable package. The T480, with its swappable battery and robust build, is a solid choice for users who prioritize battery flexibility and don’t require the latest features.
