HP EliteBook x360 1040 G8 vs Lenovo ThinkPad X1 2-in-1 (Gen 9)
Both laptops are very similar and suit the same kind of buyer: both have equally quick processors, 32 GB of memory and 14-inch screens, and both run Windows. The main difference: the HP EliteBook x360 1040 G8 is sold renewed (used and refurbished); the Lenovo ThinkPad X1 2-in-1 is sold new.
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Key differences
- Condition Depends on you
The HP EliteBook x360 1040 G8 is sold renewed (used and refurbished); the Lenovo ThinkPad X1 2-in-1 is sold new.
- Age Lenovo ThinkPad X1 2-in-1 wins
The Lenovo ThinkPad X1 2-in-1 is the newer model (2024 against 2021).
- Wi-Fi Lenovo ThinkPad X1 2-in-1 wins
The Lenovo ThinkPad X1 2-in-1 has newer Wi-Fi: Wi-Fi 6E against Wi-Fi 6.
Which one should you choose?
Choose the HP EliteBook x360 1040 G8 if…
- You multitask a lot: its Intel Core i7-1185G7 stays smooth with lots of apps and tabs open.
- You keep lots of tabs and apps open: it has 32 GB of memory.
- You'll carry it around: it weighs just 1.32 kg.
Choose the Lenovo ThinkPad X1 2-in-1 if…
- You want a brand-new laptop with a fresh battery: it is sold new.
- You want a more recent design: it came out in 2024.
- You have fast broadband: its Wi-Fi 6E gets more out of a modern router.
Full spec comparison
Add more laptopsOn the specs both makers publish, these two are closely matched. Highlighted values mark the better spec in each row, and you can hide the rows where they match.
Performance
The Lenovo ThinkPad X1 2-in-1 is ahead on performance.
It has faster memory, and the HP EliteBook x360 1040 G8 doesn't beat it on anything here.
| Spec | HP EliteBook x360 1040 G8 | Lenovo ThinkPad X1 2-in-1 (Gen 9) |
|---|---|---|
| Processor | Intel Core i7-1185G7 | Intel Core Ultra 5 135U |
| Graphics | Intel Iris Xe Graphics | Intel Graphics |
| AI engine (NPU) | — | 11 TOPS |
| Memory (RAM) | 32 GB | 32 GB |
| Memory type | LPDDR4X-4266 | LPDDR5X-6400 |
| Maximum memory | 32 GB | 32 GB |
| Memory upgrades | Soldered (not upgradeable) | Soldered (not upgradeable) |
| Storage | 512 GB | 512 GB |
| Storage type | SSD | SSD |
| Storage interface | PCIe NVMe x4 M.2 | PCIe 4.0 x4 NVMe M.2 2280 |
| Storage slots | — | 1 |
Screen
Both screens are closely matched.
Size, sharpness and smoothness are near enough the same, so neither has a real edge to look at.
| Spec | HP EliteBook x360 1040 G8 | Lenovo ThinkPad X1 2-in-1 (Gen 9) |
|---|---|---|
| Screen size | 14" | 14" |
| Resolution | Full HD (1920 x 1080) | Full HD+ (1920 x 1200) |
| Aspect ratio | 16:9 | 16:10 |
| Panel | IPS | IPS |
| Refresh rate | 60 Hz | 60 Hz |
| Variable refresh (VRR) | No | — |
| Brightness | — | 400 nits |
| Colour range | — | 100% sRGB |
| HDR | — | None |
| Finish | Matte | Anti-reflective |
| Touchscreen | Yes | Yes |
| Pen standard | — | Lenovo Slim Pen |
Battery and size
Both are much the same on battery and weight.
