Tuesday, September 08, 2020
Laptops are portable by nature, allowing you to tuck PC performance under an arm while you're on the go, but investing in one of the best Windows 10 LTE laptops can take mobility to the next level. Something with LTE connectivity, like HP's Spectre x360 13t, keeps you in the know no matter where you go. It's a premium convertible with a full HD touch display with pen support, Wi-Fi 6, and 10th Gen Intel Core processor (CPU) options. If it's not quite what you're looking for, our list of the best Windows laptop picks with LTE is below.
Best Overall: HP Spectre x360 13t
HP's 13-inch Spectre x360 has long toed the line of perfection, albeit with a few glaring flaws that held it back. With the late-2019 model, however, there's not much to dislike. It now uses Precision touchpad drivers for an optimal pointing experience, and the bezel around the display has been shrunk down by 66% to fit more in line with other premium laptops on the market.
A camera still lives above the display despite the thin bezel, and it even manages IR facial recognition for secure logins through Windows Hello. The entire laptop has been shrunk down, and the top-firing speakers have been moved to the bottom, but HP still managed to cram in a relatively substantial 60Wh battery for long life between charges.
Unfortunately, if you want LTE, you have to forgo 4K AMOLED and, instead, opt for the FHD variant (with optional Sure View privacy screen) with a 10th Gen Intel Core i7-1065G7 CPU. Add up to 16GB of RAM and a 2TB PCIe M.2 solid-state drive (SSD), and enjoy Wi-Fi 6.
Pros:
- 10th Gen Intel Core CPUs
- Wi-Fi 6 and LTE connectivity
- Precision touchpad
- Big 60Wh battery
- Beautiful design
Cons:
- Speakers moved to bottom of chassis
- No 4K option with LTE
- Might not need a convertible
Best Overall
HP Spectre x360 13t
Hard to beat
Microsoft Precision touchpad drivers, FHD display with anti-reflective coating, 4G LTE, and new 10th Gen Intel CPUs.
Also Great: Microsoft Surface Pro X
Microsoft's Surface Pro X is a bit of a departure from the Pro lineup we've seen over the last few generations. Instead of an Intel-based system, it's powered by a custom Microsoft SQ1 CPU that's essentially a beefed-up Snapdragon 8cx. Combined with the Adreno 685 GPU, up to 16GB of RAM, and a 512GB SSD, this is an ideal device for creative types who need to stay mobile.
LTE connectivity from a Snapdragon X24 modem comes standard in all models, and it's accompanied by Wi-Fi 5. The chassis has about the same footprint as other Pro models, yet the bezel has been shrunk down to allow for a larger 13-inch display with 2880x1920 resolution and 3:2 aspect ratio. Combined with the new Surface Slim Pen and Signature Keyboard, it is a truly versatile tool.
An IR camera allows for secure logins through Windows Hello, and for ports, you get two USB-C, Nano-SIM, and Surface Connect. Like the Pro 7 and Laptop 3, the Pro X can power dual 4K displays at a 60Hz refresh rate using one USB-C port.
Pros:
- Beautiful display with inking
- Thin and light design
- LTE comes standard
- IR camera for Windows Hello
- Adreno 685 GPU with two teraflops
Cons:
- No Wi-Fi 6
- ARM has some limitations
- No 3.5mm audio jack
Also Great
Microsoft Surface Pro X
The lightest and thinnest Pro available
This ARM-powered Pro brings LTE connectivity, beautiful display, and excellent battery life, all in a thin and light chassis.
Thin and Light: HP Elite Dragonfly
The convertible Elite Dragonfly is kind of a mashup of HP's Elite business laptops and the premium Spectre lineup. Its magnesium alloy chassis, dipped in an oleophobic coating, is put through MIL-STD 810G tests to prove its durability. It also includes plenty of security features that will put the mobile professional's mind at ease. The chassis weighs in at just 2.2 pounds (0.99kg) with a 4K display, and it's just 0.63 inches (1.6cm) thin.
Being a part of Intel's Project Athena, the Elite Dragonfly offers Instant On capabilities and delivers extreme battery life that will last a workday and more. It is capped at 8th Gen Intel hardware because of the need for vPro, but you're still getting Wi-Fi 6 to go along with LTE connectivity. Add up to 16GB of RAM and a 2TB M.2 PCIe SSD to complement the CPU.
The display has a slim bezel (86% screen-to-body ratio) and comes available in FHD or 4K with Sure View privacy filter. Above the display is an IR camera to go along with the fingerprint reader for extra security. The laptop features two top-firing and two down-firing speakers to provide solid audio in tablet or notebook mode, and the large Precision touchpad and comfortable keyboard promote productivity.
