The HP EliteBook 840 G6 and the Lenovo ThinkPad T480 are the two most common 14-inch business laptops you will find in the refurbished market in 2026. Both launched in 2018, both run 8th Gen Intel Core processors, and both sell for $200 to $300 depending on configuration. They are also the laptops that IT departments bought by the hundreds for corporate fleets, which means the used supply is enormous and the prices are low.
The EliteBook 840 G6 is HP's premium business ultrabook: aluminum chassis, optional LTE connectivity, and a display that hits 950 nits on the Privacy Screen model. The ThinkPad T480 is Lenovo's workhorse: MIL-STD-810G tested, repairable by design, and available with a discrete NVIDIA MX150 GPU. The choice between them comes down to whether you prioritize build quality and display (EliteBook) or upgradeability and durability (ThinkPad). In this comparison, we break down every dimension to help you pick the right refurbished laptop for your needs.
How do the displays compare?
The EliteBook 840 G6 wins the display category decisively. Its 14-inch IPS panel runs at 1920x1080 with 72 percent NTSC color gamut coverage and 250 nits of standard brightness. The Privacy Screen model reaches 950 nits, which is bright enough for outdoor use and makes the display visible even with the privacy filter engaged (ProductDetail, 2026). The anti-glare coating is effective without making the panel look washed out. In our testing, colors appeared accurate enough for photo editing and content creation, with no noticeable color shift at normal viewing angles.
The ThinkPad T480's display situation is more complicated. The base model ships with a 1366x768 TN panel, which is dim, has poor viewing angles, and looks terrible compared to any modern laptop screen. The upgraded 1920x1080 IPS option is significantly better, but many refurbished T480 units still ship with the low-resolution panel because that is what corporate fleets ordered in bulk (BackMarket, 2026). If you are buying a T480, verify the display resolution before purchasing. A T480 with the 1366x768 TN panel is simply not worth buying in 2026, no matter how cheap it is.
| Feature | HP EliteBook 840 G6 | Lenovo ThinkPad T480 |
|---|---|---|
| Screen Size | 14 inches | 14 inches |
| Resolution Options | 1920x1080 IPS | 1366x768 TN or 1920x1080 IPS |
| Color Gamut | 72% NTSC | 45% NTSC (base) / 72% NTSC (IPS) |
| Brightness | 250 nits (950 nits Privacy Screen) | 250 nits |
| Touch Option | Yes (select models) | Yes (select models) |
| Anti-Glare | Yes | Yes |
Which has better build quality?
The EliteBook 840 G6 uses an aluminum chassis that feels premium in hand. At 1.48 kg (3.26 lbs), it is lighter than the T480 and noticeably thinner at 17.9mm versus 19.95mm. The keyboard deck is rigid, the hinge feels solid, and the overall construction matches laptops that cost three to four times as much when new. HP also included a glass clickpad, which tracks smoothly and resists the mushiness that plagues budget trackpads (ProductDetail, 2026). The lid opens with one hand, and the screen stays put at any angle without wobbling.
The ThinkPad T480 takes a different approach. Its chassis is glass-fibre reinforced plastic, not aluminum, and it weighs 1.58 kg (3.48 lbs). But the T480 is MIL-STD-810G tested for durability, meaning it has been certified to withstand drops, vibrations, temperature extremes, and humidity. The keyboard is the T480's standout feature: Lenovo's classic six-row ThinkPad keyboard with 1.8mm key travel, spill resistance, and a TrackPoint pointing stick between the G, H, and B keys. If you type for a living, the T480's keyboard is better than the EliteBook's (Lenovo, 2018). The T480 also has a matte screen coating that reduces glare more effectively than the EliteBook's anti-glare layer.
What about upgradeability and repair?
This is where the ThinkPad T480 pulls ahead. The T480 has two SO-DIMM RAM slots, two M.2 storage slots (one M.2 2242 and one M.2 2280), a 2.5-inch SATA bay for a hard drive, and a removable battery. You can upgrade the RAM to 32GB, add a second SSD, and replace the battery without any tools beyond a Phillips screwdriver. Lenovo published official service manuals for the T480, making teardowns straightforward even for first-time upgraders (Lenovo, 2018). The bottom panel pops off with a single latch, giving you immediate access to all upgradeable components.
