The Lenovo vs. HP battle will rage as both continue developing their brand. So, which is best at the moment?
You are about to purchase a new laptop and have the choice between Lenovo and HP. Which is the better?
Let’s have a look first at the two companies and their reputation.
A Bit of History
Founded in Palo Alto, CA, in 1939, Hewlett-Packard has a terrific reputation for various products. The vast list includes calculators, printers, scanners, laptops, desktop computers, etc.
Lenovo was founded in Beijing in 1984. Originally known as Legend, Lenovo acquired IBM’s PC business in 2005. Since then, Lenovo has made its foray into multiple electronics markets.
Both have excellent provenance reflected in their products’ quality.
Our Method for Comparison
When comparing these two laptop brands, it should be kept in mind that each has several options to offer. Depending on your requirements, a Lenovo or HP laptop may cost anywhere from $400 to $4000.
Therefore, comparing a $400 HP laptop with a $2000 Lenovo laptop does not make sense, right?
Instead, here’s our plan for this comparison guide:
- First, we will quickly examine your options from Lenovo and HP. While we cannot provide a complete list of all laptop models from both companies, we will offer an overview of the laptop lineups from each manufacturer.
This should help you see whether a particular laptop is available from either brand.
- Second, we will explore some general aspects you should consider while choosing a laptop. For instance, we will talk about customer care, the type of software you get, and additional elements such as repairability and value.
This should help you choose the right brand for your needs.
Options from Lenovo
Let’s first look at Lenovo’s core laptop lineups.
Specification | ThinkPad X1 Carbon | ThinkPad T Series | Yoga C Series | IdeaPad S Series | Legion Y Series |
Target Audience | Business | Business | Consumer/Business | Consumer/Light Business | Gamers |
Starting Weight | ~2.4 lbs (1.09 kg) | ~3.5 lbs (1.58 kg) | ~2.9 lbs (1.32 kg) | ~3.31 lbs (1.5 kg) | ~5.4 lbs (2.45 kg) |
Display Size | 14″ | 14″, 15.6″, 16″ | 13.3″, 14″ | 13.3″, 14″, 15.6″ | 15.6″, 17.3″ |
Processor Options | Intel Core i5/i7/i9 | Intel Core i5/i7, AMD Ryzen | Intel Core i5/i7, AMD Ryzen | Intel Core i3/i5/i7, AMD Ryzen | Intel Core i7/i9, AMD Ryzen |
RAM Options | Up to 32GB | Up to 64GB | Up to 16GB | Up to 16GB | Up to 32GB |
Storage Options | Up to 2TB SSD | Up to 2TB SSD, 1TB HDD | Up to 1TB SSD | Up to 1TB SSD, 2TB HDD | Up to 2TB SSD, 1TB HDD |
Graphics | Integrated, Intel Iris Xe, NVIDIA GeForce MX250 | Integrated, NVIDIA GeForce | Integrated, NVIDIA MX, Intel Iris Xe | Integrated, NVIDIA MX | NVIDIA GeForce GTX/RTX |
Battery Life | Up to 20 hours | Up to 16 hours | Up to 18 hours | Up to 12 hours | Up to 8 hours |
Ports | USB-A, USB-C, HDMI, Thunderbolt | USB-A, USB-C, HDMI, Ethernet | USB-A, USB-C, HDMI | USB-A, USB-C, HDMI | USB-A, USB-C, HDMI, Mini DisplayPort |
Operating System | Windows 10/11 Pro | Windows 10/11 Pro | Windows 10/11 Home/Pro | Windows 10/11 Home/Pro | Windows 10/11 Home |
Special Features | Lightweight, Durable, ThinkShutter, Fingerprint Reader | Military-Grade Durability, Security Options | 2-in-1 Convertible, Touchscreen, Pen Support | Cost-Effective, Slim Design | High-Performance Cooling, RGB Keyboard |
Consumers and light business users can go for the Yoga or IdeaPad S series. These laptops are less expensive and can be upgraded to suit your needs, but you may not have much access to discrete graphics or extensive convertibility.
On the other hand, if you are looking for maximum performance for your business needs, you can go for the ThinkPad X1 Carbon or the ThinkPad T series. Both these lineups have been popular among developers and business users for their rugged design and improved performance. You also get additional features such as military-grade durability and security. However, keep in mind that these models tend to be quite expensive.
