If you’re searching for a reliable Lenovo business laptop in Kenya, the ThinkPad T480 and ThinkPad T490s are two models that deserve serious attention.

Both belong to Lenovo’s legendary ThinkPad T Series, designed primarily for business users who need durability, comfortable keyboards, security, connectivity and dependable everyday performance.

But despite the similar names, they are quite different machines.

The ThinkPad T480 is the more upgradeable and versatile option. It can accommodate up to 32GB DDR4 RAM, supports multiple battery configurations and was available with optional NVIDIA GeForce MX150 graphics.

The T490s, on the other hand, is thinner and lighter, with a 57Wh integrated battery, soldered RAM and premium display options including a 14-inch WQHD 2560 × 1440 panel with 100% Adobe RGB.

So which one makes more sense for a Kenyan buyer?

Let’s break it down.

Lenovo ThinkPad T480 vs T490s: Quick Comparison

1. Lenovo ThinkPad T480 Specifications

The T480 is one of the most popular ThinkPads from its generation, and there is a good reason for that.

It combines a relatively modern 8th-generation processor platform with excellent upgradeability.

Key specifications

Lenovo’s official T480 specifications confirm the processor, memory, display, graphics, storage, ports and battery configuration options.

2. Lenovo ThinkPad T490s Specifications

The T490s was designed as a slimmer and lighter premium version of the ThinkPad T-series.

It uses 8th-generation Intel Core processors throughout its standard processor lineup.

Key specifications

Lenovo lists four processor choices for the T490s: Core i5-8265U, i5-8365U, i7-8565U and i7-8665U. All are quad-core, eight-thread processors.

3. Processor Performance

This is an important area when buying a refurbished ThinkPad.

The T480 exists with both 7th-generation and 8th-generation processors.

The 8th-generation versions include:

Core i5-8250U

• 4 cores
• 8 threads
• 1.6GHz base
• Up to 3.4GHz
• 6MB cache

Core i5-8350U

• 4 cores
• 8 threads
• 1.7GHz base
• Up to 3.6GHz
• 6MB cache

Core i7-8550U

• 4 cores
• 8 threads
• 1.8GHz base
• Up to 4.0GHz
• 8MB cache

Core i7-8650U

• 4 cores
• 8 threads
• 1.9GHz base
• Up to 4.2GHz
• 8MB cache.

The T490s moves exclusively to 8th-generation Core i5/i7 processors, including the newer i5-8265U, i5-8365U, i7-8565U and i7-8665U.

4. T480 vs T490s CPU: Which Is Faster?

In everyday use, there isn’t a massive performance difference between comparable 8th-generation CPUs.

For example:

T480 Core i5-8250U

versus

T490s Core i5-8265U

are both:

4 cores + 8 threads.

The T490s processor has a slightly higher maximum turbo frequency.

However, the cooling system, power limits and condition of the individual laptop can affect real-world performance.

For most users:

T480 i5-8250U ≈ T490s i5-8265U

with the T490s having some clock-speed advantages.

5. The Biggest T480 Advantage: Upgradeable RAM

This is where the T480 becomes extremely attractive.

It has:

Two DDR4 SO-DIMM slots

and supports up to:

32GB DDR4-2400

according to Lenovo’s specifications.

That means you can start with:

8GB

and later move to:

16GB or 32GB.

This is excellent for people who intend to keep the laptop for several years.

6. T490s RAM Is Soldered

The T490s takes a completely different approach.

Its RAM is:

Soldered directly onto the motherboard.

There are no RAM slots. Lenovo lists configurations with:

• 8GB
• 16GB
• 32GB

of DDR4-2400 soldered memory.

This means:

Choose your RAM carefully when buying.

If you buy:

8GB T490s

you cannot simply insert another RAM stick later.

Our recommendation:

For a T490s in 2026:

16GB RAM is the sweet spot.

7. Storage

Both laptops can be found with SSD storage, but the T480 gives you more flexibility.

The T480 platform supports configurations involving:

• 2.5-inch SATA storage
• M.2 NVMe SSD
• SATA SSD
• Hybrid configurations depending on motherboard/storage configuration.

Lenovo’s platform specifications describe different T480 storage arrangements and M.2 support.

The T490s uses M.2 SSD storage, with Lenovo listing support for M.2 2242 and M.2 2280 SSD configurations.

