If you’re shopping for a refurbished Dell Latitude and can’t decide between the 5480 and the 7400, you’re not alone — these are two of the most popular business laptops on the resale market, and both are genuinely good machines. But they’re built for slightly different budgets and use cases, so picking the right one comes down to what you actually need day to day.
Let’s break it down side by side so you can make the right call.
Quick Spec Comparison
| Feature | Dell Latitude 5480 | Dell Latitude 7400 |
|---|---|---|
| Processor | Intel Core i5-7440HQ (7th Gen), 2.80GHz Quad-Core | Intel Core i5 (8th Gen) |
| RAM | 8GB DDR4 | 16GB DDR4 |
| Storage | 128GB / 256GB SSD (upgradable) | 256GB SSD |
| Build | Standard business-grade | Premium, slimmer chassis |
| Extras | — | Original charger + free bag |
| Best for | Everyday work, study, budget buyers | Heavy multitasking, professionals, long-term use |
Performance: 7th Gen vs 8th Gen
The Latitude 5480 runs on a 7th Gen Intel Core i5-7440HQ, a solid quad-core chip that handles everyday tasks — browsing, MS Office, Canva, video calls — without any issues.
The Latitude 7400 steps up to an 8th Gen Intel Core i5, which brings better power efficiency and stronger multitasking performance. If you regularly run several heavier programs at once, the 8th-gen chip in the 7400 will feel noticeably smoother.
Winner for raw performance: Latitude 7400 — but the 5480 is more than capable for everyday productivity.
RAM: 8GB vs 16GB
This is one of the biggest differences between the two. The 5480 comes with 8GB DDR4 RAM, which is enough for normal multitasking — a dozen or so browser tabs, Office apps, and a video call at once.
The 7400 doubles that with 16GB DDR4 RAM, giving you serious breathing room for heavy multitaskers: think 20+ tabs, editing software, Canva, and communication apps all running together without a single freeze.
Winner for multitasking: Latitude 7400, hands down — especially if you tend to keep a lot of programs open at once.
Storage: Upgradable 128/256GB vs Fixed 256GB SSD
Both laptops use fast SSD storage, which means quick boot times and snappy performance on either model.
The 5480 gives you flexibility — you can start with 128GB and upgrade later if you need more space. The 7400 comes standard with 256GB, which is a comfortable amount for most users without needing to upgrade any time soon.
Winner for flexibility: Latitude 5480. Winner for out-of-the-box storage: Latitude 7400.
Build Quality and Extras
The 7400 sits in Dell’s higher-tier lineup, with a noticeably slimmer, more premium chassis — it looks and feels like a higher-end ultrabook. It also comes bundled with the original Dell charger and a free laptop bag, so there’s nothing extra to buy.
The 5480 has Dell’s classic sturdy business build — less sleek, but just as durable for daily use.
Which One Should You Buy?
Go with the Dell Latitude 5480 if:
- You want a dependable laptop for study, freelancing, or everyday office work
- You’re working with a tighter budget
- You want the option to upgrade storage later as your needs grow
Go with the Dell Latitude 7400 if:
- You multitask heavily across multiple apps and programs
- You want a more premium, professional look and feel
- You’d rather have everything (charger + bag) included from day one
- You’re planning to use the laptop as your main daily driver for years to come
Final Thoughts
Both the Dell Latitude 5480 and 7400 are excellent refurbished business laptops that punch well above their price point. The 5480 is the smarter pick if you want solid, reliable performance on a budget. The 7400 is the better choice if you want more power, more RAM, and a more premium experience — with the original charger and a free bag thrown in.
Either way, you’re getting a Dell business-grade laptop that’s built to last.
Still not sure which one fits your needs? Get in touch with us today and we’ll help you pick the right laptop for your budget and workload.