If you want a gaming laptop, Lenovo offers the Legion Y series, which features high-end processors and up to 32 GB of RAM. You can find best-in-class graphics options as well.
Overall, the versatility of laptop options from Lenovo is just right.
Options from HP
Specification | Spectre x360 Series | Envy Series | EliteBook Series | Pavilion Series | Omen Series |
Target Audience | Premium/Consumers | High-end Consumers | Business Professionals | Mainstream Consumers | Gamers |
Starting Weight | ~2.87 lbs (1.3 kg) | ~2.9 lbs (1.32 kg) | ~3.1 lbs (1.41 kg) | ~3.75 lbs (1.7 kg) | ~5.4 lbs (2.45 kg) |
Display Size | 13.3″, 15.6″, 16″ | 13.3″, 15.6″, 17.3″ | 13.3″, 14″, 15.6″ | 14″, 15.6″, 17.3″ | 15.6″, 17.3″ |
Processor Options | Intel Core i5/i7, AMD Ryzen | Intel Core i5/i7/i9, AMD Ryzen | Intel Core i5/i7, AMD Ryzen | Intel Core i3/i5/i7, AMD Ryzen | Intel Core i7/i9, AMD Ryzen |
RAM Options | Up to 32GB | Up to 32GB | Up to 64GB | Up to 16GB | Up to 64GB |
Storage Options | Up to 2TB SSD | Up to 2TB SSD | Up to 2TB SSD | Up to 1TB SSD, 2TB HDD | Up to 2TB SSD |
Graphics | Integrated, Intel Iris Xe, NVIDIA GeForce MX450 | Integrated, NVIDIA MX, Intel Iris Xe | Integrated, NVIDIA GeForce MX440 | Integrated, NVIDIA MX250 | NVIDIA GeForce GTX/RTX |
Battery Life | Up to 22 hours | Up to 18 hours | Up to 14 hours | Up to 10 hours | Up to 6-8 hours |
Ports | USB-A, USB-C, Thunderbolt, HDMI | USB-A, USB-C, HDMI, Thunderbolt | USB-A, USB-C, HDMI, Ethernet | USB-A, USB-C, HDMI | USB-A, USB-C, HDMI, Mini DisplayPort |
Operating System | Windows 10/11 Home/Pro | Windows 10/11 Home/Pro | Windows 10/11 Pro | Windows 10/11 Home | Windows 10/11 Home |
Special Features | 2-in-1 Convertible, Stylus Support, AMOLED Display | Sleek Design, High-Resolution Display | Military-Grade Durability, Enhanced Security, Privacy Screen | Affordable, Good Performance | High-Performance Cooling, RGB Keyboard |
HP has always been an excellent option for users with budget constraints. As you can see, there are quite a few options for consumers and premium users. The better part is that even these mainstream lineups can be optimized for business users.
Let’s take the case of the Pavilion series. It can be less expensive, but you can equip these laptops with up to 16GB of RAM. Similarly, the Spectre x360 series is generally more costly, but you can find medium-range options if you are willing to lower the specifications.
In addition, just like Lenovo, HP also has a gaming-centric lineup called the Omen series. This series offers top-notch performance with up to 64GB of RAM and discrete graphics. HP generally provides better connectivity and ports across all these laptop lineups.
Overall, HP offers a more versatile catalog of laptops if you need the right one.
Lenovo vs. HP: Software
When considering a Windows-based laptop, the ease of use of the software becomes a significant concern. Both Lenovo and HP present almost the same challenges to potential customers in this regard.
The biggest problem appears when you purchase a consumer-centric laptop from Lenovo and HP. These companies are infamous for adding a lot of bloatware to your PC. These applications may claim to help you save resources or make your life easier, but they can ultimately make the Windows experience sluggish. Honestly, it is tough to say that one is better.
However, suppose you are going for a business or performance-grade laptop. In that case, the bloatware will not affect you, and you will have a more vanilla Windows experience rather than one stuffed with unwanted tools.
Lenovo vs. HP: Support
You get standard support options from both Lenovo and HP. While both these options get the job done, I would not say one is better. The ultimate support experience also depends on where you live.