8. SSD Recommendation

If you’re buying either model today:

Avoid HDD-only configurations if possible.

Look for:

256GB SSD

Good for:

• Students
• Office
• Browsing
• Programming
• General business use

512GB SSD

Recommended.

Better for:

• Programming
• Business
• Photos
• Large applications
• Multiple projects

1TB SSD

Ideal for users who keep large amounts of local data.

9. Display Quality

Both laptops have excellent 14-inch display options.

But the exact panel matters.

T480 Display Options

The T480 was offered with:

HD

1366 × 768

Full HD

1920 × 1080

WQHD

2560 × 1440

Lenovo lists the FHD panel at 250 nits and the WQHD panel at 300 nits, with the WQHD version offering a 72% gamut.

10. T490s Display Options

The T490s offers a more premium display lineup.

Depending on configuration:

FHD

1920 × 1080

Low Power FHD

400 nits

PrivacyGuard FHD

400 nits

WQHD

2560 × 1440

up to:

500 nits

with:

100% Adobe RGB

and Dolby Vision HDR.

This makes the T490s particularly attractive for users who care about display quality.

11. Which Has the Better Screen?

T490s

The T490s wins here.

Its premium WQHD option is substantially more attractive for:

• Photo editing
• Design
• Content creation
• Media consumption
• Professionals who work with visuals

However, many refurbished units available in Kenya will have standard FHD panels.

Always ask:

“Is it HD, FHD or WQHD?”

Don’t assume every T480 or T490s has the same screen.

12. Graphics Performance

The standard T480 and T490s use Intel integrated graphics.

T480

Depending on processor:

Intel HD Graphics 620

or:

Intel UHD Graphics 620.

But here’s an interesting difference.

Some T480 configurations were available with:

NVIDIA GeForce MX150 2GB GDDR5.

Lenovo specifically lists the MX150 as an optional discrete GPU on applicable T480 configurations.

The T490s uses:

Intel UHD Graphics

with shared system memory and DirectX 12 support.

Graphics winner:

 T480 — if you find the MX150 version.

13. Can the T480 or T490s Game?

Integrated graphics:

Suitable for:

• Older games
• Lightweight games
• Esports at reduced settings
• Casual gaming

T480 MX150:

Considerably better.

The MX150 version can handle some additional graphics workloads, although it is still not a modern gaming GPU.

Don’t buy either laptop expecting RTX-level gaming performance.

14. Battery: One of the T480’s Biggest Advantages

The T480 has a unique battery setup.

Depending on configuration, Lenovo lists:

• 24Wh
• 48Wh
• 72Wh
• 24Wh + 24Wh
• 24Wh + 48Wh
• 24Wh + 72Wh

configurations.

This is one of the reasons the T480 became so popular among ThinkPad enthusiasts.

You can find configurations with a significantly larger battery capacity than many conventional laptops.

15. T490s Battery

The T490s takes a simpler approach.

It has an:

Integrated 57Wh Li-Polymer battery

and supports Rapid Charge.

Lenovo states that the battery can charge to approximately 80% in one hour using a suitable 65W adapter.

Lenovo’s testing also lists maximum battery-life figures of up to approximately 20 hours under MobileMark 2014, though actual battery life varies significantly with configuration and usage.

16. Which Has Better Battery Potential?

T480

Potentially better, particularly with a healthy high-capacity battery configuration.

T490s

More predictable and simpler, with its integrated 57Wh battery.

But there’s an important issue for Kenyan buyers:

These are older laptops.

The battery inside a refurbished T480 or T490s has experienced years of use.

Therefore:

Battery health matters more than the original battery capacity.

A healthy 48Wh battery can be more useful than an old, heavily degraded 72Wh battery.

17. Port Selection

The T480 is exceptionally well equipped.

You get:

• 2 × USB 3.1 Gen 1
• USB-C Gen 1
• USB-C Gen 2
• Thunderbolt 3
• HDMI
• RJ-45 Ethernet
• 4-in-1 card reader
• Headphone/microphone combo
• Docking connector
• Optional SmartCard
• Optional WWAN/SIM.

This is excellent for business users.

18. T490s Ports

The T490s provides:

• USB 3.1 Gen 1
• USB 3.1 Gen 1 Always On
• USB-C Gen 1
• USB-C Gen 2 / Thunderbolt 3
• HDMI 1.4b
• Ethernet extension connector
• 3.5mm audio
• Side docking connector
• microSD
• Optional SmartCard
• Optional WWAN/SIM.