Pros
- All-day battery life
- Weighs in at 2.2 pounds with 4K display
- Plenty of security features included
- Wi-Fi 6 and LTE connectivity
- Huge Precision touchpad
Cons
- Relatively expensive
- No 10th Gen Intel hardware
Thin and light
HP Elite Dragonfly
Lightweight convertible for professionals
Long battery life, security features, and lightweight build make up the impressive HP Elite Dragonfly.
Best Battery: Dell Latitude 7410 2-in-1
If you're looking for a laptop that blurs the line between consumer and business device, Dell's Latitude 7410 2-in-1 is a prime example. It brings all-day battery life, a durable all-metal body with a brushed aluminum or carbon fiber finish, and plenty of ports. It might weigh a bit more than other convertibles, but it's durable and packed with features.
There are both standard notebook and 2-in-1 options of this laptop, and unfortunately the convertibles don't have 4K display options. They do, however, have a few FHD options depending on where or not you'd like to add extra features like an IR camera and 4G LTE connectivity.
The optional 4G LTE will cost you about a $140 premium, but for those who need it it will be well worth the cost. Ports include two USB-A, two Thunderbolt 3, SD card reader, 3.5mm audio, HDMI, and optional Smart Card reader.
Pros:
- Multiple FHD display options
- Good audio
- Impressive battery life
- Premium build quality
- Great port selection
Cons:
- A bit heavy
- No 2K or 4K display
- Expensive
Best Battery
Dell Latitude 7410 2-in-1
Excellent battery, super adaptive
Dell's revamped Latitude 7410 2-in-1 for 2020 leads the pack for 14-inch Ultrabooks and overall battery life.
Best Business: Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon
The refreshed eighth-generation ThinkPad X1 Carbon continues the trend we've seen through the earlier generations, with black carbon finish on the durable chassis that's been put through a bunch of durability tests. This is a great laptop if you're working in the field, mainly thanks to LTE connectivity. There's also Wi-Fi 6 compatibility when working near a router.
The 14-inch display comes in a few flavors, ranging from low-power FHD to 4K with Dolby Vision HDR400. For something in the middle, there's a QHD option. All displays have excellent color, and the slim bezel around the screen adds to the premium look. PrivacyGuard can be added, which effectively makes the display hard to see unless you're looking straight at it, perfect for working in public. Other security features include fingerprint reader, camera shutter, and optional IR camera for Windows Hello.
Performance is stellar thanks to 10th Gen Intel Core i5 and Core i7 CPU options, 16GB of RAM, and up to a 1TB M.2 PCIe SSD. Ports include two Thunderbolt 3, two USB-A 3.1 (Gen 1), HDMI 1.4, Ethernet extension, and 3.5mm audio.
Pros:
- 10th Gen Intel Core CPU options
- FHD, QHD, or 4K displays available
- Varied port selection
- Comfortable keyboard and touchpad
- Durable ThinkPad build
Cons:
- Relatively pricey
Best Business
Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon
Keep up with work wherever you are
With 4G LTE modem, powerful performance, and a brilliant display, get a premium business laptop ideal for staying connected.
Best Ultraportable: Microsoft Surface Go 2
The Surface Go 2 isn't precisely cut out for specialized work due to the hardware inside, but the tradeoff is a versatile, portable device with a lot to offer. If you're looking for a casual laptop to take with you wherever you go, this is it.
Performance hardware with LTE includes an Intel Core m3-8100Y CPU, 8GB of RAM, and a 128GB SSD, enough to tackle everyday productivity tasks and even some light gaming. The addition of 4G LTE options means you can stay connected just about everywhere, and you'll get a full workday of battery life from a charge. Wi-Fi 6 is also included.
The new larger 10.5-inch display has an 1920x1280 resolution and 3:2 aspect ratio; it's compatible with the Surface Pen for a stellar inking experience, and by adding a Type Cover, you get a true laptop. Ports include USB-C, a microSD card reader, and a 3.5mm audio jack.
Pros:
- Optional 4G LTE connectivity
- Premium compact design
- Touch display with inking
- Great battery life
- Intel Core m3 CPU for better performance
Cons:
- Limited ports
- Great battery life
Best Ultraportable
Microsoft Surface Go 2
Combination of size and power
Microsoft's most affordable Surface is the Go, yet it delivers a high-quality computing experience that you can take with you.
Best Thin and Light: Samsung Galaxy Book S
The Samsung Galaxy Book S is an ARM-powered 13-inch laptop that's incredibly thin and light. It weighs in at just 2.1 pounds (0.96kg) and measures just 0.24 inches (6.2mm) at its thinnest point. If you prefer a clamshell form factor and still want to carry something around with you everywhere, this makes a great choice.
The Qualcomm Snapdragon 8cx handles core tasks like Office, Slack, Teams, Skype, and web browsing with ease, and it helps the battery hit more than 11 hours of life from a charge. Combined with LTE connectivity and instant-on, this is a laptop that's always ready to go, no matter where you are.
