Lenovo ThinkPad T490 vs Dell Latitude 7490
Both laptops are very similar and suit the same kind of buyer: both have equally quick processors, 16 GB of memory and 14-inch screens, and both run Windows. The main difference: the Dell Latitude 7490's memory can be upgraded later; the Lenovo ThinkPad T490's is fixed.
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Key differences
- Upgrades Dell Latitude 7490 wins
The Dell Latitude 7490's memory can be upgraded later; the Lenovo ThinkPad T490's is fixed.
- Weight Dell Latitude 7490 wins
The Dell Latitude 7490 is a little lighter: 1.4 kg against 1.55 kg.
- Brightness Dell Latitude 7490 wins
The Dell Latitude 7490's screen is a little brighter: 300 against 250 nits.
Which one should you choose?
Choose the Lenovo ThinkPad T490 if…
- You prefer the newer model: it came out in 2019.
- You mostly browse, stream and write: its Intel Core i5-8265U copes well with everyday tasks.
- You keep lots of tabs and apps open: it has 16 GB of memory.
Choose the Dell Latitude 7490 if…
- 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.
- You often work in bright rooms: its screen goes up to 300 nits.
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 Dell Latitude 7490 is ahead on performance.
It can be upgraded, and the Lenovo ThinkPad T490 doesn't beat it on anything here.
| Spec | Lenovo ThinkPad T490 | Dell Latitude 7490 |
|---|---|---|
| Processor | Intel Core i5-8265U | Intel Core i5-8350U |
| Graphics | Intel UHD Graphics | Intel UHD Graphics 620 |
| Memory (RAM) | 16 GB | 16 GB |
| Memory type | DDR4-2400 | DDR4-2400 |
| Maximum memory | 48 GB | 32 GB |
| Memory upgrades | Partly upgradeable | Upgradeable (slots) |
| Storage | 256 GB | 256 GB |
| Storage type | SSD | SSD |
| Storage interface | PCIe NVMe M.2 | — |
| Storage slots | 1 | 1 |
Screen
The Dell Latitude 7490 is ahead on the screen.
It has a brighter screen, and the Lenovo ThinkPad T490 doesn't beat it on anything here.
| Spec | Lenovo ThinkPad T490 | 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 | No |
| Brightness | 250 nits | 300 nits |
| Colour range | 45% NTSC | — |
| HDR | None | None |
| Finish | Anti-reflective | 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 T490 doesn't beat it on anything here.
| Spec | Lenovo ThinkPad T490 | Dell Latitude 7490 |
|---|---|---|
| Battery life (maker claim) | Up to 16.11 hours | — |
| Battery capacity | 50 Wh | — |
| Charger | 65 W | — |
| Charges via | USB-C | USB-C or barrel |
| Fast charging | 80% in 1 hr (Rapid Charge, with 65W adapter) | — |
| 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
Both have much the same ports and wireless.
You can plug in the same things on either.
| Spec | Lenovo ThinkPad T490 | Dell Latitude 7490 |
|---|---|---|
| Ports | 2x USB-A 3.1 Gen 1 (one Always On, charges devices when off), 1x USB-C 3.1 Gen 2 / Thunderbolt 3 (charging, data, DisplayPort 1.2), 1x USB-C 3.1 Gen 1 (charging, data, DisplayPort 1.2), 1x HDMI 1.4b, 1x Ethernet (RJ-45), 1x 3.5 mm headphone/microphone combo, 1x microSD, 1x Smart card reader, 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 | Gigabit Ethernet (1 GbE RJ-45) | 1 GbE RJ-45 |
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 5 | Wi-Fi 5 |
| Wi-Fi card | Intel Dual Band Wireless-AC 9560 | — |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.1 | Bluetooth 4.0 |
| Mobile data | None | — |
Features
Both have much the same extras.
From the keyboard to the webcam and login, there is little between them.
| Spec | Lenovo ThinkPad T490 | Dell Latitude 7490 |
|---|---|---|
| Webcam | 720p | 720p |
| Webcam privacy | ThinkShutter physical camera cover | — |
| Backlit keyboard | Yes | Yes |
| Keyboard | 6-row, spill-resistant, multimedia Fn keys, LED backlight | backlit keyboard |
| Login | Fingerprint | Fingerprint |
| Number pad | No | No |
| Touchpad | Multi-touch Mylar surface touchpad plus TrackPoint pointing device | precision touchpad with buttons |
| Speakers | Stereo speakers, 2W x2, Dolby Audio Premium | stereo speakers |
| Microphones | Dual array microphone, far-field | noise-reducing array microphones |
| Pen | No | No |
| Security | Discrete TPM 2.0, Kensington lock slot, Fingerprint reader (match-on-chip), Smart card reader, ThinkShutter camera cover | TPM 2.0, wedge lock slot, fingerprint reader |
Software and model
The Lenovo ThinkPad T490 is ahead on software and updates.
It is newer, and the Dell Latitude 7490 doesn't beat it on anything here.
| Spec | Lenovo ThinkPad T490 | Dell Latitude 7490 |
|---|---|---|
| Operating system | Windows 11 Pro | Windows 11 Pro |
| Update promise | None | — |
| Model number | 20N20009UK | — |
| Released | 2019 | 2018 |