The T490s retains excellent connectivity despite being thinner.

19. Ethernet: T480 vs T490s

There’s an important difference.

T480

Has a traditional:

RJ-45 Ethernet port.

T490s

Uses an:

Ethernet extension connector.

This means the T490s may require the appropriate Lenovo Ethernet adapter/cable for wired networking.

Winner:

 T480

Especially for office environments where wired Ethernet is still common.

20. Thunderbolt 3

Both models support:

Thunderbolt 3

This provides high-speed connectivity for compatible:

• Docking stations
• External displays
• Storage
• Peripherals

It also makes both machines much more versatile as desktop replacements.

21. Keyboard

This is where ThinkPads have historically been excellent.

The T480 features a:

• 6-row keyboard
• Spill-resistant design
• TrackPoint
• Touchpad
• Optional backlight
• Multimedia/function keys.

The T490s continues the ThinkPad keyboard philosophy with a comfortable business-oriented keyboard and TrackPoint.

For writers, accountants and programmers:

The keyboard is one of the strongest reasons to buy a ThinkPad.

22. Security Features

Business laptops need more than performance.

The T480 can include:

• TPM 2.0
• Fingerprint reader
• SmartCard
• BIOS passwords
• Supervisor password
• Security lock
• Intel vPro on selected configurations
• Optional NFC.

The T490s also offers enterprise-oriented security features, including optional fingerprint and SmartCard configurations.

This makes the T Series especially suitable for:

• Businesses
• NGOs
• Government-related work
• Accountants
• Managers
• Professionals

23. Camera and Video Calls

The T480 offers configurations with:

• HD 720p camera
• ThinkShutter privacy cover
• Optional IR camera

The T490s similarly offers:

• HD 720p
• ThinkShutter
• Optional IR hybrid camera.

The ThinkShutter is a particularly useful privacy feature because you can physically cover the camera.

24. Audio

Both laptops feature business-oriented audio systems.

The T480 includes:

• Stereo speakers
• Dolby Audio Premium
• Dual-array microphone.

The T490s also uses stereo speakers with Dolby Audio Premium and a far-field dual-array microphone.

They’re perfectly suitable for:

• Zoom
• Microsoft Teams
• YouTube
• Online classes
• Presentations
• Video calls

25. T480 for University Students

The T480 is an excellent option for students who want a laptop they can keep for several years.

A configuration such as:

Core i5-8250U + 16GB RAM + 512GB SSD

can comfortably handle:

• Microsoft Office
• Research
• Excel
• Programming
• Online classes
• Browsing
• Zoom
• Presentations
• Basic editing

The upgradeable RAM is especially useful.

26. T490s for University Students

The T490s is excellent for students who prioritize:

Portability + display quality.

It’s particularly good for:

• Business students
• Law students
• Accountants
• Researchers
• Programmers
• Writers
• Professionals studying part-time

The slim design makes it easier to carry around campus.

27. T480 for Programming

Very good.

The 8th-generation quad-core versions provide:

4 cores + 8 threads.

Combine that with:

16GB RAM + 512GB NVMe SSD

and you have a capable development machine for:

• Python
• Java
• JavaScript
• PHP
• SQL
• VS Code
• Git
• Web development
• Basic Docker workloads

For heavier development environments, 32GB RAM gives the T480 additional breathing room.

28. T490s for Programming

Also very good.

The 8th-generation i5/i7 processors and fast NVMe storage make it suitable for software development.

However, remember:

RAM is soldered.

So if you intend to run:

• Docker
• Virtual machines
• Android Studio
• Multiple IDEs
• Databases

buy the 16GB or 32GB version from the start.

29. T480 for Business

The T480 is almost tailor-made for business.

It provides:

• Ethernet
• USB
• USB-C
• Thunderbolt
• HDMI
• Docking support
• Security features
• Upgradeable RAM
• Replaceable battery configurations

It’s an excellent machine for:

• Accountants
• Managers
• Entrepreneurs
• Salespeople
• Office workers
• IT professionals

30. T490s for Business

The T490s is the better option for the executive who travels frequently.

Its:

• Slim profile
• Lower weight
• Premium display options
• USB-C charging
• Thunderbolt
• Strong battery

make it ideal for mobile professionals.

