Dell Latitude 7390 13" vs HP EliteBook 840 G5 14"

The Dell Latitude 7390 13 and the HP EliteBook 840 G5 14 are business-oriented laptops released in early 2018, designed for professionals seeking reliability and productivity. While both operate on the Windows platform and share similar core components, they differ primarily in screen size, design philosophy, and specific feature sets tailored for distinct user preferences.

Both the Dell Latitude 7390 13 and the HP EliteBook 840 G5 14 were released in 2018, meaning they share a similar age and are part of the same generation of business laptops. As of April 2026, Windows 10, the operating system they typically shipped with, has reached its end of support as of October 14, 2025. Users can opt for Extended Security Updates (ESU) for an additional year, until October 2026, or consider upgrading to Windows 11 if the hardware meets the requirements, though many older models may not be eligible for a free upgrade.

• Software Longevity: Both devices are at a similar point in their software lifecycle, with official Windows 10 support having concluded. Continued security updates beyond October 2026 would require paid ESU programs or a transition to a newer operating system, which might not be officially supported.
• Build Durability: Both laptops are built to business-grade standards, featuring robust construction. The Dell Latitude 7390 utilizes a magnesium alloy chassis with a carbon fiber soft-touch lid, while the HP EliteBook 840 G5 features an aluminum unibody design. Both have undergone MIL-STD 810G testing, indicating resilience against environmental extremes, shock, and vibration, suggesting a durable practical lifespan.
• Repairability: Business laptops like these are generally designed with some degree of repairability in mind, often allowing for component upgrades or replacements, which can contribute to extending their useful life.

These laptops, equipped with 8th generation processors, offer solid performance for typical business applications and multitasking. Their capabilities are well-suited for daily productivity tasks, web browsing, and managing multiple applications simultaneously.

• Processor Capabilities: Both the Dell Latitude 7390 13 and the HP EliteBook 840 G5 14 come with 8th generation processors, providing responsive performance for everyday computing. This allows for smooth handling of office suites, video conferencing, and moderate data processing.
• Storage and Responsiveness: Both models typically feature solid-state drives (SSDs) for storage, which contribute to faster boot times, quicker application loading, and overall system responsiveness compared to traditional hard drives. Storage capacities vary, with options up to 256GB or 512GB for the Dell and up to 1TB for the HP, impacting the amount of data that can be stored directly on the device.
• Battery Behavior: The Dell Latitude 7390 13 generally offers a longer battery life, with reported durations ranging from 10 to over 14 hours in various tests, thanks to its 60Wh battery. The HP EliteBook 840 G5 14, with a 50Wh battery, typically provides around 6 to 8.5 hours of use, which is sufficient for an average workday but may require more frequent charging for heavy users.

The display experience on these two laptops presents a key difference, primarily in size and brightness options, catering to different viewing preferences and work environments.

• Display Technology and Size: The Dell Latitude 7390 13 features a 13.3-inch Full HD (1920 x 1080) IPS display, offering clear visuals and good viewing angles. The HP EliteBook 840 G5 14 provides a slightly larger 14-inch Full HD (1920 x 1080) IPS display, which can offer a more expansive viewing area.
• Brightness and Clarity: The Dell Latitude 7390 13 typically offers a brightness of around 307 nits, providing vibrant colors and good clarity for indoor use. The HP EliteBook 840 G5 14's base models may have a dimmer display, around 220 nits, which can be less ideal in bright conditions. However, higher-end configurations of the EliteBook offer significantly brighter screens, up to 400 nits, and an optional Sure View privacy screen that can reach up to 700 nits, enhancing outdoor visibility and data security.
• Color Reproduction: The Dell Latitude 7390 13 covers a wide color gamut, with some configurations reaching 98% to 132% of sRGB, resulting in punchy and vibrant images. The HP EliteBook 840 G5 14's base display covers around 70% of the sRGB gamut, which is adequate for general use, while its privacy display option can achieve 119% sRGB coverage.

For communication and media consumption, both laptops include standard features, but there are distinctions in audio quality and webcam performance.

• Webcam and Microphone Quality: Both laptops are equipped with HD webcams, typically 720p, suitable for video conferencing. The Dell Latitude 7390 13 includes an HD webcam, with optional IR cameras for facial recognition. The HP EliteBook 840 G5 14 also features a 720p IR webcam, though some users have reported the base model's webcam to be blurry. Both include integrated microphones for voice capture during calls.
• Speaker Output: The HP EliteBook 840 G5 14 stands out with Bang & Olufsen tuned stereo speakers, which generally provide a richer and more immersive audio experience for media consumption and calls. In contrast, the Dell Latitude 7390 13's speakers have been noted by some users as having poorer quality.
• Video Recording Features: Both devices offer standard video recording capabilities through their integrated webcams, suitable for basic video calls and recordings.