Neither will be noticeably easier to carry or last noticeably longer away from a plug.
| Spec | HP EliteBook x360 1040 G8 | Lenovo ThinkPad X1 2-in-1 (Gen 9) |
|---|---|---|
| Battery life (maker claim) | — | Up to 23.2 hours |
| Battery capacity | 54 Wh | 57 Wh |
| Charger | — | 65 W |
| Charges via | USB-C | USB-C |
| Fast charging | 50% in 30 minutes | Rapid Charge: up to 80% in 1 hour |
| Weight | 1.32 kg | 1.35 kg |
| Dimensions | 319.3 x 202.6 x 16.6 mm | 312.80 x 217.65 x 15.49 mm |
| Materials | 75% recycled aluminium display cover; 90% recycled magnesium bottom cover | aluminium top and bottom |
| Durability | — | MIL-STD-810H |
| Hinge | 360-degree convertible | 360-degree convertible |
| Colour | Black | Grey |
| Colours available | — | Grey |
Ports and wireless
The Lenovo ThinkPad X1 2-in-1 is ahead on ports and wireless.
It has Wi-Fi 6E, and the HP EliteBook x360 1040 G8 doesn't beat it on anything here.
| Spec | HP EliteBook x360 1040 G8 | Lenovo ThinkPad X1 2-in-1 (Gen 9) |
|---|---|---|
| Ports | 2x Thunderbolt 4 / USB4 Type-C (40 Gbps, USB Power Delivery charging, DisplayPort 1.4), 2x USB-A 5 Gbps (1 with sleep-and-charge), 1x HDMI 2.0, 1x 3.5 mm headphone/microphone combo | 2x USB-A 3.2 Gen 1 (one Always On), 2x Thunderbolt 4 / USB4 40Gbps (Power Delivery 3.0, DisplayPort 2.1), 1x HDMI 2.1 (up to 4K/60Hz), 1x 3.5 mm audio |
| Thunderbolt / USB4 | 2x Thunderbolt 4 / USB4 (40 Gbps) | Thunderbolt 4 / USB4 40Gbps |
| External displays (max) | — | 3 |
| Card reader | None | None |
| Ethernet | None | None |
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6 | Wi-Fi 6E |
| Wi-Fi card | Intel Wi-Fi 6 AX201 | Intel Wi-Fi 6E AX211 |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5 | Bluetooth 5.3 |
| Mobile data | — | None |
Features
The Lenovo ThinkPad X1 2-in-1 is ahead on extras.
It has a sharper webcam, and the HP EliteBook x360 1040 G8 doesn't beat it on anything here.
| Spec | HP EliteBook x360 1040 G8 | Lenovo ThinkPad X1 2-in-1 (Gen 9) |
|---|---|---|
| Webcam | 720p | 1080p + IR |
| Webcam privacy | electronic privacy shutter (HP Sure Shutter) | physical shutter |
| Backlit keyboard | Yes | Yes |
| Keyboard | backlit HP Quiet Keyboard, programmable key | UK English, backlit, spill-resistant |
| Login | Fingerprint | Fingerprint, Face |
| Number pad | No | No |
| Touchpad | glass ClickPad with Microsoft Precision Touchpad support | Trackpad |
| Speakers | 4 speakers, 4 discrete amplifiers, HP Audio Boost, Bang & Olufsen | 2x 2 W, Dolby Atmos |
| Microphones | 4-microphone array (2 world-facing) | dual-array |
| Pen | Supported (sold separately) | Supported (sold separately) |
| Security | TPM 2.0, HP Sure Start Gen6, HP Tamper Lock, Nano lock slot, fingerprint reader | discrete TPM 2.0, Kensington Nano Security Slot, fingerprint, face recognition |
Software and model
The Lenovo ThinkPad X1 2-in-1 is ahead on software and updates.
The HP EliteBook x360 1040 G8 is sold renewed (used and refurbished); the Lenovo ThinkPad X1 2-in-1 is sold new. It is sold new and is newer, and the HP EliteBook x360 1040 G8 doesn't beat it on anything here.
| Spec | HP EliteBook x360 1040 G8 | Lenovo ThinkPad X1 2-in-1 (Gen 9) |
|---|---|---|
| Operating system | Windows 11 Pro | Windows 11 Pro |
| Model number | x360 1040 G8 i7 | 21KE0080UK |
| Released | 2021 | 2024 |