HP EliteBook 840 G6 vs Dell Latitude 7490: Pakistan Verdict

Verdict: For the typical Pakistani buyer – student, freelancer, office worker – the HP EliteBook 840 G6 offers better value at a lower price. Unless you specifically need the Dell's slightly more robust build or prefer its keyboard, the HP wins on cost and performance per rupee.

Overview

The HP EliteBook 840 G6 and Dell Latitude 7490 are both 14-inch business laptops from 2019, built around Intel's 8th-gen processors. They're two of the most common models you'll find in the used-laptop market in Pakistan, from Hafeez Center in Lahore to shops in Karachi, Islamabad, Rawalpindi, and Faisalabad. Buyers compare them because both are durable, professional-looking machines that cost between 45,000 and 55,000 PKR. But after bench-testing dozens of units of each, I can tell you they're not equal.

Spec-by-spec comparison

Spec	HP EliteBook 840 G6	Dell Latitude 7490
Processor	Intel Core i5-8365U / i7-8665U (8th gen)	Intel Core i5-8350U / i7-8650U (8th gen)
RAM	8GB or 16GB (upgradeable to 32GB, 2 slots)	8GB or 16GB (upgradeable to 32GB, 2 slots)
Storage	256GB / 512GB NVMe SSD	256GB / 512GB SATA or NVMe SSD
Display	14" 1920x1080, 250 nits, anti-glare	14" 1920x1080, 300 nits, anti-glare
Battery life	4-5 hours real-world (50Wh)	5-6 hours real-world (60Wh)
Build & weight	Magnesium alloy, 1.35 kg	Carbon-fiber composite, 1.4 kg
Ports	2x USB-C (Thunderbolt 3), 2x USB-A, HDMI, headphone, MicroSD	1x USB-C, 2x USB-A, HDMI, headphone, SD card
Biometrics	Fingerprint reader + IR camera (optional)	Fingerprint reader, optional smart card
Current used price (PKR)	~46,000 (i5/8GB/256GB)	~54,500 (i5/8GB/256GB)
Warranty from N.N Laptops	15-day check warranty	15-day check warranty

Performance in real-world Pakistan use

I tested both machines with the same tasks: MS Office with 20 Chrome tabs open, a Zoom call, and Spotify playing. The HP felt snappier – its i5-8365U has a higher turbo boost and better sustained performance. The Dell would throttle sooner on long video calls. For Photoshop CC 2021 (the version most Pakistani freelancers use), both can handle basic layers and filters, but the HP's integrated UHD 620 graphics are slightly more consistent. For Python/Django development, both compile code in similar times, but the HP's cooler running temperature makes it more comfortable on the lap. For Upwork freelancers handling word processing and email, both are overkill, but the HP's price advantage leaves more budget for cables or a laptop bag. In short: the HP wins in multitasking and value; the Dell only edges ahead in display brightness and battery life.

Who should buy the HP EliteBook 840 G6

• Students with a tight budget who still want a premium-built laptop for assignments and browsing.
• Freelancers starting out on Upwork or Fiverr who need a reliable daily driver under 50k.
• Office workers who need Thunderbolt 3 for docking and fast data transfer.
• Anyone who plans to upgrade RAM or SSD themselves – the HP is easier to service.
• Value seekers who don't want to pay an 8,500 PKR premium for a slightly brighter screen.

Who should buy the Dell Latitude 7490

• Users who work outdoors or in bright rooms and need the 300-nit display.
• People who prefer the Dell keyboard feel (deeper travel, slightly more tactile).
• Freelancers who give long Zoom sessions and want the extra half-hour of battery.
• Buyers who find the HP's trackpad or speaker position annoying (it's on the bottom).
• Corporate or institutional buyers who standardize on Dell Latitude fleet.

Price and value in Pakistan (2026)

In 2026, the used market for these laptops ranges across Lahore, Karachi, Islamabad, Rawalpindi, and Faisalabad. The HP EliteBook 840 G6 typically sells for around 46,000 PKR (i5/8GB/256GB) with a 15-day check warranty from reputable shops like mine at N.N Laptops, Shop 66A, 3rd Floor, Hafeez Center, Gulberg III, Lahore. The Dell Latitude 7490 commands about 54,500 PKR for the same spec – a premium of 8,500 PKR. Is the premium worth it? In my opinion, no. The Dell offers slightly better battery and a brighter screen, but the HP has Thunderbolt 3, better sustained performance, and is lighter. If you're shopping in Rawalpindi or Karachi and spot a 7490 for under 50k, grab it. But at the typical market spread, the HP is the smarter buy.

Both come with a bench-tested guarantee, free same-day Lahore delivery, and nationwide shipping via TCS/Leopards.

Frequently asked questions

Which one has better battery life for a full workday?

The Dell Latitude 7490 generally lasts 5-6 hours under moderate load, while the HP EliteBook 840 G6 gives 4-5 hours. If you really need that extra hour, the Dell wins – but neither will last 8 hours without charging.

Can I upgrade the RAM on both?

Yes. Both have two SODIMM slots and support up to 32GB DDR4. The HP is slightly easier to access (one bottom panel screw), but both are user-upgradeable. I always recommend upgrading to 16GB for any multitasking workload.

Which is better for programming (Python, web development)?

Both are fine for learning and light development. The HP's better thermal management means it won't throttle as often during long compile runs. I'd pick the HP for coding unless you need the Dell's brighter screen.

Which one is lighter and more portable?

The HP EliteBook 840 G6 weighs 1.35 kg, the Dell Latitude 7490 weighs 1.4 kg. The difference is negligible – both are easy to carry in a backpack.

Is the price difference worth it if I'm on a tight budget?

For most buyers, no. The HP gives you 90% of the experience for 85% of the price. Use the saved money for a faster SSD, extra RAM, or accessories from our shop.

Need help choosing? Message Sayam on WhatsApp 0314 4000131 or visit used laptops in Lahore at nnlaptops.com. We bench-test every unit and offer a 15-day check warranty with free same-day delivery in Lahore and nationwide via TCS/Leopards. Come see us at Shop 66A, 3rd Floor, Hafeez Center, Gulberg III, Lahore.