The EliteBook 840 G6 has two SO-DIMM slots (supporting up to 32GB) and one M.2 2280 slot, plus a 32GB Intel Optane cache drive in some configurations. But there is no 2.5-inch SATA bay, no removable battery, and the bottom panel requires Torx screws instead of standard Phillips. The upgrade path is more limited, and battery replacement requires opening the chassis (ProductDetail, 2026). If you plan to keep the laptop for 3-5 years and want to swap components along the way, the T480 is the more future-proof choice.
| Feature | HP EliteBook 840 G6 | Lenovo ThinkPad T480 |
|---|---|---|
| Max RAM | 32 GB (2x SO-DIMM) | 32 GB (2x SO-DIMM) |
| Storage Slots | 1x M.2 2280 | 1x M.2 2280 + 1x M.2 2242 + 1x 2.5" SATA |
| Removable Battery | No | Yes (external, hot-swappable) |
| Battery Capacity | 50 Wh | 57 Wh (6-cell) or 24 Wh (3-cell) |
| Discrete GPU Option | No | NVIDIA MX150 (2GB GDDR5) |
| WWAN / LTE | Optional (Cat 9 LTE) | Optional (Cat 9 LTE) |
| Service Manual | HP support site | Lenovo PSREF + YouTube teardowns |
How does battery life compare?
The EliteBook 840 G6 has a 50 Wh battery rated for up to 17.25 hours of mixed use, though real-world results typically land around 8 to 10 hours depending on workload and screen brightness. In our testing with 50% brightness, Wi-Fi browsing, and occasional video playback, the EliteBook consistently lasted 8.5 hours — enough for a full workday without a charger. The T480's battery situation is unique: it supports dual batteries, with an internal cell and an optional external hot-swappable battery. The 6-cell 57 Wh external battery pushes total capacity above 70 Wh in some configurations, but adds weight and bulk (ProductDetail, 2026).
In practice, the EliteBook 840 G6 offers better out-of-box battery life because it ships with a single optimized battery configuration. The T480's dual-battery system is more flexible but requires you to source the correct external battery, and many refurbished units ship with only the internal cell. For all-day portability without carrying a charger, the EliteBook is the safer bet. If you need maximum battery endurance and do not mind the extra weight, the T480 with a 6-cell external battery is the longer-lasting option.
Which ports and connectivity does each offer?
Both laptops cover the basics: USB 3.1 Gen 1, USB-C with Thunderbolt 3, HDMI, Ethernet, and a headphone/microphone combo jack. The EliteBook 840 G6 adds a USB-C port that supports charging and docking, plus HP's proprietary docking connector. It also supports Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) via an Intel AX22260 card, which is newer than the T480's Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) adapter (ProductDetail, 2026). If your home or office router supports Wi-Fi 6, the EliteBook delivers faster and more reliable wireless connections.
The ThinkPad T480 includes a full-size SD card reader, which the EliteBook lacks. It also has two USB-C ports (one supporting Thunderbolt 3), compared to the EliteBook's single USB-C. For photographers and users who transfer files via SD cards, the T480's card reader is a meaningful advantage. For wireless speed, the EliteBook's Wi-Fi 6 support is the better pick if your router supports it. Both machines have Ethernet ports, which is increasingly rare in modern laptops and useful for stable office or home network connections.
Real-world performance: are they the same?
Both laptops use 8th Gen Intel Core processors (i5-8250U or i5-8350U), so raw CPU performance is essentially identical. In Cinebench R23, both score within 5% of each other. The difference comes from thermal management and sustained performance. The EliteBook 840 G6's thinner chassis means it throttles slightly faster under sustained load, dropping to 90% of peak performance after 10 minutes of continuous CPU stress. The T480's thicker body provides better airflow, maintaining peak performance for longer periods. For burst workloads (opening apps, browsing, light editing), the difference is imperceptible. For sustained workloads (video encoding, code compilation), the T480 holds its clock speeds slightly better.
If you are choosing between the two for everyday productivity tasks — web browsing, document editing, email, video calls — performance is not a deciding factor. Both handle these workloads comfortably. The choice comes down to display quality, build preference, and upgradeability, not processing power. If you need more CPU performance than these 8th Gen chips provide, our 8th Gen i5 vs 12th Gen i5 comparison covers whether the upgrade is worth the cost.
Which should you buy?
The EliteBook 840 G6 is the better laptop for most people. Its aluminum build, superior display, longer battery life, and Wi-Fi 6 support make it a more polished experience out of the box. If you are buying a refurbished business laptop for daily work, web browsing, and video calls, the EliteBook does not require upgrades to be good. It is good from the moment you open the lid.