For instance, if you live in the US, you can expect a better range of support than you would get if you lived in a third-world country. The laws and regulations regarding laptop service in your area would also help ensure the best after-sales service for your laptop.
However, it has been noted that both companies offer on-site service for the first year at least, which means the company will come to your place and get the replacement done while everything else works out.
Lenovo vs. HP: Reliability
Reliability is another concern when you go for HP or Lenovo laptops. Here, we can provide a specific answer.
For instance, if you are going for the ThinkPad series from Lenovo, you can expect best-in-class durability and military-grade protection from simple drops or bumps. In general, Lenovo is known for producing laptops that stand the test of time in terms of durability.
On the other hand, HP is a little behind, but not to the extent that it would be a deal-breaker. You will have a smooth experience with the reliability aspect of an HP laptop, and in the end, it will be okay.
Lenovo vs. HP: Value for Money
When considering the value-for-money proposition, HP seems to be a better option than Lenovo. You have to pay a little extra to get started with Lenovo laptops, and the pricing can increase significantly if you opt for the Legion or Yoga series.
However, you can get similar, if not better, specifications for the same price with an HP laptop instead of a Lenovo. Considering both brands offer standard reliability and durability, you may choose HP for a more optimized value-for-money option.
Lenovo vs. HP: Best for Business?
If you want the best performance and durability for your business, a Lenovo laptop is the top choice. Although Lenovo laptops can be expensive, they pack a lot of power and offer a suite of tools that are invaluable for business needs. Compared to HP, Lenovo also makes ultra-portable devices, enhancing their appeal to business users.
Lenovo vs HP: Best for Gaming?
When considering overall value, HP is a better choice for gaming laptops. The Omen series from HP is quite popular, offering several options for accessorizing your gaming setup. Ultimately, you can save at least a few hundred dollars by choosing an HP gaming laptop over Lenovo’s.
Lenovo vs. HP: Best for Mainstream Use?
HP remains our recommended option for mainstream laptop use as well. If you do not want to spend much on a mainstream laptop, HP laptops offer more value than their Lenovo counterparts. You can easily optimize the specifications to achieve the required performance depending on your budget.
Lenovo vs. HP: The Bottom Line
In the end, let me give you some quick recommendations to help you choose between Lenovo and HP:
- For a Premium Experience: If you’re looking for a premium experience with a consumer-level or business-centric laptop, I’d recommend Lenovo. Although Lenovo’s catalog is less versatile, they deliver strong performance across most of their series, ensuring you get that high-end feel.
- For Budget-Friendly Options: If you’re keen on saving money and don’t mind compromising on some premium aspects, HP is your best bet. HP’s more versatile catalog means you have more choices, and you can further optimize the specifications if you plan to upgrade your setup later on.
- For Gaming: When it comes to gaming, HP tends to be the more budget-friendly option. However, if you’re looking for more premium features, Lenovo has some excellent offerings too.
I hope these insights help you make the best choice between Lenovo and HP!
Baten
For Core i3 processor, which one is better Lenovo or HP?
Steven Tamas
My experience with HP laptops left me with a very sour taste for the product line.
Over the course of 6 years I bought 3 HP laptops… 2 years between each purchase. I bought very capable relatively advanced machines so my daughters could use them during both high school and college.
All three failed. All three had the same problems. You would think that HP would identify problems and fix them in the next rev of their product.
Total fail. Complete waste of money. If you are going to buy HP, my experience is buy the cheapest possible and plan to use it as a door stop since they are NOT reliable over a several year period.
Goodbye permanently to HP. They never learned from their mistakes and I took on the chin… three times over 6 years.
Ramesh
Hi Rajesh,
I am planning to buy a laptop for office work purpose. Which one is better two in HP or Lenovo? Please give me the correct suggestion.
Ellen
Hi, Ramesh,
Try Lenovo for business, according to this & other articles. They’re more designed for business, i.e. lightweight, durable for toting around.
Mayur Koshti
Hi Rajesh,
I have planned to purchase laptop. I am an IT profesional so which is the best for me. HP or Lenovo ?
Thanks.
Fergus Zade
I find Lenovo products to be generally superior to HP.