Lenovo ThinkPad T470 vs T480: Which One Should You Buy? Discover the Winner!

Choosing the right laptop can be a daunting task, especially when faced with powerful contenders like the Lenovo ThinkPad T470 and T480. Both models are known for their durability, reliability, and business-oriented features, but they also have their distinct differences. This comprehensive comparison will delve into the key aspects of each model, helping you decide which one best suits your needs.

Design and Build Quality

Both the ThinkPad T470 and T480 boast the iconic ThinkPad design, renowned for its ruggedness and professional aesthetics. They feature a black, matte finish, a durable magnesium alloy lid, and a reinforced, spill-resistant keyboard. However, there are subtle differences in their design:

• T480: The T480 features a slightly more modern design with thinner bezels around the display, giving it a more contemporary look. It also has a slightly larger trackpad, which some users might find more comfortable.
• T470: The T470 retains a more classic ThinkPad design with thicker bezels, offering a slightly more traditional aesthetic.

Both laptops are built to withstand the rigors of daily use, making them suitable for professionals on the go.

Display

The display is a crucial aspect of any laptop, and both the T470 and T480 offer solid options:

• T480: The T480 offers a range of display options, including a 14-inch Full HD (1920 x 1080) IPS display with anti-glare coating, as well as a higher-resolution 2560 x 1440 display for those who need sharper visuals.
• T470: The T470 also features a 14-inch Full HD (1920 x 1080) IPS display with anti-glare coating. However, it lacks the higher-resolution option available on the T480.

The T480’s option for a higher-resolution display might be a deciding factor for users who require sharper visuals for design work or data analysis.

Performance

Both laptops offer robust performance for everyday tasks, but the T480 boasts a significant upgrade in processing power:

• T480: The T480 comes equipped with Intel’s 8th generation Kaby Lake Refresh processors, offering noticeable performance improvements over the 7th generation processors found in the T470. This translates to faster processing speeds, improved multitasking capabilities, and better overall responsiveness.
• T470: The T470 features Intel’s 7th generation Kaby Lake processors, which are still capable for general productivity tasks but might struggle with more demanding applications or multitasking.

The T480’s upgrade in processor technology makes it a more powerful choice for users who need to handle demanding software or run multiple applications simultaneously.

Battery Life

Battery life is a crucial factor for mobile professionals, and both laptops offer decent endurance:

• T480: The T480 boasts a battery life of up to 13 hours, thanks to its efficient processor and power management features.
• T470: The T470 delivers a battery life of up to 10 hours, which is still respectable but slightly shorter than the T480.

The T480’s longer battery life gives it an edge for users who need to work unplugged for extended periods.

Ports and Connectivity

Both laptops offer a comprehensive set of ports for various peripherals:

• T480: The T480 features a full-size HDMI port, a USB-C port with Thunderbolt 3 support, two USB 3.0 ports, a microSD card reader, and an Ethernet port.
• T470: The T470 includes a full-size HDMI port, a USB-C port, two USB 3.0 ports, a microSD card reader, and an Ethernet port. However, it lacks Thunderbolt 3 support, which is a significant advantage of the T480.

The T480’s Thunderbolt 3 support allows for faster data transfer speeds and the ability to connect to external displays with higher resolutions.

Keyboard and Trackpad

Both laptops feature the renowned ThinkPad keyboard, known for its excellent typing experience:

• T480: The T480 features a slightly larger trackpad, which some users might find more comfortable. It also offers a fingerprint reader for added security.
• T470: The T470 features a smaller trackpad and lacks a fingerprint reader.

The T480’s larger trackpad and fingerprint reader provide added convenience and security features.

Price and Value

The T480 is generally priced higher than the T470, reflecting its newer technology and additional features. However, the T470 remains a good value option, offering solid performance at a more affordable price point.

Final Verdict: Choosing the Right ThinkPad for You

The choice between the Lenovo ThinkPad T470 and T480 ultimately depends on your specific needs and budget.
Choose the T480 if you:

• Need the latest processor technology for demanding tasks.
• Require a longer battery life.
• Value Thunderbolt 3 support for faster data transfer and external display connectivity.
• Prefer a larger trackpad and a fingerprint reader for added convenience and security.

Choose the T470 if you:

• Are on a tighter budget.
• Don’t need the highest processing power.
• Are satisfied with a solid battery life.
• Don’t need Thunderbolt 3 support or a fingerprint reader.

Questions We Hear a Lot

Q1: Is the ThinkPad T480 an upgrade over the T470?
A: Yes, the ThinkPad T480 is a significant upgrade over the T470, offering a newer processor, longer battery life, Thunderbolt 3 support, a larger trackpad, and a fingerprint reader.
Q2: Which laptop is better for gaming?
A: Neither the T470 nor the T480 are designed for gaming. They are business laptops with integrated graphics, which are not suitable for demanding games.
Q3: Can I upgrade the RAM and storage in these laptops?
A: Yes, both the T470 and T480 allow for RAM and storage upgrades. You can access the components through a bottom panel.
Q4: Is the ThinkPad T480 worth the extra cost?
A: The T480’s additional features and performance improvements justify the higher price for users who need those benefits. However, the T470 remains a good value option for those who don’t require the latest technology.
Q5: Which laptop is more durable?
A: Both the T470 and T480 are known for their robust build quality and are designed to withstand the rigors of daily use. They are both highly durable laptops.