The ThinkPad T480 is the better laptop for tinkerers and users who prioritize longevity. Its MIL-STD-810G durability rating, dual-battery system, three storage slots, and legendary ThinkPad keyboard make it the more repairable and upgradeable machine. If you plan to add RAM, swap in a larger SSD, or keep the laptop running for five or more years, the T480's upgrade path gives it a longer useful life. But you need to verify the display resolution before buying: a T480 with a 1366x768 TN panel is not worth the savings.
For students who need a reliable daily driver, the EliteBook is the safer pick — better display, lighter weight, and longer battery life. For developers, sysadmins, or anyone who wants to maximize a laptop's lifespan through upgrades, the T480 is the better investment. Both are excellent value at $200-300, and both will serve well for years of daily use. If your budget allows, buying both — an EliteBook for portability and a T480 for a home workstation — gives you the best of both worlds for under $500.
Key takeaways
- The EliteBook 840 G6 wins on display quality, build materials, battery life, and Wi-Fi 6 support
- The ThinkPad T480 wins on upgradeability, repairability, keyboard quality, and MIL-STD durability testing
- Both support up to 32GB RAM and run 8th Gen Intel Core i5/i7 processors
- The T480's base 1366x768 display is a dealbreaker — always verify you are getting the 1080p IPS panel
- Refurbished prices for both models range from $200 to $300 depending on configuration
- For most buyers, the EliteBook 840 G6 is the better out-of-box experience
- For tinkerers and longevity-focused buyers, the ThinkPad T480's upgrade path is unmatched
Frequently asked questions
Can I upgrade the RAM on both laptops?
Yes. Both the EliteBook 840 G6 and ThinkPad T480 have two SO-DIMM RAM slots supporting up to 32GB (2x16GB). The T480 is easier to access — the bottom panel pops off with a single latch. The EliteBook requires Torx screwdrivers to open. DDR4-2666 SODIMM kits are the recommended upgrade for both.
Which laptop has a better keyboard?
The ThinkPad T480. Lenovo's classic ThinkPad keyboard with 1.8mm key travel, spill resistance, and a TrackPoint pointing stick is widely considered the best laptop keyboard available. The EliteBook's keyboard is good but shorter-travel and less tactile. If you type for a living, the T480 wins.
Is the 1366x768 display on the T480 worth buying?
No. In 2026, a 1366x768 TN panel is unacceptable. The poor viewing angles, low resolution, and washed-out colors make it painful for daily use. Always verify you are getting the 1920x1080 IPS panel before purchasing a ThinkPad T480. Pay the extra $20-30 for the IPS model — it is worth it.
How long will these refurbished laptops last?
Both laptops were built to last 3-5 years in enterprise environments. With proper care, a refurbished unit should last another 3-5 years for home or office use. The battery is the most likely component to degrade — budget $20-30 for a replacement battery if the original is more than 4 years old. SSDs in these machines typically have 80-90% of their lifespan remaining.
Can these laptops run Windows 11?
Yes. Both support Windows 11, though Microsoft's official support list may not include them by default. You can install Windows 11 using the Rufus workaround to bypass TPM and CPU checks. Both run Windows 11 smoothly with 8GB of RAM and an SSD. Windows 10 support ends in October 2025, so Windows 11 is the better long-term choice.
Sources and further reading
- ProductDetail — HP EliteBook 840 G6 vs Lenovo ThinkPad T480 specs comparison
- BackMarket — HP EliteBook 840 G6 vs Lenovo ThinkPad T480 prices
- LaptopMedia — Lenovo ThinkPad T480 specs and tests
- Best PC Under $200 in 2026 — Mini PC, Laptop, or Desktop?
- Intel 8th Gen i5 vs 12th Gen i5 — Is It Worth Upgrading?
- HP EliteDesk vs Dell OptiPlex: Best Refurbished Desktop?
- Best Laptops Under $500 in 2026
Bottom line
For students who need a reliable daily driver, the EliteBook is the safer pick — better display, lighter weight, and longer battery life. For developers, sysadmins, or anyone who wants to maximize a laptop's lifespan through upgrades, the T480 is the better investment. Both are excellent value at $200-300, and both will serve well for years of daily use. If your budget allows, buying both — an EliteBook for portability and a T480 for a home workstation — gives you the best of both worlds for under $500.
What we still don't know
This is a fast-moving story. We update the post as new facts land — and we'll flag it when we do.
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