Audio from the speakers is surprisingly good. The FHD touch display might max out at that resolution and might have a 16:9 aspect ratio, but it delivers excellent contrast, vivid color, and about 380 nits brightness. One of the only things to look out for is the keyboard, which will take some getting used to due to the shallow key travel.
Pros
- Beautiful slim, all-metal chassis
- 11+ hours of battery life
- Excellent FHD display
- Robust audio
Cons
- ARM has some limitations
- Shallow keyboard
Best Thin and Light
Samsung Galaxy Book S
Crazy thin, all-day battery and always-connected
The Samsung Galaxy Book S delivers a super-thin, very light laptop with more than 11 hours of battery life and 4G LTE.
Best for the Apocalypse: Panasonic TOUGHBOOK 55
It's unclear whether or not LTE will still be functional when some sort of apocalyptic even happens. If it is, this is the laptop you'll want as you're rolling down the street in your armor-plated SUV.
Panasonic's 14-inch TOUGHBOOK is built into a modular magnesium alloy case. You can quickly swap out parts on the go, and there's even a heater for storage when you're working in extreme temperatures. A second battery can be added if you need a longer life, which Panasonic claims is somewhere around the 40-hour mark (no doubt a lot lower with real-time usage). Still, this is a laptop you can toss into the back of a truck at the start of the day and not have to worry about it.
Performance hardware includes an 8th Gen Intel Core i5-8365U vPro CPU, 8GB of RAM, and a 512GB SSD, enough to handle any necessary productivity work. The display is set at an HD resolution, but it includes layers to significantly cut down on glare and can reach up to 1,000 nits brightness. And, of course, it includes 4G LTE connectivity so you can keep in touch with any other survivors out there.
Pros
- Will withstand just about anything
- Modular design for easy customization
- FHD display with 1,000 nits brightness
- Tons of ports
- Long battery life
Cons
- Heavy and bulky
- Expensive
- Display only HD
Best For The Apocalypse
Panasonic TOUGHBOOK 55
The right laptop for a tough job
With extreme durability, modular design, long battery life, and 4G LTE connectivity, this laptop can go anywhere you go.
Best 5G: Lenovo Flex 5G
As 5G coverage continues to expand, some devices are taking advantage of the speedy wireless data. Lenovo's Flex 5G, powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 8cx CPU, is just what you need if you're looking for 5G in a laptop. A SIM slot and eSIM are included to make it easy to get going.
Alongside the 8cx CPU, the laptop has 8GB of LPDDR4x RAM and 256GB of UFS 3.0 storage. ARM isn't without its limitations, but you're still going to be able to use your favorite apps whether emulated or not. And perhaps the most important feature besides 5G is battery life. Expect up to 12 hours from a charge even with screen brightness cranked up.
The display has precise color reproduction and up to around 400 nits brightness, enough to help combat the glossy finish. Yes, the laptop is a convertible, meaning it has a touch display and can be rotated around 360 degrees for tent, stand, and tablet modes. An active pen for inking is also supported.
Pros
- Unlocked 4G and 5G
- Extreme battery life, always on
- Slick design
- Attractive display
- Good performance
Cons
- Expensive "5G tax"
- No hibernate
- Glossy screen
- No Wi-Fi 6
Best 5G
Lenovo Flex 5G
5G inside your PC
This convertible laptop includes built-in 5G connectivity, allowing you to stay connected with incredibly fast internet speeds.
Bottom line
We're starting to see more Windows 10 laptops come with LTE connectivity, and you should be able to find a device that suits your needs. If you're looking for the best Windows 10 LTE laptop, we recommend checking out the late-2019 HP Spectre x360 13t.
Its convertible design offers plenty of versatility, allowing you to use it as a tablet with an active pen or as a standard clamshell Ultrabook for serious productivity. The FHD touch display is an absolute stunner, and the bezel has been shrunk down by a whopping 66% for a far better screen-to-body ratio. This has ultimately changed the size of the chassis, making the Spectre x360 more portable than ever.
It's powered by up to a 10th Gen Intel Core i7 CPU, 16GB of RAM, and a 2TB M.2 PCIe SSD, giving you plenty of performance. It's not going to be a killer gaming machine, and it won't handle intensive specialized work, but it will cut through productivity tasks with ease. A massive 60Wh battery delivers solid battery life, and Wi-Fi 6 brings blazing wireless speeds. If you're on the move, LTE will keep you connected.
Credits — The team that worked on this guide
Cale Hunt is a staff writer at Windows Central. He focuses mainly on PC, laptop, and accessory coverage, as well as the emerging world of VR. He is an avid PC gamer and multi-platform user and spends most of his time either tinkering with or writing about tech.
Daniel Rubino is the executive editor of Windows Central. He has been covering Microsoft since 2009 back when this site was called WMExperts (and later Windows Phone Central). His interests include Windows, Surface, HoloLens, Xbox, and future computing visions. Follow him on Twitter: @daniel_rubino.
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