Lenovo ThinkPad T14 (Gen 1) vs Dell Latitude 7490
Both are good choices with different strengths. The Lenovo ThinkPad T14 has more storage and is newer, while the Dell Latitude 7490 has USB-A and can be upgraded.
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Key differences
- Storage Lenovo ThinkPad T14 wins
The Lenovo ThinkPad T14 has twice the storage: 512 GB against 256 GB.
- Age Lenovo ThinkPad T14 wins
The Lenovo ThinkPad T14 is the newer model (2020 against 2018).
- Ports Dell Latitude 7490 wins
Only the Dell Latitude 7490 has USB-A.
- Upgrades Dell Latitude 7490 wins
The Dell Latitude 7490's memory can be upgraded later; the Lenovo ThinkPad T14's is fixed.
Which one should you choose?
Choose the Lenovo ThinkPad T14 if…
- You store lots of photos, videos or games: it has 512 GB of storage.
- You want a more recent design: it came out in 2020.
- You have fast broadband: its Wi-Fi 6 gets more out of a modern router.
Choose the Dell Latitude 7490 if…
- You plug things in: it has USB-A (for older USB accessories).
- You might want more memory later: you can add it yourself.
- You carry your laptop a lot: it's the lighter of the two at 1.4 kg.
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
Each laptop has its strengths on performance.
The Lenovo ThinkPad T14 has more storage, while the Dell Latitude 7490 can be upgraded.
| Spec | Lenovo ThinkPad T14 (Gen 1) | Dell Latitude 7490 |
|---|---|---|
| Processor | Intel Core i5-10310U | Intel Core i5-8350U |
| Graphics | Intel UHD Graphics | Intel UHD Graphics 620 |
| Memory (RAM) | 16 GB | 16 GB |
| Memory type | DDR4-2666 | DDR4-2400 |
| Maximum memory | 48 GB | 32 GB |
| Memory upgrades | Partly upgradeable | Upgradeable (slots) |
| Storage | 512 GB | 256 GB |
| Storage type | SSD | SSD |
| Storage interface | PCIe 3.0 x4 NVMe M.2 2280 | — |
| Storage slots | 1 | 1 |
Screen
The Dell Latitude 7490 is ahead on the screen.
It has a brighter screen, and the Lenovo ThinkPad T14 doesn't beat it on anything here.
| Spec | Lenovo ThinkPad T14 (Gen 1) | Dell Latitude 7490 |
|---|---|---|
| Screen size | 14" | 14" |
| Resolution | Full HD (1920 x 1080) | Full HD (1920 x 1080) |
| Aspect ratio | 16:9 | 16:9 |
| Panel | IPS | IPS |
| Refresh rate | — | 60 Hz |
| Variable refresh (VRR) | — | No |
| Brightness | 250 nits | 300 nits |
| Colour range | 45% NTSC | — |
| HDR | None | None |
| Finish | Matte | Matte |
| Touchscreen | No | — |
Battery and size
The Dell Latitude 7490 is ahead on battery and weight.
It is a little lighter, and the Lenovo ThinkPad T14 doesn't beat it on anything here.
| Spec | Lenovo ThinkPad T14 (Gen 1) | Dell Latitude 7490 |
|---|---|---|
| Battery life (maker claim) | Up to 16.5 hours | — |
| Battery capacity | 50 Wh | — |
| Charges via | USB-C | USB-C or barrel |
| Fast charging | 80% in 1 hour | — |
| Weight | 1.55 kg | 1.4 kg |
| Dimensions | 329 x 227 x 17.9 mm | 331 x 220.9 x 17.47 mm |
| Materials | PPS / 50% GF (top), PC + ABS / Talc15 + magnesium alloy (keyboard cover), PA / 50% GF (bottom) | — |
| Durability | MIL-STD-810G | — |
| Colour | Black | Black |
| Colours available | Black | Black |
Ports and wireless
Each laptop has its strengths on ports and wireless.
The Lenovo ThinkPad T14 has Wi-Fi 6, while the Dell Latitude 7490 has USB-A.
| Spec | Lenovo ThinkPad T14 (Gen 1) | Dell Latitude 7490 |
|---|---|---|
| Ports | 1x USB 3.2 Gen 1, 1x USB 3.2 Gen 1 (Always On), 1x USB-C 3.2 Gen 1 (data, charging, DisplayPort 1.2), 1x USB-C 3.2 Gen 2 / Thunderbolt 3 (data, charging, DisplayPort 1.2), 1x HDMI 1.4b, 1x Ethernet (RJ-45), 1x 3.5 mm headphone/microphone combo, 1x microSD, 1x side docking connector | 3x USB-A 3.1 Gen 1 (one PowerShare), 1x USB-C (DisplayPort, charging; Thunderbolt 3 optional), 1x HDMI 1.4, 1x RJ-45, 1x 3.5 mm audio, 1x SD card reader |
| Thunderbolt / USB4 | Thunderbolt 3 | — |
| External displays (max) | 2 | 2 |
| Card reader | microSD | SD 4.0 |
| Ethernet | 1 GbE RJ-45 | 1 GbE RJ-45 |
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6 | Wi-Fi 5 |
| Wi-Fi card | Intel Wi-Fi 6 AX201 | — |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.1 | Bluetooth 4.0 |
Features
Both have much the same extras.
From the keyboard to the webcam and login, there is little between them.
| Spec | Lenovo ThinkPad T14 (Gen 1) | Dell Latitude 7490 |
|---|---|---|
| Webcam | 720p | 720p |
| Webcam privacy | ThinkShutter physical camera cover | — |
| Backlit keyboard | — | Yes |
| Keyboard | 6-row, spill-resistant, multimedia Fn keys with Unified Communications controls | backlit keyboard |
| Login | — | Fingerprint |
| Number pad | No | No |
| Touchpad | TrackPoint pointing device plus Mylar-surface multi-touch touchpad | precision touchpad with buttons |
| Speakers | Stereo, 2 W x2, Dolby Audio | stereo speakers |
| Microphones | — | noise-reducing array microphones |
| Pen | No | No |
| Security | TPM 2.0, Kensington Security Slot | TPM 2.0, wedge lock slot, fingerprint reader |
Software and model
The Lenovo ThinkPad T14 is ahead on software and updates.
It is newer, and the Dell Latitude 7490 doesn't beat it on anything here.
| Spec | Lenovo ThinkPad T14 (Gen 1) | Dell Latitude 7490 |
|---|---|---|
| Operating system | Windows 11 Pro | Windows 11 Pro |
| Model number | ThinkPad T14 Gen 1 | — |
| Released | 2020 | 2018 |