Hp elitebook 840 g3 vs hp elitebook folio 9480m: Which One Reigns Supreme?

Choosing the right business laptop can be a daunting task, especially when faced with a plethora of options. Two popular contenders in the HP EliteBook lineup are the HP EliteBook 840 G3 and the **HP EliteBook Folio 9480m**. Both boast impressive features and performance, but they cater to different needs and preferences. This comprehensive comparison aims to help you determine which laptop is the ideal fit for your business requirements.

Design and Build Quality

The HP EliteBook 840 G3 embodies a classic business laptop design. It features a durable, all-metal chassis with a sleek, professional aesthetic. The 14-inch display is surrounded by relatively thick bezels, giving it a more traditional look. The keyboard is comfortable and responsive, and the touchpad is spacious and accurate.
The HP EliteBook Folio 9480m, on the other hand, embraces a more modern and minimalist design. It boasts a thin and light profile, making it highly portable. The 14-inch display is surrounded by narrow bezels, maximizing screen real estate. The keyboard is slightly smaller than the 840 G3’s, but it remains comfortable for typing. The touchpad is also smaller but offers smooth and precise navigation.
Verdict: The 840 G3 offers a more traditional and robust build, while the Folio 9480m prioritizes portability and a sleek design. The choice depends on your individual preferences and priorities.

Display

Both laptops offer 14-inch displays, but their specifications differ. The HP EliteBook 840 G3 comes with a variety of options, including Full HD (1920 x 1080) and optional touchscreen capabilities. The display quality is generally good, offering vibrant colors and decent viewing angles.
The HP EliteBook Folio 9480m boasts a higher resolution display, typically offering Full HD (1920 x 1080) or even 4K (3840 x 2160) options. The display quality is excellent, with sharp details, accurate colors, and wide viewing angles. The Folio 9480m also includes an anti-glare coating, reducing reflections and improving readability in bright environments.
Verdict: The Folio 9480m takes the lead with its higher resolution display and improved visual quality. However, the 840 G3’s display remains adequate for most users, especially if touchscreen functionality is desired.

Performance

Both laptops are equipped with powerful processors, ample RAM, and fast storage options, ensuring smooth performance for demanding tasks. The HP EliteBook 840 G3 offers a range of processors, from Intel Core i5 to Core i7, with options for dedicated graphics cards. The 8 GB of RAM is sufficient for most users, but higher configurations are available. The storage options include traditional hard drives, solid-state drives (SSDs), and even hybrid drives.
The HP EliteBook Folio 9480m also offers a range of Intel Core i5 and Core i7 processors, with the option for vPro technology for enhanced security and manageability. The base model comes with 8 GB of RAM, but it can be upgraded to 16 GB or even 32 GB. Storage options include fast SSDs, providing quick boot times and application loading.
Verdict: Both laptops deliver excellent performance for demanding tasks. The Folio 9480m might have a slight edge with its vPro technology and optional higher RAM configurations. However, the 840 G3 offers a more budget-friendly option with comparable performance.

Battery Life

Battery life is crucial for business professionals on the go. The HP EliteBook 840 G3 boasts a decent battery life, lasting around 8-10 hours of mixed usage. This allows for a full workday without needing to recharge.
The HP EliteBook Folio 9480m surpasses the 840 G3 in terms of battery life, offering an impressive 10-12 hours of mixed usage. This extended battery life makes it ideal for long trips and demanding work schedules.
Verdict: The Folio 9480m wins the battery life battle with its longer runtime. This is a significant advantage for users who require extended portability and productivity.

Connectivity and Ports

Both laptops offer a comprehensive range of connectivity options. The HP EliteBook 840 G3 includes multiple USB ports, including USB Type-C, HDMI, DisplayPort, and an SD card reader. It also features Bluetooth 4.2 and Wi-Fi capabilities.
The HP EliteBook Folio 9480m also provides multiple USB ports, including USB Type-C with Thunderbolt 3 support. It also offers HDMI, DisplayPort, an SD card reader, and a nano-SIM card slot for optional mobile broadband connectivity.
Verdict: Both laptops offer excellent connectivity options. The Folio 9480m stands out with its Thunderbolt 3 support, providing faster data transfer speeds and the ability to connect to external displays with higher resolutions.

Security Features

Both laptops prioritize security for business users. The HP EliteBook 840 G3 includes a fingerprint reader, a TPM chip, and HP Sure Start for BIOS protection. It also offers optional features like HP Sure Click for enhanced web browsing security and HP Sure View for privacy screen technology.
The HP EliteBook Folio 9480m also features a fingerprint reader, a TPM chip, and HP Sure Start for BIOS protection. It also includes HP Sure Click, HP Sure View, and HP Multi-Factor Authentication for enhanced security.
Verdict: Both laptops offer robust security features. The Folio 9480m might have a slight edge with its inclusion of HP Multi-Factor Authentication, providing an additional layer of security.

Price

The HP EliteBook 840 G3 is generally more affordable than the Folio 9480m. Its starting price is lower, and it offers a wider range of configurations to suit different budgets.
The HP EliteBook Folio 9480m is positioned as a premium business laptop, with a higher starting price. Its advanced features and premium design come at a premium cost.
Verdict: The 840 G3 offers a more budget-friendly option, while the Folio 9480m caters to users who prioritize premium features and design.

The Final Verdict: Which Laptop is Right for You?

The choice between the HP EliteBook 840 G3 and the **HP EliteBook Folio 9480m** depends on your individual needs and priorities.
Choose the HP EliteBook 840 G3 if:

• You are looking for a durable and reliable business laptop with a classic design.
• You prioritize affordability and value for money.
• You need a laptop with a comfortable keyboard and a spacious touchpad.
• You require touchscreen functionality.

Choose the HP EliteBook Folio 9480m if:

• You prioritize portability and a sleek, modern design.
• You need a laptop with a high-resolution display and excellent visual quality.
• You value extended battery life for extended productivity.
• You require advanced security features and Thunderbolt 3 support.
• You are willing to invest in a premium business laptop.

Common Questions and Answers

Q1: Can I upgrade the RAM in both laptops?
A1: Yes, both laptops offer upgradeable RAM options. The 840 G3 typically allows for up to 16 GB of RAM, while the Folio 9480m can be upgraded to 32 GB.
Q2: Which laptop is better for graphic design work?
A2: The Folio 9480m is generally better suited for graphic design work due to its higher resolution display and optional dedicated graphics cards. However, the 840 G3 can handle basic graphic design tasks.
Q3: Can I connect both laptops to an external monitor?
A3: Yes, both laptops offer multiple ports for connecting to external monitors, including HDMI and DisplayPort.
Q4: What is the difference between HP Sure Start and HP Sure Click?
A4: HP Sure Start protects the BIOS from malware attacks, while HP Sure Click provides enhanced security for web browsing by isolating potentially malicious websites.
Q5: Which laptop is better for travel?
A5: The Folio 9480m is more travel-friendly due to its thin and light profile and longer battery life. However, the 840 G3 is still a portable option for business travelers.