31. T480 vs T490s: Upgradeability

This is probably the most important difference.

T480

RAM: Upgradeable

Battery: Flexible

Storage: Flexible

T490s

RAM: Soldered

Battery: Integrated

Storage: M.2

Therefore:

 T480 wins for repairability and upgradeability.

32. Which One Is More Durable?

Both are ThinkPad T Series machines designed for professional use.

But the T480’s thicker design and upgradeability make it particularly attractive for buyers who value:

repairability + longevity + flexibility.

The T490s focuses more on:

thinness + portability + premium design.

33. T480 vs T490s for Kenya

For the Kenyan refurbished laptop market, I’d look at these configurations first:

 Best value T480

Core i5-8250U
8GB RAM
256GB SSD
14-inch FHD

Good for:

• Students
• Office
• General business

Recommended T480

Core i5-8250U / i5-8350U
16GB RAM
512GB SSD
14-inch FHD

Excellent all-rounder.

Performance T480

Core i7-8650U
16GB/32GB RAM
512GB SSD
MX150 if available

Best for users who need additional graphics performance.

Best T490s Configuration

 Recommended

Core i5-8265U
16GB RAM
256GB/512GB SSD
14-inch FHD

This is an excellent balance of portability and performance.

 Premium

Core i7-8665U
16GB/32GB RAM
512GB SSD
14-inch WQHD

Excellent for professionals who prioritize display quality and portability.

T480 vs T490s: Final Scorecard

Which Lenovo ThinkPad Should You Buy?

Buy the T480 if you want:

 Upgradeable RAM
 Flexible storage
 Better port selection
 Traditional Ethernet
 Optional MX150 graphics
 Battery flexibility
 Easy long-term upgrades
 Excellent value in the refurbished market

Best choice for:

Students, programmers, businesses, accountants and power users.

Buy the T490s if you want:

 Thinner design
 Lower weight
 Better premium display options
 8th-generation CPU across the lineup
Excellent portability
 Strong professional design
 Great battery capacity

Best choice for:

Executives, consultants, travellers and professionals who prioritize portability.

What to Check Before Buying a Refurbished T480 or T490s in Kenya

This is extremely important.

Never buy based on the model name alone.

Check:

☑ Exact processor
☑ CPU generation
☑ RAM capacity
☑ Whether RAM is upgradeable
☑ SSD capacity
☑ SSD health
☑ Screen resolution
☑ Screen brightness
☑ Touchscreen functionality
☑ Battery health
☑ Keyboard condition
☑ TrackPoint
☑ Touchpad
☑ USB ports
☑ USB-C
☑ Thunderbolt
☑ HDMI
☑ Ethernet
☑ Wi-Fi
☑ Bluetooth
☑ Webcam
☑ ThinkShutter
☑ Speakers
☑ Fingerprint reader
☑ BIOS password
☑ Charger
☑ Warranty

And ask one very important question:

“Is this T480 the 8th-generation version?”

Why?

Because a T480 with a Core i5-7200U is a very different machine from one with a Core i5-8250U.

The 8th-generation T480 models have four-core/eight-thread i5 and i7 options, while the older 7th-generation i5 models are dual-core.

Is the Lenovo ThinkPad T480 or T490s Worth Buying in 2026?

Absolutely — if you buy the right configuration.

These aren’t new-generation laptops, but they remain attractive because of their business-class construction and practical specifications.

For a Kenyan buyer looking for a reliable refurbished laptop without spending flagship money, both can offer excellent value.

My recommendation:

T480 for value and upgradeability.

 T490s for portability and premium display options.

If I were buying one specifically for long-term everyday use, I’d target:

ThinkPad T480

Core i5-8250U / i5-8350U + 16GB RAM + 512GB SSD + FHD

If portability mattered more:

ThinkPad T490s

Core i5-8265U + 16GB RAM + 512GB SSD + FHD

Shop Lenovo ThinkPad Laptops in Nairobi

If you’re comparing Lenovo ThinkPad T480, T490s and other business laptops in Kenya, don’t just compare prices. Compare the exact processor, RAM, SSD, screen, battery condition and warranty.

Shop Lenovo laptops at Value Hub Kenya

Value Hub Kenya
Kenya Cinema Plaza, 4th Floor, Shop C1
Moi Avenue, Nairobi CBD

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